Disclaimer: I don't own RWBY it rightfully belongs to Rooster Teeth.

Italics are thoughts

Bold and Italics are flashbacks

**Communications through scrolls and other devices

Chapter 1 Not a good start

(Location: Emerald Forest near Beacon Academy Vale Sonus continent Kingdom of Vale Remnant)

Did Jaune knew what he was getting himself into, when he decided to joined Beacon. Did he knew he was way over his head. Apparently, yes he did. Heck, the trip to get to the school was hell. Due to his motion sickness he was throwing up everywhere until he was finally able to find a trash bin, after the ship landed. Great start. At least he was able to make a friend on the first day. A nice quirky girl, short with reddish black hair, silver eyes which he has never seen such eye color before. Dressed in black with a red cloak and the best part she had a huge ass scythe that it's also a gun. Best of all, she was as awkward as him when it comes to socializing. She was perfect. He won't have to feel so alone and out of place here. That is, until she left him. Not that she left him high and dry. The headmaster's speech didn't made a lick of sense because he was paying more attention to the pretty girl with white hair, clear blue eyes with a light blue dress. She was a looker.

Then came the evening where everyone was spending the night in the ballroom. He was wearing his full body pajamas with white bunny slippers and a white bunny on the chest area. He personally like it, it feels comfortable to wear. Unfortunately for the Arc he heard many of the students laughing, boys and girls. He had a feeling it was about his night wear. But he paid not attention. Though he caught a glance at his new friend, damn what was her name. Ruby, yeah that's it. Her pajamas were nice for a girl her age. She didn't told him her age, but he realized she was younger than him or the other students. The other girl besides her, long blond hair was the opposite, quite revealing and skimpy. She wasn't shy to show how much cleavage or her thighs she was showing. Jaune saw them talking to some girl in raven black hair with amber eyes, a black bow wearing some nice pajamas. She was reading a book and the two girls were trying to catch her attention.

The Arc never knew how that turned out because his attention was on the white haired girl from the opening speech. Her hair was down, showing it was long and she was beautiful in those pajamas. Better not stared too much. Last time he made a comment to her that he was a natural blond and that didn't ended well. She ignored him like he didn't existed. Yeah, he wasn't looking forward to get rejected so he just kept his distance from her and the other three girls. As they were in an argument. Not knowing what it was about so the blond decided to call it a night. As he snuggled on his sleeping back and drifted off to sleep. He had a dream that night, that he made his family proud becoming a strong and famous huntsman just like his ancestors. His father smiling down at him, along with his mother and sisters. That will be great if he can turn that dream into a reality. That night, he slept with a smile on his features.

The next day was the initiation exam which it was brought after the headmaster's opening speech. It was explained by the teacher Glynda Goodwitch that they will get teammates. having difficulty finding which locker he put his weapon in, while making a complete fool of himself in front of the white haired girl and getting impaled by the weapon of the red head girl, Pyrrha. Who he only knew her for being in the cover of his favorite cereal. The Emerald Forest will be the course for the exam. And the first person that laid eyes will be their partner for the next four years. That was a shocker for the Arc. He didn't thought huntsman in training will get a teammates. That, it was more like a solo thing. Ozpin, the headmaster said something about a landing strategy. That raised questions with the blond. They were on a hill so he had no idea how that going to be. But the man holding his coffee mug kept saying they'll be falling. He didn't cared that he had a question in the matter. Was he ignoring him, it was rude. Then his mouth was shut by a scream as he was lunge into the air by a catapult on the ground, that he was standing.

And he kept on screaming because he was flying, for a second. Before he started falling, this is when it get worse. What was he going to do. Nothing will come to his head, but pure fear. If he hits the ground, he will die. It will be a poor start on his initiation. Scratch, that it will be pathetic. Then he something hit him at high speed, pining him to a tree. Looking at what was keeping him from falling, was a familiar weapon. When he woke up before getting ready for the test. He met this red headed girl with bright green eyes. Wearing a spartan-like armor. The pretty white haired girl, Weiss said her name was Pyrrha Nikos. He didn't had a clue, never heard of her. Until she brought that she was the mascot for Pumpkin Marshmallow flakes, that Pyrrha Nikos. That means she was the one who saved him. He yelled out a "thank you" hoping she will hear him. If it weren't for her, he would have been dead.

