Chapter 20 - CHAPTER 019 = ∆

"…You'll die… it's no use…!"

"I might die," Sun said, "but only a coward turns on his own people for himself."

With his piece said, Sun turned around and closed the cell doors behind him.

Chapter Text

"Everything's set and ready to go. We'll leave for Vacuo at a moment's notice. But still…"

Sun jerked his head to the prisoner lying bound to the wall, his friend standing beside him and acknowledging Sun's movement with a hum.

"…The hell are we gonna do with her?" Sun finished.

The friend beside him – Jaune – stayed silent. For what was bound before them was the Spring Maiden herself, the key that had opened Mistral's vault, Raven Branwen.

She was also the person who had led the Branwen tribe to march to Haven, had killed numerous 4th-year students, and was an all-around terrible person.

And yet…

Jaune found himself hesitating. And so, he turned to Sun and said it as he knew it. "I don't know."

Sun raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean you don't know?"

"Exactly like I mean it." Jaune turned back to Raven. Her head was hung low, but her red eyes were peeking through her raven hair in an emotion Jaune couldn't decipher. Rage? Fear? Guilt? Hopelessness?

Jaune felt that all those emotions were present – he just didn't know yet which one would win out.

Regardless, the knight continued. "Killing her would mean a bigger mess on our hands. We won't know who the Spring Maiden powers will go to. It also means we'll lose a source of information, and you know we need every single bit we can get."

"She's not breaking, though." Sun insisted. "Hell, she hasn't spoken a word since we took her out and snuffed that bitch Vernal!"

"No, she hasn't. But which would you prefer, another, newer Maiden loose – which will alert Salem – or one we can make sure stays here?"

"How can we make sure?" Sun asked. "She's got Magic, Jaune. Not to mention the bird stuff. She's twice as powerful as Cinder is, and we're lucky she's on our side. Whyever she's doing it for…"

"Simple. We keep doing what we're doing." Jaune said. He laid a hand on Crocea Mors, resisting the urge to kneel and look at Raven dead in the eye.

Something about her…

Something about her reminded Jaune of someone. He couldn't place it, and yet, when he looked at her face, he felt as if it should've belonged to someone more steadfast. Someone stronger in will and more resilient … not some coward who would kill mere students and live in the woods in the name of a false 'might makes right' ideology.

That part of him kept coming back every time he saw her face, as well as the anger that he was sure other Haven students felt ten times stronger than him from the fact that this woman had caused so much grief.

But beneath that anger… for some unexplainable reason, Jaune couldn't help the feeling of disappointment that always crept up.

Raven Branwen was skilled, undoubtedly so. She was strong. She was once powerful, with an army of followers that had once done all her bidding.

And yet here she was now.

Defeated. Broken.

A shadow of her former self.

Cinder Fall had sided with them, for whatever reasons Jaune hadn't been able to deduce yet. Tyrian Callows had escaped, but with severe wounds dealt both to him and to what remained of Team SSSN. Leonardo Lionheart was dead, without even a single speck left to be buried. The entirety of the Branwen tribe had been either killed or had run away – any that hadn't made it out in time were, for a lack of better words, slaughtered.

Of all the big players that had participated in the Haven attack, Raven Branwen was the only one who ended up in enemy clutches. And the only reason she hadn't been killed like a dog was because she was the Spring Maiden, and they needed her power to get the truth.

The 'power', the strength, that she had so prided herself on had saved her once more.

But it would also ensure that she forever remained weak.

Jaune turned to Sun. "Whatever Magic she has, in the end, she's still a human. She's still a mortal, Sun, just like us. So, with that in mind, tell the others to keep starving her. A cup of water a day, and a slice of bread every three."

"She'll never get out of here with her Magic, she'll never fly, if she can't get enough energy to flap her wings even once."

With that said, Jaune turned around and left the cell. Sun stayed behind, looking down on what remained of a once proud warrior.

But perhaps…

That true pride had died long ago, long before she had been defeated here in Haven.

After all, what kind of fighter only took joy in punching down?

"He's a lot merciful than I am." Sun spat out to Raven. "If it were up to me, I'd kill you on the spot. Consequences be damned."

"…"

"…Tch." With a swish of his tail, Sun turned around and made to leave the cell as well.

But then, before he could close the door behind him, before he could condemn Raven to a life of unknown darkness, he heard a rasp and a rattle of the chains.

Raven gasped. "It's… no use…"

Sun turned around with a raised eyebrow.

Raven peered at him through her raven hair, dishevelled and lacking its former grace. "Salem… is much stronger… than any of us can stand against…"

"…"

"…You'll die… it's no use…!"

"I might die," Sun said, "but only a coward turns on his own people for himself."

With his piece said, Sun turned around and closed the cell doors behind him.

SLAM !

And with that, Raven Branwen was locked in a dungeon without even a speck of light to enter its walls.

"How is it? Does it taste okay? Any weird feelings in your tummy? Did I put in enough salt?"

Akane rolled her eyes and gave her guardian the best smile she could. "For the last time, Mister Jaune, it's all okay. Really, it's delicious! You should stop doubting yourself."

Mister Jaune sighed and looked back to the campfire he was attending, giving his attention back to rotating his spit full of roast chicken. "I know, I know. I just… worried your stomach might not take it well, that's all."

"Mister, this is the best food I've ever eaten!" Akane eagerly munched on her chicken again – what remained on the stick was finished in less than three seconds.

Jaune couldn't help the incredulity that crept into his tone. "Even better than the orphanage?"

"The orphanage never got much fund- fand-!"

"Funding?"

"Yeah, that!" Akane made a face, her lips quivering at the memory. "The matrons always complained about that…"

Jaune, sensing that Akane didn't quite like being reminded of her past life – moreover, that she was the only one left – quickly put the spit away from the fire and approached his ward. "Hey hey, at least we're still here, aren't we? Come on, I'll make sure to cook every day if it makes you happy."

That sentence had been enough to steer Akane's attention away. Her eyes sparkled in the night, "Really?!"

"Yes, really," Jaune rubbed the back of his neck and laughed nervously. "Though I'm still surprised I've done this well without proper tools…"

"I'm sure Mister Sun and the others will say your cooking's great too!" Akane chirped. She then looked around where they were, that being a cozy camp that they had settled out right in the middle of a thick forest. They were around several miles from the main path out of Mistral. The moon was shining bright above them, and a pleasant night chill swept over their little settlement.

And Akane noted how the others hadn't come back yet and so was compelled to ask. "Mister Jaune, why haven't the others come back yet? It's getting late…"

Jaune looked up to the sky. From the times he had gone camping with his family, he knew that it really was getting quite late, especially for Akane. If he had to hazard a guess, he'd say that they were just around an hour from midnight.

Much too late for a four-year-old. But, not so much for Huntsmen-in-Training and their turncoat compatriots.

"They're probably still searching for food. I think Neptune mentioned something about knowing a river nearby…" Jaune chuckled, "Though that's probably because he hates water more than anything else, really."

"Mmm…" Akane mumbled. Jaune held back a smirk when he saw Akane's eyes beginning to droop.

It was quite late – and he would hazard a guess that a full stomach wasn't helping her either.

"Come here." Jaune pat the space next to him, and Akane quietly scooted over to him. It was telling, the way Akane went, that her normally energetic spirit was almost drained. She had been almost non-stop hyper ever since they left Haven and Mistral, and that had been several days ago. She was bound to have burned off all that energy at some point…

A cold chill swept the camp, not enough to snuff out the fire but enough to tickle their skins. Sensing Akane's shivers, Jaune quickly unwrapped his cloak and put it over Akane, double wrapping her with her own's. It was Sun who had advised that they should wear these cloaks, as, in his words, 'Once we reach Vacuo, the winds'll be harsher'.

Akane settled quite nicely, hugging the two cloaks tight and leaning on Jaune for more warmth. She hummed as she felt her guardian's comforting presence, and with her mind working instinctually, climbed onto Jaune's lap.

Jaune bit down his shock as Akane leaned back on his chest. "A-ah…"

"You're so warm, Mister Jaune…" Akane fully closed her eyes and leaned her head on his arm. "Couldn't we have-" Akane yawned, "Taken a Bullhead…?"

"Salem's agents will probably notice any public transports. Especially with how much we foiled her plans this far. We need to stay hidden…" Jaune sighed, "I'm sure you remember Cinder saying that, don't you, Akane?"

"Sleepy…"

"Heheh. Then go to sleep, girl." Tentatively, his instincts moved him to - well, move, Jaune lifted his other arm and ran a comforting hand through Akane's hair. She seemed to appreciate the gesture very much if the way her breathing got a lot shallower was any indication.

Because, as much as he agreed with Akane too (despite his aversion to Bullheads and aircraft in general), Cinder had been right. Salem was bound to have eyes everywhere, and they were yet to discover how deep her influence truly ran.

They needed a discreet way of reaching Vacuo, and while walking there was a pain, they couldn't risk a confrontation. Not when they had no real safety net to rely on. Not when that safety net of an Academy was the one to have betrayed them in the first place.

And so now here they were – with Sun, Neptune, Cinder, and Emerald scourging for food while Jaune was both on guard duty and cooking what food they had already gathered.

And taking care of Akane as well, of course.

He didn't mind being alone with Akane, not at all. The past few days before their departure had been hectic, and he hadn't been able to spend enough time with her because of that…

Akane shifted in his grip, because that was what his hands had transitioned to. She squirmed, her eyes scrunched up and her lips trembling, and Jaune knew she was having trouble sleeping again.

