#knight fall

Jaune and Silent Runner

The scene would show Neo winning a race and everyone applauding, then the camera would switch to the race announcer.

Lisa Lavender: That's another victory for Neopolitan!!! I bet her Trainer must be very proud of her! Let's see his reaction!

The camera shifted to Jaune, who was celebrating Neo's victory, but they noticed that Jaune was in a wheelchair, slightly dehydrated, and with some bite marks on his neck. The camera then shifted to Neo, who had a mischievous smile on her face and an expression that said, "I did that to him~"

Lisa Lavender: W-Well, that's what t-they say. You have to give a r-reward to those who make an effort.

Jaune and FireFly

Jaune was training with Penny and noticed she had a sad expression, which worried him, so he called her over to talk. Penny heard Jaune, feigned a slight happiness, and went over to him.

Penny: Hi Trainer Jaune, is everything alright?

Jaune: Ah yes, things are fine Penny, but I'm worried about you. You seem a bit down and your race times aren't very good. What's going on?

Penny: Well, Trainer Jaune, I've noticed that all my teammates are improving and winning races, while I always come in last, and everyone at the races boos me... I don't know why you keep training me...

Jaune listened to all of that and placed both hands on her shoulder, which startled her a little, and he looked at Penny with a determined expression.

Jaune: Never say that about yourself, Penny! Don't worry about what others think, I know you can win and be on the same level as the others! You just need to believe in yourself because I believe in you!

Penny would hear all of that, and with tears of happiness in her eyes, she would hug Jaune tightly and continue running, her face showing happiness and determination.

Jaune And Cinderella

Cinder would win a race and look at the other runners who had participated, and she would start laughing and mocking them for losing to her.

Cinder: You're all pathetic, do you really think you'll ever win a race? Your dreams will always be dreams, and you'll always be behind me, eating my dust!!

Cinder would leave the racetrack with a proud and arrogant smile on her face and head towards the cafeteria to eat, but she would run into Jaune, who would have a disappointed expression on his face.

Cinder: O-Oh h-hi t-trainer j-jaune i-is everything o-ok?

Jaune: The other trainers told me about your behavior towards the other girls. Would you like to explain yourself?

Cinder: W-well, I was just being h-honest. C-clearly I'm the f-fastest and strongest in the acad-

Jaune would approach Cinder, pinning her against the wall, which would leave her extremely flushed and confused.

Jaune: None of that, Cinder! Arrogance like that won't help you! Competition is encouraged in this gym, but only healthy competition, nothing to do with humiliating other runners! You deserve a punishment.

Cinder listened to what Jaune had said, and something in her brain activated, so she leaned against Jaune's chest and looked at him with an extremely flushed face and a big, mischievous, slightly drooling smile.

Cinder: Please, Trainer Jaune! Punish me, teach me humility, do whatever you need with me~ I'm your good girl~

Previous

Jaune awoke back in Salem's castle. He laid in his bed contemplating on whether or not he should stay. He quite literally saw what Salem was going to order her followers to do. Was this… really the right option. He sighed as he got out of bed and walked through the halls eventually coming across the meeting room where Arthur, Tyrian, Salem, Cinder, and Hazel were seated with Emerald by Cinder's side.

Tyrian: Cinder clearly failed! Why is she even here!

Jaune could hear Tyrian yell.

The arguing only grew as Emerald would defend Cinder before the subject of Haven was brought up to which Jaune bursted in.

Jaune: If I may inteject. I have a proposal for a... trip to Haven.

Tyrian: No one invi-

Before Tyrian could finish Salem held her hand out.

Salem: Enough. Jaune, continue.

Jaune: Ahem, if you truly think Haven is going to be a threat... I propose that I go scout Mistral out.

The room was silent for a while before Cinder whispered to Emerald.

Emerald: Cinder says it could be the best option to have someone scout it out. I think so too... Jaune is the only one whose face isn't widespread. He could blend in.

Salem pondered the option for a bit before speaking.

Salem: Alright... Jaune I'll leave it up to you to scout out Mistral how you wish.

Jaune: Thank-

Salem: However, I'd like it if you could show that you are capable of this mission. Meet at the courtyard. You'll be fighting as many Grimm as you can.

Jaune nodded and walked out of the meeting room. Steeling himself for his test.

/ / /

Jaune walked out to the barely lit courtyard where Salem stood and the others watched from the side. He held Gan Jiang and Mo Ye as he took a deep breath.

Jaune: Alright... I'm ready.

