RWBY: The Legend of the White Wolf

"I will not fear the night, nor the creatures that lurk beyond my sight. I will find the power that dwells inside and forge my weapon from the Light. I will use its power to face my way through Demons and Blights. To make my way home from Darkness this Night" – Jaune Arc. Survivor. The White Wolf.

A/N: In this, Jaune and his friends are taken on a field trip close to a heavily fortified base, near a forest riddled with Grimm. Set two months before the second semester and before the Vytal Festival. An accident separates Jaune from his friends as he is left alone in the dark woods. Now, he has to survive against all odds, make his way back to Beacon while uncovering a conspiracy that threatens to destroy Beacon and all his friends.

But the only way to do that is to summon a new power that mankind has only thought the Snow could achieve…and possess the will to survive.

This story was inspired by 'Returning from the Wilds' by Martvill. With permission, of course, along with a powers idea from Imyoshi 'Silver' story. Takes place a few weeks after 'Stray' of Season 1 and will be altered from Season 2.

Enjoy!

Chapter I – Into the Black Forest

"…I will not fear the night, nor the creatures that lurk beyond my sight…I will find the power that dwells inside and forge my weapon from the Light... I will use its power to face my way through Demons and Blights…To make my way home from Darkness this Night…"

"Whoa! …What does that mean, Grandpa?" an old voice chuckled as a semi-older man with light blond hair looked down at a bright-eyed youth and smiled at the child on his lap.

"Well, that is something you need to figure out on your own, Jaune. They are words that were told to me long ago that kept me alive through many trials and ordeals that I have faced in my life. A simple saying my father told me when I was your age, back when our family was a brave Huntsman and Huntresses. I never understood them myself until I was a little older. But because of those words, I powered through every fight, and I made it home every time,"

"Whoa! That's amazing Grandpa! You must be super strong!" the child said with eyes wide and awed expressions.

"I wouldn't say that I'm just a man like everyone else… But a little bit stronger," he said as the child giggled.

"But Jaune, you have to know that one day I won't make it back, and we'll never see each other again, don't you?" he asked as the child's face slowly took a solemn look as his eyes became downcast and his head held low. "But that doesn't mean I'll go just yet. I've still got to watch you grow up to be a Great Huntsman after all," He looked back up as the man placed a hand on his shoulder.

"But If ever you are lost and you feel the world is closing in around you, remember these words and you'll be just fine," the man said as the child smiled widely at him.

"Father?" both turned to the voice as a tall blond-haired man and a brown-haired woman standing at the doorway. "What are you doing here? We weren't expecting you," the man said as the old man chuckled.

"What, I can't visit my own family?" he asked as he picked the boy up and placed him down on the floor before getting off the chair. "Besides, I was in the area and I decided to pop in, see how my grandson was doing. He's getting pretty big now, aren't you?" he asked as he ruffled the child's head who laughed.

"No, nothing like that father. It's just we usually don't see you for months on end. It was just a surprise is all,"

"Mum! Dad! Grandpa was just telling me a story about being a Huntsman and how strong he is!" the child said as the boy's mother looked at him.

"Did he now?" his mother asked as she kneeled down to the boy. "Was it a good one?" she asked as the child nodded.

"Yep! And one day, I'm going to be a Huntsman just like him!" he proclaimed expecting to see an excited look on his parent's face, only instead he saw a look he could not describe – One that he did not usually see on his parent's face. Both parents looked between themselves as the mood in the living room become rather cold.

"…Sweetie, can you go upstairs and get ready for bed? Your father and I just need to have a word with Grandpa, okay?"

Jaune looked confused as he turned to his grandfather, hoping he could fill in the blanks about his parent's strange behaviour. But the man only seemed to shake his head and gestured him to the stairway as he reluctantly left the living room. Halfway up the stair s however, curiosity got the best of him as he snuck his way back down and listened from the stairway.

"What the hell are you doing!?" the anger in his father's voice frightened him as he poked his head through the railing. "Putting into our son's head a ludicrous fantasy that he could be a huntsman!? What were you thinking!? We talked about this, he is not going to be a huntsman, that was final!" he yelled as his voice resonated from the living room.

"I've put nothing in his head! This is what he wants to do! It's his choice to make!"

"Oh, so it had nothing to do with those stories of your youth?! Cornelius, he's a child, of course, he is going to get ideas from stories like that! It's not safe for him!" his mother's voice followed after as he looked between the stairway as his parents and grandfather were arguing.

"So, what if my stories inspired him? He really enjoys them and wants to be a Huntsman, big deal. Why is Jaune wanting to be a huntsman so bad? I reckon he could be a great huntsman if he had the chance. It's not too late to train him," his father just shook his head as he crossed his arms.

"We don't want Jaune to him to follow in our family's old footsteps. That life is over for us, he's going to work the farms or here at the tavern and stay away from anything to do with Huntsman's, it's safer for him."

The old man chuckled as could not believe what his son was saying.

"Safer? There are literal beasts of darkness out in the world, and many settlements have already fallen to the Grimm because they were not prepared. When I was his age my father taught me how to fight to keep me safe. And in this world, it's a never-ending fight for survival. Do you want your children to end up like them?"

"But this isn't your time father! Back then grandfather trained you in case the War ever spread to here - Which it never did! But that time has long since passed and it's the time for our children to live a normal life. Away from the death and chaos that comes with being a Huntsman. We've lost too many of our family to the Grimm, I will not expose that type of life to any of my children!" Cornelius sighed as he shook his head.

