"What if we tried red?"

Neo tilted her head, staring at Ariel's hair for a moment before a wave of pink glass washed over her normally blond locks. The color changed to red as it dissipated. Neo frowned, put off at the sight of an Arc that wasn't blond. She shrugged while Ariel stared at herself in the hand mirror she was holding, propped up in bed.

"How's that?"

"Ehhhh, it looks weird, doesn't it? I don't think red is my style. Black, maybe?"

Neo concentrated momentarily again, another pink shimmer cascading across her scalp to turn Ariel into a raven-haired, blue-eyed beauty. Neo felt a small flutter in her stomach and sighed, realizing who Ariel now reminded her of.

"Great, now you look like the girl I struck out with."

Ariel lowered the mirror to look at Neo instead, a smirk on her lips. "You mean the girl from the field trip?" She shook her head playfully, "It isn't 'striking out' if you were interrupted~! Did you at least get her number?"

"I puked in front of her. I doubt she wants to see me again."

Ariel scoffed, "Every girl that's ever been to a frat house must be turned off for life then~ Seriously, puke might be gross but it's not a deal breaker. Do you have another way to get in touch?"

Neo crossed her arms in thought, a forlorn frown on her face. "Not really, no. Not unless I asked Nicholas, and that feels… weird…"

"Weird? Why?"

Neo rolled her eyes, "Because he'd totally see through me! As soon as I asked he'd realize I want to hook up with her! I don't want him knowing that…"

Ariel laughed, holding her right arm to her belly while doubling over on the hospital bed. She laughed until she was reduced to a dry wheeze, struggling to breathe in while her eyes glimmered playfully at Neo. She finally caught her breath, taking long gulps and wiping the tears from her eyes before speaking once more. "I'm going to put this as simply as I can, Neo. I'm the first born of eight biological siblings. Do you really think either of our parents would feel the tiniest bit of shame knowing who you were trying to date, or helping you get into contact with them? I've heard them having sex more times than I've seen them hug. They don't know the meaning of shame. They opened up the dictionary and tore that page out."

Neo's cheeks were bright red by the time Ariel finished. She turned away, trying to force out the unfortunate images fighting to work their way to the forefront of her mind. "I-I've never heard anything like that…"

Ariel chuckled, "They soundproofed their room with Dust-tech around when Edna was born. Apparently, Saph's teacher called to talk about something she finger-painted in preschool." Her grin widened, head shaking lightly. "I really wish they'd saved it. I've always wanted to know what it was. Saph doesn't even remember."

Neo laughed, imagining how awkward that conversation must have been.

Her laugh cut off midway through as the door opened, only for her throat to begin working again once Jaune was revealed. He looked up while carrying a few plastic bags in his hands, his face flushed with a hint of sweat on his brow.

"You didn't tell me that restaurant was twelve blocks away. I thought I'd missed it and doubled back halfway there!" He didn't appear truly angry, just exhausted from the heat and the crowds.

Ariel sat up further in her hospital bed, hand gesturing eagerly for the food that was yet to be presented. "Sorry bro, but it was totally worth it. That place sells the best Vacuo-style noodles and beef in town. You'll see."

Jaune snorted briefly at her antics and set the bags down on the end of her bed. He dug through them for a moment, reading the labels that had been left on the top of the cartons. "Ah, here it is." Jaune pulled it out and handed it to her. She set it between her legs to keep it steady and opened up the top, then looked back at her brother expectantly.

"Got a fork?"

Jaune's eyebrows drew together as his hand searched the bag, the rustling of plastic filling the room as his scowl deepend. "They forgot to put one in when I asked. I swear, I'm gonna march right back there and-"

Jaune was silenced by a pillow to the head, Ariel staring him down with a pair of raised eyebrows. She sighed and shook her head when he turned back, "It was an honest mistake, Jaune. I've actually wanted to try using chopsticks for a while so this is my golden opportunity! Besides…" She smiled gently, "I'm sure the hospital has cutlery. There's no need to get so worked up for my sake, alright?"