No, that perhaps wasn't it. She was actively fighting it… and when she opened her eyes and looked at Jaune with an inquisitive glance and a question on her lips, Jaune instantly knew why it was.

"Mister Jaune, if I can ask… how can you be okay, alone? Don't you… don't you have any other family?"

When Jaune heard that, he immediately knew why Akane feared going to sleep. Now that Salem's immediate threat to their survival had been handled, the little girl's biggest fear was reliving that night her village fell, that night everyone else at her orphanage had been slaughtered… seeing all of it again in her dreams.

A reminder that she was the lone survivor, and this moment with just the two of them alone must have brought that memory up.

More than that, Jaune also knew how Akane was also smart. She saw how Sun and Neptune interacted with each other, the two remaining survivors of SSSN against Tyrian Callows' brutality. She saw how Emerald and Mercury hung to Cinder, and how she now led them with the ever-slight doubt in her step.

And most of all, she saw how, even with all his heart and nobility, there was a small, but undeniable distance between Jaune and all of them.

A distance that he only closed for Akane alone.

Jaune ran his hand through her hair one more time and sighed. "I'm… I just… I figured I had to endure it, that's all."

"That- that's not-! That's cruel!" Akane gasped.

"I know it is. But sometimes…" Jaune looked to the skies, and then to his sword, and then sighed. "Sometimes, there's nothing you can do."

"B-but… you must feel so lonely…"

"I'm not lonely." Jaune smiled down at Akane, and even she could notice how it was bittersweet. "I have you, after all."

"Mister Jaune…"

"My family, Akane… they're out of my reach now. They were before, but now, with all of this… I'll take whatever comfort I could get. And I know that you need someone, and that you need me. And- and I know that we've only just met for a few weeks… but… you mean the world to me, Akane".

"And right now, that's all that matters."

Akane blushed and looked down, her cheeks flushing red. "S-stop it…"

"Hey, it's true!" Jaune barked out a laugh – and to both of their surprise, it didn't sound as forceful as they had initially expected.

But try as Jaune might, it seemed that his attempt at flattery hadn't been enough to knock out the questions from Akane's mind just yet.

Because she was now looking at him again, her eyes drooping more than ever, and yet still glimmering with a single question.

"But… why, Mister Jaune? Why can't you just… call them…?"

Jaune supposed that in a way, it was better that she was questioning so much rather than not. From what he remembered, his parents always said that curiosity was good for a child.

It was just that the question was quite hard to answer, especially such a complex one for a four-year-old like her.

"Because…" Jaune struggled to find the words. Struggled to explain what it was in his heart when he himself hadn't fully grasped it just yet.

"Because I'm not strong enough yet."

"Not strong enough?" Akane asked. She couldn't believe it – because Mister Jaune had defeated all those bandits, had rescued her, and had then protected her ever since! How could anyone possibly be stronger? "I- I don't understand, Mister…"

Jaune smiled down at her then, bittersweet. "It'll be too long for me to explain, and you need to sleep."

"A-aww…!"

"Oh, don't whine now. Look, you're yawning right as you're talking!" Jaune chuckled. When he saw that Akane was still stubbornly keeping her eyes open, Jaune sighed wistfully and cupped her cheek.

"Tell you what," Jaune said, "I'll tell you another story. And if you can understand the meaning behind it, then I'll tell you what I really mean. And then, you can go to sleep."

"D-deal, Mister Jaune."

Jaune cleared his throat then and settled into his best storyteller voice. The voice he had used previously, the voice he knew his younger sisters loved to hear whenever he had to play caretaker.

"There was once a brilliant warrior called the Invincible Spartan. All around the world, she was renowned and feared. Many came to challenge her, and many more tried to defeat her, but no matter what they tried, she was simply unbeatable. Invincible.

Everyone respected her. Everyone envied her. The Invincible Spartan approached it all with a smile, her fame and reputation preceding her everywhere she went, for better or for worse.

But despite all her strength, despite what everyone thought when they saw her endless victories… she wasn't happy.

For her strength had isolated her. People only looked at her for her strength. No one saw that, beneath the façade, all that there was, was a girl that wanted someone else to connect to.

Her strength, which many envied and desired, became the one thing that prevented her from getting what she really wanted.

And so, the Invincible Spartan sought out a new start.

She went to another land, where her reputation was less known. She kept her identity a secret, kept her strength hidden. She then tried to find a new purpose, something that could give her life meaning.

In her travels in this new land, she met several people she would grow to hold dear. There was a Flying Valkyrie, one whose strength rivalled the Spartan's own, but didn't keep her from expressing he true self.

There was the Silent Lie, who was infinitely observant and caring, yet never let it show. He was someone who cared deeply and would act swiftly to protect the Valkyrie in contrast to her brashness.

But above all…

She met a bumbling knight, one who was much, much weaker than her. But unlike others, he didn't care for who the Spartan was and didn't care for her strength or fame, despite how weak he was in comparison. He never saw her on the pedestal that others put her on, instead seeing her as just another friend to make.

It was-!" Jaune choked up, though he was infinitely glad that Akane didn't seem to notice.

Because telling this…

It hurt. It reminded him of what he'd been cast away from.

But he had to continue. There had to be a lesson from all this. There had to be. At least, one he could impart to Akane.

"She decided to devote her time to this knight, someone who didn't even hold a candle to her. But despite her best efforts, the knight was also foolish, and didn't understand why.

… And so, when the Knight felt like he didn't deserve her time, he silently and suddenly pushed her away.

The Spartan grew angry at this. She couldn't understand – her power, her strength, had been coveted by everyone she had ever known, so why was it that when she decided to share it with the one person she deemed worthy, he had pushed her away and told her to leave her alone?

But most of all, she was sad.

She was sad that the one person who saw her for who she was had pushed her away. That he had forsaken their lo-friendship for what seemed like nothing; a voice in the back of her head wondered, had her strength pushed him away too?

But then, when she calmed down and saw, she realized that the Knight had his own secrets too.

For he was a faker. He didn't know the first thing about being a Knight ab-about protecting people, about fighting monsters. He had lied to everyone, and to her, about his strength, when he had none at all. He was the weakest of them all, so weak that he considered himself nothing but-but dead weight to the Silent Lie and the Flying Valkyrie – and even more so, to an amazing, brilliant person like the Invincible Spartan.

And so, with this new understanding, the Spartan realized that the Knight wasn't so different from her. He may be weak, but he also yearned for someone to connect to, someone who wouldn't see him as just the weak link. He wanted to prove himself so badly, and yet… he was too foolish to ask for help. And when the Spartan did offer it, he felt himself unworthy of burdening her. Burdening someone as incredible as her… burdening a- a friend.

And so, the Spartan guided the Knight from the shadows. She made him realize that she didn't mind him bein- being weak. Being useless.

A-all… all because she had never met someone so honest with her. Someone who didn't care at all about her strength.

And so, the time eventually came when the foolish Knight realized his colossal mistake, realized that what was important was his self, and what he had thrown away so recklessly.

So, disregarding his pride and any hesitation he might've had, the Knight came crawling back, begging her to forgive him. Begging for her to give him another chance…

And I… The Knight… didn't know why, but she forgave him with a smile and an open hand.

And together…"

Jaune's breath hitched again. It was hard, so, so hard… but he had to continue.

"Together, the two of them became stronger than either had been alone. The Spartan promised to stick by the person who saw her for who she was, not for who she put herself out as.

In turn, the Knight swore to protect the Spartan with all he had, even if he was weaker than her. He swore to trust her with every secret he had, swore to do everything to repay the debt he could never.

And so, they lived by each other's side… happily ever after.

The End."

Jaune finished, and when he looked down, he saw that Akane had been listening with rapt attention.

It seemed that his words had managed to create a world in her mind, and more importantly, that she didn't notice whenever he slipped up and mentioned himself instead of The Knight.

Jaune swallowed the lump in his throat, burying his sadness, and smiled at Akane. "So… did you get anything from that?"

"Mmm…."

"Akane? Are you still awake…?"

"Wanna sleep…"

Jaune chuckled, his sorrow dissipating. "Heheh. Of course, you are…"

"B-but I… I think…"

"Hm?" Jaune shifted Akane in his hands and gingerly brushed her bangs away from her face, "What is it?"

"Did… did you mean that… being strong means letting people say sorry?"

"Hah… I... suppose, in a way, yes." Jaune said softly. "I just think that… this story's real close to me. It's my favourite, Akane.

And… you know how I was kicked out of Beacon. I just don't think I'd be worthy of coming back the way I am now."

"The people at Beacon must be idiots…" Akane mumbled.

Jaune smirked. "Well, some of them are, but not most of them. Not at all…" Jaune gazed at the skies once more. "But Akane, the real world can't be exactly like the stories. I would do anything to come back, but I can't right now. Not when they just kicked me out, not when there are so many dangerous things…

I want to protect them. I want to be stronger. Like her."

Akane looked up to Jaune questioningly. "But… you said the Invincible Spartan was lonely, even if she was unbeatable…"

"But I'm not alone," Jaune said, "I have my friends, even if it's just in my heart. They're still there… I have Sun and the others, and I have you."

"But you're not as close with them as you are with me," Akane mumbled, "A-and I'm sure… not as close as your old friends…"

Akane sure was one sharp girl, Jaune thought. And so, Jaune sought it fit to explain his final reasoning.

"The Invincible Girl was just- so strong. And that-!"

Inspired me.

Moved me.

"And her kindness, her willingness to forgive and give someone useless a chance…"

Made me feel guilty, made me close to her.

