Roman paced around his little base of operations. Forget all the dust he had in this warehouse, forget the botched job, forget that fire bitch. He had no clue where Neo was and how she was holding up. He knew the kid wouldn't let her die, his behavior at the docks and their relationship with each other was enough of an indication. Yet the phone call from earlier wasn't helping with his worries. He cared for Neo, and she was also his ticket out of sticky situations. If Cinder were to come by now, he'd-

He felt a chill down his spine as he heard the distinct echo of heels approaching. He reached into his jacket for a cigar and almost fumbled with his lighter as he struggled to light it. He turned around, prepared to face the music but relaxed when he realized it was one of Cinder's brats.

Irritation soon took over.

"Look, I know you little rascals are an extension of the boss lady, but I'm afraid your presence is nothing but a nuisance at the moment." He puffed out a cloud as he tried to dismiss the brats. "So why don't you make yourselves useful and bother somebody else."

"Cinder wishes to see you," the street rat with heels said. "In regards to the incident last night-"

"Here's something to help you realize I couldn't care less about that right now. If she wishes to speak with me, then she can-"

"I can what, exactly?" Cinder's voice drawled with venom as she walked up to him from behind. Roman cursed to himself in his head, how did she sneak up on him like this? Cinder walked past him and kept her back facing him as she approached the rat. "Please, enlighten me, dear Roman."

Roman's anger grew. She knew about Neo somehow, and was standing there mocking him. Cinder held a cone with three distinct scoops of ice cream in her hand, occasionally licking a good amount of it. Any ordinary man would've been seduced by her at this point. And ordinary men in this world were dead men.

"Ah, I... just preferred for our business to proceed as it usually would through scroll. Much more convenient rather than making you travel all over the place, wouldn't you say?"

"Your success at these jobs I've assigned you are what I care about, Roman, not traveling a few miles to discuss business with my trusted associate." She twirled her cone of ice cream as if it were a glass of wine. "Much to my surprise, I hear everything went wrong. Not because of Beacon or the authorities, but some mishandled dust giving away your cover?"

"I can assure you that the animals I've been bundled with are responsible for that farce. Some kid showed up with some hi-tech weaponry and the idiots panicked, setting off the dust."

"That doesn't change the fact a professional such as yourself had his master plan foiled by a mere child." She indulged herself in her treat before eyeing it like a precious gem. "Which reminds me, where is that little monster of yours? With all the chaos, you'd be best off with her by your side, no?"

She was fishing for info, which was never a good sign. He couldn't offer anything that'd make sense though, and there was no doubt she sensed his fear. The animals were at fault for the robbery, he could just pin this in them, but Neo was another case entirely. Far more significant. He wasn't sure if the kid would be so forgiving for the failed attempt at capturing him. He even knows Cinder wishes to speak with him.

"Her status is a more pressing concern, unfortunately." Roman admitted. "You remember my contact from Beacon, Jaune Arc? He was partly responsible for everything going up in flames, and since we both share the desire to speak with him, I sent her to retrieve him."

"And her absence and your pacing seem to suggest it didn't go well. Is she alive?" He nodded. She absentmindedly twirled her cone again. The way she kept playing with it irritated him. "Flames, hm? Dear Roman, have I ever gone over why I'm so fond of fire?"

Roman wasn't sure where she was going with this, but knew she was going to continue regardless.

"It's powerful. It intends to spread and burn down anything in its way without discrimination. It's natural, far more fair than people. If fire were to burn an orphanage down, it'd kill everyone inside without hesitation, unbiased, without any hints of discrimination. Now if an insane man were to kill the helpless children, he'd have some asinine, redundant reason for doing so. Revenge perhaps, or to make a message they devoted themselves to..."

A puddle of mixed colors began to form below her hand. The ice cream began to melt at an unnatural rate as some strands of steam rose. She dropped the cone to the ground, a gesture that would've made Neo go ballistic. The dark smile on Cinder's face would've made her just as hesitant as he was to do anything though.

"Speaking of devoted fools, what is the status of the other little assignment I gave you?"

"We had to step in for that," the attention-seeking brat said. "Em and I took care of it this afternoon. He had a packed bag and his passport ready to go for a trip to Vacuo."

