The frigid air of Solitas bit through Jaune's red overcoat as he trudged through the snow, his mind a cacophony of voices each vying for dominance. The city's outskirts lay in a desolate state that was a testament to the perpetual struggle for survival for those who try to stay outside of the cities. It was sometimes easy to forget that despite all the peace they had in cities. Life outside of them remained a struggle and it once again claimed another victim. Jaune's eyes scanned the scene ahead, the mangled body of a citizen laying contorted in the snow. Penny stood by the corpse, her green eyes analyzing the surroundings with an intensity that belied her friendly demeanor.
She was saddened by the sight of it.
"Alright, Jaune, let's figure this out," he thought, trying to tune into the voices in his head.
"It's cold, Jaune. Freezing. The snow... it tells a story," murmured the Well-Informed Voice.
"But does it sing? Snow doesn't sing, Jaune. Listen for the hum," the Rusty Voice said sarcastically.
"Don't be distracted. Focus on the facts, the details. It's in the small things," urged the Scheming Voice, tinged with a hint of slyness.
"What do you see? What do you really see?" inquired the Curious Voice, its tone both probing and innocent.
"Look at the posture, the stance. This was a struggle. A knight knows a struggle," said the Knight's Voice.
Jaune shook his head, trying to clear the haze of conflicting advice. Penny looked at him, her expression one of patient concern.
"Jaune, are you ready?" she asked, her voice bringing a semblance of calm to his chaotic thoughts.
"Yeah, I'm ready," he replied, more to himself than to her. He stepped closer to the body, his breath visible in the crisp air.
The citizen's body lay in a gruesome tableau.
Deep gashes marred their torso, blood staining the snow a dark crimson.
Jaune knelt beside the corpse, examining the wounds.
"Those gashes, they look like claws. Sharp, precise. Not human," the Well-Informed Voice noted.
"Claws can mean many things. It's about the angle here, the force. Measure it," Rusty Voice added.
"And the snow... look how it's disturbed around the body. There was a fight," Scheming Voice observed.
"You think so?" the Yellow Tie snorted. "Far as I can tell this one's a civilian."
Jaune looked around, noting the scattered footprints and disturbed snow. He reached out, touching the bloodstains. It was still warm.
"Penny, what do you make of this?" Jaune asked, hoping for an external perspective to balance the internal chaos.
Penny's eyes glowed briefly as she processed the data. "The wounds are consistent with an attack by a Grimm, specifically a Beowolf. The pattern and depth suggest large claws, and the scattered footprints indicate a struggle. The citizen was able to fight back."
"Penny's right. It fits the usual. Beowolf attacks are brutal and quick," Knight's Voice affirmed. "But this one managed a struggle."
"But are we missing something? Is it too obvious?" Curious Voice wondered.
Jaune stood up, his eyes scanning the perimeter. Something felt off, but he couldn't pinpoint what. The voices continued to argue, each presenting their case.
"Penny, let's canvas the area. There might be more clues around here," Jaune suggested. The two of them began to explore the vicinity, Jaune's mind still a battleground of theories and hypotheses.
They found broken branches and more tracks leading into a nearby alley. The snow was packed down in places, suggesting multiple creatures or people had passed through recently.
"Follow the tracks. They lead somewhere, to something," Scheming Voice directed.
"Be wary. Tracks can deceive. Who knows what lies ahead?" Rusty Voice cautioned.
As they followed the trail, they stumbled upon a partially hidden cave entrance. Blood spatter near the entrance indicated that their quarry might have sought refuge or dragged their victim here.
"Penny, stay close. This could be dangerous," Jaune warned, drawing his sword.
Penny nodded, her swords extending with a metallic shing as then floated behind her. Together, they entered the cave, the darkness swallowing them.
The cave was cold and damp, the air thick with the scent of decay. Jaune's senses were on high alert, every shadow and sound magnified in his mind.
"This place... it feels wrong. Be careful," Knight's Voice warned.
"Look for signs. Claw marks, blood, anything that tells a story," Well-Informed Voice advised.
They moved deeper into the cave, their footsteps echoing off the walls. Suddenly, Penny stopped, her sensors picking up something.
"Jaune, over here," she whispered.
She pointed to a series of claw marks on the cave wall, alongside more bloodstains.
