Hello everyone, I like to apologize for waiting for almost a year for any updates, this past year has been truly harsh for me with me losing three family members of my family.

Not to mention I've been busy with a few things that been coming up like Kingdom Hearts to which I admit it wasn't bad but it was satisfying to finish... except for that Secret Ending and Devil May Cry 5 which drops in a few days.

for now, I like for you to know that I'll try to make more updates for you all to enjoy.

Starstrem22: Thank you for liking my story, I like what you think His servants should be, I'll have to keep that in mind for later chapters.

KittenReaper: Lol thanks my friend, though you'll have to settle for this chapter, for now, the next one will be more entertaining.

CorruptedDrake: thank you for bringing that up, I didn't think of that when Writing this but I will in the future.

MattKennedy: Thank you!

EMIYA KURO:Lol well you'll have to wait for the next chapter my friend.

"Incoming!" a single voice could be heard out as a flying object was soaring through the air towards a wall. This object was Jaune Arc, about to kiss the wall.

Yeeah that's me. I bet all of you are wondering how I got here?

Sometimes I wonder that myself considering what I have to do that got me right here. Oh yeah, you probably want to know, well it started about a day ago.

"Aaaaaaaahhh!" Came the body of one Jaune Arc, flying via Grey-hopps airlines before greeting the ground with a kiss as well.

"Guuuuh" groaned Jaune as he tries to stand up again from his fall.

{And here I thought that predator faunus were vicious, but that's one dangerous bunny! Hahaha!} came the ever-present teasing voice of Caster, who Jaune's have gotten acquainted with for the past hour as he was being used as a punching bag.

'Shut…. it….. Caster' Jaune managed to think back through his mind despite his pain.

Caster chuckled at the response, it was funny since before past hour he was asking for advice and now he was cursing him for giving him the idea of asking for a spar. {By the way… Nick's trying to get your attention}

Hearing the sarcastic voice in his head, he snapped his face from the harsh cold ground to see the hand Nick offered to him. "Hey Sir-Dorks-a-Lot, you need a hand after carrot's thrashing?"

"Y-yeah that would be nice" taking his hand as he was pulled up and back onto his feet.

"So Carrots, how's our Dork Knight?" He asked his partner as she walked up to them while rolling her wrist, she smiled.

"I say he has a good endurance from our spar." It's true since he's been pretty much everyone's punching bag during combat class, especially with Cardin and Yang. Not to mention the training he had before with Pyrrha only help increased said endurance. "Though I would say Jaune hasn't got good reflex when fighting hand-to-hand…"

Nick laughed as Jaune downed the bottle of water he gave him. "Considering the guy's weapon is a sword and shield, I wouldn't be surprised. I wouldn't even think he had any form of hand-to -and training… if he didn't try to imitate a boxer style?"

Jaune turned and replied. "To be honest I hadn't at all… but what I tried was what I managed to understand and copy from a few others and even Yang." He didn't seem observant but he did pay close attention to when and how others fought in Goodwitch's class. It pays to know other strategies to use and plan for.

"Really?" Nick asked, kind of finding it hard to believe, while Judy was interested. A scowl found itself in her face of the blonde brawler being mentioned, nonetheless, she looked back at Jaune as he continued.

"Yeah, it isn't hard to figure out one's style if you watch closely enough. Most styles all have a foundation that you can duplicate once you figure it out. I mean one of the third years revolves around dancing while another first year is around holding strong fakeouts in their fighting style which they added in some boxing" Jaune explained to his friends, both were surprised to hear this from the blonde.

Judy was amazed while Nick was invested in what he knew now, maybe he knew about them? "Oh yeah? Then what do you know about us then?" the fox faunus challenged the blonde knight.

"Judy focuses more on creating noticeable openings to bait her opponent and then counter with her size and semblance, she uses the attributes granted to her being a rabbit faunus to get around the battleground and take control of the flow of the fight. It doesn't help that with her height, she has an advantage of fighting taller opponents" He said to which Judy's face caught in surprise with heat building up in her face from the praise, her face an atomic red. It became worse when Nick laughed when he saw her face.

"Oh boy! Looks like Jaune knows you well Carrots. Should I be worry that you'll get taken away from me?" Nick teased her, her face turning a deeper shade of red than Ruby's hood. Jaune then turned his gaze onto Nick.

"You on the other hand: your style requires that you use tricks, taunts, and traps. You keep yourself at a distance of your opponent while taunting them, forcing them to exert more energy before stealing what's left and taking them out. Thus, claiming your win." Nick's smile was lost in favor of his jaw gaping a bit at the explanation and broken down analysis of his skills. "You also enjoy using your weapon's firearm mode to nick them just to annoy them to throw off their concentration."

...

...

"I take back what I said before…. Your terrifying dude" Nick said with a nervous chuckle, as he sweatdrops at the accurate description of his style and strategy. It wasn't any other day that someone could see through him and his tricks when he fights. When he fights, he fights dirty. His opponents sometimes see it coming or they didn't and get a knuckle sandwich for it.

He wasn't expecting Jaune to know how he fights since he hasn't done much fighting; if anything he's been only nitpicking who he fights in combat class. Judy was smirking, seeing his nervous expression.

"Not so funny when it's you now huh Nick?" She teased him as he rolled his eyes at her, both she and Jaune laughed as he smirked. Their laughter was interrupted by the sound of Jaune's Scroll going off.

*Mr. Arc, would you kindly come to my office? That would be all.

