4

AN: And another edit bites the dust.

Chapter 4

I found myself staring up at the moon once more, my eyes settling on the fragments extending away from the moon itself, idly counting them so as to keep myself occupied.

Let's see then…

One fragment…

Two fragment…

I heard the sound of footsteps approaching.

Three fragments…

Eventually I heard the footsteps get even closer, the door back inside swinging open with a loud creak before they came to a stop. Whoever that was their shadow was trailing over me, extended by the artificial light.

Pretend they aren't there Jaune. Then maybe they'll go away.

Seems feasible.

Slightly.

I sat up from the cold cement of the roof and looked out over the many building of beacon, shrouded in the darkness of the night, save for a few lit windows here and there.

And the massive glowing green lights that occupied the central towers of Beacon academy of course.

What the blazes were those things anyway?

I mean, something is telling me that it isn't a giant night light.

I mean there has got to be some reason behind building it, right?

No one would build something that massive purely for the way it looks.

Probably.

Suddenly the sound of someone coughing broke into my monologue.

Oh for the…what do they want now?

I turned around to face whoever it was that was behind me, ready to give them the painful end of a blistering tirade before stopping when I saw who it was.

"Beautiful night out, isn't it Jaune, my boy?" Peter Port asked, his eyes scanning the horizon briefly before focusing firmly on me, extending a hand to help me up. "Let's take a walk then shall we?"

Ah.

Well, this is awkward.

Glad I cut myself off before I said something I'd regret.

I took Peter's hand and pulled myself back up ready for what my deeply ingrained through experience Port-senses said was to be a lecture, only to be relieved when he instead turned around motioning for me to follow him as he walked through the door again.

I felt something deep in the pit of my stomach, my body informing me that I was somehow walking into something painful, but my mind not succeeding in making the connection.

We walked in somewhat silence, Peter humming away happily under his breath, hands conduction an invisible orchestra as he walked, only stopping their movements to 'shh' me if I went to interrupt…

I gave up on trying to talk to him as we walked. I'd ask my questions when we arrived at wherever we were going to.

And I think I can guess where, now that we we're on the second floor again.

Peter flicked out a key and unlocked the door to his classroom, opening it up, flicking the light on and walking through the doorway and then after I had followed after him closed the door and locked it behind him. We both stood before his desk, Peter still facing away from me.

Peter turned to me with a chuckle, "Sorry about that Jaune, my boy, but this is going to be something private and I doubt you'd want to air out your secret on top of the roof of the student dorms. Not exactly the most private of locations wouldn't you agree?"

I froze at that, the realization seeping through me. I had almost had a blow up on the top of the roof where all the other students were staying, my team included. I should now better than anyone how well sound can travel in the windows are open from my time back home.

I pushed past my realization to focus on Peter. This was the perfect time to ask him the question I hadn't been able to before, about why I was never taught about aura among other things. But before I was able to ask my first question Peter's voice interrupted me.

"I know you must have questions Jaune," Peter began his voice firm and lacking much of the joviality that was usually present. "But as you are now Jaune, you aren't ready to talk."

What?

What the hell was that supposed to mean?

I felt my anger bubbling up again.

Peter continued on. "As you are now, Jaune, you're consumed by your emotions. They control you, not the other way around." With that Peter let out a smile that instinctively filled me with dread. "So we'll just deal with it the way we always do."

With that Peter raised his hands up into a well-practiced guard. "Time for good old fashioned sparring, Jaune, just like old times."

Oh God.

It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

It was much, much worse.

You see if there was one thing that I hated more than sparring with Peter when he had his axe-musket it was sparring with him when he didn't.

What most people failed to realise is that the axe-musket was the second weapon that Peter mastered in his journey to become a hunter all those years ago. And Peter used the first ones to beat a Beowolf into unconsciousness.

Most people refer to them after being hit by them as, by either a train or a house.

Peter called them his left and right fists.

I am going to get my ass handed to me right now.

Screw it. I feel like hitting something anyway.

I bought my fists up into the shielding guard in front of my face, wary of the sheer power that I knew was behind Peter's fists.

Peter raised his arms into his own guard, perfectly held, still the epitome of a pugilist.

I wonder how Yang would take it if she knew that kindly professor Port could probably out box her with one hand tied behind his back.

We both moved forward, circling each other slightly each waiting for the other to make a move. Peter's eyes no longer held the joviality that was always within them otherwise. What stared back at me now were two orbs of obsidian, unyielding and unflinching. Peter's battle face.

Suddenly I lashed out with a left jab, easily blocked by Peter's guard but I didn't let up. Jab after Jab rained out, trying to find a gap in Peter's guard to no avail. It was like punching a brick wall, immovable from any direction.

OK that's not working.

Change to something else then.

I bounced on my feet switching from an orthodox stance to a south paw hoping the sudden change would confuse Peter as I started throwing out jabs with my right arm.

No dice there either.

Peter watched me with hardened eyes, either knocking away my jabs or letting them break harmlessly against his guard silently.

All right then fine, if that won't work then let's get closer!

I ducked my head and dashed forward ready to put the hurt onto Peter as I drew back my left fist for a straight. I didn't even see the fist that hit me. In a blur of movement so fast to call it a blink wouldn't do it justice, Peter had lashed out with a perfectly thrown left jab that caught me directly in the centre of the face, my own momentum adding more weight to the already formidable punch. I've been hit by Ursa that had less force behind them than this punch. And this was just a jab. I was surprised I was still conscious.

Wait, not for long.

As I stood there perfectly stunned by Peter's masterpiece of a blow, I saw his right fist blur forward and vanish. I didn't see it but I sure as anything felt it crash into my chin as it lifted me from my feat.

Well…

That's going to hurt in the morning.

I knew this was a bad idea.

WHAM

Darkness.

SPLASH

I spluttered as I got up, waving my arms wildly before groaning and clutching my face as it throbbed painfully.

Argh, that stings. What the hell happened?

"You all cooled off now Jaune, my boy?" I heard a voice ask jovially as a hand reached down to pull me up.

I looked up and there was Peter standing over me with a now empty bucket, apparently having used it to wake me up after he coldcocked me into unconsciousness.

Oh right. I sparred with Peter using only our hands.

Willingly.

Wow. I really must have been messed up.

"I'm fine now." I replied with a slight grimace taking Peter's hand as he pulled me up. "Thanks for knocking me out of my funk." My chin decided to throb painfully at that point and I rubbed it with a hiss. "Literally." I finished rather sardonically.

