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Chapter Text

His expulsion had been a quick matter. Like ripping a bandage off, perhaps destiny had deemed it best for the pain to be over quickly.

His friends had tried their hardest to get him to stay. In their eyes, he was as much like them as they were just like him. But try as first-year students might, try as a Headmaster did, it didn't matter anyway. In the end, there was nothing Ozpin nor the others could do; once his secret was out, the fact that he had faked his way into Beacon, all their hands became tied.

He could barely remember that day, now, and yet at the same time, it was also as clear as yesterday. He barely remembered the reason anymore, something about keeping the status quo and preserving the integrity of Huntsmen everywhere, but what he could remember was the promise he made to his friends, to his partner, that he'd one day come back and it'd be like he had never left.

All had admitted his potential. And yet, even his own hands were tied. He simply wasn't meant to walk a normal path.

And so Jaune left with that pain, yet with some hope that it would get better. That he could return, as did all his friends and all his teachers.

He decided to go for greener pastures in Mistral. He sought hope in places Pyrrha had walked; her last gift to him, her last lesson with a tearful smile. With any luck, he'd regain his honour there and be able to face her, all of them, with his head held high.

But alas, that wasn't how things had turned out. For Mistral then became the start of everything.

Jaune had first started by fighting in several less-than-reputable rings to earn some reputation. And then, to his delight, he was approached by Leonardo Lionheart, the nervous Headmaster who had turned coats and sided with an evil he at that time didn't know. And when Leo had met him, he had offered him all smiles, offering him a mission as a pseudo-initiation to enter Haven Academy.

He had taken that mission, and by sheer luck and grit, had managed to survive what turned out to be Leonardo's underhanded attempt to rid Ozpin of a potential ally. And in doing that, had discovered the first clues of the shadow war between Ozpin and Salem.

And seeing the plot for his friends that he had left, a plot to make the Kingdom of Vale Fall, how could he have stood still and done nothing?

And when Leonardo was thwarted, when the conflict grew, when the stakes rose and the fight became more desperate, how could he even think of involving his friends, when he wasn't worthy of them in the first place? When he was still out there, when he'd only put them in danger? When he was still unable to face them with his head held high?

When, later down the road, he was forced to make desperate sacrifices? When he had to bury so many graves because of his mistakes? When in the end, he had robbed them of their very dream?

He was just a worthless expelled student. Someone who was always doubted by his own family. A person who lied for his selfish dream's sake, a person who burdened his friends with his liability and weakness, a person who forced his own partner to pick up the slack and become a leader when she didn't want to.

He had never escaped the whispers of the sea of people who doubted him, the many eyes that judged him even though seven pairs of eyes kept supporting him.

Liar, cheat, faker. Worthless.

That had been the start of his descent. The Beginning of the End.

That mission had been a lie. He was meant to die there, a way for Leo to nip him in the bud, a way to weaken Ozpin of a useless yet potential pawn. Jaune could still remember the day he was given that mission. The day his life would change… and the day he met her.

He had walked along the halls of Haven with shoulders hunched, having felt self-aware and shy amidst the sea of legitimate, real Huntsmen-in-Training. Arriving at a class that Leonardo had directed him to, Jaune opened the door and saw a raven-haired, red-dressed woman sitting in a chair and holding his mission's dossier.

"Hey there," Jaune had said, "Uhm, well, Headmaster Lionheart told me to come here… to get my mission?"

The woman had smiled; her golden eyes shining ever so slightly and had quirked her eyebrow. "Oh? So… you're Jaune?"

His heart had flared with hope – perhaps this was his chance, he had thought, to enter another Academy. He didn't know how foolish he was and had answered with innocence.

"Y-yeah, that's me… Short, sweet, rolls of the tongue…" Jaune had rubbed the back of his neck, "And you're…"

The woman had smiled, waving his dossier at him tauntingly, and said, "Call me Cinder."

It was a shame that he didn't notice Cinder's devilish intent behind her lips. If he had… then perhaps he might not’ve taken that mission.

Chapter Text

He was dying.

There was no other way to put it. His Aura was shot, his legs were broken, and the cuts in his body and arm were bleeding all over. Jaune bit back a curse as he tried to move despite it all.

A part of Jaune felt regret that this was the way he was going to go. In the middle of a ruined village which he had been too late to save, way out in Mistral without anyone knowing where he was. And most of all, dying knowing that he had been played.

Because there was no mission. There had been no urgent people who needed saving.

Because the village had already been razed when he came.

Bandit tribe members and Grimm had been standing side-by-side, the flames of innocent deaths surrounding them. He didn't know how or why they had been so in the first place, only knowing that they had been waiting for him and engaged him as one.

And through that fight that he had barely survived, Jaune had caught snippets of information. Information that tribe members had let slip in their cockiness, spontaneous words that came out both from the heat of the moment and from their anger.

That Headmaster Lionheart had organized this himself. He had used these tribe members often, giving them partial control over the Grimm to thin out the Huntsmen and Huntress population of Mistral. To betray his very own kin. For what, Jaune didn't know.

It was only the miracle that Jaune had trained first in those less-than-reputable tournaments that he was able to take them all on. Had he been the same lad that left Beacon, had he not taken the time to improve himself before he met Headmaster Lionheart… he would've been as good as dead.

Well, technically, he was now. No use denying the truth…

Jaune could do nothing but collapse as his body gave out under him. He gasped as he felt his vision darken. He regretted the fact that he couldn't inform anyone else in Haven, couldn't tell them that Headmaster Lionheart was betraying them.

He regretted the fact that he would have to break his word. All because he was too weak…!

If his Team and friends were here, they wouldn't have laid dying like he was. They would've been able to march back to Haven and save the day…

But then, a high-pitched cry broke his thoughts. A cry that was getting louder and louder, growing into a sob and a wail… a cry that sounded an awful lot like a little girl's cry.

Jaune's breath hitched. The earlier threats of passing out suddenly left him, a new energy flowing through his veins as he struggled to stand back up. Was there- was there a survivor?

Was there someone that needed saving…?!

"Grk!" Jaune forced his body to get up, standing on broken feet and shuffling closer and closer to the source of the cry. He was sure now – that was a little girl's voice!

"Waaaahhh!"

"H-Hold on…!" Jaune bit out. With each agonizing step, he waded through the rubble and ruin, stepping above the bodies and smoking Grimm corpses that he had left. Eventually, Jaune came upon the broken-down remnants of- of an orphanage,one with its pillars crushed and its walls singed with black soot.

And yet, before its ruined entrance, a young girl sobbed, a girl who seemed to barely be a toddler. Jaune gasped as he saw her breaking down in front of what must've been the bodies of her former friends and caretakers. She had her face in her hands as her body shook, either from sadness or the coldness of the night air or maybe both.

Jaune took a cautious step forward. The sound knocked the girl out of her thoughts. She turned around with wide, fearful eyes and fell on her butt. She crawled back with her arms in front of her, tear-stained cheeks being the first thing that Jaune noticed.

"S-stay back…!" The girl whispered. "P-Please, mister… d-don't kill me…!"

Jaune felt his heart clench, his brotherly instincts taking hold as he quickly sheathed his weapons. A new flame lit beneath his heart, both rage and spirit bursting forth as he looked at this girl – at this innocent soul that Leonardo had harmed!

"I'm not here to hurt you," Jaune said in his best calming tone. He took a knee – oh, how it hurt to move! – and approached the girl with open, reassuring arms. "I'm…"

'Jaune Arc.' The failure of a Beacon student, a disgrace that had been sure that he would die here.

'The Rusted Knight.' An alias he had begun using in those tournaments, something to shield himself from his shame. A title that he hadn't known would end up being a reality, being manifested as his destiny from the tales.

'A Huntsman.' Yeah right, a real Huntsman would've been able to take down those Grimm and bandits with no problem.

"…I'm the one who's gonna get you out of here." Jaune settled on. It was the truth; for he may not have been anything else, but he would get her out of here. He would save this life, make sure she was okay, forever and after.

That, he was willing to give his word to.

Jaune's eyes went to the girl's appearance. Red eyes and blond hair, her body small and frail and malnourished, shivering from the cold that her tattered and thin clothes barely shielded her from. And to a nametag that was almost totally covered in dirt, just barely legible.

A nametag with words that Jaune instantly memorized.

And with it, Jaune gained a new will to live. A new reason to keep going… another person he swore to protect.

"Come on, Akane." Jaune said with his best caring tone. "…I'll keep you safe."

Chapter Text

Killing the runt had been Leonardo's prerogative. It was supposed to be easy, for he had done it against much more skilled Huntsmen before. A trap, a combination of Grimm and a bandit raid, and the runt would die with none the wiser of their plans.

Tonight, Cinder cursed herself for ever letting herself trust the old fool.

He had underestimated Arc, and had elected to send less forces than usual. As a result, he had survived and had crawled his way back to Mistral. Now the runt was resting in one of the Kingdom's many hospitals, under critical care. The fact he was passed out was the only saving grace that hadn't made their secret blown open.

They had a leak; and now, Cinder had to once more deal with another's incompetence.

Cinder scoffed as she blitzed through the Kingdom's rooftops. While she was quite miffed that this would endanger their plan, she was more annoyed that no one could seem to do anything right. That she had to do everything by herself, down to the last. Minute. Detail.

It was infuriating and served as a constant reminder as to why she served who she did.

For power, for the ability to not be dependent on anyone.

With a controlled breath, Cinder arrived at the hospital's rooftop and took a moment to collect herself. Leo's contacts had told him that the boy was being housed on the 10th floor, with a window view overlooking the south side of the Kingdom; more specifically, overlooking Haven.

It was cruel, and Cinder liked that.

The window would prove the best way for her to… deal with Arc. She would slip in, plunge her sword, and that would be the end of that. Sloppy, but the boy had been in those underground fights. They could spin it as a vengeful opponent, as criminals taking out other undesirables, and that way the public wouldn't care too much.

With that thought in mind, Cinder withdrew her sword and began descending the hospital's walls.

Her black clothing proved instrumental in keeping her undetected. There weren't many lights this high up, and even if one did spot her, she would merely be an indistinguishable black dot. And besides, the proverb often rang true; people rarely looked up.

Scaling her way down to the proper floor, Cinder smirked when she saw her target in clear view through the windows. As the old fool had reported, he was passed out, hooked up to several IVs, and his weapons had been stored away by the hospital staff.

And the window, while closed, hadn't been locked.

Cinder couldn't have asked for an easier assassination.

Holding back a chuckle, Cinder opened the window and slipped into the room. She drew her sword and prepared to close their little leak.

And yet, she was startled when she noticed something move. When something – no, someone – slipped into her view from behind Jaune's bed.

It was a little girl. Barely more than a toddler, with red eyes and blond hair, shivering as she stood between Jaune and her with her arms raised by her sides.

Protecting him.

And yet, what struck her wasn't the foolish bravery that the girl showed, nor how it was all fake. What she noticed was the state the girl was in. Wounded, malnourished, thin, frail…

It made her pause.

The pause gave the girl the bravery to speak up.

"W-who are you?! You're not one of the doctors!" The girl yelled, fear in her eyes. And when her eyes had roamed over Cinder, she gulped loudly but stood her ground even more. "W-what're you gonna do with that sword? What're you gonna do with Mister Jaune?!"

Cinder felt her breath hitch, and yet she didn't know why. It should've been easy; another body added to her count wouldn't have been a big deal. She'd just kill the girl and the runt too and be done with it.

And yet, a small, miniscule part of her didn't sit right. It told her how those scared eyes, those thin bones, those weak, trembling legs…

…how those things were somehow familiar.

That pause grew longer and longer without her consent. The more she stared, the more that part grew, and the more the girl's lips trembled, the more her eyes began to water… the more Cinder grew annoyed that she somehow couldn't move!

And eventually, something reached a breaking point.

"SOMEONE!" The girl finally yelled, "THERE'S SOMEONE IN HERE! SOMEONE JUST BROKE IN!"

With that single call, Cinder could hear, could feel the shouts of alarm from the hall outside. She heard footsteps rapidly approaching the room and knew that her chance was slipping quickly from her fingers.

At this rate, even if she did kill anyone that came, it would be harder to spin, and harder to keep under wraps. And while she was wearing her disguise, it would still raise questions that would be much harder to answer.

Not to mention her Queen's questions of her ability to stay discreet, when she had yet to even infiltrate Beacon.

And so, with no other choice, Cinder went back out the way she came from and aborted her mission. Along the way, as she ran back across the rooftops, as she made her way to return to Haven, Cinder once more cursed herself for ever hesitating for just a moment.

This was exactly why she had sold herself to Salem. For power, for control, so she would never be scared again. It was all so she would never hesitate again, so she could be able to live and have what she wanted!

But then, after all the people she killed, after the villages she razed, after condemning herself to depths she never even knew existed…

…Why?

…Why did those scared eyes remind her so much of her own?

Chapter Text

For the first time in days, Jaune dared to get out of his apartment and look around Mistral. But now, as he walked along the streets, he couldn't help but feel like he had eyes watching him.

He kept looking at every single person suspiciously, even ones that were obviously just civilians. But he couldn't shake it off. He felt like the whole world was out to get him, like every nook and cranny had the potential to snag and kill him, kill him like how he was supposed to already be dead by now.

This was the first time he had set foot in Mistral proper after he had been discharged from the hospital and sent straight to the little dingy apartment he lived in. Of course, Akane had come with him, and she was currently staying back. It was all because Jaune needed to keep her safe, and because he had one objective to do today:

Warn Haven of Leo's betrayal.

