AN: Updated 10/24/16. Made some changes that are somewhat important. It adds some things that I do not wish to say. So don't be mad, but if you've read this first chapter already, I suggest you give it another read. It isn't crucial to the overall plot, but I think it will be more enjoyable if you read it the way it is now.

If you're a first timer, then welcome! Go on and indulge in reading. Also, know that chapter 3 will be released TOMORROW! So get ready for that if you're interested!

It hasn't been long since he started his rigorous training with Pyrrha, and he understood that progress is a slow upward climb. You don't become a great warrior in just a few months. Not even prodigies could make such an achievement. So even though he knew that –

"Don't be frustrated Jaune; you're getting much better."

– why was he still so impatient?!

Months of constant training. Months of sweat and pain – and for what? Mediocrity at best it would seem. Every time he tried sparring with Pyrrha the result was the same. Defeat after defeat after damn defeat! He couldn't even make her break a sweat!

To Jaune's displeasure, he still couldn't even beat Cardin. Every time his back hit the hard floor, Cardin would casually walk away. But at least the larger teen had stopped his insults and bullying. Jaune was genuinely thankful for that, as it would have been easy for Cardin to go back to his old ways. Even though it was unmistakable that his victory against that Ursa had more to do with luck than actual skill, the two were on better terms.

And by better terms, both had the unspoken agreement not to interact at all, unless necessary.

"I just wish I was improving faster." He said under his breath, hoping that Pyrrha hadn't heard him. She didn't seem to as she only sat next to him, and began to look up at the night sky with a relaxed smile. Him on the other hand, his mind was like a maelstrom of conflict.

"Jaune, we've only trained for a short time." So she did hear him. "You shouldn't expect to be at my level just yet," she crooned. The Mistral champion paused to think of her next words. If her hesitation to continue was due to her previous choice of words he didn't know, nor did he care.

It doesn't matter. Pyrrha was right he shouldn't expect to be at the level of his friends. Improving that much is an impossible task.

If only they had accepted him into Signal. He would have worked hard—harder than anyone. But he just wasn't good enough – didn't do enough – didn't have enough resolve? Maybe, if he just had the opportunity to train back then, then maybe he would be as great as his friends.

That was in the past, though, Jaune mused sadly. Instead of looking back and pondering what could have been, he needed to look forward, chest puffed out and his head held high with confidence. If he could do that, then he will get better.

If he did that, then maybe he could get a date with Weiss!

"Your technique is better, though." His partner finally spoke again. "Just give it more time, and I know that you'll become an excellent warrior." Pyrrha believed that – she believed in him. It was almost laughable really. His partner had more faith in him than his parents ever did. It was a depressing thought, but it was fact. His parents had been against his choice to become a huntsman ever since he first told them as a kid. When the topic of training came up, his father would always change the conversation immediately.

"Once you learn to utilize your aura better, I am confident that your improvement will fasten exponentially! In fact, we can start tomo-"

"Pyrrha,"

Thankfully she stopped talking. Just call out her name and she'll stop whatever she was doing to give you her full attention. That was just like her. He was lucky to have her as a partner.

"Just… I get what you're saying, and I agree. Even though I'm not at the level, I want to be." Jaune had somehow mustered the courage to meet her gaze as he spoke. "I am grateful for all you've done for me. You helped me a lot, and I don't know how I can ever repay you."

When her hand grasped his shoulder, he stopped speaking.

"Jaune," she said softly. "You're my friend, I want to help you." her smile was so infectious that the blond felt his lips tug up to match hers. "Every day that we train together is a day you improve. Knowing that is enough payment for me."

Jaune was the luckiest guy on Remnant. There was no way that anyone else could have a partner as great as his. Pyrrha is not only the strongest person in their grade, but she had to have been the kindest girl he had ever met. No matter how much he struggled, she was always so patient with him. If there were something wrong with his stance, Pyrrha would correct him, never minding how foolish he must have looked.

The fear of falling had left him a long time ago. What was there to be afraid of when his best friend would catch him?

She was like a second mom, as weird as that sounded.

"Come on," Pyrrha stood, offering her hand for him to take.

Jaune went to accept her hand, but the moment before their hands could touch he stopped. Green eyes surveyed him oddly, and he could see the unspoken question she wanted to ask.

"Go on without me, I would like to spend a little more time out here." was his answer.

It was evident to Jaune that his partner wanted to protest, given that Pyrrha still offered her hand for his to join with, but when his hand did not meet hers, Pyrrha smiled like she always did, accepting that she couldn't change his mind. With a nod, the redhead left him saying her goodbye.

Jaune was lucky to have her.

A beautiful clear starry night out in the gardens of Beacon usually implies it to be a pleasant stroll. Just bask in its tranquility – the beauty that's all around. For almost anyone no matter the circumstance they would find some semblance of peace being here.

If only that were the case for Jaune Arc.