"These marks, they're deep. The Beowolf was angry, desperate," Curious Voice mused.
"Desperation makes them more dangerous. Stay sharp," Knight's Voice reminded him.
As they ventured further, they found a small alcove. Inside, a pile of bones and torn clothing confirmed their worst fears. This Beowolf had been hunting in the area for some time.
"This is it. The lair. But where is the Beowolf?" Scheming Voice questioned.
"It's close. I can feel it," Rusty Voice whispered.
No sooner had the thought crossed his mind than a growl echoed through the cave. The Beowolf emerged from the shadows, its eyes glowing with malice. Jaune and Penny readied themselves for the fight.
"Focus on its weak points," Knight's Voice instructed. "This is a fight we can easily win."
The Beowolf lunged, claws slashing through the air. Jaune parried, his shield sparking against the beast's claws. Penny moved in, her blades slicing through the air as she attacked and pierced her sword array on the Grimm, pinning it on the ground.
The fight was quick. Jaune's mind raced, the voices blending into a chorus of strategies and warnings. With a decisive strike, he plunged his sword into the Beowolf's chest, the creature collapsing in a heap before turning dark flakes carried on by the wind.
"Any more, Penny?"
"I don't think so," Penny scanned the area, her eyes narrowing. "For now. But we should report this back to General Ironwood."
Jaune had hoped it was just another Grimm attack.
But it wasn't.
Jaune stood once more on the outskirts of Mantle, his breath forming clouds in the frigid air. Proven wrong despite his languid hope. The scene before him was eerily familiar, another body lying lifeless in the snow. Penny stood nearby, her eyes scanning the area with precise focus as she compared the other cases.
This was the third victim, and Jaune's mind was already a tumultuous storm of voices, each clamoring to be heard.
"We've been here before, Jaune. Same scene, same story," said the Well-Informed Voice, its tone tinged with frustration.
"What happened here? What's the story?" Curious Voice asked, its tone probing and inquisitive.
"Three victims, Jaune. But I gotta ask, is being a Specialist also means we act as a Detective?" exclaimed Yellow Tie's Voice, almost gleefully.
"For Grimm matters?" the rusty voice intoned. "Probably."
Jaune took a deep breath, trying to focus amidst the clamor. "Penny, what do we know so far?"
Penny turned to him, her expression serious. "The victim shows similar injuries to the previous cases. Deep lacerations, consistent with a Beowolf attack. However, there are a few discrepancies."
"Discrepancies? Interesting. Dig deeper, Jaune," Scheming Voice encouraged.
"The devil is in the details," Jaune said, stepping closer to the body.
The victim lay sprawled in the snow, deep gashes marking their torso. Blood had soaked into the ground, freezing in the cold air. Jaune knelt beside the body, examining the wounds with a critical eye.
"Those gashes... look at them. They're different from the previous attacks," Well-Informed Voice noted.
"Angles, yes. But what caused them? Be careful not to jump to conclusions," Rusty Voice warned.
"The snow is disturbed, but not in the same way. There's something off," Scheming Voice observed.
"Penny, what discrepancies did you find?" Jaune asked, hoping to align his thoughts with hers.
Penny pointed to the wounds. "The depth and angle of the lacerations are inconsistent with a Beowolf's typical attack pattern. They're more... calculated and not wild."
"Calculated? This suggests intent, precision. Not like a Grimm," Curious Voice mused.
"Grimm are savage, brutal. This seems... methodical," Knight's Voice agreed.
Jaune nodded, his mind racing. He needed to consider all possibilities, even those that seemed unlikely.
"Let's search the area for more clues," Jaune suggested. Penny nodded, and they began to systematically comb through the surroundings.
As they moved through the snow, they found broken branches, scattered footprints, and signs of a struggle. But something stood out, marks that looked like they had been made by a weapon, not claws.
"Weapon marks. That's new. Who's wielding it?" Scheming Voice wondered.
"A weapon means a person, not a Grimm. But why mimic a Beowolf?" Curious Voice asked.
"Misdirection. They want us to think it's a Grimm perhaps?" Well-Informed Voice suggested.
"Penny, look at these marks. What do you make of them?" Jaune asked, pointing to the scratches on a nearby tree.
