A/N: Let's continue the story.

Crack!

The Beowolf writhed in pain as its limbs cracked and twisted into unnatural angles.

Jaune barely paid attention to its death as he followed after his partner. He, Ruby, and Lazu Li were currently making their way to the nearest battlefield.

"The main frontline should be close," Lazu Li said, "Keep going."

The three of them jogged towards the center of the chaos, which they figured was in the opposite direction of the lake, while killing Grimm left and right. Jaune was barely able to keep up with them with his weak body.

Many people had still not sought protection at the rescue centers. Be it a missing child, or the place being too full already, or just not knowing where the hell it was, many of them were still running around through the chaos with their own reasons.

"Shit," A man - a cop, judging by the outfit - suddenly cursed, "Code 211...? Our hands are already full right here, we can't go to the SDC!"

"What now?" Someone else asked him.

"Reports of a robbery involving multiple trucks at the SDC." The cop said, before turning away to speak through his radio.

"Torchwick…!" Ruby, having overheard the conversation, gasped the name, "It's gotta be him! He was after dust last time I met him, too! This time he's going right to the source."

"Not our problem, though." Lazu Li glared at her. "The SDC facility is kept separated from Meteor City, away from the chaos, there are no Grimm over there."

"Yes," Jaune nodded in approval, as well as Ruby a second later:

"I agree. The Grimm are our priority. We need to defend the city."

Drrrriiiii… Driiiiii… Ruby's scroll started ringing.

"Ah… It's Miss Goodwitch!" Ruby gasped, taking out the device.

"Don't you answer that!" Lazu Li warned her, pointing his gun at her scroll, ready to fire. "Remember, we're not supposed to be together! You being here with me is illegal!"

"But we still told her we went to Meteor City, so of course she must be worried!" Ruby replied, "Let me send her a message at least…!"

"Um... Guys?" Jaune called, noticing a pack of Ursa roam at the end of the street. "I... I think we've found the frontline...!"

"Fine, message your teacher," Lazu Li allowed, "But make it quick! And do not mention me!"

"I got it," Ruby nodded, hurriedly typing a message back to her. "A-ah... She says she's coming here... With Blake and Weiss!"

"...Shit!" Lazu Li cursed under his breath. "All right, but from now on, we don't know each other! Got it?"

"...Guys...!" Jaune called, panicking at the sight of the pack of the Ursas noticing them and beginning to charge towards them.

"... I got it!" Ruby said, putting her scroll away and readying her scythe.

Ding!

Jaune perked up, hearing the sound of a notification. Probably another message from Miss Goodwitch or Blake or Weiss.

I'll have to check it later, he mused as he gathered Aura into his hands and stepped in front of his two companions, preparing for the many Ursas charging them.

Two hands... Two shots. Two Ursas dead.

The first Ursa of the pack dashed at Jaune and swung his claws. Flexing his legs, Jaune dived and rolled under the strike, placing his body right below the Ursa's. As the monster lowered itself, planning on flattening him, Jaune clenched his fist and threw a jumping uppercut in the monster's stomach as hard as he could.

Crack!

His semblance tore the monster in half, and Jaune emerged from the two split halves covered in black blood. Other people around him - civilians and Huntsman alike - started fighting, shouts, screams, and growls echoing around him.

He didn't notice another Ursa swing at him, and this time, he didn't have time to dodge. Jaune berely raised his other shining hand to soften the blow, and...

Crack!

While Jaune did rip off the Ursa's limb up to its shoulder, making it roar in pain, the impact of the monster's claw sent him flying. Something caught him right before he crashed into a wall, however. He looked up, still dazed.

"I got you," Ruby grinned down at him, and Jaune realized she held him in her arms.

"Thanks...!" He winced in pain. Nodding, she let him go and already dived back into the battlefield. Jaune quickly stood up and followed after her.

At that moment, a woman's scream of agony came to their ears, piercing their hearts.

When they turned in the direction of the scream, her body was already being slashed and eaten apart by a Beowolf, making Jaune freeze in horror.

"N-noooo!" Ruby lamented painfully.

"Fuck...!" Lazu Li cursed, shotting the Beowolf right in its skull. "Protect the civilians! Stay fucking focused! Or more blood will be on our hands!"

"Sh-she died..." Jaune mumbled, staring at the bloody remnants of the corpse, shocked. This time, he couldn't avert his eyes, as they were supposed to protect people from Grimm, and couldn't protect her.

"And... more will if we don't pull it together!" Ruby said, patting his arm. "Come on, you can do it! Go wild, Jaune!"

"R-right...!" Jaune gulped, images of the woman's guts and gore flashing in his mind. His stomach twisted around itself.

"I said, fucking protect them!" Lazu Li yelled again.

Ruby widened her eyes, following Lazu Li's gaze, "Crap, over there!"

Zzzzing!

In a flash, Ruby disappeared and decapitated a Grimm that was about to kill an old man.

So fast... and... so calm. How was she able to stay this calm within this slaughter?

She and Lazu Li were already back to fighting...

"H-heeelp!"

Another civilian screamed in fear as an Ursa towered over him, standing up on his back feet.

"Crap...!" Jaune dashed towards the monster, before...

Splash!

When only two meters remained between him and the Ursa, it brutally stomped on the man's body, flattening it. Red blood splattered on the floor, and a few drops splashed on Jaune's white cloak.

"A-ah..." Jaune's eye widened as the sight of a puddle of flesh and blood engraving itself into his mind.

He hadn't been fast enough.

The sound of his heartbeat hammered in his chest as he was panting.

This was his weakness: speed and mobility.

The Ursa paused to look at him. Almost smirking mockingly.

"...Tch..!" Anger rose from Jaune's chest, and he charged Aura into his hand, before...

"Heeelp!"

He froze.

Another plea.

"Here! Someone!"

Ah... Another one.

"Here!"

"Heeelp!"

And another there. And another over there.

Where should Jaune go? Who was he able to save, who was he going to let die- How was he supposed to choose between people?

Too late. Again. Another died, devoured by monsters. And another, head bashed into a wall.

And another... Again and again.

Jaune gaped at the massacre, not knowing where to go, his brain frozen. So much blood... His heart sank, on the verge of tears. He had never been good at saving people... He had never saved people. Never been capable of it.