Though Akane had been worried, especially with the attempt on his life at the hospital, Jaune insisted that this had to be done. Because if they ran away, then what would happen to the people of Haven? And even if they did run, then where couldthey even run away to? There was no telling how deep this all went, and if they were just to die in the end after running so hard, then…

Jaune shook his head. No, this was a necessary first step, even if he just didn't know where to even start. Jaune knew that Leonardo was a headmaster, and he was merely an underground fighter and a disgraced expelled student. If it was his word against Leo’s, then he would lose out. And what's more, if Leo had somehow managed to get both bandits and Grimm working together, then how far did his connections go…?

Jaune felt his head spin, even if nothing of note was happening. He just needed to find someone from Haven that was clean and warn them. No doubt that the Headmaster was looking for ways to shut him up by now-!

But then Jaune felt his back collar being grabbed. Before he could even yelp in surprise, he felt a hand yank his collar back, the other clamping his mouth shut; and helplessly, Jaune felt himself being dragged away from the main street and into a dark alley.

Jaune struggled, but it was no use. He hadn't fully regained what little strength he had, and even if he had, Jaune felt that he would've been outclassed anyway. So even as he struggled and tried to scream, he was truly at the mercy of someone else.

Slam!

And then, before he realized what was happening, Jaune felt his back being crushed against a wall. As his eyes refocused, as his heart hammered against his chest rapidly, as his breathing struggled to remain in control, Jaune just barely recognized the person holding him hostage.

Jaune's eyes narrowed when the woman holding him pressed her glowing hot machete against his throat and growled out her name. "Cinder Fall."

"Jaune Arc," Cinder said back, the name rolling off her tongue as easily as butter. But Jaune could see that her lips, set to a sneer, were also holding back a lava of anger. And that wasn't mentioning her eyes, narrowed to slits and glaring at him with unrivalled hatred.

She must be under Leo's employ then, Jaune realized. On second thought, of course she was! She was the one who gave him the mission!

The thought was only further confirmed when her sneer grew, and she looked at him like he was nothing more than stuck gum on her heels. "You show your face at last."

Jaune's lips set to a thin line. "If you're here to kill me then just do it. I won't beg if that's what you're looking for."

Cinder scoffed. "Oh, I will, you runt. But first, something has been bothering me, and I'll have you answer my questions before I finish you off."

Jaune raised an eyebrow. "And if I don't- AHHHHH!"

His challenge was cut off by his scream, Cinder having acted quicker than he expected and plunging her machete through his shoulders.

"No one will hear you scream, Arc. I've made sure of it." Cinder threatened. "So, if you want a quick death, then I suggest you listen to what I have to ask."

Jaune bit his tongue, and though his very being refused to collaborate, he found his own head giving a slow nod. He could buy some time, think of a plan…

…maybe get out of this…

And yet Cinder didn't see the gears turning in Jaune's head. She downright smiled at the sweet submission that Jaune had shown, and so in turn, she slowly pulled out her sword Midnight from Jaune's shoulder and pressed it once more against his neck.

"First thing's first." Cinder said with deceptive sweetness, "How much do you know?"

"O-Only that Leo has been killing Huntsmen. That he works with bandits… and somehow can make the Grimm work together with them too." Jaune breathed out.

"Hm…" Cinder tapped her foot. It made sense, after all, they never let the bottom feeders know too much of their plan.

"Next question," Cinder said. "What are your plans next?"

"To stop you." Jaune said with determination. And to his surprise, Cinder only laughed in response, mirth shaking her shoulders, yet the sword to his throat was still as close as ever.

Cinder wiped a tear from her eye as she finished her laugh. "Stop us? My, you truly are naïve." She taunted, "I've read all about you. A faker from Beacon. An average underground fighter at best. You've got nothing going on for you, other than your family name that you disgraced so easily. The only reason you got away was because you were lucky, you hear? Lucky."

Jaune grunted when he heard the words so condescending to his pride. And yet, he also noted how she was insistent on the last part, on how she put more emphasis on that than anything else.

And he also saw how her mouth curled into a snarl when she last said it, as if the thought of failing to kill him was infuriating her more and more with every second.

So Jaune decided to bite something he didn't know if he could chew or not.

"I may be less than worthless," Jaune said, "But then again… what does that say about you?"

Cinder growled, her teeth showing as she pushed Midnight against Jaune's neck. "You dare…!"

"You said I'm naïve. I don't doubt that. But I'll let you know that someone will always rise." Jaune glared back. "It doesn't have to be me. One day, you'll face people that stop you. I'm sure of it."

"Ah ah, so sure of that, are you?" Cinder sneered, "Perhaps you're talking about your friends in Beacon?"

Jaune stilled.

"Oh yes, I know about them too." Cinder delighted in the terror that filled Jaune's veins. She pushed the metaphorical knife deeper, and all the while Midnight pushed ever closer to one of Jaune's arteries. "Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, Yang Xiao-Long. Lie Ren, Nora Valkyrie… and your precious, oh-so-precious partner! …Pyrrha Nikos, right?"

It was Jaune's turn to growl now, his hands turning to fists as outrage filled his heart. And yet, he could do nothing as Cinder dangled him in the throes of death.

"My last question, Jaune, before I send you to meet your maker…" Cinder oh, oh so enjoyed the look of rage behind his eyes. This was what she relished in, the feeling of power, of control, and the thrill she got in seeing someone squirm beneath her might.

And now, to seal her dominance entirely, and truly prove that his survival had been nothing but a fluke. To destroy his mentality completely.

Cinder asked one last question. "What pushes you forward, Arc?"

If Jaune was startled by the question, then he didn't show it. He simply looked at her with determined eyes and said what he believed without a single stutter. "To protect the ones I love."

"Foolish. There is nothing, nothing you can protect in this world. All that matters is yourself, the power you hold." Cinder scoffed. "Look where that stupid philosophy's gotten you now. Under my hand, dying in an alley without anyone to mourn you."

"…"

For Cinder, Jaune's silence was confirmation enough. She smiled as she felt victory rush through her veins, and with it, she began to push Midnight completely to Jaune's neck. "Now, die, naïve boy-!"

"That…!" Jaune gasped, "that may be true…" Jaune breathed out, "But… at least… I'll die with someone caring for me."

Despite everything she knew, despite everything Cinder knew she was, she paused, and so Jaune continued. "I… will die… with the knowledge that someone loved me. That… someone cared for me… while you… you will have nothing!"

And those words…

Just a jumble of words, spoken by a man who defied his fear and looked at her with bravery even with death in his neck…

Those words sent Cinder over the edge.

Why… why wasn't he begging to live? She was the strongest here! She was the one killing him, she was the one torturing him, she was the one tearing everything away from him, sowhy didn't he submit to her power?!

"You… you want to take this away from me too?!" Cinder yelled. Her composure was slipping as Jaune continued to stare at her coldly, taking away any enjoyment she would have had in killing the boy.

He was lucky. He was lucky! HE WAS LUCKY!

This… this was supposed to prove that she was the strongest after all, that she could still kill whoever she needed to! So then why wasn't he begging, like even Amber, the old Fall Maiden, had done?! How could he take this away from her, take away the fact that she was in control?! That she could make everyone, anyone she wanted, BEG FOR THEIR LIVES IN THE FACE OF HER POWER!

He was nothing… nothing!

And yet that sliver of doubt remained in her head, the one that prevented her from killing that little girl named Enko Akane. That little voice that told her that she wasn't strong enough, that doing this would leave a little girl truly orphaned, that doing this would prove nothing.

But it had to prove something! After everything she sacrificed, this all had to mean something in the end – and she wasn't even done yet!

Cinder roared, roared with rage, and her hand found itself gripping Jaune's head and slamming it to the wall. She heard him groan as the wall cracked behind him, and yet she didn't relent and slammed it again. And again. And again.

Cinder seethed, her fingers tightening around Jaune's skull. "You… for the ones you love?! They betrayed you. They BETRAYED YOU! They sent you out, they treated you like dirt even when you gave them everything. You saved one of their own's lives, and in response, they held on to that grudge and revealed it when it would hurt you the most. I've read your file, Arc, I've seen it! What good is saving a place that threw you out like trash?! Saving a life that ruined yours, that couldn't accept that they had been saved by someone they deemed beneath them?!"

Jaune gasped. He knew what Cinder was talking about, it was the circumstances of his expulsion. And what she said was true, in every sense of the word.

He had saved Cardin, back at the Forever Fall. And yet, the man hadn't been thankful for it, merely kept silent and turned his back on him. Jaune had thought that that was that, but it turned out that Cardin hadn't felt a single drop of gratitude at all. Instead… he had felt enraged.

He was unable to accept that his life had been saved by someone who had faked his way into Beacon. He was outraged that he owed his secrecy to a runt who wasn't deserving, to the dead last of the class, to someone at the bottom of the food chain.

In hindsight, Jaune should have expected that Cardin wouldn't have accepted him so easily, especially with how tight he held on to his pride and arrogance. It was simply who he was and being saved by someone weaker than him could only have caused two reactions – either he would be humbled, or he would be even more outraged.

Evidently, the Winchester had chosen the latter.

And so, Cardin had let that hate stew, rage, and indignation… and then, he had let loose the secret when it had hurt JNPR the most – when they were only a scant few months from the Vytal Festival, and made it known throughout the school, staff, and press, and everyone in between.

And by the time Jaune and his friends had figured it out, what could have they done? Everything Cardin had said was true. He really did fake his way into Beacon…

And suddenly, for all his doubters, everything made sense. And the calls for something to be done to this outrageous faker had grown louder and louder until it couldn't be ignored, and Ozpin had to send him away expelled, even with how much his team and friends had tried to make him stay.

But it was an important lesson for Jaune too. There were just some people like that, and while he did harbour anger and hate for what Winchester did… that hardly meant he deserved to die.

He would like to teach Cardin his lesson if a time came for it – but he would never wish upon death for something like that, that simply wasn't who he was.

No. Never.

So, in that sense, Jaune understood Cinder. But her next words…

Her next words, however, he didn't understand at all.

Cinder continued, her pupils shrinking as she spoke with nothing but unbridled hate. "You serve them loyally. You give them your life; you give them everything they ever wanted, everything they ask of you. But they treat you like dirt in return, when all you ever wanted was to be loved. They torture you. They belittle you. They look down on you. They stomp you. So why do you fight for them?! Kill them, let them die, you'd be all the better off for it!"

"I-!"

Cinder growled, not even recognizing Jaune by now. "Strength! Power! Control! You have none of those, NONE! You say you fight for the ones you love?! Look where you are now! Where are you, ARC?! TELL ME! WHERE?! WHERE WERE YOU?!"

Cinder finished her rant with dilated pupils and short breaths. Her grip was crushing Jaune's skull now, blood leaking from her fingertips from the sheer force she was emitting. And yet Jaune still didn't falter, and if anything, his hard eyes only stared at her more strongly, peeking through her hold and taunting her, taunting her-!

"…It's true, some may have turned their backs on me." Jaune said, "But… killing them will never, ever change a thing."

Cinder growled again, outrage flowing through her blood. "Yes, it does-!"

"I…" Jaune interrupted her, "I… am here. Even if they don't know it, even with how I am now… I still have the freedom to choose who I want to be. I'll protect them even if they don't know it. That… is what I choose!"

Cinder's body exploded with outrage, "Then DIE-!"

"Do you have a choice?" Jaune asked Cinder before she could finish, and this time it was her who stilled. Jaune may not know the true reason Cinder had broken down. But he was smart enough to deduce bits and pieces… to make his argument… and truly show her where they were different. He may have been discarded, just as she had seemingly been.

But he still had himself, had a reason to live, and had a little girl waiting for the only guardian she ever knew to come back.

He had a reason to truly live, no matter how bitter it seemed, a noble cause he knew was just.

And Jaune knew that Cinder had none.

"I am not a slave to power like you," Jaune said straightly. "I will choose my path, even if it's bitter. I won't let my weakness consume me. I will never, ever, be SOMEONE AS WEAK-WILLED AS YOU!"

And that finally, finally, sent Cinder over the edge. "JAUNE ARC-!"

But she was too slow.

Jaune hadn't healed with his Aura for a reason. He felt the blood leaking down his shoulder, down his head and neck, and had directed them to pool into an open palm. And when Cinder had yelled, Jaune took that as his chance…

And threw a fistful of blood right at Cinder's face.

"Ah!" The blood blinder Cinder's vision and seeped into her eyes, catching her off guard and making her let go of Jaune. She yelled as it covered her vision and burned her retinas, and as she struggled to wipe it off her eyes…

…in a split second, Jaune gathered what strength he had and ran away.

Cinder yelled in frustration, and in that moment, she felt her eyes begin to burn with a magical power. As her half-Fall Maiden powers came to her, Cinder howled and casted wind all around her.

"G-GRAAAAAAHHHHH!"

The alley shook as Cinder's vision cleared. And yet, when she let her powers die down, when she scanned her surroundings…

It was clear that Arc was gone.

"T-tch…!" That bastard… that bastard! He had gotten away again… he had played her. The weak fool! The disgrace!

Three times now; three times he had escaped death, and two times from her grasp. Why… why?!

She was strong. She was! She had power, she had control, she had half the Fall Maiden's abilities! So why was this lowlife getting away?!

First it was that girl, who had seemed so much like herself. That orphan… saved by Jaune. And then Jaune himself, twisting her words and escaping with such a lowly trick she shouldn't have been surprised.