"I can't believe I left my scroll in the room!" How could he keep doing that?! He knew that he could just knock on the door, but he didn't want to wake his team. He let out a sigh – curse his forgetfulness. Curse the fact that he cares that much about his friends getting their beauty sleep!

How this night can get worse, is beyond his comprehension. Although, there wasn't a single doubt in his mind that this night could still become much worse. After all, he is Jaune Arc, and with his name labeled to him that meant getting struck by lightning on a bright sunny day was as plausible as getting into one of team RWBY's crazy antics. Or even worse, one of Nora's bizarre plans.

Guess I'm due for a few lightning bolts…

Why can't the universe just take a vacation and kill him already?

With a sigh, Jaune continued his stroll. Right now he was headed for the familiar statue that depicted one of his ancestors. Rather than being alone, spending the night next to family seemed more preferable. It was not the same as being with his real family, but the statue was an okay substitution.

Although, would it not look strange to see him sleeping outside next to a statue of his dead ancestor?

Comparing all the other embarrassing situations he has been through, this was like accepting a gold medal. Guess that means Jaune was going to sleep on the cold hard ground. Something that he was quite used to thanks to his loving sisters. Jaune had loved his parents more than ever when they built a bigger home. The day he finally got a bed to sleep in alone was the happiest moment of his life. Even now, he felt tears forming at the memory.

When Jaune approached the stone statue, he quickly realized that he was not alone. No one stays out this late, so it came as a surprise when he spotted someone. They were a familiar presence that was at the same time – an enigma. The person in front of him – he certainly knew of her existence.

But Blake Belladonna was a complete stranger to him. Jaune could not even think of her as an acquaintance, as they never spoke to one another. There was never an urge to talk to her, and Jaune was sure that she felt the same way about him. What reason on Remnant could they possibly have to speak with each other? To Jaune, the silent member of his sister team was an exceptionally attractive version of Ren.

Not that Ren was not attractive... uh...

Regardless of how good-looking or not, his male friend was, the point is, Jaune felt the same vibe from Blake that he does from Ren. Heck, they're on the same team yet they still hardly interact– which was fine by the way! Jaune could respect his friend's decision to be more passive. It was honestly preferred. Having Nora was the same as taking care of his seven sisters, and then some. So having someone who was calm in nature on the team, was fantastic.

As for Blake, well they were not on a team. There was never a reason for them to talk. Besides, Jaune figured that they were probably far too different from each other to form a connection.

Blake didn't seem to notice the blond's arrival as her back was still turned from him. A pale hand began inching up to remove her bow as if the act itself tested all her courage. It didn't take long to understand why that was in the next moments. Because as the untied black bow was dragged down to her side, black furred feline ears were in place of where the bow once was.

As enthralled as he was by the second pair of appendages his attention was captured by something else. The way her free hand went to reach her face to rub her eye reminded him of when his sisters would be sad.

Blake was crying.

"Blake…" it's the first time he's ever talked to her; the first time he's ever even said her name. It was the only thing he could even think to utter at the sight of the complete stranger before him. But she was crying, and he did the first thing his instincts told him to do.

Jaune Arc was going to do his best to console Blake Belladonna.

Blake seemed to jump at first, startled by the sound of his voice. After all, it was far too late for anyone else to be outside their dorm. Even so, she turned around to look at him. Amber met his uncertain cerulean.

His mom did always say that strangers were only friends you haven't met yet.

Many things have now happened to Jaune Arc – things that he would never have imagined to occur so soon in his life.

Where does he even begin? The fact that he was at a café with an attractive girl that wasn't one of his sisters. Alone… with no supervision. Just him with the girl. There was not another person to distract him from the girl sitting across the table.

Did he mention that the girl who sat across the table was alone?

Oh, Gods don't panic!

"Are you even listening?"

"Oh, sorry Blake, I'm just extremely nervous," he said as one hand came up to rub his hair nervously. When their eyes met again, he flinched when he saw how irritated she was. His arm dropped, and he offered an apologetic smile. Hopefully, the Arc charm would help diffuse her already growing annoyance for him.

"This is serious," Blake sighed, probably beginning to regret allowing him to tag along in the first place. Sadly, Jaune could not find a reason why she shouldn't feel that way.

Well so much for the Arc charm.

"What I told you is very personal, and it's something I didn't even want to share with my team."

The fact that Blake Belladonna is a faunus and an ex-terrorist.

"I still consider being alone with a girl to be stranger…" he whispered low enough, so he wasn't heard.

"Jaune," oh right… she has four ears for hearing.

"Sorry," he apologized once again even beginning to get annoyed with himself. Now wasn't the time to look like an idiot in front of a girl. Honestly, not looking like a fool is his usual thought process but right now he had to apply it for a much more important reason.

Blake Belladonna ran away from Beacon – ran away from her team. Right now she didn't have anyone to rely on to help.

Except for him.

Which by all accounts she was better off on her own. But, instead of running away from him, she let him follow. Even though they've never spoken to one another before now the level of trust, she must have for him must be deeper than he had initially thought. Maybe when this is all over and they somehow sort everything out Blake might help him get a date with Weiss.

