Remnant Interlude: What Comes After
Part Two

Mornings were never a favorite of Jaune Arc’s.

Which was problematic considering that he was the leader of a team full of early risers. Pyrrha never failed to awaken at six o'clock exactly every morning. Ren never rose at a set time but it was always early and immediately after Nora, who started every morning by shaking her lifelong friend awake.

Jaune, however, made sure to get as much sleep as possible. It never took him long to get himself ready for the day, even he spent most of that time in a half-asleep state. But today the leader of team JNPR was the first one up, as the night had been nearly restless – his eyes had been closed but Jaune could not fall asleep. But even so he felt energized. With a quiet groan he kicked his blankets away and sat on the edge of the bed, silently yawning.

After his eyes adjusted, Jaune took a quick look around the dark room. His teammates were still asleep. He reached over to the stand beside his bed to grab his scroll, turning the device on and seeing the time.

He had plenty.

A few minutes later, Jaune standing outside of his team's dorm with the darkness of the hallway concealing the blonde. It was far too early for any more students to be up – hell, the sun wasn't even up – so he felt comfortable as he took two steps forward and stopped at the door to the room parallel to his own.

Team RWBY's.

After the dance, a quick but thorough investigation of the room had taken place in hopes of revealing new details about his friends’ deaths, but nothing had turned up. So now he was free to do as he wished.

His breath shook as he reached for the doorknob. Shutting his eyes tight, he turned the handle and pushed. Jaune knew for a fact that Blake would have woken up from the squeak of the door’s hinges. He should have had a blade at his throat by now and four confused girls wondering why he was walking into their room.

But instead deafening silence greeted him as he opened his eyes, the twilight of the horizon leaking through the window in between the two vacant bunkbeds. It was barely enough light to see, but thankfully all dorms had the same general layout. Jaune placed his left hand on the wall next to him, running his palm up and down the painted surface in search of a light switch.

After a few seconds he found it and flicked it up. The room was instantly bathed in light, revealing the room almost exactly as his friends left it. Jaune's blue eyes scanned the dorm, from the left-hand top bunk that used to be Ruby's to the right-hand bottom bunk that was Blake's.

In the center of the room was a magazine, opened to the middle lying with its cover facing the ceiling. Slowly, Jaune narrowed his eyes and stepped forward, kneeling down on one knee and grasping the magazine. He gazed at it for a short while before turning his gaze to the rest of the room. The blonde smiled. He was willing to bet that the magazine was Ruby's, considering the giant gun on the front page. And he was also willing bet that if Weiss was here she would be yelling at her partner for leaving a mess lying around.

But she wasn't here and neither was Ruby. Jaune let his head hang as his smile fell. He would never see them again. He never got to say goodbye. At least he could say that he did right by Weiss in the end – helping her get together with Neptune certainly made her night – but that was little consolation. Jaune’s chest suddenly felt tight and his eyes burned. He quickly stood and dropped the magazine.

“I’ll get him, guys.” He whispered with a noticeable crack in his voice. “We’ll get him. We won't let you down.”

As team JNPR walked towards the Bullhead that would take them to Mountain Glenn, Jaune couldn't help but frown. “Hey, Pyr.” He said softly, nudging the redhead next to him playfully.

"Hm? Yes, Jaune?” Pyrrha’s emerald eyes flicked over to him briefly. “Is something wrong?”

The leader shook his head, keeping his eyes forward as the amount of students around them began to diminish. The other teams had already found their Bullheads. “No, no. Nothing’s wrong. I guess it’s...” Jaune sighed, furrowing his brow. “Ruby and her team couldn't take Torchwick. What makes us think that we can?”

She didn't answer, instead simply lowering her head and frowning sadly.

Jaune was about to frown as well, but Nora's trademark cheerful laugh interrupted that. He looked to his left to see the pink haired girl leaning in front of Ren and gazing intently at Jaune. “Don't worry about it, Jaune!” Nora’s high voice instantly wiped the incoming frown set from Jaune's face. “We may not be the strongest out there...”