She was strong! She was! SHE WAS! SHE WAS!

That girl's face popped up in her memories again. Enko Akane… an orphan saved by a Huntsman… so malnutritioned, so weak, and yet, saved…

Where was he… where was Jaune all those years ago…?!

Cinder's body began to shake, her hands clenching to fists as her legs trembled. No, she didn't need saving. She had strength in her fingertips. She had control, she could do whatever she wanted now!

"Jaune…" Cinder growled. And yet…

That power of forgiveness that he showed, and that disgusting noble heart, had no place in the real world. So then why did he get away?! Why did she not win?!

It didn't make sense. It didn't, it didn't, itdidn't itdidn't itdidn't itdidn't itdidn't itdidn't…!

No. She was no slave. She had power, she had killed so many, that was proof!

It all had to mean something in the end! It had to, it just had to!

She was strong, she was, she was shewas shewas shewas shewas!

And yet, he had gotten away again.

No! She was strong! She had strength! She was free, she wasn't weak, she was no slave, she had her own agency!

But then he had gotten away.

Why?

Why?

WHY?!

Was… there was no way his method was right. Kindness led to weakness, she would only be stomped if she showed it. That little girl Akane just got lucky, she was nothing Cinder hadn't been, and they would end up the same. Eventually, Jaune would turn on her too, they would fall!

But then, he had escaped her grasp two times… had escaped a much stronger foe, and continued to stand with Akane even now. He didn't fold when a stronger force came, didn't leave… didn't betray her…

No. No no. No no no no!

No… she couldn't be wrong. She couldn't be. She couldn't be. SHE COULDN'T BE!

Cinder's breath hastened. Thoughts continued to run through her mind, of love and forgiveness and things so sweet it made her heart rot.

And with it, she felt her world shatter. Because her hate hadn't let her kill Jaune today, had let him escape two times now. Because her anger had failed her, because all the things she relied on had done nothing to help her.

She felt her world being torn down bit by bit all because one man was proving her wrong… And she didn't know how to feel about that.

And at that point, Cinder realized that she was as powerless as she had been with her once foster 'family', not even having the ability to know how she should feel and act and process…

And in all these years, from the Glass Unicorn to Rhodes to Salem to Amber to Haven to Beacon…

She was still a slave, from a foster mother to a Queen of Darkness to her very own lust.

And that nothing. Had. Ever. Changed.

Cinder Fall, the weak and powerless slave.

And so, Cinder howled and wailed.

Alone.

"AAAAAAARRRCCCCC!"

Chapter Text

When her guardian returned home, it was with broken bones and bleeding wounds, being held up by four strangers who seemed like some sort of Huntsmen-In-Training.

Akane gasped and ran to the door. "Mister Jaune?! Mister Jaune! Are you okay?!"

"Whoa whoa, easy kid," one of the strangers said - Akane noticed that he had blonde hair, dirty blue eyes, and a monkey tail waving freely. "Your friend here's gotten real beat up. He's barely staying conscious as is!"

Akane's eyebrows furrowed. "C-concise...?"

"He means he's barely awake." Another one said – this one, Akane noticed had blue hair and blue eyes along with tan skin. He looked to his friend, "Dammit Sun, stop using big words, will you?"

"I should be saying that, Mister Neptune 'Steal-Your-Girl' Vasilias." Sun rolled his eyes. Then, with Neptune and his two other friends, he moved Jaune to the nearest couch available in the small apartment they were in.

One of those friends – one with red hair, ear piercings, and bright skin – bit back a curse as they laid Jaune down. "Damn, this couch is gonna stain..."

The last other one – one with green eyes and hair, along with dark skin – raised an eyebrow. "Is this really the time to be complaining about feature, man?"

"I'm just saying it's gonna be dirty, Sage..."

"We've got bigger problems, Scarlet."

A loud clap sounded, and all dissent died down.

"Enough." Sun said, and all obeyed as he lowered his hand. He turned to his friends one by one.

"Sage is right. We have bigger fish to fry. And we can't afford to beat around the bush; we have to keep everything in mind."

The monkey Faunus then turned to Akane. He knelt to her level, red eyes meeting blue, and spoke in a gentle tone, "What's your name, little girl?"

"I'm Akane," Akane said meekly. Her head turned quickly from one man to another, and then eventually to her guardian. It was at him that her attention stayed, and before she knew it, she had gone by his side and taken his hand in hers.

He was bleeding horribly, his breathing strained. His Aura was healing him, but only barely. Akane felt tears burn the edges of her vision. Why? Why did this happen? He was only supposed to go out for a little while!

"Akane, right." Sun nodded, who then proceeded to introduce his Team. "Well, you can call me Sun. This is Neptune, and the others are Sage and Scarlet. We're here to help you and your friend, but he's too injured to help. So… do you think you can tell us anything?"

Akane curled into Jaune's presence, skidding closer and holding his hand against her chest. "H-how can I know that I can trust you?"

Sun was about to move in, but then Jaune's hand shifted in Akane's own, and his half-lidded eyes turned to her.

He groaned as he struggled to speak, "W-we can, Akane… these guys… I know them…"

Any attention Akane had on these strangers was quickly washed away when her guardian proved himself awake. "M-Mister Jaune! Y-You're…!"

"Shh… it's okay… I'm still here…" If Jaune could ruffle her hair he would, but as it stood it was taking everything he had to just stay up.

And then Neptune spoke up before Sun, his eyes starting to shine with recognition. "Come to think of it… I think we have seen this guy before, Sun. Don't you think…?"

"Maybe…? Wait…" Sun stepped back and examined the whole scene in a new light. And only then did he realize just who he had saved.

Just who he had found stumbling bloody and beaten in the streets of Mistral, just who had asked him to bring him back to his apartment, just who had asked for his presence to be kept secret.

"…Aren't you that Jaune Arc guy?" Sun asked. When Jaune's head tilted slightly to him, Sun knew that he was true. "You are! Blake's friend, right? Damn, what happened to you, man?"

"N-Ngh…" Softly, gently, Jaune guided Akane away so that Sun could get closer. And when he did, he only had one, simple question.

"M-my Team…" Jaune whispered. "A-are they…?"

"Yeah man, they're fine," Sun said. "Well, they're still hung up about losing their leader, but last I heard they're planning to crush the Vytal Festival. In your name, some are saying."

Jaune breathed a sigh of relief. "T-that's… that's good… but… how are you here?"

"Headmaster Lionheart called a lot of us back. They say the Vytal Festival's gonna be delayed because of this, but he's adamant he needs every Haven student in Mistral."

"Well- I came earlier, and you know how I stowed away on that ship, but that's beside the point. Even some of the other students, who just came the other day, are being called back." Sun didn't miss the way Jaune seemed to stiffen with his every word, and as such, sought to calm his friend – well, more acquaintance than anything – down.

"Don't worry, man. Once I tell your guys what happened, I'm sure they'll throw a fit and come here, Ozpin be damned!" Sun said. "But you gotta tell me first, what kinda mess did you get in? We'll help you, and I'm sure JNPR and RWBY would too-!"

"No," Jaune said resolutely. At Sun's and the other's confused glances, Jaune took a deep breath and gathered what little power he still had. "They… they c-can't know about this. Sun…

Sun, can I trust you?"

"…Of course you can," Sun said, the rest of his Team surrounding him in support. Jaune nodded and then began to explain what he knew. What the truth of the matter was… what lie they had all been fed.

That someone was plotting.

That Lionheart had been feeding the Huntsmen of Mistral to the Grimm.

That someone could control the Grimm.

And with this new information, calling in all his students that had been sent away…

It was clear to Jaune that Lionheart was now scared of the truth leaking out, all because Jaune had escaped death three times. He was afraid of his control over the Kingdom leaving, of disappointing whoever it was that stood above him.

A person who controlled the Grimm could only want one thing: Destruction, be it of a village, or a town, or maybe even more. And considering Lionheart was calling in every single one of his students back, even past all the existing extraneous circumstances…

Well, what could that mean, other than the destruction of the Kingdom?

And that only pushed a growing hypothesis within Jaune's mind: because Cinder certainly didn't seem to be someone who would kneel to any other, especially not someone like Lionheart.

There had to be someone bigger, then. Someone above even the Headmaster of Haven, the true controller of Grimm. And if they had the secret allegiance of even Lionheart, then who and what else did they have in control in Mistral?

The entire Kingdom was in danger, that was certain.

And the more harrowing thought, born from the whispers he had heard when he first met Cinder to receive that mission which had brought him to Akane…

Hadn't Cinder been selected to go to Beacon too?

And so Akane watched as her guardian and his associates ruminated, planned, and discussed their future efforts – all to save people who didn't know, who couldn't save themselves, who they loved with all their heart.

At this point in time, a desire began to grow from watching her guardian stay awake despite his injuries, all to make sure that their plan would go well. That they would succeed in saving the Kingdom from this unknown evil… and for Jaune, would succeed in protecting her.

Akane desired to one day not be like this anymore – sitting on the sidelines as others did their best, all the while she could do nothing.

It took root beside her respect for her guardian and grew alongside her desire for adventure and love for one Jaune Arc.

One day, when she could see the world with her own two eyes… she wanted it to be that she didn't need him to protect her anymore.

That one day, she could repay the favour.

Chapter Text

It was a slaughter on all sides.

After Arc had escaped her, he seemingly acted quickly and assembled a group of people he could trust with the truth. These people then disseminated the truth among Haven's students, making sure to keep them silent in the face of authority yet still warning their friends.

But of course, Leo hadn't been the Headmaster of his own school for nothing. So, once he learned that she had failed in assassinating Arc, once he learned that his students had gotten the inkling that someone was possibly behind even Leonardo himself...

Well, if Beacon couldn't fall because of his sloppiness, then at least he could promise the fall of Haven in return for his failures.

That was just the kind of man Cinder knew Leo was.

Leonardo's corrupt forces had then acted swiftly, managing to almost cull the uprising like putting down a bunch of wild animals. But they had underestimated the tenacity of the students once Arc’s truth came out, and thus, what resulted was a bloodbath on the grounds of an institution education.

It would be horrifying for most souls.

But Cinder wasn't most souls.

She was stumbling across the halls of Haven now, her head bleeding and her Aura depleted. She could feel several of her ribs and bones had been cracked. She cursed in the pain, hating how things had turned out.

She was the Fall Maiden, even if she still only had half the powers of one! But that hadn’t been enough, and so no matter how much Magic she had been able to control, it hadn’t stood a chance against an army of 1st-year students.

Even Raven had been subdued by the 4th years, the ones that were almost Huntsmen, who had lured her into a trap based on Arc's advice... if she had the mind to reflect, then she would’ve realized that she had had almost no chance.

Simply put, this plan was a total clusterfuck.

Emerald and Mercury were off somewhere on campus, split up from her, though she did not doubt that they had been defeated by the students as well.

Raven and her bandits had been handled by the upper years; she had seen herself that many had given their lives to defeat a Maiden and her followers, but it seemed that the students' disregard for their lives was the thing that helped them win out.

Because as soon as those tribesmen saw that it wouldn't be an outright victory, many ran and left Raven behind.

In the end, the Spring Maiden was left all alone, swarmed by people who didn't care if they died, so long as Haven was safe.

The ones Arc had entrusted with the truth... amid this total warzone, Cinder had seen them engaging with Tyrian Callows – he too had been called in by Leo, a desperate attempt for Salem's most loyal followers to still vouch for him once all of this was over.

Team SSSN was most likely in shambles now – but judging by how Tyrian hadn't come to her aid, and how the day had mostly gone, Cinder could only presume that the monkey and his boys had somehow done it.

And as for the bastard of the hour himself...

Cinder gritted her teeth and kept moving, despite the protests of her broken shins. With great pain, she pushed on along the hallways and the classes, and eventually...

She reached the Headmaster's office.

And with a grunt and clenched teeth, Cinder opened the door and stepped in. The sight that greeted her was equally as bloody as the outside:

W wannabe Knight bleeding and broken on the floor, and a phony Headmaster breathing heavily and leaning against his desk covered with blood that wasn’t of his own.

Both turned their eyes to her as soon as they heard her enter the room.

"Cinder...!" Jaune whispered.

"Ah, Cinder." Leo sighed in relief. "Just who I was hoping to see."

Cinder stayed silent. She could see the way Jaune looked crestfallen, but even so, continued to try and stand up. Even with his bleeding chest, even with his broken foot, even with none of them healing due to a lack of Aura... he still tried.

Cinder then looked at Leo. She could see that he had been taken to the limit as well, on the last vestiges of his own Aura. Cinder couldn't help but wonder, had Jaune done this himself, or had more students ganged up on their traitor Headmaster before Arc had engaged him himself?

Or had Leo simply been that weak, to be brought to this stage when she knew he hadn't faced near the opposition as she had, nor the other Salem forces?

Leo began to laugh nervously. "A- I'm sure that with you here, Salem could see reason. We could still save ourselves; she would find use for us!"

Cinder stayed silent. Her eyebrow twitched.

And yet Leo didn't seem to realize, continuing to bulldoze on with his desperation. "With you here, this boy's fate is sealed. If we kill him, demoralize the rest of the students, then we can still turn this battle around!"

Again, Cinder's eyebrow twitched.

Did Leo not see that battlefield in what he called his school? Any hope of continuing the destruction to Mistral was lost. So what if they managed a victory in Haven? So what if they pulled out a miracle with their numbers less than a quarter strong, if they continued with their wounded when the enemy would be on their guard?