"…Son…I know I have no right to tell you how to raise your children. But you're making a mistake denying Jaune his dream. He wants to be a Huntsman, he wants to be a Warrior like his ancestors. Why can't you allow him that same freedom I once gave to you… don't you believe in your own son?" his father grew silent as he and everyone else waited for his answer.

"…It's getting late, dad…you should go home"

Cornelius stared at his son as he shook his head and grabbed his bag from the couch and walked past the two parents – who dared not look at him out of shame. He made his way to the front door but stopped just as he was about to leave and turned his head back as he spoke these final words.

"…One of these days, something terrible will happen to him, and you'll wish you had done everything you could to prepare him…I just pray that day never comes..."

The door closed quietly as the parents were left in silence as they sat on the couch and digested the man's words, as the final image Jaune ever saw of him was an engraving on the side of his armour, as he watched the door close quietly.

But while they quarrelled with their own thoughts and decisions. Young Jaune hid behind the door to his bedroom as he held his legs close to his chest. Small tears streaking down his face as he tried to stop himself from crying, least his parents hear him, and tried to reign in the many emotions that swelled in his heart.

"Jaune?" the child looked up as he heard a strange voice. "Jaune?" everything turned black as the child found himself alone in the darkness.

"Jaune?" he was replaced with his older body and gear as he continued to search the darkness for the voice. "Jaune?" the floor beneath him cracked and splintered before he fell into a pit of Darkness. "Jaune!?" The last thing he saw was a strange image of a White Wolf as it stared into him before a bright light blinded his sight

"Jaune!"

A sudden jerk caused a blue-eyed teen to open his eyes as he shot up and breathed in gasped. He looked around as he noticed the rest of his team and Team RWBY. Ren and Nora were seated to the far right of the aircraft – Nora looking out the window in childlike glee, while Ren sat next to her reading a book.

To the left were his friends of Team RWBY. Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna and Yang Xiao Long. Yang instantly noticed him as a grin appeared on her face.

"Hey, look who's back from the Dead!" Yang said as the boy looked to her. "Sleep well, Vomit boy?" she asked as Jaune sighed while rubbing the sand from his eyes.

"Are you ever going to stop calling me that?"

"Are you ever going to not be sick on Airships?" she said as Jaune stared then begrudgingly shook his head as his stomach churned slightly. "Then no, no I will not." She said with a smirk while Jaune just rolled his eyes at the party girl and leaned back in his seat. Pyrrha coming up beside him as she sat next to her leader.

"Jaune?" he looked over to his left as he was met with the image of a red hair girl with emerald coloured eyes and a concerned look on her face as she stared at the boy. "Are you all right? You looked like you were troubled, is everything all right?"

"I'm fine. Just had a bad dream, that's all…where are we?" he asked he looked around and noticed they were not in their dormitories back at Beacon.

"Don't you remember? We're headed Far East of Sanus as part of our class assignment to visit one of the main Bases that Huntsman uses to protect the Kingdom and learn about its history in Oobleck's class," she explained as Jaune nodded.

"Oh, yeah…sorry, I don't do so well on flights,"

"It's all right Jaune. But do you want to talk about your dream? It looked pretty painful for you," she asked as the boy shook his head.

"No, it was nothing, don't worry I'll be fine." He looked out the window while his partner just sighed.

"You sure you're okay Jaune, you don't look so well?" Ruby – the leader of team RWBY – asked as she noticed the boy's rather tired expression and dark rings under his eyes. "You're not going to actually vomit…are you?" she asked as she and everyone else slowly raised their feet off the ground.

"No, I'm not going to vomit – so you can put your feet down."

"If you do feel the urge to empty your stomach contents, please do it away from me," Weiss said as she sat furthest away from the boy as he nodded.

"Sure, thing Snow Angel," he said as she rolled her eyes at him for the nickname. "Hey, Weiss, I was also wondering. Since the Dance is only a few months away, I was wondering if you'd-"

"No," he hung his head as Pyrrha patted him on the back for support, while Yang chuckled at the boy's expense.

"Anyway, does anyone know anything about this base we're headed to?"

"The base is called 'The Edge' an old fortress built as sort of an 'Outpost' for any Huntsman and Huntresses that roam the continent six years ago," Blake said as Jaune turned to the Faunus girl who looked up from her book. "It's usually their job to protect the border of Saunas and vale from any large-scale Grimm attack."

"That is correct, Miss Belladonna." A voice said as they all turned to see Professor Goodwitch and Doctor Oobleck exiting the cockpit.

"Though the Fort's original purpose is to hold back the Grimm in this particular valley – where the Grimm are unusually stronger in this region – it originally was used as a base during the Great War. It is currently led by the Iron Wolves, a band of Former Huntsman and Soldiers that have agreed to protect the Settlements in this Region beyond the Kingdom of Vale in exchange for payment. And so far, they have not disappointed." Oobleck said as he looked out to the large forest and cliffs of Sanus.

"In any case students. We are about to land at the Keep, make sure to keep your scrolls on you at all times and do not wander off like last time. I'm referring to you two Mister Arc and Winchester, we cannot have another incident like the Forever Falls." She stated as Cardin in the back scoffed while Jaune blushed in embarrassment but nodded his head all the same.

"We're here" everyone gathered at the windows and gazed in awe at the large stone fortress that came before them.

Situated on a large cliff looking over a large mountain-walled valley – close to a cascading waterfall – stood a large fortress of stone and steel. The architecture was similar to that of Ancient Remnant Castles from Ruby's fairy tales. Complete with large stone walls, heavy metal gates and banners of a blue flying high in the sky.

The only signs of modern improvements were the machine gun turrets and communications equipment integrated into the castle.