Jaune barely noticed the Ursa raising his claw covered in human blood tow strike him.

Ruby's voice was echoing in his mind.

Go wild, Jaune!

No... Of course. His strength wasn't saving people.

His strength was... pure destruction!

Something ignited within him, his Aura flashing like a lightning bolt, illuminating the night, and the sound of thunder slapped the entire town.

CRACK!

The Ursa about to attack Jaune was disintegrated, leaving a pile of ashes behind. Cracks spread around Jaune to the road like a spiderweb, and even the nearby buildings.

"H-hey, careful there, dude!" Other Huntsmen warned him, having been destabilized by the shockwave coming from him.

If I want to let loose, I need to go alone and have no one around me!

"...COME HERE!" Jaune roared to the monsters with hall his might, dashing towards them.

The monsters, attracted to the white light - and his negative emotions - dashed towards him.

They tackled him, biting on his limbs and scratching his skin, his Aura flaring up to protect him.

"Tch...!" Jaune gritted his teeth and channeled his semblance through his entire body.

These monsters, only good at killing innocent people. They were the cancer of Remnant. They should all die!

Crack!

All the Grimm adjacent to him exploded, bodies ripped apart, making it rain black blood around him for a short while.

He stood up and remained still for a second, taking his breath.

This was what he was good at... Slaughtering a high number of Grimm in a short time. He should focus on that, rather than indecisively trying to save people he could not reach in time!

And in order to do that, he had to draw the Grimm's attention.

"AAAAAAHHH!" He yelled as loud as he could, and surely enough, a bunch of Grimm turned their dumb heads towards him.

Gritting his teeth, he proceeded to run right into them.

"Dieee!" He screamed, throwing his hands forward, out of which his semblance shot out in a cone-shaped area in front of him. Bone cracked disgustingly, flesh twisting itself around their limbs with black blood splashing out of them, as if an invisible hand was brutally wringing water out of some laundry.

"Jaune!" Ruby suddenly called him, "Crescendo Blast!"

Jaune perked up, recognizing the name of the combo, and gathering Aura within his entire body in response, focusing on his anger.

Cardin's voice flashed in Jaune's mind. Negativity breeds strength. He was right.

A blur of rose petals spun around him, drawing every Grimm in the area into its center... towards Jaune. Closer and closer. When the pack was pushed right onto him, Jaune released everything just as their claws reached him.

"HAAAAA!" He roared, full of rage.

CRACK!

The shockwave splashed the Grimm away as if their bodies were merely made of ink, effectively killing around fifty Grimm at the same time. Once again, blood rained, creating a swamp of black blood around Jaune.

"Haa..." Jaune breathed, looking for Ruby.

She was already back to saving people. This was her strength.

Smiling, he dived right back into exterminating Grimm.

They sure had different talents!

And so Jaune continued the massacre, with Ruby giving him a hand once in a while when he was too overrun by Grimm, by performing their combo move Crescendo Blast, which was able to kill many Grimm at once in a few seconds.

For a while, they continued to slaughter Grimm one after the other, with Jaune focusing on taking big groups of Grimm along with powerful ones, and Ruby using her speed to catch the fastest and sneakiest ones, stopping them from targeting civilians or catching fighters off-guard. The two of them completed each other, in a way.

Meanwhile, Lazu Li helped, too... Taking a safe approach to it and maintaining his distances, he was prioritizing gaining time over eradicating the threat, incapacitating Grimm. It greatly contrasted with Jaune and Ruby's passionate fury.

It lasted for a little while, repeating the same actions again and again in the heat of battle.

Until...

Surprisingly... there were none left.

"Huh?" Jaune panted harshly, looking around, "We've cleared all the Grimm already?"

"Haaa...! This feels kinda underwhelming," Ruby remarked, tired, "Good job, everyone!" She grinned victoriously, waving at other Huntsmen in the vicinity, who nodded their heads at them with respect. Deservedly so, as Jaune had killed more Grimm, and Ruby saved more people, than anyone else.

"That wasn't all of them, girl." One of them retorted. "They simply shifted to attack somewhere else."

"Somewhere else?" Ruby frowned.

"That's right. Now, pack it up, we need to look for injured civilians!" The man, apparently leading the team of Huntsmen, ordered, and his three teammates started patrolling around.

"What he talking about...?" Jaune asked Lazu Li.

"Think about it." Mr. Li sighed, probably quite tired as well, "Where do people feel the most negatively still? The answer is obvious."

Jaune narrowed his eyes. "The SDC Dust mine…? Where Torchwick is robbing the place?"

The man snapped his fingers, pointing one at him. "Bingo."

"You mean... They switched targets?" Jaune asked, widening his eyes. After he'd disabled August's semblance, it only made sense.

"Oh no... We need to go there!" Ruby decided, her voice full of purpose and her eyes sparkling with determination. "All these people will die if no one defends them!"

"No." The Huntsman replied, "The town is safe, but we need to keep it this way. We're not going there. That's the SDC's problem."

"But… they will die!"

"They asked for it. Demonstrating Faunus civil rights at such a time… We can't protect such idiots."

"…"

There was a stunned silence as Ruby gaped at the man, and scrunched her nose in disgust. "We're Huntsmen! We have to save them! Protect those who can't protect themselves!"

"That's not why I became a Huntsman. And I am absolutely not dying before I accomplish my ambition. It's suicide!" Mr. Li replied coldly. "We stick to the plan and follow the safest procedure. We've accomplished our mission, and I've seen what I needed to see - although it wasn't much. Now we go back to Vale."

"You go back!" Ruby scoffed, "We are going to save them. Right, Jaune?"

"…"

Jaune remained quiet.

"R-right… Jaune…?" Ruby asked, turning to him.

"…"

Jaune frowned at her.

"…It's... I think it's too dangerous." Jaune declared, looking away.

"What!" Ruby gasped, a betrayed expression on her face.

"…"

Actually, if it was just Jaune, he was pretty sure he would be fine. He would be able to really, really let loose. But Ruby was with him. He was worried about her.