Ren, the stoic ninja, finished for his partner. “But I can promise that nothing will get in our way.” He said smoothly without turning towards Jaune. “Our friends will be avenged. Strength can only carry you so far in battle. With your leadership and our determination...”

Finally, Pyrrha smiled and took one of Jaune's hands in her own. “There won't be anything that could stop us.” the redhead smiled warmly, which Jaune returned with his own smile directed at every one of his teammates.

"Thanks, guys.” He said sincerely. Jaune again looked forward at the only vacant Bullhead – save for the lone figure standing in front of it. “But, uh, I wonder who we’ll be shadowing?”

“It may be Professor Port.” Ren mused. “Ozpin knows that the White Fang active in the area, and Professor Port is an excellent fighter.”

“Oh, but wouldn't it be awesome if we were going with Glynda?!” Nora interjected, bouncing up and down excitedly.

“That's doubtful.” Pyrrha said quietly.

"Yeah, doesn't she need to watch it the students that are staying behind?” Jaune questioned as the group stopped walking. He looked around, noticing that no one was there to greet them. “But whoever it is, shouldn't they be here by now?” Jaune checked the time on his Scroll. “We leave in five minutes.”

The four students fell into silence, looking around for the Hunter they were supposed to meet. “Perhaps,” Pyrrha started. “They simply got held up somewhere?"

"But they were just here!” Jaune countered.

Just then a green blur sped past them, stopping in front of the open side of the Bullhead and set their bags down, rummaging through them. “Ah, good! Good!” The familiar male voice said. “Everything is accounted for! Now where are the-?” The man turned to team JNPR, jumping slightly as his glasses slid down his nose. “Ah, there you are! Right on schedule!"

“Professor Oobleck?!” JNPR exclaimed together, flinching back slightly.
The green haired man had covered his usual white suit with a brown trenchcoat and his head had been concealed in a matching brown safari hat. “Ah, Team JNPR! Good to see you!” Oobleck said excitedly. “Now, who’s ready to save the world?”

Nora smiled widely and pumped a fist into the air. “We are!” She cheered loudly, but her smile fell and she turned to her team. “... are we?” She asked worriedly.

“Uh...” Was all Jaune could muster. Oobleck, of all people, was the Huntsman they would be shadowing. The hyper, coffee obsessed history teacher who Jaune was pretty sure had hardly any combat experience. This was sure to go well.

“I believe we are ready, yes.” Ren answered, placing a hand on Nora's shoulder with a small smile.

“Good! Ozpin had much to say about this mission, oh yes! Of the utmost importance, he said it was.” As Oobleck talked he looked over the members of team JNPR. “And in such a fascinating location, too! Why it’s enough to–” The professor cut himself off, and he turned his gaze past the four students. “Oh, right.” Oobleck said slowly. “I knew I was forgetting something.

“Team CRDL. How wonderful of you to join us.”

With his eyes wide Jaune turned, his hand instinctively rushing to the handle of his sword. And indeed, there in front of Team JNPR said four boys.

Cardin Winchester, Russel Thrush, Dove Bronzewing and Sky Larke. The boys that made up Team CRDL.

“What...?” Jaune said softly as he looked at the team's leader, the same boy who had tormented him just months ago. Cardin stood, one hand clutched around his mace which was slung over his shoulder. He had a small, slightly smug smirk as his teammates stood behind him.

“Well hello, Jauney-boy.” Cardin greeted. “Looks like we're working together now, hm?”

Ren stepped forward, his normally stoic face noticeably darker than usual. “Now hold on, Cardin–"

“No, you hold on, mister ninja.” Cardin challenged, frowning and taking one step forward to match Ren’s. “Me and my team? We're coming along, and nothing you say will stop that. I went directly to Ozpin and he agreed.” His smug smirk returned as he stepped back, tilting his head slightly. “Ain't that right, Prof?”

Oobleck sighed, one hand resting on his forehead. “Yes, Professor Ozpin contacted me shortly after the memorial services. Mister Winchester and his team will indeed be joining us, Lie Ren.”