Yeah, he wished that was the case.

Not only did he have to chase after her all the way to the last departing ship, but he had to pay for her ticket too! Then she had the gall to try and ditch him! What kind of gratitude is that?! How anyone could be that rude and elusive was beyond him!

Also, he had serious doubts that Blake would ever help him get a date with Weiss, regardless whether they were friends or not.

However, despite all of that he intently listened when she spoke of her past, and how she was involved in the White Fang. Back then, she'd apparently been quite the rebel even as a kid, but it had always been for the right causes. It began as protests, and she was there for every rally and took part in every boycott. She told him that she believed that their protests were making a difference.

But as she said, it was just youthful optimism.

Eventually, what started as a movement for equality slowly became shaded in black. Those very same peaceful protests were cast aside for coordinated attacks – wooden signs of protest replaced with weapons. Shops that refused to serve faunus set ablaze. Companies such as the Schnee Dust Corporation would have their cargo hijacked for using faunus labor.

Apparently, it was working much to Jaune's dismay. Criminal actions gave more results than the protests ever could. The White Fang began to get the equality they desired, but it wasn't out of respect or good will. It was out of fear.

"So that's when you left," Jaune said, daring to pry even more information out of her even though he didn't deserve to know anything else. Blake was just a total stranger to him, but that doesn't matter to him in the slightest.

After all, strangers are only friends that you haven't met yet.

She mustn't have expected him to continue the conversation in any meaningful way, evident by the wrinkles of surprise appearing on her forehead. It hurt a little that she thought so little of him, but when her only experience with him was seeing his failed attempts at courting his snow angel three times a day, then that was understandable.

"That's when I left." She repeated, setting the white porcelain down. "I didn't want to use my skills to aid in violence." She sighed. "At the very least, I didn't want to contribute to any more senseless violence. So I chose to become a huntress." She didn't continue from there, and Jaune was just fine with that.

"So why do you wear that bow? Why would you hide what you are?" the glare he received from Blake quickly helped realize how stupid he was to ask that.

"Why do I hide what I am. That was your question right? It's because of what I am that I wear this bow. I want people to see me for who I am, Jaune. Not many people will do that if they know I'm a faunus." the former White Fang member didn't even look at him when she spoke, preferring the empty the white porcelain with a drink.

Did their kingdom truly see the faunus as such a huge burden? Compared to his small town of Astrea, Vale seemed far less tolerable of the faunus. Ever since he was a child, Jaune got to know everyone in his community. Human and faunus alike, it didn't matter in Astrea.

Perhaps the reason why people in Vale don't share the mentality of Astrea is because of the city's relative safety from the Grimm. If great walls have been the only protection needed for so long, then it made sense why the thought of unifying never crossed anyone's mind. Astrea was well fortified, but it was still just a small town. Walls aren't what pushed the Grimm back, it was the people. "We either fight together and survive or bicker and die." was what his dad told him one time.

With a sigh, Blake stood from her chair. "I'm leaving," as she walked away, she turned to him, just as he was getting up from his seat. "Just do whatever you want, and don't tell anyone that you saw me." For a very brief moment, he considered doing what she asked. He was sure that everything would work out on its own. So why get involved?

"The bill sir." The waiter said, setting the white slip of paper down for the blonde to see the damage his wallet would soon suffer.

And now I have a reason… Jaune felt his lips turn upward for the first time today.

"Why are you following me? I told you to go back to Beacon." Blake was beginning to question if blondes seemed to gravitate towards her. Yang was enough blonde in her life, thank you very much. She didn't need a second blonde to complicate things. The thought itself is chaotic enough.

"No, you told me to do whatever I wanted, so I'm doing just that. Besides," the blonde quickened his pace to block Blake's path, an accusing finger pointed directly at her. "you owe me for that cup of tea!" he exclaimed.

He can not be serious.

"It's just a cup of tea." she said dismissively.

"A cup of tea that cost me thirty Lien!"

"So it was expensive tea." She said, a blush slowly appeared on her cheeks. Blake had no idea it was that expensive. Next time when she brought money, she would need to look over the menu.

"Oh, but have you already forgotten, my fair maiden." She somehow resisted the urge to roll her eyes. What more could he possibly complain a- "I bought your ticket so you could get in Vale…" -ah, damn it.

Great, she was indebted to Jaune, and it didn't help that she tried to run away from him. She didn't expect the blonde to be so persistent— oh gods he was the most persistent guy she knew! Who else but he can ask the same crabby girl for a date three times a day?

"Fine, how can I repay you?" in the end she is in his debt and Blake Belladonna never stayed in one's debt. Of course, that did not mean she was going to accept anything he asked. If he asks for a date, she would sooner live with a dog than agree to that.

"Let me help you in any way I can."

There was no way he was serious? That's what he wants!

