2

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Chapter 2

My eyes shot open, body flipping forward, reaching for my sword as I…

My sword was not there.

Reality reasserted itself as the sleep faded from my eyes.

That's right. I'm in the Beacon academy ballroom, alongside the other prospective huntsman and huntresses that arrived yesterday.

I brushed the hair out of my eyes, rubbing my head idly.

Damn it.

Even here the dreams still plague me.

I directed my gaze to the window. The sun had just begun peaking up over the horizon.

Dawn.

Well I'm not going to get anymore sleep, may as well do something productive.

I quietly packed my sleeping bag back into my bag of other stuff and slung it over my shoulder. Then I carefully made my way around the sleeping people strewn haphazardly around the floor. Take it from me, a foot to the face is never a pleasant way to wake up. Crazy old man.

I made my way to locker 636 where I had stowed my gear yesterday and quickly changed out of my sleepwear into my regular gear. I was fine with doing it there since no one else was up or likely would be up for quite some time and thus wouldn't see me change.

I strapped on my armour over my jacket, made sure the latch to my pouch was shut tight, and made my way outside. Didn't want to wake anyone up after all.

I stepped outside, the crisp call morning air making me shiver slightly before I got used to it. Well, here's as good a place as any. Time to warm up.

Okay Jaune, today's the day of the test after all. And Hunters and Huntresses work in teams. You can defend much better with a shield than a sword after all. That's why it's a shield.

I drew my sword before extending the sheath into its shield form. I spun it around staring at the symbol emblazoned upon it. Two yellow arcs that made me think of the moons that orbited around our planet. And the same sensation as always when I looked at that symbol. A kind of dulled recognition, a sense of familiarity but no actual knowledge as to what it was.

I slipped my left arm into the grips for the shield and readied myself. Okay it does feel slightly odd wearing the shield. It feels even odder not being able to flick my sword to my left hand if I wanted to.

I began moving my left arm first, twisting and contorting it in a variety of movements to see if the shield would impair my range at all. Not particularly. The weight was noticeable yes, but negligible, I was used to lifting far heavier things during my chores back home.

Then I began moving my right arm as well my sword swinging slowly, before picking up speed and momentum as I flicked it around the open air.

Then I started moving. Because if there's one thing I've realised in my admittedly limited amount of experience fighting it's this. Never stop moving. Or at least not for long.

My legs extended and slammed against the ground, pushing me forward and backward, increasing my speed or halting it, jumping and dodging, rolling out of the way of imaginary enemies while making sure not to stab myself with my sword or crack myself in the face with my shield.

I looked up at the sun once more to see It had now cleared the horizon and it was well and truly day. The previously cool air had begun to warm up without my notice and was now very soothing as compared to the harsh bite the morning chill had held.

GRUMBLE

I started at the sound before realizing it was me, the sudden hunger that had built up from my early morning exercise now apparent. I collapsed my shield, and sheathed my sword within it.

Time for some food.

After walking back to the locker and stowing my gear back inside it, I made my way to the cafeteria to see what food they had on display. A few other people were already sitting down, digging into their own breakfast while conversing with others. Let's see what we have here…

Bacon…

Eggs…

Cereal…

Pancakes.

Oh yeah, its pancake time.

After piling a few pancakes onto my plate and drizzling some maple syrup on top I made my way to an empty table and sat down.

I breathed in deeply.

Okay.

Moment of truth right now.

I cut off a slice of the pancake, making sure it had some maple syrup on it and bought it into my mouth.

That is some good pancake right there.

I sighed in contentment, before taking a bite of my next piece of pancake.

"Hello, Pancake Buddy!" A bubbly voice said loudly next to my ear.

I started from shock and proceeded to almost choke to almost choke to death on the pancake I'd been trying to eat.

A hand started thumping me on the back, helping me to breathe without the threat of death by pancake. "Nora you should really stop doing that." A male voice said with a slight scolding tone clearly being present in his voice.

I stopped coughing and turned to see two people taking a seat next to me a boy and a girl. The orange haired girl, Nora I presumed, had a white shirt with a hole the shape of a heart cut out, slightly revealing her chest with some kind of high-collared torso armour on top of it as well as a pink skirt. She also had some strange detached white sleeves that were on her arms and pink fingerless gloves. Her blue eyes sparkled with a kind of boundless joy and energy that the kids had back home. At that realization one thought dominated my mind when it came to this smiling girl who was chattering away.

Do not give her sugar.

Ever.

Her friend on the other hand had a much more calm personality compared to Nora. He was tall, about the same height as me with black hair that was bound in a ponytail reaching down his back with a single bright pink stripe on part of the bangs in front of his eyes. His eyes were exactly the same shade as the stripe in his hair and held a cool calm look to them. He had some elaborate dark green overcoat on, with black and gold colouring certain stripes and ties on it, probably some kind of underskirt judging by the black sleeves extending from the overcoat and dull white pants. Looks like it cost a few lien, not your average outfit.

"I'm Jaune." I said extending a hand to the guy next to me.

"Ren." He replied with a handshake and a small smile before turning to his pancakes. Man of few words apparently.

"And I'm Nora!" Nora called as I felt her hands wrap round me for a hug. God, I can feel my ribs grinding from the force of it. That is some strength.

"Nice to meet you Nora," I gasped lightly as she released me, patting my ribs reassuringly to make sure they hadn't turned into powder from the sheer force of the bear hug I'd just endured, "How are you?"

Nora's grin widened and let loose a torrent of words unlike anything I'd ever seen. She even outstripped the kids back home at story time and I didn't even think that was possible. It was like trying to catch a bullet with your hand, I caught small fragments but missed the grand majority. It became even harder to understand as Nora proceeded to inhale her pancakes. I refuse to call it eating. No one can eat that fast.

Wait what was she saying?

Something about teams and Ren…

Wanting to be on the same team maybe?

Wait what do I do?

Time for Jaune Arc's fall back strategy number one.

Smile and nod, Jaune. Just smile and nod.

I caught Ren's eye and raised an eyebrow, Ren just shrugged while rolling his eyes. Looks like he's built up an immunity.

We made our way to the locker room where our weapons were held, as Nora continued to talk as well as whooshing around us, no longer impeded by a seat. Has she even stopped to breathe yet?

I waved goodbye to Nora and Ren as they stopped at their lockers and made my way towards my own as Nora began contemplating a secret signal. That girl has a lot of energy. Oh look there's Ruby and Yang.

"Hi Ruby, Yang." I said waving a hand in greeting, "You ready for the test?"

Yang waved hello to me, drawing my eyes to the golden bracelets on both of her wrists. So that must be her weapon. Arm blades? Or gauntlets maybe? Eh, I'll find out soon enough. "You betcha!" Yang said cheerfully brimming with confidence.