P.S Could you drop by the cafeteria and bring up a bag of vale dark roast coffee? That would be thankful.*

- Ozpin

It was a message from the headmaster himself. Now if this was Jaune before he found the class cards or met Gil, he would be nervous at the thought of being expelled, Now he was curious what the headmaster wanted with him…. That and a bit annoyed that he's making him his errand boy.

"So what's up?" Nick asked walking over to the blonde knight.

"The headmaster wants to talk to me…" he said stopping the fox in tracks. Just bumping right into his back.

" Whoa Whoa wait up. The headmaster? He wants to talk to you?" Concern and worry washes over Nick's face, He wasn't about to lose one of his buddies.

Seeing Nick's concern he waves it off. " Don't worry Nick I'm not about to get expelled." He said with confidence that he never showed before, while in honesty he was nervous all the same.

"Though he still wants a talk with you Jaune. That alone means that this could be serious." Judy remarked walking over from behind Nick and reading from his scroll.

Jaune rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. " Yeah, he does… who knows what this could be about but I'm going have to face it head-on. So don't worry guys." He said with a confident smile, easing their worries as Judy smiled and Nick wore his sly grin.

"Heh just don't get yourself into trouble alright?" holding out his fist as Jaune bumped his own against it with a nod.

"No promises you sly fox," He said with a smirk, Nick gave him a matching one. Judy giggling at the both of them.

Jaune wave them off as he walked to his designation, not before hitting up the cafeteria first as he isn't going to be rude to the one allowing him to stay at his school by not bringing him what he wants.

Walking into the cafeteria, Jaune could see some students and teams there either chatting or having a snack. He could feel some gazing upon him from his back, probably some are still from his fight with Team CRDL or the stunt he did when he walked into the cafeteria [Berserker] included..

[Don't worry about it Jaune… just focus on what we came for and you'll be okay.] Came the familiar voice of Gil.

'Yeah… your righ-'

{Or this could be a sign that his luck had turned bad... eh either way truly.}

'Caster I thought you were on my side!?'

{Oh but I am… just that I've seen how this goes plenty of times my little dork knight friend}

'…. Ugh now you're calling me That'

Jaune groaned as he walked up to the cafeteria chef and asked for a bag of vale roast coffee.

"Kid whaddya need that for? Last I check, you don't look like someone who drinks the stuff?" asked the chef who was a sheep faunas evidence by the sheep horns on his head. He gave Jaune an unimpressed look, the blonde himself wasn't changing his view with his wincing at his statement.

"You're right, I don't drink it much, but the headmaster asked me to bring him a bag when I go to his office." He told him, he even showed the text he got from Ozpin. The chef nodded as he gave the blonde the bag as Jaune barely was able to lift it, he thanked the sheep chief and left the cafeteria, then headed for Ozpin's office.

Walking past other students to leave the cafeteria. He passed Team CFVY, waving at Velvet and her team, he then passed Team CRDL's table without care until he made it to the doors. He was about to open the doors but they opened themselves. Opening to let both team RWBY and (J)NPR walk in, both teams were shocked to see him while Ren narrows his eyes at the bag of coffee beans in his hands.

"Jaune, can we-" Ruby tried to say.

"Let me get out of your way Miss Rose," he said as he walked passed her and their teams." Pardon me"

They all felt guilt stabbed them in their hearts from how emotionless and cold he sounded to them. Did they really hurt him that badly enough for him to act like that around them?

Reaching the elevator he set his target for the office floor, where it quickly ascended. The ride up was his last moments to think on the issues at hand, he now has trusting friends and teammates who knew his secret, but they weren't really his teammates. He likes Nick and Judy, they're nice friends and more understanding, unlike the others. They had accepted him and now he couldn't have them. The thought made him angry, evident as he found his fist denting the hard metal of the elevator wall with the distinct impression of his fist.

(Jaune, calm down) he heard Gil tell him, looking to his fist; he didn't even feel it, but he was too mad to give it much more thought. Like hell, he was going to give up his friends now that he has them, honest and trustworthy friends. (Those are good Ideals to have)

As he waited he thought back to Nick's words that he gave him before he left them to see Ozpin.

"Use every little thing to you have as an advantage because human, faunus and especially grim aren't gonna care how you fight. Play dirty and crafty, for you can be sure they'll do the same against you, only more ruthlessly, dork knight. See every opportunity there is, every hesitant or wrong step they make, faltered strike, even their own insecurities. If you can just do that, you can make it, because in the end? It's just like hustling suckers, one misstep is all that you need."

He had taken those words to heart from Nick (except the last bit), who had to learn the hard way on the streets. He had to learn from a young age that he needed everything to survive and make it in this world. The fox was right, but did that have to apply just to combat? A wicked grin spread as a chuckle escaped his lips as he thought about that.

The elevator dinged and he composed himself, using what confidence he had to appear presentable before the doors opened and he stepped out.

"Ah, Mr. Arc, please come in, have a seat. May I offer you some coffee?" He asked and Jaune quirked an eyebrow. "It's quite early in the morning and I find a fresh cup of coffee to be just right in helping one be... more alive, when matters of importance are to be discussed." He stated, alluding to what they were talking about. When Jaune nodded, Ozpin directed his attention to a pot o a side table with a mug waiting for him. He prepared his mug as he preferred before taking a seat in front of the desk. "I take it you are aware of the reason you're here."

It wasn't a question, if not a statement.

"Yes I am, headmaster" He spoke, but didn't say what they were talking, letting Ozpin bring it up as not to make a fool of himself.

