Jaune Arc sat in between two parties. He had been called to Mantle to settle the affairs. The heating system of Mantle was doing fine to keep him warm, though after getting those odd memories, his aura control was fine-tuned and he could even boast he had mastered it.
Dressing in a suit and a yellow tie, Jaune carried Crocea Mors in his waist. Although he wasn't a Huntsman, he felt safer having it after this encounter in Solitas when a pack of Grimm attacked. He had to get special permission from the higher—ups to allow him to carry a weapon since Grimm was attracted to those who have Aura.
Anyway, he was called here to mediate between two parties.
The situation was that in Mantle, where the snow-covered streets bustled with life, existed two neighboring establishments that brought warmth and solace to the community.
The first, "Aurora's Delights," was a charming bakery owned by Mrs. Aurora Evergreen. Full of mouthwatering pastries and cozy ambiance, it was a beloved spot for locals to gather and enjoy a sweet treat. Right next door stood "The Paper Haven," a quaint bookshop owned by Professor Cedarwood. Known for its vast collection of books and inviting reading nooks, it was a sanctuary for book lovers in the city.
If he didn't have the odd memories… he would have stupidly asked why they were still reading books, but after getting memories from the Afteran… he thought he could understand the appeal.
Based on his preliminary investigations, for years, Aurora and Professor Cedarwood's businesses had coexisted harmoniously, each complementing the other's offerings.
However, tensions arose when Aurora noticed a change in the dynamic between their establishments. The expansion of outdoor displays at The Paper Haven began to hinder the foot traffic at Aurora's bakery. Customers were drawn to the captivating displays of books, obstructing the pathway to Aurora's beloved pastries. Additionally, the increased shading caused by the expansion was affecting the ambiance of Aurora's outdoor seating area, dimming the charm of her establishment.
Faced with these challenges, Mrs. Aurora knew she had to address the issue before it escalated further. Gathering her courage, she approached Professor Cedarwood to express her concerns. Despite their mutual respect, the discussion reached an impasse, with both parties unable to find common ground.
Realizing the need for impartial intervention, Mrs. Aurora and Professor Cedarwood agreed to seek the assistance of a Mediator to guide the two business owners toward a resolution.
Jaune had been listening to their grievances, allowing them to express their grievances and viewpoints in a respectful and civilized manner.
"We can work this out, then?" Jaune finally said.
Mrs. Aurora slumped her shoulders. "Yes, there should be no problem with this arrangement."
Professor Cedarwood nodded. "Indeed, it would be a shame to cause a ruckus because of this."
It took a while for Jaune to coax them, but after a heartfelt conversation, and to solving the problem. They began thinking about potential solutions to address the issues at hand, ranging from adjusting the layout of outdoor displays to implementing designated hours for peak business activities.
After much discussion, Aurora and Professor Cedarwood reached a consensus on several key points.
Jaune proceeded to outline the ongoing negotiations. "To streamline foot traffic around Aurora's bakery, the Professor has graciously consented to reconfigure the outdoor displays at The Paper Haven. In reciprocity, Mrs. Aurora has pledged to investigate alternative lighting options to counteract any shading resulting from The Paper Haven's expansion."
Confirming the agreement, Jaune swiftly transcribed the terms onto his Scroll. "Both parties have committed to maintaining transparent communication channels and scheduling regular reviews to promptly tackle any arising issues."
With a nod of acknowledgment, they all rose from their seats, signaling the conclusion of their discussion.
As Jaune prepared to depart, Mrs. Aurora extended her gratitude. "Thank you, Mr. Arc, for facilitating this agreement. Your professionalism and guidance have been invaluable in resolving our concerns."
The Professor echoed her sentiment, adding, "Indeed, Mr. Arc, your expertise has helped us reach a mutually beneficial arrangement. We appreciate your intervention."
Jaune nodded graciously, acknowledging their thanks. "It was my pleasure to assist. I'm glad we could find a solution that satisfies both parties. If you ever need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out."
With warm smiles and expressions of appreciation, they bid Jaune farewell, reassured by the resolution he had helped them achieve.