"Yep." Ruby said smiling brightly as she pulled her collapsed scythe from the locker, "No more awkward small talk, or getting to know you stuff, today I get to let my sweetheart do the talking." With that she proceeded to hug the scythe with a happy little smile on her face.

I blinked slowly before leaning towards Yang. "Does this happen often?" I asked quietly a grin on my face.

Yang snorted and punched me on the shoulder. Ow, that actually hurt! She sure knows how to punch. "Well remember Ruby you're not the only one going through initiation." Yang said. At this I proceeded to point at myself and Yang. Yang continued on, "If you want to grow, you have to meet new people and learn to work together."

Ruby groaned loudly, rolling her eyes. "You sound like daaaad!" She complained shoving her scythe back into the locker. "First of all explain to me what meeting new people have to do with fighting?"

"Well last I checked," I interrupted deadpan, "Huntsman and Huntresses are usually on these funny things called teams which generally involve more than one person."

Ruby gave me the evil eye at that before turning her back to me to continue her conversation with Yang. "And secondly I don't need people to help me grow up! I drink milk."

I snorted at that before raising my hands in surrender as Ruby turned and glowered at me, her face a light pink.

It appeared Yang wasn't finished with their conversation yet but I decided a subtle retreat was in order. I slowly made my way towards my locker, shoes barely making a sound. My sixth sense tells me that Mt Ruby could erupt at any second so I shouldn't be there when it goes off.

"Now then back to my locker," I muttered my eyes scanning the numbers. "636, 636, where is 636?" I asked to myself.

I looked back forward and saw Weiss talking with a girl with a long scarlet ponytail flowing down her back with a bronze headband keeping her hair out of her face revealing intelligent green eyes that shone like emeralds. She also appeared to be wearing what appeared to be armour akin to an amazon from the stories I used to read back home. She wore a bronze coloured chest piece and a short skirt with some sort of cape thing attached to it extending behind her. She also had almost full length armour that ended as her dark purple boots began. She also wore an arm guard on her left forearm but not her right, leading me to believe she was right handed.

And for some reason she looked strangely familiar.

Have I met her before?

I shrugged.

Eh, it'll come to me.

I walked past the two and pulled my sword from the locker and strapped it on my left side. I looked back at the two. Looks like Weiss is trying to recruit her onto her team. She looks like the kids after they've stolen the ice-cream from the freezer. My eyebrow twitched as I remembered her backhanded insult. Tall, blond and scraggly am I?

Vengeance is mine, so sayeth Jaune.

"Hey, you're that girl who exploded out the front yesterday." I said as I approached Weiss snapping my fingers in faux recognition. "You should be careful with that much dust next time, my dear. Wouldn't want you to explode again now would we?" With that I smiled and introduced myself. "I'm Jaune. Nice to meet you two."

Weiss turned and gaze me a look I could best describe as glacial. "You again?" she asked arms crossed frowning.

Her red haired companion was much more inviting. "Nice to meet you Jaune." She said with a wave. I took her hand and shook it before remembering one of the lessons Mother taught me as a child about meeting new people. That would have been real useful to remember yesterday. I bent down slightly and kissed the back of the amazon's hand.

"A pleasure." I responded. In response to this her cheeks went a slight red as she retrieved her hand. Huh, did she have a fever? I do hope she was all right.

At this it appeared that Weiss had had enough and jumped between the two of us lightly pushing us apart.

"Jaune, is it? Do you have any idea who you're talking to?" Weiss asked gesturing to the girl now behind her.

"I'd say a new friend" I responded, smiling lightly "But if you're asking if I know her name than the answer would be no."

Weiss motioned back again. "This is Pyrrha." At this Pyrrha waved a hello again "Pyrrha graduated top of her class at Sanctum."

Sanctum? What's a Sanctum? Wait no maybe it's one of those earlier Huntsman and Huntress schools like the one that Ruby talked about before, what'd she call it Signal? Ah wait no, middle of a conversation Jaune, respond you fool.

"That sounds like quite an achievement." I said nodding at Pyrrha. "But I'm afraid I don't know anything about Sanctum." I admitted with a chuckle.

"She's won the Mistral regional tournaments four years in a row. A new record." Weiss stated beginning to sound even more frustrated than previously. Wow, I'm not even trying and I'm pissing her off. This could be even more fun than I thought!

"Can't say I've heard of it. I'm guessing that's a fighting tournament, right? Oh and uh, well done again Pyrrha!" I said before nodding at Pyrrha again in recognition who smiled brightly in response. OK I might be laying it on a bit thick here, I mean I doubt these regional tournaments were for poetry. But still Weiss is just making it too easy for me. It's like playing a game I can't possibly lose.

Weiss appeared to stand their in utter shock that I had no idea what she was talking about, at a complete loss for words before she exploded arms waving up and down. "She's on the front of every Pumpkin Pete's Marshmallow Flakes box." She said huffing before crossing her arms once more.

I clicked my fingers in recognition. That's where I had seen her. "I knew I'd seen you before." I remarked now clear as to my familiarity with Pyrrha's appearance. "The kids back home love that stuff, a few of the girls are rather fond of you if I remember correctly."

Pyrrha looked a tad shy and her eyes glance off to the side. "Yeah, it was pretty cool." Pyrrha said smiling softly before looking back at me. "Sadly the cereal isn't very good for you."

Weiss popped up between Pyrrha and me once more. "So after hearing all of this, do you really think your in a position to ask her to be in your team?" Weiss asked assuredly.

"Team?" I asked, blinking my eyes before realization kicked in. "I never asked about teams, I was just introducing myself. Trying to be polite and all that jazz." At that I sighed raising a hand to my brow. "Anyway I've never really fought in a team anyway, I kinda doubt I'd be much good at it."

"Actually Jaune," Pyrrha said patting me reassuringly on the shoulder, "I think you'd make a great leader."

I smiled, rubbing the back of my head embarrassedly, "Uh, thanks Pyrrha. That's nice to know."

I could hear Weiss grinding her teeth in frustration behind me and I struggled to suppress the smirk that wanted to emerge. "Well, Weiss, Pyrrha, a pleasure to meet the two of you and I hope I see you later. " I said waving goodbye as I went to go double check that my armour was strapped correctly. Hey I just got this armour and I've never worn it before, cut me some slack here!

Suddenly the intercom started and a female voice spoke. "Will all first year students please report to beacon cliff for initiation. Again, all first year students report to beacon cliff immediately."

Looks like I won't have much time to recheck the armour after all.

Weiss narrowed her eyes at me before turning and with an audible 'hmph' started walking away. Pyrrha followed after her calling out, "It was nice meeting you."

"Likewise." I grunted, tightening the straps that held my new armour in place.