"First of all Mr. Arc, you've got your hands on something quite rare." He said as he gestured to his right, which was the same Boarbatusk tusk which he broke from one of the grim when he was still Berserker included. "Grim Bones of any kind isn't something you get a hold of easily."

'I kind of forgot about that after I walked out of the cafeteria' seeing that it hadn't disappeared, maybe due to the fact that it was registered by Berserker's noble phantasm? He wasn't sure but it hasn't disappeared.

"I take it that you're curious why it hasn't faded away yet as all Grimm bodies do?" He said gaining his attention, Jaune couldn't help but nod.

"It's quite simple when a grimm dies their body disperse as smoke..." he said as he traces along the edge of the tusk." but if a body part was, say, broken off like this tusk, then it can stay without turning into smoke." He explained to him, Jaune looking at the tusk in wonder.

"Usually those that gain Grimm bones, spikes or any other body part, they tend to create armor out of them or even weapons. Similar in a way to use a special type of ore during the Color War, called Mythril." He said, making Jaune looked at the headmaster with shock.

Same as an ore used during the Color War!? That was at least fifty years ago, he has a chance with this?

"I'm sure you know of this, since your sword was made of the same material, but seeing the look on your face then I guess not." He said looking at Jaune's expression of a seagull, mouth agape as if trying to catch something. He chuckled at the young Arc.

"This is why a few of the staff were wishing if you could leave it in their care if anything, to use as an example for his future classes while another wishes to study it," He said referencing both Port and Oobleck; while Port wanted to use it for his classes as to show his students, Oobleck would be enthralled to learn more about the Grimm.

"Sorry sir, but I would like to keep it for it for now, as a reminder," He said as he thought back to the effort and feeling he felt when he draws upon Lancelot's power for the first time.

"I see... Very well." He said as he took a long sip from his mug, finishing his coffee.

"Sir?"

"Now that's out of the way, there's another discussion I have to make with you Mr. Arc," Ozpin said as he poured himself another cup of coffee.

"I didn't have any connection to whatever happened to CRDL or with Nora earlier today!"

"..."

"..."

"I wasn't going to say anything about Team CRDL or Ms. Valkyrie, but I'll be keeping that in mind for later," Ozpin remarked as he sat back at his desk, Jaune groaned for telling him that unnecessary.

"Though now that we've come together, I believe I can refrain from this pratter and discuss the real reasoning that you're in my office."

"...I wanted to know why hasn't there been demands for my expulsion if you knew? I mean the other professors would have probably known by now, so why hadn't any of them asked for my expulsion yet?" There he said, now waiting for his answers no matter how bad they may be.

Sitting before the desk of Ozpin, Jaune sat anxiously as he waited for the gray-haired headmaster to say anything about his recent confession. He wasn't sure what to expect by admitting about his fake transcripts.

"Well, Mr. Arc, I see this has been devouring the borders of your mind with how stress you seemed lately. "Jaune braced himself for what was next to come.

'This is it. I'm being expelled' He thought with despair of being kicked out of beacon.

"I already took the time to create you brand new ones in place of the fake you were using."

Jaune's jaw dropped open, his face twisted in disbelief.

He what?!

(He what!?)

Gil was a bit surprised as well, he had an idea but he was more surprised he didn't tell the rest of his staff so that they can keep an eye on Jaune.

"Honestly, Mr. Arc, I'm quite hurt you would think I would be blind to keep using your papers that were forged, albeit well done nonetheless. Of which not even Glynda knew, nonetheless" he smirked, subtly jabbing at Glynda. Ah, the memory of her annoyed scowl meeting him back as she didn't appreciate his sense of humor. He chuckled at the expression that covered her face when she heard about it.

That didn't make any sense. He would've said more but he was stopped by Gil.

(Jaune, think about it. He's the headmaster of the school. Who's to say that he doesn't go through so many snooping around the database a year, that he's able to create a real one in place of a fake among the real genuine at this point?)

Hearing the explanation from his Archer servant, Jaune shook away his disbelief, frowning in confusion. Wanting to hear the headmaster's answer, "So then why call me up here if you did you make me new ones? Is what I did a crime?"

"Why yes, it is, but as white collar a crime it is, but then again there had been worse crimes committed by a student of this school. Compared to many, this is quite harmless if anything cute." He explained, chuckling at the blonde.

"You're still not answering my question," Jaune asked, intent on finding out why the headmaster would allow him into his school when he had no right to step foot on campus.

"Remember when I said knew?" He said getting a nod in response.

"I wasn't the only one that knew Mr. Arc. Professor Goodwitch knows as well and let's say she was very... vocal about her disagreement." Jaune whine quietly knowing how angry she could get, he's seen it before in her class. "While I'm content with you staying, she doesn't and wants to prove that you aren't ready, that you don't belong here."

"B-but aren't you the headmaster? Her superior? Can't you deny certain things like that?" He had to ask, he didn't want to leave Beacon and he wanted to continue his path to a huntsman.

"Sadly there are a few things that I cannot do and this is just one of them Mr. Arc."

Jaune slumped hearing that, he just couldn't catch a break.

"What I can tell you is that you'll be facing an elder team of Beacon. Second-year students, in your disadvantage two days from now, " he told Jaune, who nodded and kept that in mind for later. He would need all advantages he could get with how stacked the odds are against him.

"Ms. Goodwitch really has it in for me" He muttered, Ozpin couldn't help but find amusement in his behavior.

"Now now, head up Mr. Arc. There are some matters that I do wish to talk about, like your team." He said making the young Arc confused.

