Jaune Arc stood on the outskirts of the ruins of Shion, the once vibrant village now reduced to a haunting landscape of charred remnants and collapsed structures. The air was thick with the scent of ash and despair, a stark contrast to the memories that began to flood Jaune's mind. He remembered another time, another place, Ruby, Ren, Nora, and a different version of himself had stumbled upon this village in ruins getting into his head. The shock and sorrow of that discovery were now mirrored in his heart as he surveyed the devastation before him.
His usual casual demeanor was absent, replaced by a cold, hard expression. Those who knew Jaune well, particularly the Atlas soldiers accompanying him on the airship, had always seen him as either casual, professional, or drunk. This anger, however, was new and unsettling to them. They watched him with a mix of curiosity and concern, aware that something profound was stirring within him.
Jaune's footsteps were heavy as he walked through the debris, each step echoing the weight of his thoughts. His family had once visited Shion, a quaint and peaceful village then. They had enjoyed the warmth of its community and the beauty of its surroundings when they were camping. Now, that same place was nothing more than a graveyard of shattered hopes and dreams. The memories of laughter and joy were tainted by the present reality of destruction and death.
A sudden rustle of leaves sent a shiver down Jaune's spine, snapping him into a reverie. He turned and saw her — Raven Branwen, wearing a White Fang mask, leading her tribe in a ruthless ransacking of the village. Storms raged around them, summoned by her Maiden powers. The scene played out like a nightmare, vivid and inescapable. Then they were in the vault. He saw Vernal lying lifeless on the ground, having caught an arrow meant for Raven. The anger in Raven's eyes was palpable, but it was quickly replaced by a chilling silence.
Then he was back to the sight of the raiders continued pillaging until there was nothing left to take.
As the vision faded, Jaune found himself standing in front of a trail of dried blood, his face a mask of cold resolve. The rustling leaves quieted, leaving him in a silence that was almost oppressive. He clenched his fists, feeling the weight of the past and the present pressing down on him.
"You should amped up your senses," the knight's voice counseled. "There could be survivors under the rubble, knight."
Concentrating, Jaune amplified his senses, extending his aura to feel the life forces around him. The world became a swirl of colors, each one representing something. He detected a few faint signatures beneath the rubble, signs of life clinging to the edges of despair.
"Soldiers!" Jaune's voice cut through the silence, commanding and urgent. "There are survivors here. Help me dig them out!"
The Atlas soldiers, initially taken aback by his intensity, quickly sprang into action. Jaune led the efforts, using his aura to bolster his strength and endurance. He dug tirelessly, his hands moving through the debris with a relentless determination. His aura flared and waned, regenerating and then being expended again as he pushed himself to the brink to bring those who were alive to a state they could be saved.
Hours passed in a blur of exertion and focus. Jaune's world narrowed to the task at hand, every ounce of his being dedicated to saving those trapped beneath the ruins. He was so absorbed in his work that he didn't notice the figure approaching him until a gentle pat on his shoulder broke through his trance.
"Jaune," Winter Schnee's voice was commanding. "Let the others take over."
Jaune blinked, the trance lifting as he turned to face Winter. Her expression was a mix of sternness and concern. He nodded, stepping back to let the soldiers continue the rescue efforts. His body was exhausted, but his mind remained sharp. The images of what he had seen and done seared into his memory.
Winter stood beside him, her presence a steadying force. "Most of the survivors are being gathered near the airships. Good work. I assume you've been here before?"
He sighed, running a hand through his disheveled hair. The white streaks had lately become more prominent as he absorbed the Afteran's Memories. "Yeah, my family used to come here to camp. It's just... seeing this place like this again. It brings back so many memories."
Winter nodded, her gaze distant as she looked over the ruins. "I see. There's still work to be done. Some needs your Semblance."
Jaune took a deep breath, grounding himself in the reality of the situation.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the devastated village, Jaune sat down on a piece of broken wall, his body exhausted but his mind still alert. The makeshift medical area around him buzzed with activity as soldiers and medics worked tirelessly to treat the injured. Despite Winter's insistence that he rest, Jaune's semblance, the ability to heal others, was needed more than ever. He could feel his aura straining, but the determination to help kept him going.
He placed his hands gently on the next patient, an elderly man with a deep gash across his chest.
How he survived and power through the wound was a miracle itself.
A soft golden glow emanated from Jaune's hands as he focused his energy, feeling the wound slowly knit itself back together. The man's pain subsided, replaced by a look of relief and gratitude.