"Having some trouble there, lady killer?" I heard Yang call out jokingly, as I saw her and her sister Ruby walk up.

"The armour is kind of a new addition." I admitted freely, shrugging my shoulders in a what can you do manner. "Still working out if I'm wearing it right."

"It looks fine." Yang said waving an arm at me. "Anyway it's time for initiation let's go!" And with that Yang started walking off too.

Ruby extended a hand to help me stand from the bench which I accepted. Not that I needed a hand to get off the bench but it would be rude to refuse it. "Come on Jaune." Ruby said silver eyes focused on the challenge ahead.

Looks like it's go time, Jaune. My hands tightened into fists before I exhaled loudly and relaxed them.

Time to go to work.

The sixteen first year students, including myself, each stood on a separate metal plate looking out into the landscape of the emerald forest that started at the bottom of the cliff and continued to spread outwards into the horizon. Now that was one big ass forest. Bigger than the one back home true, but our one has much taller trees. I looked to my left and saw everyone else standing on their own metal plates, Ruby next to me looking somewhat bored, Yang with her bracelets now shifted into their weapon form of gauntlets, Ren slightly further along with two Green pistols with blades extending from beneath the barrel, Nora bouncing slightly on the balls of her feet energetically. I saw Pyrrha with her weapon at the ready, what looked to be a short sword with the head of a javelin. Or maybe it just extends into a javelin. Or both. Eh. Oh and there's Weiss standing next to her looking dignified as always.

Suddenly Professor Ozpin and Professor Goodwitch stepped in front of us, Ozpin with a mug of what I'm guessing was coffee in his hand while Goodwitch stood slightly behind him staring at us with her diamond hard eyes, occasionally looking at the tablet she held in her hands.

Ozpin began speaking, mug still held in front of him. "For years, you have trained to become warriors. Today your abilities will be evaluated in the Emerald Forest." He said in that slow measured way that he spoke.

Then Goodwitch began to speak still tapping the tablet occasionally. "Now I'm sure many of you have heard rumours about the assignment of teams." She spoke her earrings moving slightly in the wind. "Well allow us to put an end to your confusion. Each of you will be given teammates. Today."

I blinked at that. Well…that was certainly, fast.

So what do we choose our teammates, are they drawn out of a hat or something? I heard Ruby mutter a quiet "What?" despairingly.

At that Ozpin started to speak once more. "These teammates will be with you for the rest of your time here at Beacon, so it is in your best interests to be paired with someone with whom you can work well." He said, gesturing slightly with his mug.

Ruby let out another little groan at this, whimpering in despair. Hey could be worse, Ruby.

Wait, no I didn't mean that as an invitation!

"That being said," Ozpin said interrupting my frantic mental apologies, "First person you make eye contact with after landing will be your partner for the next four years." Ozpin finished, calm as can be.

Well crap.

At this latest shock, Ruby's last attempt at staying calm utterly shattered and she let out a loud yelp of "What!?"

I heard Nora's voice pipe up from down the line. "See, I told you!" her voice called out.

Did she say that? Honestly the way she speaks I would not have a clue. Here's hoping that Ren knows how to translate Nora into something I can understand next time we speak. Wait, Ozpin's talking again, pay attention Jaune!

"After you've partnered up," Ozpin said his brown eyes scanning over us, stopping at me slightly and then continuing on along the line. "Make your way to the northern end of the forest. You will meet opposition along the way. Do not hesitate to destroy everything in your path or you will die." Ozpin said seriously.

No kid gloves it appears. Good.

"You will be monitored and graded for the duration of your initiation." Ozpin continued sharing a glance with Goodwitch before looking back at us. "But our instructors will not intervene. You will find an abandoned temple at the end of the path containing several relics. Each pair must choose one and return to the top of the cliff. "You will guard that item, as well as your standing and we will grade you appropriately." Ozpin finished.

Okay Jaune, game plan time.

Get to Forest

Find Partner.

Find the Temple.

Find the Relic.

Make your way back.

Kill anything that tries to stop you.

I like this plan. Nice, simple and best or all, can't be complicated.

"Any questions?" Ozpin asked pausing briefly before moving on, "Good, now take your positions."

As everyone got into their own positions, I drew my sword, keeping my shield in its sheath form by my side. I wanted to be as agile as possible, I'll draw my shield when I reach the ground. I bent my knees, getting ready for the jump.

Suddenly, something mechanical sounded and Weiss was launched into the air from her plate, which I now knew to be a launch pad of some kind.

Come on, Jaune, It'll be great! It's just like jumping off the top of the Sky tree back home, only a tad more sideways.

I heard Nora let out a "Whee!" as it was her turn to be launched into the air.

Okay, Jaune focus. Mind on the job. My right hand tightened on my sword's grip and I exhaled closing my eyes.

I heard Yang let out a "Woo-hoo!" as she was launched closely followed by Ruby, leaving me in the silence as the last one left.

"Good luck, Jaune." I heard professor Ozpin say quietly.

Time to fly.

CLICK

CLICK

WOOSH

The wind whipped past my face as I reached the height of my arc and began my descent to the ground that was the Emerald Forest. I squinted my eyes slightly to shield them from the rushing wind and then winced as I saw Ruby proceed to pancake a bird in mid-air.

"Birdie, no!" Ruby called out horrified.

Seriously, what were the chances of that happening? It's like getting a bullseye with your eyes closed at darts, it's impossible.

Unless you're the Old Bastard that is. No idea how he does that.

Focus Jaune, grounds getting closer and becoming a human pancake does not sound any more enticing than it ever has.

Okay, looking, looking…

Bingo.

I rolled to the right in an attempt to get myself closer to my target as I raised my sword in readiness for what comes next.

Here's hoping this works.

Now!

I slammed my sword into a branch that appeared over my head, force slamming into me at my sudden deceleration, before I used the excess momentum to backflip forward. My feet reached out and landed on the thick branch I was aiming for, proceeding to slide along at a decent pace further and further along, until the branch proceeded to bend under my weight towards the ground.

At that I jumped, the impact jarring my legs slightly before I rolled forward to ease the excess momentum, sword at the ready.

Perfect.

And the crowd goes wild! Yet another stunning landing by the one and only Jaune Arc!

After I finished patting myself on the back, I extended my sheath into its shield form and slung it onto my left arm.

Okay Jaune, Step one is done. Time for the rest.

On to the temple we go.

…

Which way is north again?

I continued walking forward, breathing in the air of the Emerald Forest, the forests many sounds buzzing and chirping away around me.

Ah.

Now this was the stuff.

Just like home.

Suddenly the sounds around me died down, leaving me in utter silence.

I narrowed my eyes, shield raising slightly.

I am not alone.

SNAP

Behind!

I spun shield raised, sword ready to lash out at whatever foe stood before me to face.