Jaune dropped his eyes to the bag with a hint of shame, mumbling, "You're right. Sorry…" He pulled out a pair of chopsticks and handed them to her, only then realizing she couldn't break them apart with one hand. "Oh, let me-"

Ariel raised the chopsticks to her mouth and grasped one with her teeth, pulling them apart with ease. She fumbled with the wooden sticks for a moment, positioning them in her hand correctly before raising her eyes to grin at Jaune. "Let you what~?"

"Nothing," Jaune sighed weakly in defeat. He reached back into the bag and pulled out Neo's order along with another pair of chopsticks. He grabbed his own order last, tossing the plastic bag away then pulling up a chair to sit next to them both.

Ariel smiled widely at the first bite of greasy noodles and beef, drumming her feet beneath the blankets with a look of pure ecstasy on her face. She opened her eyes to stare at her siblings expectantly, "Try it!"

Neo had never used chopsticks before either and held them awkwardly while trying to bring a small-sized portion to her mouth. With some trial and error, she managed to get some noodles and a bit of beef in her first bite. Her eyes closed as the flavor washed over her tongue, the texture of the foods mixing beautifully with the flavor of the sauce. She was hit with a mild kick of spice, but not more than she could handle. It faded quickly, leaving her primed and ready for more.

Neo heard a brief grasp from Jaune and glanced his way eagerly, ready to see his reaction to the exquisite food. She frowned in concern the next moment, seeing him pant open-mouthed with tears brimming in his eyes. He looked at both of them, shock painted clearly on his face.

"How can you stand eating this!? It's burning my mouth!"

Ariel's hand darted forward worriedly, grasping the side of his carton to glance inside. She clicked her tongue in annoyance, looking back at her rapidly reddening younger brother. "That's why I told you to go with the least amount of spice, dumbass! Five stars is Hunter-grade! Neo and I don't have a problem with it because our auras heal us faster than the spice can burn!"

Jaune started coughing, incapable of responding aside from a few strangled gasps.

Ariel's eyes swung to Neo, hand flicking over to point at the mini-fridge in her room. "Mom left some yogurt in there. Grab it quick and give it to Jaune. The lactose should suffocate the spices and help wash them out."

Neo nodded vigorously and hurried to do as she was told, opening up the small refrigerator to find the cup of cherry yogurt. She snagged the spoon that was with it and ripped off the lid, handing both of them to Jaune.

Jaune immediately scooped out the largest portion he could manage and stuck it in his mouth, eyes shutting while his tongue worked to swish it around. It took a few seconds, but the heat steadily died from his cheeks. He opened his eyes again and swallowed, then stuck another helping of yogurt into his mouth to let it sit.

"Better?" Ariel asked worriedly, still watching him with a pair of hawk-like eyes.

Jaune nodded. He raised a sleeve to wipe the moisture from his cheeks and hummed, swallowing again before taking a smaller spoon-full. He didn't let it sit this time, instead breathing a sigh of relief once the heat had been reduced to a bearable level.

"That was… by far… the hottest thing I've ever tasted."

Ariel smirked, "Yeah, it doesn't even sneak up on you. Just wham! You're choking." Her eyes darted down then back up to meet Jaune's, her smile faltering into one far more apologetic. "Sorry for insulting you, I was worried and got caught up in the moment. Still, I should have warned you more clearly ahead of time. That was my mistake."

Jaune shook his head. "Don't beat yourself up over it, sis." The room fell into silence for a few long moments, their brother squirming on his chair as if he wanted to say something else. Ariel looked at Neo, both wordlessly deciding to wait for him to speak instead of pressing the issue.

"It… It wouldn't have been a problem if…" Jaune trailed off, eyes locked to the bedrail before giving himself a little shake. "No, that's a stupid way to bring it up." He turned to face Ariel instead, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Will you unlock my aura? I want to become a huntsman."

Ariel's eyes fell along with her hand, lowering the chopsticks to rest them across the top of the carton. She stared at it in thought for a moment, then sighed quietly. "I can't, Jaune. Dad already told me that you asked him, and my answer isn't any different. At least, not as long as you plan on going after the man that did this to me. I'd be fully on board if you wanted to help people, but… we both know that isn't why you're asking."

