Beacon. It felt so surreal to be back here.
A few months prior, Jaune had come to this school full of hopes and dreams. After successfully attaining his forged transcripts from Junior, the boy had stepped foot on the campus with one goal. To become a huntsman. He wanted to live up to the lofty expectations he had set for himself. He wanted to continue the Arc family tradition. He wanted to be a hero. Yet all of those hopes had been dashed only a day later. The fall and rise of the sun had changed everything. What had it left him with? What had he become now?
Despite his best intentions, Jaune knew what he was. He was not a hero. He was a murderer. He was not a huntsman. He worked for a known gangster. Jaune had bloodied his hands in anger. In a desire for vengeance. In hatred. At least one man had lost his life at the tip of Jaune's sword. How many others were there that he was not even aware of?
He shook his head at the thought. He could not change the past. He could not undo what he had done. All Jaune could do at this point was move forward. To try to atone for what he had done. To make better decisions. To help those around him in any way he could.
A glance to his left showed the girl who he had helped. The girl whose life he had saved.
Miltia was close enough to be able to touch, and occasionally their arms did brush against one another as they moved. Only a day ago she had been on death's door. Caught in an explosion that was still under investigation. Jaune knew who it must have been though. There really was only one explanation. It was yet another consequence of his own actions. He had poked the hornet's nest one too many times, and this time its denizens had stung back at him. Those he cared about had been caught in the crossfire.
The group of teenagers passed by familiar sights on their way to the dormitory. As many months as it had been, he still remembered the layout of the place as if it had only been a day since he last stepped foot on the school's grounds. The trees still lined the pathway to the main hall. The statue of two warriors still dominated the landscape. Lamp posts glowed softly in the evening. Soon enough their destination came in sight.
Jaune had never actually been inside the dormitory before. He had no reason to visit in the one day he had spent on campus before. He had not been a part of a team. He had not been assigned a room. Now though, everything was different. It was horribly ironic, actually. Now, after everything he had done, all of the lying, cheating, and violence, he was being granted a room at Beacon Academy. Together with Miltia and Melanie, he was going to be sharing a dorm on campus. It was almost like they were their own little team. He was going to be next to other real life huntsmen teams. It wasn't just ironic, however. It was a painful reminder of what he had wanted. He was being teased with something by being so close to it, but at the same time it being forever out of reach. He would live the life of a Beacon student for a time without actually being one.
As they neared the dorms, the number of students walking about the campus began to increase. Most wore what he assumed were the Beacon Academy school uniforms, but here and there he saw others wearing different outfits. Some were black. Others white. Some wore no uniforms at all. Ruby had mentioned earlier about how there were transfer students from other academies, and that's why there was a spare room that he and the twins would be able to use. Perhaps these were them.
For a brief and depressing moment Jaune attempted to imagine how he would have looked in one of the uniforms. He quickly shook his head once more. The last thing he needed to do was depress himself further. He was not a student here. He never would be. There was no point harping on the past.
Jaune felt a sharp nudge to his ribs, and for the first time in his life was thankful that Melanie wanted his attention. Anything to get his mind off of these depressing thoughts would be a good thing. At least he hoped so. This was Melanie after all.
"Hey," she said before pointing over at a small group of female students. "We totally need to get some of those."
He followed the girl's finger, but could not actually figure out what Melanie was referring to. "Uh... what?"
"Uniforms," she clarified.
"Remember we're not actually students here, Mel."
The girl scoffed softly. "Oh I know. I just think that we'd look totally hot in them. Right, Miltia?"
Jaune's head swiveled over to look at his girlfriend. The younger twin shrugged. "I guess."
"Yeah. And you know Jaune would like it too." Her gaze moved from her sister back to him. "Wouldn't you? Come on. Naughty school girl Miltia in nothing but a skirt and stockings. Tell me you wouldn't wreck her if she was wearing that."
A part of Jaune wanted to be shocked and horrified at what the girl on his right was saying. Yet, he couldn't bring himself to be. This was Melanie Malachite after all. She was loud, brazen, and utterly unashamed of anything coming out of her mouth. The fact that she did not care if anyone around them heard this kind of talk only reinforced that image.
But truth be told... it would be incredibly hot. Miltia was already clad in a red tank top and short black skirt that put the Beacon Academy uniforms to shame. However, for some reason the thought of her in the school uniform painted an even more attractive picture than what was already in front of him.
Thankfully one of the girls had a sense of decency. Or a filter. "Oh my gods, Melanie," Miltia groaned. "Can you just not?"
"What?" Melanie asked innocently. "I mean, come on. We're all thinking it. Look at all these chicks in plaid skirts. Seriously, how are there not like a million teenage pregnancies here at Beacon?"
The question had been directed to the fourth member of their group. Ruby's face was beginning to turn a shade similar to that of her red cloak. She had not been exposed to this type of chatter on a regular basis. She had not grown immune to the lewd and suggestive speech of the elder Malachite twin.
"I... uh..."
"I mean, you gotta have condom dispensers in the bathrooms, right? Seriously. Co-ed dorms too? With a bunch of hot teenagers? How the fuck does anyone get any sleep around here with all the sex that's gotta be happening?"
Ruby did not answer, and instead pulled her hood over her head before tightening it around her face. It was a mistake, however. Such a visual display of embarrassment may as well have been taking a knife to your own flesh in shark-infested waters. Here in this small sea, that predator's name was Melanie Malachite. And the girl did indeed smell blood.
It showed as she playfully wrapped an arm around Ruby's shoulders. "So then, little miss Ruby Rose," she said warmly. "Can we like, borrow one of your uniforms? We'll give it back. Promise."
The tiny squeak which Ruby emitted made her sound more like a dog's toy than a human being. She shrunk in on herself, appearing to be even smaller than usual when faced with the domineering personality of the girl in white.
"Then again, you probably won't want it back once those two are done with it," she said aiming a thumb back over at Jaune and Miltia. "Even if they do clean it." The large grin on her face quickly vanished, and was replaced with wide-eyed worry. "Oh gods, I just remembered that we have to share a dorm. I'm gonna have to hear you two boning every night. Fuck!"
Jaune wanted to be embarrassed, but at the same time confusion dominated his mind which prevented the embarrassment from taking hold. Just who did Melanie think they were? Did the girl seriously believe that the two of them would get intimate with her in the room with them? Sure, the elder twin might not have a sense of decency, but they certainly did.
"Seriously, Melanie. Shut up," Miltia said. "What Jaune and me do is none of your business."
"It is when I can feel how fucking horny you get," Melanie argued.
"Oh yeah? Keep complaining. Maybe we'll start doing it more just to like, spite you. How would you like that?"