Peter chortled at that, slapping me on the back solidly and causing me to stagger forward. "Any time Jaune, my boy! But now then," Peter motioned to a seat as he sat down on his desk. "Time you and I had our little talk.

I nodded at that, grimacing as I took my own seat. The pain was thankfully fading fast. Thanks for that magic healing aura.

"How did you know I was going to be…" I struggled to find the words to accurately describe my previous state. "not okay?" I finally decided on.

Peter chuckled. "I had two hints Jaune my boy. The first was the fact that your teammates were looking for you."

I started at that, shocked. Then I remembered back to what I had done before leaving and groaned burying my head in my hands. I felt like an ass.

"Miss Nikos almost found you before I sent her off in the other direction." Peter admitted. I went to interrupt at that but Peter continued on regardless. "The second hint," Peter said his eyes softening, "is that you become like this at the same time every year Jaune."

Eh?

What's that supposed to mea…

Oh.

Now I get it.

Today's the day the Old Bastard found me after all.

I don't remember much about what led me to where the Old Bastard was. I don't remember anything really.

He'd found me washed up on the bank of the river outside Freshwater, my clothes torn and stained with blood, along with the gift on my back and tightly clutching the sheathed sword I used now tightly in my arms. I was so weak and feverish I didn't wake up until a week later, a near total amnesiac at the time, recalling nothing other than my name Jaune Arc.

As time went on, I started remembering more and more, that the sword was a family heirloom from the Great War, my birthday, that I was raised by mother, that my father died before I was born, that I loved my mother dearly. But even all these years later two things remained lost to me.

What my mother looked like.

And what led me to be washed up outside Freshwater in the first place.

But every year, without fail on the day I'd washed up on that shore, my blood would boil, my anger rise far quicker and swiftly, something deep within me saying that something horrible was going to happen on this day and force me to be ready for anything.

Until I realised why it was doing it anyway. Come tomorrow the sense of ill at ease would pass over once more until next year presumably.

Damn it.

Every year it came around and I still never realize it until someone else points it out.

Suddenly a thought struck me. Something which made absolutely no sense to me whatsoever.

"Peter," I began my tone full of suspicion, "How exactly did you remember the date? You're even worse than dates than I am."

That's a bit of an understatement there. Peter's forgotten his own birthday every year I've known him.

Peter coughed at that looking to the side. "Ahem, Uh, well you see there Jaune." What came next cut him off completely.

A loud squawk filled the air, and something blurred down from the roof latching onto my head with sharp claws. Two grey eyes staring down at me as they popped up over my head.

"I had a bit of a… reminder myself." Peter admitted with a chuckle as he gazed upon Spot sitting atop my head once again.

I sighed and raised a hand to pat the owl standing atop my head. "Hello Spot." I murmured, Spot pressing into my hand with a happy cry.

Suddenly Peter perked up again. "Ah yes, another thing before I forget." He started walking towards me. "Spot go ahead."

I frowned "Wait what are you…" I was interrupted by Spot's beak flashing down and pecking me solidly on the forehead.

"Ow, you little feathered…" I swore hands reaching for Spot as flew up and out of my reach.

"Calling out the name of a technique when using it in combat Jaune?" Peter questioned admonishingly shaking his head.

I cringed at that.

Uh-oh.

"I certainly don't remember teaching you that foolishness." He finished awaiting my explanation with a raised brow.

"You see, uh…" My mind trailed off struggling to find any excuse I could throw in the face of this.

C'mon Jaune think, think…

Bingo.

"The Old Bastard does it all the time." I finished thinking it to be a suitable defence.

Peter apparently disagreed. "Well Jaune my boy, you seem to be forgetting one very important aspect about his fighting style." Peter stated his eyes waiting for me to make the connection.

No worries there Peter, it's already hit me.

The Old Bastard would not be caught dead telling the truth in the best of times, let alone the middle of a fight.

"Piercing Headshot!"

BANG!

"ARGH! You sonofa, you shot me in the foot you Old Bastard!"

"And if you don't get up laddie, I'll shoot you in the other one you gullible fool!"

BANG!

I shook my head and sighed. "You're right Peter, I'm sorry."

But with that I remembered what it was I had been trying to ask Peter for the past few weeks.

"Peter why did you never teach me about aura?" I asked the question having bounced around my mind for the past few weeks, but every time I had gone to approach Peter either he had been drawn away or I had. "And why did neither you or the Old Bastard activate my aura?"

Peter seemed thrown by my question before sighing, massaging his brow with one hand. "Jaune." Peter began choosing his words carefully. "I know you've most likely been wondering about this for a while now, but I cannot give you the answer you seek."

What?

That makes…no sense whatsoever.

Why on earth wouldn't he be able to tell me?

"Peter I'm not a child anymore I'm ready to…" I started, trying to convince him.

"I swore an oath Jaune." Peter cut me off speaking solidly. "That is not something I do lightly or without reason. I will not break it."

Whoa.

This is much bigger than I thought.

Peter is very big on keeping his word, operating on the adage "a man's word is his bond" as one of his defining principles as both a man and as a gentlemen. In the entire time I had known Peter he had never to my knowledge lied. If the answer was not something he would want to say however he either tries to change the subject or won't answer at all.

For him to swear an oath…

Hold that thought.

"You swore an oath not to tell me something?" I asked slightly incredulous at this development. "Just me?"

Peter shook his head. "No Jaune, I swore not to tell anyone, you included." Peter said before taking a firm stance. "And I shall speak no more on the matter."

Well there goes that idea.

When Peter wants to be there is nothing in this world that can be more stubborn than him.

He isn't going to be changing his mind.

Spot flew back down and landed on my shoulder, butting his head against mine consolingly.

Thanks Spot.

"Now then Jaune." Peter said, walking towards my desk, his silver moustache bouncing away. "Time for the other reason I bought you here."

I raised an eyebrow at this. There was another reason?

"You should tell your teammates about this Jaune. It is a rather large part of who you are." Peter said quietly, his eyes looking straight into mine.

No way in hell.

That was the first thought that roared through my mind.

"Peter this is something incredibly private, to me and as much as I like my team…" I started.

Peter interrupted finishing my sentence for me. "The people that I am trusting to fight alongside me and protect my life for the considerable future." Peter finished dryly, idly buffing one of his cuffs.

I went to answer that before faltering, letting my head sink.

Damn it Peter, why do you have to be so good at that?

Makes it really hard to avoid problems.