"No, I'd much rather be alone." It was more like she didn't want him to be with her. If someone were to help her, then it would preferably be someone more competent than the blonde in front of her. As it rude as it was, there was no denying the gap between Jaune and the rest of the first years at Beacon.

That wasn't to say he hasn't improved significantly. Pyrrha did wonders for Jaune, both in the theory and the practical side of the academy. But two months of training pales in comparison to the years she, Pyrrha and everyone else spent training.

Blake did not doubt that Jaune would inevitably come closer to their level, but with huge headstart they had over him, it was unlikely that he would ever surpass them.

"Look, you owe me for two things!" he said, emphasizing the amount of favors she owed him with two fingers. "Let me come with you, and I'll consider both debts paid." Or she could just run away. "Don't even think about it! If you try to run away again, I'll just chase after you like last time!"

Why did he have to be so persistent about this?! If Blake suddenly had white hair, light blue eyes and a personality as cold as ice then sure, she could see Jaune being this adamant about a temporary partnership.

"Look, I know you're capable on your own, but I don't want to leave a friend alone." Friend? They might as well be total strangers. No, that's what they are exactly!

"You don't know a thing about me. How can you stand there and say that you and I are friends?"

She had hopes that her stern gaze would make him stutter, like the Jaune she knew of, who would deflate at rejection. But that reaction befitting of a nervous school boy didn't surface. No, instead came a confident smile usually unbefitting of the blond in front of her, but was suited for Yang.

"I only need what you told me in that café, to know that you're trying to carry your problems alone, but you shouldn't do that." He gently rests his hand on the hilt of his sword, reminding her that she was not the only one who can fight. "I may not be as strong as you or any of our friends." That smile of his grew, but it was only slight and almost unnoticeable. "But I can still fight beside you, and shoulder some of the weight you're carrying."

She had no words to make a rebuttal. That pregnant pause of hers was the sign of her defeat, "Guess that means I'm staying." and the sign of his victory. That should never have happened.

... but it did.

Why?

Why do blondes gravitate towards her?

"So what's the plan?" Jaune's smile from earlier was gone, replaced with the most serious expression she's ever seen him have. I'm surprised he's taking this seriously. "We'll do whatever you think is best." Isn't he the leader of a team? Shouldn't coming up with a plan be his task?

Nevertheless, she began to contemplate what their next course of action would be.

"I still don't think the White Fang is behind these robberies. They have stolen dust before, but they've never needed this much." Dust isn't something that's sold well on the black market. After all, it is available everywhere, and anyone can buy the energy propellant. Shop owners didn't tend to ask questions when someone was making a purchase.

"Okay, so don't be angry when I say this." When she turned to look at him, she didn't even realize she was glaring at him until he flinched. "And you're already angry." With a sigh, she made sure to calm her expression and gave him the clear sign to go ahead. "What if they did need all that dust?"

And there goes her composure.

"Let me explain!" he quickly added as his hands came forward as some measly way of protection. "Look, the only way we can prove that they didn't do it, is to be at the place where the crime will likely take place." That…

That actually made logical sense. Maybe there is a reason he was made team leader.

"Hopefully, you'll be right about them, and we'll just stumble upon a different group of dangerous killers." He began to chuckle nervously, probably because the thought of dying crossed his mind. That, or maybe it was the glare she was using to try and end his life.

"As sound a plan as that is, I have no idea where that may be." At least it was a start. Now she can start investigating where the culprits might strike next. It'll take time, but she was willing to spend it.

"Lucky for you two I know just where to go." A male voice spoke from nearby. One that didn't belong to Jaune, yet it sounded familiar.

Simultaneously, she and Jaune look up to where the voice originated. There he was, using his tail to hang on a lamp post was that blond Faunus at the docks from earlier with the widest smile she could have possibly seen.

Said faunus then winked at her.

Why?

Why on Remnant do blonds gravitate towards her?

"I think he likes you…" Jaune whispered, unknowingly he rose her ire even more.

'Stand guard outside the building and make sure no one sneaks up on us' she says. 'It's a crucial role' she says!

Jaune only stood there in silence while Blake and Sun were overlooking the shipment of Dust containers. The two were on the roof of the building he was currently guarding. Gods, why does he have to get stuck with the boring job!

Then again, how much fun can the act of staring at shipping containers be?

There was only silence to answer him.

This whole night just sucks!

"I wish Blake would just make up with her team it's not right for her to abandon them." Even when he was alone, he still felt the need to say it. Jaune just doesn't want her to make the same mistake he made. Sure, in comparison to terrorists Cardin was insignificant, but his point still stood.

Trying to do things on your own will accomplish. Jaune would argue that doing things alone would make you go ten steps backward.

But it's worse for Blake. She's getting involved in something extremely dangerous without her team to help. This plan of theirs to not involve their friends was a horrible plan. If Blake could name ten things that were good about this plan, then Jaune can name two thousand things that were awful! A hundred fold isn't enough to express how bad of an idea this was going to turn out.