Wait, did Miltia seriously make that sort of threat? Sure, he had been around plenty of times when the girls were arguing over stupid and petty things. But this seemed extra petty. Jaune had heard of sex being used as a weapon before, but never like this. And exactly what did Melanie mean when she said that she could feel how horny her sister got?
"You wouldn't."
"Yeah? You sure about that?"
For long seconds two pairs of emerald eyes bored into one another. Neither flinched. Neither blinked. It was most likely a time-tested tradition between twins. Jaune could relate. He had partaken in more than his fair share of stupid sibling rivalries and arguments growing up. He had experienced even more than he had taken part in as well.
It was why he decided to be a mediator for the one happening right now. "Uh, girls?" he asked. "I think you're breaking Ruby."
A glance over to the girl showed that Melanie's arm was still around the girl as they walked. Ruby's hood was still up and covering what was undoubtedly a horrified, red, and probably scarred for life face. It was the second time in recent memory she had been exposed to the idea of Jaune and Miltia being intimate. He remembered how she had reacted the first time.
"Aw, she's so innocent," Melanie cooed. With a roll of her eyes, she broke off from the stare down and returned her attention to the young huntress. "Come on, little huntress," she said as she pulled the girl's hood down from her head. She ruffled Ruby's hair playfully. "You alright? Your brain still working or whatever?"
Little huntress. The fact that Melanie had just called Ruby this did not lose its meaning on Jaune. A little pet name meant to aggravate him. One which he had grown immune to. Did this mean the girl was going to move on from him? That Ruby was going to become her new target? After this display of weakness from the younger girl, it would not surprise Jaune at all if his friend became the new focus of Melanie's attention.
Ruby slapped the offending hand away from her head before pulling away from Melanie. "I'm fine," she said weakly. "Just... just stop talking about that kind of stuff. Especially about your sister!"
Jaune could understand where Ruby was coming from. The last thing Jaune would have wanted to hear about were any of his sister's sex lives. Ruby probably felt the same way about Yang's if the girl was indeed in any kind of relationship. Any normal person would have wanted to stay as far away as possible from that kind of talk concerning their family. Then again, Melanie and Miltia were hardly normal. Since meeting them, Jaune could hardly consider himself normal either. Normal people didn't go around picking fights with terrorist organizations.
"She's right," Jaune said in Ruby's support. "Maybe we can... not talk about that kind of stuff? At least not in front of other people?"
Melanie scoffed. "Whatever," she said dismissively. "I'm still totally getting one of those little school girl skirts for Miltia. You'll thank me later," she said with an exaggerated wink. "Maybe you could even thank me by giving me a round in it."
Jaune did not know how to respond to such a bold and explicit statement. Miltia apparently understood its meaning as well, as Jaune felt her hand grasp hold of his and squeeze down tightly on it. If not for his Aura he might be dealing with a few broken fingers.
"Uh..." his mind scrambled before focusing on the redhead. "Ruby! Ruby. Can you, uh, tell us more about Beacon? What we might be doing here?"
The girl nodded quickly, probably happy to be moving away from such graphic and personal topics of conversation. "Yeah. Right. Uh, so you guys will be here for a while, I think? And instead of just sitting around your room, Professor Goodwitch has decided to allow you to take some classes. She thinks it'll be good for you all."
Goodwitch. A name which still brought back all sorts of unpleasant memories for Jaune. It had been Glynda Goodwitch who discovered his transcripts were forged. It had been that woman who kicked him out of the academy. It had been that woman who came to Junior's club seeking answers for what had happened at the docks.
"What kind of classes?" he asked.
Ruby shrugged. "I dunno. Maybe things like history? Or Grimm studies?"
"Lame," Melanie interjected.
Silver eyes narrowed. "It's not lame! Learning to become a better huntress will save your life!"
"Yeah? Well I'm not here to become a huntress. And after some dumb bitch kicked Jaune out of Beacon, he's not here to become a huntsman either."
Her words were harsh, but they were the truth. Jaune wasn't here to become a huntsman. He never would be one. Not when his name was probably flagged in every huntsman academy in Remnant now after his lies had been exposed.
"Oh!" Ruby said with sudden excitement. "There's a school dance coming up. Everyone's really excited for it." She paused briefly, and her happy tone took a bit of a hit when she spoke next. "Well, most people are."
A dance at a school for training huntsmen? The idea sounded absurd, but if Ruby said it was happening then it must have been true.
"And you think we'd be able to go to it?" he asked.
She nodded emphatically. "Yeah. I mean, I don't see why not." Her eyes quickly glanced down before returning to meet Jaune's. "And it looks like you already have a date," she added nervously. "Not even Yang has one."
Jaune followed to where Ruby's eyes had gone, and realized it was down to where Miltia was clasping his hand. After seeing the two of them together the other morning, it was more than obvious to the younger girl that they were an item now. They would indeed have no trouble finding a partner if they were to attend the upcoming dance.
"Yeah. I guess I would," he said softly as he offered a small smile to Miltia. She returned it in kind.
"Heh, yeah," Ruby agreed, her nervousness still on full display. Her attention turned to Melanie next. "What about you?"
Green eyes narrowed on the girl. "What about me?"
"Oh, uh, nothing. Just wondering if you'd be going with Jaune too..."
This time when Miltia squeezed down on his hand, it really did feel like something was about to snap. Jaune let out a small breath of pain as he looked over to his girlfriend, whose eyes had turned hard as they looked to her sister and Ruby. Clearly she had not been amused by what Melanie had been saying earlier. About Jaune giving her a... round in the school girl outfit.
The elder twin scoffed, casually flipping her hair over her shoulder with a hand. "As if. As much as I'd totally want to, I don't think Miltia would share."
"Yeah," Miltia agreed. "Because I'm so not into sharing whatever you're carrying down there with him."
"Bitch, I'm cleaner than this chick's brain," Melanie countered, once more patting Ruby on the head.
"Whatever."
"Whatever!"
"Uh, girls?" Jaune asked meekly.
"What!" they shouted in unison.
"Maybe we could not do that. At least not here and now."
The twin's shouting had drawn a few looks from students milling around the campus. The last thing Jaune wanted was to be the center of attention here.
After a few seconds of silence, Melanie scoffed once more. "Whatever."
Crisis avoided. Jaune really hoped that he would not become the catalyst for a new series of arguments between the sisters. As thrilling as the idea of being fought over by multiple girls was, he knew that it would only end badly for everyone involved. He did not want to strain his new relationship with Miltia. He did not want to lose what had turned out to be a genuine friendship with Melanie. And he did not want two sisters who were impossibly close to one another after their childhood tragedy to fight. He wasn't worth it.