So here he was, back to the present. Jaune kept hanging on the tree pinned by the red head's weapon. Guess he will have to wait for her to come and pick it up. If she does come, that means she will become his partner. That will be great, he could really use someone strong. Then again, the idea wasn't that pleasant. He was weak with no training and no experience. He couldn't possibly let her face any dangers they might face in this forest. Perfect, act like an idiot with a pride. What pride, he basically a disappointment to his family. His father was ashamed because he didn't met up to his expectations. And suggested him to help his mother and sisters with the chores of the house. That was it, become a house keeper. That's not what he wanted. In fact, why was he holding Crocea Mors. The treasure of the Arc family. Only the successor could wield it. If his old man wasn't angry with him then, he was now for sure.

"A good start for me in Beacon, right?"

"Jaune?"

The blond blinked as someone called his name. A familiar voice. The Arc gazed down expecting to be the red head Pyrrha to claim back her weapon. But, he was wrong. It was Ruby, the silver eyed girl he met when arriving at the school. His first friend. Someone socially awkward like him. He only smiled silly, yep what a situation to meet the petite. Blue eyes suddenly widened. They have had eye contact which means, oh boy. The red cloak girl smiled at him seeing how he was pinned to the tree by a spear. She has seen that cool weapon before. It belongs to that red head Weiss was talking to. She was very good with it, if she threw it and hit her target dead on. Well, not that dead on that will kill him.

"Hey, Ruby...How's it going?"

"Thank goodness you didn't said" how's it hanging?". One Yang is enough. Her puns are lame, really lame. But let's keep that a secret."

"Okay" he sweat dropped, she was right about saying the hanging part" so...Think you can give me a hand here?"

"Oh, sure no problem!"

The silver eyed girl jumped high removing the spear as Jaune hit the ground hard. So much for a landing strategy. How can it get more pathetic than this. No turning back, he was already in Beacon. Now, he needed to prove himself he was worthy. But how, at his current condition and after what he did to get here. It all felt like everything was impossible. As long as no one finds out, it will be all right.

"Sorry!" the red cloak girl immediately apologized.

"It's fine. It could have been worse…."

"Didn't you had a landing strategy?"

"Well, maybe I would had one if I knew I was about to be thrown out into the air."

"Good point. But I noticed the catapult on the ground. I'd figure something crazy like being thrown off from the cliff."

"And I didn't got my questions answered."

Ruby felt sorry for him. So she was right, he wasn't that strong. Good thing she did ran into him. Originally she wanted to find her older sister Yang. But, Jaune will do. At least she didn't ran into Weiss. Good she and her will be a disaster as partners. So, everything was cool. This is the same guy that helped her when the white haired princess and the silent girl Blake left her. He was there for her, when he needed someone. Her first friend is her partner, pretty cool. Now, to find that temple and those relics. The red cloak girl heard rustling through the bushes. She quickly grabbed her scythe Crescent Rose. She was expecting to encounter Grimm in this forest. While the Arc next to her trembled. He wasn't ready to face an enemy. Luckily it turned out to be the owner of the spear. The blond gave a sigh of relief to see Pyrrha.

"Jaune, are you all right?"

"Yeah, thanks to you" he smiled.

The red head saw the red cloak girl. She obviously came here before her. She beat her to the blond. That will mean they were already partners. She felt disappointed feeling that Jaune might be the one partner for her.

"Hi…." the petite got nervous at the girl waving her hand" I'm Ruby. You're Pyrrha, right?"

"Yes, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"Weiss was talking about you and she was pretty loud. Oh, and here's your weapon back. It's really cool, by the way."

"Thank you. I guess it couldn't be helped" she gladly took Milo back and she knew she was very popular.

"Thanks for helping Jaune. He didn't had a landing strategy."

"There's no need to bring that up" the Arc sweat dropped at the petite.

"You were in trouble, I needed to help you. We're not out of the clearing yet."

"Right. We have to find that temple and those relics thingy. Even if I had no idea what they look like."

"Pyrrha!"

The red head turned to see Weiss with a smile. She failed in getting Jaune to be her partner and now she has the last person she wanted to have as be her partner. Now, she didn't had nothing personal on the white haired girl. But, she was just pushy with an attitude problem. And she knew about her family very well. Biggest suppliers of dust in the four kingdoms. Weiss was the heiress of the Schnee Dust Company (SDC for short). Ruby was so happy she saw the white haired girl after becoming partners with Jaune. But she felt sorry for Pyrrha. Good luck with the bratty princess.