Peter sighed and took a seat across from me. "Jaune, these are people you are going to be entrusting your life with during battle." Peter said staring at me.

"If you can't trust them with your past, then how can you possibly trust them with your life?" Peter said patting me on the shoulder. "Now then, time for some more sparring Jaune. Let's see if we can work out that rust."

Spot saw what was coming and with a loud cry flew off, dashing out the window to leave me to my fate.

I bit back a whimper before standing up and raising my guard in preparation for the one sided ass whooping that is to follow.

If I'm lucky I won't get knocked out this time.

I rather doubt that I'm going to be that lucky.

This is most definitely going to hurt in the morning.

I stumbled back to my room, my body aching from the torrent of blows that Peter had landed on me. Granted I blocked most of them but when you're fighting Peter it doesn't really feel like much of a difference.

I stood before the door and hesitated. Didn't really leave the room with a smile last time did you Jaune?

Okay, Jaune. You're going to have to do it eventually.

May as well do it now.

Wait no maybe they're asleep.

Yes! Then I wouldn't have to say anything!

I opened up the door to see Pyrrha sitting by the window staring out the into the night, Ren sitting on his bed preforming some maintenance on his emerald guns, and Nora bouncing up and down on her bed slowly.

Damn it.

No luck there Jaune.

Well may as well get it over with.

I closed the door behind me loudly to draw attention.

Pyrrha turned and saw me her eyes lighting up. "Jaune!" she cried out rushing forward to greet me before hesitating and coming to a stop.

That's right, I blew up at Pyrrha before I left, I let my temper get the better of me.

I'm an idiot. I stepped forward to apologize for my actions. "Pyrrha I am so sor…"

"JAUNE!" I heard Nora cry out before I turned… directly into the flying body slam that she threw at me jumping off her bed.

The air whooshed out of my lungs as I fell, luckily landing on one of the beds with Nora on top of me instead of the floor.

Ren stopped cleaning his gun for a moment to look down at me sprawled beneath the triumphant Nora. "Hey Jaune." He said before going back to cleaning his gun. "Feeling better?"

I lifted Nora off me and gasped, forcing air back into my lungs. "Mentally, yes." I answered before cradling my ribs, already sore from Peter's 'sparring session' "Physically…ask me again in the morning."

Wait Jaune don't get distracted, fight on! Finish what you started.

"I want to apologize to all of you, especially you Pyrrha, for my behaviour. I wasn't at my best but that's no excuse for me to be rude to any of you. I'm sorry." I said bowing my head slightly.

"We all have bad days." Ren drawled snapping the slide of his pistol back and forth as he did so. "It's fine."

Nora patted me on the head as if I were a dog. "So long as you keep making pancakes everything's all hunky-dory." Her hand stopped its patting for a moment. "You are still making pancakes right."

I rolled my eyes. Good old Nora. "Yes Nora I shall indeed be making more pancakes." I said in an utter deadpan.

Suddenly the head pat transitioned into a death noogie. "All is forgiven." Nora commanded before her knuckles ceased their assault on my head.

Pyrrha let out a giggle at our antics. "It's okay Jaune, I shouldn't have pushed you."

I sighed at that, glad.

I mean these guys are pretty much the first guys my age that I've been friends with so I really don't want to mess this up. I mean not including him of course.

But then again he's not really a friend per say.

More little annoying brother figure that always seem to find his way into trouble.

Usually because the idiot seeks it out in the first place.

Honestly he gives us honest blondes as bad name.

Wait Jaune, stop it. You're rambling again. Now you're halfway done now you've just got to finish.

Telling one of your deepest secrets to three other people.

And I'll have to show them that as well.

I'm surprised I could hide it for so long.

May as well do it now.

Buck up Jaune. Fortune favours the bold after all.

Apparently.

"There's something I need to tell you all." I said taking a seat on one of the beds. "You're my teammates so I'm trusting you with my life out there, I should be able to entrust you with my past as well." I stated firmly

Ren frowned. "Your past?" He questioned placing his weapon down, focusing entirely on me.

"You all remember that I live in the orphanage with the Old Bastard right?" I asked, making sure that everyone knew where I was going with this.

The others nodded in return.

Good.

Keep going Jaune.

"Well before that I lived with my mother, just me and her, I think in a house."

Nora oohed at that. "What did your mother look like Jaune, was she a blond like you?"

I flinched at that, something the others no doubt took notice of.

"Jaune?" Pyrrha asked concerned, an arm reaching forward.

I waved it off and exhaled loudly. C'mon Jaune finish what you've started.

"I don't know what my mother looks like." I admitted, saying aloud something I hadn't confessed to since I was still a child. "I can't remember anything about what she looks like."

"You can't remember?" Pyrrha whispered sounding dismayed. "What could cause such a thing to happen?"

"I don't know." I said flexing my left fist idly, "But something tells me a fire was involved."

The others went to interrupt at that but I kept on talking. I needed to keep talking. If I stopped here I don't think I'd be able to start again.

"When the Old Bastard found me washed up outside the village I only had three things on me." I continued standing up from the bed removing my blazer as I did so.

"My sword."

I removed the clingy blue vest

"My name."

I undid the buttons from my shirt and turned around.

"And this."

I dropped the shirt.

I heard gasps fill the air, and Ren swear quietly.

Yeah that's kinda what I've come to expect whenever anybody sees it.

I mean my body's by no means an unmarked place. I've got scars from fighting the Grimm, and training alongside the Old Bastard and anyone else who would all over me. But the thing on my back always seemed to make the rest of them seem inconsequential.

Whenever I see it in the mirror as I look over my shoulder the thought strikes me that it might have been so painful that my memory had fractured as a result of it.

On my back was a mark, a massive one that started just below my shoulders and extended downwards from there, leaving its colouring all over my back. It was quite a contrast to the rest of my skin, because it certainly wasn't the pale white of my skin tone.

No, instead there was black, a burn of such intensity it could easily have been mistaken for the work of a brand. But it wasn't a brand. The pattern wasn't uniform, some parts of it being darker, others lighter, the scar having no pattern so to speak just spread at random across the top half of my back.

A constant reminder of a past that I cannot remember.

I turned around, the mark on my back facing away from the others as I sat down again.

Well at least I don't have to sneak out early to change anymore.

One problem solved.

Pyrrha stepped forward hesitatingly, "Has it…has it always been so large?" Pyrrha asked indicating towards my back.

I shrugged. "Always seems the same size to me." I said pulling my shirt back on. "It never shrunk if that's what you're asking."