Made me bond with her.

…Made me fall in love with her, even if it was too late.

"… I can't ask for forgiveness. Not when things are different, not when they'd just be in more danger." Jaune said softly. "And if I have to be alone… then so be it."

"You love them too much…"

"They'd do the same for me. There just- just has to be a reason I was kicked out; and I'm determined to find a meaning in it all." Jaune said softly. "That's what… what I meant, Akane. That's why my family and friends are out of reach."

"Because I can't see them getting hurt. Not when it's someone useless like me who brings the danger to them."

"I… I need power. I need to prove myself, to make sure that they won't be hurt anymore just because of me before I can come back to them."

"And if I need to be alone for that power, then so be it."

Akane shook her head and whispered, "You're not useless…"

"I'll keep that in mind, because you said it, Akane. What I want you to remember, though… is that I'll always forgive you. Just like the Invincible Spartan… and just like her, no matter what, I'll be stronger if it means keeping you – and everyone else – safe."

"Okay…" Akane's eyes were fully closed.

And yet… she didn't fall asleep, even as Jaune put her to the side and sighed.

She could hear, with her closed eyes and her heart beating faster than ever, how Mister Jaune stepped aside and withdrew his sword. She knew how he then took out his Scroll, transformed his sheath into a shield, and trained along with whatever that video was playing.

Over the years, even as Mister Jaune got stronger, even as he became nigh unstoppable, for some reason Akane didn't know, he'd always go back to that video. Whenever he thought she wasn't looking, he'd train with that video over and over, his moves perfect and flawless, and yet, with an undeniable touch of longing.

Akane would accept, yet never understand, why Mister Jaune had chosen, would choose, to be alone for strength rather than reconnecting with his family and friends. It was clear that he was hurting and missing them so, so much, and yet…

He continued to train the night away, even as Cinder, Sun, and the others returned.

And all Akane could hear was the voice of that mysterious woman that her guardian missed so much, so much that he would replay her basic training video over and over and over for more than a decade.

A kind, gentle, and loving voice that Mister Jaune seemed to be willing to sacrifice everything for.

"Now, Jaune, let's start with your training, shall we?" The woman said, "And now… begin!

Slash!

Step forward, keep your shield up.

And…. Stab!

Again.

Again.

One last time… again!

Now… take a breather.

Jaune…

You've grown so, so much from the first time we met.

I can't- I can't tell you how proud I am of you…

And… despite everything that's happened, despite Ozpin's decision, and despite you having to leave…

I…

I just want you to know…

That I'm just happy, to have been a part of your life."

The video ended and looped back again.

She could hear Mister Jaune take a deep breath.

Could hear him sigh loudly, shifting his footing…

Could hear him sob and cry.

And then, she could hear him lift his sword again and return to the training with more vigour.

Did Jaune do this because she had saved him? She didn't know. She doubted it, somehow. She had seen how cruel he could be, especially when he told them how they would 'deal' with Raven.

But…

It did feel strangely… nice… to not have to watch one's back over and over every day.

Chapter Text

About two weeks from Vacuo...

"You don't make sense."

"Hm?" Jaune turned his attention away from his chicken spits and to the woman sitting beside him. "Sorry, didn't catch that. What did you say, Cinder?"

"I said you don't make sense," Cinder said. She looked around their night camp; Sun and Neptune were fast asleep by each other's side. Emerald was propped up against a tree across them, while Akane was sleeping across both Jaune and Cinder close to the campfire.

They were getting closer to Vacuo now – and so, the nights grew colder while the days grew hotter. Sun had said that, in just a few more days' of travels, their feet would meet the sand…

But before that, there was something Cinder wanted to find out first.

So she said to Jaune, "None of your actions are logical. Even up to now, if anyone asked me to sum you up into a word, I would say reckless."

"Gee, thanks," Jaune said dryly. He turned back to his spit with an annoyed tick on his eyebrow, "Kick a guy while he's down, why don't you?" he said sarcastically.

"I don't hold back," Cinder said in turn. "And yet… I find that you're still here."

"And what do you mean by that?"

"Still going," Cinder said. From the corner of his eye, Jaune noted that she had now placed her hand on her lap. "I will be frank, and I shall ask that you be frank with me in turn. Will you be able to do that?"

"Asking for permission now?" Jaune rolled his eyes, "I thought you were above that." "

Cinder scoffed. "Don't push it. If you don't need me…"

"Fine, fine." Jaune relented. Like it or not, Cinder was a valuable asset to bring along, despite her irritable nature and former allegiances. "You have my word. An Arc doesn't go back on it."

"Quite," Cinder said. She was silent for a while then, struggling to find the words, until she finally settled on: "You still keep going even despite the world's challenges. Why?"

"Because it's what I need to do," Jaune said. "You heard Jinn. And even if I don't agree with her, there's-!"

"And that's another thing," Cinder said. "Why do you concern yourself with Beacon? With Haven?"

"Why wouldn't I?" Genuine confusion crept into Jaune's tone.

"You barely know these people. All of them." Cinder stressed. "You spent, what, a year in Beacon? Less, I'm sure. And Haven, barely three months. No bond can be forged so strongly in such a short time."

"You doubt my conviction." Jaune said plainly.

"I doubt its source," Cinder said calmly. Beneath this moonlight, Jaune could just briefly see the golden and orange glow of her eyes – a reminder that Cinder was a Maiden, even only half of one.

"Cinder…" Jaune began. "What brought this on?"

Cinder looked away, her brows furrowing and her mouth turned to a scowl. "Once we reach Vacuo, there will be more Grimm. Much more than in Vale or Mistral. There's a reason that the Kingdom relies so much on strength… and…"

Cinder brought up her palm – brought it close to her face, and Jaune could see the parasite Grimm that Salem had implanted slightly protruding from her palm. And he could also see how she looked at it like she didn't know what it even meant anymore.

"I don't need you dying on my feet." Cinder said in the end. "Someone as weak as you…"

"And yet, my conviction brings me just enough strength to sit beside you today," Jaune said simply. "Is that what you wanted to ask?"

Cinder's silence was a deafening answer.

Jaune looked back to the skies. Neither of their eyes met, and yet their words were shared sincerely.

"When I meet someone," Jaune began, "I give them everything. I don't see a reason in making a friend but still hesitate to help; to bond."

Jaune breathed. "So yes. I didn't meet my Team for long. I didn't spend a lot of time in Haven. But what kind of friend, person, I'd be if I just threw them away and replaced them as easily as trash? At that point, why even bother making bonds?"

"And yet Akane said that you keep Sun, Neptune, us, at a distance."

"Just because I say and do that doesn't mean I'd just leave you to die." Jaune said dryly.

But then… Jaune looked to Cinder, his voice turning gentle, and his eyes softening.

"…I'll be honest." Jaune breathed out, "I don't like you. You're barely an acquaintance…

But. As it stands right now, you're my ally. And like I said, an Arc never goes back on their word. And as long as you stick with me, I'll have no reason to give you any less."

With his bit said, Jaune took the chicken out of the spit and handed it over to Cinder.

"Here," Jaune said, before standing up and hefting his sword, "Ah... look, I'm gonna go look for more for breakfast, and then I'll turn in. Thanks for taking the last shift."

As easily as that, Jaune ventured into the forest surrounding them and left Cinder alone with a campfire and a pierced chicken in her hands.

All of that… just because of her split-second decision?

Cinder wouldn't lie. Even now, her reasons for tagging along were self-serving. There would be no going back to Salem after Haven, and so now this was her only choice.

But there was one thing: if worse came to worst, then she wouldn't be like Raven. Because if anything, her pride would overrule her desire to run away.

And she wasn't a stranger to people who'd throw themselves at her feet. Numerous people did in her criminal career before she joined up with Salem, and Emerald was a prime example after that fact.

But they had all been seeking something from her. Sexual favours, power by proxy, money and wealth… none had been willing to stick their necks out just because she 'sided' with them, however brief those arrangements were.

Did Jaune do this because she had saved him? She didn't know. She doubted it, somehow. She had seen how cruel he could be, especially when he told them how they would 'deal' with Raven.

But…

It did feel strangely… nice… to not have to watch one's back over and over every day.

Across from her, Akane shivered in her sleep.

A strange instinct took over Cinder. She went around the campfire, then sat beside Akane, and pulled Akane's blanket ever so tighter around the little girl's body.

Cinder hummed when Akane's shivering stopped. She looked to the skies, to the broken moon above, and took a bite of the chicken.

She hummed, and said, quieter than a whisper,

"Needs more spice." 

Darkness. It's all that could be seen at first glance. The world only felt more ominous, like the world itself was a stepping stone. According to stories from the past, the world known as Remnant was once bright like the stars. Their is no light to guide the world, once those stars dimmed. People needed hope, but how could their be.

Humanity was left a gift by the gods before they left. Little traces of magic. One in the form called Dust. Able to use elements for battle by tapping into the stones powers. Another was they were able tap into their own gift into themselves. Aura was an extension of their souls...it wasn't real magic. It was apart of themselves that they were able to unlock to use as a shield for defense. The other was a 'superpower', a special ability that fit more with their fighting style and personality. Able to protect themselves even from climate conditions. Such as heat or subzero temperatures. However their was limit as no one had unlimited aura...and it had to be replenished. Otherwise any of them could die.

This was when huntsman and huntress had come in. They wanted to shattered the walls of darkness. Eliminate the Creatures of Grimm. Monsters that were created by unknown means. And those huntsmen that chose to use these same abilities for evil. They chose to be criminals, battle with the grim to cause chaos but, for some it mystery.