Anyway...

For Blake's sake, he does hope that the White Fang isn't involved in these robberies. Truthfully, he had a feeling that she would be disappointed. While it does seem odd that so much dust is getting stolen, it would make sense if the perpetrators were ready for war.

So only a group aiming for conflict would need such a large quantity of dust.

The White Fang is such a group. Blake might disagree with this notion, but the once peaceful protest group she loved is essentially a terrorist organization. While it may be due to the new leadership she was talking about; it doesn't change that fact.

Whoever this leader may be, they are quite the wrathful one.

Jaune let out a sigh, instinctively rubbing the back of his head. What a mess he's gotten himself into. But he only has himself to blame, more specifically he has his hero complex to thank. Always eager to play the hero, that was him.

Even though he's willing to get involved with the potential threat of the White Fang, why can't he get over his damn motion sickness? Those flying metal prisons were far worse than a potential fight with terrorists.

Gods, if he has to see even one Bullhead, he was going to be sick.

Fate did love to find ways to send him a big middle finger.

Sure, there may be not one, not two, but three bullheads flying over the shipment of dust, but at least he wasn't inside those flying deathtraps. So while his stomach did feel nauseous at the mere sight of the three ships, it wasn't a cause for alarm.

One could make the assumption that the three airborne vehicles were probably there to transport the supply of energy propellant. At least, that was what Jaune assumed.

He wasn't wrong, but the ones who were exiting their transport were not Schnee workers. It wasn't the guns and swords that the group of men carried that tipped the young man off. If anything he would have assumed that they were employed to be guards. No, what led him to his realization were the masks the men armored in gray were wearing. On each of their backs was a red insignia. Was it some kind of cat? Like a puma? Or maybe it was a wolf of some sort.

Are they the White Fang? If only he paid more attention to news reports to confirm it. He was sure that most news networks covered activities by the White Fang.

"Hey! What's the holdup!" a cocky voice called out, as he strolled casually down the ramp of the vehicle. "I know you animals aren't the most intelligent of creatures, but do you at least have the common sense to know that our entrance wasn't exactly subtle."

After a few brief moments of silence and stares from the working faunus, the redhead continued. "Translation: Pick up the pace!"

So they are faunus which means they're likely members of the White Fang. But why would they work with such a blatant racist? It didn't make sense. How could they tolerate to work with someone who openly despised and ridiculed them?

It didn't make sense at all.

"Hurry up and get them moved onto the Bullheads, and do try to be delicate. I don't know if you're aware – but the merchandise we're moving is rather volatile." Some of the faunus raised their faces towards the thief. If they were angry, their masks did well to hide it. No one spoke up. Instead, they decided to follow his orders, fanning out to tie long cables to various containers.

Jaune's knowledge of the White Fang may be limited to what Blake had told him – but he knew that the sight shouldn't be a reality. How could the faunus tolerate this criminal? For what reason would they want to help this-

"Brothers of the White Fang," Blake shouted as she slipped behind the tall criminal, the black steel of her sword held up to his throat. "Why are you aiding this scum?"

"Oh for fu-" he began.

Oh for fuck's sake! Jaune finished. Isn't he supposed to be the stupid one!? What on Remnant could have made Blake think that this was a good idea?! Was it Sun? If so, then he is not the brightest banana in the bunch!

And now I've unintentionally made a racist comment! This night just keeps getting better and better!

"Answer me!" she said. "Why would you ever help Roman Torchwick– this racist?"

Jaune's eyes widened when he heard that name. Roman Torchwick, Jaune had listened to a few stories about that man. Apparently, he was a master thief with a weird sense of fashion. And weird it was. What guy willing wears mascara? Jaune has worn it before, but never again!

"Didn't you get the memo kid?" The man she held hostage started to laugh, completely unconcerned about his threatened exposed throat – instead, it seemed more like an inconvenience to the criminal if that at all. "If you somehow couldn't tell the White Fang and I are going in on a joint business venture."

"Tell me what it is or I'll put an end to your little operation." Her threat did nothing to deter the admittedly fashionable man as he just smiles.

"Oh, I wouldn't exactly call it a little operation." He said. As if on cue, everyone could hear the roar of turbines. The cause being two Bullheads that were now hovering over the heist, and as Blake watches in horror Jaune notices what she is too distracted to see.

Roman started smiling – the ground between them exploded violently as whatever he fired from his cane struck, sending Blake tumbling to the concrete floor while the criminal remained unharmed.

Luckily she seemed unhurt, her aura absorbing the damage.

Jaune almost shouts for Blake to dodge when he sees Torchwick aim his cane at the fazed faunus. But he didn't get the chance, as the criminal fires a second shot. Blake dove to the side, scrambling to her feet as she fled more explosive shots from the infamous criminal. She eventually retreats behind more containers, giving herself a few moments of reprieve.

"Here, kitty, kitty, kitty." He taunted, "There's not a spray bottle on me, thief's honor." He laughed at his joke while still searching for Blake.