The shuttle was soon directed to a large landing platform just outside the keep. The ramp descended as Goodwitch turned to her students.

"Now remember, we are guests here. Be on your best behaviours and obey all their rules. Am I understood?"

The students nodded as a small squad of soldiers stood in attention to meet them. The men and women were all dressed in a dark grey military-like clothing with a lighter shade of grey armour plating that protected their chest, arms and legs. One of them was a large man with dark grey hair, a full beard and piercing blue eyes as his entire body language seemed to radiate with authority and respect. But the thing that drew Jaune's attention the most was that each and every one of them had a stylised symbol engraved somewhere on their armours.

A Symbol of a White Wolf's head facing towards them while circled with a Chain of Iron in its teeth. A symbol of the Iron Wolves.

A symbol he could have sworn to have seen years ago…

"Welcome students of Beacon Academy to The Edge." He was cut off from his thought as the large man smiled and bowed to the students.

"My name is Griswald Reinhold – the current Captain of this Fortress and leader of the Iron Wolves – we are very honoured to have you among us." The teachers and students bowed as they tried to show the same respect.

"A pleasure to meet you, Captain Reinhold. We cannot thank you enough in allowing us to visit your fortress. Be assured that Beacon will be providing you with proper compensation for your hospitality," Glynda greeted as the man nodded.

"Thank you for the kind contribution, but just knowing that this experience will help progress these children's knowledge is more than payment enough for this old man." He gestured to his left as a man with dark red hair walked towards them. "Gilroy show these kids around the fortress. I have some business I need to discuss with the teachers,"

"Aye Captain. All right, come along kiddies, we have much of the ground to explore before it gets dark."

"Why, what happens when it gets Dark?" Ruby asked as the man turned to her.

"Darkness is when the Grimm are at their strongest, Little Red. It's always best to be behind safe walls when the moon is out." he gestured everyone to follow him. "Especially if you don't want to end up in there…"

A simple gesture was all it took for the class to turn their heads as their eyes widened at the large scale of black, they had ever seen.

Looking out at the valley below the students were used to seeing a Vale of Green that shrouded the forest near their school. But here it was only a partial patch of Emerald Green. Further out – and far from the fort – stood a towering visage of black and dead woods. A large section of forest with trees as black as night and branches likes skeletal hands reaching for the sky. A sight that was unsettling for Jaune.

"W-What is that?" Ruby asked as Gilroy looked to the forest.

"That…is the Black Forest...It's the only place in Remnant where you will find the highest concentration of Grimm anywhere. A place so Dark, that no huntsman has ever made it out alive..." the others looked nervous as they stared into the blackened forest that sent dread and fear into their souls.

"But you have nothing to worry about," Gilroy said as he patted the stone walls of the fort.

"So long as you stay inside the Fort and don't go wandering out at night, you should be fine. Now, on with the tour!" he said as he led the students to explore the facility. All the while Jaune stared into the forest as he felt a strange presence within its shade.

Something…cold.

It took them a few hours, but the class had managed to walk around the fortress and marvel at all the history and lessons that were engraved upon the stones. They had met many of the fellow Huntsman that were stationed here, and Jaune managed to learn a few of their names.

Like their guide – Gilroy Longas – the Forts second in command.

From what Jaune could learn, he was a former student from Vacuo's Huntsman Academy but was kicked out due to his inability to follow a superior's orders. The only reason he seemed to listen to the Captain of the Iron Wolves was that the man proved to him that he was worthy to follow – and because the old man smacked some manners into his head.

It seemed he respected a man who could prove his words with actions.

Gaius was a rather handsome looking man with a former career as a diplomate and huntsman from Mistral. The way he spoke to others and the way they listened to him, Jaune could tell that he has had experience acting as a representative for the Mistralian Kingdom.

While Ishida, on the other hand, seemed to be more serious and focused and other glared at the children, like he didn't want any of them here. Especially the way he glared at Weiss while drawing his hood further over his head.

While all he could learn about Reinhold was that he was a former Captain in the Atlas Military and chose to leave for reasons unknown. It was obvious that those at the Fort who knew him, knew his true reasons to leave – but chose not to disclose them to outsiders – showing the kind of devotion and pact this band of men had with each other.

"And over here we have the Main Communications hub, where we have a signal booster to amplify the signal between here and Vale if we ever need support," Gilroy said as he led them around the base.

"Why do you need a signal booster? Don't you have access to the CCT like everyone else?" Weiss asked as the man chuckled.

"Yes, we do. But the CCT is only good in the Major Kingdoms and the settlements around them. Locations like these find it a little harder to get a clearer signal so we need signal boosters and short-range communicators to notify our forces around the Settlements and base. It was the Former Captains idea after all,"

"I'm glad to see the tour is going well." A voice said as they turned to see the Captain walk towards them.

"I hope my students haven't given you too much trouble? Especially the rowdier ones," Glynda asked as the red-haired man grinned.

"Nah, the day a bunch of kids give me trouble, is the day I eat my own hat,"

"...You don't have a hat," one of the guards said as a cross expression grew on the man's face.

"It's an expression Gerald!" he snarled as the others laughed at his expense.

"Tsk! I don't know why we have to cater to a bunch of kids, it's a waste of our time." One man, in particular, said – who was dressed in dark clothing and a hood covering his head – as the other members stared at him.

"Oh, don't be like that Ishida, we're just trying to teach the kids what it's like on the front lines. They're going to be out here eventually." Gilroy said as he turned to Weiss and seemed to subtly glare at her.