"And why was this not taken care of by you?" Cinder directed her attention towards him. Damn that brat, his plate was already full of unpleasantries. "Actually, no. Mercury, Emerald... did I say you were free to go off on your own like that? You two are capable but still inexperienced for this specifically."

"Ma'am, I can assure you-"

"Silence, child." Cinder raised a hand and sauntered over to the rat. She braced herself, probably preparing to be smacked. Instead, Cinder messed with the rat's bangs. "What if the authorities had arrived? It wouldn't do having you two captured before the plan is complete." Her tone flared. "You will not act out of turn again, am I understood?"

"Yes..."

"Good girl. Now then, go and take care of the next phase." The rat eagerly ran off with the boy following. "Now Roman... I have a proposal for you."

Roman's skin paled.


"About a decade ago," Professor Port recalled. "I was just beginning to teach here at Beacon, but felt as though I had lost my touch. So I thought a trip to Mistral could reinvigorate my resolve as a Huntsman after the semester was completed. It was one of the best trips I'd been on, traveling between villages, handling tasks to aid anyone I met along the way. Even met a nice lady at this one tavern..."

Blake sat opposite of him with her hands cupped, patiently listening as the professor told his story. He caught himself though, which was odd.

"Ah, you don't really need those details, now do you?" The man sighed heavily. "Apologies, Miss Belladonna. This is a bit more of a heavy topic. I won't be sparing any details."

"I understand, professor."

He twirled his mustache and continued. "During my travels, I came across a small village called Reverie. Nothing too out of the ordinary, just a remote village getting by. However, when I arrived, I found out how wrong I was the hard way. A wave of Grimm were approaching the village, and this was apparently unheard of for them. I soon deduced the reason why there was an attack, sadly."

"Sadly?"

His gaze softened. "I hate to be a broken record, but this may be a bit difficult to listen to, Miss Belladonna. There's a reason why I don't get into it with first years unless they're certain they wish to hear of it."

Why first years...? Well, she'd find out soon enough.

"Please continue."

He stood up from his chair and turned his back towards her. He crossed his hands behind his back and gazed out the window.

"A young team of Huntsmen had arrived. From my research, I found out the team was fresh from their graduation. Talented, but far too inexperienced. They had an extermination job for a nest, but retreated to the village when they were overwhelmed."

"They lured the Grimm to Reverie..."

"Indeed. They were all fighters though. Powerful, but not very resourceful. They refused to listen to any of my orders or suggestions and held off the Grimm. I had to evacuate as many people as I could by myself, which was difficult. The team... they managed to fend off the Grimm, but gave no attention towards the rescue aspect of being a Huntsman. Their explosives blew up walls, allowing Grimm to enter. Their semblances were flashy, suited for sport, not practicality. And they wore themselves down by the time I came back."

"They were all careless. Not only were they the cause of the fall, but..."

"Not on purpose, of course. But their recklessness was their own downfall. I returned to assist them, but two were already dead and the remaining two were on their last leg. I wasn't going to outrun the hordes at this point, and chose to stand my ground until reinforcements came."

The professor sat back down, and rested his hands on his desk.

"Battered, bruised... I hacked away and shot at any incoming threats. Not once did I wonder why I was defending such foolish children, nor did I even consider running to save myself without them slowing me down. I was on the verge of death, and yet a miracle happened. I was saved as well. A pair of veteran Huntsmen rescued us before helping us escape."

The professor rolled up his sleeve, revealing a hideous scar that ran along his entire forearm.

"This is a constant reminder of that day. And the only trophy I brought back, if I can even call it that."

Jaune's village was overrun because of a careless team of young Huntsmen? It earned no sympathy from her. At least, not yet. She couldn't forgive what he has done, nor did she believe it justified that mindset of his. And yet, just how much did he lose that day?

"I'll never forget those children I escorted to safety though." The professor sighed again, contemplating. "This one boy was crying and the girl with him was doing her best to comfort the young lad. Quite a spunky one that young lass was... It was heartwarming, but the implications along with the sight dawned on me during the aftermath. Events like these aren't documented well, so I couldn't check for records of casualties or anything of the sort. Jaune certainly has grown though."

Blake's reaction almost made the professor chuckle.