After the 'Great War', Remnant was divided into the kingdoms. Vale, Mistral, Vacuo and Atlas. All of them were isolated because of their own ideals for the world. Vale believed everyone should unite, Atlas focused on technology, Vacuo was for combat, Mistral believed in Dust. For generations the royal families were more the guardians to the secrets that were kept hidden.

Only selected members were chosen.

A young woman went past the glass windows before getting a glimpse at her reflection. She put the hood up of her red cloak, to hide her neck length black hair with red tipped hair. Her silver eyes were exposed through her mask, the one trait that she couldn't conceal. Even so, she was still new with these secret missions. She always attempted to perfect her stealth. "Don't worry, Ruby. You got this." She muttered before taking a deep breath. Remember this isn't your first mission."

It made it easier to remain hidden at least for Ruby Rose. Jumping to the ledge of the window. This was her mission, so she had to stay in focus. She put on her black mask with red outlining, and her red cloak blew in the wind… Ruby knew it was the best way to conceal her identity. Touching her weapon Crescent Rose, it was her High-Caliber-Sniper-Scythe. One of the few things that gave her comfort when she went into battle.

Ruby Rose wore a black red lined lace-up corset with four buckles hanging loose over a mesh sleeveless top over a white low cut long-sleeved blouse, with a black choker around her neck. She wears a red pleated skirt that is split at the side with a small brown belted strap across the gap, and bright red shorts under it. On her arms, she wears black bracers with large brown buckled straps around the wrist as well as black fingerless gloves. Around her waist, she now has a brown belt with several bullets with a buckle of her rose emblem. She wore black, thigh-high steel-toe boots with red soles and heels, a single buckled strap, rear seam and a large brown buckled strap with attached pouches near the top, over a pair of brown mesh tights.

"I just can't disappoint him," Ruby quietly told herself. She had place a black mask with red outline to keep her identity a secret. Maybe Ruby just did it to put herself at ease. After all this was just another assignment from the prince. That alone added pressure for Ruby. Nobility had already looked down upon her since she had commoner blood. Something that wasn't accepted in the royal court. Why was she one of the exceptions? Ruby just assumed because Prince Jaune needed her for the secret missions.

She took out her scroll as Ruby glanced at the screen. Receiving the location that was sent to her by the castle. Quickly using her semblance, she vanished to rose petals as she moved into the window. Slowly transforming back before quickly leaning against a wall. Tucking Crescent Rose against her chest. Silence. Even so, Ruby had no trace of restiveness. Just as she was about to make her move. Ruby took notice of one of their enemies and was followed by several followers. They seemed to be making growling noises. Ruby decided this was her chance, only to quickly remain hidden in the shadows.

"The boss isn't happy." The blond woman addressed. Her long, wavy hair tied back in a low ponytail. She wore low cut golden armor that exposed her cleavage. The lower half was armor that went above her knees with a chain mail skirt. Long gauntlets that went to her elbows which were the same golden color. Her face was covered with a golden armor design over the upper portion of her face. As the helm went to the tip of her nose. While you couldn't see her face it had a design on it that looked like a flame. "If we have retrieved possible relic locations. We have to find them. Especially with the great power they possess."

"Ma'am, we're trying our best. The relics aren't just something that can be easily found. They're hidden for a reason. They could be anywhere on Remnant-" The head of the squadron addressed. Before he knew it shots were being fired. One of the chandeliers from the ceiling as it shattered in front of them. It was more a warning shot. Without much saying. Don't make that mistake again.

"First off. You know to call me, sir." The woman fired shots at the man as he fell in pain. Even with his aura up. With a shield manifesting to protect him. Anyone can still feel the pain. She had quickly placed her boot on his stomach. "YOUR BEST. You say. Well, your best isn't good enough."

"My apologies." The soldier trembled. Tears of sweat had slowly dripped down his face.

"You know the punishment for failure."

"P-Please!" His face grew weary knowing what was about to come next. There was always punishment that followed for failing their missions. The masked warrior had pulled on his groin. Igniting it with some fire dust from her gauntlet. He screamed out in pain, before a mist of smoke. Ruby had turned away, holding her back to the pillar she was hiding behind. "You're such a weak man. Take him away." She ordered before fixing her gauntlets. The warrior had glanced irritably at the other soldiers. "Why are you just standing there? Search for those relics…NOW!"

Her mission had to come first.

Sneaking into the shadows. Ruby had become a blur before activating her semblance. Red rose petals appeared before reappearing across the room. She always assumed her superpower was 'super speed' since she was a child. It was up to the person to figure out themselves. How else was she able to go from one area to another in a blink of the eye. Ruby assumed that the rose petals were from her going so fast that it was a side effect when using her semblance.

Ruby attempted to open the door by taking out the key. it was more old fashioned. Designs that appeared to be like the royal logo in an oval shape in stain glass on the door. Prince Jaune had given it to her to give her access to any locked door that couldn't be accessed. With his permission for these missions. To have this trust. It meant the world to her. Quickly, Ruby locked the door from behind so no one could pursue her.

It lead to a long hallway, with nothing but large windows. It was the only form of light, with more gold pillars that formed into archways. Slowly walking through the corridor seeing the stars in the night sky. She ended up hitting a table because of Ruby's clumsiness. Trying to keep quiet to not sent out any alarms.

"Hello there, I knew someone from the Kingdom of Vale would be sent here." The blond warrior that she had saw before. She was in the upper room from the two spiraling staircases. This left her with questions. It almost felt that this blond warrior was expecting Ruby. This meant that she wasn't good at keeping herself hidden. "Figures that someone would send out a spy."

"What makes you think that? I could just be here for a personal errand." Ruby remarks. She held Crescent Rose in a battle stance. This warrior couldn't be trusted, after what she had witnessed from her own crew. Ruby knew that she more likely was the one being spied on. It wasn't a lie. Just her making the situation in reverse. It had made Ruby wonder if this whole situation was a trap. "You could only get in with a key. So how did you get in here?-"

"To a mansion that seemingly abandoned? Not hard to knock down a few doors when you're basically a weapon." The blond warrior smirked. "You're that huntress that we were alerted about." The blond woman cautiously put out her gauntlets. She wasn't going to let Ruby escape, at least not when she allowed it. Those she didn't have any intention of wanting to fight her. It wasn't worth her time. Namely since the warrior liked to fight strong fighters. Not weaklings. Perhaps, this masked huntress had to be tested.

"Have we met before?" Trying to not answer the confusion over this warrior. Why did Ruby feel a connection? Neither of them have ever met before, but it made her feel uncertain. "I don't recall we ever encountered each other but you seem familiar."

"I don't recall. You can call me the Sun Dragon Warrior." The blonde woman addressed. "Perhaps, you like the little gift I have for you. Take care of our little red bird." The blond hair woman ordered. She threw these capsules. It was with that these humans appeared before her from smoke. Ruby glanced at the 'person', she had to keep the tears in her eyes. She was horrified at herself for striking down and laid on the ground. Her heart raced. She wasn't hired by the royal family as a mercenary. Ruby knew her job was to use her skills to find the relics. Maybe fight off some evil huntsman and the grimm that lurked throughout the world of Remnant.

"Do you dare to harm these humans…huntress?" The Sun Warrior questioning, the mockery in her voice. "Take care of her." The blond woman ordered before leaving from the balcony. It was more that she didn't feel that this Sun Warrior didn't feel like she was worth her time.

Ruby wasn't sure what to do. There was hesitation as she used Crescent Rose to block the blades with the base before deflecting it back. Another attempt to come from behind but she had jumped, flipped backward to go behind them. Did these humans have aura? If they did it would be easy to strike them down. However, if she did use her scythe and ended up killing any of them. It only left her in bewilderment that she didn't have time to ponder over.

This was her chance to get the relic. These evil huntsmen were being careless. Such as the Masked Sun Warrior leaving the mansion. Certainly she underestimated her. A careless mistake.

She took a deep breath, before Ruby became a red blur with rose petals that followed. She reappeared near the remains in panic. "It's okay. What choice did you have?" Ruby glanced at the arm in bewilderment, slowly the arm disintegrated. Which was already strange before looking at the rest of the body. Even after slicing their arm off with Crescent Rose, there wasn't a trace of blood. The body slowly began to disintegrate as its true form of a Beowolf took form. It was one of the creatures of grimm in disguise.

"Are they grimm?" Ruby muttered while observing them from a distance. She was bewildered as they acted more like animals. No, it could be. It was impossible.

A chill ran down Ruby's spine. Perhaps this was one of the secrets the organization known as 'The Claw' was trying to hide. There was not much time to question it. Ruby knew she had to focus on her mission on retrieving the relic. Afterwards she could report what she saw to Prince Jaune. All the answers

"That's impossible. How can a grimm even be human?" Ruby whispered. Being that humans had aura they wouldn't be able to die from one touch. Grimm couldn't even produce aura, which ended up being a weakness despite how dangerous they were.

Where would this relic be hidden? There had to be a hidden button somewhere, but in a way that didn't make it obvious. Ruby lifted some vases, nothing. She had pulled some books..something that could open a secret passageway. Prince Jaune only addressed. Though the royal family had abandoned the mansion. Being it was once a safehouse. He had remembered there was something out of place.

Quickly searching around before

Ruby lifted up the glass case as she took out the golden box that was underneath. It was bejeweled on the side of the lid. She took the key that was already in her possession. Inside it was cushioned and revealed to be a goblet. Ruby lifted it up as she looked at what appeared to be a glass crown. It sparkled as Ruby held it up to the light. She smiled as it beamed down in the light. Almost appearing like a star in her hand. "I hope this is a relic?" She sighed. Not wanting to fail her mission again. The disappointment the prince seemed to have from a smile to a frown.