…

Nothing.

Or at least that's what my eyes told me.

My ears said otherwise.

My left hand blurred my shield lashing out as it slammed into the leaping Beowolf behind me, it letting out a startled yelp as it was forced back, before rolling and standing on its feet, growling angrily at me, saliva dripping from its mouth, its blood red eyes narrowed directly at me.

Typical Beowolf scare tactics.

My eyes hardened.

"Bring it!" I roared at the monster of the Grimm.

I seized the initiative charging forward, sword drawn back to deliver my own strike, when the Beowolf surged into motion, leaping off its hind legs into the air, maw extending to bite me.

Just as I planned.

I dropped low, now sliding across the ground, using my shield to deflect the panicked swipe from the Beowolf's ebony claws before my sword lashed out once. The ancient steel carved through the Beowolf's stomach like butter, leaving two separate halves to slam into the ground behind me as I bounced back up onto my feet once more.

Now then, where's the other one?

Suddenly a brief explosion rang out, akin to a gun firing and a javelin lanced down from above into a seemingly innocent bush. Shortly after a Beowolf fell forward, dead, the red and gold javelin embedded solidly in its right eye.

I think I just met someone who can give the Old Bastard a run for his money.

With that I turned in the direction the javelin came from to see Pyrrha jump down from above, landing easily. In addition to the armour I had seen her in earlier, I now saw the edges of a round shield poking out around her back.

"I take it we're partners then." I said flicking the Beowolf blood off my sword before resting it on my shoulder.

"Indeed" Pyrrha said smiling brightly as she made her way to retrieve her javelin. She grasped the javelin with her right hand, pulling it from the dead Grimm before returning it to it's sword-esque form. "I look forward to working with you Jaune." Pyrrha spoke returning in front of me.

My grin widened at that. "My thoughts precisely Pyrrha." I said before readying my sword once more. "After you?" I asked gesturing in what I thought was north.

Pyrrha giggled before walking forward, making her way through the undergrowth of the Emerald Forest.

I collapsed my shield and followed after her.

The next few moments were quiet save for the natural sounds of the forest wildlife, as Pyrrha and I continued through the Emerald forest pushing aside the various pushes and low hanging branches that impeded us before the sounds of gunshots and explosion in the distance reached my ears.

"Quite a distance." I remarked hearing more sounds echo and what seeing what appeared to be a column of fire leap up in the distance.

Pyrrha nodded, stopping and turning back towards me. "Gunfire. It seems some of our comrades have encountered the enemy."

Then Pyrrha stopped looking concerning at my face.

I stared quizzically back at her. "Is something wrong Pyrrha?" I asked

"You're bleeding!" she exclaimed, her left hand pointing at my temple.

I reached up to the skin concealed beneath my bangs and felt a small cut. My hand came back with a single drop of blood on it. Better fix that or it could drip into my eyes later on.

"Its okay." I said waving her away before a hand went to my pouch. "Just a scratch. Don't worry I'll just slap some salve on it and it'll be good as new."

Pyrrha stepped forward a look of confusion dominant on her face. "Why didn't you activate your aura?"

I stopped from opening my pouch at that confusion that Pyrrha's question had rising up at me. "My what now?" I asked, utterly bewildered.

"Your aura." Pyrrha affirmed again searching for a glint of recognition in my eyes, sliding her sword behind her back.

Sorry Pyrrha, you're going to be searching for a long time. I have not got a clue what you're talking about. Huh, she wears green eye shadow, how did I not see that earlier?

"Jaune," Pyrrha said, face serious dragging me away from my inner monologue. "Do you…know what aura is?" She asked.

"Not in the slightest." I admitted freely. "Care to enlighten me?" I asked. Something told me this aura thing was pretty important.

"Aura is the manifestation of our soul," Pyrrha stated before continuing on, "It bears our burdens and shields our hearts. Have you ever felt like you were being watched, without knowing that someone was there?" Pyrrha asked me.

I nodded at that, remembering many a time where some kind of sensation had alerted me to problems in the forest back home, even in the dead of night. "Yeah, saved my hide more than a few times." I said, waiting for Pyrrha to continue on.

Pyrrha began to walk around me and I turned to follow her. "With practice our aura can be our shield, everyone has it even animals."

At that a question popped into my mind and I posed it to my partner. "What about the Grimm? Do they have aura?" I asked, curious about how this whole 'aura' deal factored in the Grimm.

Pyrrha shook her head. "No the monsters we fight lack a soul. They are creatures of Grimm, the manifestations of anonymity." At that she paused before continuing. "They are the darkness, we are the light."

I nodded at that, makes sense so far.

Aura's made by the soul.

We can use aura to defend ourselves.

Grimm don't have souls and thus don't have aura.

Simple enough.

Pyrrha kept talking. "Understanding both dark and light help us manifest our aura. Everyone has some of both. By bearing your soul outward like a force, you can deflect harm. All of our tools and equipment are conduits for aura. Project yourself and your soul while fighting.

I paused at that.

By that logic I'm guessing my ancestor's sword and shield were made to channel aura as well. I wonder what that would do? Make the shield tougher maybe? Or make my swings faster and sharper?

Suddenly I noticed Pyrrha had stepped much closer to me. "Now close your eyes and concentrate." She said her left hand now pressed to my face.

"Uh, sure" I said hesitantly my eyes closing leaving sheer blackness.

Then Pyrrha spoke again, her voice now slightly different, echoing with power. "For it is in passing that we achieve immortality. Through this we become a paragon of virtue and glory to rise above all, infinite in distance and unbound by death. I release your soul, and by my shoulder protect thee."

I felt Pyrrha pull away from me. I opened my eyes to see Pyrrha hunch over in exhaustion, stumbling slightly as she did so.

"Are you alright Pyrrha?" I asked concerned, reaching to support her.

She steadied easily, standing tall once more. "It's all right. I used my aura to unlock yours but the energy that protects you now is your own." She clarified, gesturing towards me as she did so.

I felt the cut above my brow tingle slightly before all pain faded. I reached up to feel and felt unbroken skin where the cut once was. Incredible.

Pyrrha smiled at my look of wonder before finishing. "You have a lot of it."

I looked at my hands seeing the white glow, shining off me before it dulled back to normal. "Now that's pretty cool." I said, a grin spreading across my face.

3RD PERSON VIEW

Professor Ozpin stood at the edge of the cliff above the Emerald forest, taking in the silence, his eyes focused on the monitor monitor in his right hand, his left hand grasping his cane firmly. He heard the confident and consistent footsteps of Glynda Goodwitch approaching from behind him.