Jaune wasn't sure what to make of this new information. At least he wasn't in trouble or at all. "When you win and pass your test, I'll transfer you to another team, or better yet I could form one for you with those two you befriended. Mr. Wilde and Ms. Grey-Hopps" he proposes, taking a sip of his coffee mug.

"Wait, really!?" He was surprised by the proposal, he wasn't expecting him to offer that at all. Though one thing was on mind. "Don't they already have a team?" He had to ask since he wasn't sure and wouldn't want to break up their team if they had one already.

"Last I checked, those two don't... Mr. Wilde's teammate had to go back home as his father had passed. While on the other hand, Ms. Grey-Hopps' teammate decided to stop after her first year here, leaving both of them without a team." He informed Jaune, the knight blinking not knowing this piece of knowledge. He just thought that Nick and Judy were partners, didn't think they weren't.

"Oh... Well, I'm not sure about it. I would have to ask them first if they want to. It wouldn't be right if I did without their consent. " Ozpin nodded, seeing the gears turning in Jaune's mind as he took in his friends feelings but didn't refuse the offer.

"The offer will be open but only once you win against the team that Goodwitch has put against you" he nodded. " Seeing that is all, you are dismissed, Mr. Arc." And with that Jaune was left with both his answers and yet some more questions. He is grateful to Ozpin for his kindness and generosity. If he wanted to, he could expel him on the spot for lying his way in. And he knew that.

"Oh! And Mr. Arc?" Jaune paused as he looked at Ozpin. "Do know that until you win the fight and prove yourself, you are still acting team leader for JNPR, so please do keep an eye on Ms. Valkyrie." Jaune groaned leaving the room, and an Ozpin chuckling.

'Aw... It brings me joy to hear the cries of the unfortunate,'

The sounds of metal clashed against one another as flashes of light sparked in the dimly lit hall. Two figures dashing around at high speeds as a flash of red and a flash of silver surged around each other. Blade against lance, skill against technique, speed against power and mentor against student.

One Adam Taurus fighting against another, was a man well into his forties, with silk-like long silver hair borderlining grey, dressed in royal fashion. Eyes of Gold and a pale face, this man held an overwhelming presence, that many wouldn't be able to look him in the eye. This was not by fear, oh no but rather that those exposed to his icy gaze recognize themselves as hopelessly weak and powerless existences before him, that is unless you're someone who's been exposed to this man from an early age... Like Adam.

The two clash, never letting up as Adam's blade shines a hue of blood red, signaling that his semblance was in use. Each clash only serves to power the glowing blade but it didn't discern his opponent who backed off after their last clash.

The way he stares at the young leader, made it look like a challenge from the untrained eye, but, in reality, it was a test to see who would strike first.

A drop of water leaked from the ceiling of the room.

Hidden eyes stared into gold eyes, both gripped their weapon as they waited.

The water drip splashes into a puddle, they both charged.

Adam slashed at the air twice, overlapping them to form a flying cross of energy and aura he was building up. The silverette merely look upon the upcoming attack before with a flick of his wrist and arm, it was sliced into a red mist. The man himself disappeared, Adam frantic looked for him before he stopped, the blade of a lance was against the back of his neck.

He sighed as he lost against him. The lance blade was removed from his neck as he turned to face his opponent from before.

"Truly I must say, your skills have greatly improved," he started with; Adam felt a small sense of pride but he knew what was to come. "But you weren't yourself, your supposed skills, that should be refined, were sloppy and frantic, traces of anger that shouldn't be there." He stated as he stares deeply into Adam who was silent as he took in the criticism. He sighed as his eyes soften as he looked upon the man before him, he chuckled as he sat down on a nearby bench.

"Now, come. My dear pupil, tell me what trouble ails your consciousness," He asked of the bull faunus as he walked towards him. Adam spruces his eyes shut as he thinks back to his recent thoughts, those of his past.

"Recently my thoughts seem to travel back to my past. It hasn't bothered me much, but when those humans come into our tents and act like they're our superiors... " he growled at the thought of that bitch, he stopped once he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Hmph, it seems you need to go back to your roots. There lies your problem, from what I've heard so far."

"What!? No! I don't need to leave right now. We're in the middle of an operation and I can't leave my brethren here." He said but he stopped once he saw his teacher's eyes.

"Your mind is clouded, your strikes were frantic, these aren't what a leader presents to their men." Adam stayed silent. The older man looked upon the young faunus leader before sighing. He places a hand on his shoulder, gesturing for him to follow. The two walk, out of the training hall into the halls of their current residence. They past faunus who were in white fang uniforms and those who weren't, those that were seeing their loved ones and even children and families that didn't have a home anymore.

"My pupil, look around you. What do you see?"

Adam looked at those he's helped, those that were under his command, to even the children that run by him who didn't have hope anymore thanks to grimm and human bandits. "I see faunus... Those who were unlucky, those who lost their home to be destroyed and ignored by others, even those who were faunus themselves..."

Alucard nodded but added to what he said. "That is what you see, I see it as well but do you know what else I see before me?" He paused as he looked around, Adam himself silent in the wonder of what his mentor was speaking. "I see lives, lives that were saved by the ambition of one man. One who didn't see anything but the lives of those who were lost. Yes, there are humans who are cruel but there are faunus who are similar. You can't let your own hate for one, speak for others. These people are your people, just as any innocent humans are. Your past now clouds your mind, as it is tied to your anger and present."