Ren 'hmm'd before turning towards Nora, "Am I the only one who saw that?" Ren asked, the question aimed at Nora, strangely.

Nora nodded, her face with a grave expression unlike any I'd seen on her before. "No I saw it too." She said quietly bringing her hands together.

Okay then. Looks like Ren and Nora seem to know something about the mark.

"You've seen this before?" I asked amazed. "I've never seen anyone else with it."

This could be it! This could be a link to the past I've been trying to remember!

Ren sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Not that scar, no, and nothing that large but I've seen something like it." Ren said before indicating towards Nora. "We both have."

"Well then?" I hedged, waiting for the answer, "What is it?"

Nora answered. "It's the mark of a dust explosion." Nora said her eyes misting over. "An aura powered flame, of the highest level applied directly to the flesh." She stopped for a moment and took a breath before continuing on. "My father has a burn like it on his left arm, when a dust weapon exploded when he was working on it."

Pyrrha apparently made a connection from what Nora was saying. "Oh my God." She whispered looking horrified.

Okay this is getting really old real fast.

"Okay whatever it is your seeing here I quite obviously am not so would you care to clue a guy in here?" I asked massaging my brow to stop what felt like an oncoming headache.

"It means that the mark on you back isn't just from a fire Jaune." Ren said his tone deadly serious. "It means that someone quite purposefully did that to you." Ren mimed holding a hand out. "From point blank range no less."

Huh.

Well…

That was…unexpected.

I honestly can't blame myself for not remembering something like that.

But this latest revelation gives birth to a new realization with a question attached to it.

That there was someone there on the night I got this scar, more than that someone purposefully gave me this scar.

"Who gave me the scar?" I murmured a hand almost unconsciously reaching back to touch the skin on my back where the mark rested.

Something told that was a question I was not going to find an answer to anytime soon.

The sound of gunfire rang out as I charged forward, shield raised up to weather the barrage as I approached my opponent.

If I could get there before she could retract her gun then I could end this match quickly.

I leapt forward, my sword swinging for an ending blow.

But it appears I'm out of luck in that regard.

As I approached, my opponent flicked her wrist, the mecha-shift of a weapon changing form sounded and where there was once a rifle there was now a sword swinging forward to counter my own blow.

Our swords clashed and we both spun away, my shield raised for another clash in case my opponent pursued me.

I grinned feeling the blood in my veins boil as it only did in combat. "Any chance you're getting tired Pyrrha?" I called over to my sparring partner, still smiling.

Pyrrha blew a strand of hair out of her eyes and stared back with a smile of her own. "You can give up if it's too much of a challenge for you, Jaune" Pyrrha replied cheekily gesturing at me with her sword as she did so.

It had been two weeks since out talk on my past and everything had proceeded swimmingly since then.

Well Cardin still fumed and gave me a death glare whenever I entered his presence but other than that it was great.

I'd started some research of my own into who would be capable of giving such a mark but so far was coming up with a blank.

But hey it was a start.

First semi-solid lead on my immediate past in a long time.

Pyrrha had stopped my sparring sessions against Nora and was now fighting me herself, and proceeding to show me just how far I had to go until I could be deeded a proficient user of both shield and sword.

Pyrrha was unbelievable with her weapons, wielding them with a grace I didn't believe to be possible.

It wasn't that Pyrrha's moves were incredibly complex, quite the opposite, the majority of her moves were bare-bones essential no flourish just purposeful movement. But what was so terrifying about her was the way she moved.

When Pyrrha fought it was like watching a dance, each move chaining into the next so smoothly it looked like one single attach rather than a dozen.

And she didn't just use her shield or sword-javelin-rifle either. Those greaves she wears on her leg aren't decorative. Getting kicked by a leg that's completely covered in armour puts a lot more weight behind the strike then you'd first expect.

Not to mention that time she just didn't use her shield to block and deflected my sword with her leg while she brained me with her shield.

I'm sure I would have been gob-smacked if the room would've stopped spinning.

But that was then, and this time I was feeling lucky.

Pyrrha rushed forward and I charged to meet her, our shields slamming into each other leading to a contest of strength between the two of us.

Now physically I might have head the edge slightly, but Pyrrha's technique was flawless and she didn't move an inch.

Suddenly I heard the unmistakable sound of a weapon shifting and my eyes widened in realization. I leapt back just in time to avoid the javelin thrust around Pyrrha's shield from striking me.

Pyrrha gave no quarter to me and kept up the attack a flurry of thrusts lashing out at me, only the quick movements of my shield keeping the assault at bay.

I can't keep up my defence under this kind of heat much longer. Time for something crazy.

If Pyrrha had one weakness and it wasn't much of a weakness at that, it was she expected her human opponents to be rational, to use logical strategies and techniques, protecting oneself from harm and the like.

So she by no means expected me to charge directly into her oncoming attack, the spear tip slicing my cheek as I weaved my head out of the way and crash tackled her to the ground.

We rolled together from the impact and I stopped atop of her my blade drawn back for the finishing strike when I felt something sharp poke me in the stomach.

I looked down to see Miló in its sword form lightly tapping my stomach beneath my breastplate.

Death blow.

Ah blast it.

Looks like Pyrrha wins.

Again.

I stood up and pulled my teammate to her feet collapsing my shield as I did so.

"Honestly thought I had you that time." I said with a chuckle placing my sword within its sheathe. "But it looks like I'm not there yet." I said with a shake of my head.

Pyrrha smiled and slung Miló and Akoúo̱ onto her back before replying. "You almost did get me with that last attack Jaune." Pyrrha said patting me on the shoulder. "What was that technique called?"

I shrugged at that. "I dunno." I admitted with a smile, "Please god don't let this screw up?" I said with a laugh.

Pyrrha punched me on the shoulder before laughing as well.

Man she packs a mean punch.

Suddenly Nora popped up in front of us and gathered the two of us into a bear hug. "Ren's making pancakes!" She squealed whirling us around in a circle.

I looked over her shoulder to see a battered Ren sigh despondently while brushing the dirt off his clothes.

Better luck next time Ren.

"All right then" I said making my way to the dining hall with my team. "Let's go have pancakes."

And so we went off for our dinner of pancakes, the night before our field trip to Forever Fall for Professor Peach.

The forest of Forever Fall was certainly a beautiful place to behold.

The numerous crimson trees standing tall and immovable, their crimson leaves falling slowly to the ground like giant red snowflakes, before blending into the equally red grass that crunched lightly beneath our feet.