If things took a turn for the worst, he was not sure he could protect her. Because he was slow. So slow. And Ruby was so fast. He could never keep up with her. Hence, he could not protect her, just like he could not save the many people he had watched die right in front of him a few minutes ago.

Plus, he was pretty tired already, too… What if he got anemia and fainted?

They could… die. Both of them. The images of mutilated dead bodies were still fresh in his mind, and his imagination now started picturing Ruby ending up like this... This was too risky.

"Jaune!" Ruby protested, looking at him, scandalized. "You can't be serious!"

"…I am very serious. Look... I'm exhausted. I can't go on anymore. And if he doesn't come with us," Jaune continued, pointing at Lazu Li.

"Which I won't," The man nodded along with him.

"Then we don't have the means to get there fast. We have no vehicle. We don't know how to drive." Jaune pointed out. "Going there would take too much time… The Grimm are probably already there. And on foot, it will be riskier!"

"We have to try!" Ruby insisted and stepped forward, grabbing his arms. "Jaune!" She came close to him, staring into his eyes. "Jaune, listen... You trust me, right? I have a plan… I'll just use my semblance."

"…What?" Jaune frowned at her, not liking the idea in the slightest. "Your semblance? Where is this going?"

"I'll use my semblance to get there fast!" Ruby continued, unwavering even when he glared at her, "And you'll follow after me, and we'll join up later!"

"That's SUICIDE!" Lazu Li exclaimed, grabbing her by the shoulder, forcing her to look into his eyes. "Girl…! No, Ruby… You are FIFTEEN! And, look, I get it," He quickly added before she could protest, "You're a big girl, more mature than anyone your age. In fact, your accomplishments were exemplary today, and you're the one who did the most work out here. But! You don't need to sacrifice yourself like this! You have to save yourself, so you can save more later. That's how it works!"

"Screw you!" Ruby spat, scrunching up her nose at him. "I'm not taking advice from someone like you! If we don't do anything, the Faunus will die! We need to go to the SDC. That's final!"

"R-ruby…" Jaune gulped, suddenly feeling very apprehensive, "Surely… you're not thinking of going there… alone…?"

Ruby looked at him and walked close to him, her eyes softening. "…Jaune... I'll be fine. I'll defend the place until you arrive. Okay?" She replied, and stepped away, though she didn't break eye contact with him. "You know I trust you, Jaune. You gotta trust me, too!"

"Ruby!" Jaune gasped, reaching a hand towards her.

Zzzing!

Too late. The girl had already bolted away in a burst of rose petals.

"N-no way... No…" Jaune lamented, his eyes still staring at the place where she'd been just a few seconds ago.

He was speechless, he couldn't believe Ruby would be so reckless.

What the hell was she thinking? This dumb girl?

Did she think herself invincible? She wasn't him. She could die! What could have possibly gone through her mind to do this?

"..."

Okay, calm down... Jaune closed his eyes, breathing deeply, considering what to do.

In order to save Ruby, he needed to follow after her fast. He needed a vehicle.

Opening his eyes, he turned to Lazu Li, intending on asking him nicely to drive him there.

But the man had already disappeared.

"Huh…?"

"Good luck, kid." The man called out to him. Turning in the voice's direction, Jaune found he was in his SUV. His heart dropped, dread spreading through his chest. "For what's it worth, if you survive, I'll give you some extra compensation. And I don't doubt that you will survive… Sorry."

"Wh-what…! No, please stay!" Jaune shouted, begging, "Help me... Help me!"

"I'm really sorry." He shook his head, his eyes sympathetic, "If Goodwitch comes, then I better not be found around you, Jaune. Goodbye… And don't die! I'll compensate you in the coming days!"

Like this, the man drove away.

"N-no! Come back!" Jaune yelled after him. But it was useless. The SUV disappeared from his sight.

"…"

Jaune was left standing in the middle of the street, alone. Civilians and Huntsmen alike walked by him, busying themselves, carrying injured people.

The noise didn't reach his brain.

Sounds were muffled as if he were underwater, and he only heard the beating of his own heart, as well as his tired, anxious breathing.

What was he supposed to do... There was no way he could arrive on time.

Ruby was going to die.

They were all going to die. Over there. At the SDC.

All because he was too slow.

If only he had something to speed himself up... Like a personal bullhead or... a motorbike. Something.

Without mobility, he could do nothing.

Someone bumped into him, breaking him out of his spell. "Sorry, kid," The man apologized.

"E-excuse me...!" Jaune called him, "My friend went outside the city to the SDC mine... She... No, they all need help over there..."

"We have to clear the city first." The Huntsman looked at him with sympathy, "I'm sorry, kid."

"N-no... Th-they're going to die, you know... You gotta help."

"I'm really sorry. We simply follow the procedure."

"Wh-why!" Jaune snapped at him. "Why?! Why stay here, where no Grimm is left!"

"Look, I'm just following the chain of command..." The man attempted to explain. "I'm not the one responsible for making the rules..."

"They're telling you to let Faunus die... To let a little girl die... And you go ahead and let it happen? Why...?"

The man's expression darkened on his face. "...Look, kid. That's how it is with the SDC, okay. That's how it's always been."

What does he mea-

Jaune froze, eyes wide, gaping at the man.

"Wh-what. You mean... Just... just because they're Faunus...?"

"Come on, please." The Huntsman frowned at him, "Don't make it about that. That's not how it is... You should get some rest." The man patted his shoulder and walked away.

"..."

"No..." Jaune muttered, looking around, trying to catch someone's eye.

"..."

"H-help me!" Jaune begged again, "Somebody help!"

Nobody stopped.

Some looked, before turning away.

Yeah.

Too busy helping civilians.

Yeah, sure...

But hey...

There was someone over there...

... There.

Right here.

He was dying too...

But, he could be saved, you know.

So... why was no one helping him...?

"..."

Could it be...

That no one helped this man...

Just because he had panda ears...?

"..."

"Hahaha..." Jaune laughed darkly, his heart sinking, in disbelief now that he came to face the reality that Blake had lived through." 'That's not how it is' , he says... No, I'm sure it's not how it is... It's definitely not..."

First Beacon, now Meteor City. CRDL, Lazu Li.

Were people this racist everywhere?

"..."