Sun jumped down to help and dispatched the White Fang with relative ease. The one-sided confrontation distracted the thief for a brief moment which Blake quickly took advantage of by coming in close. She became a blur of afterimages as she slashes at Roman from every possible angle. It was an incredible display of the unpredictability and speed of her semblance. Jaune's eyes couldn't track her movements at all.

Which was why it came as a surprise that Torchwick was blocking each would-be blow flawlessly. Despite the relentless assault, the criminal didn't show any signs of slowing down. He even retaliated landing a few hits on Blake.

Torchwick had hunter training. Which made Jaune more nervous than before.

Sun joins his attacks with Blake, both doing anything they can to land a hit on Torchwick. As bullets from Sun's weapons fly and Blake continues to swing her swords – sparks continued to soar around the three fighters. The orange-haired criminal began to laugh as they fought, holding the two students back with ease.

Jaune could only stand and watch helplessly for how could he possibly help against that criminal? Even with Sun's help Blake can't lay a finger on him. If he had his scroll with him, he could have called for help. Pyrrha, Ren, Nora, or anyone could easily change the course of the battle!

Roman laughed as he ducked, avoiding Blake's attack while smacking Sun with the business end of the cane, ramming the weapon in his stomach and fired a shot, sending the faunus flying. The blonde's back slammed into a metal container, driving the air from his lungs as he fell to the base.

Without even sparing Blake a glance, Torchwick blocked her sword– using his free elbow to strike towards her face. The blow fazed her, allowing him to give the ex-White Fang member one final beating with his cane causing her to go down.

Just like that, he beat both of them.

"Thanks for the workout kitty-cat, but I prefer to exercise alone." Torchwick was strolling towards her, his cane spinning idly in one hand. "You understand; it wouldn't do for your cat hair to irritate my allergies." With his free hand, the criminal reached into his pocket to take out a cigar. "I'd rather not kill you kids even if you are just animals. It would just paint a bigger target on me." He then takes out a lighter. "Unfortunately for you, I can't risk the chance of you interfering any longer. I'm short on time, and I need to get as much dust as I can."

The moment he raised his lighter towards his mouth, Jaune finally struck. It wasn't an elegant swing by any stretch of the imagination, but he was putting a lot of his strength behind the attack.

"Well hello to you too," he greeted as he blocked the blonde's strike with one hand – using the other to light the cigar between his teeth casually. "Another kid to play with, I can't say I'm necessarily happy about it."

Jaune roared when he swung down again. The blade of his sword screeched against the metal cane as Torchwick blocked, but the force behind it must have surprised him as the strike made Torchwick quickly push the back of his free hand against the metal cane to reinforce his defense.

With a yell, he pushed his body forward, his weight causing Torchwick to topple over. He swung his sword downward, some concrete easily broke off when the blade hit.

Torchwick avoided the sword, but he still laid on the ground. Jaune held his arm up for another strike. Blue eyes widened when something rammed into his stomach, causing the air to explode out from his mouth. When his eyes lower to his abdomen, he sees that it was Torchwick's leather boot that kicked him.

Jaune grunted as he fell on one knee, taking a moment to catch his breath. He stood back up, seeing the man who countered him stand up as well. He ran towards the criminal again, hoping that the result would be different this time. Despite the close call from earlier, Torchwick was chuckling as he parried and deflected Jaune's every clumsy strike. It didn't come as a surprise that the older man seemed to have no trouble keeping up with him.

Lazily, he parries another swing – redirecting the strength of Jaune's strike to force his center balance to topple. As the weight of his own attack caused him to stumble a black gloved hand struck out, smacking the blonde's unguarded cheek and sending him tumbling back.

"Sorry kid, but this is just pathetic." One of Jaune's swings gets parried, and he gets punished with a bash to his head by the criminal's cane. "Don't get me wrong. I love easy fights as much as the next guy, but this is too sad." His cane moved to Jaune's left, which was easily slapped aside by the ancestral sword. The deflection meant nothing in the end as he received a punishing punch to the face that knocked him off his feet.

"Stay down, little knight. All you're doing is embarrassing yourself."

"Damn you," he cursed. Why can't he lay a finger on him? Shouldn't he just be a lowly criminal? So why does he have hunter training?

It doesn't matter. I have to buy more time. Someone had to have heard all this by now. There wasn't a chance in hell that he could beat Torchwick. Though his physical strength may be greater, that was all that was going for him, and even that was being used against him. But he could at least keep Torchwick busy until a trained hunter arrives.

"You've got spirit – but this isn't the time to try playing the hero." he stood a few feet from Jaune, resting arrogantly with both hands atop his cane. "And unfortunately for you... you don't have the ability to play the part either."

The orange-haired criminal lunged forward, thrusting his cane like a rapier. Jaune quickly hefts his arm up, the white shield blocked the blow easily. His defense held strong, and he was going to use this moment to push Torchwick back.