"Our last pair has been formed sir," Goodwitch remarked as she stood next to him. "Nora Valkyrie and Lie Ren. Poor boy, I can't possibly imagine those two getting along." She tapped her monitor to bring up the forms of Jaune and Pyrrha. "Still he's probably better off than miss Nikos." She remarked staring at Jaune.

At that Ozpin pulled his gaze away from his monitor to turn towards Goodwitch, letting out an inquisitive "hmm?"

"I can't find any of his transcripts so it's a mystery to me how this Jaune fellow even got into Beacon. I guess we'll find out how he does soon enough." Goodwitch stated. Then she turned and began walking away from Ozpin before continuing to talk. "At their current pace they should reach the temple within just a few minutes. Speaking of which…"

"I invited him." Ozpin interrupted, his eyes still glued to his screen.

Goodwitch paused for a few seconds. "Professor Ozpin?" She asked inquisitively.

"Jaune." Ozpin stated still not moving as he replied to Goodwitch's question. "I invited him to Beacon academy."

Goodwitch stopped for a moment shocked before pushing her glasses up from their position. "But… why sir?"

Ozpin closed his eyes.

And remembered...

A scene out of a nightmare.

Fallen bodies of innocent people, taken by the Grimm, lay haphazardly across the streets, the bodies of various cut down Beowolfs and Ursa marking his path.

He'd been sent on the boy's trail by his old comrade, the piles of bullet ridden Grimm around his orphanage showing he'd lost none of his mastery of his weapon in either age or the wake of his disability. The boy had apparently run off an hour ago to draw the Grimm away. Ozpin prayed that he'd make it in time.

Suddenly a loud death cry echoed through the night, and a louder THUMP rattled the earth. He cleared the corner to see the biggest Ursa he'd ever seen collapse from its knees, crashing into the ground with a bang, revealing a single figure standing behind it.

His legs were shaking from exhaustion, blood dripping from a myriad of small wounds and one large one on his chest that had sliced right through his black jacket. He was using his bloody sword as an impromptu stand to support himself on, his blond hair streaked with blood, both his and of his foes fallen over his eyes, his head bowed, gasping loudly for air.

And although the boy was clearly exhausted he still managed to lift his head high enough for a single half closed blue eye, cold as winter's fury to stare at him, before collapsing to the ground, sword clattering free from his hands.

Ozpin opened his eyes, back on the cliff overlooking the Emerald Forest no longer within the memory.

"Because he was ready."

I stared at the primitive paintings on the rock wall next to the cave opening, that depicted several human figures, fighting and morbidly I realized as I examined it, dying against a very large monster.

"Right then." I said clapping my hands together once before turning away from the cave. "Not that way."

Even I can't misinterpret the cave painting equivalent of 'mortal peril this way'.

Pyrrha nodded in agreement, "The temple cannot be far now." She stated breaking through a small bush that blocked the path as she did so.

She was right.

After a few more short minutes walking, we reached a very old and partially collapsed circular ruin. From what I could see there were various small pedestals ringing the inside of it, with something on top of some of them. I'm guessing those are the relics.

As Pyrrha and I made our way down the hill I saw another team was already there. Looks like Yang and…Blake. Don't want to fight that team anytime soon.

"Yang! Blake! Over here!" I called out drawing their attention as I walked down the hill. Sneaking up on someone when there are Grimm around is always a bad idea. Even more so if they are armed.

"Jaune!" Yang called out happily, waving a hand as she did so. "You made it!"

Blake waved a hello as well before turning towards Pyrrha. "Looks like you've made a new friend." She remarked smiling softly.

It suddenly hit me that Pyrrha didn't know these two and vice versa. Introduction time Jaune!

"Pyrrha, this is Yang," I said indicating the grinning gauntlet user, "and this is Blake." I finished indicating the black haired girl, her black bow reminding me oddly of the ears of a cat. "Blake, Yang this Pyrrha."

As the three girls started chatting, I made my way over to the relics. "Chess pieces?" I muttered. Those were the relics? They didn't look that old.

Then again I can't really say anything about that, what with me wielding my ancestor's sword and shield and all.

It was a set of chess pieces coloured either Gold or Black, some of the relics obviously already taken by the other teams.

I shrugged grabbing one of the gold rook relics, and making my way back to the group. "So have you guys ran into any of the others yet?" I asked re-joining the group.

Yang shook her head negatively, "No, you two are the first I've run into she said before stopping and turning towards Blake. "Other than Blake of course."

Blake was silent staring up into the sky, mouth open slightly as if in shock.

"What are you…" I began looking up myself before I felt my own jaw drop.

You have got to be kidding me.

"HEADS UUUUUUUUUUUP!" Ruby yelled, limbs flailing in the air as if she was trying to swim as she fell directly at us.

Her head slammed into my stomach, the air leaving my lungs in a sudden WOOSH before we both rolled in a tumble of limbs and a cloud of dust.

I groaned and released my arms from where they had curled around Ruby, cradling my stomach as the pain rapidly faded. Thank you magic healing Aura! "You okay Ruby" I asked. I mean it's not every day you fall from the sky!

…

Wait we did that this morning.

Ruby swayed dizzily, spiral's rotating in her eyes as stars and little barking Beowolves circled her head before shaking her head to clear it. Then she saw me, flushed bright red and stumbled away stammering incoherently.

She's fine.

"Did your sister just fall from the sky?" I saw Blake ask Yang dryly. But before Yang could reply another interruption appeared.

The grown of an Ursa rang out as several trees at the edge of the tree line fell over. The Ursa walked forward on it's hind legs, claws slashing out an unseen enemy before there was a loud explosion of what appeared to be crackling pink electricity. "Yee-ha!" A voice squealed out as the Ursa finally collapsed, Nora then rolled forward off the Ursa she had apparently rode to the temple.

My eyebrow twitched. For some unknown reason this did not surprise me nearly as much as I thought it would.

Nora got up with a frown. "Ah, it's broken" She pouted idly examining the fallen Grimm.

An exhausted Ren jumped over the fallen Ursa's legs before bracing himself against it. "Nora," He panted forcing air into his lungs. "Please…don't ever do that again." He begged looking up to find Nora gone.

As he frantically looked for his vanished teammate, I turned to see Nora entranced by the other Golden rook piece and proceeded to pick it up.

And sing.

"I'm queen of the castle, I'm queen of the castle!" She sung balancing the golden rook piece as she did so. Ren's roar of "NORA!" interrupted her little song and dance and she skipped back to her partner with a cry of "Coming Ren."

At this it appeared the shock had once again worn off from Blake as she asked "Did that girl just ride in on an Ursa?" disbelievingly. However as Yang went to interrupt again another interruption appeared as a loud inhuman cry filled our ears.