It seems I wasn't the only one taken aback by the beauty of this place, I could see the others turning their heads to take in the sights around them as well, Ruby spinning to and fro with a childlike wonder on her face.

Professor Goodwitch had taken the lead in front of us leading us to our eventual destination, with Team RWBY and JNPR following behind her. Team CRDL hung back a bit further still following but clearly not wanting to associate with the other teams. Cardin was still clearly smouldering after our last few encounters.

I found I regretted what I had done to Cardin, slightly. Not because I thought he was right no, but rather that I was held under the sway of my own anger when I struck at him. I probably shouldn't have said he was born retarded either.

I sighed. I'm going to have to apologize for that one. That may have been taking it too far.

The guy's still an ass though, no doubts there.

The stack of glass bottles within the crate I carried clinked lightly together with each step I took, as I smiled while looking at the others joy gazing upon the falling leaves.

I have to admit, the trees here have a kind of natural beauty I've never witnessed before, a very different type of beauty than the one back home.

The trees here seemed to whisper constantly as the breeze ran through them, showering us lightly with leaves as we walked past.

It was a kind of beauty that was so pure it almost seemed to be unnatural.

But I know better than anyone that just because it looks pretty doesn't mean it isn't dangerous. There's a reason we all came here armed with a trained huntress as an escort after all.

Professor Goodwitch spoke up then, still walking forward slowly, hands clasped behind her back as her cape fluttered lightly with each movement addressing all of us.

"Yes students the forest of Forever Fall is indeed beautiful. But we are not here to sight see. Professor Peach has asked all of you to collect samples form the trees deep inside this forest. And I'm here to make sure that none of you die doing so." With that she stopped turning on her heel to face us as we all came to a stop.

I have to admit I was rather interested in collecting the sap these trees expelled from what I've read during classes they have quite a wide range of functions, including acting as a natural Grimm attracter, thus explaining the presence of them within the forest.

I might just grab a bottle myself and ask the old Bastard what kind of tonic of poultice can be made from them. After I give it a try myself first.

You never what you can make if you try.

That being said some of the things you make at random can turn out to taste rather bad.

….

Okay, most of the things.

Hold on, looks like Professor Goodwitch is talking again.

"Each of you is to gather one jar's worth of red sap." She said gesturing with an already full jar to illustrate. "However this forest is full of the creatures of Grimm, so be sure to stay by your teammates. We will rendezvous back here at four O'clock. Have fun!" She finished with a little wave, shooing us off to complete out task.

I walked around the various teams handing out the empty glass jars we all needed to collect the sap, receiving thank yous from my teammates and friends and well, the expected grunt and shove from Cardin and his team.

Eh.

Can't win them all.

Nora picked a direction and proceeded to skip off humming happily, with Ren walking measured steps behind her. I made my own way after them, with Pyrrha walking beside me, giving a smile as she turned towards me.

Ruby came up beside us, with the rest of her team soon following on after.

Yang spoke up, "So how do we get the sap out of the tree again?" She asked lightly bouncing her glass jar up and down in her palm.

I spoke up at that before one of them proceeded to rush off and cut one of the branches off in an effort to obtain the sap within. "The trees naturally excrete the sap through its bark, just like how sweat exits our skin. The trees do it to keep themselves from overheating just like we do when we sweat."

Pyrrha turned towards me. "You sure are knowledgeable about these trees Jaune." Pyrrha praised, her emerald eyes sparkling lightly.

How does that even happen anyway?

Is it some kind of secret female technique?

Eh.

I shrugged, rubbing the back of my head. "I've always had an interest in flora growing up. Kind of an asset when your village is surrounded by forest land."

Ruby oohed before seemingly realizing something asking "Who's Flora? Is she a gardener back at your village?"

I laughed at that, bringing a hand up to muffle my chuckles.

Weiss enlightened Ruby taking a long suffering sigh before she started. "Flora is another name for plants Ruby." Weiss said rolling her eyes as she did so.

"Guys, over here!" I heard Nora call out, seeing her waving her hands at us jumping up and down.

Ren was already kneeling by one of the trees, collecting the dull red sap that was exiting from the tree.

This will do nicely.

I walked up to one of the trees and started collecting the sap that was flowing from it. It almost looks like blood exiting a wound, rather than the sap of a tree.

Just goes to show you things can be more than they appear.

I sneezed suddenly scrunching up my nose.

Geh! I don't know what makes the Grimm go crazy about this stuff but it's making my sinuses go haywire.

I sneezed again, stepping away from the tree and capping my jar before I got another sniff of the sap.

Blake seemed to have noticed my dilemma.

"Are you okay Jaune?" She asked approaching with her usual cat-like grace.

And there was another thing that had arisen over the past few weeks.

The fact that Blake was a Faunus and was actively hiding the fact she was one.

I think.

I suspected it at first, her natural gait being far too similar to that of Kira's stealthy stalk, as well as her perpetual bow which I never saw her without.

As someone who had endeavoured to hide part of his body for the better part of his life I'd like to think I knew when someone was doing the same.

Well, that and I saw her bow twitch and swivel as if it were ears so I'm guessing their beneath them.

Anyway…

If Blake wants to hide her ears that's her business, and in addition to that, not my secret to tell.

I sneezed again, moving away from the sap, before answering Blake. "I think I might be slightly allergic to the sap." I said, my voice slightly muffled by my nose clogging up.

Ruby turned at that concerned. "Do you think you're going to need something?" Ruby asked worry clear on her face.

I waved her off, smiling reassuringly. "I'm fine. It's just like hay fever." I sneezed again interrupting myself. I sighed. On second thoughts maybe a walk to clear my head would be a good idea.

I turned to the others , giving a wave as I walked off. "I'm just going to go clear my head, back in a minute." I called, making my way out of the clearing.

With that I got several goodbyes, Nora's muffled by the tree sap she was drinking, somehow does not surprise me, and Yang saying cheerfully, "Don't get eaten by an Ursa!" with a happy wave.

Thanks Yang, almost forgot that vital piece of information right there.

Still it is a forest full of trees that naturally attract Grimm, so I shouldn't let my guard down.

With that thought a loud growl echoed through the forest, and suddenly I saw team CRDL sprint through the foliage like they were being chased.

Wait no, there are only three of them.

Where's Cardin?

Another roar echoed out from where the remainder of team CRDL had been running from.

Crap, he could be in trouble!