"Surprised I knew? Well, I must say I wasn't sure what to make of it at first. When we met during initiation, I thought of him as just a fan. But when the two of us went out on a hunt with Miss Nikos, I noticed the emblem on his shield along with that blade of his. A simple broadsword used that day when Reverie fell."

"Jaune wielded it?"

"No actually, the girl did. I don't think it was his sister, since they didn't look alike. I don't think I wish to know the answer to that, especially if it means I'd remind him of that day."

Ashlynn...

"When I remembered the boy, I chose not to ask him about the incident. Should he feel the need to consult with someone, I'm sure he'd eventually come to me or even Miss Nikos." The professor smiled. "But with a teammate like you, I'm sure he wouldn't have to worry."

"M-me?"

"Indeed, young lass. Isn't that why you came to me in the first place? To learn more about him?" He held up his hand. "I'm sure you've noticed there's something wrong with the boy. He's built quite the reputation among his peers and my colleagues. And yet, I don't wish to confront him. All I see is the young boy I once saved, and don't wish to take away the hero that saved him."

"Professor..."

"Now you know, lass. I'm not sure what this can do, but it goes without saying this is a very sensitive topic for him. Anything relating to it may make or break your chances with this."

The professor cared for Jaune, there was no doubt about that. Maybe that could be used to her advantage should the situation call for it. For some reason, playing the Ashlynn card didn't sit well with her, even though this was about Jaune.

"Thank you for this professor. I'll do what I can for him."

She wasn't sure how much she meant those words.

"Of course. And lass?" he called out. "If he does ever tell you about the girl's fate, could you tell me? I... All these years I wondered what happened to those I've saved from different occasions. To see one of the children I rescued all grown up, it... makes me fear for the others."

"I will, professor."

She didn't have the heart to tell him yet. That Ashlynn... was already gone.


When I'm down, Jaune, I usually remind myself of my resolve. Yes, I've endured a lot as well. But my pain is different from yours, so I wouldn't know how to properly cope with what you've been through. I can assure you however, that I do know what it's like to be helpless. I am intimate with the drive to make a difference. So come, will you assist me in making my dream a reality?

Just imagine what we can do to this world. With just our heads together and a few movements of the pieces before us, we can make a grand difference to how this world operates. Trust me Jaune, I'll do anything to affirm my beliefs.

I wouldn't have killed for you if that weren't the case.


Jaune held his blade in his hands, stroking the metal with a morbid look in his eyes. Why did he even continue? It was enough when he lost Ashlynn, the one he could rely on but... Why did losing Velvet hurt just as much? He didn't even want to get into Pure. What good was it to feel horrible about losing something you never even had? He continued to contemplate with tired eyes.

Maybe... he was going about this wrong? Ashlynn didn't really teach him how to maintain relationships with others. All he ever needed was her for that specifically. Sure, he knew more about a person than they knew about themselves, but what good would that do him if he can't find anything truly genuine with anyone else?

Perhaps that's how she always felt... She probably knew a day like this would come for either of them. That's why... the end would be when he was truly liberated. Why did that depress him all of a sudden? He found the resolve to follow through with Ashlynn's will all that time ago. So why... Why was he doubting himself?

"Jaune...?"

He turned to find the source of that angelic voice. Something pooled within him when he saw those familiar, kind emerald eyes. He stepped closer towards Pure, almost as if he were being pulled in. Actually... how fitting considering she was using her semblance by the looks of it.

"Listen!" she wailed. "I..." Her face flushed. "I know things are a bit awkward between us right now, but I just wanted to let you know... that I..."

"Pyrrha, I-"

"It's Pure! I loved-" she coughed. "I... was much happier when you addressed me as such. Jaune, when we first met, did you notice I was rather stiff with Weiss?" He rolled his eyes. "Yes, I know you're rather keen with that sort of stuff. The thing is, you're the reason I'm even like this."

"Excuse me?"

"Before we met, I could never make a proper friend. Every person I met was more focused on how I was a celebrity, the champion... I never felt like I made any real friends, even with those that were friendly. It didn't feel real, not authentic, you know?" Jaune's eyes widened. "That stopped when I met you. You just... knew of my status but didn't care. It wasn't that you were ignorant of the fact, you just knew and went with it. And from there, you managed to help me open up as a person. I can't tell you how happy I've been having what's going on between us, Jaune."