As Salem nodded a Nevermore swooped down and Jaune managed to dodge by a hair. As he dodge he bashed the Nevermore's head with the weight of Gan Jiang. Letting his guard down slightly two smaller Nevermores swooped in with one one of them managing to scratch his cheek.

Jaune: Damn...

Jaune threw Mo Ye at one of them, managing to wrap it around its foot. He slammed the tangled Nevermore into the ground, dodging another sweep from the other Nevermore as he did. Jaune didn't make the same mistake and kept his guard up this time.

Jaune: Not this time!

He yelled as he turned around and kicked a Beowolf with enough force to kill it. He fought and fought wave after wave of Grimm. Beowolves, Nevermores, Ursas, even a few Lancers. He was going to prove himself... he had to.

After a few hours of nonstop fighting Jaune fell to one knee, panting.

Salem: Get up.

Salem demanded, uncaring for the boy's tiredness. Jaune groaned as he got up before being kicked aside by an Ursa Major. He gritted his teeth as bashed the Ursa's head with Gan Jiang.

Jaune: I'm not... done. I can still... fight.

Cinder watched nervously as Jaune pushed himself, his aura was low and he was taking actual damage from each hit. Even after all the beating, all the damage, all the fighting and fatigue the boy managed to get up. True to his word he wouldn't let anything knock him down. 

Salem, raising her hand: That's enough. You have proven yourself. You leave first thing in the morning after you rest up.

Jaune: ... Thank you.

Salem: I should warn you, the Grimm in Anima are like nothing you've seen. There are some that you should not fight. Some are out of my control because of the distance. I can't protect you.

Jaune nodded and made a mental as he dragged himself back into the castle.

/ / /

Jaune was in the shower, washing off all the sweat and grime he accumulated from his test when he heard a knock.

Jaune: Occupied!

He heard the door open and saw Cinder enter.

Jaune: C-Cinder, what are you-

Cinder spoke, her voice barely a whisper.

Cinder: We need to talk... Do you mind if I join you?

Jaune blushed but before he could respond Cinder began to remove her clothes and he quickly looked away. Although his eyes couldn't help but trace over her newly acquired Grimm arm. Cinder entered the shower with him.

Cinder: Jaune... it's ugly isn't it?

Jaune watched as Cinder rubbed her Grimm arm nervously.

Jaune: No... not at all. It's unique... it suits you.

Cinder smiled softly before returning to her worried expression.

Cinder: Jaune... do you really want to leave?

The tone of her voice Jaune could tell she was being sincere.

Jaune: I do... I've started having doubts about all this. I... I want to help you all I really do, but I also want to make sure my friends from Beacon are going to be okay.

The sound of the running shower filled the long silence before Cinder spoke.

Cinder: I see... you've grown so much... physically and mentally.

Cinder traced Jaune's muscles making sure to be careful with her Grimm arm.

Jaune: Cinder... I can't stay in the castle forever... and we were eventually gonna be separated again.

Cinder: Then... at least let me make one final request.

Cinder placed her right hand on Jaune's chest as she moved closer. Jaune instinctively wrapped his hands around Cinder's waist.

Jaune: How long have you felt like this?

Cinder: You knew, huh? For a while now... just... don't leave us, okay?

Jaune: Alright... I won't.

Jaune leaned in and his lips met with Cinder's. The kiss lasted far longer than the two would've imagined. When the two finally parted they were both gasping for air.

Cinder: Jaune... you... you don't have to... you know. I just... couldn't let you leave without telling you how I feel. I know... you and Neo...

Jaune held Cinder close, their bare bodies making the embrace all the more intimate.

Jaune: You'll have a special place in my heart. Even if it isn't romantic... you'll always be more than a friend to me.

Cinder felt tears run down her face as she heard his word, as she felt his warmth.

Cinder: Okay... I'm more than alright with that.

The two were silent as they showered together both from the awkwardness of the situation and to let the feelings sink in. The two eventually finished and after getting dressed Cinder turned to face him with a slight blush on both of their faces.

Cinder: Can I... sleep in your room tonight?

Jaune, smiling: Yeah, sure... I don't mind.

/ / /

The two laid in bed together, unable to fall asleep. Jaune was about to say something before he felt Cinder tug on his shirt.

Jaune: What is it?

Cinder blushed as she looked away.

Cinder: ... Hold me, please.

Jaune wasn't about to say no and turned to face her. He wrapped his arms around the Fall Maiden, one on her back the other on the back of her head. He pulled Cinder close.

Jaune: I suppose you really were holding yourself back all this time, huh?

Cinder closed her eyes as she took in Jaune's warmth.

Cinder: ... I'll miss you.

Jaune smiled as he kissed her forehead.