"Thank you, young man," the elder whispered, his voice weak but sincere.
Jaune nodded, a small, weary smile on his face. "Just doing what I can. Can you tell me what happened? Anything you remember might help us."
The elder's eyes clouded with the memory of the attack, the weight of the past clear in the furrows of his brow and the trembling of his hands. "It was sudden," he began, his voice tinged with a sorrow. "They came in the night, swift and ruthless. One moment, we were peacefully asleep, and the next, chaos engulfed us. They appeared out of nowhere. We didn't have a chance to defend ourselves."
He paused, his gaze distant, as if he were seeing the horrors all over again. "The children were the first to scream. It was like fires were raining from above, like there was a storm… The one leading them... it must have been her Semblance. Our homes didn't last long with what they threw at us.. They took everything we have… our food, our valuables and if that wasn't enough... the Grimm came. They were drawn to the chaos, feeding off our fear and hopelessness. They swept through what remained of our village. We tried to fight back, but without our weapons and the Huntsmen, who were in the village, sapped by the raiders, we were no match for them. Those who survived the initial attack found themselves facing a new terror, one we had no means to repel."
The elder's voice wavered, his eyes moist with unshed tears. "We lost so much… Families and friends lost forever," he smiled bitterly. "The Grimm fed well that night."
Jaune listened intently, nodding as he absorbed every detail. The elder spoke of the terror and chaos, how the attackers moved with precision, led by a figure in a White Fang mask who conjured the elements themselves.
There was no doubt that it was indeed the tribe led by Raven Branwen.
As Jaune healed one person after another, he continued to gather these accounts, piecing together the full story of what had transpired.
A mother cradling her injured child spoke next, her voice trembling. "Y-yeah, I think it was the White Fang their leader, the woman with black hair was wearing one. But they weren't just Faunus, some were Human too. They were clearly working together... why?"
Jaune's eyes hardened at the confirmation. "The White Fang isn't just a group of Faunus extremists. They're becoming something more... something worse."
He looked up, catching sight of an Atlas soldier, a Faunus, who was tending to another survivor. The soldier met his gaze and gave a small nod, a silent acknowledgment the mother noticed. Jaune turned back to the mother and her child, his voice steady and reassuring.
"People can do evil things, no matter who they are. The White Fang might have started with a cause, but now... now they're just an organization that spreads pain and fear for ill-gotten wealth. Human… Faunus… they don't care who they hurt. They'd lie, cheat, steal, and kill for their gains. It's no longer about rights, just greed."
The mother nodded, her eyes shining with a mix of hope and exhaustion. Jaune continued to heal, moving from person to person, offering words of comfort and gathering more information. He learned of the attacks' speed, the way the raiders had moved through the village with practiced efficiency, and how they had left the survivors to fend off the Grimm in some twisted act of mercy, knowing the negative emotions would gather Grimm.
With each story, Jaune's understanding of the attack deepened. He saw patterns in the chaos, strategies in the destruction. His anger simmered beneath the surface, but he kept it in check, focusing instead on the task at hand.
Finally, as the last of the immediate injuries were treated, Jaune allowed himself to sit back against the wall. His aura was nearly depleted, his body crying out for rest. His vessel strained by the constant release. It was the mental exhaustion that made it hard for him to regenerate his aura back to full.
Winter Schnee approached him with a palm on her weapon.
"You did well, Jaune. But you need to rest now."
Jaune nodded, his eyes heavy. "I know. I just... I needed to help. And I needed to understand what happened here.."
Winter sat down beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You did more than enough. Now let us take care of the rest. Or else you'd be taking their jobs of the company. Let them show off for once."
Finally, Jaune sought a place to rest. Jaune closed his eyes and let exhaustion consume him. He could hear the sounds of the makeshift camp, the voices of the soldiers and survivors blending into a background hum.
In his dreams, Jaune saw Shion as it once was, a place of peace and happiness.
He saw his family, laughing and carefree.
When Jaune awoke, the sun was beginning to rise, casting a soft light over the ruins. The camp was quiet, the survivors resting after the ordeal. He stretched, feeling the stiffness in his muscles, but also a renewed sense of purpose.
Winter was already up, coordinating with the soldiers and making plans for the next steps. She glanced over at Jaune and smiled. "Feeling better?"