"I am so glad to run into you. I guess, this makes us partners" just as she expected.

"Yes, I guess" the red head forced a smile.

"And...Oh it's you two..." Weiss frowned seeing the girl that was a hazard to her health and tall blond and scrawny.

"We were just leaving. Let's go Jaune" Ruby dragged the blond away from the two.

"Nice seeing you again!"

"That's one less problem to worry about" the heiress smiled at her partner" shall we get going?"

"Yes."

Weiss left as Pyrrha took a glance at the direction they took off. Her thoughts were on the blond.

"I guess it wasn't meant to be."

Back at the cliff Ozpin and Glynda were watching the progress of the exam through their scrolls. There were small cameras placed all over the Emerald Forest. In order to keep watch on the newbies. Looks like everyone was able to find each other, and get a partner. Glynda kept watching on the fresh students. Blake Belladonna and Yang Xiao Long were the first team, followed Lie Ren and Nora Valkyrie. The woman shook her head she couldn't see the boy getting along with someone so...Hyperactive. Then famous Pyrrha Nikos with the SDC heiress Weiss Schnee. The blond teacher approved of these two. Both were skilled and clever. They will become a force to be reckoned with. Truly potential to be great huntresses. There was also Russel Trush and Cardin Winchester, Dove and Skylark was another team that have already made it to the temple. There was the first official four man team.

Finally there was Ruby Rose. The gifted girl that skipped two years to be here. Now usually that was forbidden. All students needed to graduated from combat school before attending one of the main huntsmen schools in the four kingdoms. But as usual, Ozpin bend the rules and allowed the girl to be accepted in the school. Glynda understood why he chose her. She was the niece of Qrow Branwen, a veteran huntsman and one of his informants. Not to mention a former member of Team STRQ. And her mother was the one and only Summer Rose. Also a member and leader of STRQ. It was obvious the young girl will admitted to Beacon. Her partner, however. She didn't know what to think. Jaune Arc, from what she has seen after being launched with the others. He wasn't in the level to be in this school. Ruby Rose has shown she has what it takes. But the blond, it was a different story.

"What did you make of this Jaune Arc?"

"…...….."

The blond teacher stayed silent. Ozpin will get so focused in all of the students participating in the exam that he will ignore her. Not, that he was doing it on purpose. She kept on watching on the red cloak girl and the blond knight.

"I don't care what his transcripts say. He's clearly not ready for this level of combat."

The headmaster took a sip from his mug.

"By the way. What did you used for relics this year? Ozpin?"

The headmaster was still watching from his scroll. The same team ever since they formed. Ruby Rose and Jaune Arc. Of all of the teams, his gaze was on these two. Taking another sip from his mug, he resumed watching. While Goodwitch went back to watch the other teams progress.

Jaune was feeling better. His mood got better walking with Ruby. Hanging out with her was so fun. She kept telling him of what she knows best, weapons. The petite started telling him about the ones she reads on magazines. It was interesting to know so much of them. And here he was with a sword and a shield that turns into a sheath. Then, she obviously started talking about her baby, Crescent Rose. Basically she told him, the story of how she built the scythe during her first year at Signal Academy. She also told him she made it because of her uncle. He uses a scythe and he was the one who trained her. Hearing this, made the Arc feel a little jealous. Ruby was successful in her training, unlike him. I bet he was so proud of her. Asides from that, it was great he has her for his partner. What better person that his very first friend in Beacon. It really fits the partner role.

Their journey wasn't as pleasant as the blond thought. For they have encountered trouble. Grimm has surrounded them. Jaune trembled in fear at the sight of the creatures. It was the first time he has seen one since he has never left his village. All he could was draw Crocean Mors and prepare his shield. But that was all he could do. He couldn't move, he couldn't think, he couldn't act, he stood frozen in place. Ruby, on the other hand has used her semblance. To cut the all the Beowulves on sight, while shooting the weapon's rifle feature. Just like that, they were all dead. The Arc was shocked and in awe. It all happened so fast. Just like that, she wiped them out so quickly. Even if his father has told him the Beowulf was the weakest species of the Grimm. Watching someone younger than him taking them down like nothing was truly impressive. Ruby smiled as she sheathed her scythe back, no biggie for her.