"So... Ruby," he started, attempting to get the conversation back on track. "There's a dance. And classes."
"Yup," she agreed readily. She was probably just happy to get back on a subject that wasn't personal or sexual in nature. "Other than that I really don't know what you're gonna be doing. At least not them," she said as she pointed over to Melanie. "But, uh, I know that Miss Goodwitch does wanna talk to you later, Jaune. In private."
That was ominous. But it was okay. Jaune wanted to talk to her too. There were some important things on his mind. Ones which did not involve why the woman likely wanted to speak to him.
Jaune still did not know how or why he had been able to heal Miltia the way he had. It had something to do with his Aura, that was all he did know. Was it maybe his Semblance? That was something he had never been able to discover in the past. Maybe Miss Goodwitch would know something about that. Maybe she would be able to help him. However... what would that woman want in return for her help?
As if reading his mind, Ruby spoke again. "Jaune... the night we all went to the docks. What happened?"
Before Jaune could respond, before he could even think, his train of thought was cut off. "Don't say anything, Jaune," Miltia said hurriedly.
The girl's grip on his hand tightened, and Jaune felt how she pressed her body up close to his. All the while Miltia looked past him and at Ruby, a dangerous glare in her eyes as she did so.
A glance over at Melanie showed that she had reacted in much the same way, only without the physical contact. It was obvious to everyone here that Ruby knew what must have happened. However, it also seemed obvious that no one could prove a thing. That was why nothing had happened. It was why no consequences had fallen upon him.
At least, no consequences from the law. His own mind and heart were different stories entirely.
Ruby looked genuine in her concern for him. "Jaune, I just wanna help you..."
"Fuck that," Melanie said this time. "Anything you say can be used against you or whatever. She's probably wearing a wire."
The younger girl's eyes widened in shock. "What? No! I would never do anything like that to Jaune. He's my friend."
Jaune knew that was the truth. He knew she meant nothing bad with her question for him. However at the same time, he didn't want to talk about it. At least not now. Not here.
"Uh huh, whatever," Miltia said defensively. "Maybe you should just like, show us our room and go away."
He wanted to refute his girlfriend's words, but he knew that she was just looking out for him in her own way. She was protecting him as she always did. Despite her behavior being less than friendly towards Ruby, he could hardly fault her for it. Miltia was a criminal who had seen firsthand what Jaune had done. Ruby was a huntress in training. It was only natural for Miltia to be suspicious.
Jaune wondered if that suspicion went both ways.
"We're almost there," Ruby replied.
Jaune was happy about that. Things had gotten suddenly tense between the girls, and he was sure that Ruby was as eager to get away from them as they were to get away from her. Having some time to relax and unwind in the privacy of their room would do wonders. After having lost so much the previous day, they all just needed a chance to rest. To know that they were safe. To be able to sleep without keeping watch for potential intruders.
The dormitory was surprisingly dull in comparison to everything else Jaune had seen at Beacon so far. A simple hallway lined on either side with doors was nothing compared to the tall towers and sprawling courtyard of the campus. Then again, what should have he expected? Sculptures of past heroes on pedestals? Doors with art sculpted into their wood? No, these were just living quarters. For teenagers. Warriors in training. There would be a priceless piece of work lost every week if the students here were anything like Ruby and Yang.
The redheaded girl stopped before one of the doors before turning back to the trio. "So, um, this is your room," she said as she motioned to it with a hand. She fished a few plastic cards from her pocket before handing them to the three teens. "These are temporary keycards. Miss Goodwitch said she'll be by in the morning to get the locks synced up to your scrolls. That's also when she wants to talk to you, Jaune..."
The boy nodded. So a morning meeting with the woman who kicked him out of Beacon was the first thing on his agenda tomorrow. He would have to mentally prepare himself to face her once again.
"Try it out," Ruby continued, and pointed over to the locking mechanism.
Jaune stepped forward and pressed the back of the card up against the panel. An audible click sounded a moment later, signaling that the door had been unlocked. Grabbing the handle, he pushed it open and stepped inside.
Flipping on a light switch, Jaune got his first glimpse of what he had missed out on. It was relatively quaint. Simple.
Four beds dominated most of the room's space. Obviously rooms like this were meant for full teams from Beacon Academy. Jaune's "team" consisted of only three, and he had his doubts that Junior would ever be allowed to step foot on the campus, much less spend his nights here.
Other than the beds, there was a bookshelf which was bare of any reading material. A small desk sat against one of the walls with only a small lamp occupying its surface. Heavy red curtains blocked what he assumed was a window. At this time of night it didn't matter that they were closed, and he had no desire to open them.
This could have been his life. Coming back to this place every day to study and do homework. To hang out with his teammates. To discuss all sorts of cool huntsman things. But it wasn't his life. He was here for his own safety. Because the actions of both he and his friends had placed targets on their backs. Because he had nowhere else to go but back home.
How could he ever go back home after all he had done? How could his family ever look at him the same way after all of the lies he had told and all of the crimes he had committed?
Jaune was stirred from his thoughts as Ruby spoke. "So... there's some beds," she said motioning to the furniture in question. "And some other stuff. Like a window. And a rug. Yup. There's the grand tour."
The room's humble appearance seemed even more so after Ruby's "tour". He couldn't help but smile at the thought.
"I guess I'll let you guys get settled in," she continued. Her gaze moved to focus on Jaune. "But call me if you need anything, okay?"
He nodded. "Yeah. I will."
Ruby smiled and returned the nod, and was about to head out. She was stopped in her tracks, however, when someone else spoke up.
"Mel, go with Ruby," Miltia said suddenly.
Melanie turned to eye her sister curiously. "What? Why?"
"Just... go get a tour of the rest of the campus or whatever," she replied. "Explore or something. 'Kay?"
For long moments Melanie looked suspiciously at the girl. Jaune was equally as suspicious about the request. Much to his shock, however, Melanie agreed. "Whatever," she breathed.
After dumping her bag on one of the beds, Melanie strutted towards the door. On her way out she grabbed Ruby by her cloak and began pulling her with.
"Hey!" the smaller girl protested, pulling them both to a stop. "What's going on?"
"Let's go, Ruby. We wouldn't want your virgin eyes to get spoiled, right?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Just gimmie the fucking tour already," she insisted.
"Okay, okay. Just as long as you tell me what's going on."
For a brief moment Melanie's eyes seemed to light up like festival lights. A mischievous grin curled on her lips, and she all too readily agreed to Ruby's request. "Deal."
In a matter of moments the two had left the room, shutting the door behind them and leaving Jaune and Miltia alone.