"I want to help you, sis…"

Ariel raised her eyes, smiling gently. "Giving my little brother a death sentence isn't going to help me. It isn't going to help anyone. I love you, Jaune. I don't want to see you going down this road for all the wrong reasons. Being a hunter isn't about revenge, or glory. It certainly isn't pretty," she glanced sadly at her bandaged stump, "Just look at what it did to me…"

"I…" Jaune's hand closed into a fist. "I can't stand the thought of that bastard walking free. Did Dad tell you the other hunters aren't going to do anything about him? Everyone is either 'too busy' or 'unqualified' for the job." He sneered those words in particular, his frustration apparent.

"That's just how it is sometimes, Jaune. Every now and then, a threat comes along that's too much for anyone but the best to handle. I'm not some bottom-feeding dropout, but I'm no S rank either. That man is beyond you."

Jaune sighed, letting his fist fall loose. "What would you suggest, then? That I forget about it? Bottle up my feelings and just go on like nothing happened?"

Ariel smiled comfortingly, pondering his question before a slight grin worked its way on to her lips. "Like I said, I'm only opposed as long as you're in it for the wrong reasons." She glanced at the door, nodding her chin towards it. "You really want to get my approval? Go around the hospital and tell me what you see. Dozens, maybe even hundreds of people injured by the White Fang? Or terrified survivors, wounded while trying to escape the grimm? Ask about them. Get their stories. Then come back and let me know which one you think is the bigger threat."

Jaune considered her ultimatum for a few long seconds before rising to the challenge. He stepped to the door and turned the handle, glancing back to see the expectant look on Ariel's face. His eyes flickered back outside, speaking while turned away from them both. "I'll see for myself who the real monster is…"

Jaune exited and closed the door behind him, leaving Ariel and Neo in relative silence. Neo turned back to her, a questioning frown furrowing her brow. "Are you actually going to unlock his aura if he changes his mind? You know how stubborn Jaune is."

Ariel smiled, shaking her head lightly. "I won't unlock it myself either way, but I will help him train so that he can unlock it himself."

"Why?" Neo raised an eyebrow. "Wouldn't he get stronger faster if his aura was unlocked? I certainly did."

"Cases like yours aren't exactly common. Forcefully unlocking someone's aura isn't 'taboo', per se… but it is… frowned upon." Ariel noticed the confusion in her eyes and nodded, continuing with her explanation. "Aura is the embodiment of your soul. When a person unlocks their aura, they're bringing their thoughts, feelings… every emotion closer to the surface. Hell, when you use your aura as a shield you're practically wearing it on your skin. It's like standing out in the open and ringing the dinner bell."

"But he would have aura to defend himself…"

Ariel scoffed, pointing her chopsticks at Neo. "Aura is pointless against the grimm if you can't kill them. All you'd be doing is delaying the inevitable." Her hand lowered, setting the chopstick back down while her tone fell as well. "There's also a more… pragmatic reason… The longer you live, the more fear you'll put out into the world. The aura protecting you would let you be afraid longer… You would draw in more grimm, potentially dooming whoever you were with to the same fate…"

Neo shivered, visions flashing through her mind of being knocked down by the grimm, held in place by its weight alone as bone white claws and fangs raked across her aura. Eventually it would run out, her final screams cut off by a pair of claws to the jugular. Neo raised a hand to her throat, feeling the long scars hidden beneath her semblance.

"That would be horrifying…"

Ariel simply nodded, the two growing silent for a long moment. Ariel interrupted it with a sigh, shoulders slumping heavily. "I hope Jaune has a change of heart while he's out there. Best case scenario? He gives up completely. If he decides he wants to help people though… It'll be up to him to prove himself worthy." She raised an eye towards Neo. "What about you? What would you rather see?"

Neo thought about it, her chopsticks idly stirring the noodles in front of her. 'What do I want Jaune to do? Follow his heart? Change his mind?' She tilted her head, giving it her all. In the end, all she could do was shrug her shoulders.

"Whatever he does, I'll be there to protect him."

Ariel smiled, shaking her head. "Not what I was hoping to hear, but still… It's better than nothing."

Silence fell between them once more, eventually interrupted by Ariel. Her eyes brightened as they locked on to something, her hand shooting out to pick up Jaune's left behind carton of noodles. She grinned smugly, closing the lid and setting it to the side with a satisfied pat on the top.