A giant scorpion Grimm slammed its way through the trees with its massive armoured pincers, It's mouth, claw whatever you call them clicking together as it made its way towards us, it's multiple crimson eyes focused on our little group. It's thick exoskeleton bore the scars of previous conflicts and even had patches of moss growing out from parts of it. It's huge golden stinger, swayed from side to side as it steadily drew closer. This Grimm was old, and even worse it was obviously experienced. Not good.

As this occurred Ruby recovered from her little stammering fit and went to receive a hug from her sister, exclaiming each other's names, before Nora popped up in between them calling out her own name.

"Why is a Death Stalker running towards us? Blake asked arms crossed as she gazed upon the steadily approaching Grimm.

Suddenly I remembered the cave paintings of warriors dying fighting what I now knew to be a Death Stalker. It must have followed our scent from its lair.

Uh, whoops.

At this final surprise it appeared Yang's last nerve had been stepped on and there was an explosion of fire, her eyes once lavender eyes now a glowing red as she vented loudly. "I can't take it anymore!" Yang screamed arms gesturing wildly, "Could everyone just chill out for like two seconds before something crazy happens again?" She finished breathing heavily as her eyes regained their original colour.

As Ren stumbled over to the group standing beside Nora who waved her arms happily. I waved a hello to Ren who gave a tired nod back before Ruby spoke up tentatively. "Um, Yang." Ruby spoke tapping her sister twice before pointing directly up.

We all looked up to see Weiss dangling off the claw of a Nevermore that was bigger than she was as it flew by from above. Way above.

"How could you leave me?' Weiss screamed down as the Nevermore let out a mighty cry.

"I said jump." Ruby argued shrugging her shoulders.

"She's gonna fall." Blake remarked moving her head slightly.

"She'll be fine." Ruby said optimistically still staring up.

"Who are you trying to fool here Ruby, us or you?" I asked gazing up at the giant Nevermore.

That is one big ass bird.

Ren said otherwise. "She's falling." He stated matter of factly.

Okay, who's going to catch her…

Oh come on I caught the last one guys!

Well at least I'm ready for this one.

After drawing Pyrrha's attention she bought her hands together and boosted me up towards the falling Schnee heiress, ponytail flailing away.

I caught her, my legs spinning as they rotated in the air before coming down and bracing for the landing. The impact jarred my legs, shaking them but luckily no serious damage.

Weiss looked up at me then looked away, mumbling under her breath. Normally I would have asked her to repeat it, but with the Death Stalker approaching and the Nevermore circling around my mind was focused on other things.

"Great!" Yang said sarcastically, "The gang's all here, now we can die together!"

Ruby grinned and looked at her sister. "Not if I can help it." She said confidentially, before charging the Death Stalker on her own.

Yang reached out after her charging sister. "Ruby, wait!" She called out.

My God, has she completely lost her mind? One does not charge a Death Stalker alone.

As Ruby went to strike at the Death Stalker, firing a round from her scythe so she was flying through the air, it slapped her backwards with ease, sending her crashing to the ground. Ruby groaned and pushed herself back up. "D-Don't worry, totally fine." She called looking back at us.

I roared back at her "Eyes on the Grimm, Ruby!" seeing the Death Stalker approach her form.

Ruby turned to find the Death Stalker much closer than it was previously and fired a round at it, the sheer recoil pushing her back slightly before she turned and ran back towards us, collapsing her mecha-scythe. The bullet did little more than scratch the Death Stalker's armour, but it did incite its ire and it began thundering down after her.

Yang started sprinting towards her sister calling out to her. I unsheathed my sword and extended my shield and started running to, quickly drawing level with Yang.

Yang and I ran closer to Ruby and she closer to us when the cry of the Nevermore filled my ears once more. I looked up to see the Nevermore halt in mid-air before flapping its wings at us, launching a torrent of giant feathers at us with another cry.

They impacted around Ruby, one pinning the edge of her cloak, before the rain of feathered death approached us.

Get out of the way, Jaune.

I tackled Yang to the side as giant Nevermore feather speared into where we had previously been, halting our movement entirely.

Yang rolled back onto her feet, seeing her sister pinned before the approaching Death Stalker. "Ruby, Get out of there!" Yang yelled desperately.

"I'm trying!" Ruby cried, pulling at her cape.

Just cut the thing Ruby! Wait, no!

"Look out!" I called pointing behind her.

The death stalker had reached her its massive pincer rearing back to strike Ruby down and rapidly descending.

"Ruby!" Yang called out again reaching forward before a blur of white rocketed past us, followed by the sound of rapidly formed ice.

It was Weiss. Weiss had saved Ruby. "You are so childish." Weiss stated crouching, her rapier impaled in the ground after freezing the Death Stalker's tail in place. With the amount of Dust I saw her bringing in off the Dustplane it should not have surprised me that she used it in combat.

She turned pulling the rapier from the ground turning towards Ruby as she continued talking. "And dim-witted, and hyperactive and don't even get me started on your fighting style." Weiss stopped hear for a moment hesitating, "And I suppose, I can be a bit…difficult, but if we're going to do this were going to have to do this together. So if you quit trying to show off. I'll be…nicer." Weiss finished looking expectantly towards Ruby.

"I'm not trying to show off," Ruby said eyes darting about. "I want you to know I can do this." She said her tone almost pleading.

"You're fine." Weiss reassured her, before making her way back towards us.

Yang ran off to no doubt hug her sister after her near death experience so I turned and followed Weiss back. "Nicely done." I praised eyeing her as I did so.

Weiss looked at me as if shocked for a moment before smiling.

By the time we had reached the group and the other's finished checking us for injuries Ruby and Yang were back.

"Hate to rain on the parade guys, but it looks like our friend from before is circling back. Any Ideas?" I asked looking around. I can't exactly stab something that is that far away from me, so excuse me if I felt a tad nervous. I'm more used to being on a tad more even ground with my enemies.

You know: They can stab me, I can stab them and all that business.

Weiss stepped forward. "Look, there's no sense in dillydallying, our objective is right in front of us." She said indicating to the chess pieces.

Ruby nodded. "She's right. Our mission is to grab an artifact and make it back to the cliffs." She said nodding at Weiss who smiled back. "There's no point in fighting these things."

I shrugged grinning. "Hey I'm all for it. Run and live always seems to be a solid plan to me." I said gesturing slightly with my sword.

Ruby walked forward and grabbed a golden knight chess piece before returning.

The sound of cracking ice filled the air and I and the others turned to see the Death Stalker pulling at its stinger, cracks slowly spreading in the ice.

"Time we left." Said Ren drawing his green pistols once more.

Ruby nodded. "Right, let's go." And with that she ran forward with the rest of us following after her.

We broke through the final stretch of forest before the cliff, a ruined tower across a stone bridge before us. Suddenly The Nevermore appeared in the top left corner of my vision it's wings beating the air slowly as it soared in front of us.