Jaune turned to look at the girl questioningly. "So what was that about? Don't you want to explo-"
He didn't have a chance to finish voicing his question before a pair of lips came crashing down upon his. Jaune's eyes were wide, caught off-guard as the girl before him hungrily claimed his mouth with her own. It took only seconds for her to push him up against the wall as her kiss with him deepened. Her lips were soft but powerful. Gentle, yet passionate.
Seconds seemed to last an eternity, and finally Miltia broke her kiss with him in order to speak. "You saved my life," she breathed heavily. "I'd be fucking dead if it wasn't for you."
She assaulted his lips again, and a paradoxical sensation of both pleasure and pain washed over his flesh as her teeth bit down on his lower lip before pulling away once more.
"And now I finally have you alone," she continued. A hungry expression dominated normally docile green eyes as she stared up at him. "I don't know what you did or how, but I remember how it felt. Even if I wasn't awake for it, I felt you inside me... and I'm not talking about your cock."
Her lips returned once more to his, and this time her mouth trailed down his cheek and neck, planting soft kisses on his flesh every step of the way. Jaune could feel her warm breath against his flesh every time her mouth separated from his skin. He felt how her hands squeezed down on his sides as she continued to pin him against the wall. How her nails dug into him like he would fly away should she let go.
"Mil, what-"
His whispered words were cut off once more by her. "I felt your Aura. Do you have any idea what that feels like? To have it touch mine? I feel so fucking close to you right now. I want you. I need you. I've had to hold back all day. But now? You're mine. You're all mine. And no one's gonna interfere."
A surprised gasp slipped through Jaune's lips as Miltia once more returned to his neck. The smallest amount of pressure and pain came as he felt her focus her pressure on one particular area of his skin. He was sure that there would be a very noticeable mark there after she was done with him. He was also sure that this was Miltia's intent. A visible sign to her sister that Jaune was hers and hers alone.
Hands which had been firmly holding onto him moved him away from the wall, and Jaune allowed himself to be led by the smaller girl. It came as a shock when those hands shoved against his chest and sent him sprawling back onto one of the beds. Miltia quickly followed up by straddling his hips and kissing him once more.
It became very clear why the girl had sent Melanie away. Jaune was no fool. He knew what was on the girl's mind. She was eager for this. Apparently she had been since yesterday when he had somehow used his Aura to save her life. Both Jaune's mind and body were eager for this as well.
Hands which had been idle from shock came up to wrap themselves around Miltia's body as she continued to take what she wanted from the boy. Not that he wasn't willing to give it to her anyway. Deciding that she couldn't have all the fun, those hands slipped down her back to cup her firm backside which was conveniently covered only by a short black skirt.
Giving her a gentle squeeze, Jaune felt and heard a soft squeak come from the girl's throat which had nowhere to go while her lips were still locked with his. The girl pulled back momentarily, giving him a sly and knowing smile. "Find something you like?"
He had. He liked every bit of her. Both inside and out. "Yup," he answered breathlessly.
Miltia ran her tongue across her lips, savoring the taste of the boy she seemingly couldn't get enough of. "I'm glad you like it." One of her hands slipped between Jaune and the mattress he sat on, giving him a tight squeeze in turn. "'Cause I like yours too."
She shoved him down so that he was prone on the bed, and came back down to kiss him once more. In this position it was surprising that she had no commented on the bulge that had formed directly beneath her. Wearing that skirt of hers, there was precious little standing between it and her.
"And stupid Melanie," she said. "I can still taste the fucking liquor on your lips. Looks like I gotta keep kissing you until the taste of her is gone."
It had been more than a day since Melanie had kissed him in gratitude for saving her sister's life. While Miltia may not have wanted to kill her twin over the action, it was obvious that she did not appreciate it. The fact that Miltia had grabbed hold of his hand and squeezed tightly on it at the thought of sharing him with her sister showed that Miltia was indeed the possessive type.
Jaune was not about to complain.
He had never seen Miltia be so aggressive before. Perhaps that was what a near-death experience did to a person. Maybe it made them act more and hesitate less. Whatever the case was... he would be lying if he said he did not like it.
This side of Miltia almost reminded him of Melanie. Or at least how he assumed she might act in this sort of... intimate situation. However, there was no doubting this was the younger of the twins. Melanie's hair could be cut shorter to match Miltia's. She could wear her sister's clothes. But as Miltia tore off her top, there was no doubting it was her. Not even the best designed lingerie could help Melanie match her sister's larger bust, currently being held back by a black lace bra.
She smiled down at him, and it seemed like the unrestrained lust which had once been at the forefront of her voice had been tempered by only slightly less passionate affection. "Besides, we totally have to break in our new bed, don't we?"
Jaune could not help but allow an amused smile so spread across his own lips. "Our bed?" he wondered.
"Mmhmm," she confirmed. "You think I wanna sleep alone again after sharing a bed with you? After cuddling with you?"
The feeling was mutual. After sharing a bed with her, after being as close as he had to Miltia before, the thought of literally sleeping next to her was a far more enticing one than sleeping alone. To have her wrapped in his arms, to have her face nuzzling against his chest, was something he had indeed missed the previous night at that seedy motel they had been forced to stay at while Ruby was still setting up their residence at Beacon. The last thing Jaune had wanted to do was flaunt his relationship with Miltia in front of Junior, who had also been there that night.
"Guess not," he agreed.
"Good," she whispered as she brought her face down to his once more.
The kiss which followed was tamer than before, but no less loving.
Melanie was very happy that she had given Miltia a literal handful of her condoms when they had grabbed their belongings this morning. She had said it before. She did not want to be an aunt.
As she walked through Beacon's halls with who was perhaps the last person she wanted to be with, Melanie cursed her stupid Semblance. For the second time in recent memory, she was feeling the sensation of her sister's stronger emotions. It wasn't that she could feel what Miltia was feeling at the moment. It wasn't as if she was only minutes away from an orgasm of her own. However, in the back of her mind, she knew that her sister was happy. That Miltia was having a pleasurable experience. She could feel the love. The passion. The care. All for that boy. It was just a feeling that was there. Like a memory that she knew was there, but could not quite grasp. That she could remember, but not focus on. It was like a sixth sense.
Melanie could not deny that she was just a little bit jealous about it all.
Normally in a combat situation it would prove very useful. She would be able to sense Miltia's intent, whether it was to attack, defend, or retreat. She could even know if there was somebody in her blind spot about to attack her, so long as Miltia was able to see the person. It was why they were able to coordinate their movements so well. Why they were able to communicate their intent with no words. They just simply knew what to do, as if it was pure instinct. It was why, save for one fight with a certain blonde bitch, they made such a powerful team.