"Nice! I can have them for dinner later~!"

Neo could only laugh, amused by her sister's antics.

Jaune wandered around the hospital, looking through the blinds to gaze upon other patients and listening in on doctor's reports. He was quickly finding out the issue was not as black and white as his sister had portrayed. The first room he visited belonged to an old man recovering from a heart attack. The second, a young adult that had fallen down some steps while skateboarding. Jaune winced at the way her elbow was angled and pressed on, looking for more occupied rooms.

Here, a woman that was pregnant and obviously expecting. There, a man with a nail sticking out of his hand and a sheepish looking son standing next to him. It took Jaune longer than he'd expected to come across someone that had survived a grimm attack. When he did though, he shuddered at the sight.

The man's body was covered in large swaths of yellow and red stained bandages. His arms and legs were suspended, his upper body bare to allow access to the bandages on his back. The man's head was held upright, a neck brace supporting it.

Jaune spotted the report on the outside of his door, detailing the information they'd managed to get out of him. He was the sole survivor of a trade route that had been attacked, the hunters they'd hired proving insufficient to stem the tide of grimm. Nearly thirty people had died, including the assumed death of the hunters.

Jaune felt sick to his stomach but continued, reminding himself of what the White Fang had done to his sister. What they must have done to others before her. Surely he would find more of their victims here, among the other patients?

Though he tried his hardest, Jaune was unsuccessful. The most brutal deaths and injuries were all chalked up to the grimm, a plethora of visceral wounds and thick lacerations that left him clutching his stomach in protest. He felt truly sick now, finally introduced to the world his father and sister had been living in while he'd been blissfully unaware.

Jaune finally lost his lunch after seeing a man being carted in. An enormous black feather was sticking out of his torso, the man impaled during a Nevermore attack. It looked to be at least six inches thick, his gurney trailed by a constant spattering of blood and a horde of doctors and nurses.

The hospital's janitor walked quietly behind, mopping up the blood as if it were just another day in the office.

Jaune barely made it to a nearby trash can before vomiting up yesterday's dinner. His mind replayed the image of that feather over and over, the grisly sight leaving him weak in the knees. 'How is he even still alive!?' As far as Jaune was concerned, he likely wouldn't be much longer.

A gentle tap on his thigh brought Jaune back to reality, flinching away from the sudden touch to glance down next to him.

"E-Excuse me, mister. Can you help me find my parents?"

A small girl stood nearby, timidly lowering her hand while staring up at him hopefully. Bandages covered her arms and half of her face, along with one peeking out from beneath the neckline of her hospital gown. She couldn't have been older than five, maybe six. Jaune had a sudden flash, reminded of the first time he saw Neo. It brought another churn to his stomach that he ruthlessly suppressed.

Jaune crouched down, putting her at eye level while smiling kindly. "Are you lost? I can help you find your parents." He glanced around the corridor, spotting a nurse's station near the entrance. "Let's go ask them, okay? I'm sure they'll know."

The girl followed Jaune's gaze and nodded, turning back to hold her hand out. Jaune accepted it gently, noticing the bandages wrapped up nearly to her knuckles. He led her slowly, obvious fatigue forcing her to struggle with each step.

"How did you get lost? Were your parents not watching you?"

The girl shook her head, speaking weakly, "They aren't here yet. The mean ladies keep telling me to wait longer, but I want to see them now. They told me to stay in my room, but I snuck out to find my mom and dad. They have to be here somewhere, I just know it."

Jaune glanced uneasily at the young girl, fingers starting to sweat as the reality of the situation set in. 'If her parents aren't here yet…' The grimm must have done it. Jaune's heart sank in his chest, but he continued to lead her back to the nurses. They would know what was best for her.

It wasn't long before one of them caught sight of the young girl and gasped, rushing out from behind the curved front desk. The sound alerted a few others, each looking at the girl for a moment before their eyes fell, devastation clear to see.

"What are you doing out of your room?" The nurse spoke sternly, crossing her arms to look down at the girl in front of her. "You're never going to get better if you keep aggravating your burns like this! You need to stay still, in bed."