All was lost. Cinder wasn't vain enough to not admit that. Despite her inner rage, despite her indignation, it would mean nothing if she died here. The best was to cut their losses and find new ways to make it up to Salem, away from this failed instance.

She was smart enough to realize that, but it seemed that Leo couldn't.

"All we need is to kill Arc. Yes, if we can kill him... prove we can still do things right... prove we can still strike fear, just like Salem likes us to..." Leo muttered.

Cinder still stayed silent. She knew that Leo was most likely lost in his delusion by now.

Her eyes once more flicked to Jaune Arc. He stood firm, even with his wounds. He held the same strength he showed her back the last time they met.

Was it because of his clear victory, even if he did die here? Or was it because of pure spite that he continued defying them, defying her?

"Yes... Kill Arc... save ourselves...!" Leo continued to mutter.

Jaune's eyes met her own. Those same defiant orbs met her own...

Why? She wanted to ask. He was about to die here, and yet still he stood.

Why?

Why had she lost the war?

Why could he find solace in personal loss?

Why, even with all her skills and abilities, did it all end up like this?

Why was it, that despite all her sacrifices... that it was not her that was at the top?

Why, did a weakling like him, despite her plans, continue to one-up her again and again?

Why was it, that out of the three of them here... it was the weakest of them all that was the most content?

"Kill him. Yes, Kill him!" Leo seemed to decide.

And then, the traitorous Headmaster turned to Cinder. It was clear to her eyes that he was too exhausted to truly kill Arc, their battle presumably draining him of what fight the coward really had. But with Cinder here, it was a different story.

"Cinder, kill him!" Leo shouted.

Jaune didn't flinch, merely narrowing his eyes. He was too wounded to move, too broken to even lift his shield... and yet he didn't fear her.

Why? She again wanted to ask. Why had she won the battle, but lost the war?

Why?

"Kill him, Cinder!" Leo shouted from the sidelines.

Cinder's eyebrow twitched for the last time.

"Kill him! KILL HIM! It's the only way we can survive!"

"..."

"CINDER FALL! KILL HIM! CINDER, I ORDER YOU-"

Cinder drew Midnight and held them firm in her hands.

"TO KILL JAUNE AR- AAAAAAAAGHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Cinder leaped forwards, and in less than a second, felt warm blood seep down Midnight's blade and into her grip. And in front of her, she watched with a small pleasure as Leo's mouth gaped open – and her blade shoved down through his throat.

Cinder's emotionless expression turned into a sneer, and she smirked as the last of Leo's life left his eyes.

Why, indeed? She didn't know.

But there was one thing she did know, unaffected by Salem's disappointment nor Leo's pathetic begging.

"I," Cinder said simply, "am controlled by no one."

And with a flick of her fingers, she lit Leo up in flames and burned him to ash.

Chapter Text

Beneath the previously locked basement of Haven Academy, seventeen-year-old Jaune stood before a blue, massive ethereal-like figure. She had been hidden, kept beneath its vaults for how many centuries he didn't know, and only through coercing the current Spring Maiden did they manage to free her; a Spring Maiden that had been located, of course, by their reluctant ally of the half-Fall Maiden.

And wasn't that a shock? That Maidens were real…

Jaune still could barely talk, barely form a coherent thought as he stared at this undeniable proof of magic being shown before him. She seemed like a genie, for lack of a better word, straight from a childhood fairy tale. She even managed to stop time around him, like a being of pure magic…

The spirit of knowledge. Jinn.

But then, the stares from the tens behind him knocked him out of his stupor. The students of Haven who had heeded his warning… those who fought with him against Leonardo. Those who wanted to know the truth…

Those who remained, after so many had been buried.

"Jinn…" Jaune rolled the words in his tongue. He swallowed his doubts and faced her as he was. As the person who warned them all, the person who led their fight against the treacherous headmaster.

The headmaster had been a person who somehow had some control over the Grimm and was willingly killing them off. A person who, with what limited knowledge Jaune knew, worked for someone who controlled all of them.

But who could that possibly be?

"Tell us, Jinn! Who is the true person behind the Grimm?"

And with his words – on Jaune's emphasis on us – Jinn released her control over stopped time and answered this boy, this strange, unknown boy, his question.

"That would be Salem. The Queen of the Grimm… an immortal who controls all the Grimm from a dragon-shaped island."

Jaune mulled over the answer as the students behind him gasped – as Cinder Fall raised an eyebrow over the answer. Of course, she already knew; she turned turncoat, after all, once he showed her that there was no point in following Leo, following whoever had been issuing their orders. But the others needed their confirmation, and so here they were.

And assuming she was also correct about the other things, that meant that they had two more questions. Two more chances to know vital information.

"And how can we kill her?!" Jaune asked back.

"She was once a human but is now a being of pure, dark magical energy. And she is an immortal. Killing her by normal means will not work, no matter what weapons you use."

Shit. That was a waste!

He could hear the students panic behind him, hear his allies voice their worry at fighting a battle they couldn't possibly win. After all, how do you beat something that was unkillable?! And Jinn's answers were absolute!

His mind raced as the crowd neared a breaking point – no, they couldn't break now, there had to be a way! There had to be!

And then, his mind concluded.

"You said she was a being of magical energy…" Jaune said, and he felt a small sense of relief when the crowd settled down and at least decided to hear him out.

Magic, magic…

The Maidens were magic. They weren't immortal, but their powers transferred to another upon their death. This lamp thing was also almost indestructible, and Aura always regenerated when it 'ran out'

Jaune concluded again: Magic would persist. It couldn't be extinguished; it couldn't be killed… but it could be moved.

It could be transformed.

"Then Jinn, tell us…" Jaune whispered. "We want to defeat Salem. To defeat an immortal… then, is there a way for her to be trapped? Is there a way that we can bring the Grimm and her away for good?"

And that question got a smile out of Jinn. This boy, she decided… he was different.

He wasn't a pawn of Ozma, nor was he affiliated with Salem. He acted on his own will, with a fire to protect those close to him. It had been a long time since someone discovered the truth of this world all on their own, and it was nigh time that someone did.

Truth be told, she had seen Ozma's and Salem's battle for thousands of years and had gone tired of the games those old coots played. Perhaps this young man, this anomaly… would be the changing factor.

She had seen within his heart. The easy answer would be to tell him of the secret of the Silver Eyes. How it can freeze Grimm and had a chance of freezing her too. But that wouldn't be what Jaune wanted, she knew. And besides, that wouldn't kill her; it would only lock her in a petrification. And when her statue shattered, the process would only begin again.

The point being, that wasn't what Jaune had asked.

"Child… yes, there is a way. However, it requires immense sacrifice." Jinn explained, "As you have deduced in your mind, magic is similar to energy. It cannot be destroyed, but it can be moved and transformed. The only way for you to defeat Salem is to take her dark magic and those of the Grimm… and scatter it through dimensions… trapping her regenerative state in limbo."

"Then how-!"

"But doing so will require the sacrifice of a soul. To take magic, you must sacrifice magic. The law of equal exchange… and the only magic stronger than a millennia-old curse of darkness is that of a soul who is willing to die for their loved ones."

Jinn let the silence reign, and then…

"And besides… You have reached the limits of three questions." Jinn interrupted, though she did give him a wry smile. It seemed that no matter who it was, they often got lost in their desire for knowledge. "You no longer have the right to ask any more of me."

Jaune lowered his head. No… Damn it, he had failed...!

But Jinn had smiled when she saw him. This Jaune Arc fellow… was new, he was fresh. And as such, she would give him this little tidbit.

"However… I do know what you seek, child." Jin smiled, "So I will give you this. You must head to a separate dimension known as the Ever After. There, you might find a way to harness magic, a way to acquire that power… the answer to your desire."

Jaune raised his head in surprise, his blue eyes meeting Jinn's flickering own as she was absorbed back into the lamp.

"And there…" Jin smiled, "When you stand before a tree… when you see the choices laid bare… there, you will decide your destiny... Jaune of Arc."

And with a final flicker, Jinn disappeared back into her lamp, leaving the basement of Haven filled with nothing but shouts and concerned yells as what remained of the student body panicked.

But amidst it all, Jaune's mind was clear. If that was the only way… then he would do it. He would find wherever this Ever After was and head there, he would learn to control magic, to take that darkness and cast it away, no matter what it cost him.

And after seeing the slaughter that Leo had done…

At seeing the gazes of sorrow as more than half of Haven had been buried earlier today, he could only imagine what would’ve happened had this Salem person reached Vale… What would've happened to his friends, to his team, then?

And so, when Akane desperately clung to his pants, rushing to him the moment he was done speaking with Jinn, Jaune made up his mind. That resolve only strengthened when she desperately held him close, because she had seen so much death when no soul as young as her should have ever even come close to all of this.

Jaune clenched his fists, his bloodied armour smelling of iron not his own. Whatever this Ever After was, wherever it may lay…

He would head there immediately.

And there, he would become whatever he needed to be.

Chapter Text

Akane couldn't sleep.

She knew that it was probably natural. The day had been hard on everyone, especially with the revelations of a Grimm Queen…

Walking through Haven in a haze, she set out to find the person she was closest with. Mister Jaune had left her in her room after the battle, saying that he needed to address some people or something like that, and that he'd be back as soon as possible.

But that was hours ago. She was sleepy, and while she wasn't all that unfamiliar with the idea of sleeping alone…

…Tonight, just tonight, she couldn't do it. She needed someone to hold on to, someone to hug her… someone to keep the monsters away.

It was with that fear, holding her blanket close as what remained of Haven bustled around her even at midnight, that she searched for Mister Jaune.

Akane walked everywhere, and yet she couldn't find him. That didn't make sense, he had told her he wasn't leaving Haven! Just where could Mister Jaune be…?

Akane continued her search. And as she stumbled around, eventually the crowd began to thin. She found herself walking towards the one place she hadn't checked: the library.

As she made her tentative steps inside, it was with a silent gasp that she found Mister Jaune, unconscious with his head against books of fairy tales. His mind had shut down as it needed some much-needed rest, and now his breathing was heavy as his body whimpered.

And like that, time passed. Akane quickly hid behind several books and peered from the sides, crushed at seeing her – she wasn't sure what he was yet, but she knew he was her protector – as tired and scared as she was, she could recognize that clearly.

And now, with that book being the only thing keeping his head from the cold wood table, it was even clearer to her that he was trying his best to make sure that she and everyone else, were safe for the upcoming battle of Salem.

"Mister Jaune…" Akane whispered. She took tentative steps out of her hiding place but eeped out when another person entered the room.

That new person put down a steaming cup of hot chocolate for Jaune, and with a gentle hand, shook her protector up.

"Ngh..." Akane watched as Jaune opened his eyes and slowly woke up. He rubbed his eyes and looked at his surroundings, the sun having set and the library now on "Ah... how long was I out...?"

"Almost 10 hours."

Jaune looked at the person who sat before him, the one who had prepared all of this for him. "Sun…"

"Don't sweat it. All of us need some rest after yesterday." In his hands, Sun had taken the took the thick book that Jaune had been reading over: Fairy Tales of Remnant, it read on its spine.

"T-thanks." Jaune stuttered. He took a sip of the chocolate, his body shivering in its warmth; he hadn't realized he had been that cold. "A-any… find anything?"

"Some things," Sun replied. He flipped a page, one that Jaune saw he himself had been reading earlier and hummed. "We – that's me and Neptune – tried to go through what you were doing before you passed out. Most of it was just rehashing, but… we did find something interesting."

"And what is it?"

"It's this." Sun laid the book on the table and spun it for Jaune to see. As the knight did, he looked at the sections that had been marked, all as Sun narrated both their thoughts.

"Four relics. Four Kingdoms. Four members in a team." Sun said. "Seems like a lot of four going on. We already have one here in Haven. But what can lead us to the Ever After? And what can the other relics do?"

"Yeah… I've been thinking about that too." Jaune muttered. "The one here is Knowledge. Cinder doesn't know the rest, and we're all sure that Salem will come knocking sooner or later. We need to act quickly and get to the Ever After somehow. But how…?"

Sun closed his eyes. "You… you're not going to like the answer to that, Jaune.”

Jaune paused, and Akane shifted behind her hiding spot. Her protector looked at Sun, and even she could see his pained expression, his grief and sorrow.

And Jaune immediately felt guilty. Sun had lost half his team, and Neptune was still going around in crutches. Many others in Haven suffered similar losses, not to mention some civilians who got caught in the crossfire.

That must be why they were so sad. They had survived, sure, but he had failed in leading them all to a bloodless victory. They were still grieving, hurting, and here he was making them take up his slack.

He should've been better.

"I- I'm sorry…"

"No. No, you're missing the point." Sun said.

Wait, he was?

"Tell me, after reading this – all of this –did you get what the Ever After means, Jaune?"

"No. There's no mention of it anywhere… I was assuming that's why we need the relics…" Jaune shrunk in on himself. They had every right to question him; and he appreciated the way they still cared, the way that they prepared all this for him…

But Sun saw the way Jaune was cowering in again and knew that he had to make his point clear.

"We don't blame you for all this, Jaune."

Jaune looked up with shocked eyes. "Y-you don't…?"

"Some of us do; that's the nature of grief. But we'd be angrier if you didn't warn us."

"But I..."

"But nothing," Sun stressed. "Listen to me. Listen to what I have to say, or I won't be telling you anything about what I found."

Jaune pouted. "That's not fair."

And Akane couldn't help but agree; why was a friend dangling something over another's head? It wasn't right…

But Sun merely sighed. "Life isn't," he said sorrowfully. "Jaune... I don't blame you for what happened. They... they would never forgive me if I did."