But this? Knowing that her sister was getting screwed right now, that was a terrible side effect of their shared Semblance. Was this how Miltia felt every time Melanie herself was getting any action? Had Miltia silently suffered throughout the years, never commenting about her twin's sex life? Or perhaps she did not speak simply because there was no stronger emotion behind it. Because Melanie's partners were not people who she loved or cared about. They were tools. They were a means to an end. They were to be used for her pleasure before being cast aside.
Pleasure was not something she could say she was feeling right now. Well, not counting Miltia's own that she was sensing due to their twin empathy Semblance.
Glancing over to the company she shared, Melanie saw that Ruby was nervous. She was a shy and awkward little girl. Melanie had known that since the very first time they had spoken, when she had answered Jaune's scroll while he was busy taking a shower. Back then she had wondered who Ruby was. She had wondered what her relationship with Jaune was. To find out that she was an aspiring huntress had come with little surprise, considering what his dreams had been. But then to find out just what kind of a person she was, and that she of all people wanted to be a huntress, had been surprising.
Now she was stuck on a "tour" with the girl. Forced to spend even more time with the little brat, simply so her sister could get laid. Melanie decided then and there that she was the best big sister in the world. She was sacrificing her own happiness for Miltia's. She deserved it, after what had happened. The memory of the previous day was still strong with her. The thought of nearly losing Miltia sent chills through her body. It was a pity that the girl would never let her thank Jaune properly.
"...okay?"
Melanie was stirred from her thoughts as she heard the trail end of Ruby's question. She glanced over at the black and red-clad girl. "Huh?"
"I said, are you okay?" There seemed to be a genuine look of concern on the redhead's face.
She scoffed. "I'm fine. Let's just see what this stupid place has."
Ruby frowned, but nodded. Melanie figured that she probably didn't care for this school being referred to as "stupid". Ruby had made clear her passion for being a huntress. This school was her life.
There was relative silence as the two made their way through the dormitory and back outside. Then again there probably wasn't much left to say about the place. Melanie wondered what sights the girl would show her on this little "tour" she was taking. Truthfully, she wanted nothing more than to get away from the idealistic little kid, but going back to her new home was out of the question. At least it would be for the next hour or so. Then again, she had no idea how long the boy would last. He was still new to the game, after all.
Stepping back out into the open, Melanie could not help but appreciate the fact that the place was quite beautiful. This was a far cry from the cramped buildings and large crowds of downtown Vale. There was so much open space here. There were rows of trees strategically placed along the walkways to offer shade during the day. Dust lamps illuminated the darkness. There was no fear of being mugged or accosted in the night. No, here there were only students and teachers of Beacon Academy. Good and honest people who had chosen the life of being loyal lapdogs to Vale's council. People who lived a facade of being defenders of humanity. Melanie knew better. These people were little better than wolves in sheep's clothing. At least she was honest about who she was.
Melanie was brought back to reality when Ruby spoke once more. "So... that's the cafeteria," she said pointing to one of the buildings in the distance.
In the evening it looked like any other building, save for that huge tower which dominated the landscape. Melanie hummed noncommittally. However, at least she knew where to get some food now, and would not have to live out of a vending machine. She wondered if the cafeteria served pumpkin spice lattes.
"And that's the library," Ruby continued, pointing to another of the buildings. "For, you know. Books and stuff."
That was a place Melanie would not be visiting. She didn't care about books. She wasn't here to learn. Then again, if this place did want to train her to be a better fighter, that was something she could get behind. Any new skills she could take back with her to the streets would be worth the time and effort.
"And we were just at the dorms. So... yeah. There's other places too. Classrooms. Training rooms. But at this hour they're all closed. 'Cause, you know. Class isn't in session."
This girl talked a lot for someone who was obviously nervous. Maybe it was just nervous babbling? Melanie didn't know. She didn't have that problem. She said what she wanted to say, and felt no regret or shame afterward. The idea of being shy was totally foreign to her. Not even Miltia was actually shy. Sure, she was quieter than Melanie. She had more of a filter when it came to her words and actions, but Miltia too would say and do what she wanted when the situation presented itself.
After all, she had taken Jaune to bed a few nights ago. A shy girl did not make a move like that.
"So what do you do for fun around here?" Melanie asked.
"Oh. Well, aside from just hanging out with friends and stuff, there's training. And studying. Learning all about new weapons and Grimm and fighting styles. How cool is that!"
The girl seemed to build up some enthusiasm with her answer. To Melanie the response was a rather disappointing one. To Ruby, however, the idea of studying weapons and combat was exciting. What a strange girl.
Melanie hummed. "Whatever."
Ruby frowned again, and her face turned to stare at the ground. For a few moments they continued on in silence before the redhead spoke again. "Oh!" she said suddenly. "And we go out to Vale sometimes. I know that's probably more of the kind of thing you're used to. Like, going out to eat. Or see a movie. Or a club..."
The way Ruby trailed off made it seem like she had just touched on some sort of taboo topic. Like she remembered the fact that Junior's club had just been bombed a couple days ago. Like somehow mentioning it would set Melanie off and remind her that it happened. As if she needed the reminder. It wasn't like she was about to forget. It wasn't like Ruby mentioning it would be what brought back horrible memories.
Melanie took the comment in stride. "So you actually do cool shit around here?"
Ruby shrugged lightly. "I, uh, guess. Yeah. We do normal people stuff too. Like any other teenagers. Not everyone's a super weapon freak like me."
There was a twinge of embarrassment in the girl's voice. Like she was admitting to the fact that she did not consider herself to be normal. Like she was saying that Melanie herself was normal. If only Ruby knew the truth. Both Melanie and her sister were anything but normal. They had more in common with the aspiring huntress that she would ever care to admit.
"Uh huh," the older girl offered noncommittally.
Silence once more fell over the pair as they walked. This was painful. She wanted nothing more than to end the suffering of having to put up with this girl. She did not want to be entertained by Ruby. And she was fairly certain that Ruby did not want to be her escort right now. So why should they both have to put up with a situation they did not want?
Not being one to shy away from a confrontation, Melanie decided to get the ball rolling. "You don't have to actually like, show me around," she told the girl.
Ruby looked over to her. "Huh?"
"I'm a big girl," she explained. "I'm totally fine on my own. Go home. Or wherever it is you live here."
"But what about you?"
Melanie rolled her eyes. "Like I said, totes fine on my own. I think I can find my way back to the dorm later tonight."
"Oh," Ruby said simply. She almost sounded disappointed. Like she had just been rejected. Maybe this whole situation wasn't as painful for her as it was for Melanie. "Uh, why did your sister make you go alone? Or with me. I guess that's not alone then, right?"
That's right. Ruby had said that she wanted to know what was going on, back when she had been dragged from the dorm room. Well, no time like the present.