Jaune remained quiet, approaching the Faunus and kneeling beside him. The Faunus stared at him, eyes filled with the fear of his imminent death.

Jaune was powerless as he watched life quit the poor Faunus' eyes, and could only hold his hand, a frustrated tear rolling on his cheek.

"..."

He quickly dried it up. There was no time to reminisce about the absurdity of it all. He had to make a decision fast.

Ruby… Why did you have to go alone like this?
And Lazu Li… Everyone. Why were things going so wrong?

Jaune clenched his fists, and turned to the edge of the city. He started walking forward.

He remembered Weiss and Blake's words.

Well, if you're with Jaune, I'm sure Grimm won't be a problem.

Crack!

This not a field trip! You better protect her!

Crack!

"This… stupid… crazy girl!" Jaune screamed in anger.

Crack!

Out of pure frustration and anger, he intentionally broke the road he was walking on. Jaune had never been so angry before.

This, however, was not the same kind of anger. Jaune felt betrayed, worried, helpless. It was a protective kind of anger; it was a big sister Yang kind of anger.

Oooh, if we make it through this, I'm telling everything to Yang and Taiyang… See how she likes it then.

Taking out his scroll, he activated its distress signal. It was probably way too late, but he figured he might as well.

And while he was at it, he checked his messages.

Jaune, this is Glynda. I've been informed that Meteor City is in a state of disarray and under Grimm attack.
I will not ask you to stay safe. You are a Huntsman in training, so I know you will act to defend the city even if I tell you to stay put.
Just know that you will not be blamed if you make some collateral damage to your surroundings when you engage against the Grimm. Do not hold back against them. You could be overrun sooner than you think.
However, I'll remind you not to harm anyone! Or we will be forced to put you through isolation again. Remember, this is part of your trial until the end of the semester.
Be careful out there. Protect each other above all else.

"..."

He didn't even have the heart to write a reply.

Breathing heavily, he turned his eyes towards the road.

With my weak stamina… can I even reach it at all, let alone in time?

Later, with Ruby.

Zzzzing!

With a final burst of her semblance, Ruby finally arrived at the SDC facility, panting.

It was a testament to her speed that she had arrived before the Grimm even showed up. Barely, though. She already noticed the countless red eyes on the edge of her vision.

The main facility was surrounded by walls, as expected. It was defensible. With a swift jump, she landed above the main gates, near a bunch of robots.

"Intruder. Identify yourself."

"Ruby Rose, Huntress in training!"

"Trespasser identified. Sending data…" The robots raised their weapons at her.

"Oh, what the hell!" Ruby exclaimed as the robots started to shoot.

She bolted to the side, deployed her scythe, and planted its blade into the ground, rotated around it, and sent herself towards the robots with a catapult effect.

With a swift strike, she destroyed the stupid robots.

"Dammit."

She looked around. Faunus were running around in panic. But no sign of Torchwick.

The robbery was already done... It didn't matter. There was no time.

"Everyone! Listen!" Ruby shouted, gathering people around her. "We don't have much time! The Grimm are here!"

They looked at her, fear in their eyes. "Grimm are coming?!"
"Oh shit, let's get out of here!"
"The gates are locked!"
"Blow them up, we can't stay here!"

"No!" Ruby shouted over their panicked voice. "The Grimm ARE already here...! Going outside the facility now is a death sentence!"

"Oh no...!"
"We're gonna die!?"
"What should we do?"

"Listen! Listen to me!" Ruby repeated, growing frustrated.

"We're all gonna die!"
"They won't rescue us Faunus!"
"We're all dead!"
"Don't say that! They're attracted to negativity!"
"Face reality, man! We're all fucking dead already!"

"L-listen...!" Ruby muttered under her breath, despair starting to take hold into her own mind, as the mob mentality was getting to her.

This bunch didn't need to have their emotions amplified to descend into pointless arguments or fistfights, it seemed. Everyone started talking over each other.

The sudden screech of a Nevermore put everyone on the same page, however.

Screams of terror immediately echoed through the crowd as the monster flapped its wings above them, preparing to shoot its feathers. Ruby didn't hesitate and instantly deployed Crescent Rose in scythe mode. With a burst of rose petals, she dashed into the sky, and fired a round of gravity Dust off the back of her scythe, making her spin wildly until her blade embedded itself into the Nevermore's neck. Seeing it stuck halfway through, she fired another round of gravity dust to gain more strength, and the scythe finished cutting the head off.

She swiftly landed, spending another dust round to cushion her landing, all the while the Nevermore's body crashed behind her, and its head fell in front of her, slowly evaporating.

Everyone stared at her, speechless.

"...We are going to fortify this place." Ruby declared loudly, with as much authority as she could muster. "And defend it until the reinforcements come to save us! Everyone, go inside, barricade the doors and windows! Arm yourselves, and find me some fire Dust! Lay some around, to blow up these monsters!"

"..."

Nobody moved. Some were still gaping at her, others were looking at each other, unsure.

"NOW!" Ruby snapped.

That snapped them back into reality, it seemed. They finally started moving, organizing themselves.

Ruby nodded in relief, and jumped over the facilities' gates, looking for the main threat.

The Grimm.

Hundreds of them. Countless red eyes growing bigger, making their way to the SDC mine.

And in the middle of them...

"Oh no..."

One of the largest land-based Grimm, it stared at the facility from its giant, white tusks.

This Goliath was... an alpha one.

Stronger, tougher. Faster.

Smarter.

It had known to stay away from the city and preferred targeting this small SDC facility.

And now, it was waiting for all the Grimm to get there, before launching its attack.

Her heart sank, fear taking hold of her.

"...Hurry up, Jaune..." She whispered.

Because while it was true that she would absolutely not run away, she was still terrified.

With Jaune.

"Haaa… haaa…"

Jaune panted as he leaned against a tree nearby the road.

He was exhausted. His stamina couldn't hold.

The few Huntsmen and military that Meteor City had at its disposal, had chosen to stay there to make sure the city was safe. He hadn't seen anyone since he left the city.

At this rate, even if he managed to join the SDC facility in time, he wouldn't be able to do much. He would be too exhausted, and might even be more of a hindrance than anything.