Jaune took a step outside and made his way down Mantle. But as Jaune strolled through Mantle, weaving through the crowd, he was suddenly besieged by vivid memories that didn't belong to him. He witnessed Mantle engulfed in flames, overrun by Grimm. Startled, he halted in his tracks, instinctively adjusting his yellow tie as if to shake off the unsettling visions.
Confusion clouded his thoughts. Why was he experiencing these memories? They felt too real to dismiss as mere dreams. Moreover, Jaune couldn't recall any events matching what he had just witnessed. Beacon's invasion and Fall? Haven being sealed off? None of it rang a bell.
Then it hit him that, according to the timeline, Atlas should currently be under siege by the Grimm. But there were no signs of such chaos in the streets of Mantle. Hell,
His Semblance being unlocked, seemed to be at the heart of this strange phenomenon. The flood of memories, spanning decades of pain and strife, made it difficult to brush off these visions as mere figments of his imagination.
The memory of Pyrrha's death… that would be something he wouldn't wish on them. Even though Jaune had lost touch with his friends at Beacon, he couldn't bear the thought of them enduring such pain. Yet, as vivid as the memory was, he couldn't shake the nagging doubt again… was it real?
The anguish of witnessing her demise felt all too genuine, but Jaune couldn't ignore the creeping uncertainty that clouded his mind. Had he truly witnessed Pyrrha's tragic fate, or was it merely a haunting illusion conjured by his own subconscious?
Despite the ache in his heart, Jaune grappled with the possibility that the memory might be a fabrication, a cruel trick of his mind. But with each passing moment, the vividness of the recollection made it increasingly difficult to dismiss as mere fantasy.
And even if it was a premonition… what can he do?
As Jaune continued to grapple with his unsettling memories, his attention was abruptly drawn to a disturbing scene unfolding in an alleyway. A group of humans were harassing a gathering of faunus children.
A wave of indignation washed over Jaune, transforming his expression from one of confusion to steely determination. Without hesitation, he marched into the alleyway, confronting the perpetrators with a stern gaze.
"What do you think you're doing?" he demanded, his voice carrying the weight of authority and disapproval. The thugs, taken aback by Jaune's sudden intervention, faltered momentarily, their expressions shifting from arrogance to unease as they faced his unwavering gaze.
But then they saw his appearance and, with a sneer on their lips, without a word, strike him with a bottle, aiming for his head. However, Jaune's aura shimmered in a radiant gold, deflecting the blow effortlessly, causing no damage.
With a calm yet commanding demeanor, Jaune met their aggression with unwavering composure. As the assailant recoiled from his failed attack, Jaune casually rapped his knuckles against the nearby brick wall, leaving a distinct imprint of his fist.
"Are we finished here?" Jaune inquired, his voice carrying a subtle warning beneath its polite tone. He continued with a disarming smile, his gaze piercing through the thugs with an intensity that left them quivering in apprehension.
"Just so you're aware," Jaune added, his words dripping with quiet disgust as he rest a hand on the pommel of Crocea Mors, "my Semblance has a rather unique talent for healing broken bones and mending wounds. Would you care to test its effectiveness?"
The mere suggestion was enough to send a shiver down the spines of the would-be attackers. Realizing the futility of their actions in the face of someone with an aura and a Semblance, they hastily retreated, their bravado evaporating.
With a satisfied nod, Jaune watched them flee, his stance unwavering and his expression unchanged. As the alley fell silent once more, Jaune's focus shifted back to the kids. With a gentle hand, Jaune kneeled beside the trembling faunus children, his presence a comforting reassurance.
"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice soft yet reassuring as he assessed their condition.
"We are… t-thank you, Mister."
"Would you allow me to heal you? See, I'm a healer."
"Okay!"
Upon receiving a nod of confirmation, Jaune activated his Semblance, his aura enveloping the children in a warm golden glow as he worked to mend any injuries they may have sustained. As the healing energy flowed through them, the tension in their small frames began to ease, replaced by a sense of relief.
One of the faunus children, their eyes wide with gratitude, timidly asked Jaune if they could call their mother. Jaune offered a reassuring smile, assuring them, "Of course. That's kinda my job."