"But I- If I was just better..."

"Better isn't here, Jaune. You are. And sometimes, we’ve just got to work with what we've got." Sun sighed. He could see that Jaune was still conflicted, even if he was somewhat hearing his words.

Sun took a deep breath. This... this wasn't easy.

He had always been an easy-going guy. That was his nature, that was just how he came. But this loss, this revelation, hit him hard. Hit all of them hard... at least those who were around to see it.

It was a wake-up call. They had to step up, to prepare themselves, or else their friends’ sacrifices would be for nothing.

And if that became true, then how could he face his team when the time came?

Sun was, had been, a leader. He had been chosen by Lionheart, even if the crooked bastard was a traitor. He had led his team, loved them, and now, all he could do was keep their memory alive.

However, Jaune still had his; old and new friends, those who were going to support him. And Sun knew that sometime, in the future, the man in front of him would meet his teammates again. And so would Sun himself, when his own time came.

It just seemed that Jaune didn’t realize it yet, and so it was now Sun’s responsibility to let his friend know of that hope. All the while, Akane watched from the sidelines, hidden.

"Those who love us don't leave us," Sun said softly. His hands slowly crept to Jaune's, and the Faunus could then feel just how cold, weak, and frail they were.

Beneath the exterior of the leader, the knight, was just another man. Sun could respect that, he really could. Because it was more than most offered. And besides, what was the duty of a friend if not to provide comfort?

He had his story. Jaune had his. They all had a role to play... and Sun had to tell Jaune exactly how it was.

At least, so that that Jaune could hope to change it.

"They're out there. Looking down at us, waiting for us, smiling at us. And one day, when our fairy tale ends... we'll meet them too."

"I know that," Jaune whispered. He shivered, and Sun closed his grip on Jaune's hand.

"That's why I want you to understand. You can't throw your life away. Not when there are other people still counting on you... here or not."

"..."

Sun let his words ring as Jaune stayed silent. Such words wouldn't sink in deeply, he knew, and it would take time until Jaune realized it. But he needed to say it now, needed Jaune to at least know it before he proceeded to the next part.

"I'm saying this, Jaune, because of what I've figured out. Because... I've got an inkling on what the ever after is."

The reaction was immediate.

"What?!" Jaune stood up. "Then- then we need to get there now! We can't waste any time-!"

Sun raised a hand, and Jaune stopped in his tracks. Only then could the knight see the serious, almost despairing look on Sun's face.

“Look,” The junior detective said, "This is just a possibility. It might not be correct, it's only what I've deduced..."

"But Jaune... you know what 'happily ever after' means, right?"

"Of course I do. It's an ending, it's the best… there… is…?"

Akane saw Jaune trail off when Sun's expression turned grim.

"It is." Sun nodded, and he sighed.

"I'm just saying. With what we know of it… if the Ever After is like that… then there's a very good chance you can't get out of there."

"...w-what...?"

"It's all written in here." Sun tapped the book. "Read, Jaune. They live happily ever after... the sunset endings, the smiles, and final sentences... what do you think happens when a story ends?"

"They finish... they die."

"Exactly." Sun sighed. "When have we ever heard of a fairy tale getting a sequel? If you do this, Jaune... if you go there... I just think there's a very real chance you can't come back."

"B-but Jinn had said…"

"NO!" Akane heard someone shout. Only when the others' heads turned to her hiding spot did she realize that it was her who spoke.

"Akane…" Jaune said, but Akane cut him off. She leaped out of the bookshelves – screw hiding! – and hugged Jaune close.

"Y-You can't leave, Mister Jaune! You can't!" Akane screamed.

"Oh dear…" Jaune put a shaky hand on Akane and gently ran circles over her back. Back when he was in Ansel, this trick usually did a lot in calming the younger of his sisters down...

And yet, the more he did it now, the worse it seemed to get for his little girl.

"Y-you can't leave…" Akane whispered. "I-If you do…!"

"Akane, I have to." Jaune whispered. "You heard what Jinn said. This is the only way to beat Salem…"

"I don't care about beating Salem!" Akane shouted. She felt the room pause, felt the air still and thicken, and yet she continued.

"If you go, then I'll be all alone, Mister Jaune." Akane sniffled. Tears began to leak her eyes, and before she knew it, she was crying on her protector's shoulder.

The man who went through hell and back to keep her safe.

And the man who was willing to sacrifice everything and leave to ensure a better future.

But that wasn't what she wanted.

"If you go… I'll be all alone!" Akane cried. She cried and cried, begging for the one person who cared to not leave her, because this was the only thing she could do. "You can't leave, Mister Jaune! We'll find a way! We can beat Salem without leaving. Just- just don't die! I can't… I can't…!"

After one last gasp, Akane felt her energy leave her, and then another strong arm wrapping her figure fully and pulling her close.

Jaune exhaled, his warm breath hitting his little girl's neck. He knew Sun was watching from across him, and yet he found that he didn't care.

He knew his objective, his purpose, now more than ever. They all needed to be safe. They needed to defeat Salem, and they had a clear, confirmed way to do it. He just couldn't afford another loss like this again.

He was prepared. He was! Anything he needed to stop Salem, anything at all for a better future.

But... if he died...

Then what would that leave Akane with?

To live, to die. Jaune didn't know the answer to that. He thought he had been ready. But now...

'They will meet again' Sun had said. The word would eventually become Haven's motto, a remembrance and a truth.

Everything had an end. He knew that. But with Akane here, crying and begging in his arms… Jaune knew that what mattered was how, where, when, and with whom one ended it with.

He was prepared to go to the Ever After. Even if he never came back, that was a price he was willing to pay.

But it wasn't what Akane was willing to pay.

She needed him. They all did, Haven and Sun and everyone else… but Akane had no one else to turn to. If he disappeared then she would have no one to catch her, no one to care for her, no one to keep her safe. A little girl left to the cruelty of the world, when he had promised her, the first time she met her, that she would protect her.

Akane shook again in his hands, and he noticed her eyes going droopy.

And with that, Jaune decided.

He ran a hand through her hair. "You were sleepy, weren't you…?"

Akane groaned. "I, I was… but I…"

Jaune caught the meaning immediately. She had needed someone to comfort her, and so she sought out the person who had promised. And what did she find in turn, other than that person ready to sign their death warrant?

"Hey…" Jaune whispered into her ear, giving a nod to Sun to tell him to wait for a bit. Sun nodded back, getting out and waiting just outside the library, bringing the book with him, and now that silence became theirs' alone.

"Mmm…" Akane mumbled, sleepy but scared to rest. What if, when she fell asleep, Mister Jaune had left? No, she had to be strong. She wouldn't lose him too, wouldn't let him go for a guaranteed win, not when it cost him their life together. And more so if it was all on mere chance.

This couldn't be the right way. There had to be another path, one where she didn't have to be left alone…

…All in the name of protecting…

What did it mean if Mister Jaune left, and he failed anyway?

What did it mean if Mister Jaune won, but she had to go on and live without him?

Akane felt her head eyelids droop against her will. No. No, she had to stay up, she had to make sure he didn't leave…!

But then, a calming hand ran through her hair, big and strong yet so gentle. Akane looked up and saw her protector smiling at her warmly, and yet even she could see the way he was bottling up everything all to seem strong for her.

Somehow, that made it even more heartwarming for her.

"How about a little story time, then…" Jaune whispered, shifting his grip for her so her head would lay comfortably on his lap. He propped her feet on some chairs, taking her blanket and draping it over both. "Maybe that'll let you sleep?"

"Don't want to…" Akane mumbled, her hands reaching out to grab something. "Wanna stay up…"

Jaune bit back a chuckle. "Well, little Akane, we all have our limits…"

"Not me. I can-!" A yawn cut her off, and she felt her cheeks heat up when Mister Jaune laughed. "H-Hey…!"

"Oh, you cute little thing." Jaune cooed, pinching her cheeks. She pouted, squirmed, and looked away…

And yet, she could see the way Mister Jaune melted, the way the tension in his shoulders left him when he began playing with her.  Hey, maybe this was the way she could get him to stay…?

Akane's lips twitched. "You know, Mister Jaune… I- I changed my mind… can I hear that story now?"

"Hm?" Jaune smiled, "Ah, I guess you can't fight back the sleep now?"

"I…" she yawned, "I guess…" Akane reached out again, and this time, Jaune's hands met hers and engulfed them with love.

"Then don't worry," Jaune said softly, barely above a whisper. "I know this one well. I bet you'll love it! You can relax while I tell it to you."

"Mm…" Akane looked to her protector, "Is it- is it something famous? The matrons back- back before never really liked stories…"

"Well, I guess… maybe they have…" Mister Jaune looked away from her. His eyes seemed to scan for something, anything, around the room, lost in memory and longing… before they settled back on her.

And when he saw her innocent eyes, and she saw his deep blue orbs, he began to speak.

"There was once a girl named the Red Reaper," His words were like honey to her, soothing her and calming her down. Mister Jaune seemed to really get into the story, his eyes sparkling as his voice became increasingly enthused.

"She was younger than most, but she was one of the strongest of the land. But for all of that, she was lonely. She was shy and awkward and didn't have that much confidence.

But the girl did have one dream – she wanted to be a hero who could save everyone.

She was active, but she was also a little reckless. So, one day, the Red Reaper defeated a thief, and in doing so, caught the attention of a great wizard. The wizard saw her potential, but he also saw that she was alone. That she would stagnate if she stayed like she was, and that she needed to be pushed out of her shell if she wanted to trulysave the people.

But the Red Reaper didn't see that. She wanted to save people, but she wanted to do it alone. Not because she hated other people, but because she just liked to do things herself so much. That she would only mess up other people's habits, that she wouldn't have good authority… she just couldn't believe herself as the leader.

And yet, that wasn't what the Wizard believed. After all, you can't save people if you can't understand them.

Seeing this, the wizard decided to give the girl her dream, a chance at becoming a hero. He decided to train her, to teach her everything she knew. But, at the same time, the wizard also gave her a team that she hadto lead. And no matter how much she denied and complained, the wizard never budged and told her that he was his one condition.

The Reaper couldn't possibly run away from her dream, so she begrudgingly accepted. And at first…" Jaune chuckled, "It went horribly."

Akane's eyes widened. "It did? But you said the Red Reaper was the strongest around!"

"Strength doesn't mean everything." Mister Jaune said softly, his right hand letting go of hers and running through her hair. "Sometimes… people need more than that.

“The Red Reaper was granted a partner who challenged her at every turn. She was granted her Brawler of a sister whose sun-like confidence smothered her meek self. And she was given a teammate who held many secrets and refused to open her silence.

And the Red Reaper had no confidence to challenge them, not at first at least.

And it caused the team to slowly but surely fall apart. And soon, a great evil came, something that the Reaper couldn't defeat alone."

Akane gasped. "Oh no! Then, then did they-!"

Jaune chuckled. "Oh, the evil almost won. They had prepared for a long time, and they saw that the great defenders were split. They decided that that was their chance, and attacked the city they lived in.

But they had waited too long, had enjoyed and reveled in their villainy too long.

Because by then, the Wizard's call had been correct.

The struggles of the team had forced the Red Reaper's hand. It broke her out of her shell… the great Red Reaper finally learned the value of other people…

And she only never felt happier for her revelations.

The Angel, who felt cheated out of being a leader, after being confronted, finally admitted that she had only wanted the best… and that she was willing to give the Red Reaper a chance if she only showed that she was worth it.

The Brawler, who was seemingly confident in everything and never needed the Red Reaper's help... had merely wanted to be a good role model and support her.

And the Secret-Bearer Ninja… her silence was a form of guilt over her own sins, sins she was so ashamed of and didn't want anyone else to know, especially her beloved innocent Red Reaper leader.

And all it took for the Red Reaper was to take the first step in admitting that she was the leader. In believing in herself... and in others' too.

And so, the evil came. But now, having understood the importance of teamwork, the Red Reaper and her team easily repelled the evil back together.

No matter what the evil plotted, no matter what they did, the Red Reaper and her team were already there… already protecting… already together.

And so, the Red Reaper became legendary, a hero at fifteen…. And yet more known as someone who could effectively lead… a real inspiration who joined impossible forces through love and understanding.

And all it took was for her to get out of her shell."

Jaune smiled down at Akane, her eyelids already drooping down. "…The end."

Akane groaned, feeling her energy leaving her. The way Mister Jaune had said that story… so warm… it comforted her, and brought her to sleep even as she didn't want to.

"So…" Akane said, "We just… need to believe in each other…?"

"Yes, Akane." Jaune ran his hand again, "Yes, we do."

"Then… will you… believe in me?"

"…"

"There… has to be another way…." Akane whispered, her head rolling, "For us… to win…"

"…Yes," Jaune whispered. "I believe in you."

The words proved a massive balm to her soul. Sleep rapidly approached, and yet before she fell, she asked one more question to Mister Jaune.

"The Red Reaper…" Akane sighed, "…You never told me her name, Mister Jaune…"

Jaune chuckled. "She- Well, she's…"

He brushed a strand of hair past Akane's face, her delicate breathing all he could hear and feel…

…and smiled when he saw that she was already asleep.

"…someone you'll never meet." Jaune finished.

Jaune sighed. Airing this out… he had needed it.

He had been so ready to do whatever he needed to. To leave and secure a certain victory. And he was ready now too, for defeating Salem came first, no matter the cost.

But now, there was a bundle of innocence of hope on his lap, something that didn't deserve the pain of 'no matter the cost'.