"I could have found a place to lie down," Jaune nodded, cracking his neck as he stood up and rolled his shoulders. "But yeah. Ready to keep going."
As the day began, Jaune and the crew continued their work of securing the area, and tending to the needs of the survivors. The stories he had gathered the night before helped shape their strategies, providing crucial insights into the enemy they faced.
Throughout it all, Jaune remained a steady presence.
Jaune always believed that Huntsmen could do more than just kill Grimm.
They could help wipe the fear from people's hearts and instill courage.
He was doing just that.
The anger he had felt was still there, but it was now a source of motivation.
After a day's work, Jaune Arc sat alone on the roof of a two-story building, the remnants of the village spread out below him like a battlefield after the war. In the corner of the village, he saw the newly dug graves containing the dead who were recovered under the ruins. Most of the people who were devoured by Grimm left nothing other than a few items belonging to them. Some were half-eaten, while the rest suffocated and burned when fire spread and were hard to recognize
He took a long sip from the flask in his hand, the bitter taste of the drink grounding him in the present moment. Before he knew it, the sun had dipped below the horizon again, and the first stars were beginning to peek through the darkening sky. The makeshift camp of villagers was a hive of activity beneath him, the dust-powered lights casting flickering shadows as people moved about, tending to the wounded and trying to restore some semblance of order.
From his vantage point, Jaune could see the neighboring villagers who had arrived to take a refuge and offer help in any way they could. Like Shion, their homes had also faced devastation. He had wanted to go there, to see if he could be of any assistance, but reports had indicated that the situation was even worse than here. The raiders had left nothing but destruction in their wake, and the Grimm had followed, drawn by the despair and chaos.
"You can't help everyone," the rusty voice consoled. "It's a... a painful reality you need to learn now. But... it doesn't mean you can't stop trying to do so."
"Save who you can," the knight agreed.
Jaune took another sip, the liquid burning his throat. The voices of the villagers below reached his ears, a mix of pain, sorrow, and determination. He could hear snippets of conversations, the worried murmurs of those who had lost everything, wondering what their next steps would be.
"Where will we go now? Shion is gone."
"Maybe we should head to Mistral. It's safer there."
"But how will we get there? We have nothing left."
"Mr. Arc said we can get a ride to Mistral1."
"Yeah, Ms. Schnee confirmed it."
"I heard Mistral had it bad… but I didn't think it was this bad that it would affect us, too. The capital city fell, but... "
"But they took it back! We aren't welcomed in the Wind Path or Kuchinashi, so what choice do we have?"
Jaune closed his eyes, letting the voices wash over him. The weight of their worries settled heavily on his shoulders. Mistral was safer, and its surrounding villages could still take them in. But if these attacks continued, there would be a lot more empty and ruined villages, places that thrived would be reduced to memories of what had been.
He took another drink, the alcohol dulling the edge of his thoughts. He knew that they couldn't just keep moving from village to village, putting out fires as they went. They needed a plan, a way to stop the attacks before they happened. But how? The enemy was slippery, striking quickly and disappearing before they could be caught.
Jaune's gaze shifted to the stars above, searching for answers in their distant light. The constellations were familiar, a comfort in their constancy.
A soft sound behind him broke through his thoughts. Jaune turned to see Winter Schnee climbing up to join him. She moved with her usual grace, her white hair catching the starlight. She sat down beside him, her eyes reflecting the same weariness he felt.
"You shouldn't be drinking alone," she said, her tone gently chiding. "No, please continue, Brothers, you deserved a drink at least."
Jaune managed a small smile. "Just needed some time to think, Ma'am."
Winter nodded, her gaze sweeping over the camp below. "They're resilient, these people. Even after everything, they're still fighting to survive."
"Yeah," Jaune said, his voice tinged with bitterness. "But for how long? If this keeps up, there won't be any villages left to save."
Winter sighed, her expression thoughtful. "We need a new strategy. Going from village to village isn't sustainable. We need to find the source, stop these attacks at their root. Mistral won't remain stable with Branwen roaming around doing this.."
"I know," Jaune agreed. "But finding them... it's like chasing shadows. They move too fast and too quick with her Semblance."
"Then we'll have to be smarter," Winter said, her voice firm.
He took a sip from his flask before capping it and setting it aside. "You're right."
She nodded, standing up and offering him a hand. "Come on. Let's get back down there. There's still work to be done. And I think the presence of a Huntsman who dug through the debris to save them would help ease their worries."