"You okay?"

"Am I okay?" he stood dumbfounded" how...How did you...Do that?"

"That's my semblance I can move fast. Don't know about the rose petals though. My uncle did told me one's semblance eventually evolves through time. So who knows, maybe the petals have something to do with it."

"Wow, that's great...But I was talking about, how were you able to kill all those Grimm like they were weaklings."

"That was nothing. I have killed Beowolves before. Back at my home in Patch, I used to go to this forest where Grimm usually resides. So I fought them to sharpen my skills. Pretty cool, right?"

"Yeah, it sure is" the Arc was still in awe.

"Let's keep going. Before more show up."

He only nodded. The rest of the journey got quiet. Jaune didn't know what to say. After that display, he felt like he was completely useless. It was true. He couldn't fight, he had no training, no experience. While Ruby was the opposite, being strong and skilled. Did he mentioned that she was younger than him. If the others were present they would probably laughed at him. Weiss wouldn't even look at him. The feeling of regret was washing over his body. Maybe he made a mistake after all. Coming to this school unprepared. What the hell was he thinking. It's like jumping into the wolves den without any weapons. Might as well have a piece of juicy meat with him. Ruby hated this silence, though she didn't know what to talk about. She was afraid he will get sick of hearing about weapons. Maybe talking about video games might do the trick. The petite turned to the blond for a moment.

"So...You're okay?"

"Hm? Yeah, I'm okay."

"You sure? You were pretty shaken up when those Beowolves showed up."

"If I tell her that was my first time seeing a live Grimm, she might laugh and make fun of me."

"Jaune?" the red cloak reaper caught his attention, she was looking a little nervous and unsure.

"I was shaken up. But I'm fine now. Thanks for worrying Ruby."

"You know, we're partners now. And also, we're friends. Aren't friends suppose to tell each other our problems?"

That was pretty much true. The silver eyed girl wasn't that awkward sometimes. She can be logical sometimes. Gazing at her, she was indeed worried. Maybe, telling her won't hurt. Just when he was about to open his mouth, Ruby smiled. It's like her light bulb has turned on having an idea.

"I know! I know what's wrong with you."

"You do?" he blinked.

"Yep. You're feeling down that I didn't left any Grimm for you to take out, right?"

"Not exactly" but he wished that was the case.

"How about if we see another Grimm. I'll let you fight it?"

"Um, Ruby I don't think that will be a good idea."

"Sure it will. Once I get to see you fight, I will praise you. A praise will make anyone feel better."

And she was right, yet again. A praise does indeed has those positive effect. How he wanted one from his father badly. He desire that acknowledgment that" I'm proud of you Jaune". But that will never happened. Not with his failure and not after doing this. Leaving his home without his permission and taking Crocea Mors. Suddenly, he was grabbed by his hand by his partner as she made him to stay quiet. The petite pointed to a near by tree. There was another Grimm, it looked like a boar. Looks like it hasn't noticed their presence yet.

"There it is. It's a Boarbatusk. You can't attack it head on because of its thick armor. But the belly is the only place of the body that is exposed with no armor. So, if you attack it there bam it's done for."

"Wait a minute, you want me to fight that thing?"

"Uhuh. You can do it. It's only one. And if you get in trouble, I'll be here to help you."

Jaune mentally sighed. Ruby was too good to be true. Was he so thankful to have a friend and partner like her. Yet, fight a Grimm on his own. That wasn't a good idea. Turning to the red cloak girl she smiled giving him a thumbs up. The Arc composed himself as he unsheathed Crocea Mors and prepared his shield. The Boarbatusk still hasn't noticed them yet. Remembering what the petite told him. The belly, he has to go for the belly. But how was he going to attack it there. Better question, how was he going to fight it at all. The blond slowly approach the creature and that's when it noticed him. He gulped, his fear was attracting the boar-like Grimm. It went for the attack as it used it's rolling attack.

"Look out!"

Jaune gasped as he barely dodged the attack. The Boarbatusk came back. This time, he didn't had time to dodge. So he used his shield. The Grimm hit it, sending the Arc to the ground. But it was stunned for a while due to the heavy impact. The blond knew this was his chance. But how to attack the belly. He did the first thing that came to his head. Using his shield he laid on it and use it as a slide. Readying his sword when he go below the boar, to strike the stomach. The Arc attacked, but he didn't made it to the belly. Blue eyes widened as he has hit one of it's sharp tusks. The Grimm has recovered by now and it didn't looked happy. The blond was hit by a charge as he sent to the ground again.