Adam took in his mentor's words, he thought back to the people that he's met. The people he's helped, and the kind of people he's talked with. He's helped faunus, his kind, and yet he's also brought down hate upon humans...

Walking into his office, he took notice of something shining on his desk. He knows he didn't keep anything like that with documents, it isn't his necklace for that stays with him always. Looking closer, it looked like gold. Turning a lamp on he could see it, a pair of cards; one held an image of a person bound in chains with spikes while the other was of a knight holding a sword high.

Picking up the cards, he inspects them curiously. He didn't recall having any cards like this. He did play cards from time to time with his men and even played a few trading card games in his life as a child but never these. They didn't feel any different than any other cards but he could feel the weight they had, it didn't help that his faunus instincts were acting up.

The cards, he couldn't make out what to think about them. He sighed, he'll deal with them later, sliding them into his breast pocket. He turned to the window, overlooking his troops and faunus from his office.

You have an ambition but a weak will, young King.

Eyes widen behind his mask as he spun to see who spoke, his hands on Wilt and Blush. "Who said that?" Adam gritted his teeth, whoever it was, he wasn't going to let them walk in and cause chaos where his brethren live.

Hmm... You are quite the protective one.

He looked around for the source of the voice, he didn't know where the intruder could be and already that is dangerous.

Pardon the shock and surprise, my friend, but I mean you no harm.

Hearing the voice, he loosened his stance but kept his hands on his weapons. Relaxed but ready by reflex, he has many reasons not to listen but he'll give them the benefit of doubt... For now.

Ah... You see I mean no harm to you or your people young king.

Hearing the voice, he couldn't help but be a little curious, what with its choice of pronouns. Him? A king? He's flattered that they would think he's a king but he's no king, all he's doing is helping his kind. That's all he needs to do, make a better life for his kind away from humans. This person is both vague and yet they seem genuine in their term of speaking; if anything their tone only made him more wary of them. This speech, this tone, everything screams at him to accept them but his mind denies it to the point he speaks. "What are you?" When he realized the words they had already left his throat and mouth, he wasn't sure why those words were the ones.

One that protects the innocent

He who protects the dreams of those in need

The sun to my King's night

His knight and servant

That is who I am

My King

Adam was speechless, he wasn't sure what to take from what he heard. This... person was unbelievable and yet, he couldn't help but believe them... It was only now, did he takes notice of the glow emitted from his breast pocket, the same place where he placed the cards.

I am your knight until your death and I shall help you on your journey my king

Jaune was walking out to the rooftop in his nightwear, his necklace out as he sat on the edge of the rooftop. He looked up towards the night sky.

'It's actually a rather nice night.' He thought. The sky was clear of clouds and a crescent moon laughed down at the world, as if amused by the many students buzzing down below like a den of excited young kits heading out to either celebrate the weekend or to head back to their dorms. Jaune supposed that if he were the moon he'd be amused too. There wasn't much that happened in Beacon academy at night with it being silent just like the forest back home, such action must have been a welcome change for the heavenly body. Jaune truly wondered now… what would it be like the moon, without any worries or burdens to weigh it down but to appear once a night and stared down at the very people below…

Huh? So lost in mindless thought and he had become a poet, maybe he should become one if this doesn't work out in the end.

{Hmmm you wouldn't be that good compared to Shakespeare, though he might be overjoyed to have another take up the art that is poetry} Ah he was wondering where Caster's voice went. It was a bit weird not hearing him for so long since he was the one to talk lately with Gil taking a rest. It reminds one of the constant buzzing of angered hornets and lancer Grimm.

{Now that isn't nice comparing my voice to Grimm of all things} Feigning hurt even in my thoughts, his words sounded so fake that even Ruby would know.

'You don't help yourself much when you mostly troll me, Caster.'

{Trolling? Why would I be trolling? I've been helping you my dear ward. When have I ever "Trolled" you?}

'Well, there was that one time during class with Professor Peach, then there was the tripping woods incident, where all the trees roots magically were in his path causing me to trip and fall repeatedly, the time with that faunus fourth year where she thought I was her husband! What? Is my life some comedy-drama for you to enjoy and laugh at!?'

{'Oh no no, no! Perish the thought. I don't see you like that! You are much more like my old apprentice.}

'Your old apprentice? So what I'm learning under you in the act of magus arts and acting as your assistant, with you only being vague in your answers as I suffered the repercussions of mistakes?'

{You can say that, only with comedy and tragedy included as a bonus}

'Caster... That's what's called TROLLING!'

Jaune was about to continue his argument if he didn't pause at the sound of steps, looking back he glanced at the form of... Judy? It wasn't hard to see the body of the small faunus. Walking under the moonlight he could see that she had a figure that matched Ruby's and yet she was taller than her by a foot in height.

"Judy? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with our dastardly fox?" He joked, Judy, giggling as she took stood by his side.

"Nick will be fine, besides he doesn't need me pulling his rear out of every fire he makes," she said with a chuckle, Jaune nodding with a smirk.

"So what brings you here, carrot?" He asked as Judy stared at him, before scowling as she blushed furiously.

"…Ugh not you too! It's bad enough Nick calls me that, I don't need you calling me that." she growled but it came out cute with her blushing face, Jaune just laughed.

"Sorry, sorry. It's just that Nick calls you that all the time. So I thought it be okay to call you that" he said as she huffed.

"That's because Nick calls me that just to tease me all the time. At this point it just became a nickname for him to use" she said taking a seat next to him.