Narrating the 'Red Reaper's story… analysing it, looking at and telling it from a different perspective… Jaune now found himself believing in it as much as Akane seemed to as well.

Ruby wouldn't give in so easily. Ruby wouldn't leave the ones she loved behind… she'd find a different way, he knew. She'd fight alongside those she cared about, fight with the power of friendship and the bonds that strengthened her soul.

Jaune… he wasn't that. He had failed too much; he wasn't like her, who was a prodigy…

…But maybe, for Akane, he could try.

It was at that moment that Sun walked back in. He took one look at the situation and gave Jaune an understanding nod.

"I've got a lead; a fairy tale about a deadly sword native to Vacuo," the monkey Faunus said, "I've got an inkling that it's something more, but… you sure you want to?"

Jaune exhaled. He ran a hand through Akane's hair, felt her shift and lean into her touch, and made his decision.

"Then that's where we'll go next," Jaune said and held Akane close. "But only once we've settled everything here."

He wouldn't leave her alone.

Even if this did cost them time, even if this did cost them their lives…

…Akane needed him here.

And Ruby would have never willingly left a friend behind.

Jaune looked out to the window. Dawn was beginning to crack, and yet, his little girl had just fallen asleep. The sun was shining a bright orange, giving light to a bright blue morning sky.

A new day… a new future, the first sun to rise with knowledge of a Grimm Queen's presence.

He didn't know what it held. He only knew what he was told, what he could find out, what he could believe in. But what he did know was that this evil could be defeated… and yet, at the same time, he couldn't leave those he loved behind to ensure it.

It was a contradiction. But then, wasn't that the nature of everything?

That blue morning sky was goading him, taunting him to go and fly high and leave everyone behind. He knew what needed to be done, so why did he have to burden himself with the pesky 'feelings' of those that he wanted to protect? What mattered was their safety and nothing else.

But now… Jaune couldn't bring it into himself to believe that.

If he had the chance, he would say:

That if he could fly, then he'd never come back down.

He'd leave everyone behind for their own safety. He'd only have eyes for that blue, blue sky.

Akane stirred. And though she slept soundly, her heart still felt everything that her protector was going through. Their bond was too close now, the moment he denied ever leaving her… that even years later, when he would admit it to her, she would only say that she already knew.

And it was all thanks to the first fairy tale he had told her.

Chapter Text

"What do you think magic is?"

"Elemental control?"

"Not quite. But close enough." Cinder said across from Jaune. They were in what was now called 'the meeting room', which was mostly just a repurposed classroom that wasn't destroyed or housed injured students.

Cinder then explained. "Magic, from my personal research, means control. Of everything in this world. Elemental aspects are the most common examples, like the Maidens." Here, she paused with a snort, before continuing, "But when I say everything, I do mean everything. Gravity. Pressure. Time. Force. Space. Physicality. All of these are just small examples of Magic. If Semblances can come in any shape and form, then what's to stop Magic from surpassing it?"

"So when Jinn said Magic…"

"She really could've meant anything." Cinder shrugged. "One thing I can say is that most Magic users have an affinity."

"Affinity?"

"Think about it," Cinder said. "Semblances are a reflection of people's souls. They are tailored to what they feel, what they represent, the most. And just like them, each Magic user is, while versatile, often stronger in one aspect than the others. For example, the Maidens. Raven prefers wind, as she is the Spring Maiden. The mark of new life after a harsh cold."

Cinder then smirked, "I prefer fire myself. Fall burns down the remains of Summer. And as for Winter… do you need to ask?"

Jaune raised an eyebrow. "And how can I know you're not talking out of your ass?"

"After I just saved your life? Besides, who do you think has done more research regarding Magic between the two of us?" Cinder clicked her tongue in annoyance. "Such naivete, honestly."

"Cinder…"

"In any case, you dense oaf. What I'm saying is that each Magic has an affinity. You've already established that you don't want to go to the Ever After because of the little girl. Fine, whatever. But the least you can do is determine what your Magic's affinity might be. I don’t need you sitting around waiting for a miracle."

At this, Jaune could manage to look past Cinder's venom and barbs and nodded seriously. "I'll do what I can."

"Then you better. Don't make me regret my decision." With a scrape of her chair and a huff of arrogance, Cinder left the room and sauntered off to wherever she decided she needed to be.

At least, before they all needed to go.

After Cinder left, leaving Jaune to ruminate, not long after Sun came in with files in his hands. He quickly took the seat that Cinder once occupied and laid out all the files for Jaune.

"Hm. Seat's still warm." Sun muttered, "Was the bitch here?"

"She was."

"Damn. She's not subtle now, is she?" Sun shook his head. "In any case. This is all the leads I managed to get with the boys-" His voice hitched; obviously, not with his boys, but whoever was left that he could count on, "…proving my suspicions, big man. Especially now that we're seeing things in a new light."

Jaune opened the files and read them along with Sun. Yes, indeed, everything was being seen in a new light.

The first clue had been Jinn herself – some students had noted that they had seen her before, and further investigation showed that she had been in front of their faces the entire time. For she was the very statue that was placed in the middle of Haven, the one they walked past every time they went to class.

That meant that, whoever designed it, had intended her to be found, if not by anyone else then at least by themselves.

That discovery had then led to a thought: what if everything else had a deeper meaning too, even things that seemed downright useless? And so Sun and the rest of Haven had then dived into deep research in their library. And with new context regarding the existence of magic, regarding clues hidden in their faces, with corroborating tales and shared knowledge… they had come upon one large discovery.

The symbol for Haven had been a Lamp. And then, beneath it, the Relic of Knowledge had taken the form of the very same lamp. It was too much of a coincidence to brush off, and with the final presence of the statue… they had all but confirmed it.

Four Kingdoms.

Four Relics.

And the Academies existed to protect them all, deliberately made and designed to not let those very same defenders that the Academies trained know the truth. At least, until now.

This, then, had led to the present. Since Jaune had expressed apprehension about going to the Ever After, then what else did they have?

The Relic of Knowledge was gone, as all of them knew. They then had the Relic of Creation, a staff of some sort that might be able to grant them the power they needed; but busting into a place like Atlas was impossible. And besides, they couldn't create something to defeat Salem when they didn't even know yet the full extent of her capabilities.

Without Jinn's assurances, then they had no real way of knowing anything would work, and they needed a trump card.

The Relic of Choice was much the same. Unlike the others, this Relic was shrouded in much more mystery, and its name didn't leave much to the interpretation. Did the crown, perhaps, grant the user choice of fate? Of Destiny? Of its subjects? Its concept was harder to grasp than most, and besides, it was hidden in Beacon; going there would tip them of the truth, and there was no way that Jaune would want to involve his friends. And Haven didn't want to get Beacon involved in this too, not when Cinder had revealed what her original plans were.

So that left one option. Sun's home Kingdom, Vacuo, and the symbol its Academy, Shade, represented.

A sword.

The Relic of Destruction.

This was much more receptive to the imagination. A sword was made to fight, and in a way, it could wreak havoc and destruction in the arms of the wrong person – or the right one, depending on how one looked at it. This, then, as a manifestation of Destruction, would logically be a Sword that could cut through anything, literally anything. For that was the purest form of destruction, the splitting of two things irreparably that had once been one.

But then, why hadn't Jinn mentioned it? She had no reason to lie, both Jaune and Sun were even sure that she probably couldn't in the first place. Was it, perhaps not enough? Were they lacking some component, one that could strengthen even a relic?

But regardless. The Relic of Destruction was their best choice.

For one, it was the only one they could get from the Academies. For Vacuo prided itself on one's strength, because the desert was harsh in many ways other environments were not. So naturally, in the Kingdom of Sands, one's worth was determined by how strong one was, and how long one could endure.

In that twisted form of honour, Sun had advised that should they prove strong enough, then Vacuans wouldn't go back on their word and leak their plans. In that way, Jaune and the others could ensure the wider world's safety.

And the other thing, as stated before, was because the Sword was the only one they could even imagine using. The Crown was too abstract, and the Staff was not a combat tool. For one to achieve victory then they needed to be able to visualize it first. Not a lot of people could imagine an ideal future, but everyone knew what the nightmare of destruction looked like.

And that would simply have to be enough.

Jaune closed the files and gave a nod to Sun.

"Then we'll go to Vacuo." Jaune decided. "And… we'll get the Relic of Destruction."

"Gotcha." Sun nodded. He saw the look in Jaune's eyes and knew that Jaune was expecting him to come along with him. Not that that had ever been in doubt, but he just had to wonder…

Jaune was doing this all for his teammates. He had even gone so far as to search an alternate route, all because he didn't want to leave a girl that clung to him dearly. He was a man strongest when there were others around him, and so, who else did he want to bring with him?

And Jaune quickly answered that silent question.

"You, Neptune, Cinder, and Emerald… and Akane."

"Ah," Sun said. It was an equal balance of people from Haven and 'the turncoats' as they had now been dubbed. And Sun didn't the further reasonings to be explained.

Neptune was healing quite quickly, and he knew that his friend was itching to strike back; for all his playboy attitude, there was a reason they had stuck with him, and he stuck with them, for he was fiercely loyal to his friends.

Cinder was the one who knew most about Salem, about Magic, and the intricacies of how deep this rabbit hole went. Leaving her here would mean they'd lose their most valuable source of intel, not to mention losing sight of someone they hadn't trusted fully yet. After all, her reasons for the turncoat were more personal than noble.

And of course, where Cinder went, Emerald did too. The two were inseparable, and it was best they be kept that way so that they could be monitored easier.

And as for Akane…

She was the only reason Jaune hadn't totally shut down to total mission focus. He had seen that night, when she begged him to stay, that she was now his anchor to staying grounded. Jaune had promised her that he'd stay, and he was making good on that promise now. She was his compass and anchor, and he needed her as much as she needed him.

And speaking of Magic…

Sun went to the door as Cinder once did and gave Jaune an inquisitive glance. "Have you given thought about what Cinder said? Because I think we'll need more than just the Relic… we'll need Magic, like it or not. A thousand Huntsmen have lived and died against the Grimm, and if we want to be different, if we want to win…"

Sun trailed off, and Jaune exhaled.

Yes, indeed, he had given it some thought.

In truth, he too had realized that they wouldn't stand a chance if they didn't have Magic too. As Cinder said, the most prevalent of examples lied in the Maidens, and so his mind couldn't help but drift back to them.

Fall brought with it Fire, burning down life before Winter came.

And when Winter arrived, all was frozen in time, the hail and snow and Ice stopping everything in its tracks.

After Winter came Spring, a new Wind blowing throughout the world, a Wind that swept the cold away and brought with it new life.

And after Spring came Summer, where the Earth beneath their feet was moved by the advancing civilization as it thrived at its peak.

Once more, there were four. Four elements, four Seasons, four Kingdoms and Academies, four Relics, and four members in a Team.

But he had been cast outside. Outside of the system, outside of this strange four rule that no one in Remnant had realized until now.

Deep in his heart, Jaune knew that this somehow wasn't the way things were supposed to go. Despite Jinn claiming it was his Destiny to claim the title of the Rusted Knight, he knew something was off. Perhaps it was because of this rule of four that he was going against, that he was challenging some law of nature in his acts.

But even though he felt that something was off, that didn't mean he felt that it was off. Merely out of the norm.

They would need Magic to continue, eventually. Magic that no one outside of the Four Maidens seemed to possess, and yet here he was breaking that four rule again.

Once more, he didn't know what this meant. He only knew what needed to embody.

If – When – he received that Magic, then…

Jaune's eyes met Sun. He knew now then that there was one affinity he would choose.

And so, he said this to Sun.

He could not choose what already existed. Fall and Fire, Winter and Ice, Spring and Wind, and Summer and Earth already had their representatives. They had already fought and struggled and tried, and they weren't enough to defeat Salem. No, just like with the Relic of Destruction, they would need something more.

Something that existed across all the Seasons.

And what he would choose was unpredictable yet persisted no matter the season of the year. Its element was still unclaimed, for it didn't belong to any season and thus no Maiden could claim affinity with it. In that way, it was outside, yet could come at any time and anywhere. That was what he needed to embody.

Because the Fall Maiden's affinity embodied Fire, destruction, and how it was inescapable, the all-encompassing fleetingness of all life.

The Winter Maiden's affinity embodied Ice, how even the hottest of things would still then be frozen, how even the strongest of society knelt to the powers of nature.

The Spring Maiden's affinity embodied new life, as its Wind signalled that even the most oppressive of times will come to pass, and one only needed to weather the hail.

The Summer Maiden's affinity embodied society at its peak, how together, humanity and Faunuskind could move even the Earth beneath their feet.

And for him…

The Rusted Knight, whose armour degraded beneath the rain, would represent Judgment, deciding the fate of all who opposed Humanity and Faunuskind. His affinity would then be the Storm, one that could come whether it was the Fall or the Winter or the Spring or the Summer, bringing with it Lightning that signalled a swift and fair end to all his enemies.

And this belief, this affinity, though not yet gained, was only solidified by their further plans.

After all, whoever heard of rain in the desert? Whoever heard of Magical Relics hidden beneath the Academies? Whoever planned of going against the way things were supposed to be, away from the supposed norm of four?

And yet he was going anyway.

Unknowing, that what he found… in the end, his choice had been the right one. Because the more one ran from one's destiny, the faster it approached.

And when he eventually did find himself in the Ever After…

One who embodied the Storm, bringing down rain that nurtured plants everywhere…

Would find themselves always blessed by the Tree.