Forget speed. It was his stamina that had reached its limits.

Was this really the extent of what he could do?

Rrrrrrrr…

The noise of an engine came to his ears.

Jaune snapped his eyes open.

In the distance, two lights were coming towards him on the road, from the direction of the SDC.

"…"

Could... be Torchwick. His mind thought in a daze, clinging onto hope.

Jaune straightened up, and turned around to face the tree.

He raised a finger and gathered Aura into it, making it shine a soft white light.

"…Sorry... Mister Tree…"

He gave the trunk a quick poke, before sliding his finger across it horizontally.

Crack!

The trunk was cleanly sliced off, and the tree fell across the road, blocking the path.

This was simply to make sure the vehicle stopped, so he could talk to its owners and beg for help. If this was not Torchwick, he fully intended to clear the path right after.

Now…

Here goes nothing.

In the truck…

"Hmm, hmm, hmm…"

Everything went according to plan. As expected.

It was always easier to rob places from towns that were experiencing an increase in Grimm activity.

In particular, it made it easy to toy with people's negativity. The Grimm provided a nice cover and a good meat-shield… As long as he and his comrades stayed calm and did not let negativity overtake them, of course.

But this time, it was a jackpot. Man. He really was a master thief, wasn't he?

Because, this time, Torchwick hadn't robbed a simple dust shop, no… He had robbed an entire SDC facility dedicated to its manufacture – one of those heavily defended ones with robots and automated turrets.

Taking down the defenses had been a trivial task, especially since Torchwick's new goons, members of the White Fang, were already working there, and were kind enough to give up their jobs to sabotage the system, as well as killing the humans who were managing and supervising the facility and its miners.

The only thing missing was the bullheads. But the quantity of dust was too much, and they didn't have nearly enough ships to transport it.

So the plan was to transport it via trucks… and scatter everyone throughout the country.

And they had almost managed to get a perfect score. But something set the Grimm off, and caused an attack on the city.

Too early. In order to make the Grimm attack Meteor City, Torchwick had initially planned to infiltrate the Faunus Civil Right protests with a few White Fang Members, as well as some of Junior's goons. All in order to stage a fight, and generate enough negativity to cause the Grimm to attack.

But something had set them off early... Nothing could go perfect, Torchwick supposed.

That was when he decided to cut things short. Salvage whatever Dust they could grab, and run away before the Grimm set their sights on the mine, which they were bound to, considering the negativity of the Faunus hostages.

This was why, as he was driving, Torchwick was cautiously alert, scanning whatever he could discern in the night as he was driving the truck.

"Hmm?"

Something moved…

"What the…?"

Out of nowhere, a tree fell on the road, causing Torchwick to slam his foot on the brakes. The truck made a strident noise as it came to a stop.

A blonde man jogged to the middle of the road, and waved his arms at the lights.

"…" Torchwick narrowed his eyes. An ambush?

Torchwick scanned the man. He wore a huntsman's white cloak. High quality. This was clearly a Huntsman.

Troublesome...

What was he doing here? He should be fighting the Grimm at Meteor City.

"Get ready," Torchwick muttered to Neo, who had been sitting on the passenger seat.

"Help! Please!" The boy was begging.

What was this...? Now that he took a better look at him, Torchwick could see he was still quite young. A Huntsman in training, then?

It didn't seem to be a trap…

The windscreen and windows were tainted, masking their appearances...

Maybe they could get away with this.

"Neo." Torchwick glanced at her meaningfully. She nodded back and put her hand on his shoulder.

He waited a couple of seconds, sensing his partner's semblance covering the two of them, creating an illusion changing their appearance.

Basically, the two of them became typical truck drivers, with short blonde hair and blue eyes. Additionally, she followed after him by holding his coat's sleeve. Overall, it looked like a father and his shy mute daughter.

Then, he opened the door, and stepped out, with Neo still holding the back of his white coat. In order for the illusion to be maintained on himself, a condition needed to be met: constant physical contact.

"Ooooh, bother," Torchwick sighed dramatically, "What is the meaning of this?"

The boy stared at him.

"Helloooo?" Torchwick snapped his fingers at him. "Remnant to the moon? Anyone there?"

The boy blinked at him. "O-oh. I'm sorry to trouble you, sir…" He apologized, bowing his head to him. "My name is Jaune… I had to block the road in order to stop your vehicle and request your help…!"

Strong enough to make such a large tree fall. Torchwick noted silently. That trunk was about one meter large. It was no easy task to cut it, even with an axe or a saw, and actually, the kid didn't even look like he owned any weapon.

This could be very bad news... I can't mess up.

"Oho?" The thief theatrically raised an eyebrow at him, using his acting skills as he stepped forward, approaching the kid, along with Neo who was still holding the back of his coat. "How polite! Tell me everything, young lad. I'm willing to take a break, I've been driving for a while… Just, you got any fire?" He asked him, having taken out a cigar.

"No- Er, I mean, yeah." Jaune corrected himself, raising his hand.

With a snap of his finger, he ignited a white flame directly out of his Aura, and held it between his thumb and forefinger.

Torchwick's eyes widened for a second, as he watched the boy casually lit up his cigar.

A fire semblance... Roman knew all too well how powerful and deadly these semblances could be, as he'd been directly threatened by a woman with a similar ability: Cinder Fall.

"Nice trick…" The man praised, looking him up and down, to which the boy simply shrugged. Torchwick shared a glance Neo, silently telling her not to attack the boy. "This is my daughter... Soleil. She's mute."

Neo waved with her free hand. The blonde kid stared at her.

"..."

"Hello?"

"A-ah, sorry. it's just... Nothing." He shook his head, "I'm Jaune Arc."

Could he be suspicious already...? Impossible.

Torchwick made a silent note of the name in his mind. "And I'm Jupiter. Now, what's the cause of your trouble, Jaune?"

"I don't have much time. This is an emergency…"

"Come on, speak, then."

The boy – Jaune - gritted his teeth, and finally spat it out. "I need someone to drive me to the SDC's facility, right where you're coming from."

"…"

"…"

With Jaune.

"Aaah, aaaah~, how tragic. This is the result of today's society, huh."

"Hmm?" Jaune blinked at his fellow blondes, frowning, "What are you saying?"