I started sprinting towards the sound of the roars. Now Cardin may be an ass of epic proportions but that doesn't mean he deserves to die.

I refuse to let anyone die in front of me again.

I drew my sword and extended my shield in mid-run my eyes scanning for Cardin's form.

I slid into a clearing through some red bushes just in time to see an unarmed Cardin get smacked by a massive Ursa heavily onto his back.

My eyes narrowed. That wasn't just any old Ursa, that was an Ursa Major, an Ursa that had an increased amount of natural armour plating, sharp spikes protruding from its back to prevent attackers from exploiting a possible weak point, and worst of all was several degrees higher in cunning, ferocity and overall fighting ability than your standard Ursa.

Just like the one that led the assault on my village.

Granted this one was smaller but it was still at the very least more than twice my size.

This has taken a turn for the worse, Cardin's done something to his left leg so he can't stand on it, leaving him easy prey for the Ursa Major.

The Grimm reared up on its rear legs, drawing back its left paw for a carving slash that would undoubtedly kill Cardin.

I slid in front of Cardin and raised my shield bracing for the impact.

THUNK

A month ago a blow like that would have sent me flying but with Pyrrha's training and Nora's help I was easily able to block the blow.

I grunted, pushing back against the Ursa's weight as it continued to put pressure on its arm in an attempt to crush me.

I heard Cardin speak up behind me, "Jaune!?" he said incredulously in disbelief at my presence.

I grimaced still holding back the Grimm's attack. "Any chance you can get up Cardin?" I asked through gritted teeth, feet slowly starting to give way under the Ursa Major's assault.

"I can't put any pressure on my leg." Cardin said an undertone of panic in his voice, "And when the thing attacked me, my sap bottle broke over my armour."

I swore. Great, we have an unarmed, immobile Cardin who's covered in something that attracts Grimm like the big bear before me.

I have to kill this one and get Cardin back to the others before more Grimm start showing up.

With a yell, I forced the Grimm's paw aside, before slashing at it with my sword trying to land a fatal blow. The sword carved into the Grimm's flesh, knocking it back slightly but the Ursa Major's naturally thicker muscles deflected the worst of the blow.

I charged forward, shield raised up high before slamming into the Ursa Major's mass forcing it back as much as I could away from Cardin.

So far so good.

Apparently the Ursa Major had had enough of that plan and promptly lashed out with another scything strike to take out my legs.

I leapt the blow easily, my sword drawn back to strike when I saw the Ursa Major's other arm swing around to attack my mid-air form.

I raised my shield to deflect the oncoming blow when I felt it.

My nose tingling.

Oh god.

Not now.

Please anytime but now.

I sneezed, my eyes closing reflexively in response.

The blow slammed into my shield awkwardly, my body being sent tumbling back towards Cardin, my sword falling loose from my grip as I did so.

I twisted to my feet mid-roll, skidding from the excess momentum before coming to a stop toward s Cardin.

Where's my sword?

I turned and saw it impaled in one of the trees surrounding the clearing.

Okay well that is just great.

Now I've got to keep the Ursa from killing not only me, but also Cardin without my sword. And I can't retrieve my sword without leaving Cardin to die.

Great.

The Ursa Major snarled viciously, saliva dropping from its maw as it narrowed its eyes at us. Then the Grimm's leg muscles tensed and it launched itself forward, a stampede of flashing claws and crushing strength.

I swore.

Things had just gone from out of the frying pan and into the fire at the absolute worst time imaginable.

I may have been able to block the Ursa before but it wasn't a charging mass of bloody death before.

"Cardin any chance you can get up now?" I asked eyeing the approaching Grimm.

Cardin shook his head despondently "Just go Jaune." He said quietly, "If you stay here we're both going to die."

No.

It's okay Jaune.

NO!

You did your best.

I refuse to let this happen again!

I am not going to stand by and watch someone die in front of me again.

"Come ON!" I roared charging forward in front of Cardin, raising my shield bracing for the impact.

I may not be able to block the charging Ursa but I'll be damned if I don't try.

Please, something, anything!

Just let me save him!

Suddenly the colour of the world faded, the sounds ceased and everything froze mid movement even me.

Wha…

What the?

My eyes snapped to the Ursa, frozen in mid-bound, the falling red leaves static in the air.

This is…unreal.

I tried to move but my body did not respond to any of my commands, nothing at all.

I wasn't even breathing.

How is that possible?

Suddenly the sights in front of me vanished, shattering like a pane of glass and evaporating into nothingness, leaving a different scene behind it.

What was now in front of me was the endless night sky, but bizarrely with not a single star present. Instead all that remained was the moon, larger and brighter than I had ever seen it before.

I felt something surge through me, something strange and paradoxical.

It was like a fire that froze the blood in my veins, like a blinding light that bought infinite darkness.

It was something that my thoughts could not comprehend but every sense in my body screamed that it was right.

That it was MINE.

This power had spread over every inch of my form but still it was not active, akin to a torch waiting to be lit.

A sound echoed out, a great cracking sound.

I looked back at the giant moon and saw great fissures start to form across the moon, a great white shining light seeping through the cracks.

The fissures spread further and further, criss-crossing as they passed each other before they finally stopped, the sound fading to nothing, the moon now seeming to have an array of glowing white stitches upon it.

There was silence, akin to the calm before a storm breaks and then suddenly…

The moon shattered into fragments with concussive force, white light exploding from within it, blinding my eyes.

Reality reasserted itself, the scene once more that of the oncoming Ursa Major, rearing up to deliver a death blow to myself.

I know I should be panicking, that I should not be able to defend myself from this foe.

But an eerie sense of calm has consumed me, a sense of total ease, an inner knowledge that nothing can stop me.

My shield arm moved forward to block the Grimm on its own, my legs sinking into a firm stance.

I am not worried about the oncoming Grimm.

It will fail before my shield, as surely as the sun rises in the morning and sets in the evening.

The Grimm leaps forward, its claws outstretched but I do not move.

For my shield shall not fail me.

For I shall not fail.

The Grimm collided with the shield and the blinding light from before shone out, the field vanishing in white light.

The Ursa Major was launched backwards, tumbling ass over tea kettle before slamming into the trees heavily, a loud roar of pain echoing from the Grimm.

The power flowing through my body pulsed with every beat of my heart.

Unyielding.

Unstoppable.

And then it was gone.

I collapsed to my knees, heaving, forcing air into my lungs in the face of this sudden onset of exhaustion.

What…What was that?

It seemed like a dream.