Ren turned and looked at the professor questioningly. “There has to be a mistake, Professor.” He pleaded.

“Yeah!” Nora interjected. “Cardin's a big ol’ jerk!”

“Not to mention he and his team are rather narcissistic and blatant racists against Faunus.” Pyrrha added, crossing her arms. “Not generally people I would like to work with.”

Before Professor Oobleck could respond, Cardin frowned again and spoke. “Now listen here Nikos! We–” He cut himself off, biting his cheek to stop the words from spewing out. “Dove.” Was all he said, stepping back to allow his teammate to take over.

Dove Bronzewing was a nice looking teen. His light brown hair was neatly combed to the left, and his eyes were almost closed in a squint, hiding his eye color. He kept his arms folded behind his back as he looked the members of Team JNPR over. “G’day, Jaune.” Dove spoke with a noticeable accent as he addressed Jaune. “Pyrrha. Nora. Lie Ren. Good to see you all."

“I wish we could say the same.” Ren responded curtly. No one noticed, but he had taken one step to the side, his shoulder slightly obscuring Nora from CRDL’s view. “From what I understand, your leader requested that you be assigned to our mission. Why?” Jaune nodded, wanting an answer as well.

“Answer’s simple, mate.” Dove responded, politely yet also curtly. “We wanna help ya.” Jaune's eyes — and his teammates’, he assumed — opened wide in shock.

Pyrrha responded with a dry “What?”

Before any of the members of CRDL could respond Professor Oobleck interrupted, pointing at his watch. “Yes, yes, personal grudges and all that. Those can be saved for later!” The teacher exclaimed. “We are currently two minutes behind schedule! Let's move!”

A few minutes later saw the two teams and Professor Oobleck were piled into the Bullhead. The rotors fired to life, the blades producing a loud, violent whirring noise as the vehicle lifted off and into the air. The few students that were staying behind stopped to watch the Bullhead disappear beyond the horizon and towards Mountain Glenn.

Jaune felt a hand slap him on the back and turned in shock to see Cardin standing beside him with a grin. “You look glum, Jauney-boy! Lighten up a little.” He winked at Jaune before turning his head to Oobleck. “So, Professor-”

“Doctor.” The teacher insisted tersely. “I didn't get that PhD for nothing, Mister Winchester!” All the students rolled their eyes but Oobleck paid them no mind. “But what was the question, Cardin?”

The bully sighed irritably, pinching the bridge of his nose. He then looked at Oobleck. “What's even at Mountain Glenn anyway? We weren't told much when we signed up.”

Jaune looked at Cardin darkly. “Then why'd you come?” He whispered that Cardin couldn't hear him.

Doctor Oobleck laughed lightly, pushing his glasses up his nose as he smiled. Obviously he loved to give history lectures. “Listen up everyone! We land at Mountain Glenn in an hour and I must brief you on decades’ worth of history in that time.”

Pyrrha, Ren, Nora and Team CRDL all turned to Oobleck but Jaune only stared into Cardin's back. The teacher continued, “Mountain Glenn... is one of the Kingdoms' greatest failures. Years ago, the Kingdoms were attempting the first expansion in centuries. And it worked... for a time.

“Eventually the Grimm wore down Mountain Glenn's defenses. Many were killed in the attacks, and those that survived fled into the tunnels connecting Vale and Mountain Glenn. But the Grimm followed and the leaders of the Kingdoms were faced with a horrible decision.”

Pyrrha and Ren's eyes widened, already having figured the outcome. The rest of the students shared unrest glances as Doctor Oobleck tilted his head and clasped his hands together. “That decision was... either let the civilians through, along with the Grimm... or lock them out and protect the city. The tunnels were sealed with everyone inside, and have never been opened... creating the world's largest tomb.” He finished gravely, looking at the floor with sad eyes.

Russell, with his elbows on his knees and his hands supporting his head, some up. “So why are we here?” He looked up, staring directly at Jaune. “Team RWBY must have found something out. That's why you guys took over their mission.”

Again, Jaune muttered under his breath “But why are you here?”