"Listen, kid. I won't lie to you, I'm not exactly a good person. I've done bad things, okay. I get it. But when I see a lad like you, looking for an easy way to die and escape his life of problems… I can't do nothing."

"Huh?" Jaune froze, confused.

Who wanted to die now?

The man put a hand on his shoulder, "Contrary to popular belief, son, the Grimm rarely provide a quick death, my friend. Suicide is not the answer!" He exclaimed dramatically.

"Wh-what?" Jaune gaped at him, before shaking his head, "No, no, no no no…! Thank you for your concern… But I don't have this kind of thought anymore! I just want to save my friend! I'm not looking to die."

"Boy." Jupiter paused, staring at him as if he was crazy, "There are hundreds… hundreds! Of Grimm over there…!"

"…But my friend also went there." Jaune said, "So that's where I'm going."

"You'll die." The man stated.

"No. But she will. So I'm going."

"..." The man considered him for a moment, staring into his eyes. Jaune held his gaze.

The man's eyes narrowed slightly, before chuckling.

"…You won't die, huh... I get it, I get it, you're very strong, aren't you."

"Yes." Jaune nodded, impatient.

"Ah, young love..." Jupiter sighed, making Jaune blush, and Soleil giggle. He didn't interrupt. "I feel your pain, trust me... But..." The man looked at him straight in the eye. "Do you not feel any shame in asking us to lead you there? Me and my daughter? If we go there, we die. This does not concern us in any way. We're nothing but innocent civilians... And you'd do that to us?"

Jaune paused, his heart sinking. The blonde girl beside him gave him puppy eyes, not helping his situation at all.

But Jupiter was right, of course. Even if it was just the father, he was risking his life, and if he died the girl would be left with no one to take care of her... An orphan, relying on foster families.

He couldn't allow that to happen.

"I…" Jaune hesitated, looking away, before meeting his eyes again. "I… I beg you. It doesn't have to be you... Maybe teach me how to drive, really fast? And then lend me your truck? Please?"

The man and the girl shared an exasperated glance.

"Hmmm… Let me think…" The man adopted a thinking posture, caressing his chin as he looked up. "Uuuuuh… Nnno." He answered, insisting on the 'n'.

The single word shattered Jaune's hopes.

"Oh…" Jaune blinked, averting his eyes, only to find the girl's, who gave him a sorry look. "A-all right… I'll… clear the path, then…"

"You do that, please." The man replied, and crossed his arms, waiting for him to do his job.

Crap… What am I gonna do? Jaune thought in panic, as he walked to the trunk while gathering Aura in his hand.

He glanced back at the pair, wondering how to convince them.

"Hurry it up, we don't have all night." The man urged him.

"…"

This is it. Ruby is going to die.

Maybe she's already dead...

Jaune closed his eyes, focusing on his Aura in his hand.

"..."

Aura Strike Palm!

Using Ren's technique, Jaune slammed his palm on the trunk.

"…" All three stayed quiet as the tree was sent flying and landed off the road in a loud crash.

Jaune eyes were still closed, he hadn't even opened them to strike the tree.

This was because he had sensed the tree with his perception technique.

And… he kept his eyes closed because he was sensing something else.

"Well, thank you!" The man grinned. "It was nice meeting you, kid, but we'll be on our way~" He bowed, and opened the driver's door.

"Wait…" Jaune spoke up, eyes still closed.

"Hmm?"

"Something's not right…"

"…"

Jaune frowned, still in his meditation state.

There was something over there.

On the man. Or on the girl. Somewhere around there.

He slowly walked back to him, one step after the other. They stayed quiet, not moving an inch, like frozen statues.

Useless. You can't hide it from me.

There was something there. On the two of them. Coming from the girl.

How faint…

...A semblance?

"…You told me you're a civilian..." Jaune said slowly.

"That's right."

Jaune narrowed his eyes, squaring his jaw. "Liar..."

"Oh? And why would I lie?"

"I know you're using a semblance." Jaune opened his eyes to glare at the man. "I mean - she is." He specified, pointing at Soleil who hadn't left his side. She pouted at him. Come to think of it, she'd never let go of his sleeve... "I can sense it. You can't deceive me." Jaune said.

"…"

The man stayed quiet, his smile frozen on his face.

"Oh. So that's what it is." The man eventually chuckled, looking embarrassed, "You see, my daughter is very shy, and she likes to alter her appearance with her semblance."

"...Then why is she using it on you as well...?"

"Ah... She... loves to dress me up...?"

Soleil coughed awkwardly into her hand, hiding her silent laugh.

"..."

Crack!

Suddenly slamming his foot on the ground, Jaune cracked the earth and directed the flow of his semblance towards them.

Crack! Crack! Crack!

A series of cracks in the ground traveled towards the two and appeared between them, creating a tiny ravine between them. The blonde girl was forced to let go of the man, destabilized.

The illusion was lifted… revealing none other than the famous thief.

"Roman... Torchwick." Jaune recognized, "That..." He smiled in relief, "That makes things easier."

"In the flesh!" Torchwick chuckled, and pointed his cane towards him, before shooting.

To send a message, Jaune didn't even bother dodging the projectile.

Bonk!

Making a dull noise, it hit him without exploding and bounced off his Aura harmlessly.

"Aouch." Jaune said boringly, dusting off his cloak.

"…The hell?" Torchwick groaned.

"Dust has no effect on me," Jaune informed him, stepping forward. "Including ammunition."

"Oh? What about backstabs?"

Jaune's eyes widened, and before he could react, something sharp hit him in his neck.

CRACK!

Whatever hit him, it was broken now, and the deflagration hit the culprit and blew her away, sending her crashing into a tree, which was itself ripped in half.

"Neo!"

"Awww!" Jaune groaned, rubbing his neck from excruciating pain that popped in his neck. "Aaaaah..." He whined in pain, almost tears. "Th-that... really hurt!"

He straightened up, quite angry now, and not even caring that he was leaving his back fully exposed to the girl he just blew up. If she attacked again, she would simply pay the price, and it would not be his fault if she broke every single bone of her body. Just like Cardin.

"Let me ask you once again…"

Crack…!