"Like any of them know what it's like out here," he said as he glared at the students.

"Now, now, let's all be friendly here." Gaius interrupted as he stood between Gilroy and Ishida.

"We have guests – children – after all, we can't have them seeing us behaving in such a poor manner, can we? It would set a bad example for the children, wouldn't you agree?" he said as Ishida growled.

"Do whatever you want, I'm going to check on our ammunition," he said before departing as Reinhold just sighed.

"Thank you, Gaius, for stopping it from escalating." He said as the man smiled and nodded. "Other than Ishida's usual pouts, I'm glad things are going well," Reinhold said as he turned to the group. To which they nodded as the man smiled in relief.

"We have an hour before you Shuttles are ready to leave, feel free to wander the base until them. But please stay within the confines of the base. It will be dark soon, and that is usually when we get bandit attacks and the last thing, we need is students wandering off."

After he said that he allowed the class to wander the Fort as some took part in their firing range – Something Nora took an extreme liking to as she decimated the targets with her Grenade Launcher – as everyone broke off to explore the fort. Ruby was the first to go around asking every single person what their weapon could do – of course – all the while having big stars in her eyes.

While those like Ren, Blake, Pyrrha and Weiss listened in the fascination of the Fortresses history and many battles that had scarred their walls.

Jaune, on the other hand, felt something nagging at him as he continuously looked upon the symbol of the Wolf Head branded on their armour and their weapons. Something that he just couldn't remember – or had repressed – and it was driving him crazy.

But, he tried not to let it bother him as he tried to initially distract himself by asking Weiss out again – only to be rejected – as the strange feelings of the forest still lingered in the air.

He then decided to climb up to the walls and look out over the large forest that rested at the bottom of the valley. Hoping the fresh air will clear his head.

Looking out Jaune over the valley he had always known that Sanus was a largely mountainous and shallow water continent – the few natural defences that mankind had against the Grimm – but was also well known for its beautiful forests. With trees like an emerald sea of leaves and branches with a winding river that spread out across the forest floors like the Emerald Forest back at Beacon, almost reminded him of his home in Arc town.

But this Forest was anything like the forests he had seen before.

Something about it felt…Wrong?

The Black Forest radiated with this presence that made Jaune sick to his stomach. Like a heavy pressure was weighing down on him the more he stared at the forest. It was like it shouldn't even exist on this earth – yet there it was right there in front of him. And that just made him feel even worse, what was this place? And why did it unsettle him so?

"It's unsettling, isn't it?"

He spun around to see Reinhold standing behind him, as the elderly man looked out at the forest and then at the boy. "Looking at that Forest makes you feel like it shouldn't belong there, huh?" Jaune only nodded as the man nodded.

"I understand kid, no matter how many years I've spent here it still gives me the creeps." He said as Jaune turned back to the forest.

"What exactly is that place? How can it be here?"

"I honestly don't know, kid. Legends say that this was once a beautiful forest, with trees the lushest of green and home to magical creatures like those from the old fairy tales. There was also said to have species of animals that have long since been extinct. But a battle against an Ancient Grimm soaked the land in its blood and turned it into the Forest you see today…" Jaune stared out at the forest as he absorbed all that the man had said. Only for the man to shrug his shoulders as he leaned on the wall.

"But that's just what the locals reckon, all I know is that this forest has been here ever since humanity first held a sword – and I have no doubt it will be here long after we are gone. Also, Grimm don't bleed. But it is our duty to guard this place and make sure none of the Grimm makes it down to the settlements at the base of the Mountains." He gestured to the mountains as he folded his arms.

"That's what all of us signed up for after all," Jaune looked down as he thought for a moment.

"…But doesn't it get hard for you? I mean, have you ever doubted yourself – Thinking that maybe you're not cut out for this type of work? What do you do then?"

The man pondered this as he placed a hand on his chin and stroked his beard. "…I'll admit there have been times where I too wanted to give up. But because of something I heard from an old friend a long time, I've always found the courage to keep going. Would you like to hear it?" he asked as Jaune nodded.

"…I will not fear the night, nor the creatures that lurk beyond my sight…I will Summon the power that dwells inside and forge my weapon from the Light. I will use its power to forge my way through Demons and Blights…"

"-To make my way home from Darkness this Night." Jaune instinctively finished as his eyes widened at those words, while Griswald turned to him with a small amount of shock.

"What? How do you know that verse?" he asked as Jaune blinked.

"Those were the words my Grandfather used to tell me when I was a kid, how do you know them?"

"Grandfather? Wait…would your grandfathers by any chance have been Cornelius Arc?" the boy nodded as the man just stared at him and then suddenly chuckled as he shook his head.

"Jaune Arc, I should have known. Of course, you're his grandson, I should have guessed from the hair colour." the man said as he nodded.

"You knew my grandfather?"

"Yes, I knew your grandfather kid. He was my best friend and a former commander of the Iron Wolves." Eyes widened as Jaune pointed at the man.

"W-Wait, member? Grandpa, My Grandfather was a member of the Iron Wolves!? Wait he was the commander!?" the man nodded as he leaned on the wall.

"Yes, your grandfather and I joined this small company a little over forty years ago, back when we were younger and stronger mind you and when your family still had Kaer Arc under your control." Jaune nodded remembering stories of his family's ancestral home that was overrun by Grimm.

He truly wished he could see such a place in its prime.