"Is that so? How did you get that nickname?" He asked since he was intrigued, Judy and Nick know each other for a long time from how they acted around each other. "Then again you don't have to tell me if it's-"

"No no no it's just..." she looked down at her lap before at the night sky. "It's been a long time since I thought back to how we met. It was really different back then unlike now"

Jaune now paid attention to his friend as she began to weave her story of her first meeting with Nick.

"It was during our first year here at Beacon...

(Flashback)

Walking through the halls of Beacon was a young rabbit faunus with a small map as she tried to navigate through the academy.

"'It be easy' she said. Ooo that's the last time I listen to Jackie" the young faunus muttered angrily as she looks at her surroundings than at the map. "Arrrgh! It's no use! I'm lost" she yelled as she threw her hands up. She was about to pull out her scroll before she heard chuckling, she turned to see a fox faunus in a green cloak who was walking her way.

"What's so funny?" she glared at the fox faunus who just walked by with a smug charisma, acting like a bad boy in his hunter gear.

"Funny?" he pretended to be surprised. "Do you see something funny, Finnick? Because I don't," hearing him call another, she noticed a faunus next to him. He was standing at a height of 5"2? he wore a black bandanna, brown gloves, large gray boots, a light red vest over a black shirt, and a striped yellow scarf hanging from a belt. she was confused on why a child was here, sure he looked like a hunter but he wasn't the age for application to Beacon.

"No shit here is funny besides that ugly mug you call a face Nick" She was taken back by his deep voice and vulgar language. Looks like he wasn't a child after all if he has a voice like that, but the fox faunus "Nick" chuckled at him. she wondered why he would let a human insult him like that, then again they couldn't be good friends.

He then turned to the rabbit faunus with q smile. "See? There's nothing funny going on" he teased her as she growled in anger, a blush dormant on her face.

"What do you want anyway?" she asked as she picked up the map she'd dropped earlier in anger. Nick only shook his head as he and Finnick walked in a different direction she was going in. "If you're wondering where you should be going, it's this way." Watching them walk off, she noticed that the little guy had a fox tail like Nick meaning he was a faunus as well.

"Better to help the little lost rabbit since she couldn't find her way, even with a map" he chuckled, she glared at the fox, she huffed before walking faster and past him and Finnick.

"Hm, what's her deal?" Nick asked Finnick who laughed. The faunus laughed as they walked, Nick paused as he noticed something on the floor. It was a carrot theme pen, he looked at it before he saw initials J.G-H on one side.

'Huh... must be hers' he shrugged as he picked it up, he showed to Finnick who rolled his eyes. The two faunus walked over to the orientation like the rest of the students.

Judy was at a loss until she bumped into another, making her fall on her rear. She looked down to see white curly hair women wearing a light baby blue turtleneck with a dark gray corset-style leather breastplate over it, shoulder and knee pads with white wool mixed in to give off a fluffy look. Gauntlets covering her elbow to her hands, she wears a brown and blue plaid skirt, black pantyhose and metal plated black-brown ankle hiking boots.

"Oh! I am so sorry! Are you alright? " Judy asked as she helped her up, she was dusting off her huntress clothes.

"It's okay, I'm fine. Thank you though for your consideration" she said as she finished dusting off her clothes. "Nice to meet you. My name is Azura Bellwether," She introduced herself with a hand for a handshake.

Judy shook her hand as she introduces herself. "Nice to meet you too! I'm Judy Grey-Hopps!" She chimed in her name with a smile, Azura returned her smile but she tilted her head as she looked at her for a bit.

"Judy, were you looking for the auditorium?" She was taken back by the question.

"Why, yes. I was since admittedly I was lost."

"Then here, let me show you the way," she said as walked forward, Judy following her towards where the building was located.

"Thanks, Azura you were a great help, I would've missed the orientation if it weren't for you." She thanked her.

"That's kind of you to say, Judy. Not many faunus say that to me." Azura smiled at her new friend.

"Hmm? What do you mean by that? I'm sure other faunus would talk to you." She said not seeing the real problem, while Azura realizes what she doesn't see.

"Um...Judy?" She said getting her attention. " I'm not a faunus, I'm human." She explained to her.

"Really!? But you look like a sheep faunus, especially your hair." She said gesturing to it as Azura blushes in embarrassment. "You even have a scent like one?"

"Trust me I may look like one but I'm not, the reason I smell like one is because of my family. I'm adopted into a family of sheep faunus." She said as she twirls a lock of her curly hair.

"Oh..." She said as he looked away a bit embarrassed. She noticed something though.

"Wait!" She said getting Azura's attention. "Come on! The orientation's going to be starting pretty soon!" She mentioned as she pointed at other teens that were gathering at the auditorium, from a distance all of whom were walking towards the specific building.

"O-Oh, right!" She nodded.

She quickly caught up with Judy just as she started to walk off, though she'd clearly slowed down to let her catch up. They even matched their stride with each other, she noticed, which made her happy… she felt like she made a good friend in Judy.

Sadly the two of them got lost in the crowd as they made it inside. Judy found herself a seat among the other promising people here to be a student and huntsmen and huntresses. Her eyes were trained upon one of the two figures walking onto the stage.

There was the deputy headmistress stepping out onto the stage. Judy took note of how everyone immediately quieted down, she did the same as the blond woman prepared to speak.

"I'm am grateful if i can have your attention for the headmaster to begin his speech," she said as they all stayed silent as Ozpin walked up to the stage, mug in hand.

"I'll... keep this brief. You have traveled here today in search of knowledge, to hone your craft and acquire new skills, and when you have finished, you plan to dedicate your life to the protection of the people." His speech started.