Jaune's hand ignited, and cracks spread from him on this ground like a web.

"Drive me to the SDC's facility."

"That… was not a question," Torchwick replied, chuckling nervously, stepping back.

"Do it." Jaune groaned lowly. "Or I'll… break something."

"Hmm?"

"I hate using my power on other people." Jaune admitted, "So don't make me."

"…Neo! Don't attack him!" Torchwick ordered. "You guys!" He slammed the back of the truck.

A bunch of people ran out of the truck, and surrounded him, pointing their weapons at him.

Those masks. White Fang members?

"...Wait. You're working with terrorists?" Jaune frowned, confused. What in the world was going on-

"Kill him." Torchwick mercilessly ordered.

Papapapapappapa!

For ten seconds, the White Fang members mercilessly fired all the ammo in their magazine at him, until there were none left.

Jaune didn't move, gritting his teeth to endure the pain of each Dust round bouncing off his Aura. Since their dust energy was negated by his semblance, however, he took way less damage than a normal person would have, as the explosions were negated.

He let out a quiet sigh of relief when they were done. His body screamed in pain, and his eyes were tearing up painfully, but he endured it.

"R-reload!" Torchwick yelled, "Hurry! Fire at will!"

Jaune didn't wait for them to reload.

Crack!

He poured some of his semblance into the ground again, shaking the earth and destabilizing the White Fang members.

"Let me ask you… once again…"

"…"

"…"

"…"

"Drive. Me. To the SDC. Facility."

"…"

"…"

"…"

"Or… I'll…"

Everyone gulped, holding their breath. You could cut the tension with a knife.

"…"

"…"

"…"

"…Or I'll report you to the police!"

"…"

"…"

"…"

"…"

"…"

Everyone stared at him. Some glanced at each other, scratching their heads, wondering if they had heard right.

"…Kid." Torchwick sighed after a moment of silence. "Can I just... give you some advice?"

"Hm?"

"…You gotta get better at this part of the job." He stated, deadpan.

"… What? I don't understand…" Jaune frowned, striking a pose, trying to look threatening. "I'm intimidating!"

"Nope." Tochwick crossed his arms.

"Come on!"

"Nuh-uh."

"Come on, sir… Look, I need the truck." He stepped forward, approaching the thief, "I need it! Or else...!"

SLAM!

Torchwick suddenly slammed his cane against the truck, making a loud metallic noise.

Jaune jumped back nervously, surprised at the sound.

He looked around, before looking back at Torchwick again.

"…"

"…You've never done this before, huh?" Torchwick smirked at him.

"No…" Jaune admitted, glaring at him. "Uuugh, what did I do wrong!?"

"It was all right at the start when you showed off your powers," Torchwick admitted, shrugging. "But you really shouldn't talk, it takes away from the intimidation."

"Why?"

"Because it reveals that you're not capable of hurting people." Torchwick crossed his arms, leaning on the truck, hands behind his head, "If we don't attack you, you won't use your power on us... Am I right?"

"..." Jaune stayed quiet, glaring at Soleil - no, Neo - who was provokingly stepping past him, and she even smirked mockingly at him, going back to Torchwick's side.

"You can try to look tough all you want. But in the end... You're just a softie," Torchwick concluded with a shit-eating grin.

"..."

Well... Crap. He figured me out.

Jaune sighed, frustrated. "So... I just try to look mean? Like this?"

He grimaced at the thief, trying to look scary.

"…N-no… Not like this at all." Torchwick groaned, shaking his head while the girl next to him laughed silently. "In fact, do me a favor, just... never do that again... Do your normal expression, or you'll end up ridiculing yourself."

"Haa…" Jaune sighed, defeated.

So, what now?

It was certainly true that he never dared to use his semblance to cause damage to other people. He had always let them come at him, and let his semblance do the rest of the job. And even now that he'd gain control over his Aura, he still didn't do it. Because it still felt wrong.

Just look back at the time he had broken Yang's arm.

One tap was enough to damage and temporarily disable someone's Aura, which would leave their body defenseless against an eventual second tap from Jaune.

And that second tap had easily snapped Yang's arm like a twig. That second tap could literally disintegrate people and reduce them to ashes. He was simply not ready to experiment with this.

Besides... It was against Ozpin's rules. Jaune was still on trial for the rest of the semester. Don't break anything you're not supposed to, and don't harm anyone, or it's back to isolation. Miss Goodwitch herself had reminded him of that in her message.

...Come to think of it, he'd really danced around the edge of that rule, recently, hadn't he.

"..."

Jaune glanced at the truck. Hmm... That, he could break, and no one would complain.

He straightened up, preparing to gather Aura into his hands.

"...You know what?" Torchwick suddenly smiled, "All right. I'll drive you there."

Jaune's eyes widened at him, "Huh, really?"

"Sure." The famous thief flashed him a grin, "Hop in."

Well, that was easy!

"Yes!" Jaune jumped in victory, raising his fists. Finally, some hope. "Yesss! Let's hurry!"

"…"

Everyone lowered their weapons as Jaune jogged to the truck with a wide grin.

With Torchwick.

"You guys hop on too," Torchwick ordered the others.

"We're going back there?" A Faunus whispered to him. "Are you insane?!"

"There are too many Grimm...!" Another protested.

"No choice." Torchwick hissed back, "You saw it yourself. This kid is too strong, and could probably explode the road, or worse, the truck,"

"Or worse, our heads," Someone commented.

"Thank you, Perry. And in all three cases, we'd be stuck here."

Indeed. The master thief certainly hadn't missed the way Jaune had eyed the truck earlier. If Torchwick hadn't decided to agree to help him right then and there, he didn't know what would have happened. Plus, as a conman, Torchwick knew it was best to agree to the boy's terms while he still had a mental high ground over him, as Roman had just finished ridiculing Jaune's tentative of intimidation.

Truly. He'd played it off perfectly.

"We'll just drop him off and let him attract all the Grimm." Torchwick said, to appease the Faunus. "His flashy semblance will provide a distraction for us to escape."

"...All right," They grunted.

Tch. Fucking animals, doubting his orders like that. "Now, hurry up and get in."

"..."

...Still, though. That was close. Too close.