The child backed off, pulling herself closer to Jaune and gripping his pant leg tightly. "No! You're a mean lady! I wanna see Momma! Where's Momma!?"

"Y-Your mother isn't here yet," the nurse spoke in a clipped tone, failing to maintain the stern routine she'd put on. "You need to wait in your room until they get here. They… They'll be upset if you don't listen to us and do what you're told."

The child's eyes brimmed, her hand still weakly holding on to Jaune's pant leg. Struggling to stay composed himself, he reached down to grasp her hand again and pull it free, drawing her attention. She looked at him with tears running down her cheeks.

"Is it true? Will mama come if I wait?"

A knot formed in Jaune's stomach as his lips twitched into a shaky smile. "Y-Yeah… You just have to do what the nurses say, okay? It's… It's for your own good…"

The girl stared at him for a few long seconds before nodding. She accepted the nurse's hand as it was presented to her, quietly being led back down the hall. She glanced back once along the way, tears yet to leave her eyes.

"A damned shame…" One of the nurses muttered sadly, staring off after the girl.

Jaune turned, a question on his lips. "What… What did it? A beowolf? An ursa?"

A different nurse responded, shaking her head sadly. "It wasn't a grimm that did it. Her family owned a Dust shop. Their home was upstairs, on the second floor. The White Fang broke in last night and stole what they could before setting the place on fire. The family couldn't escape with the stairs ablaze."

Jaune's eyes widened, his heart beating with a burning heat of its own. "So, her parents…?"

"Didn't make it out before the leftover Dust exploded. They managed to drop her out the window to the firemen on scene before it happened, but by then she was already unconscious from smoke inhalation and in rough shape. She didn't… She didn't see them die. That's a blessing, at least…"

'A blessing would have been if her parents made it out alive.' Jaune turned on his heel, beginning to walk once more with no clear destination in mind. He glared at the floor, mulling over everything he'd seen that day. 'The grimm might be terrible, but they're just mindless beasts. It… It takes a real monster to kill people while knowing the effect you're having. To know that each person will have loved ones left behind, and a life they'll never get to lead.'

Before Jaune knew it, he was standing outside his sister's room, hand on the doorknob. The voices he could hear cut off as he swung it open, Neo and Ariel stopping mid conversation to look at him expectantly. Immediately, he saw the apprehension on both of their faces. Jaune knew the anger he felt was painted on his own. He couldn't lie to Ariel, not like this.

He couldn't accept her offer, either.

"The White Fang are monsters, just as much as the grimm. I don't care if you're willing to help me or not. I will learn how to fight, and I will get into Beacon." Jaune narrowed his eyes, white knuckled fingers still gripping the doorknob tightly. "Don't try to stop me." He stepped back out and closed the door behind him, only the last iota of patience keeping him from slamming it shut.

With a frustrated sigh, Jaune started to walk.

He didn't know where he was going.

Only that he couldn't stand being there.

Ariel let out a forlorn sigh, sitting back in bed. "Well, that's that."

Neo looked her way, raising an eyebrow. "That's that? You're not going to tell Nicholas or something?"

Ariel shook her head. "There's no point. He won't be able to unlock his aura without guidance, and he can forget about getting my recommendation. Beacon doesn't let just anyone in, and without transcripts, my word is all he has. He's doomed from the start."

Neo let out a small hum of disagreement. "I don't know anything about transcripts, but Jaune is more capable than you think… I wouldn't count him out just yet."

Ariel frowned in thought. She sighed, giving a reluctant nod of agreement. "Can you look after him? Maybe try and talk him out of this foolish vendetta? You've always been the closest to him."

'I have, haven't I?' Neo stared towards the door as if she could see through it, picturing Jaune on the other side. The anger she'd seen on his face, the reluctance to listen to a word Ariel said.

"I can try. He can be bullheaded sometimes, though."

"You mean all the time?"

Neo scoffed, "He's not that bad. You should give him more credit."

Ariel raised her hand placatingly, "I'm not saying he isn't a good brother. I love the little shit. Even so, you have to admit that he… Sometimes he doesn't know when to quit."