As one we quickly broke off taking cover behind separate stone pillars in pairs. Pyrrha stood next to me her javelin now in the form of a hunting rifle. I edged my nose forward past the edge of the pillar seeing the Nevermore seat itself at the top of the tower before roaring at us.

"Well that's great" Yang called out sarcastically. Suddenly another sound caught my ear and I turned back to where we had entered from.

With a loud crash, the Death Stalker smashed through the trees, stampeding towards our position.

"Run for the bridge!" I yelled abandoning my previous position as I sprinted forward, the others breaking away too.

The Nevermore rose up from its perch, It's wings raised to unleash another barrage of feathers.

"Nora, distract it." Ren called out as he ran forward.

Nora grinned, and ran sideways, hurdling the incoming feathers before unslinging her own weapon which was revealed to be a grenade launcher.

Who on earth though it would be a good idea to give Nora a grenade launcher?

Someone who knew what they were doing apparently, as Nora unleashed a barrage of covering fire, slamming into the Nevermore's head nocking it back and discouraging it from continuing it's attack as it flew off.

Weiss leapt back to save Nora from the oncoming Death Stalker, Blake and Ren deflecting it's two pincers with a flurry of strikes from their blades.

Pyrrha dropped back, yelling "Go, go!" as she laid down covering fire on the approaching Death Stalker.

The others reached her, the Death Stalker reaching out to grasp them but thankfully falling short.

We were about halfway across the bridge when I saw the Nevermore approach from the left. It's going to ram the bridge!

I put on an extra burst of speed, diving forward as the Nevermore crashed through the stonework behind me. I rolled by my feet. To see Pyrrha, Ren and Blake were stuck on the other side, still fighting the Death Stalker on the tiny part of bridge still remaining.

Ruby laid down fire on the Nevermore with her scythe, pushing it away for now but those three needed help, and I couldn't do anything to the Nevermore anyway.

"We need to help them." I said my hand tightening around the sword grip in frustration.

Nora ran up beside me. "Let's do this." She said her tone now deadly serious.

I shook my head. "I can't make that jump." I said frustrated before Nora turned to me with a grin, knocking me backwards with a slap from her grenade launcher. I landed on feet looking up to see Nora shift her grenade launcher into a massive two handed war hammer.

Well that explains the symbol on her clothes.

I caught onto to her idea and grinned at the sheer insanity of it, bracing my legs and raising my shield. "Do it." I said ready for the launch.

Nora ran forward slightly, jumping into the air with her hammer raised behind her head before twisting in mid-air and slamming it into the bridge. As the part she struck was sent downwards mine levered up wards launching me at the other side of the bridge towards the fighting trio.

As I looked back at Nora wondering how she was going to make it to the rest of us, I saw her stand onto her hammer, raise her right hand to her brow as if scanning the horizon, and pulled a trigger of the haft of hammer with her left hand. An explosion erupted from the end of her hammer head sending her flying through the air, overtaking me in flight.

As I landed, blade at the ready next to Pyrrha, Nora drew back her hammer, still in mid-flight and with a mighty battle cry hammer her weapon on the Death Stalker's head. I saw the Death Stalker pull back it's stinger to strike, but my warning was unneeded as apparently Nora saw it too. Nora pulled the trigger to her hammer once more, causing another explosion to emerged from the hammer and send the Death stalker's head crashing in the ground.

The stinger fell short but still impacted with Nora, who blocked it, the momentum sending her sliding towards Blake before I stopped her. I turned towards Blake as Nora rejoined the battle alongside Pyrrha and Ren, "We'll be fine, go help the others." I said nodding towards Ruby, Weiss and Yang dealing with the Nevermore.

Blake smirked before diving off the edge of the bridge. She through her odd looking blade, a cloth attached to it extending from where it was wrapped around her right wrist, a gunshot adding velocity to her throw. It embedded in the crumbling masonry easily, letting Blake swing up to the Nevermore just as it passed by. She unleashed a flurry of fast moving strikes on the Nevermore running down its back before landing next to the others.

My God, that was badass.

Jaune, focus Death Stalker is still trying to impale you remember. I heard a torrent of gunfire and explosions behind me, but I had to trust that the others would be fine dealing with the Nevermore, we had our own Grimm to deal with.

I braced myself as I helped up and exhausted Ren, the Death Stalker pulling its Stinger from the bridge from when it had tried to impale Nora. Stone crumbled and the small piece of bridge that we were standing on began wobbling precariously. Can't move back and can't stay here either. "We've gotta move." I called charging the Death Stalker blocking our escape as the others ran beside me.

As I saw the giant Pincer rise up to strike us Pyyrha slid forward, deflecting the strike off her shield, her rifle rapidly changing into its sword form as she struck the tender unarmoured part of the pincer.. As Pyrrha did that I caught the opposite pincer in a counter movement to crush her and deflected it with my own shield, Pyrrha moving in concert with me to attack the other Pincer as I defended.

With the path to his target clear, Ren dashed forward guns firing at the Grimm. The Death Stalker screeched and struck out with its pincer. Ren dodged to the side quickly before grabbing on, being lifted into the air alongside the pincer. As the tail flailed in the air, Ren focused his fire on the joint between the Pincer and the tail's end at point blank range.

I raised my shield, to block an incoming blow and as I did a blinding white light shone out from it, the Death Stalker screaming in utter agony as the light seared its retinas.

Since when could my shield do that? Maybe it's because I have aura now? Anyway now is not the time to question and experiment, keep fighting damn it. I heard Nora fire two rounds from her weapon and the Grimm crossed it's pincers in front of its sensitive eyes, knocking Pyrrha and myself backwards, deflecting the majority of the damage from the grenades but also blocking it's own eyesight.

As Pyrrha skidded back alongside me, her sword extended into its javelin form once more and she threw it at the monster with a yell, the booster accelerating its flight considerably. It flew between the giant scorpion's pincer's grasp, landing directly in one of its primary eyes as it bellowed in agony.

And you though your eyes hurt before buddy.

However this also had the unfortunate side effect of having the Death Stalker throw Ren from his perch atop the monster's tail.

"Ren!" Nora cried out in the air as Ren tumbled through the air. The acrobatic huntsman collided with a piece of the ruins wall and collapsed to the ground. He's probably hurt, but at least he's not going to fall into the canyon like we are if we don't get past this blasted Death Stalker.

I looked up to see that Ren's idea had paid off, the golden stinger wobbling dangerously, hanging by a thread.

"Pyrrha!" I called pointing at the stinger and she thankfully caught on.

"Done." She replied drawing her arm back before throwing her shield like a frisbee. The shield cut through the final thread, before bouncing off a pillar and spinning back towards her. I had already turned toward Nora and raised my shield above my head in preparation for the next step of this make it up as I go plan.