"Jaune!" Ruby was worried sick.

"Owww damn...That really hurt. I think I might have broken a few ribs. This armor isn't helping."

Jaune was wide open for an attack. The Boarbatusk snort ready to finish the teen off. But the red cloak girl has sent the creature into the air, thanks to her semblance. She fired a couple of shoots right at the stomach, killing the boar Grimm. It hit the ground before it faded into black smoke.

"Jaune! Are you okay?!" she ran to him worried.

"My ribs, they're hurt. I might have broken a few."

"What?" she stood shocked" that can't be. Your aura should be able to heal the wound no matter how big or little is."

"Wha…?"

"Your aura."

"Bless you."

"No silly, aura" then it hit the reaper" you don't know what aura is?"

Nope, he never heard of it. She might laugh at him now and mock him. It was a new word to him.

"Let's pretend I don't know what it is."

"You really don't know?"

"No…."

"Aura is the force that protects us from attacks. Everyone has aura. It can be use for offense or defense. But it's mainly use to heal our wounds."

Well that was really new for him. If aura was so important how come his father never mentioned it. Neither his mother or sisters. Did they even knew about it.

"Well, not everyone has aura. Only those that have a soul. Grimm don't have one so they don't have aura" corrected the silver eyed reaper.

"Thanks for letting me know" he felt so bad with himself, asides from his injury it was more than a hurt pride.

"Why don't you know about aura?"

"It doesn't matter. We wasted too much time here. Let's get to that temple already" he wanted to avoid it, he wanted to avoid everything.

Because now, he knew the difference in strength between himself and Ruby. Or everyone else participating in the initiation exam. He really did made a big mistake coming to Beacon. What a disappointment he is. His father was right about him all along. He should had stay and attend the house. This was out of his league. A Huntsman, that wasn't his true calling. How can he achieve it when it was out of his reach. When it was impossible achieve it.

"Jaune…?"

"Come on" he got up groaning.

"You won't be able to walk with that wound."

"Go ahead. Say it."

"Say what?"

"That I'm pathetic! You gave me a simple task to beat that Grimm and I failed. Miserably if I might add. If it weren't for you I would have been dead right now. Ruby, I'm sorry but I'm not the person you think I am. I...I can't fight, I'm weak. I'm nothing like you or Pyrrha or Weiss. I'm below average. I can't be your partner because I don't have what it takes to be a huntsman."

"….."

Jaune didn't even looked at her as his eyes teared up. It was the truth, and it hurts so much. Might as well call it a quits and fail the exam. But what will happen to Ruby. No, he refused to let her fail. She was the one with the potential to become the best huntress, not him. He groaned again as he got seated by a tree. She was right, he won't be able to walk with his injury. That Boarbatusk did a number on him.

"I think you should go ahead to the temple without me. I will only slow you down. Now with this wound and with my uselessness. I will only held you back. Find the relic and get back to the cliff."

"Stop…."

"I failed at everything in my life…Even as your partner…."

"Stop it."

"Why does this has to happened to me? All I wanted was to make my family-"

"I said STOP IT!" Ruby shouted glaring at him.

He stood shocked. This was the first time he was seeing her angry. The red cloak petite kept her glare. But he refused to make eye contact with her, staring at the ground.

"Why are you talking like it's over?"

"Because it is…."

"No it's not. You're still here, we are still here. I'm not going to the temple alone. You're coming with me even if I have to drag you to it."

"Didn't you hear me? I said I can't fight. I never went to a training school like you did, I failed my father's training, while you succeeded your uncle's"

"You're still here. You made it to Beacon, that has a lot of meaning than anything."

Jaune kept his tears in check. Telling her about the transcripts would be the final nail on his coffin. If he tells her, she will definitely abandon him. But, isn't that what he wants. To give up and prove his father's words to be true all along.

"Ruby…."

"First. We have to do something about that wound. You don't know about aura and you're still hurt so I'm guessing no one unlock your aura."

"Unlock aura?"

"Yeah. Everyone has their aura unlocked when they're very young."