But when he heard a small click that plan was foiled. An explosion knocked Jaune's guard aside, allowing Torchwick to enter the blond's guard. With a smirk, the skilled criminal strikes his rib with the business end of the cane followed by a knee to the gut, causing Jaune to keel over.

But he stood right back up, defiant to fall.

"I have to admit kid; your determination is something else. Most people would have given up after the beat down I gave you." Roman stated, before suddenly being inside his guard yet again, knocking both his sword and shield aside – driving an elbow into his gut, and using the pole of his cane to knock him down. "- but this is the end for you."

His body was sore all over. Every subtle movement he made sent a jolt of pain throughout his body. I've lost… there's nothing more I can do. Jaune's eyes remained on the criminal, reflecting all of his emotions at once. His anger, frustration… even his fear.

"Sorry kid, you were in the wrong place at the wrong time." The criminal smiled, taking a long puff of his cigar as he aimed his cane at the defenseless blonde.

If Jaune were a better man, then perhaps he would have had righteous thoughts. 'He died helping his friends', or 'at least he was dying as a warrior instead of living like a coward.' Screw that! I don't want to die! I still have things I want to accomplish! More than anything, he wanted to spend more time with his team.

He wanted to apologize to his family for abandoning them. To apologize for stealing his father's sword, to apologize for breaking his mother's heart, and to apologize for making his sisters lose their only brother!

I don't care if it's pathetic! I want to live!

His eyes snap shut, unwilling to look at the criminal any longer.

"I want to survive…" he said in a whisper, hoping that the criminal didn't hear such pathetic last words. He could at least die with some dignity.

"Then you should have chosen a different profession." the criminal said in a low voice.

Then there was a brief pause.

Until metal clashed with metal, a short exchange of attacks between Torchwick and another.

"Oh hey, kitty-cat. You are a stubborn one aren't you?" Torchwick taunted, though Jaune could hear the way he was recovering from shock in his voice. One cobalt orb dared to look as he cracked his eye open, seeing the infamous criminal lean on his cane. His other eye opened, his gaze focused on where Roman's attention was.

"Blake…" there she was standing defiantly against Torchwick, even though her exhaustion plagued her body, evident by the way every breath she took in and released was violent and raspy.

"You're mine!" she shouted. Like some wild cat, she lunged at her prey with the black sword in hand.

"I'm, flattered kid, but you're a little too obsessive for my liking." Torchwick began to laugh as he effortlessly blocked a combination of attacks. He rebuked his attacker following with a swift strike – he made it look so easy as if even a child could mirror him.

Once again Blake hit the concrete floor and lay defeated. Both of her hands pushed down into the ground as she tried to get up. She almost wavered, but she somehow stood back up. The criminal smiled, taking a long puff of his cigar as he twirls his cane.

"You are just too persistent." The older man taunted, though it was evident in his voice that he was beginning to get frustrated. "Well, I think we can both agree that this has been an eventful evening and as much as I would love to stick around." He aims his cane at his weaponless target. "It's time we part ways…"

Torchwick pulled the trigger, sending a ball of dust powered inferno that Jaune knew would hurt.

Then he heard the blare of the explosion.

And Jaune felt the flames consume his back.

"J-Jaune?" she whispered, staring at his white chest plate as he held her close. His hand rested on top of her head, brushing against her exposed feline ears. With each exhale of his exhausted breathing, the warm air would tickle her sensitive ears.

"…Jaune…?" She whispered again before looking up at her savior. He looked down at her to see the question her eyes conveyed to him. Why would he save her?

"I am not… going to sit back and do nothing!" he said, even though breathing on its own must have been challenging enough as it was. "Even if I can't fight – even if I'm weak. I refuse to step back and watch a friend get hurt." Those cobalt orbs hardened a sudden flash of anger. "I can at least shield you from pain! I will… protect you!"

Blake flinched at his declaration. It came as more than a surprise to see him of all people raise his voice in such a way. At this moment he sounded different. There was an edge to his voice. It wasn't a helpless boy that said those words, but a confident warrior.

Not surprising but still unwelcomed, the criminal burst out into uproarious laughter, holding his cigar so it wouldn't fall out of his mouth. His other hand that held his cane was pressed up against his chest as the mirth proved almost too much for him to handle.

"Kid you crack me up!" it took him a few more seconds to finally calm down. "Truly you are a knight in shining armor. You're like the hero in this storybook I once read when I was a kid." Jaune glanced back at the criminal, his focus solely on him his back turned to Blake.

From the blast, the once shiny white back plate of his armor was scorched. Ruined and completely torn apart was the piece of protection, and it did little to protect him. His skin was an ugly black and red with fresh blisters riddling his fresh wound. Because of her stubbornness, he was deeply burned.

Jaune's wound could become a scar, and she was the one to blame.

His pain was all her fault.