The only question was it a real or another fake? 

Pyrrha was on top of the roof above her dorm. She was replaying the conversation she had just had with her leader.

A fraud? A faker? A lier

On one level it suddenly explained a lot about Jaune. His ineptitude when it came to combat, his lack of flair, his inexperienced demeanor. His lack of Aura at initiation, among other things

But part of her really didn't want to accept it. Her partner had faked his way into Beacon. Her Partner. Her partner. The person who she was supposed to trust with her life!

Correction. A lot of her didn't want to accept it. But the proof was in the pudding. The way he put it so simply, she knew it was the truth.

"I lied! I got my hands on some fake transcripts and I lied!"

Those words played over and over in Pyrrha's head. Much like a broken record player, becoming rather annoying for the redhead.

Jaune had lied his way into Beacon. A place that taught you the final steps in the art of hunting and killing grimm. It was a place for young men and women to learn to combat the mindless evil forces of the grimm for the sake of humanity. To attend such an academy you needed to be able to fight the grimm. Those few had to be trained from a very young age by the combat schools or a trained huntsman.

Jaune could not fight the creatures of the grimm without any training.

But it's his dream to be a huntsman, pyrrha. A part of her responded. You can't just betray him like that!

It would be for his own good. If he continues down this path, he'll end up endangering himself and others. I can't let that happen. Even if he ended up hating her, it's for the best. It's for his own safety.

Pyrrha knew what she had to do.

She just didn't know if she had the strength to do it.

"God help me, Because I could use your guidance right now."

Pyrrha left the rooftops in a daze, her mind clouded in thought.

Jaune awoke the next morning feeling like he felt every day. Slightly stressed, but excited for the day. He went through his normal routine. Get up, brush his teeth, make his bed, get dressed. Not exactly in that border, but close enough.

"Good morning, fearless leader!" Nora said exuberant as she bounced out of bed. Jaune smiled as he rubbed the top of her head. "Good morning Nora." he said before greeting his partner. "Good morning to you too, Pyrrha." He greeted.

Pyrrha didn't greet him, instead looking at the floor guiltily. Huh, that's a bit odd. Maybe she's not feeling well? Jaune thought with a shrug. Pulling his armor on, he led his team to their first conquest of the day.

Breakfast!

Nora led the charge to the dining hall, rushing over to the food line. The lunch lady gave the valkyrie a toothy smile, spooning her a large bowl of Oatmeal and a stack of pancakes. A rather large stack of pancakes at that. Jaune wondered where they all went.

Jaune took his oatmeal and fruit with a kind smile and a nod. Mrs. O'Leary gave him an even larger one before slipping him a muffin.

Jaune sat down with his team, sitting across from his sister team RWBY. "Everyone, Snow angel" he greeted before sitting down. He was greeted with an annoyed huff and scathing glare from wiess, but a pretty normal greeting from everyone else. "So, what's on the docket today?" the knight asked between bites of oatmeal. Ruby opened her mouth, the speakers came alive.

"Would Mr. Jaune Arc please report to the headmaster's office?" The speakers blared for a moment before shutting off.

"Ohhhh, someone's in trouble!" Yang jeered with a smile. Jaune gave her a flat, withering look that Goodwitch would have been proud of. WIth a sigh, Jaune stood up and grabbed his muffin. "Welp, that answers that question." He said, mostly to himself.

Pyrrha looked down, not able to meet anyone's eyes. Jaune walked away, taking a bite out of his muffin.

Jaune had decided something. Ozpin's door was rather intimidating. Or rather, the elevator was.

Jaune gulped, his hand shaking as he pressed the button to call the elevator.

Did they find out about my transcript? It must be, why else would I be called? Jaune fretted to himself, pressing the button. The elevator gave a cheerful ding as the doors slid open, much contradictory to Jaunes current mood. WIth a shaky foot, Jaune stepped into the paneled lift, feeling like he was stepping towards his doom. The doors closed as the elevator chunked up to the top of the tower. One phase went through Jaune's mind as the elevator climbed.

I'm screwed,I'm screwed,I'm screwed,I'm screwed,I'm screwed,I'm screwed,I'm screwed,I'm screwed,I'm screwed,I'm screwed,I'm screwed,I'm screwed,I'm screwed,I'm screwed,I'm screwed,I'm screwed,I'm screwed,I'm screwed,I'm screwed,I'm screwed,I'm screwed,I'm screwed,I'm screwed,I'm screwed,I'm screwed,I'm screwed,I'm screwed,I'm screwed,I'm screwed, Ad infinitum.

The elevator dinged once more. Jaune gulped again, hoping to wet his dry throat. It was woefully ineffective at calming the young man. He clenched his clammy hands, and stepped forward.

This is the point of no return. Jaune thought bitterly as he took another forced step forward. He stood in front of the great wood doors, pausing. This was the end of the line. Jaune knocked.

The three taps seemed to echo throughout the hall.

"Do come in." Ozpin called out. Jaune pulled on the door, but it didn't budge.

"It's a push." ozpin called again

Jaune stopped for a moment. "Right, I knew that." The blonde pushed the door open. Ozpin sat at his desk, eyes leveled at Jaune. "Please, take a seat Mr. Arc." Ozpin said, gesturing to an open chair. Jaune sat down, fiddling nervously with his hands.

"I assume you know why you're here, Mr. Arc?" the green wizard asked.

Jaune gave him a forcibly blank look that was not very convincing. Shit shit shit shit. I can't say that I faked my transcript, just in case that they don't actually know. But what else could I have been called for? Fuck, damn it Jaune, say something!

"I think I have an inkling." Jaune managed to get out. Ozpin raised his eyebrow at his student, a smirk on his face.

"Very well then, Mr. Arc. You seem nervous." the headmaster started. "Would you like to play a game?" Ozpin brought out a checkered eight by eight chess board and a smallish box.

Jaune blinked. "Like, chess or something?"

Ozpin nodded. "Exactly." He said as he set up the chess board. "Now, Mr. Arc, white or black?"

"Black please." Jaune said, shuffling forward to get a better position of the board. Ozpin gave a brief frown, but shook it off. The board was finished and the players were ready to play.

Ozpin pushed a pawn forward. Jaune moved a knight.

"An unpredictable piece that attacks from strange angles. A fine opening move." Ozpin said, his queen moving forward. Jaune remained silent, looking at the board intensely.

His pawn marched onwards to meet Ozpins in the middle.

The white bishop moved forward. Jaune's hand rested on his queen, but he reconsidered. A second pawn moved to support the first.

"You would use the Lennin Offensive against me?" Ozpin asked, his own pawn advancing a space.

"Even the most experienced animals can get caught by the simplest of traps." Jaune replied, the second night moving forward once more.

A white knight moved to counter Jaune's own, protecting a pawn. A black bishop moved far onto the field, next to Ozpin's own, threatening the king. "A straight laced piece that can puncture and slip enemy lines, threatening from long distances." Ozpin noted. Jaune looked a little confused. What is up with him and his explanations whenever I move the pieces. He talks like they're a person or something.

Another white pawn moved forward, blocking the bishop's advancement. Jaune's bishop retreated to safety. Ozpin castled on the king's side.

"A sacrificial move to defend the king." jaune said, turning Ozpin's habit on himself.

Ozpin's face shifted to an inquisitive look laced with doubt. "You think so? I view it as a sound defensive move that develops the pawn." Ozpin said sagely.

"It tucks the king into a corner and traps it within his own pieces." jaune countered as he moved his bishop forward. It stood next to the white Queen, threatening it. The black bishop was defended by the second knight Jaune moved.

Ozpin hummed. A wonderful move by Mr. Arc, for the short term. Ozpin elected to ignore the problem for the moment. His own queen was defended by his own and a pawn. He knew Jaune would take it, it would be strange of him to not.

Jaune moved a pawn forward, further developing the right side of the board. Ozpin raised an eyebrow. "An interesting move, Mr. Arc. An interesting move indeed. I expected you to take my queen."

Jaune shrugged as Ozpin moved a knight to the right. Jaune took a pawn on his own. Ozpin countered, taking the offending pawn. "It has been a long time since I've seen someone play with your style, Mr. Arc. A rather old style." Ozpin commented.

"I played with my grandfather often." Jaune said curtly, his knight moving to threaten the white's white tile bishop. "The Grembol maneuver? Bold indeed, Mr. Arc." Ozpin moved his Bishop back.

Jaune castle .

"I thought you didn't like the castle move, Mr. Arc?" Ozpin asked. "That it was a cowardly move on the side of the king?"

Jaune shrugged. "I never said I wasn't a coward, headmaster."

Ozpin looked intrigued at the statement. A pawn moved to threaten Jaune's most troubling bishop.

Jaune moved it to threaten Ozpin's queen once more. Ozpin captured it with his knight. Jaune's face twitched into a frown, trading his bishop for the offending knight. Ozpin moved his queen once more.

Jaune moved his right side knight into a retreat. "The Gorbachev Defense? A strange time to play that now, don't you think?"

Jaune didn't respond. His queen moved to the right edge of the board. Ozpin thought hard about this position. Jaune had, for the most part, taken control of this game by playing the offensive. Ozpin moved the bishop to threaten the queen once more. Jaune jumped the queen forward, capturing Ozpin's backmost pawn.