"Oh, that?" Melanie said. That tingling in the back of her mind was still there. Her sister felt happy. Warm. Loved. The positivity made Melanie smile genuinely. What she was about to say next made her smirk mischievously. "They'll be busy for a while."
Ruby gave her a curious glance. "Why?"
"Miltia and Jaune are fucking."
Silver eyes widened, and Ruby's mouth moved silently a few times before finally sputtering out a sentence fragment. "They- what?"
"They're fucking," she repeated happily. "Screwing. Banging. Boning. Whatever you wanna call it." She took an index finger and began thrusting it in and out of a circle she had made with her thumb and finger on her other hand. "Get it?"
"I know what sex is!" Ruby shouted. Those eyes widened again before she covered her mouth with her hands. When they lowered she spoke her next words in a hushed whisper. "I know what sex is," she said again.
Oh how precious. This Ruby girl was so innocent, but she wanted so badly to prove that she was old and mature. Of course she knew what sex was. Who didn't? Ruby had probably gotten some stupid little talk when she was younger about birds and bees from her mother. Maybe even from her sister. It had probably also been some dumb, convoluted lesson that began with "when two people love each other very much..."
"Of course you do," Melanie smiled innocently. "I'm sure you know all about sex, don't you? Has the little rose been deflowered?"
It took a moment. However, a look of realization finally crossed Ruby's face before she spoke once more. "What? No! I'm fifteen!"
"So?"
That nonchalant response seemingly caught the girl off yet again. And again, a voice which had only moments ago shouted in protest had been reduced to a soft murmur. "So wait. Does that mean when you were fifteen..." Ruby's question trailed off without voicing its actual query.
Yes. "I dunno," Melanie said instead, her shoulders shrugging slightly. "You really wanna know?"
Those silver eyes couldn't meet hers, and instead looked to the ground when Ruby shook her head. "No. That's okay..."
"Figured."
Maybe now Ruby would be uncomfortable enough to want to leave her alone. Or maybe not. Now that Melanie knew she could have so much fun screwing with the girl over topics that were so casual to her, she might not mind spending a little more time with the kid. And really, that's what she was. Ruby had said so herself. She was fifteen. Younger than any other student here at Beacon Academy. Younger than Melanie and her sister. And far, far less experienced in so many facets of life. Ruby may have been a superior warrior, but that was only one aspect that made up a person.
There was some potential fun to be had here.
What better revenge on the blonde bitch than getting to her through her precious little sister?
"Mr. Arc!"
It felt like it was the second or third time he had heard those words. But then why did it also only seem like he had heard them for the first time?
Jaune's eyes peeled open to reveal an unfamiliar ceiling. On his chest he felt a familiar warm weight. And in his ears, he heard a vaguely familiar voice scream once more.
"Mr. Arc!"
His head came up from the pillow, and instantly his eyes widened in shock and horror.
Glynda Goodwitch was standing there in the doorway.
A glance down and to his left saw that Miltia was stirring from her favorite position. When the girl had said that he and his chest made an excellent pillow, it seemed that she had not been exaggerating. That was how he remembered falling asleep the night before. After another night of passionate love with his girlfriend, she had pressed herself against his body, throwing an arm around his body and resting her head against his chest and shoulder. Sleep had come easily once more. He could not remember any dreams, but at least there had been no nightmares.
Well, at least not until now.
Sitting upright, he realized that Glynda Goodwitch was getting an eyeful of his bare chest. Thankfully she could not see under the covers.
Unfortunately for Miltia, her exposed torso revealed far more than a man's when she too sat up.
"Mr. Arc, Ms. Malachite," the teacher whispered through gritted teeth. "Please, put some clothes on."
"Ugh, the fuck is all the noise for," a new voice said groggily.
A look to the other occupied bed saw that Melanie was awake now as well. She, unlike Jaune and Miltia, was in fact wearing her night attire. It was actually a little bit funny how the most shameless of the trio was the only one currently covering any of her shame.
Glynda sighed. "At least one of you has the sense to wear something to bed. And to not share a bed."
Stifling a yawn, the girl looked over to her sister and Jaune. "Yeah, well. A three-way with my sister isn't my kinda thing. And she doesn't wanna share."
"I don't care, Ms. Malachite," she said sternly.
"I didn't say anything," Miltia protested.
"The other Ms. Malachite!"
"Oh fuck me this is gonna be confusing," Melanie moaned.
The crack of a riding crop gained all three of the teen's attention. Green eyes burned with anger and frustration as they looked over the trio. "Mr. Arc. Get out of bed, put something on, and come to my office. Now."
The woman did not waste another moment standing in the room. She probably also did not want to see a presumably naked Jaune stepping out of bed. The door, bathed in purple light, slammed behind her without even touching it.
Utter embarrassment crept onto Jaune's face now that she was gone. Yeah. He had just been caught in bed with his girlfriend. By a teacher. At school. Could this day start off any worse?
"We totally have to get you one of those whip thingies," Melanie said.
Jaune shot her a glare. Miltia on the other hand did not.
That was concerning.
However there was no time to worry about that right now. He had a morning meeting with Glynda that he totally forgot about. He wasn't used to getting up this early at the club. Making the girls and Junior breakfast was one thing. But morning meetings and classes? That was something he wasn't in the habit of doing.
Jaune had begun moving to get out of bed, only to realize that Miltia was not the only other person in the room with him. He would really need to not sleep naked anymore after he and Miltia did things together.
He looked over to Melanie, and was thankful that she had actually remembered to put something on before bed. "Hey, uh, Mel?"
"Hmm?"
"Can you look away while I get dressed?"
The girl frowned. "Why?"
"Because I'm kinda not wearing anything right now."
"So... what you're telling me is to turn down a free show?"
Jaune ground his teeth together. Was this what it felt like to be Glynda this morning? "It'd just be kinda awkward if you saw me naked."
"Why? You've seen me."
His eyes narrowed. "What? No I haven't." Those eyes then darted over to Miltia to gauge her reaction to the statement. There was no suspicion of confusion in her eyes. That was good.
"Dude, twins," Melanie said as she pointed to herself and Miltia. "You've already seen my sister. Same face as me."
That was true. Jaune had never thought about it that way. He had seen one of the identical twins naked. That meant he had seen Melanie as well, in some weird, twisted sort of way. Even if he actually hadn't. He could fully imagine what the other girl must have looked like.
"I mean, yeah Mil's got bigger tits," Melanie continued. "But I've got a much sweeter ass. Comes from years of leg work."
"Okay, no," Jaune said. "How are we even having this conversation right now? Can you just... turn away? I really gotta go."