Chapter Text

"Everything's set and ready to go. We'll leave for Vacuo at a moment's notice. But still…"

Sun jerked his head to the prisoner lying bound to the wall, his friend standing beside him and acknowledging Sun's movement with a hum.

"…The hell are we gonna do with her?" Sun finished.

The friend beside him – Jaune – stayed silent. For what was bound before them was the Spring Maiden herself, the key that had opened Mistral's vault, Raven Branwen.

She was also the person who had led the Branwen tribe to march to Haven, had killed numerous 4th-year students, and was an all-around terrible person.

And yet…

Jaune found himself hesitating. And so, he turned to Sun and said it as he knew it. "I don't know."

Sun raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean you don't know?"

"Exactly like I mean it." Jaune turned back to Raven. Her head was hung low, but her red eyes were peeking through her raven hair in an emotion Jaune couldn't decipher. Rage? Fear? Guilt? Hopelessness?

Jaune felt that all those emotions were present – he just didn't know yet which one would win out.

Regardless, the knight continued. "Killing her would mean a bigger mess on our hands. We won't know who the Spring Maiden powers will go to. It also means we'll lose a source of information, and you know we need every single bit we can get."

"She's not breaking, though." Sun insisted. "Hell, she hasn't spoken a word since we took her out and snuffed that bitch Vernal!"

"No, she hasn't. But which would you prefer, another, newer Maiden loose – which will alert Salem – or one we can make sure stays here?"

"How can we make sure?" Sun asked. "She's got Magic, Jaune. Not to mention the bird stuff. She's twice as powerful as Cinder is, and we're lucky she's on our side. Whyever she's doing it for…"

"Simple. We keep doing what we're doing." Jaune said. He laid a hand on Crocea Mors, resisting the urge to kneel and look at Raven dead in the eye.

Something about her…

Something about her reminded Jaune of someone. He couldn't place it, and yet, when he looked at her face, he felt as if it should've belonged to someone more steadfast. Someone stronger in will and more resilient … not some coward who would kill mere students and live in the woods in the name of a false 'might makes right' ideology.

That part of him kept coming back every time he saw her face, as well as the anger that he was sure other Haven students felt ten times stronger than him from the fact that this woman had caused so much grief.

But beneath that anger… for some unexplainable reason, Jaune couldn't help the feeling of disappointment that always crept up.

Raven Branwen was skilled, undoubtedly so. She was strong. She was once powerful, with an army of followers that had once done all her bidding.

And yet here she was now.

Defeated. Broken.

A shadow of her former self.

Cinder Fall had sided with them, for whatever reasons Jaune hadn't been able to deduce yet. Tyrian Callows had escaped, but with severe wounds dealt both to him and to what remained of Team SSSN. Leonardo Lionheart was dead, without even a single speck left to be buried. The entirety of the Branwen tribe had been either killed or had run away – any that hadn't made it out in time were, for a lack of better words, slaughtered.

Of all the big players that had participated in the Haven attack, Raven Branwen was the only one who ended up in enemy clutches. And the only reason she hadn't been killed like a dog was because she was the Spring Maiden, and they needed her power to get the truth.

The 'power', the strength, that she had so prided herself on had saved her once more.

But it would also ensure that she forever remained weak.

Jaune turned to Sun. "Whatever Magic she has, in the end, she's still a human. She's still a mortal, Sun, just like us. So, with that in mind, tell the others to keep starving her. A cup of water a day, and a slice of bread every three.”

“She'll never get out of here with her Magic, she'll never fly, if she can't get enough energy to flap her wings even once."

With that said, Jaune turned around and left the cell. Sun stayed behind, looking down on what remained of a once proud warrior.

But perhaps…

That true pride had died long ago, long before she had been defeated here in Haven.

After all, what kind of fighter only took joy in punching down?

"He's a lot merciful than I am." Sun spat out to Raven. "If it were up to me, I'd kill you on the spot. Consequences be damned."

"…"

"…Tch." With a swish of his tail, Sun turned around and made to leave the cell as well.

But then, before he could close the door behind him, before he could condemn Raven to a life of unknown darkness, he heard a rasp and a rattle of the chains.

Raven gasped. "It's… no use…"

Sun turned around with a raised eyebrow.

Raven peered at him through her raven hair, dishevelled and lacking its former grace. "Salem… is much stronger… than any of us can stand against…"

"…"

"…You'll die… it's no use…!"

"I might die," Sun said, "but only a coward turns on his own people for himself."

With his piece said, Sun turned around and closed the cell doors behind him.

SLAM !

And with that, Raven Branwen was locked in a dungeon without even a speck of light to enter its walls.

Chapter Text

"How is it? Does it taste okay? Any weird feelings in your tummy? Did I put in enough salt?"

Akane rolled her eyes and gave her guardian the best smile she could. "For the last time, Mister Jaune, it's all okay. Really, it's delicious! You should stop doubting yourself."

Mister Jaune sighed and looked back to the campfire he was attending, giving his attention back to rotating his spit full of roast chicken. "I know, I know. I just… worried your stomach might not take it well, that's all."

"Mister, this is the best food I've ever eaten!" Akane eagerly munched on her chicken again – what remained on the stick was finished in less than three seconds.

Jaune couldn't help the incredulity that crept into his tone. "Even better than the orphanage?"

"The orphanage never got much fund- fand-!"

"Funding?"

"Yeah, that!" Akane made a face, her lips quivering at the memory. "The matrons always complained about that…"

Jaune, sensing that Akane didn't quite like being reminded of her past life – moreover, that she was the only one left – quickly put the spit away from the fire and approached his ward. "Hey hey, at least we're still here, aren't we? Come on, I'll make sure to cook every day if it makes you happy."

That sentence had been enough to steer Akane's attention away. Her eyes sparkled in the night, "Really?!"

"Yes, really," Jaune rubbed the back of his neck and laughed nervously. "Though I'm still surprised I've done this well without proper tools…"

"I'm sure Mister Sun and the others will say your cooking's great too!" Akane chirped. She then looked around where they were, that being a cozy camp that they had settled out right in the middle of a thick forest. They were around several miles from the main path out of Mistral. The moon was shining bright above them, and a pleasant night chill swept over their little settlement.

And Akane noted how the others hadn't come back yet and so was compelled to ask. "Mister Jaune, why haven't the others come back yet? It's getting late…"

Jaune looked up to the sky. From the times he had gone camping with his family, he knew that it really was getting quite late, especially for Akane. If he had to hazard a guess, he'd say that they were just around an hour from midnight.

Much too late for a four-year-old. But, not so much for Huntsmen-in-Training and their turncoat compatriots.

"They're probably still searching for food. I think Neptune mentioned something about knowing a river nearby…" Jaune chuckled, "Though that's probably because he hates water more than anything else, really."

"Mmm…" Akane mumbled. Jaune held back a smirk when he saw Akane's eyes beginning to droop.

It was quite late – and he would hazard a guess that a full stomach wasn't helping her either.

"Come here." Jaune pat the space next to him, and Akane quietly scooted over to him. It was telling, the way Akane went, that her normally energetic spirit was almost drained. She had been almost non-stop hyper ever since they left Haven and Mistral, and that had been several days ago. She was bound to have burned off all that energy at some point…

A cold chill swept the camp, not enough to snuff out the fire but enough to tickle their skins. Sensing Akane's shivers, Jaune quickly unwrapped his cloak and put it over Akane, double wrapping her with her own's. It was Sun who had advised that they should wear these cloaks, as, in his words, 'Once we reach Vacuo, the winds'll be harsher'.

Akane settled quite nicely, hugging the two cloaks tight and leaning on Jaune for more warmth. She hummed as she felt her guardian's comforting presence, and with her mind working instinctually, climbed onto Jaune's lap.

Jaune bit down his shock as Akane leaned back on his chest. "A-ah…"

"You're so warm, Mister Jaune…" Akane fully closed her eyes and leaned her head on his arm. "Couldn't we have-" Akane yawned, "Taken a Bullhead…?"

"Salem's agents will probably notice any public transports. Especially with how much we foiled her plans this far. We need to stay hidden…" Jaune sighed, "I'm sure you remember Cinder saying that, don't you, Akane?"

"Sleepy…"

"Heheh. Then go to sleep, girl." Tentatively, his instincts moved him to - well, move, Jaune lifted his other arm and ran a comforting hand through Akane's hair. She seemed to appreciate the gesture very much if the way her breathing got a lot shallower was any indication.

Because, as much as he agreed with Akane too (despite his aversion to Bullheads and aircraft in general), Cinder had been right. Salem was bound to have eyes everywhere, and they were yet to discover how deep her influence truly ran.

They needed a discreet way of reaching Vacuo, and while walking there was a pain, they couldn't risk a confrontation. Not when they had no real safety net to rely on. Not when that safety net of an Academy was the one to have betrayed them in the first place.

And so now here they were – with Sun, Neptune, Cinder, and Emerald scourging for food while Jaune was both on guard duty and cooking what food they had already gathered.

And taking care of Akane as well, of course.

He didn't mind being alone with Akane, not at all. The past few days before their departure had been hectic, and he hadn't been able to spend enough time with her because of that…

Akane shifted in his grip, because that was what his hands had transitioned to. She squirmed, her eyes scrunched up and her lips trembling, and Jaune knew she was having trouble sleeping again.

No, that perhaps wasn't it. She was actively fighting it… and when she opened her eyes and looked at Jaune with an inquisitive glance and a question on her lips, Jaune instantly knew why it was.

"Mister Jaune, if I can ask… how can you be okay, alone? Don't you… don't you have any other family?"

When Jaune heard that, he immediately knew why Akane feared going to sleep. Now that Salem's immediate threat to their survival had been handled, the little girl’s biggest fear was reliving that night her village fell, that night everyone else at her orphanage had been slaughtered… seeing all of it again in her dreams.

A reminder that she was the lone survivor, and this moment with just the two of them alone must have brought that memory up.

More than that, Jaune also knew how Akane was also smart. She saw how Sun and Neptune interacted with each other, the two remaining survivors of SSSN against Tyrian Callows’ brutality. She saw how Emerald and Mercury hung to Cinder, and how she now led them with the ever-slight doubt in her step.

And most of all, she saw how, even with all his heart and nobility, there was a small, but undeniable distance between Jaune and all of them.

A distance that he only closed for Akane alone.

Jaune ran his hand through her hair one more time and sighed. "I'm… I just… I figured I had to endure it, that's all."

"That- that's not-! That's cruel!" Akane gasped.

"I know it is. But sometimes…" Jaune looked to the skies, and then to his sword, and then sighed. "Sometimes, there's nothing you can do."

"B-but… you must feel so lonely…"

"I'm not lonely." Jaune smiled down at Akane, and even she could notice how it was bittersweet. "I have you, after all."

"Mister Jaune…"

"My family, Akane… they're out of my reach now. They were before, but now, with all of this… I'll take whatever comfort I could get. And I know that you need someone, and that you need me. And- and I know that we've only just met for a few weeks… but… you mean the world to me, Akane”.

“And right now, that's all that matters."

Akane blushed and looked down, her cheeks flushing red. "S-stop it…"

"Hey, it's true!" Jaune barked out a laugh – and to both of their surprise, it didn't sound as forceful as they had initially expected.

But try as Jaune might, it seemed that his attempt at flattery hadn't been enough to knock out the questions from Akane's mind just yet.

Because she was now looking at him again, her eyes drooping more than ever, and yet still glimmering with a single question.

"But… why, Mister Jaune? Why can't you just… call them…?"

Jaune supposed that in a way, it was better that she was questioning so much rather than not. From what he remembered, his parents always said that curiosity was good for a child.

It was just that the question was quite hard to answer, especially such a complex one for a four-year-old like her.

"Because…" Jaune struggled to find the words. Struggled to explain what it was in his heart when he himself hadn't fully grasped it just yet.

"Because I'm not strong enough yet."

"Not strong enough?" Akane asked. She couldn't believe it – because Mister Jaune had defeated all those bandits, had rescued her, and had then protected her ever since! How could anyone possibly be stronger? "I- I don't understand, Mister…"

Jaune smiled down at her then, bittersweet. "It'll be too long for me to explain, and you need to sleep."

"A-aww…!"

"Oh, don't whine now. Look, you're yawning right as you're talking!" Jaune chuckled. When he saw that Akane was still stubbornly keeping her eyes open, Jaune sighed wistfully and cupped her cheek.

"Tell you what," Jaune said, "I'll tell you another story. And if you can understand the meaning behind it, then I'll tell you what I really mean. And then, you can go to sleep."

"D-deal, Mister Jaune."

Jaune cleared his throat then and settled into his best storyteller voice. The voice he had used previously, the voice he knew his younger sisters loved to hear whenever he had to play caretaker.

"There was once a brilliant warrior called the Invincible Spartan. All around the world, she was renowned and feared. Many came to challenge her, and many more tried to defeat her, but no matter what they tried, she was simply unbeatable. Invincible.

Everyone respected her. Everyone envied her. The Invincible Spartan approached it all with a smile, her fame and reputation preceding her everywhere she went, for better or for worse.

But despite all her strength, despite what everyone thought when they saw her endless victories… she wasn't happy.

For her strength had isolated her. People only looked at her for her strength. No one saw that, beneath the façade, all that there was, was a girl that wanted someone else to connect to.

Her strength, which many envied and desired, became the one thing that prevented her from getting what she really wanted.

And so, the Invincible Spartan sought out a new start.