"Most troublesome, Mr. Arc. Most troublesome indeed." Ozpin moved his left rook forward, defending the threatened knight from the interloping queen.

"No exposition about the rook?" Jaune asked, a bit in good humor and a bit in sarcasm.

"Would you like it?" Ozpin asked. Jaune shrugged.

"It is a strong, simple, forward piece with little flexibility that is mostly useful as a defensive tool until the end game." Ozpin said as his knight moved forward, opening an attack on the queen and threatening Jaune's forward rook. Jaune moved his queen backwards diagonally, taking a white pawn. Ozpin took a pawn with his own, putting another piece on the rook.

What do I do here? Jaune thought for a moment. Sure, he knew his next move, placing his previously second untouched rook into the same file as his more developed one. But what came after that? Neither he nor Ozpin had particularly clear paths of attack on the other king, and Ozpin had heavily fortified his own king with his lines of pieces. They took a diagonal pattern along the white tiles. Ozpi captured the blonde's forward rook. Jaune retaliated with his second rook. Ozpin captured that with his knight. Jaune grimaced. They were entering the late game, and Jaune had lost too many pieces. Ozpin smiled, confident that he would win. He moved his rook to the last rank on his board, threatening the king. Jaune moved the king out of danger, diagonal to the rook. Ozpin moved his back rook to the same file. Jaune's bishop moved to a precarious position next to Ozpin's queen. But it had a shot at the supporting rook. Ozpin captured it with a smile. A bad move, Mr. Arc. one of the few long range pieces you have at your disposal, and you sacrifice it to force a move out of me? The old man thought, capturing the priest. Jaune smiled, his trap sprung. His knight moved forward, capturing the powerful piece.

"You did say that the knight was unpredictable." Jaune said, turning Ozpin's words on himself. Ozpin glowered, considering what move should be made next. His to bishops were more or less useless at the moment, one being trapped and the other in a bad spot. He couldn't truly move his rooks without giving up a valuable position. Ozpin finally decided to move the furthest rook to threaten the king once more. Ozpin smiled as the king was forced to move away. Running his rook to the other side, he captured one of Jaunes valuable knights. A pawn moves forward, threatening Ozpin's bishop. They were in the end game now, and each move was valuable. Ozpin captured, losing it to Jaunes' retaliatory pawn next turn. Ozpin moved his back rook forward once more, capturing a pawn and threatening the queen. Jaune's response was to move his queen to the side, adjacent to the white tiled bishop and capturing a pawn. Ozpin frowned in annoyance, moving his other rook to defend against the interloper.

Jaune moved a pawn forward, pushing against the offensive white rook.

"I will admit, you are very good at this game Mr. Arc '' Ozpin said, moving his rook back one space. "But I fear you aren't good enough."

Jaune ground his teeth, thinking hard about what play was next. He had to move his king, and anticipated Ozpin's capture of the offending pawn from earlier with the silver haired man's bishop. A pawn moves forward, but hesitantly. Ozpin moved his own pawn forward, threatening an all but forgotten knight. Jaune smiled, his long played trap sprung into action. It took a pawn across the moved piece, placing the king squarely in check. Ozpin moved the king for the first time since his castling. Jaune moved his own king to defend the knight. Ozpin's forward rook moved to check the black king. Jaune moved in defence. Ozpin's back most rook moved forwards to check the king once more. Jaune grimaced, knowing what he had to do. He placed his queen between his own king and the offending rook. Ozpin smiled as he captured the long lived thorn in his side. Jaune took the second rook with his knight, and ozpin was left to contemplate his own move. He could take the forward most pawn, but surely that was a trap somehow. Ozpin glared at the left section of the board, almost completely devoid except for the two pieces, locked in at staredown.

Ozpin opted to move his bishop backwards to threaten the king. The king moved forward, advancing towards Ozpin's own king.

Ozpin frowned. Is he trying to back me into the corner, and checkmate me with his knight from there? He wondered. It was possible, but would be difficult to do. Or is he running from my bishop and that was the best place to go?

Ozpin moved his bishop to defend his last rook, the strongest piece in the game right now. Jaune's pawn moved forward.

Ozpin's eyes widened for a moment, Ahah! That's what he's trying to do! Ozpin thought as he moved his king to intercept. The pawn moved forward, the king moved forward. Jaune's knight moved, blocking the king from the most direct path. Ozpin moved his king down to the left, lying in wait. Jaune moved his king away from the rook and down towards Ozpin's own king. Ozpin moved forward, placing his king in front of the would-be miracle pawn. Jaune moved his knight to just underneath the rook. Ozpin choked on his coffee. He would lose his bishop to this knight, as it threatened both his king and his bishop. His other option was to take the knight with his rook, but he would both lose his rook to the black king and lose the chance to take the developed pawn. He opted to capture the pawn, moving his king out of the way. The knight, predictably, moved to capture the bishop, although jaune considered moving the knight to threaten the king once more. Ozpin gave a long humming sound once he put the coffee mug down. He moved to threaten Jaune's king with his rook, backed up by his own king.

Jaune retreated backward, and Ozpin hummed once more. It would prove difficult to push Jaune into a corner. Possible? Yes, but difficult. He opted to move one of two remaining pawns, both in the bottom right of the board. Jaune saw exactly what Ozpin was doing, opting to move his own pawn to block the forward path. Ozpin moved to threaten the front pawn, which Jaune begrudgingly accepted. His path forward, however, was blocked. Ozpin's rook was on the rank just in front of the pawn. Ozpin moved his king, clinging to the valuable rook. Jaune moved his King over to where the pawn was, hoping to give it some protection. Ozpin moved his rook to the right, threatening jaunes last knight. The knight moved forward, hoping to check the king next turn. Ozpin frowned, moving his last pawn forward. Jaune started to move his knight to check the king, but hesitated as he rested the piece there. He thought about it for a moment, considering his options. He decided to move it back behind his own king, placing the rook in mortal peril. Ozpin hastily retreated to his rook. The knight advanced once more, daring Ozpin to take the defended piece. Ozpin did not fall for it, instead opting to threaten Jaune's king once more. The knight moved between them, once again threatening Ozpin's king. Ozping frowned, moving his king forward one.

Jaune advanced his pawn once more. Ozpin realized that it was unlikely that he could stop it, and moved his rook to check the black king again. Jaune moved down. The rook moved down.

Jaune moved down again, as did the rook. Ozpin knew that taking that pawn was a trap, and refused to fall for it. Jaune moved down a third time, and Ozpin was lost as to what he should do. There were so few options, and the rook, should he move to threaten the black king, would be out of the protective reach of the white king. Ozpin flew his rook backwards, threatening the last defensive Pawn Jaune had. Jaune moved the pawn forward two spaces, as Ozpin moved to capture.

"You would use the en passagne against me?" Jaune asked as his face fought a smile. Ozpin nodded as Jaune moved his pawn forward.

"Even pawns are useful, as shields or, if given time, something more." Ozpin said as he scanned the board once more. Ozpin realized his mistake.

Jaune's pawn would reach the end of the board before his could! Ozpin sighed, moving his pawn forward once more. Two more pawns moved, Two more pawns were traded out for queens, and ozpin disliked his position greatly. While they both had queens, it was Jaune's turn, and both queens were on the same file. He would lose it before he would even have a chance to use his newly promoted piece.

It was at this point that Headmaster ozpin, the man who had centuries of experience at chess, who had watched it's birth and evolution, who had not lost a game in over one hundred years,

resigned the match to a seventeen year old boy.

"A very good game, Mr. Arc." Ozpin said, still partially in shock, before shaking it off. He put the board away quickly. "Now, how are you feeling? Less nervous I hope?" Ozpin asked.

Jaune nodded. "Yeah, I do feel less nervous. Thank you for the game, it was a good game."

"Then we can get back to back to business then." Ozpin said, lacing his fingers together.

Right. Fuck. Jaune thought. "So, the reason I was called?" Please don't be my transcript, please don't be my transcripts.

"It's about your transcripts." Ozpin said.

Fuck.

"We were given a tip from a student that you had falsified the transcript, and, after a surprising amount of digging, we confirmed that your transcript was indeed false. Now." ozpin sighed, pulling out a vanilla folder. "Rules dictate that we expel you-"

Jaune grimaced. Yup, saw that coming seven miles away.

"But I believe that you are too valuable as a huntsman to let go."

What? I'm valuable as a huntsman? I wasn't expecting that coming, but I'm not going to look a gift horse in the mouth.

"But I cannot let you stay here, it would set a bad precedent."

"Okay?" Jaune said, his head tilting to the side. "So, where does that leave me?" The knight asked.

Ozpin leaned back. "You could formally transfer, using your transcript from Beacon to one of the other three academies." Ozpin answered, and then saw Jaune drawing a blank. Ozpin sighed.

"You don't actually know what those are, do you?" Ozpin asked.

Jaune shook his head. "I know their names and where they are, but nothing beyond that about them." Jaune admitted, rubbing the back of his head.

Ozpin gave a small smile. "Well, Perhaps I can enlighten you a little bit." Ozpin pulled his globe to him, placing it in front of Jaune. "Let's start with Atlas." The globe spun to show the scripted writing in the northern part. "ATLAS".

"Atlas Academy is located in, of course, in Atlas. It's technically a subset of their military academy, and they view themselves as a single large unit. Sure you have teams, but they are wholly interchangeable and subject to revision after formation." Jaune nodded, seeing the usefulness of the large-scale interchangeability. He also, personally, very much disliked the idea of being so easily replaceable.