I looked up to see the Grimm's fore claws lay scattered on the ground before me. They must have shattered when they connected with my shield.

Did I do that?

How did I do that?

Please say I don't have to get up and fight that thing again.

I don't think I can do that again.

I turned to see the Ursa Major was still stunned in the face of…whatever it was did.

I forced myself up, before stumbling my way towards Cardin.

Need to get him out of here.

And get my sword.

That too.

Then get me and Cardin out of here.

Cardin looked at me, a face of near awe present. "Jaune…how did you?" He asked, as clueless as I was as to what had happened.

"Honestly?" I gasped, my legs feeling a bit shaky myself, "No idea. Now come on, we've got to get out of here." With that I pulled Cardin to his feet, swaying slightly as I supported him.

Whoa.

I really am tired.

A snarl sounded across the clearing, causing a shiver to rise up my spine.

Oh come on, what now?

Wait no, it's only our friend the Ursa Major.

Wow, he looks pissed.

Guess he didn't appreciate his fore claws breaking off.

Well I've got nothing left in the tank.

Could really use some help here.

With that thought, a barrage of gunfire slammed into the Ursa Major.

Ruby and Pyrrha charged into the clearing, firing rounds into the Grimm's body to draw its attention.

The in a blur of motion, Weiss appeared behind the distracted beast, her Dust Rapier piercing it's rear left leg, a snap of ice sounding as she immobilised it.

Pyrrha flicked her wrist, Miló transforming from rifle to javelin before launching it forward, slamming it into its right shoulder, its arm flinging backwards from the force of it.

And with that Ruby appeared before the Ursa Major in a flurry of red rose petals and with one clean swing, decapitated the Grimm, leaving it to collapse to its side with a thump.

Thank you Ruby, Weiss and Pyrrha.

Perfect timing.

I stumbled over to my sword, Cardin still being supported by me as I went to retrieve it, collapsing my shield and placing it by my side.

Cardin spoke up suddenly.

"Thank you." Cardin said, his eyes not meeting mine, "For saving my life."

I sighed, the strength ebbing from my limbs. "You could be a great guy Cardin." I said, finding it hard to speak. "Just try to be nicer to everyone, okay?"

Cardin went to say something back but I couldn't hear it, the sound becoming muffled somehow.

I reached my hand up and pulled my sword loose from the tree, astounded at how much effort it took to do so.

I slid the sword into its sheathe, before turning around slowly to see Pyrrha, Weiss and Ruby before us, the others now entering the clearing Professor Goodwitch in tow.

Their mouths opened, obviously saying something but I could not hear them, the sound acting as if I was underwater.

That looks like my name they're saying.

What was happening?

Suddenly the realization struck me, and I shrugged Cardin off my shoulder so he was balancing on one foot.

Good I won't knock him over then.

Then the last of the strength faded from my body and I collapsed bonelessly, the last sight I could see before the darkness overtook it was the outstretched arms of the girls, and the others charging forwards, the red leaves falling slowly as the light faded.

Then darkness.

Darkness.

Everything before me was consumed in darkness, a blackness so complete I could not even make out my own hands.

It was an endless void, a place with no light whatsoever.

Then suddenly a bright light shone in front of me, blindingly bright.

I raised a hand to shield my eyes and through the gaps, I made out a figure standing in the light.

What the?

Who is that?

Suddenly a voice echoed from all around me, the very air shaking with each word.

"You are the light that burns away the darkness Jaune." The voice spoke, the light pulsing with each word.

Wait a minute I know that voice.

"Mother?" I whispered incredulously, walking towards the light.

The voice of my mother continued on.

"But take heed Jaune. The brighter the light shines, the longer the shadows grow."

I was running now, sprinting towards the figure in the light.

"Mother!" I called the light burning ever brighter with every step I took closer.

The figure extended a hand, reaching forward as if to pull me from the shadows.

"Take my hand."

I was dashing along now, moving faster than I had ever dared to before, aware now of the darkness seeking to grasp me, countless clawed hands extending from the darkness towards me.

I dove forward, the endless arms of darkness extending to steal me away as my hand grasped the figure's.

"Wake up Jaune."

I woke up with a gasp, sitting upright, breathing heavily in the face of what I had seen.

That was…

I don't know what that was.

A memory?

A vision?

A dream?

I had quickly found when I was younger that often remembering things lead to more questions rather than answers.

Seems to be the same in this instance too.

I used a hand to push the hair from my eyes, immediately noticing the layer of sweat soaking it.

Damn.

I must look like a mess.

I looked up to find myself laying on a bed in Beacon Academy's med bay, the curtains drawn shut around my bed hiding the outside world from view.

I pulled the curtains back to reveal the rest of the med bay the lights dimmed low. It was dark outside, guess I must have been out of it for a while.

I saw my team and team RWBY spread out across the room asleep, dead to the world. Looks like Ren had elected to sleep on the floor, while the others had fallen asleep in the chairs or the couch in the waiting area.

I stretched my arms with a groan, my bones cracking as they extended.

I patted down my clothes, glad to find I was still in the same clothes I'd been in earlier.

Now my mind said that I should probably stay here, and wait for whoever was running the med bay to return.

My body said otherwise.

My stomach was raising the issue of its utter emptiness, while my bladder was making itself abundantly present that it was full and required emptying.

Right then.

Jog off to the bathroom, relive myself, grab a snack to eat from the kitchens and make it back here before anyone wakes up.

Easy.

Or at least to my sleep addled, food-deprived mind it was.

Screw it, I am really freaking hungry right now.

If I don't get something to eat soon I might start gnawing at my own arm.

I lifted myself off the bed, checking first to see if my legs could take my weight and was glad to note they were working just fine.

I tiptoed between the menagerie of sleeping bodies of my friends and slid open the door and closed it quietly behind me.

I let out sigh of relief.

Good, didn't wake any of them.

Right then, where's the nearest toilet?

Okay bladder's empty, time to end my hunger.

I opened the door to the kitchen, flicking the light on as I did so.

Okay, food, where's the food?

I went to open up a few of the cupboards to no avail, they were all locked.

Blast.

Wait no, idea!

The fridge.

I shambled over to the fridge, yawning as I did so and opened it up, the inner fridge light turning on as I did so.

Let's see here…

No…

Water…

No…

Unidentifiable mouldy thing….

No…

Aha!

Bowl of apples!

That would do nicely.

I grabbed an apple from the bowl, bouncing it slightly in my hand as I closed the fridge door and turned around.