Thankfully, Torchwick was observant. The kid might be powerful, but he was naive. Easily influenceable. Torchwick had picked up on that, and used that to his advantage, to manipulate the kid and negotiate good terms with him. With enough luck, he could even let them go without doing anything to them.

In the truck, there were three seats upfront, and the kid sat in the middle one, with Neo to his right.

Torchwick sat to the boy's left, in the driver seat.

At that moment, something growled hungrily.

"U-um… Haha." Jaune blushed in embarrassment at the sound his stomach just made, "May I have some food, if you have some?" He asked, "I'm kinda tired, and super hungry."

"… There are energy bars, and ice cream in the glove box," Torchwick said, earning himself a betrayed look from Neo.

"Thanks," The boy said, reaching for the glovebox. "Ah, it's locked."

"Neo?" Torchwick urged. "Would you open the glovebox for our good pal Jaune?"

"…"

Neo simply glared back at him, crossing her arms.

"Neo...? Don't be stubborn," Torchwick asked, glaring back at her.

"Please?" The boy asked her, tilting his head to the side.

But she simply glared back at him. Come on, Neo, obey! Dammit, she was always difficult when it came to ice cream.

"Ah, it's fine, I think I broke her umbrella, right? She must be upset," Jaune smiled at her, shrugging, "That's okay..."

Crack!

"I can get it myself," He finished, nonchalantly blowing up the security lock.

Torchwick gulped as Neo had frozen in place, her eyes staring wide at the boy.

Just bear with him, Neo. Don't kill him. Not that you could... This boy could probably kill us with a snap of his fingers.

"…Mmmh." Jaune licked his lips, opened the box of ice cream, and started eating.

All the while looking at Neo.

...Was he doing it on purpose?

Neo raised her hand, reaching for the box.

"Ah – ah – ah!" Jaune moved the box out of her reach.

Neo froze, a pained, frustrated look on her face. She crossed her arms and pouted at him.

Pouted.

Sometimes Torchwick wondered if his acolyte was sane in her head. Oh, wait. She was not. She was freaking Neo.

"Y-you deserve that. Don't give me that look." Jaune pointed his spoon at Neo as if it had the power to strike her with crushing guilt. Neo's response was simply to pout harder. "Y-you deserve that! You're a criminal! So you get punished! You're lucky I don't know how to restrain you guys without hurting you! So, at least, no chocolate for you! Criminals don't get chocolate."

She glared at him.

"Wh-what! No voice, no choice!"

Roman and Neo's jaws dropped at the same time, shocked at the unexpected savagery coming from the naive kid.

"Wh-what?" Jaune flushed, "There's a saying like that, isn't there...?"

"...The expression is 'no feet, no sweet'..." Torchwick smirked, finding the situation pretty funny against his better judgment. He noticed Neo glaring at him. Shit, gotta make it up to her. "Hot damn, boy... I know we're criminals, but you really had to go there?" Torchwick asked, while Neo was actively making a show of tearing up. "Mocking the disabled like this? Kids are so ruthless these days..."

"A-ah... It's not like that. I'm sorry... Hey, don't cry, please, I remembered it wrong... I didn't mean it."

Neo looked back at him, pouting, and pointed at the strawberry.

"Huh?" Jaune blinked, "Oh, just the strawberry? Fine... But I get the chocolate." He accepted, completely disregarding what he'd said right before. "… What are you waiting for? Hurry up, Mister Torchwick." The blonde kid turned to glare at him, "My partner is in danger! So hurry. Up! Or I'll take one of my friend's advice, and break your legs!"

"…R-right, yes…" Torchwick laughed awkwardly under Jaune's glare, while Neo gave him a thumbs up from behind his back.

What the hell is this, some kind of sketch? he wondered, starting the engine.

They took off, and despite the dark night, he quickly accelerated past the speed limit, not willing to anger the boy further.

"..."

Still... The operation had been saved. Torchwick had skillfully led the conversation and exploited Jaune's naivete to get himself out of the situation.

The master criminal puffed on his cigar as he drove them to the SDC, while this ticking-time-bomb of a boy was seated right next to him...

In a truck...

With some terrorists sat in the back...

And full of highly explosive dust crates...

That had zero effect on him...

... And sharing ice-cream with Neo.

"..."

"...Why does it smell like a wet dog in here?" Jaune eventually asked after a moment of silence, mouth full, before pausing, hearing a growl from the animals seated behind them.

The kid turned towards them, blushing bright red, "A-ah, um, was that racist?"

"Was that racist, he says?"
"Come on, man!"
"Really?!"
"We're not fucking dogs!"

...It seemed the bloodthirsty terrorists in the back got offended. Torchwick stayed quiet, hoping the boy wouldn't throw a fit.

"A-ah, I'm sorry-"

"It's always the same with you humans!"
"Tch, spoiled brat!"
"Know the weight of your words! They can hurt people!"

"I-I'm really sorry," The boy stuttered, bright red, "I didn't mean it like that...! I-I swear. But, um, you're kinda terrorists, right? S-so, um... screw you!"

"What!" They growled angrily.
"What did he say?!"
"He thinks we're animals!"

"I-I didn't say that!"

"He thinks we're only good at driving smelly trucks!"
"He thinks he's better than us!"

"I -I... didn't say that either! I did - I did not say that either!"

"But you thought it!"
"He thought it!"
"Definitely!"

"Oh, come on! I swear I was never mean to any Faunus in my life!"

"AHA! He didn't deny it!"
"He thought it!"
"I knew it!"
"All the same!"

"One of my good friends is a Faunus!"

"That's what they all say!"
"Nice excuse!"
"He's guilty like the rest!"

"S-screw you guys!" The kid snapped.

"Screw YOU!"

"E-eh? S-screw YOU!"

"Screw us? Oh no no no no no, no. Screw YOU!"

"S-screw me? N-no, screw YOU!"

...Hooooooly shit, Roman sweated, sharing an amazed glance with Neo as the White Fang members continued to have fun verbally bullying and taking out their frustrations on the Cinder-level threat seating right next to him. You can't make this shit up...

A/N: Now that's a Cinder-level threat.

Next chapter: I'll try to get it out by the end of next week.