"It was originally formed by your great-great-grandfather after the Great War, a collection of former soldiers and Huntsman to go where we were needed. Kaer Arc was our home and base of operations, we protected the people, caught the bad guys' and kept the peace – you know the usual stuff. But after the fall of Kaer Arc, we became more like mercenaries and set off to protect the world unhampered by the politics and rules set by the Kingdoms. Sure, we take the occasional contract from them here and there, but we protected a lot of people and saved many lives…" he said fondly as he drifted off into memory.

"So, if he was a part of the Iron Wolves, that means you knew him pretty well, huh?" he asked as the man nodded.

"Yes, I did, he was one of my closest friends and someone I could rely on. I was his second in command and his closest advisor while he was our commander. He led us for many years until…until he died. I'm sorry." He said as the boy nodded.

"It's okay, it was ten years ago anyway. Can you tell me how he died? Mum and Dad don't tell how, and I really want to know?" Griswald sighed as he held his head up high.

"He was on a seek and destroy mission east of Mistral, with another man from Beacon named Port. But the mission went south when the Grimm made a beeline for a small settlement…he died protecting our group and that of the Civilians from the Grimm. He held them off long enough for us to evacuate. From what Gaius told me, he fought until the last of them made it to the airships…we never recovered the body…I'm sorry, kid." he said as Jaune shook his head.

"Don't be…he always said that he would eventually leave this world one day and that I should be prepared for it."

"That must have been hard for you, he spoke about you and his grandchildren a lot. He was very proud of you." Jaune didn't respond as he just looked out at the forest.

He wondered though, what his grandfather would have thought about him getting into Beacon the way he did. Would he have been proud? Angry? Disappointed? He couldn't rightfully say. He just hoped that wherever he was, he was looking out for him and believing in him like he used to. Which begged the question.

"Mister Reinhold?"

"Call me Griswald, kid"

"Right, sorry. Griswald, did you ever decipher what his quote meant? Because for the life of me I still can't figure it out." He asked as the old man pondered.

"Hmm…well to me, it helps guide my actions and teach me how I should lead my men." Jaune raised an eyebrow as he hoped the man would explain.

"See, the man who told your grandfather said that the verse had different meanings to each individual. Each man must determine their own meaning, in order to understand themselves," he explained as he reached into his pouch and pulled out a wolf-headed badge.

"To me, it means that I should never fear the Darkness, nor should I take it for granted. That I should use all use all of my strengths and all of my abilities to keep the people under my watch safe. And that no matter what comes my way I should never give up and keep on fighting. Only then would I be safe…" he held the small metal symbol on his hand as Jaune pondered this and looked at the symbol of the Wolf holding a chain of Iron in its teeth.

"But that's just my interpretation. It all really depends on how you interpret it. Which reminds me, your Grandfather left something to be delivered to you. I've been so busy with the fort I never got the chance to send it," he said as he was reminded of something from his late friend.

"Grandpa left me something?"

"He did, he said that it would help you on your path to becoming a Huntsman. We still have some time until your shuttle is ready. But it was good meeting you kid, and I hope with it you'll find your answer to…" he slowly trailed off as he stared at the forest.

"Reinhold?" the old man narrowed his eyes as he held up his hand and silenced the boy.

"Listen…" he told the boy, who only looked confused as he scanned the forest trying to find whatever it was that was putting the old man on edge, "…Do you hear that?" he asked as Jaune could hear was silence.

"Something's not right, we need you to get you kids out of here as fast as-!" suddenly a loud roar echoed as everyone at the base looked to the skies.

Eyes widened in terror as a large Nevermore soared above the sky, followed closely behind several smaller brethren in its wake.

"GRIMM! BATTLE STATIONS, NOW!" Reinhold yelled as his men quickly scrambled for their equipment.

Several large feathers began to descend at a rapid pace as Griswald turned to the fort. "Brace yourselves!" he yelled as grabbed the back of Jaune's hoodie and pulled him to the floor – just as the large feathers struck the stone and steel.

After the barrage, the man stood up as he turned to his men, "I need gunners on this wall, right now! And why aren't one of the turrets firing back!?" he yelled as the men and women took up arms for the impending assault.

"Sir! One of the turrets is not responding! We're sitting ducks here!"

"Damn it! Get a repair team on it now! We can't afford to have one gun offline, not with this many Grimm!" he commanded as the soldier ran to fetch the repair team. While Goodwitch came running out as the man jumped down from the wall, Jaune following behind as he met up with the teacher and his friends.

"Captain Reinhold, what's the situation, why are the Grimm attacking the base!?" Glynda demanded as he turned to her.

"Honestly Miss Goodwitch, your guess is as good as mine. The sensors should have warned us of any Grimm Activity, but they didn't!" he turned to the com tower as a dark thought entered his mind. "But that can wait, right now we to defend this fort. And with one of the turrets offline, we're going to be expecting a lot of company soon. We are going to need you and your students to help defend this position," Glynda and Oobleck were shocked, but understood the situation quickly.

In this world, everyone had to fight, no matter the age. They knew this better than most.

"Understood, students! From this point on you are taking orders from Captain Reinhold! We have to defend this fort until it is time to make it back to the shuttles!" she looked to Ruby, Cardin and Jaune as the three leaders looked to her.

"Team Leaders, this is your first true taste of combat, protect your team and lead them well!" she ordered as Ruby and Cardin nodded, while Jaune looked hesitant at leading his team in actual combat.

That was until a hand was placed on his shoulder and he got a supportive nod from Pyrrha. He felt his fear subside as he was glad to have someone as supportive as Pyrrha by his side. Otherwise, he felt he would have quit long ago.