Professor Ozpin stood behind me, cane in one hand, mug of coffee in the other, his brown eyes gazing at me over his glasses.

I nearly dropped my apple in shock seeing him appear behind me like that.

Seriously what is he, half ninja or something?

Ozpin smiled lightly before placing his mug down on the bench and drawing out his Scroll tapping on it briefly.

"Glynda." He said calmly. "Inform Mr Arc's friends that I've found their wayward comrade, we're on our way back to the med bay now."

With that he closed his Scroll and slid it back to its place within his suit.

He picked up his coffee and took a sip, before turning and making his way to the door.

"Come on then Jaune." Ozpin called over his shoulder. "Time for you to return to the med bay."

I picked up the pace and drew level with Professor Ozpin, scarfing down my apple as I did so.

"How did you know I'd be in the kitchen Professor?" I asked honestly curious as to how he'd found me.

Ozpin let loose a quiet chuckle at that. "I wasn't looking for you at all." He admitted the clack of his cane echoing in the hallway with every step. "I was just getting myself a light snack to eat."

His eyes caught mine suddenly. "Please don't tell Professor Goodwitch that's why I was there, she doesn't like me going to the kitchens this late at night."

I nodded in agreement, knowing full well the wrath a displeased Professor Goodwitch could bring to the table at will.

"So," I ventured taking between each bite of the apple, "What happened to me, exactly?"

Professor Ozpin took another sip of his coffee before answering me. "You actively made use of your aura for the first time." Ozpin said gesturing slightly with his mug as he did so. "However you used so much you nearly ran yourself dry, so your body shut down while your aura replenished itself.

Well, makes sense. I only just unlocked my aura so I can't expect to have perfect control over it instantaneously or anything like that.

That would be ridiculous.

Still that sense of calm that had come over me back then, the way my emotions and feelings had dulled until only my goal, my purpose had remained…

Something tells me that is not a normal part of using ones aura.

But before I could continue with my questioning we entered the med bay where I was promptly swept away in a flurry of movement by everyone inside.

A torrent of questions flew at me as I was forced into bed, all seeming to sound at the same time so I couldn't tell who said what.

"Jaune!"

"Are you okay?"

"Where did you go?"

"What were you thinking?"

"Where are my pancakes?"

"What happened?"

Suddenly there was a sharp cracking sound and everyone turned to see Professor Goodwitch holding her Dust riding crop, held firmly in both hands. "Mr Arc." Goodwitch said tightly, bending the riding crop slightly as her razor sharp eyes cut into me. "In the future if you so happen to find yourself in the med bay, you are not to leave your bed unless cleared by the one in charge. Now return to your bed."

I blinked.

Honestly I felt fine.

"Uh, Professor Goodwitch, I feel just fine." I said shrugging my shoulders. "So why don't I just go back to…"

The riding crop lashed out with another loud 'crack' stopping just before my ear.

"That was not a suggestion Mr Arc." Goodwitch's green eyes narrowed. "Get. In. The. Bed." She enunciated slowly, the veins on the hand holding the riding crop beginning to appear as she was gripping it so tightly.

Or not.

That right there was well beyond a 'displeased' Professor Goodwitch.

This was a genuine 'I shall reduce you to dust with my eyes' Professor Goodwitch.

Oh dear.

I've got a very large feeling that If I don't get into the bed now, I won't be getting out of it for the better part of a month when she's through with me.

I got into the bed so quickly I'm surprised I didn't blur while doing so.

"The rest of you." Goodwitch said turning her sharp gaze on the others, Ruby letting out an 'eep' as she did so. "Return to your dorm rooms and sleep. Mr Jaune will re-join you in the morning."

And with that the room was empty bar myself and Goodwitch.

Goodwitch walked over to what appeared to be her desk and sat down, waving her riding crop to dim the lights with her aura. "Get some rest Mr Arc." Goodwitch ordered, opening up her Scroll and working away at it quietly.

I blinked again, feeling just how hard it was to keep my eyes open now.

Sleep does sound like a good idea.

I flipped over so I was lying on my chest instead of my back and sunk into the pillow.

Oh that feels so good.

I'm just going to snooze for like…

An hour…or six.

Either or.

AN: Whoo!

There's another 10,000 and so words for you to read, hope you enjoy it.

Also cyber-cookies for everyone who got the reference in chapter 3!

Was thinking about releasing this chapter later but figured I'd release it now as something for you all to read before Episode 16 comes out.

That being said the new characters from Episode 15 have already been written into the world of White Knight. But how?

Anywho, time to answer some reviews!

Miwokgirl101: In all honesty when it comes to the Romance side…I'm NOT TELLING AHAHAHA! In all seriousness though this Jaune is a guy who's grown up without interacting with any girls his age, he's not quite sure about things like love. For now he's just being friendly. That may change later. Maybe.

Person With Many Aliases: Firstly Whoa. I think that's the most detailed review I've ever gotten. I love it! This is precisely what I want from a review! Thanks for telling me what you thought and I hope I dressed the problems you saw. As to my beta, I now have one, sort of. I post the chapter and he proceeds to send me an edited version of it later.

KSLCross: Thanks for the support mate! Like I said earlier on, your story was the one that inspired me to write this in the first place.

Kisdota-The Freak Gamer: Thanks for the review mate. Sorry I didn't rag on Cardin more but in White Knight at least while Cardin may be an ass for now, he is not an irredeemable one. Also as for couples see my answer to Miwokgirl101.

Also special thanks to everyone else who's reviewed so far: ScorpionsBane, DarkSonicDX, Guardian Mikey, Benny 235 the Solid Wolf, KageNoYoko, LittleSunDragon-Chan, You are right … NOT, ultima-owner, NARUTOfan876, Danz707, Black Fuego, Wixeron, martin jun, Serfius, , Deadly Animals Are Cute, CryptlXeeper, Enderkiller77, ShadowMario3, RockManSpike, one who walks the path of fire, yojimbo89, regent septimus, Pickle the chicken, chad001, duragon146, writinginreverse, MoRGzY1 and garoorar.

Thank you for all your support along with everyone who didn't review as well.

The plot thickens! We have learnt more about Jaune's mysterious past. But more questions have arisen in response.

Who gave Jaune that mysterious burn on his back?

Was that Jaune's mother within the light?

What does the shattered moon have to do with Jaune?

What mysterious powers will Jaune's aura reveal?

Find out next time on DRAGON BAL…wait no that's not right.

Later!

The Inner Hollow