Jaune: I'll miss you too.

The two drifted off to sleep, unable to stop Jaune from leaving Cinder chose to enjoy every minute.

/ / /

The sun bled through the curtains, the first time the sun shone in the Grimm Lands just had to be the time Jaune left. The sun hit Cinder's face and when she woke up she was all alone in bed. She cried as the realization of Jaune being gone finally set it.

/ / /

I know this chapter was short, but I just wanted to make sure I covered what happened with Jaune after the fall and his reason for meeting with Ruby and traveling to Mistral.

Jaune: *Wandering the Beacon hallways, guitar in hand, having just been rejected by Weiss, again.* I spent like five hours on that song… *Notices Cardin and Russel peering out into the courtyard* … huh?

Cardin: I mean she’s… she’s something else.

Russel: Man, she’s not even on the SCALE!

Cardin: Maybe on the Scoville Scale.

Russel: Ha! Nice.

Jaune: Uh… hey guys!

Russel/Cardin: *Jump up and yelp* AH!

Cardin: Oh, its just you. Sup?

Russel: *Immediately get’s up in Jaune’s face* Yeah, man! You got a problem-?

Cardin: *Shoves Russel’s shoulder* Hey. I told you we’re not doing that anymore. Jaune’s cool now.

Russel: Oh, right. My bad. *Smacks Jaune’s hand in greeting and brings him for a quick pat on the back* How’s it going, Big-J? You doing good? You in a band now or something?

Jaune: *Looks at his guitar* Oh this? It’s nothing really. What are you guys up to?

Russel: Just checking out the Haven-Hottie.

Jaune: Who?

Cardin: Oh you have to have seen her. Look! *Drags Jaune over to their spot and point* Right there.

Jaune: *Squints until he notices Cinder sitting on a bench in the courtyard, his eyes practically bulging out upon really getting a look at her* Whoa…

Cardin/Russel: RIGHT?!

Cardin: Dude, she’s like the eighth wonder of Remnant or something!

Russel: Nah, she's beyond that—she’s the ninth, tenth, and eleventh wonder combined! I heard when she walks by, even the statues stop and stare!

Cardin: *Chuckles* I heard that she was held back a few times because the headmaster didn’t want their favorite student to graduate.

Russel: *Leans towards Jaune* And Cardin thinks he has a shot with her.

Cardin: *Blushes* I could! I’ve got the charm and the muscles to back it!

Russel: So why don’t you go and do it then?

Cardin: I would, but I’m still sore from my morning workout.

Russel: It’s 4:30 P.M.

Cardin: It was a really intense workout! Besides I don’t see you going!

Russel: Are you kidding?! A woman like that is only made for heartbreak. I can’t handle that stress, man! You couldn’t pay me to talk to her!

Cardin: *Suddenly has an idea and then slyly looks to Jaune* Hey, Jaune. You feel like making a quick buck?

Jaune: What do you mean?

Cardin: Here’s the deal, Blondie. I’ll give you 50$ if you go over there, right now, and ask that hottie out to the Vytal Festival Dance. 200$ if she says yes.

Jaune: (50 bucks? I can make myself look like an idiot for 50 bucks! I practically do it for free all the time! I could use that to buy Weiss some really nice flowers, then she’d have to go!) Deal! *Claps Cardin on the shoulder, hands Russel the guitar, and walts right out into the open* Watch and learn boys!

Russel: No way…

Cardin: Oh this is gonna be amazing.

Cinder: *Seemingly lost in deep thought*

Jaune: *Saunters right up to Cinder* Well hello~ beau-

Cinder: *Snaps a horrid glare at him*

Jaune: AHHH! *Jumps back startled*

Cinder: *Quickly switches to her signature “Just a regular happy school girl smile” that she’s become so adept at using* Oh hi. Didn’t see you there.

Jaune: *Gulps* I… um… hi.

Cinder: *Continues forced smile*

Jaune: *Awkwardly scratches his cheek* …so- uh.

Cinder: Was there something you wanted?

Jaune: *Deciding now is not the best time to ask her to the dance*…Yeah. I wanted to know… is… uh… everything ok?

Cinder: *Tilts her head* Of course I am. Do I seem upset to you? *Gives her best smile*

Jaune: Yeah, a little….

Cinder: *Her smile fades, replaced by a faint grimace of irritation.* Am I that transparent? *Lets out an exasperated huff* I'm fine, honestly. Just some personal matters, nothing you need to worry about.

Jaune: *Expression softens empathetically* Oh… Do you want to talk about it anyways? 