Jaune took her hand, pulling himself up. As they descended back into the camp, the villagers looked up as they approached, their faces a mix of hope and uncertainty.
As the night wore on, Jaune and Winter worked alongside the others, checking on the injured, organizing supplies and logistics, acquiring permissions, and planning their next steps.
As much as Jaune wanted to find Raven and end their raids immediately.
Helping people took time and effort.
It was not something that could be done in a day.
Someone to pick up the pieces and lend a hand.
Winter Schnee stood at a distance, her sharp eyes observing Jaune as he spoke to the gathered survivors of Shion and the neighboring villages who came after hearing of their presence. The makeshift camp had become a temporary refuge for those who had lost everything, and Jaune Arc was at the center of it, offering what comfort and guidance he could. Most of the injured had been healed by Jaune and the medical team, but the emotional scars were deep, and the uncertainty of what to do next weighed heavily on them all.
Jaune Arc, in his sleek black suit and yellow tie, stood upon the rubble, his red overcoat billowing in the air as he began by addressing the crowd, his voice carrying a mix of authority and compassion. "First of all, I want to thank each and every one of you for your strength. Surviving such an ordeal is no small feat, and your presence here is a testament to your resilience."
Winter watched as the villagers' expressions softened slightly at his words. Jaune Arc had a way of connecting with people, of making them feel seen and valued. It was one of his greatest strengths as a Mediator.
He continued, his tone shifting to one of regret. "I want to apologize. We failed to prevent Raven Branwen and her group from attacking your homes. Though she is associated with the White Fang, she is a human who chose to bring harm to both Faunus and humans alike. This was not merely an attack by the White Fang, but a heinous act committed by individuals who have lost their way. From Argus to Mistral, and here in Shion, they have let evil into their hearts and stolen from all of you."
There was a murmur among the crowd, a mixture of anger and confusion. Jaune's words were carefully chosen, clearly weaving a narrative that placed the blame on the White Fang once more. Directing their anger to the organization and the leader of the group who carried out the raid in their village. Winter noted the subtlety in his approach. He spoke with empathy, but there was also a clear intent to shape the villagers' understanding of the events in order to the push narrative he wove in Mistral.
Jaune's expression was a mix of determination and sorrow, an unreadable mask that he often wore. Winter had seen him adopt different faces depending on the situation, a skill he had developed to navigate the complexities of diplomacy and the many roles he had to play. Yet, she could tell that his sincerity shone brightest when he was directly caring for people, when his kindness and empathy were most needed.
"If we are to move forward," Jaune said, "we must do so together. We need to rebuild, to protect each other, and to ensure that this never happens again. The road ahead will be difficult, but I assure you that as Mistral's allies, we will stand by your side. Atlas is your friend. It has been and will always be. So please, trust us, let us help you!"
Winter noticed how the villagers leaned in, listening intently to his words. Jaune's ability to inspire hope in the midst of despair was a rare gift. He moved among them, speaking to individuals, asking about their needs and concerns. He listened with genuine interest, offering reassurance and practical solutions that made them feel needed to work.
While most of the Huntsmen were glad to be at the top, Jaune Arc would be the kind to be with the little people. Winter could imagine if Jaune had become a Huntsman first, he would have taken those tasks to escort children on cross roads and help people fight monsters.
A young woman stepped forward, her eyes filled with tears. "But where will we go? Shion is gone, and the other villages are just as devastated."
Jaune placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We will find a way. Mistral is safer, and we can work together to rebuild. It won't be easy, but we have each other. And as long as we stand together, we can overcome anything."
Winter watched as the woman's expression shifted from despair to a tentative hope. Jaune's words were like a balm, soothing the raw wounds of the survivors. He had a unique ability to make people believe in a better future, even when the present seemed overwhelmingly bleak and was something that Winter hoped could learn.
As Jaune continued to speak with the villagers, Winter reflected on his character. He was kind and empathetic, but there was also a ruthless determination within him, a fierce protectiveness that drove him to safeguard the well-being of others. It was a combination that made him both a compassionate leader and a formidable huntsman.
Winter approached Jaune as he finished speaking with an elderly man who had lost his home. She could see the exhaustion in his eyes, but also the unwavering resolve. "Well done," she said, her voice low and appreciative.
Jaune smiled faintly, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "Thanks, Ma'am. I just want them to know they're not alone. That we're here for them."
"You have a way of giving people hope," Winter observed. "It's really is one of your greatest strengths."