This revelation made the Arc feel worse about himself. He doubted his father and family didn't know about aura. They must have known. But, why not unlock his. The blond was suddenly met by Ruby's silver eyes. He blushed at the close proximity of their faces as her right hand touched his right cheek.

"What are you-"

"Stay quiet and don't move. I have to concentrate."

Jaune did as told, he stood still and he didn't said a word. He hope she didn't saw his tears. That will be so embarrassing. His eyes widened when he saw Ruby's body surrounded by a red light. Could this be her aura. What was she doing. Then, a similar light was now surrounding his body. But, it was colored white yelloish. This has to be his aura. She actually did it. The wound on his ribs, he could feel it was healing at a fast pace. The red cloak reaper has suddenly collapsed as he caught her, worried sick.

"Ruby! What's wrong?"

"I'll be fine...Unlocking someone's aura takes a lot of the aura from the one who unlocked it. In an hour or two I'll be back to normal, so no biggie. Also I'm suppose to say some long brave speech while unlocking it. My dad told me about it, and I forgot."

"Thanks...I can feel I'm getting better…."

"You have a lot of aura. With your high levels your wound might heal in a day. When others it might take days."

"So having a lot of aura is good?"

"Pretty much."

"Ruby I...I'm sorry. What I said, I was too frustrated. It's like when I'm trying to do better it always ends up going from bad to worse. I hate it, I'm sick of it. And now I'm dragging you into my problems."

"But you're not giving up? Even if it's been a rough road, you're not going to throw in the towel."

"You already know. I have no training and no experience, I can't fight. Are you still willing to go on with me?"

"Sure. You are my partner so we have to get to the temple together."

"What if we ran into more Grimm?"

"We'll beat them."

"But I told you I can't-"

"Or we can run away. We don't have to fight all the Grimm we see. As long as they don't see us, it will be okay.

"Guess it won't hurt to try" he got up.

"Jaune. When I first landed to the forest. There was only one person I wanted to be partners with. My sister Yang. There other candidates. Blake, but she rarely says a word. I don't think I'll be able to keep a conversation with her. And there was you. I thought, you might not last long in a fight."

"I'm not hurt. It is true."

"But even if it's true I'm glad that you're my partner. Better than having Weiss. She's such a...Brat."

"You're fine with me, flaws and everything?" he smiled.

"Nobody is perfect. I used to suck a lot before my uncle took me under his wing. There was this time, I almost cut my arm off, no kidding. It was a really scary experience. You might not have done well in your training with your dad. But it doesn't mean it's the end. Like I said, you're here and that's enough. You just have to start over."

"Right now. I have to do my best. And hopefully it goes well to pass this exam."

"That's right."

"Okay, I'm feeling with confidence now rather than regret. Let's keep going."

The two resumed walking through the forest heading for the temple. Jaune was walking a little slower since his wound was still healing. Ever since Ruby unlocked his aura, he was feeling stronger. Her words were still in his head. Start over. In other words, he needed to train again. If he fails, he will have to keep going and not give up. Easier said than done. How will he train, there's no way his father will take him back after what he did. It will have to wait. What matters now, is to get to the temple and get a relic. The Arc wondered if the others have already made it there. But their path was blocked again as they spotted two Beowulves. They have seem them, and they were ready to go for the kill. The silver eyed girl has taken Crescent Rose, there were only two. So this will be a piece of cake.

"I got this."

"Something's not right…." Jaune had a bad feeling all of the sudden.

She charged in as she was able to sliced the head one of the creatures. The other one however, decided to flee.

"Hey, no running away!" she went after it.

"Ruby wait!"

The blond did his best to run fast but his the wound on his ribs was slowing him down. His aura better heal it soon. It was a pain to run with it. He wasn't kidding, he really had a bad feeling. After seeing how Grimm attack, it wasn't normal for one to ran away after another was killed right in front of it. And his bad feeling right. He saw the red cloak reaper stopped on her tracks as he reached a dead end. That wasn't the bad part. There were now dozens of Beowulves. From behind the two more arrived. They were trapped.

"You said something isn't right…."

"Yeah. A bad feeling. An ambush. The other Beowulf ran off so it can lure us here. Now, they have the numbers. I don't think you'll be able to fight them all off no matter how good you are" it surprised him, at first it looked like they have no mentality, he was proven wrong.