Cinder: *Glances at him quizzically.* 

Jaune: You know. Just to get it off your chest? If you want?

Cinder: And share my problems with a complete stranger?

Jaune: Well, my mom always said, "Strangers are friends you just haven't met yet."

Cinder: *Stares blankly* That is... a horribly naive saying. Not only is that statistically false but it's also VERY dangerous advice to give to a child.

Jaune: *Scratches the back of his head* Yeah… I kinda used to wander off with a lot of random adults as a kid.

Cinder: *Hold’s back a sudden laugh.* Snrk!

Jaune: *Smiles* But I like to think I came out alright. 

Cinder: *Faintest hint of a smile* You at least seem harmless enough. *Looks Jaune up and down.* Have I seen you around before?

Jaune: *Suddenly more nervous* Y-Yeah, maybe! *Straightens his uniform out* I’m Jaune Arc. My friends call me… Jaune. *Cringes inside.*

Cinder: *Raises an eyebrow, the hint of a smirk forming.* Jaune, is it? Well, Jaune, I'm Cinder. Cinder Fall. Pleasure’s all yours I presume.

Jaune: *Nods and smiles* Yeah, it’s nice to meet you! See? Not strangers anymore, are we?

Cinder: *Gives a small chuckle.* I suppose not. *Glances around briefly* So, you really care to know?

Jaune: If I can be of any help, yeah.

Cinder: *Sighs* It’s about a… “colleague” of mine…

Jaune: *Sit’s down on the bench with her* Like, a teammate?

Cinder: That's it, precisely. A "teammate" who's proving rather insubordinate. Now, because of that, I find myself at a loss. She refuses to undertake a task that would suit her perfectly!

Jaune: Ohhhh I see. You’re having leadership troubles. Has your teammate told you why she won’t help?

Cinder: It’d be a miracle to get a single word out of her. *Grumbles quietly to herself* That mute insect. *Continues to talk normally* She won’t do a single thing I say unless it’s conveyed through her… “father.”

Jaune: Huh. I get you. I’m a leader too, and trust me, I’ve had my fair share of trouble reigning in a certain teammate of mine. She even has a “brother” that she tends to listen better to than me sometimes.

Cinder: *Listens intently* How do you command her obedience?

Jaune: *Looks at her confused* Her what?

Cinder: How do you get her to listen to you?

Jaune: Oh, well. Whenever talking doesn’t work, I go to Ren, her “brother”, well, not really brother, but- you know it’s this whole thing that I don’t really need to get into, but the point is I go to Ren and inform him that I’ll no longer be providing them part of the team budget for pancakes until she settles down.

Cinder: *Looks at Jaune incredulously*  Pancakes???

Jaune: *Nods* Mhmm, it’s her most favorite thing in the world. Literally seen her eat if for every breakfast I’ve had with her.

Cinder: *Digests the information* Withhold the budget so she can’t have her favorite luxuries… I can work with that. *Sighs* But the task is rather time sensitive, what if she doesn’t yield in time to get it done?

Jaune: Then it sounds like you may need to do it yourself.

Cinder: *Raises an eyebrow, almost insulted* Me?

Jaune: Well, if it’s crucial and she's not budging, sometimes it’s best to step in and handle it personally. I know it’s probably not ideal, but that comes with being a leader, they depend on you when no one else can do it.

Cinder: Hmph. They do depend on me, don’t they?

Jaune: *Nods encouragingly* Yeah! That’s why they put you in charge.

Cinder: *Gets pumped* I am in charge! They’d be completely lost without me!

Jaune: *Getting pumped too* Exactly! Sometimes we have to roll up our sleeves and lead by example. Show them how things really get done!

Cinder: *Jumps up out of her seat* You’re right! It’s time I take matters in my own hands, and show that little mute who is really the boss around here!

Jaune: *Gets up too* That's the spirit!

Cinder: *Nods determined* Thank you. I now know exactly what I must do.

Jaune: *Smiles warmly* Happy to help. Oh and hey, good luck, Cinder.

Cinder: *Smiles confidently* Luck is for the ill-prepared, Jaune. *Turns and saunters off* And I never need luck.

Jaune: *Watches her walk off, feeling proud* So. Cool. *Whistles and walks off*

Cardin/Russel: *Stop him immediately*

Russel: DUUUUUDE!

Cardin: What did she say?!

Jaune: Huh?

Russel: *Smacks Cardin’s arm* What do you think she said?! They both walked away all smiling and shit! Jaune, you are a GOD.

Jaune: What do you guys think happened?

Cardin: That’s what we want to know! What did she say when you asked her to the dance?!