Jaune looked out over the camp, his expression thoughtful. "And they need hope right now and a plan. We can't just leave them to fend for themselves."
"We won't," Winter assured him. "We'd already coordinated with Mistral's council to find resources, and help these people find a place there for now."
Jaune nodded. Along the way, they met villagers who greeted them warmly. Winter had to admit that while she was glad to help people, the image of Atlas as Mistral's ally was being bolstered with every face they saved. They held the moral high ground. Even Winter understood how significant a PR win it would be to assist Mistral in their time of need. It wasn't Vale or Vacuo who came to their aid. It was Atlas. Though they might have failed in Vale, their successful defense of Mistral was enough for the General and the Council to justify the resources they were using.
It served Atlas's interests and allowed them to profit from their efforts.
It was then that Mistral authorities had come in their airships to help people out.
Ushering the villagers in the bulkheads, the Manta gunships escorted the bulkheads back to Mistral City.
Leaving the village of Shion and its neighboring villages desolated.
Winter Schnee and Jaune Arc sat in the command center of Winter's airship, the light from the projected maps and reports spread out before them. The air was thick with tension as they discussed their next steps, particularly how to deal with Raven Branwen and her tribe. The attacks had been devastating, and they couldn't afford another raid like the one on Shion. It was a pipe dream, but
Winter began, her voice steady and authoritative. "We need a multi-faceted approach to deal with Raven's tribe. Direct confrontation has its risks, especially given her ability to create portals and escape. We need to neutralize her tribe's strength and prevent her from slipping away."
Jaune nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Agreed. She's a tough nut to crack, but it's not all about her either. We need to strike at her tribe's core, reduce their number. Raven Branwen herself is a different challenge. She's cunning and powerful, and she won't hesitate to use her semblance to avoid capture."
Winter pointed to the map, highlighting key locations. "We could set up ambush points along their known routes. Hit them hard and fast, and then retreat before they can regroup. Our primary goal should be to capture as many of her followers as possible. Without her tribe, Raven loses much of her ability to conduct raids."
Jaune leaned forward, his eyes scanning the map. "If we target her tribe, we need to do more than just capture them. We need to shame Raven, make her feel the loss personally. She's prideful, proud of her strength and if we can tarnish that pride, it might force her into making mistakes."
Winter raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "How do you propose we 'shame' her?"
Jaune's expression grew intense, his mind clearly working through the possibilities. "We capture her tribe members and publicly expose their failures. Spread the word of their defeats, show the world that Raven Branwen is a joke. If we undermine her image, we can provoke her. Make them living jokes associated with the White Fang. Nothing more than another rabble of bandits with high bounties in their heads."
Winter considered his words, nodding slowly. "That could work. The bounty on them should have been high already, but what they did in the villages would sweeten the pot. But even so, based on our dossier, Raven is likely to run when cornered. She values her survival above all else."
Jaune fell silent, his gaze distant as he slipped into deep thought. Winter recognized the look on his face, a mixture of intense focus and strategic calculation. She had seen it before, in moments when Jaune was formulating a plan, his mind racing with possibilities.
After a long pause, Jaune's eyes sharpened, and he looked directly at Winter. "I have a way to provoke her. To bait her into possibly attacking out of rage."
Winter leaned forward, curiosity piqued. "What are you thinking?"
Jaune shook his head, a resolute expression on his face. "I can't tell you, Winter. I don't even know if it would work."
Winter frowned, frustration clear in her eyes. "Jaune, if we're going to succeed, we need to be on the same page. I can't support a plan if I don't know what it is."
Jaune's gaze softened, but his resolve remained. "I understand your concern, Ma'am. But I need you to trust me."
Winter sighed, sensing the firmness in his decision. "Alright, Jaune. I'll trust you on this. But don't keep me in the dark for too long. We need to be prepared for every eventuality."
Jaune nodded, grateful for her trust. "Thank you, Ma'am. I won't let you down."
With the tentative agreement in place, they turned their attention back to the maps and reports, refining their strategy to dismantle Raven's tribe. They identified key targets, planned ambushes, and coordinated their forces to maximize their chances of success. Throughout their discussions, Jaune's mind continued to work on the mysterious plan he had alluded to, a plan that he believed could turn the tide in their favor.
As the night wore on, they finalized their preparations and briefed everyone that was going to be involved.
The plan to reduce Raven's tribe to only her alone had begun.