"All right kids, listen up!" Reinhold yelled as they snapped to attention. "Normally I wouldn't even think about having children fighting on the front line so soon, but given the circumstance, I've no choice but to have all of you take up arms against these beasts! It is not going to be easy, but you were all admitted into Beacon Academy for a reason and I'm sure you won't disappoint!" he then pointed to the top of the wall.

"I need all those with long-range firearms up on that rooftop there, we need to keep those flying bastards away from our men on the ground! While that happens, those with short range and close quarters weaponry will be in the courtyard fighting off any runners that come at us. Which means the two-red head's and the orange haired girl will be up on the wall providing cover fire. While the Heiress will support my men with her glyphs, you can do that right?" he asked the four as Ruby, Pyrrha and Weiss nodded while Nora groaned at not being on the ground team.

"Which mean the rest of you will be with me fighting off any stragglers that try to climb the walls. The Grimm usually attack in two stages, aerial and ground – they do it in order to divide our forces and weaken us – so follow my men's example and pick your targets. Don't try any heroics and keep your teammates alive, that's all the matters!" he ordered as they all nodded.

"Sir! More Grimm are climbing up the cliff! Looks like its Beewolves and Ursa's'!" One of the men yelled, even as machine gun fire littered the air as the captain nodded.

"All right everyone! Let's show these beasts what Huntsman can really do!" With a mighty war cry, they raced into battle as the beasts of Darkness roared and charged at the fort of Mankind.

Ruby and Pyrrha doing their best to pick off the runners as Ruby's snapshot sniper skills and Pyrrha's rifle cracked like thunder as shot after shot impacted at any that came charging at them – along with the other members of the Iron Wolves – while Nora laughed as she lunched well-placed grenade shots into the air.

The explosions causing the Nevermore to avoid her shots – only to then be shot down by machine gun fire from the forts remaining turret.

However, several Grimm managed to evade their fire as they climbed the walls and made their way into the courtyard.

"Attack!" Gilroy yelled as he and the others ran towards them.

Metal clashed with bone as Gilroy's massive sword cut and cleaved any that stood in his path.

Weiss doing the best she could as she augmented their strengths while weakening their enemies. Yang stood beside her as she blasted any that got too close with a powerful fist to the face – fire and smoke littering the air as the brawler unleashed her fire.

While further away, Cardin and his team were battling against a large Ursa as the team was determined this time not to be saved by someone else. Cardin sending a wave of fire at the beast – disorienting the beast long enough for Sky and Dove to shove their sword and spear into its side.

While Russel managed to stab the beast in its eyes with his daggers, followed by Cardin smashing its head with his mace.

"…Okay, one down…about two hundred more to go," Russel managed to wheeze out as he rested on his knees.

But In that one moment, he rested a Beowulf lunged over the wall and pounced upon the Mohawked boy. Only to be cleaved in half by Gilroy as his large sword was encased in flames. Russell – who had fallen on his ass – looked up as the red-haired man grinned at him.

"Hey! This isn't over lads! Keep your heads in the game!" Gilroy yelled as hefted the sword on his shoulder. "We still got more beasties to kill!" he gave a heroic war cry as he rushed towards the beasts. His sword swinging and clashing against their bones as Team CRDL just stared at the man.

"…that was pretty bad-ass" Russell only said as they nodded.

While further away from them, Ren and Blake were zipping around the battlefield. Blake using her semblance to phase out of the way of attacks and slicing their back open. While Ren disappeared from their senses only to reappear with bellies full of dust. The silent pair nodded to each other as they continued to provide support for the men and women of the Iron Wolves.

Ishida cutting down any Grimm that stood in his path with his katana and attached chain.

Jaune had only just managed to block a strike from a Beowulf as the sharp claws clashed with the ivory steel of his shield. He bucked slightly under the weight as he tried to remember all the teaching Pyrrha gave him on shield training.

'Feet firm focus on your centre of gravity and hold!' the beast slashed at his shield.

'Wait for the right opportunity…' the beast raised its claws right claw high as it prepared to strike down the boy. 'Now!' he swung his sword as the blade slashed its arm clean off as the beast screamed. Only then to have its head slashed off as Jaune's blade cut through the beast of Darkness and spilt its smoke into the air.

"Yes!" he exclaimed only to be knocked away by an Ursa that bashed him into the side of the wall. "Ow!" he moaned as he tried to get back up.

His eyes widened as the Ursa came charging at him. He reached for his sword but found it far from him as he had to rely only on his shield alone to protect him. Luckily, he was saved as several rifle rounds buried themselves into its head and it came sliding over and stopping just at his feet.

He looked up expecting to see his partner but was surprised to see Reinhold as he held a sword/rifle in his hands.

"You all right kid," he asked as Jaune only nodded as he was hefted back to his feet.

"You're doing all right kid, but just remember…" He placed the sword in his hands. "Your Weapon is your Life, don't ever lose it," he told the boy as he turned around and fired several more rounds at the invading Grimm.

Jaune stared at the man than his own sword as he stared at his reflection before he nodded and got back into the fight.

The fighting felt like it was going on forever as wave after wave of Grimm continued to bombard the Fort. Jaune looking all around him as every second of the battle was ingrained into his memory.

Glynda was using her Semblance to push back the invading forces, while Oobleck did his best to protect the students under his watch.

Gilroy and Ishida were shoulders to shoulder as they shot and slashed at any of the monsters that dared to cross their path.

Yang was glowing like a shining star as she kicked her semblance into overdrive, while Weiss summoned walls of ice to shield her comrades from the hoard.

From the rooftop, he could see Ruby and Pyrrha as their rifles ignited and littered the air in smoke and light. Some managed to get on to the roof, but they were easily dispatched by Pyrrha as she moved majestically amongst the carnage of battle.