"Next is Shade, on the opposite side of the spectrum. Unlike Atlas, they believe in individual strength and survival of the fittest. Vaulco is an unforgiving place, and Shade reflects that." Jaune did not like that at all. People were stronger working together, and were able to do more. Vale wasn't made by one man and wasn't built in a day.

"That seems rather stupid, doesn't it?" jaune asked, frowning at the script "SHADE".

Ozpin shrugged. "It works for them, I guess. Anyway, in between the two is Haven and here, Beacon. While Beacon leans to the Atlas style teamwork, where there are teams that, as a unit, are more or less interchangeable, replacing team members is complex and a process. Haven on the other hand, leans towards the Shade style of teaching. You have teams, but you also have pairs and solo students that are not associated with a team. It is probably the closest school to Beacon."

Jaune nodded. "I… Can I have a day or two to make a decision?" he asked, his voice catching. Ozpin smiled with a mix between pity and sorrow. "Of course, Mr. Arc. Should I prepare your transcripts in the meantime?"

Jaune gave his headmaster a bright smile. "That would be greatly appreciated, headmaster." He paused for a moment. "If i'm an illegitimate student, how can you use my school transcript?"

The silver haired man smiled. "You passed initiation. The transcript is only a formality that we must take. Initiation is the actual test, and if you pass initiation, you are a legitimate student here. Unfortunately, we cannot, unlike many other students, simply ignore your criminal past.."

Jaune nodded, giving another dry gulp. Well, good news, his dream wasn't dead yet.

He would just have to move. Not a big deal. Not a big deal at all.

"Wait a minute, what do you mean by "Ignore criminal pasts?"" Jaune asked incredulously.

Ozpin took a breath in. "it is often that Huntsmen have criminal pasts of often violence. We often overlook it for the sake of having more viable and skilled Huntsman. It is unfortunate that you didn't end up killing someone instead, Mr. Arc, that would have at least been excusable."

Jaune blue screened. 'I'm sorry, whAT? You can just wave off murder, but not forgery?!"

Ozpin rubbed his temple. "Because the council is a bunch of dipshits that don't understand the concept of common sense. That and the idea of people being able to hurt them in ways that aren't physical scares them more than a problem that can be solved through bodyguards and money."

Jaune lamented Ozpin's words, before deciding that he didn't want to entertain the idea any more. "Am I excused, headmaster?" Jaune asked, starting to stand. Ozpin just waved him off. Jaune hurried towards the elevator, and the descent to the ground floor with his friends could not be faster.

Everything might turn out to be ok.

Chapter 2: 2Chapter Text

Cardin watched Jaune leave the breakfast table with team RWBY and JNPR. His face stretched into a grinch like smile. Perhaps it was time to get some leverage over the blonde knight. Cardin leaned in towards his team, whispering loudly and conspiratorially. "You guys heard that Jaune faked his way in?"

He noticed the whisper picked up by the next table. Good, something like that would spread like freaking gasoline doused wildfire.

Blake's ears twitched as the wave of hushed whispers reached their table. Ruby leaned over to her teammate. "What are they talking about, blake?"

Blake frowned, hearing the reason behind the whisper. "They're talking about Jaune." She said, omitting the other half of the rumor. While it did make sense, considering his general lack of huntsman qualities, how in the world did he manage to pass initiation then? The whole point of it was to weed out those not skilled enough to be at beacon. If Jaune wasn't supposed to be here, he wouldn't be here. Wiess leaned back, covertly listening in on the gossip.

Her eyes widened as she heard the hushed words. "He did WHAT?!" she yelled out loud, startling everyone within a several meter radius.

Ruby recovered first, blinking and cleaning out her ear with a pinkie. "I'm sorry, but what did Jaune do?"

"That rapscallion forged his way into Beacon!" Wiess shrieked, scandalized at the blonde boy.

Yang blinked. "Woah woah woah woah, Ice Queen, what? Where did you get that"

Wiess gestured to the murmuring crowd. "From them!"

Yang and Nora gave her a flat disappointed look. "Really? You choose to listen and give credit to a random rumor?"

"But it makes so much sense! I mean, when was the last time jaune showed any skill, in anything?" Wiess posed. The seven of them made faces at the question. Pyrrha didn't even jump to defend her partner, like normal.

Nora instead came to her leader's defence. "He's been getting better, and besides, when was the last time you won against him?"

"I've never fought him!" Wiess countered.

"Exactly! Pick your battles, that whole shebang." Nora explained.

Ren sighed. "Jaune doesn't pick fights, nora."

"That's still a pretty bold accusation to make, Wiess." Ruby said, scolding her partner.

"IT MAKES SENSE THOUGH!" Wiess countered, throwing her hands into the air. "Pyrrha, you should be able to answer this question! Is Jaune a legitimate student at Beacon?"

Pyrrha started to sweat, looking away. "Ah, Uh,, erm, n-yes?" She said, utterly unconvincingly. RWBY gave her a blank look. Nora just asked. "Pyrrha, you know you're awful at lying."

Then the realization struck them. "Wait, that means that Vomit Boy Did fake his transcript! Holy shit, Vomit Boy faked his Transcript!" Yang exclaimed

The cafeteria went silent at the confirmation, before exploding once more into whispers and growls. There were a couple moments before Jaune entered the cafeteria hall. The hall went completely silent at his entrance. Jaune was pretty sure he could hear a pin drop as he took his steps forward.

Clack, clack, clack. He could hear his footsteps echo down the hallway. He wanted to shrink into his worn out shoes. He sat down at the table, as team RWBY gave him a bit of birth.

Jaune looked around at his friends. "Is something on my face? Everyone's looking at me…"

It was, of course, Wiess that answered him.

"WE KNOW WHAT YOU DID, YOU VILLAINOUS OAF!" She said, slamming her hands on the table as she stood.

Jaune's brain had a brief moment of actual functioning. Ok, so assuming that this is not about my plans to serenade her again, it is probably that Pyrrha told them in confidence and Wiess freaked out. So, does that mean that everyone else knows about it? That would explain the whole "death glare." Things. Ehh. engage anti-mom tactic number seven: Deflect and deny.

"I had a muffin?" Jaune asked, tilting his head like some kind of confused golden retriever. RWBY gave him a dumbfounded look.

"You're kidding right?" Yang asked.

Jaune sat down, still putting on a confused face. "I mean, I woke up? I might have helped Nora with history homework a couple days ago despite Ren telling me not to?" Jaune started to list off.

"No, you ignormatic dolt! Your false transcripts!" Wiess yelled. Jaune opted to just lean back. "...okay then?" He said, squinting in confusion. "On another unrelated note, if you had to transfer to another academy, which one would you choose?"

Nora's head turned to her leader. "What do you mean? Why do you want to know?"

"Me and headmaster Ozpin had an interesting conversation over a game of chess. We talked about the global interaction of huntsmen and their respective nations."

Nora's eyes went wide as jaune prepared to dive into another dialogue. "Stop! STOP HIM! I can't stand another long winded talk!" She wailed as Ren automatically prepared to tackle his leader.

Blake looked confused. "Wait, what? Why are we stopping jaune from talking?"

Ren sighed. "He has a tendency to ramble about anything that strikes his interest for literal hours. One of those interests is political theory. He once actually outspoke professor Oobleck during his additional classes on the Vytal treaty."

Wiess scoffed."as if that buffoon could ever be involved in politics. I don't think-" Jaune stood up, cutting her off. "I'm going elsewhere."

Jaune left the table. Wiess looked at him go. "What's got him in a knot?"

Everyone just stared at her. Ruby sighed. "I'm sorry, she's a work in progress."

Yang raised her hand. "Why are we letting this let us ignore the fact that Jaune's transcripts were fake?"

That revitalized a whole new series of whispers.

Jaune sat at his favorite spot in a tucked away garden in Beacon, laying under the shade of a tree. His hands behind his head as he pondered his decision. It was closing in on the end of the day, and everyone had decided that he was a leper, including his team. He frowned. It hurt more than he expected it to. He had hoped that at least his team would have his back more than they did. He could understand RWBY not understand, he could understand

"Mr. Arc? I thought I could find you here." A familiar voice shook Jaune out of his solemn brooding. Jaune stretched his neck to look over at the speaker.

``Dr. Oobleck, what brings you to my hidden neck of the garden?" Jaune asked with a smile, relaxing back into the tree. Dr. Bartholomew Oobleck was his favorite professor. He loved having long theoretical conversations with the green haired man. They had an excellent one on the Vytal treaty and what it's flaws and strengths were. Jaune didn't know it, but Oobleck recorded that conversation to listen to later. It was going to be his pride and joy for the political debate club for years to come.

"I heard about your… ah, predicament. It's very unfortunate that you will be leaving us." The good doctor said, Jaune sighed, readjusting on the tree.

"Yeah me too. At least I'm only transferring. So who knows? I might even be back next year." jaune tried to joke, but the tone fell flat.

There was a serene moment of silence between them.

"Hey, Doc."

"Yes, Mr. Arc?"

"Where do you think I should go?"

Oobleck hummed. "That… that is a difficult question. But for you? Let me see…" Dr. Oobleck was uncharacteristically quiet for a couple moments. "I think Haven would be the best choice for you, Mr. Arc."

Jaune sat up. "You think so?"

Oobleck nodded. "It is either that or Atlas. I personally like Minstral more. I find Atlas to be too cold."

Jaune actually laughed at that. "Thanks Doc." Jaune ended, before resting back down.

Oobleck looked at the setting sun. "You should get back to your dorm soon, Mr. Arc."