Melanie sighed. "Oh my gods, you're such a prude." The girl stood from her bed and began making her way to the bathroom. "Fine. Here, I'll go and take a shower. I won't see your little boy bits. Happy?"
He'd be happier if she didn't call them little. Or bits. However, right now he would take any victory he could get. "Yeah. Sounds good."
When Melanie reached the door she turned, giving him a tiny wink. "Remember. I'll be naked in there. Just in case you wanna imagine it."
The door closed a moment later, leaving Jaune and Miltia to deal with the aftermath. The survivors left in Hurricane Melanie's wake.
Jaune's head hung down dejectedly. "We have to share a room with that." He heard Miltia hum softly beside him. Looking over to the girl, she did not seem upset at all. "But I guess you're used to being around her."
"Mmhmm."
"And you're not... mad about the stuff she was saying?"
Miltia tilted her head slightly. "Why would I be mad?"
"Wasn't she kind of hitting on me?"
She shook her head this time. "Nah. That was all just fun for her. If she was hitting on you... you'd totally know it."
Jaune hummed this time. She was probably right. Subtlety and Melanie did not mix. If Melanie was truly interested in him then she probably would have shoved her tongue down his throat first, and gotten his permission to do it afterward.
"Would you have a problem with it then?"
She shrugged. "I dunno. Maybe. But really, she can talk all she wants. Remember what I told you last night?"
He smiled. "You said a lot of things last night."
"Whatever. But the most important thing was..." She paused before grabbing Jaune by the arm and pulling him over to her. "You're mine."
Jaune let himself be pulled closer to her. He did indeed enjoy this new possessive Miltia. A part of him wanted to escalate things, but Melanie's presence in the shower next to them was the lesser concern on his mind. He had to see Miss Goodwitch. As soon as possible.
Maybe the fact that Miltia had spent another night with him had curbed any potential jealousy or insecurity she may have felt. Maybe that was why she was acting differently now compared to only yesterday. Because he was hers, and she knew it.
Reluctantly, he pulled himself away from the girl. "But I gotta go now."
"I know. But, like, hurry back. I so do not want to talk to Mel about my sex life... again."
Jaune nodded, and stood up. Walking over to the suitcase he had not had time to unpack, he began pulling out clothes to wear for his meeting. He could feel a pair of eyes watching his every movement. This must have been how Miltia felt when she had gotten dressed the morning after their first time.
"Enjoying the view?" he asked her.
"Mmhmm."
"Well, sorry," he said as he slid his blue jeans up. "Duty calls."
"Just remember you don't owe these people anything," she said softly. "They're the ones who kicked you out."
He hadn't been serious when he had said it was his duty to speak to Glynda. "I know. I just wanna see what she wants."
"We can totally find another place if we have to. Don't, like, let her make you do stuff you don't want to. Or say stuff."
He knew exactly what the girl meant. Admitting to his guilt for his actions at the docks. Admitting that he had committed more than his fair share of violence while working for Junior. Even if it had been against a terrorist group. His actions were still illegal.
Sitting down on the bed and sliding a pair of socks on, he looked to her. "Yeah."
Miltia was still undressed. Jaune wanted nothing more than to stay and enjoy a view of his own. In the end he settled for reaching over and placing a kiss on the girl's lips.
"I'll be back," he said as he stood.
She nodded in response.
After getting his boots on, Jaune stepped out of the room and closed the door.
As he walked through the hall he could not help but feel his heart racing. He remembered the last time he had been called to visit Glynda's office. That was the morning that his dreams had been shattered. Now he was once more going to see the woman. He had an inkling of what she wanted. The truth. Justice. All of that. But was there really all there was too it? Had she really agreed to house both him and the twins just so she could get the truth out of him? It made no sense. He supposed there was only one way to find out.
The school's campus was surprisingly empty. At this hour most of the students were probably in class. He wondered just how he would be spending his time at Beacon. Ruby had mentioned something about attending classes. Was he supposed to have done that today, but it was messed up by him oversleeping? Or did the meeting with the teacher have to come first?
He didn't know. Just another question that he hoped would be answered by seeing Glynda.
Despite not having been here in months, he remembered the way to her office. It was hard to forget after experiencing such a letdown. Beacon's main building had more than just a massive tower to its name. It also housed all of the administration buildings. Teacher's offices. Including Glynda's. This place, along with the dorms, was one of the two buildings he had actually been in.
When he arrived he was hesitant to knock. The bad memories continued to flood his mind. What if more bad things happened again? What if even worse things resulted from this meeting with the woman?
Jaune shook his head. No, he would not be afraid. He had dealt with far worse opponents than a mere teacher. He had experienced far worse trauma than merely speaking to a person. And so he knocked on the door.
It took a few seconds, but the door opened, revealing the tall and intimidating woman. "Please, take a seat," she said as she stepped aside and gestured to the chair before her desk.
It was déjà vu. Just like the morning of initiation. The only difference was back then he had no idea why he might have been called to a professor's office. This time he knew all too well. Or at least suspected.
The room was just as he remembered it. Plain. No real decoration other than what Beacon itself had provided. No pictures on the desk. No personal little knick knacks. Nothing that really screamed that this was the office of Glynda Goodwitch, and no one else. It did not surprise Jaune in the slightest that the stern and professional teacher did not care for such personal touches.
Jaune sat down, his suddenly cold and sweaty hands folded in his lap. "So... you wanted to talk about something."
Glynda folded her hands neatly upon her desk in turn. "Yes, Mr. Arc. I am going to cut straight to the point. I am concerned about you."
Concerned? That was the last thing he had expected to hear from the teacher. He was sure that his face betrayed that surprise the moment she uttered the words.
"What? Why?"
Her gaze did not waver as she continued. "Since leaving Beacon, it has come to my attention that you have fallen in with a rather rough crowd. To put it bluntly, the company you have chosen to surround yourself with are criminals. I'm sure you have figured that out for yourself by now."
He had. He had done that a long time ago. Yet there was more to them than just that. Just as there must have been more to Glynda Goodwitch than merely being a teacher. Or a huntress. He didn't know what those other sides to her were, but surely they existed. Even if her students could not see any of them.
"But they're not bad people," he argued. "They're actually really good people if you look deeper. They took me in. The helped me when no one else would."
There was a trace of bitterness in his voice with those last words. Yes, he was blaming her for kicking him out of Beacon. Even though he knew he had been in the wrong for forging his transcripts, he still felt he deserved a chance. He still resented Miss Goodwitch despite the fact that she had only done her job. Maybe it was wrong of him to do so, but feelings were rarely rational.
"Yes, I've seen just how deeply you know these girls," she commented. "Please know, Mr. Arc, that your tenure here at Beacon Academy is not so that you may turn it into your own personal love nest."