Ruby herself was like a rose petal drifting in the wind as the sound of mecha-shifting gears and explosive shots echoed amongst the battlefield. Her form seemingly disappearing and reappearing in a burst of roses as she sliced any monster that stood in her path.

Nora had long since got off the roof as she dived into the chaos and struck her hammer upon her enemies that resonated with the sound of thunder. Ren standing behind her as his weapons tore into the flesh of Grimm as he was determined to stand by his partner's side.

Every one of his friends showed a difference in strength and skill that Jaune knew he could never possess and brought a moment of doubt into the boy.

However, he couldn't focus on that as a large Beowulf descended upon him as he just managed to bring his shield up. The bone-like claws scratching and clawing at his shield as it took all of his strength to hold it back.

Recalling a memory of Pyrrha's training, he pushed the beast off with his shield then stabbed the monster in the face. The Beast falling limp as it fell to the floor as Jaune took the moment to catch his breath.

"They seem to be the coming in fewer waves now, good, that means they should be letting up soon." Reinhold turned to the students and teachers as he gestured to the airships. "You kids should head to the shuttles now, this will be your only chance to-!"

"RAWWWRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!"

All eyes turned to the front gate as the sound of metal bending and creaking caught their attention as the sound grew louder. The metal continued to bend and vibrate as everyone was put on edge.

The metal finally broke as a large gorilla-like Grimm – a Beringel – stormed into the fort and roared a terrifying howl.

Unlike regular Beringel, this one was far older and far larger than the usual sized ones that the older Huntsman had faced in the past. This one had multiple cuts and scars littering its body, spikes growing out of its fists and shoulders as the beast growled and roared at the occupants of the fortress.

"Open fire!" Reinhold yelled as everyone – soldiers and students alike –unloaded everything they had at the beast.

The Beringel didn't even register the bullets as it charged towards the fighters. Its fists slammed them into two soldiers, sending them flying through the air. Several shots rang out as they tried to take down the beast, only for their rounds to be deflected off its bone like plating. Gilroy charged as his blade was ignited in flames.

"Take this! You ugly bastard!" he swung his sword as it clashed against the Beringer's arm.

The beast roared as it locked the blade between the gaps of its armour and threw the man away from it. Several arrows planted themselves into the creatures back as the arrows exploded. The beast roared as Ishida drew another Dust arrow from his Quiver and aimed at the beast.

"Don't go recklessly charging in you idiot!" he unleashed the arrow as it exploded in the monster's face.

"Aw~ you do care," Gilroy said as Ishida glared at him.

"Shut up and fight!" he yelled as his bow shifted into a katana like a sword and rushed at the Beast.

His blade covered in ice as Gilroy ran towards him with fire around his own. The two swung their blades and fired a blade of Ice and Fire at the creature. Causing the creature to disappear amongst the explosion and smoke.

"Ha! Take that you bastard!" Gilroy yelled, only for the Beringel to bat away the smoke and roared. "Oh no! he took it!" he was then slammed into a wall and fell to the ground unconscious.

"Gilroy!" Ishida yelled only to be grabbed by the Beringel and lifted into the air.

"You bastard!" he struggled to free himself, only for the beast to easily break his arm by squeezing the appendage. "ARGH!" he yelled as the Beringel seemed to grin at the man. But before he could kill the human, several rifle shots bounced off its bone plating as the Grimm turned to the Captain of the Fort who cocked back the bolt of his rifle.

"You two, get Gilroy and Ishida out of here! This creature is mine!" he ordered Jaune and Yang as he fired at the beast, luring it away from his men.

The Beringel roared as it charged at the elder man, who continued to fire at the creature. He ducked under its fist as he rolled behind the creature and shifted his rifle into a sword. The blade cut into the back of the creature as the creature roared and angrily swing its fists left and right in order to hit the man.

But the man was skilled as he kept avoiding the creature by staying within its blind spot.

While that was happening Jaune and Yang came over to grab the two men, as Jaune carried Gilroy while Yang carried Ishida. "Urgh, thanks kid," Gilroy said as Jaune pulled him unto his shoulder.

"Don't mention it, is Reinhold going to be okay?" he asked as the man nodded.

"Yeah, haven't known the old man to lose a fight yet" Jaune looked back as he nodded and pulled him to safety.

Reinhold ducked and weaved around the creature as his blade slashed and hacked at its exposed back and joints. Every strike of the blade cutting a little deeper into the monster as the creature screamed in pain and anger. The Beringel smashed and bashed at the old man – but was proving harder to hit with the man's unusual reaction speed.

This was in part to Reinhold Semblance – Clairvoyance – which gave him the ability to clearly see his opponent's attacks and how to counter them.

It wasn't perfect as too much use of his Semblance would strain his eyesight. But right now, he had to use it to defeat this beast.

"This would be so much easier if I was twenty years younger!" he avoided another of the beast's fists and slashed his blade against its back, only infuriating the Beringel more.

His clairvoyance ran out as the beast took this time to strike and batted the man away. He would have finished him off too, had a wall of ice not separated him from the beast. Weiss looking momentarily triumphant, before it turned its attention on her. The beast roared as it bounded towards her, its massive form charging towards her as she prepared to summon another of her glyphs to protect her.

But the beast was too fast and too angry for her and slammed its arms into the ground and wrecking the courtyard and throwing her and many others off their feet.