Jaune sighed, standing up. "Yeah." he lamented. "It's strange, not sleeping in the same room as my team."

Oobleck winced at how offhanded the statement was. "I am sorry for what our students have done to you, Mr Arc."

Jaune shrugged. 'I get it. I really do. I would be insulted as well if a cheat was able to pass off as a huntsman. Besides, They'll be out of sight sooner or later."

Oobleck sighed, watching his favorite student stroll out into the building. He will be leaving soon. Bart would miss him.

Jaune scrolled through his contacts, hovering over Ozpin's number. He pressed it as he climbed the stairs up to his commandeered room. He had taken the room of a fourth year team that wasn't there at the moment, being off on a longer term mission.

Riing, Riing, Reign- hellp? Mr. Arc?

Jaune smiled as he heard the headmaster's voice.

"Hey Headmaster Ozpin. I've come to a decision." Jaune said. Ozpin on screen raised his eyebrows. "Oh? So soon? It's only been a couple days-"

"I've thought long and hard about this decision, Headmaster. I think if I think about it any more, my brain is going to explode."

Ozpin chuckled at that. "Very well. And your choice of school?"

"Haven, on Dr. Oobleck's recommendation mostly." Jaune said as he turned a corner. He pulled out his scroll

"Very well, Mr. Arc. I will send your transcript over tomorrow then." Jaune smiled as he gave Ozpin his thanks. Swiping his scroll over the lock, it pinged green as the door clicked open

Jaune opened the door, surprised to see that someone was in his room. "Nora? What are you doing here?" Jaune asked the ginger bomber. She perked up at his voice, dropping her magazine on his bunk.

"Fearless leader!" She cried out, running and glomping onto Jaune with a hug.

"Oof! Good to see you too, Nora. What are you doing here?"

"Are you leaving?! I heard your chat with Ozzy, about Haven! Please don't go, was it something I did?! If it is, I'm sorry!" Nora started to cry, gripping Jaune tighter, as though he would turn to dust when she let go.

Not entirely inaccurate.

"What?- no, no Nora, It's not because of you." Jaune said, returning a gentle hold. Nora sniffed as she looked up.

"Really?" She said in a way that just wrenched Jaune's heart. He could have sworn that he could see his sisters in her face.

"Yes Nora." Jaune said calmingly, patting her head. "Now, it's been a while since we talked. Why don't we take a seat?" Jaune said as he sat down on his bunk. Nora sat next to him. She looked at the packed duffle bag and round shield.

"I forgot you don't have your sword any more." Nora said softly. Jaune looked at the round shield. It was a plain wood shield with a thin sheet of metal on the front of it. The sword behind it was equally plain, both given to him by Ozpin when his family- the Arc family. Jaune reminded himself. His father took the sword back once his family was contacted about his upcoming transfer. His father, furious at Jaune's disobedience when Jaune refused to come back home, disowned him as a way to force him into submission.

Jaune told him to "Suck a lemon. It would improve your expression."

The call ended soon after that. Jaune decided to not dwell on it since.

"Yeah. It was really nice of Ozpin to give me some weapons until I can get my own." Jaune said, thinking about how getting some proper mechashift weapons would cost him an arm and a leg, funds that the beacon couldn't give him on account of his 'Civilian' status, and funds that he didn't have on account of no longer having access to the Arc Family funds. Jaune really hoped that Simon Arc was going to sleep on the couch for a long, long time for that stunt.

Nora leaned back. "Sooo, You're going to Haven, huh?" She said eventually. Jaune nodded.

'Yeah, I hope I am, anyway." Jaune fell back next to his old teammate. They were still technically on the same team, but Jaune hadn't spoken to Pyrrha and Ren in two days. Not really anyway. There was that huge argument that had happened. Jaune was hurt, he really was. He felt so betrayed by Pyrrha, who for all the faith she said she had in him, crumbled the moment it was put to question. She had turned on him faster than team RWBY did, and they turned fast. Once they had discovered his false transcript, Wiess and Yang did their best to make sure their team avoided him at all costs. Jaune knew what it was doing to Ruby, and he knew that Blake probably pitied him but didn't act upon it.

Jaune had learned many things that some would use useless skills. Cooking, cleaning, sowing, household chores, singing and chess were among them.

But he did pride himself in his ability to read people. He wasn't perfect at it, but he could tell that Ruby was torn. Probably between pleasing her team and maintaining team dynamics or supporting her friend. Blake was more puzzled. Perhaps she also didn't get in quite as legitimately as everyone else did, and didn't want to risk being revealed?

Jaune be damned if he knew.

"Fearless leader, you've got that look on your face."

Jaune turned to the ginger, raising an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Nora shrugged. "It's that face you have whenever you're working on one of Oobleck's homework or something. It's your thinking face." She didn't mention that he looked sad as well.

Jaune laughed at that. "I have a thinking face, do I?"

Nora nodded. "Yup!"

Jaune raised an eyebrow with a smirk. "So, if my thinking face is on, what am I thinking about?"

"Hrmmm." Nora's brow furrowed in concentration. "Pyrrha. You're thinking about Pyrrha."

"Nope." Jaune said, turning to look at the bunk above him. "I was thinking about Ruby."

"Awww," Nora whined. "I was close."

Jaune laughed before turning to her again. "You want to play a game?"

Nora brightened at the proposal. "Pfft, do I like pancakes?"

Jaune smiled, bending to look under the bed. "Don't tell team Whostershire, but I found this and I think I'm taking it with me." He smirked, pulling out a game of Marrakech, it's small box being just about the size of half of Jaune's forearm.

Jaune had very quickly become a fan of the game, even if pronouncing the title of it was damn near impossible for the blonde. Nora asked for instructions on how to play once Jaune had slid the wood slab box open.

"Oh, it's really simple. So, first you choose a color." Jaune said, pulling out rectangles of rough weave. They felt like Vaulco style carpets, and came in sets of ten. Nora picked the closest to pink, a light beige pink color. "Great, now, each of us get's ten coins." Jaune delt out a collection of tiny wooden disks, buttons, tiny pebbles and other bits of permanent round matter. "Now, we each take turns playing with our carpets like this." Jaune said, putting down one of his blue carpets, and taking a yellow one from the pile and playing it perpendicular, forming a right angle. "Until all the carpets are played. You can also play straight angles." the yellow carpet went back. Jaune fished out the Merchant piece and a simple wooden die. "This is the merchant piece." jaune held it up. It looked like an oversized pawn. "We take turns controlling this piece with the die. We roll, move him forward, and pay whoever's carpet we land on. Got all that?"

Nora nodded. "Sounds simple enough." She said as they started to build the board.

Ren looked at the clock. Nora really should have been back to the dorm by now. He checked the clock again. Nora was uncharacteristically late.

"Nora should be back by now." Ren said, leaning back from his desk. Pyrrha looked up from her book.

"That is odd. She's normally back by now." The redhead said, her brow furrowing.

"We should go look for her." Ren said as he walked towards the door. Pyrrha smiled. "Who knows what trouble she's gotten into." Pyrrha jokes. Ren gave a short huffing laugh.

"Yes indeed." Pyrrha smiled.

Clack clack clack thud. That was the sound that the simple wood die made as it rolled across the top of the box.

"Noooooooo!" Nora cried out as the die turned up four. The merchant moved forward four spaces, landing on one of two possible blue spaces. She looked down at her last coin, then looked to her leader. Jaune smiled, holding his hand out. "Come on Nora. Rules are rules. Give it to me." Jaune smiled triumphantly.

"Nuuuuuu." Nora whined, holding the pebble to her breast.

"Nora. Give it." jaune said, as if he were talking to a dog. Nora huddled away from her leader, leaning against the back end of the bed. "Do I have too?"

Jaune gave her a level look. "Yes you do nora." Jaune said, putting down his collection of coins and rugs into the box. "Don't make me take it from you."

"I don't think you could if you wanted to, fearless leader." Nora stuck out her tongue. Jaune tensed like a cat, eyes zeroing in on the small pebble.

Jaune pounced at his friend. Nora screeched as the two collided, rolling onto the floor. "Fearless leader! How could you!" She cried out as they fell to the ground, clutching her precious currency. The wrestled for the stone, Jaune seeing that he was losing the battle, decided to change tactics. He grabbed Nora by the sides. Her eyes widened as he moved his fingers. "Jaune! No! Jau-Jaune! Jaahahahahaha!" She cried out as Jaune tickled her. Her grip on the stone loosened as she fell to the ground, laughing. Jaune quickly grabbed the stone and raised it like it was some ancient golden idol and he was Monty Brown, from Montana Brown.

Nora groaned in defeat. "I should have known better than to play a game against you, Fearless leader."

Jaune chuckled, sitting down on the bed once more, putting the last piece of the game away.

"Hey, fearless leader?" Nora asked.

"Yeah?"

"You're a hacker man, right?"

Jaune snorted. "You could say that. I did hack myself into Beacon basically. Why? You want to get past a paywall or something?"

"You can do that?!"

"Yeah, of course. I pirated stuff all the time back home. Screw the mega-corporations anyway. So, what do you want to watch? Deus Ex? Road Roller? Or that new horror series you were raving about earlier?"

Nora shook her head. "Nope, Fearless leader. But you hacked your way into Beacon, right? Like, you just airdropped your transcript in there?"

"Not exactly the words I would use, but sure. Why?"

"If I asked you to." Nora started, touching her fingers together. "Could you look at other students' files?"

Jaune's head tilted back, eyes widening with the idea as he stared at the wall for a moment. "Shouldn't be too hard, why?"

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