Taking out his Scroll, Jaune swiftly dialed the number provided by the child, patiently waiting as the call connected. After a few tense moments, the worried mothers of the children emerged from the bustling streets, their expressions a mix of concern and relief as they beheld their dirtied and shaken offspring.
Jaune stood in front of the group of mothers, his expression gentle yet resolute as he recounted the events of the day.
"Mrs. Li, Mrs. Rodriguez, I want to assure you both that your children are safe," Jaune started, his voice steady and reassuring. "Earlier today, a group of thugs tried to cause trouble, but I was able to intervene just in time. Your little ones were never in any real danger."
Mrs. Rodriguez, a faunus woman with antlers, looked at Jaune with gratitude shining in her eyes. "Oh, Mr. Arc, thank you! I don't know what we would do without you watching over them."
Mrs. Li, a rabbit faunus with a worried expression, spoke up next. "I hope you were not hurt, Mr. Arc."
Jaune smiled, a hint of pride touching his features. "Well, I may not have the same level of training, but I've learned a thing or two over the years. They were not a problem."
The mothers exchanged relieved glances, their tension visibly easing as they nodded in gratitude.
"Thank you, Mr. Arc," Mrs. Li said, her voice filled with emotion. "You truly helped us this time."
Jaune's cheeks flushed slightly at the praise, but he simply nodded, his determination renewed. "It's the least I can do... and it's my job to mediate, Mrs. Li"
Jaune paused, looked at the children, then changed his expression, prompting the mothers to stand at attention.
"Is this something that happens often?" he inquired, his tone tinged with concern.
One of the mothers nodded sadly. "Unfortunately, yes," she admitted, her voice carrying a note of resignation.
Jaune's brows furrowed in dismay as he posed his next question. "And what about Mantle police? Are they taking any action to address these incidents?" he asked, hoping for a more reassuring answer.
In response, the mothers simply gestured to their distinct faunus features. Jaune's expression darkened with understanding as he absorbed their implicit message.
"I understand, and I'm truly sorry that you have to deal with this," Jaune expressed sincerely.
The faunus mothers exchanged warm smiles at Jaune's heartfelt apology, their gratitude clear in their eyes. "We're just glad to have someone like you around," one of them remarked, her voice tinged with appreciation.
"Big brother Jaune, you're the best!" exclaimed a young faunus girl with cat ears, her tail swishing excitedly behind her.
"Yeah, you made my cut disappear like magic!" added a boy with rabbit ears, his eyes wide with admiration.
Jaune chuckled warmly, ruffling the boy's hair gently. "It's not magic, kiddo, just a bit of aura and training."
"But it's still amazing!" insisted another faunus child, this one with fox ears and a grin that mirrored Jaune's own.
"Thanks, guys," Jaune said, his smile widening at their enthusiasm. "But remember, you all have the potential to do incredible things, too. Just believe in yourselves and keep learning."
"We will, big brother Jaune!" they chorused, their voices filled with determination.
As Jaune looked around at the eager faces of the faunus children, he felt a sense of responsibility wash over him.
The mothers, observing Jaune's kindness in action, shared a knowing glance. "Your Semblance is the manifestation of your soul," one of them remarked thoughtfully. "And from what we've seen, your soul must be a kind one, Mr. Arc."
"You're flattering me now," Jaune shook his head modestly, dismissing the notion. "I'm just doing what I can to help."
"But before you go, how about a little treat?" Jaune said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a handful of colorful candies.
The children's eyes widened with delight as Jaune distributed the sweets, their gratitude pouring out in a chorus of "Thank you, big brother Jaune!"
"You're welcome, kiddos," Jaune replied, his heart warmed by their happiness. "Just a little something to sweeten your day."
As the children eagerly unwrapped their candies, Jaune rose to his feet, a sense of contentment settling over him. Despite his earlier words about the importance of self-belief and hard work, he couldn't resist the opportunity to bring a bit of joy to their young lives.
With a last wave and a smile, Jaune bid them farewell. "Take care, little kiddos. Keep being amazing."
The faunus children waved back, their faces beaming with gratitude and newfound confidence.
As Jaune walked away, his expression hardened.