"Nora," I called eyes flicking to my shield, "Hammer it!"

Nora grinned grenade launcher once again shifting into its war hammer form, jumping towards me with a cry of "heads up!" before landing on my shield head of the hammer placed firmly against it.

I'm going to be feeling this in the morning.

I bent my legs and as I heard the click of the trigger being pulled jumped upwards, boosting Nora's lift as well as avoiding the splashback of the hammer. My shoulder's ached from the reverberation of the point blank impact but I moved my shield to Nora reach the arc of her near vertical flight, before waving a salute to us, firing off the hammer once. Nora spun through the air, flipping forward again and again and then slamming the hammer into the fallen stinger, nailing it solidly into the Death Stalker's head.

The Impact also levered the part of the bridge we were standing on forward, flipping us into the air, Pyrrha coolly snatching her javelin out of the air as it popped from the Death Stalker's eye at the force of the impact.

Nora pulled the trigger once more, using the momentum from the blast to launch herself forward as well as providing the final push for the Death Stalker to fall into the abyss below. I landed, rolling forward as Pyrrha landed on bended knee, and Nora arrived on her butt. I looked up to see Ren stagger forward breathing heavily, before collapsing with a groan beside us.

I staggered over to Ren, more than a little exhausted myself. I think I tore open the scar on my chest again. That's going to suck later. I pulled out a shock tonic out of my pouch, one of three I always keep in there, and give it to Ren. "Drink it, it'll help."

Ren nodded in thanks before popping off the lid and gulping the few mouthfuls down. He then gasped as he felt the tonic take affect a feeling I know by experience to be an incredibly odd sensation as if sparks of electricity were surging along your nerves, leaving you feeling tingles all over. "What is that?" Ren gasped as the sensations faded.

I chuckled at that pulling him to his feet with a grunt. "Trust me Ren." I said outing one of his arms over my shoulder as we stumbled back to the girls, "There are some things you're just better off not knowing. I turned to see how the other team was doing before my jaw dropped and began roaring with laughter.

Yang was in the Nevermore's mouth, forcing it to stay open as she pummelled it with rounds on its no doubt delicate insides. Then she looked back and jumped from the Nevermore as it collided with the cliff face before landing on the building below it roaring angrily. Then Weiss whooshed past her in a blur of motion, showing her expertise in Dust casting once more by pinning its tail to the building in a flash of ice, before running back.

At the other end Ruby watched on as Blake tossed the returned Yang her blade, the high tensile cloth being drawn tight between the two of them. Ruby jumped up and landed on the impromptu circle which was held in place in its impromptu drawn position by one of Weiss' casting circles.

Now that right there looks like one of Ruby's ideas.

Suddenly with a slash of Weiss' rapier, Ruby was launched like an arrow from a bow, firing her scythe rapidly behind her picking up as much momentum as she possible could as she approached the trapped Nevermore. She zoomed by it, her scythe smashing into its throat and dragging the Nevermore away from its icy imprisonment into the cliff face once more.

But she wasn't finished yet. Weiss formed platforms for Ruby to run on, still blasting away with her scythe to ensure she didn't slow down as she dragged the Nevermore further and further up the cliff, the giant bird's claws flailing wildly as it rose higher and higher.

Finally she reached the top of the cliff, where the Nevermore got stuck. With that final bit of help in addition to her own momentum, Ruby fired what must have been her final round, beheading the giant Grimm with a flourish of her scythe before landing on the top of the cliff.

The headless body of the dead Nevermore dropped like a stone, its limps flailing utterly boneless as it joined the dead Death Stalker in the ravine.

I grinned in appreciation, whistling lowly as I watched the avian Grimm descend into the mist below. "Not bad Ruby." I remarked as I looked up at Ruby standing at the edge of the cliff, rose petals flying in the wind behind her.

What is with her and rose petals anyway?

Now then, time to get to the top of the cliff, hand in the blasted relics and then find somewhere private to deal with my own injuries.

Time to leave the forest behind us.

Applause filled my ears as Ren bumped me awake as the quartet of boys in front of us was dubbed team Cardinal by professor Ozpin on stage as the other students clapped. Man that fight really took it out of me, I'm fighting to stay awake here.

I pulled out my own vial of shock tonic and shivered as it pulsed through my body. That'll keep me going until I find a bed to crash in. Hopefully.

Wait, It's our turn to walk up.

"Jaune Arc, Lie Ren, Pyrrha Nikos, Nora Valkyrie." Professor Ozpin intoned as we lined up before him, standing to attention. "The four of you retrieved the white rook pieces, from this day forward you will work together as…team Juniper."

At this a giant JNPR was emblazoned beneath the pictures of our faces on the screens above. Nora laughed and hugged a surprised Ren who did not seem to know what to do with his hands. You're on your own on that front, buddy. However Ozpin wasn't finished.

"Led by… Jaune Arc." Ozpin intoned gesturing towards me.

A sensation of shock filled me, as I froze momentarily. "I'm leader?" I asked dully the reality still setting in.

Ozpin nodded briefly. "Congratulations young man." He stated quietly eyes focused on me. I went to say more before Pyrrha began her own celebration of the announcement, punching me lightly on the arm, with a blow that staggered me for a moment but thankfully di not knock me over.

That would have just been embarrassing.

We made our way off the stage for as Ruby, Weiss, Blake and Yang made their way forward.

"And finally" Ozpin spoke "Blake Belladonna, Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee and Yang Xiao Long. The four of you retrieved the white knight pieces from this day forward you work together as team RWBY. Led by Ruby Rose."

As Ruby grinned at Ozpin's announcement, Yang jumped over and engulfed her in a hug. "I'm so proud of you, she crowed, lifting her slightly off her feet, caught up in all the excitement.

"Looks like things are shaping up to be an…" Ozpin paused at this as if searching for the appropriate word. "…interesting year." He finished an almost invisible smile on his face.

So we've completed initiation, I've gotten three new teammates and I've been made leader of the team. I still don't know how the Old Bastard and professor Ozpin know each other. All incredibly important in any other situation but in all honesty there was only one question that needed answering right now in my mind.

"Where are the beds? I'm exhausted."

I heard Ren grunt an affirmative beside me.

I knew I liked you for a reason Ren.

AN:

Wow that just flowed out of me!

I just kept writing and writing until I cracked over 10,000 words in a single chapter! New record WOO!

So, I've laid down a few hints and crumbs as to the story as well as a glimpse of the event that caused Jaune to be recruited to go to Beacon.

Now then our next chapter will have our first true conversation and introductions between the team, the first few days of classes and the antics within them, an encounter with the antagonistic Cardin Winchester and even a letter from Jaune's home town!

Suspense!

Violence!

Thinly veiled insults!

Next time on White Knight!