Neo chuckled quietly. She could remember a soaked young boy, shaking her back to reality. Holding her tight for as long as she needed to cry. She remembered the way he shivered in her arms, clearly freezing as well but adamant about putting her needs first. How he'd trembled with exhaustion while carrying her all the way into town, collapsing with fatigue when they arrived but still making sure to support her so that she didn't fall with him.

That day, Neo had found out what it truly meant to have a brother.

'Maybe it's my turn to be his sister…'

Neo needed to think, but first, she needed to find Jaune. Neo stood from her chair and stretched, dropping the empty carton of food into the trash on her way to the door. She turned back, giving Ariel a hesitant, but comforting smile. "I'll make sure he doesn't get himself hurt. You can count on that."

Ariel smiled, "I know. Best of luck!"

Neo waved goodbye as she left, stepping out into the hallway. The familiar itch returned, but she ignored it as she began scanning the area for any sign of blond hair. With none in sight, Neo started down the hall. She remained on the lookout, eyes darting about while her hand raised to rub her scars. 'They can't see them.' Even now after having her semblance for so long, she still needed the reminder.

Slipping through the lightly packed halls, Neo finally spotted a flicker of bright blond hair through one of the windows. Jaune was outside on the sidewalk, pacing back and forth while muttering to himself angrily. Neo smiled softly and headed for the nearest exit, stepping outside to approach him while his back was turned.

Neo waited until Jaune had finished turning around before waving her greeting to him. He noticed her immediately through the general mulling of the crowd around them. Neo gestured for him to step closer to the building, sectioning off their own small ball of space amidst so many people.

'Do you want to talk about it?' Neo signed sincerely, hoping for her brother to open up.

Jaune leaned against the side of the building and ran his fingers through his hair, doing his best to calm down. "I did what Ariel asked. She wasn't wrong when she said more people are killed by the grimm, but…" He shook his head, glancing at Neo with clear hesitation. "There was a… a girl. Around five or six… She asked me to help find her parents."

'Did you…?' Neo asked, feeling like she already knew the answer.

Jaune shook his head, his voice becoming more gruff. "They're dead. The White Fang set fire to their shop and her parents were killed in the explosion. She barely made it out herself, with burns over half her body to show for it."

'That's… That's terrible!' Neo signed in horror.

"Tell me about it. I had to stick with the nurses' lie and say her parents would be there soon…" Jaune's voice grew faint. "I-Imagine what it's going to be like, once she finds out?"

Neo dropped her head, staring at the concrete beneath their feet. 'I don't need to imagine it…' She signed weakly.

Jaune's eyes widened and he pulled himself off the wall, raising his hands worriedly. "I'm sorry, Neo! I wasn't thinking straight! It just- just sort of slipped out!"

'It's fine,' Neo replied half-heartedly. She glanced through the windows, back into the hospital. 'Are you serious about trying to become a huntsman? You should know how dangerous it is by now. You could get hurt, or worse.'

"I'll have you there, won't I?" Jaune spoke hopefully. "You inherited my father's skills, so…" His eyes widened. "You can train me! Can't you?"

Neo shook her head. 'I… I don't really have control over it, Jaune. It's more like instinct. I wouldn't even know where to start.'

"Maybe with how to swing?" Jaune held his hands out to his sides with a brief shrug. "I'm sure we'll figure it out. Are… Are you in? You aren't going to tell Ariel or Dad, are you?"

'Of course not,' Neo signed, rolling her eyes for emphasis. 'Don't take that as me being totally on board, though. I intend to see this through until you give up. I'll do my best to help until then, but your chances… They're pretty low.'

Jaune chuckled, "You think I don't know that?" He stepped forward and held his hand out with a smile, waiting for Neo to shake it. "Still, I'm a lot more confident with you at my side."

Snorting, Neo batted Jaune's hand away and gave him a hug instead, jumping up to wrap her arms around his neck so that she was practically hanging off his chest.

Jaune hugged her in return, gently swinging her side to side before setting her back down. "I knew I could count on you."

Neo backed up, a smile on her lips and her hands raised.

'What else are sisters for?'

Another step closer to Beacon. It seems Jaune is determined no matter what anyone says. Through what paths and struggles will fate lead them? What doors will they need to open, and what deals might they need to make?

Thanks for reading,

- Sybaen