And with that Ozpin walked away from the microphone, Goodwitch quickly taking his place and saying into the microphone. "You will gather in the ballroom tonight; tomorrow, your initiation begins. Be ready. You are dismissed."

Judy nodded hearing Glynda's words, she left the auditorium to head for her bags so she can change into her night clothes.

"Trust me, when I say this brand of dust is perfect for you!" She stopped as she walked towards the voice and there she saw it, Nick and that friend of his with a small crowd of people. They were selling...dust!?

"You want to create a smokescreen? Then this Smoke dust would do it. Do you need a light source in the dark? This brand new light dust will be a blinding beacon. Hell, you can even use it as a flashbang!" Nick spoke as the crowd was hooked as they started to buy their products.

She couldn't believe what she was looking at, it didn't take a professional to see that the "light dust" was more than a small light bounce ball, coated in a salt crystal you can make quite easily. The "smoke dust" was merely silver ore, encased in salt crystal as well. The rest of their products were fake, the very thought of them scheming these people.

"Thank you for your patronage and have a wonderful day!" Nick said as Finnick added the new amount to the rest of their acquired lein, the crowd was gone by the time they were sold out.

"Wha? Why!? You're selling fake dust to others!" She screamed at the two.

"Well... Yeah" he said as if it was such a simple fact, the fact he looked bored only made her angrier.

"You're supposed to be huntsmen! Protector of people, not swindle them of their money!" Judy exclaimed in anger as Nick and Finnick chuckled and looked smug.

"What can I say? It'd be a crime not to take advantage of such gullible people." He chuckled as he shuffles his earned lien to count them. "You know the saying 'survival of the fittest.'" Judy could only glare at him in rage as she growled, deciding to walk away from the fox faunus as the echoing of his chuckling fades.

After auditorium

Judy just couldn't believe someone like Nick could be so...arrrrrgh it was so frustrating just thinking about it. It was annoying to think about it, she sighed as she thought back to what the headmaster said during his speech.

Judy and like so many others were left with something to think about. She wondered to the locker room to leave her weapon for tomorrow, she hoped she could meet up with Azura and not stumble into that fox faunus again. She huffed as she turned away from her locker to leave the room.

She bumped into a familiar face, unfortunately, it was one she wasn't hoping to see. It was the other fox faunus that was with Nick, Finnick? She heard him call him?

"Hmph, well if isn't miss huntress. What now? Come to see if I'm doing anything, unlike a hunstmen?" He questioned her as he crossed his arms. Judy was a bit offended and wanted to glare at this little guy but she took a deep breath.

"No, I was just heading towards the changing rooms, then the ballroom," She spoke as Finnick gave her a blank look but he nodded.

"Alright, follow me unless you want to lose your little bunny tail in these halls again," he said which surprised her as she thought he wouldn't polite from how his voice sounds. She smiles happily that she was wrong as she follows the fox through the hallways, after a while, he led her to the change rooms and then the ballroom before parting from him to find a spot to sleep.

It wasn't as bad as she thought, she found a nice spot close to a window and hell, she even bumped into Azura as well. She was excited for tomorrow.

Next day

Ozpin looked over the group, scrutinizing the initiate students. Judy was excited and ready, she looked at the other students until her eyes spotted Azura as she waved at her, she waved back. Her eyes landed on a familiar fox faunus, she saw Nick who was chuckling as he talked to his friend. "Welcome to Emerald Forest. Below is your initiation trial. To the north of the forest is a set of ruins where you find a series of relics. Gather that relic with your partner and return here to the cliff to pass. Now, for partners, the first person you make eye contact within the forest below will be your partner for the next four years. Am I understood?" Everyone nodded. "Good. Let's begin."

He didn't wait for anything before launching them all into the forest. One by one, students were being launched, Judy saw Azura offered her a smile before she was launched, she looked to see Nick put on shades before offering her a toothy grin before he was sent flying.

She felt the launch pad underneath her sprang back before it launched her into the sky above the emerald forest.

Enjoying the thrill of flying in the air, Nick looked around before he found himself a nice little pack of Beowolves. Taking out his weapon from his back. The object in hand was a combination of a broadsword and claymore, it was green in color and violet. Its handle and guard were green as it had Purple wrapping around the handle. The blade itself is a one edge blade and dyed blood red, it had two pieces on both sides hooking into the blade, holding it in place. He switched it into its firearm mode, the blade pushes back into its guard as the two pieces fold out as a wire attached to both parts, the handle flick back into a gun handle. He turned around and aimed it before firing it, the kickback sent him falling towards the pack.

He was falling at an increased rate, he swapped out his weapon into its sword form and started spinning, like a buzz saw as he cut through the first two beowolves with ease. Skidding on the forest floor, he shifted his weapon into its crossbow form, a red arrow bolt springing up and nicked as he shot the first Beowulf in the neck then spun from the recoil, his weapon shot up in blade form, before swinging down his sword once more, and cleaving the alpha beowolf's head in half. He chuckled as he looked over to the rest of the pack.

In a flash the two additional oncoming attackers collapsed to the ground, drawing Nick's attention along with the remaining three who whimpered in confusion at the sudden defeat of their packmates. Judy completed her majestic flip, landing lightly on the ground though it was her chosen weapons that caused the most bewilderment.