"Pyrrha..."

"It's Pure."

"Right, I..." He felt himself begin to cry again. "Pure, I'm not... I don't deserve-"

"It's not just what you believe, Jaune. This is what I want as well! The feeling is mutual, right? I can't tell you how much I value your company, Jaune. If it weren't for you, I'd probably be miserable here. I haven't kept up with my promise of making new friends. I'm only getting started thanks to you, so..."

"I've been... your Ashlynn?"

"Sorry?"

"I mean that much to you...? But why? Everything up to this point meant something, but it was over the moment you left me in that restaurant."

"Jaune..." she stifled a laugh. "I thought the same thing. But I realized how silly that was. I don't want our friendship to end because of one disagreement. I'm sure we can break down then mend ourselves whenever necessary. I mean, I never gave up whenever I lost a spar in my earlier years. So..."

She erected herself, and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Fear not! We're friends, and-"

Jaune fell to his knees, a whimpering mess.

"Jaune!?"

Pure knelt down and panicked, sputtering nonsense, unsure of what to do.

"I'm sorry, was it something I said?"

"Yes," he laughed. "Yes, it was..."

He gazed into her. Something about this was familiar, and he welcomed it. He felt her firm hands against his cheeks as she offered a concerned look, stumbling for the right thing to say. He could only lightly laugh at that. He flashed a smile, resulting in her cheeks flushing and her averting her gaze.

"You really are something, Jaune." She took his hands into hers and sighed. "Jaune, I... I lo-"

A loud clang of metal rang in their ears. The pair jumped up to their feet, reaching for their weapons, but found nothing there. Pure wasn't armed, but Jaune did have his weapon nearby on the ground.

"That didn't sound normal," Jaune chimed, wiping his face.

"It came from the changing room," Pure added.

The two exchanged a look and hustled inside. Jaune didn't draw his weapon, but he did expect something he wouldn't like. It didn't help how the noise came from the girl's locker room. Pure was behind him, a hand on his shoulder for support as he made his way inside. Voices he recognized echoed. No, it was laughter.

The duo stepped inside to find the traces of someone just stepping out on the other side of the room. Jaune nudged his head for Pure to go one way as he went the other. She understood the gesture and prepared to flank. The two edged closer to the other end of the room... only to run into each other again.

"Do you hear that...?"

Whimpering. Soft crying...

Jaune's eyes wandered around the room, trying to pinpoint the source. No one else was in the room though... His mind clicked when he trudged over to a locker and smashed his fist against it. A voice let out a startled cry just a few lockers down. He peered into the locker with the source of the noise.

"Velvet!?"

He immediately tried to open the locker and cursed. It was locked, but it didn't stop him. He tried jerking it open and even prepared to bash it, but Pure calmed him.

"Velvet, is this your locker?" she asked.

"Yes..."

"What's the combination?"

Pure tapped on the screen and opened the door. Before them was Velvet, a complete mess. Hair a bit disheveled, but it didn't look like she'd been injured. She looked just as miserable as him. Her reddened eyes and tear streaks were enough of an indicator.

"Who did this to you?" Jaune asked softly.

Velvet's ears flared and her eyes narrowed. "That's what you ask first?" she sniffed. "Not whether or not I'm okay?"

"No, I..." Right, she must've been mad still. "I was just..."

"V-Velvet? Jaune was just trying to ascertain your well being... in his own way, you know?" Pure tried. "Here, let me help you up."

Pure's offer was denied. Velvet shooed her hand away and stood up before fleeing the locker room. Jaune tried to reach for her, but she already slipped away.

"Well... that makes sense, I guess." Jaune sighed. "What's a man gotta do to get some love around here?"

"Ah, yes... uh..." Pure fidgeted with her fingers.

"You have something on your mind?"

"No... nothing at all."

"Okay...? Should we go after her then? I know where her dorm is... I probably can't but maybe you can try to comfort her, Pure. You have that effect on people."

He needed to make sure she was okay. She could hate his existence for all he cared. If this could occur with Pure... Maybe, just maybe...

Jaune started to make his way out when he felt something tug his collar. He turned around to see Pure's delicate hand holding him back, her eyes down towards the ground with a nervous look on her face. She then pulled him closer, her face as red as her hair.

"I love you," she blurted.