"It was my choice," his gaze was still centered on the criminal, which allowed her to continue staring at the hideous wound on his back. Since when could he read people without even looking at them? Or was she always so bad at hiding her emotions? "Remember Blake; I chose to follow you so getting hurt is my fault."

But it was her fault! She didn't try hard enough to push him away. Why couldn't she have run away like all the other times? It would have been for his sake.

"You know, at least I got to be your hero. It would have been nice if Weiss saw, but I'll take what I can get."Jaune let out a short laugh, but it sounded so forced compared to all the other times she's heard his voice at Beacon. When they ate at the cafeteria, he would always laugh, whether it was something humorous that Nora did, one of Yang's awful puns or even when he became the butt of a joke. No matter what, when he laughed it would always reveal his most common emotion.

He always sounded happy.

"You really are just a naive kid chasing after a foolish dream…" Torchwick growled. "So you want to play the part of a hero. Go right ahead!" Torchwick shouted as he dropped his unfinished cigar on the ground, his usual smirk now gone for whatever reason. "But know that you're just going to die, and be forgotten like every other huntsman in history!" with a stomp he crushed the cigar allowing the ash to dirty his shoe. "That's your future kid…"

What was with this animosity? Sure they were getting in his way, but Torchwick didn't seem like the type of person to get this angry about it. At the very least he wouldn't show it.

"Farewell hero, it's been fun." He said as he aimed his cane without hesitation. "Better luck in your next life."

Despite his injuries, Jaune shielded her with his whole body in preparation for another blast. But he wouldn't survive the next one. At this point, his aura must be gone.

If he gets hit by another blast, Jaune will...

He will…

"You'll die…" she whispered.

"I know," he replied with a shaky voice. "But I don't care." Liar, his whole body, was shaking as he stood his ground. It might have been the pain he was subjected to, but Blake had a feeling that it was because of how scared he was.

Scared that he was going to die in just a few moments.

Hope you guys liked it.

This story is going to be a realistic romance of the pairing. The inspiration for this story is from Coeur Al'Aran, a superb writer. More specifically, his story One Good Turn Deserves Another is what gave me the push I needed to start writing. Hopefully my story can be as successful, but in the end, I only really want to write a story that I can be proud to have authored.

Many of you probably hate the fact that Jaune isn't some godly hunter in this story, but I guarantee that the growth he'll go through will more than make up for it. I plan on having him become an accomplished fighter, but as stated at the beginning of this story.

Progress is a slow upward climb.

So yeah, I hope you guys enjoy what's to come.

Also, tell me if you like the title of the story. I decided with Black and Jaune(ish) White because of the episode this story starts. Since Jaune wasn't in Black and White, I thought it would be clever to insert his name in the title. Since his name is yellow in Latin, and his armor is white, I was like "Hey if Jaune is in this episode then its Black and Yellowish White! Ha ha ha ha ha... ha... ahem. Anyway, if you think I should change the title, then I'm sure I can think of something.

Later~

Omake 1: The Ship Crashes

Blake's back was turned, her ebony hair gently blowing in the wind as her feline appendages twitched ever so slightly. Jaune would have stared at her backside for longer if he didn't notice the way her hand reached up to her face.

She was crying that much was obvious.

Part of him wanted to leave her be, and not deal with whatever it is she's dealing with as he has his drama, so adding a woman's long, complicated set of problems was not on his list of priorities.

But in the end, he is the main character of this story so helping her is mandatory. Once he swoops in and saves the day, he'll be rewarded with a kiss, a date, sex, marriage and more sex! It doesn't even have to be in that order!

"Blake…" it's the first time he's ever talked to her; the first time he's ever even said her name. It was the only thing he could even think to utter at the sight of the young woman before him. But it doesn't matter for he has the main character status, which meant no matter what he said to get her attention she'll fall in love with him the moment their eyes meet.

As expected, she seemed to jump at first, startled by the sound of his voice. After all, it was far too late for anyone else to be outside their dorm.

This is it…

She turned to him and met his knowing gaze. As expected there were stray tears that had begun their decent. When the drops escape her eyes, they somehow reveal small rainbows. It was a scene one would find in a romance anime. Guy meets girl, and they fall desperately in love with one another.

Jaune fell for her indeed.

In this moment… I think I've already fallen in love with you, without even having a proper conversation.

How magical — love, at first sight, that is. Two people who know next to nothing about each other are already horny for one another. Next chapter they can have steamy intercourse and you, the readers, can make sure no one else is in the house, close the door to your room, lock it for extra security, and master-

"Why are you pointing a gun at me?" Jaune asked, quickly climbing back up from falling for the woman currently threatening him. She didn't say a word as she lowered her aim to his lower body. The woman's intended target was clear, and if her aim was true.

Then I can say goodbye to ever ditching virginity…

The unfortunate thing about this night, depending on whose point of view, was that Blake's aim was true.

Thus ends the voyage of all the ships in the RWBY fandom, at least, those involving Jaune Arc, which is the same as saying that all the ships that matter have sunk.

Damn… that's just savage.