Ruby hesitated, he was right. There were probably more than thirty. She has killed ten to eleven in one training session back at the White Forest. But, this was crazy. It was suicide to take them all on her own. Not to mention she was still low on aura for unlocking her partner's. Jaune knew he was useless. At this rate they will get killed. Blue eyes narrowed. They still needed to get to the temple and get a damn relic. That's what he was planning to do. He signaled for the petite to follow his lead. Readying his shield, he charged through the group of Beowulves that were blocking the way out. He hit one square in the face while the red cloak girl shot a couple. She released the empty magazine clip and put a new one filled with ammo. They knew it wasn't going to be that easy as the large horde were running after them. It didn't looked like they were planning to stop their chase.

"What are we going to do?!"

"I'll think of something, just keep running!"

They kept on running from the wild horde of Beowulves. Now it will be a good time to turn into anyone. Pyrrha, Weiss, Yang. Anyone that will give them a hand. But to their luck all they could is run. Until, they reached another dead end. This time, it was a cliff leading to a bottomless pit. Perfect, as it couldn't get any worse. Ruby did the best she could, firing at any Grimm that will approach them. Jaune has suddenly knelt on the ground, touching the grass and soil. Another Beowulf was cut down by the red cloak reaper. The horde was heading their way. They were running out of time.

"Ruby, I know you're still low on aura. But can you still do your semblance?"

"I'm still recharging from unlocking yours. But yeah, I think I can do it one more time."

"Good. I have a plan, and it's a crazy one. Just follow my lead."

The petite nodded as she killed a couple of Boewolves.

"Aim at the ground! Fire as many bullets as you can all over this area!"

"But what about the Grimm?"

"I'll handle them, trust me!" the Arc readied Crocea Mors and his shield.

The silver eyed girl didn't argued. She did as told as she jumped and shoot at the ground around them. She had no idea what the blond was up to. Until her eyes were on the edge of the cliff leading to the dark pit. Eyes lit up, realizing his plan. She smiled and kept on firing. Jaune blocked their attacks, doing his best to fend them all until the plan kicks in. But they were too many, it was impossible to fight them off. And by now the entire Beowulf horde was here. Just in time, as the two were starting to hear cracking noises below.

"Now Ruby, use your semblance!"

She gladly took his hand leaving the place in a whoosh of rose petals. The ground on the edge of the cliff has collapsed as all of the Beowulves fell into the pit. All of them were gone. Jaune panted not believing it actually worked. Sheathing his sword back. The blond has landed on the ground in pure relief. It was over.

"Jaune…." Ruby turned to him in awe" that was...SO COOL!"

"Huh?"

"You were right. It was crazy, but effective. How did you knew about the ground?"

"I checked the soil near the cliff. It was very soft and delicate. I realized a few hard hits might do the trick to make it break. And thank goodness it worked."

"Like shooting at it" she kept her smile" guess you're not as useless as you think."

"You're the one that did all the work."

"But you're the one who came up with the plan. You saved us."

"I'm sure you would have come up with something similar."

"Uh no. Maybe I would have thought of a plan. But you thought of one faster than me. At first I wanted to kill all of them. But, that really is crazy. There were too many to make it out alive and with low aura. I wouldn't have survived."

"Well, I think we had enough excitement for one day. How about we finally get to that temple."

"Yup. Jaune?"

The blond turned to the red cloak petite.

"Great job, partner" she smiled.

"You too" he smiled back.

Ruby and Jaune were hoping things were going to go smoothly from here. Killing a few Grimm, the Arc's revelation, the red cloak girl unlocking his aura and then that horde of Beowulves. They sure needed a break. Hopefully, they can finally reach that temple. Suddenly, they heard someone yelling. It sounded like a girl and it was getting closer. Just like that it ran passed the two. Both blinked watching one of the students with ginger haired and aqua eyes riding on a Ursai like it was a horse. Did they just saw things or was it really true. The Grimm looked like it was in pure pain as it was being constantly hit by the girl's hammer. That was something they didn't see everyday. Grimm transportation. She must be crazier than the blond to pulled a stunt like that.

"Let's not say anything and keep going."

"We're probably going the right way if we follow her" said the silver eyed reaper.

"Nora, wait!"