In each hand she bore weapons that were at least half the height she was, it baffled Nick, however quite perplexingly as they were single-handed weapons similar to a European seax or a Moorish scimitar. The blades are broad and has multiple cutting edges. The blades themselves were golden while the hilts were silver with what looked like compact, modified hand cannons built into the hilts. They shined like the moonlight itself. Without a hint of hesitation, Judy bounced towards him, her style unpredictable…how could she know how to wield blades like them with such expertise so gracefully? Hearing noise from behind him Nick turned left as Judy flanked right, with a single swing apiece, most of the remaining Beowolves collapsed to the ground without a moment to react.

"What the hell was that, carrot?" He said as turned to her only to see one of her weapons' blade fold back and point its muzzle; he ducked as she shot at the remaining Beowulf that was leaping at him from behind. The recoil sends her flying as she backflips onto the back of the last Beowulves and with a swipe, she beheaded them.

Nick looked from over his shoulder at the decaying corpse to Judy who just swung her blades to get the dust off them before she sheathed them on her back. She gave Nick a sly smirk as they made eye contact.

"Sorry partner, but I believe it's called a hustle sweetheart" she smirked at him as she walked on ahead of him. Nick stood there for a bit, wide-eyed at what he just saw, then realized that they made eye contact, he blinked now understanding what she meant. She looked back over her shoulder and gave him a wink.

He couldn't believe he got himself hustled and by a bunny faunus of all people, and yet he couldn't help the chuckled that escaped his lips. He shook his head as he followed after her with a sly smirk. He only hoped that Finnick wouldn't tear him a new asshole for this.

(Flashback End)

Jaune himself was having a git as he laughed at what Judy did to Nick. "You really said that to him?" He asked through his laughter, she giggled nodding. The memory was distant and yet she couldn't help but smiled when they became a team.

"Yeah, I know. After that, we made it through initiation and were on the same team, the rest is history." She said, thinking back to her first few months talking with him.

"Everything was different for you wasn't it?" He asked.

"It was... Different and yet it was refreshing to have someone like Nick. I'm glad to have met him, and have him as my current partner." She said as Jaune nodded.

As they talk, Judy noticed Jaune's necklace. "Hey, Jaune?" She spoke, getting his attention.

"Hmm? Yes?" He answered.

"Where did you get that necklace?" She asked He blinked a few times before looking at his which was dangling from his neck, grabbing it lightly.

"Oh... This? It's something of a memento..."

"A memento? From who?" Her eyes twitch hearing that.

"My brother... He gave it to me as I gave him something similar." He looked at the pendant, Reminiscing his memories of his brother. "It was so that we don't forget each other..."

"I see... Where is he now?" She asked him as he let go of the pendant to let out a sigh as he brushes his hand through his blonde locks.

"That's the thing, I don't know." He admitted.

"You don't?" She blinked, he didn't know where his brother is? 'What about your parents? Wouldn't they know?" She asked.

"No, they don't. None of my family knows where he is. We've been looking for him ever since he was left us" Jaune explained, remembering that one morning he woke up to find his brother's room void of him and his clothes.

"O-oh... I'm sorry" She stuttered, a bit embarrassed and apologetic for bringing up bad memories.

"It's alright Judy, it's nothing new. To be honest with you that's part of the reason I'm here. I want to look for him." He said confidently. "That's why I'm here, to be a huntsman and find my brother." He said, looking at the city of Vale.

Judy looked at him as if she's looking at the real Jaune Arc of Beacon Academy. She saw the soft distant lights of the city shone off his gentle features, the color of the night sky and stars contrast to his blonde golden hair and sapphire eyes. It was that soft smile he wore, it completed the portrait that was Jaune Arc.

He was smiling even as he talked to her. "I admit, I knew that I didn't belong here at first. I was worried that I would be a disgrace. I was overjoyed to have made friends, have a team, those that I could depend on." He was happy until his features took a deep plunge from any kind of happiness. "Honestly I shouldn't be surprised though when my secret came to light, I thought it better to not lie about it to them and tell them the truth. Sadly I was mistaken, they hate me for the reason that I'm here now. My team has abandoned me, and now I'm alone on my path, everything feels shaky now. Like I can't even see if the steps before are good or bad," Judy couldn't stand to see him thinking darkly in despair after being left behind.

"Jaune I know it hurts, but don't fear since Nick and I are always with you. We would never leave you," She assured him, blinking, he smiled at her hearing that.

"Thanks" He stated to her.

"Anything for a friend, Jaune" He nodded gently to her before looking back out into the city, no longer his posture lonely. He looked out as if he was looking towards the future, the soft smile she adored upon his face. He looked out to the night sky.

{Jaune what are you thinking of?} Came the voice of Caster, Jaune really had forgotten about him and Gil through his thoughts after listening to Judy.

'Sorry about that Caster, a few memories came back up. Made me think about myself a bit,' He explained himself.

{Ah, there's no need for apologies my young master. It's quite understandable, everyone tends to think about themselves at one point.} Caster spoke, his tone holding nostalgia and yet empathy to his young ward. The very tone took him by surprise but he smiled softly knowing how he felt.

'Even you?' He had to ask.

{Yes, Jaune. Even me.} he answered somberly, making Jaune wince. {Then again there's nothing to do but think... And cringe from that woman's awful puns}

Jaune smiled grew hearing those words, maybe he and Caster will get along very well, once they meet each other properly. He let out a sigh as the light of the shattered moon shone upon him, he chuckled there for a bit before he got up to head to bed. He had a full day ahead of him and a battle to be won tomorrow.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Get ready for the next chapter, Jaune has a test to pass now! who will he be facing? Who is Adam talking to?

Speedy24 Signing off