Jaune looked away, embarrassed at the memory from earlier. Yes, he and Miltia would have to be a little more discreet if they wished to engage in those sorts of activities again. They weren't at the club anymore. Privacy was merely an illusion here at Beacon Academy.
"However, that is one reason I did agree to allow you and those two girls to stay here," she continued. "As an educator, as well as a huntress, it is both my hope and my duty to help shape the minds of young people for the better. To aid them in becoming productive members of society, as well as warriors who will help protect and better humanity. I see in you a mistake that I had a part in creating. I wish to correct that mistake."
A mistake. She had just referred to him as a mistake. Or at least what he had become. Was she right?
Jaune wanted to take offense to the comment, but inside he could not help feel that she was right. She was also apparently shouldering some of the blame for what he had turned into. What he had done. A man was dead. He had beaten and maimed many others. He did work for a criminal. From any other perspective other than his own, he might as well have been a criminal. Only Jaune himself knew that his intentions had been pure all along. That all of the bad things he had done were done with the goal of helping others.
Glynda frowned. "Those girls," she said. "How old are they? Eighteen? Nineteen?"
"Something like that," he answered. Truthfully he had never even asked. He knew they were around his age, but he never had a reason to ask. Plus, he knew not to ask a woman their age. Did that rule even apply to teenagers?
Jaune wondered if Miltia was in fact older than him. He would have to think of a way to ask that would not offend her.
"In them I see mistakes as well. Girls who were robbed of the chance to live normal lives. Raised to be weapons by a criminal." There was clear disgust in her voice when she spoke those words. "By a former huntsman who abandoned his duty out of his own sense of greed."
Was that what Glynda thought? If so she couldn't be further from the truth. She didn't know the real story. "Junior didn't do that," he argued. "He saved them when they had nowhere else to go."
"Oh? Is that the story he fed you? And you believed him?"
Why would he lie? There was no reason to make up something like that. Junior made no excuses for what he did for a living. He did not hide who he was. It would make no sense to invent how Miltia and Melanie had come into his life.
However, Jaune was not about to share the story with Glynda. It wasn't his to tell. If either of the girls wanted to share their tragedy with the woman, it was up to them. Not him.
"I believe him," he confirmed. "Because he took me in too after you kicked me out."
Jaune felt a hollowness in his stomach as he said those escalating words. He felt his face burn a little bit. With those words he had all but thrown down the gauntlet to the woman across from him. If there was going to be a confrontation, now would be the time it exploded.
Glynda, however, maintained her cool. If he had caused any anger in her, she did not show it. "So he did," she agreed. There was an icy edge to her voice. "And where has it gotten you? A dead man at the docks. A nightclub destroyed from a terrorist bombing. And who knows what else you have done that I am unaware of? You've certainly come a long way under his guidance, Mr. Arc."
The words stung. They stung because they were the truth.
"However, contrary to what you might believe, I am not here to punish you," she continued. "I believe that you have been punishing yourself quite a bit on your own since the incident at the docks. I believe that because I know that in your heart you are a good person. One who is in need of proper guidance. One who is in need of help. And make no mistake about it, I do wish to help both you and those girls. That is why you are here at Beacon today."
She wanted to help him? How could she possibly do that? Even if she did know what he had done, what could she do to help?
Only one way to find out. "How?"
"By providing you with the tools to help yourselves. Make no mistake, I cannot force you or those girls to do anything. I cannot force any of my students to act a certain way. To believe in my ideals. To view the world the same way I do. All I can do is offer an opportunity for those under my watch to help themselves. And to provide guidance along the way. The rest will be up to them. The rest, Mr. Arc, is up to you."
So that was it. She did not wish to force him into a confession and hand him over to the authorities. She wanted to help him. Was it really that simple? Was that really all she was after?
"So..." he started uneasily. He had to make sure he phrased it in a way that was not a confession. Miss Goodwitch had nothing on him. No evidence. Only suspicion. Even if she was absolutely correct in that suspicion. "Let's say someone did... kill someone," he said softly. "How would you help them?"
Those green eyes of hers seemed to soften. Even if only slightly. "By talking to them about it. By having them speak to those who have suffered through the very same experiences. Huntsmen and huntresses do not only slay the creatures of Grimm. They also fight other people when the situation demands it. Sometimes those battles may only end in one way."
One way. The death of one of the combatants. Yeah, that made sense. That had to be one of the reasons Beacon's curriculum had an entire course dedicated to combat with other students. To train them to fight other humans. Other huntsmen.
Maybe even rogue huntsmen like Junior.
"So there are teachers here who have killed people before?" he wondered.
Glynda nodded her head grimly. "Unfortunately, yes. It is a hard, but necessary part of being a huntsman. Not all people are good. Not all of them want to be helped. It is why I hope that I may help both you and those girls before you fall too deeply into a pit of darkness that you cannot find your way out of. Where someday you might find yourself facing off against one of my students. I guarantee you, Jaune, that you would be on the losing end of such an engagement."
The words were chilling. Even more so because she had called him by his first name. She was very serious about what she had just said. She was obviously trying her very best to get through to him.
"Miss Rose and her friends may have been at the docks as well, but they fortunately did not have to take any lives. She may be your friend, but she does not know what you are experiencing." Glynda was making it no secret that she knew the truth. She was not even trying to play along with the act anymore. "The only way you're going to get through this is if you let yourself be helped. And no one can help you until you're willing to be open and honest about it."
She was probably right. What good was a therapist if you wouldn't tell them what was bothering you? How could they ever try to help find a way to overcome the issue? Lying about this would do him no good. Still, he did not feel like sharing it with her. At least not yet. At least not until he was certain he could trust her.
There was, however, something that he did wish to discuss with her. Something that had happened a lot more recently. He hoped that she would not mind the sudden shift in topics.
"So..." he began. "I saved someone's life the other day." Glynda's eyes showed interest as her head tilted slightly. "I think I unlocked my Semblance."
Author's Note: So it happened again! There's an awesome guy named Aetheling who took it upon himself to write a fic called Pumpkin Spice, which is based off of this story. Go check it out, as well as his other fics. My thanks go out to him for the kind gesture.
As for this story, I've said this before in a one-shot I wrote called My Hero. Aura is a manifestation of the soul. When Jaune healed Weiss, his soul touched hers. Same thing in this story where he healed Miltia. That has to be a very close and intimate experience. Probably on a level we can't even conceive of. I don't know how or if it's going to be addressed in the show, but here I made it so Miltia feels a lot closer to Jaune.
Anyway, as always my thanks go out to everyone for reading, reviewing, all that good stuff. I truly appreciate all the support.
I hope you enjoyed the chapter.