The two turned to see another student running passed them. A male with black hair, magenta eyes wearing a green tunic with white pants. Ruby has also seen him from when they were in the lockers. The poor teen looked like he was exhausted from running. He was obviously following the ginger haired girl. Turning to Jaune, he shrugged his shoulders. Like he said, not to say a word and keep going. So they decided to follow the two going to a new direction. Minutes later they were able to see the temple in the distance. They finally made it, and they weren't the only ones. The crazy girl and her male partner were there too along with others. Blake, Weiss, Pyrrha and Yang. Ruby immediately ran to her sister and gave her a big hug. Glad to see her doing well. Not that she doubted her strength. Jaune saw everyone was present.

Gazing at the temple there were many pedestals. On there were chess pieces. Some were missing. Looks like others have already reached this place before them. He saw Yang was holding a golden knight piece, the same with Pyrrha. The red head smiled seeing him and he did the same. Does that mean the chess pieces are the relics. They already have one and the girl Nora has picked a golden rook piece. So he did the same picking another rook. Now, they needed to get back to the hill and report to the headmaster. Pass the Grimm again.

"The gang's all here."

Yang was happy to see her sister doing all right. This was nothing compared to the usual training routines she will do back at Patch. But it did worried her when she was searching for her and couldn't find her. Only to find Grimm and a nice partner. Blake was the silent type but she has some sweet moves. So, she wasn't complaining to have the raven haired girl to watch her back. To her surprise, Ruby arrived with the blond male who threw up on the ship to Beacon. And some of it, fell on her shoe. Not a pleasant memory. Though she didn't had a problem with it. He was her first friend so it was suitable he will end up becoming her partner. Not to mention he seemed like a nice guy. Not a jerk who would dare make a move on her little sister. Or else, she will beat the crap out of him.

"Nice to see you too, vomit boy" she smirked.

"That's going to stay, isn't it?" the Arc sighed.

"We have all taken a relic. Then, let's head back. The exam isn't over until we return to the cliff" said Weiss.

The group nodded in agreement. Time to go. A sudden screech caught their attention. It came from the air. Everyone saw a giant bird Grimm flying in their direction. A Nevermore. It wasn't going to be that easy to return to Ozpin with the relic. Everyone has taken their weapons. They might not have a choice but to fight it. Jaune thought it couldn't get any worse than this. How wrong he was. Trees were destroyed as a hiss was heard. Emerging to the temple was a scorpion like Grimm. A Deathstalker. As in one strong Grimm wasn't enough. Now, they have two to face. Both of these creatures weren't going to let them pass. Leaving them with the only choice to fight them. They won't be getting to that cliff any time soon.

"It's one bad thing after another" sweat dropped the Arc.

To be continued

-I know I know. I have taken one of my own challenges and decided to write it. Why not? But updates will be slow because I'm too busy with my other stories. Not to mention I still need to work on some ideas.

-The story will be AU but it will follow canon events. Jaune will be going through some changes in this story. He will reflect more on what he did with the forge transcripts, leaving his home and taking Crocea Mors. I guess it's a more honest look on his character. That's why he was so angsty in the beginning. I find it hard to believe he will act like nothing's wrong. Even if he acted the same way when he revealed to Pyrrha. To me, it's more than just a matter of pride. But a matter of dignity. He's looking for acceptance from his father and family but he knows very well he won't be getting that after disobeying his old man. Meaning he will have to change himself and worry more about his teammates and friends.

-In addition Jaune will become strong slowly. And I'm planning in changing his semblance too. I don't mind if I get suggestions (as usual from my Jaune stories lol). I already have one in mind. One that I have thought about for a while.

-Weiss will eventually change but a little slow than in canon. She's very pleased to have ended up being Pyrrha's partner as she originally wanted.

-As I wrote in my profile page this will be a Lancaster story, slow burn that is. So please don't ask me to add Pyrrha in the mix or any other character. I have made up my mind a long time ago. It was meant to be Lancaster and it will remain that way.

-Just to let you know I added more challenge stories in profile page they go as follow:

33. Team RWBY plays Metal Slug- following the game events.

34. Team RWBY plays Metal Slug 2- following the game events.

35. Team RWBY plays Metal Slug 3- following the game events

36. Team RWBY plays Metal Slug 4- following the game events

37. Team RWBY plays Metal Slug 5- following the game events

38. Team plays Metal Slug 6- following the game events

39. Team RWBY plays Metal Slug 7- following the game events

-If you like the story show your support with a fav, follow and review. I will appreciate it.

Next time: A Team is born