Nora nodded her head solemnly. “Yeah. They found something...” Ren placed a hand on her shoulder and gave her a small smile which she returned.

Pyrrha crossed her arms and turned to Cardin. “All we know is that there's a White Fang base somewhere in the southeast. I figure that the reason we're coming to Mountain Glenn is-”

Sky interrupted her with his deep, slow voice. “Privacy. Nobody's even heard of this place in the last several years right? If I was doin’ evil stuff I'd do it in a place that nobody knows about.” Everyone nodded in agreement.

“White Fang, huh?” Cardin mused. “Bunch of animals. It'll be nice to take them down a peg.” He punched his fist into his palm and smirked.

Without thinking Jaune stood and got in Cardin's face, snarling in anger. “Blake was a Faunus!” Everyone sans Doctor Oobleck turned their eyes to the knight, gazing at him in shock.

“Jaune...!” Pyrrha muttered, holding a hand over her mouth.

Cardin's eyes also widened. “Oh shit.” He threw his hands up in defense as he backed away from Jaune. “No, no! I didn't mean it like that!”

“I don't care.” Jaune spat. “I don't care that you're here. I don't care if you want to help. Stay out of my team's way. Roman Torchwick is in there somewhere and we're gonna find him. You guys can take the Fang – and then you can go back to tormenting every Faunus in Beacon. But do not-” he stepped closer, putting a finger in Cardin's face. “Talk about my friends again. Got it?”

Cardin nodded stiffly, his eyes wide but lacking fear. “We aren't like that anymore.” He said softly. “I hate the Fang – not because they're Faunus. Because they're hurting people that don't deserve it. My team and I don't hurt people anymore.” He added that last part almost as an afterthought.

Before anyone could say anything, the Bullhead lurched, sending everyone sans Oobleck scrambling for their balance. “Ah, we’re here!” The teacher announced happily. “I trust you all left your bags at the school, yes? In any case, off we go!” Oobleck turned just as the wall of the Bullhead slid open, revealing the outside. He took a quick sip of coffee from his flask and jumped out, leaving the eight students alone.

Jaune looked at Cardin and growled. “I don’t care if you want to help,” he began slowly. “and I don’t care that you’re here. You and your team can worry about the White Fang all you want. My team is going after Roman Torchwick. Don’t get in the way, and we won’t have any more problems.” With that, Jaune turned and walked away, jumping out of the Bullhead to meet Oobleck.

Pyrrha briefly flashed Cardin a worried look, but shook her head and followed after Jaune. Nora turned to Ren, who nodded and they too jumped out and were soon followed by Dove and Russel. Cardin placed a palm on his forehead and sighed loudly, slumping against the wall of the Bullhead.

“Boss,” Russel’s voice sounded from beside Cardin. “You alright?” Russel placed a hand on Cardin’s shoulder as the leader took several deep breaths.

“Torchwick.” Cardin hissed. “Torchwick’s here. Of course JNPR aren’t after the Fang.” With another sigh Cardin pushed Russel’s hand off of him as he stood straight. “I’m fine, Russel. Let’s head out.”

Russel only nodded as the pair joined the group outside.

Remnant Interlude: What Comes After
Part Two End

Author's Note

Alrighty, I think this owes an explanation.

Originally I wanted to release the first part of the second arc this month, but personal issues and quality concerns made that impossible. But I wanted to give y'all something, I came to a decision.

Originally, What Comes After was going to be spun-off into its own story that would have been posted on fanfiction.net. However, soon after that idea came about, the ending of Volume 3 screwed with everyone.

Basically, Volume 3 gave me ideas that I want to use in Remnants, and I can only do that if I use those ideas in the arc entitled Divide. This series of Interludes will explain things that happen in that arc and also serve as a prologue to the final half of the story. So What Comes After cannot be its own story, or else I run the risk of people not knowing vital information.

I know that this chapter is not up to my usual standards of quality, but that's my fault. These issues that I'm facing just couldn't be helped.

The next update will be the first part of Mirror, Mirror. I promise.
-Qrow