She moaned in pain before as she held her now broken arm, as the beast had managed to harm her enough to bypass her aura. But before she could get her bearing's straight, her eyes widened in fear of the large shadow cast over her. The Beringel barring its fangs and raising its arms to crush the small heiress…

That was until a white Knight latched himself onto its back and drive his sword into the nook of its neck. The Beast roared in fury as it tried to shake the boy off its back, all the while Jaune merely held on for dear life.

The heiress starting up in slight daze and awe as the boy held on for dear life.

"Wiess! Go!" he yelled before the beast grabbed him and threw him straight through the wall of the fortress. His aura flickering as it managed to absorb the massive damage, he would have received had his aura not protected him.

He tumbled across the ground as his ears rung and his whole body ached all over. He looked up with blurry eyes as he was no closer to the cliff and the large waterfall that cascaded into it. He could hear a dull roar and frightened words screaming at him as his vision refocused and his eyes turned to the burning fortress.

His partner was up in the wall, screaming at him before she had to block an attacking Beowulf.

His gaze turned back to the hole he made and the large beast that lumbered through it. He sword roughly ripped out of the creature's neck and threw it away. The beast roared as it focused its gaze on the boy and charged at him.

Fear began to rise within his chest as he desperately looked around for something to use a weapon. But all he could find was rocks and more rocks. But with a raging beast charging towards you, options cannot be picky. Grabbing the stone, he flung it with all his might at the Grimm. And by either a chance of fate or dumb luck, it managed to it in the eye.

But even blinded the beast still charged and barrelled into him, sending both him and the beast over the edge.

Time seemed to move to a crawl as Jaune watched the fort stretch further and further from him. The stunned and horrified faces of his friends reaching out for him. None so more than his partner as she cried out to him while her hand glowed with a dark grey and he felt a tug at his armour.

But it was all in vain as he plummeted into the valley below.

"JAUNE!"

Pyrrha's cry echoing amongst the battlefield as she made a beeline towards the cliff. No Grimm could stand in her way as she either cut them down or bashed them out of the way while running to the cliffs. She kneeled by the edge as she searched for any sign of her partner.

But sadly, she found no trace of the boy as deep grief surged into her soul.

She could barely hear the sound of the Bullhead above her, or the cries of her friends as she just stared dimly at the valley below. She barely even registered a harsh tug on her shoulder as the commander of the fort pulled her to her feet.

Words came out of his mouth, but she couldn't understand them as the world had gone strangely deaf.

"You…ge…out…ere…ow!" she blinked as the world slowly resumed.

"You have to get out of here now!" Reinhold yelled as he grabbed her by the shoulders. "Come on! Get to the Bullhead!" he yelled over the large explosions and engines as he dragged her numb feet from the edge.

Instantly she felt control return to her body as she tried to escape his. "N-No! We have to go back for Jaune!" she struggled as she tried to make a run for the cliffs.

"He's gone! There's nothing you can do! You have to leave, now!" he yelled as she continued to try and escape from him. He growled as he pulled the stubborn girl with him as the Bullhead landed and everyone began to pile onto the ship.

"No! Let me go! Let me go! We have to go back for Jaune! We have to-Gah!" she was silenced as the man struck her in the back of the head and rendered her unconscious.

'Sorry kid,' he thought as he handed her to her comrades.

He looked to Goodwitch as she nodded and the last of the students got on board. "Get out of here. Get them back to the school while we'll hold them off. And tell the boy's family…that I'm sorry I failed them again." She nodded as the door began to take off.

He sighed as he drew his weapon and stood by his men.

"Men! We're not going to allow these beasts to take this fort! We are going to win this day if it's the last goddamn thing we do!" his men cried out in approval as they fought against the beasts of darkness.

He cast his gaze to the edge of the valley as he shook his head and returned to the fight. Guilt weighing heavy on his soul as another Arc had died on him. Another soul to carry with him for the rest of his life. Today the students would mourn the loss of one of their own, and the teachers would have the unfortunate duty of informing grieving parents of their child's demise…

If that were the full story.

Hours Later – the Black Forest

Deep down below the treelines of the valley at the edge of a river, the hero of our tale lay still in the water as his aura shimmered and flickered before cracking like glass. Soft breaths exited his mouth as life still breathed into the boy. By some miracle of fate, the boy had survived his perilous fall and landed in the most inhospitable location known to mankind.

With no weapon and no idea what would befall him in this dark forest.

No one would have ever guessed that this event would forever change not only the path of this young boy but the path of everyone around him as this would be the begin of a warrior. A survivor. A Legend...

The Legend of The White Wolf

And Scene. Well, here is a new story idea I've been cooking up for a while called. The Aura Knight – also considered calling it Will of a Survivor but went with this instead. I kind of got inspired by 'Returning from the Wilds' by Martvill and Imayoshi's 'Silver' with the survival aspects of the Tomb Raider reboot games.

In this Jaune must struggle in the harsh forest, learn to use a new power and make his way back to Beacon and his friends. I'm still working on my other stories, but I just wanted to get this one written. Apparently from what I learned it's good to write multiple stories, even if you are still working on others as it helps creativity and inspiration. And with how the current RWBY plot is going I'm going to need a whole lot of it.

Also, even though there have been stories of Jaune being lost in places, we never get to see him survive in such places, only ever time skipping to like two years later. I wanted to try and focus on his time in the forest and his development to getting stronger.

Also, I chose the Wolf because it is the symbol of Guardianship, Loyalty and Intelligent. Which I personally believe fits Jaune and he will need that if he wants to survive the wilderness of Remnant. Also, because he calls the pigtails his sisters give him as 'Wolf Tails' so thank you Sokka.

So, tell me what you think in the review section and stay tuned for…

Chapter II: Survival