She went to another land, where her reputation was less known. She kept her identity a secret, kept her strength hidden. She then tried to find a new purpose, something that could give her life meaning.

In her travels in this new land, she met several people she would grow to hold dear. There was a Flying Valkyrie, one whose strength rivalled the Spartan's own, but didn't keep her from expressing he true self.

There was the Silent Lie, who was infinitely observant and caring, yet never let it show. He was someone who cared deeply and would act swiftly to protect the Valkyrie in contrast to her brashness.

But above all…

She met a bumbling knight, one who was much, much weaker than her. But unlike others, he didn't care for who the Spartan was and didn't care for her strength or fame, despite how weak he was in comparison. He never saw her on the pedestal that others put her on, instead seeing her as just another friend to make.

It was-!" Jaune choked up, though he was infinitely glad that Akane didn't seem to notice.

Because telling this…

It hurt. It reminded him of what he'd been cast away from.

But he had to continue. There had to be a lesson from all this. There had to be. At least, one he could impart to Akane.

"She decided to devote her time to this knight, someone who didn't even hold a candle to her. But despite her best efforts, the knight was also foolish, and didn't understand why.

… And so, when the Knight felt like he didn't deserve her time, he silently and suddenly pushed her away.

The Spartan grew angry at this. She couldn't understand – her power, her strength, had been coveted by everyone she had ever known, so why was it that when she decided to share it with the one person she deemed worthy, he had pushed her away and told her to leave her alone?

But most of all, she was sad.

She was sad that the one person who saw her for who she was had pushed her away. That he had forsaken their lo-friendship for what seemed like nothing; a voice in the back of her head wondered, had her strength pushed him away too?

But then, when she calmed down and saw, she realized that the Knight had his own secrets too.

For he was a faker. He didn't know the first thing about being a Knight ab-about protecting people, about fighting monsters. He had lied to everyone, and to her, about his strength, when he had none at all. He was the weakest of them all, so weak that he considered himself nothing but-but dead weight to the Silent Lie and the Flying Valkyrie – and even more so, to an amazing, brilliant person like the Invincible Spartan.

And so, with this new understanding, the Spartan realized that the Knight wasn't so different from her. He may be weak, but he also yearned for someone to connect to, someone who wouldn't see him as just the weak link. He wanted to prove himself so badly, and yet… he was too foolish to ask for help. And when the Spartan did offer it, he felt himself unworthy of burdening her. Burdening someone as incredible as her… burdening a- a friend.

And so, the Spartan guided the Knight from the shadows. She made him realize that she didn't mind him bein- being weak. Being useless.

A-all… all because she had never met someone so honest with her. Someone who didn't care at all about her strength.

And so, the time eventually came when the foolish Knight realized his colossal mistake, realized that what was important was his self, and what he had thrown away so recklessly.

So, disregarding his pride and any hesitation he might've had, the Knight came crawling back, begging her to forgive him. Begging for her to give him another chance…

And I… The Knight… didn't know why, but she forgave him with a smile and an open hand.

And together…"

Jaune's breath hitched again. It was hard, so, so hard… but he had to continue.

"Together, the two of them became stronger than either had been alone. The Spartan promised to stick by the person who saw her for who she was, not for who she put herself out as.

In turn, the Knight swore to protect the Spartan with all he had, even if he was weaker than her. He swore to trust her with every secret he had, swore to do everything to repay the debt he could never.

And so, they lived by each other's side… happily ever after.

The End."

Jaune finished, and when he looked down, he saw that Akane had been listening with rapt attention.

It seemed that his words had managed to create a world in her mind, and more importantly, that she didn't notice whenever he slipped up and mentioned himself instead of The Knight.

Jaune swallowed the lump in his throat, burying his sadness, and smiled at Akane. "So… did you get anything from that?"

"Mmm…."

"Akane? Are you still awake…?"

"Wanna sleep…"

Jaune chuckled, his sorrow dissipating. "Heheh. Of course, you are…"

"B-but I… I think…"

"Hm?" Jaune shifted Akane in his hands and gingerly brushed her bangs away from her face, "What is it?"

"Did… did you mean that… being strong means letting people say sorry?"

"Hah… I... suppose, in a way, yes." Jaune said softly. "I just think that… this story's real close to me. It's my favourite, Akane.

And… you know how I was kicked out of Beacon. I just don't think I'd be worthy of coming back the way I am now."

"The people at Beacon must be idiots…" Akane mumbled.

Jaune smirked. "Well, some of them are, but not most of them. Not at all…" Jaune gazed at the skies once more. "But Akane, the real world can't be exactly like the stories. I would do anything to come back, but I can't right now. Not when they just kicked me out, not when there are so many dangerous things…

I want to protect them. I want to be stronger. Like her."

Akane looked up to Jaune questioningly. "But… you said the Invincible Spartan was lonely, even if she was unbeatable…"

"But I'm not alone,” Jaune said, “I have my friends, even if it's just in my heart. They're still there… I have Sun and the others, and I have you."

"But you're not as close with them as you are with me,” Akane mumbled, “A-and I'm sure… not as close as your old friends…"

Akane sure was one sharp girl, Jaune thought. And so, Jaune sought it fit to explain his final reasoning.

"The Invincible Girl was just- so strong. And that-!"

Inspired me.

Moved me.

"And her kindness, her willingness to forgive and give someone useless a chance…"

Made me feel guilty, made me close to her.

Made me bond with her.

…Made me fall in love with her, even if it was too late.

"… I can't ask for forgiveness. Not when things are different, not when they'd just be in more danger." Jaune said softly. "And if I have to be alone… then so be it."

"You love them too much…"

"They'd do the same for me. There just- just has to be a reason I was kicked out; and I'm determined to find a meaning in it all." Jaune said softly. "That's what… what I meant, Akane. That's why my family and friends are out of reach.”

“Because I can't see them getting hurt. Not when it's someone useless like me who brings the danger to them.”

“I… I need power. I need to prove myself, to make sure that they won't be hurt anymore just because of me before I can come back to them.”

“And if I need to be alone for that power, then so be it."

Akane shook her head and whispered, "You're not useless…"

"I'll keep that in mind, because you said it, Akane. What I want you to remember, though… is that I'll always forgive you. Just like the Invincible Spartan… and just like her, no matter what, I'll be stronger if it means keeping you – and everyone else – safe."

"Okay…" Akane's eyes were fully closed.

And yet… she didn't fall asleep, even as Jaune put her to the side and sighed.

She could hear, with her closed eyes and her heart beating faster than ever, how Mister Jaune stepped aside and withdrew his sword. She knew how he then took out his Scroll, transformed his sheath into a shield, and trained along with whatever that video was playing.

Over the years, even as Mister Jaune got stronger, even as he became nigh unstoppable, for some reason Akane didn't know, he'd always go back to that video. Whenever he thought she wasn't looking, he'd train with that video over and over, his moves perfect and flawless, and yet, with an undeniable touch of longing.

Akane would accept, yet never understand, why Mister Jaune had chosen, would choose, to be alone for strength rather than reconnecting with his family and friends. It was clear that he was hurting and missing them so, so much, and yet…

He continued to train the night away, even as Cinder, Sun, and the others returned.

And all Akane could hear was the voice of that mysterious woman that her guardian missed so much, so much that he would replay her basic training video over and over and over for more than a decade.

A kind, gentle, and loving voice that Mister Jaune seemed to be willing to sacrifice everything for.

"Now, Jaune, let's start with your training, shall we?" The woman said, "And now… begin!

Slash!

Step forward, keep your shield up.

And…. Stab!

Again.

Again.

One last time… again!

Now… take a breather.

Jaune…

You've grown so, so much from the first time we met.

I can't- I can't tell you how proud I am of you…

And… despite everything that's happened, despite Ozpin's decision, and despite you having to leave…

I…

I just want you to know…

That I'm just happy, to have been a part of your life."

The video ended and looped back again.

She could hear Mister Jaune take a deep breath.

Could hear him sigh loudly, shifting his footing…

Could hear him sob and cry.

And then, she could hear him lift his sword again and return to the training with more vigour.

Chapter Text

About two weeks from Vacuo...

"You don't make sense."

"Hm?" Jaune turned his attention away from his chicken spits and to the woman sitting beside him. "Sorry, didn't catch that. What did you say, Cinder?"

"I said you don't make sense," Cinder said. She looked around their night camp; Sun and Neptune were fast asleep by each other's side. Emerald was propped up against a tree across them, while Akane was sleeping across both Jaune and Cinder close to the campfire.

They were getting closer to Vacuo now – and so, the nights grew colder while the days grew hotter. Sun had said that, in just a few more days' of travels, their feet would meet the sand…

But before that, there was something Cinder wanted to find out first.

So she said to Jaune, "None of your actions are logical. Even up to now, if anyone asked me to sum you up into a word, I would say reckless."

"Gee, thanks," Jaune said dryly. He turned back to his spit with an annoyed tick on his eyebrow, "Kick a guy while he's down, why don't you?" he said sarcastically.

"I don't hold back," Cinder said in turn. "And yet… I find that you're still here."

"And what do you mean by that?"

"Still going," Cinder said. From the corner of his eye, Jaune noted that she had now placed her hand on her lap. "I will be frank, and I shall ask that you be frank with me in turn. Will you be able to do that?"

"Asking for permission now?” Jaune rolled his eyes, “I thought you were above that." “

Cinder scoffed. "Don't push it. If you don't need me…"

"Fine, fine." Jaune relented. Like it or not, Cinder was a valuable asset to bring along, despite her irritable nature and former allegiances. "You have my word. An Arc doesn't go back on it."

"Quite," Cinder said. She was silent for a while then, struggling to find the words, until she finally settled on: "You still keep going even despite the world's challenges. Why?"

"Because it's what I need to do," Jaune said. "You heard Jinn. And even if I don't agree with her, there's-!"

"And that's another thing," Cinder said. "Why do you concern yourself with Beacon? With Haven?"

"Why wouldn't I?" Genuine confusion crept into Jaune's tone.

"You barely know these people. All of them." Cinder stressed. "You spent, what, a year in Beacon? Less, I'm sure. And Haven, barely three months. No bond can be forged so strongly in such a short time."

"You doubt my conviction." Jaune said plainly.

"I doubt its source," Cinder said calmly. Beneath this moonlight, Jaune could just briefly see the golden and orange glow of her eyes – a reminder that Cinder was a Maiden, even only half of one.

"Cinder…" Jaune began. "What brought this on?"

Cinder looked away, her brows furrowing and her mouth turned to a scowl. "Once we reach Vacuo, there will be more Grimm. Much more than in Vale or Mistral. There's a reason that the Kingdom relies so much on strength… and…"

Cinder brought up her palm – brought it close to her face, and Jaune could see the parasite Grimm that Salem had implanted slightly protruding from her palm. And he could also see how she looked at it like she didn't know what it even meant anymore.

"I don't need you dying on my feet." Cinder said in the end. "Someone as weak as you…"

"And yet, my conviction brings me just enough strength to sit beside you today," Jaune said simply. "Is that what you wanted to ask?"

Cinder's silence was a deafening answer.

Jaune looked back to the skies. Neither of their eyes met, and yet their words were shared sincerely.

"When I meet someone," Jaune began, "I give them everything. I don't see a reason in making a friend but still hesitate to help; to bond."

Jaune breathed. "So yes. I didn't meet my Team for long. I didn't spend a lot of time in Haven. But what kind of friend, person, I'd be if I just threw them away and replaced them as easily as trash? At that point, why even bother making bonds?"

"And yet Akane said that you keep Sun, Neptune, us, at a distance."

"Just because I say and do that doesn't mean I'd just leave you to die." Jaune said dryly.

But then… Jaune looked to Cinder, his voice turning gentle, and his eyes softening.

"…I'll be honest.” Jaune breathed out, “I don't like you. You're barely an acquaintance…

But. As it stands right now, you're my ally. And like I said, an Arc never goes back on their word. And as long as you stick with me, I'll have no reason to give you any less."

With his bit said, Jaune took the chicken out of the spit and handed it over to Cinder.

"Here," Jaune said, before standing up and hefting his sword, "Ah... look, I’m gonna go look for more for breakfast, and then I'll turn in. Thanks for taking the last shift."

As easily as that, Jaune ventured into the forest surrounding them and left Cinder alone with a campfire and a pierced chicken in her hands.

All of that… just because of her split-second decision?

Cinder wouldn't lie. Even now, her reasons for tagging along were self-serving. There would be no going back to Salem after Haven, and so now this was her only choice.

But there was one thing: if worse came to worst, then she wouldn't be like Raven. Because if anything, her pride would overrule her desire to run away.

And she wasn't a stranger to people who'd throw themselves at her feet. Numerous people did in her criminal career before she joined up with Salem, and Emerald was a prime example after that fact.

But they had all been seeking something from her. Sexual favours, power by proxy, money and wealth… none had been willing to stick their necks out just because she 'sided' with them, however brief those arrangements were.

Did Jaune do this because she had saved him? She didn't know. She doubted it, somehow. She had seen how cruel he could be, especially when he told them how they would 'deal' with Raven.

But…

It did feel strangely… nice… to not have to watch one's back over and over every day.

Across from her, Akane shivered in her sleep.

A strange instinct took over Cinder. She went around the campfire, then sat beside Akane, and pulled Akane's blanket ever so tighter around the little girl's body.

Cinder hummed when Akane's shivering stopped. She looked to the skies, to the broken moon above, and took a bite of the chicken.

She hummed, and said, quieter than a whisper,

"Needs more spice."