Penny analyzed the marks, her eyes glowing softly. "These were made by a blade-like object, not claws. Someone is trying to make it look like a Grimm attack."
"Deception. They want to throw us off the trail," Knight's Voice stated.
"So, we might have a humanoid attacker, trying to disguise their work as a Grimm's?" Jaune muttered.
Jaune and Penny continued their search, finding more evidence that pointed to a human perpetrator. Yet, the consistent presence of Grimm-like signs confused the issue.
"This is a curious web. We need to unravel it," Scheming Voice said.
"But we don't have all the answers. What if we're being led astray?" Rusty Voice cautioned.
"Three victims, all with similar wounds. There's a pattern here," Well-Informed Voice insisted.
"Penny, let's compare this to the previous cases. What's the common thread?" Jaune asked.
Penny pulled up the data, cross-referencing the details. "Each victim was found in a similar state, with signs of a struggle and injuries consistent with a Beowolf attack. But now, we know a weapon was involved."
"A weapon... used to mimic a Grimm. Who would do that?" Curious Voice asked.
"Someone who wants us to think it's a Grimm. But why?" Jaune pondered.
The voices in his head were relentless, each presenting a different theory. But one thing was clear: they were dealing with something more complex than a simple Grimm attack.
"Penny, I think we're dealing with an sentient attacker, someone who wants to mislead us into thinking it's a Grimm," Jaune said, finally giving voice to his thoughts.
Penny looked thoughtful. "That's a plausible theory. But why go to such lengths?"
"Why indeed? What's their motive?" Scheming Voice asked.
"Fear, confusion, misdirection. They're hiding something," Rusty Voice suggested. "Or testing something."
"And using a Grimm as a cover is perfect. Everyone fears the Grimm," Well-Informed Voice added.
Jaune's mind whirred with possibilities. They had pieces of the puzzle, but the full picture was still elusive.
"We need to report this to General Ironwood. He needs to know we might be dealing with a threat," Jaune concluded.
Back at Atlas, Jaune and Penny presented their findings to General Ironwood.
The general listened intently, his expression unreadable.
"So, you're suggesting these attacks were orchestrated by someone who might be plausibly a human, not a Grimm?" Ironwood asked, his tone skeptical.
"Yes, sir. The evidence points to a weapon being used to mimic a Beowolf attack. The wounds, the marks, they all indicate a deliberate attempt to mislead us," Jaune explained. "Or... it's more straightforward."
Ironwood nodded slowly. "It's a bold theory, but it makes sense. We'll need to investigate further. Good work, both of you."
As they left Ironwood's office, Jaune felt uneasy.
And his uneasiness was warranted.
Two days after reporting to the general.
Jaune Arc drove on the icy expanse of Solitas, riding on a hoverbike with Penny flying on the side.
Jaune shook his head, trying to focus. "Penny, do you see anything?"
Penny's eyes glowed softly as she scanned the area. "No immediate threats detected, but we should remain cautious. Grimm could be anywhere."
Jaune nodded, his hand tightening around the hilt of his sword. "Let's move. We need to find some clues."
The snow crunched beneath their feet as they trekked deeper into the wilderness. Jaune's mind was a storm of thoughts, the voices in his head analyzing every detail.
"Footprints. Look at the spacing," Well-Informed Voice advised.
"Something passed through recently," Rusty Voice observed.
"Could be Grimm, could be something else. Follow the trail," Scheming Voice urged.
Jaune and Penny followed the tracks, their eyes scanning for any signs of the Grimm.
The footprints led them to a small clearing, where the snow was stained with blood.
"Penny, look at this," Jaune said, pointing to the crimson patches.
Penny knelt beside the bloodstains, her sensors analyzing the scene. "The blood is fresh. There was a struggle here, recently."
"Struggle means another victim. But where are they?" Curious Voice wondered.
"And more importantly, what attacked them?" Knight's Voice asked.
Jaune's eyes scanned the perimeter, looking for any clues. They found broken branches, scattered belongings, and more blood. But no body yet.
As they continued their search, they stumbled upon a gruesome sight. The mangled remains of a body lay half-buried in the snow, the wounds unmistakably caused by a Grimm.
Jaune's stomach churned at the sight. "It's definitely a Grimm attack."
Penny's eyes narrowed as she analyzed the body. "The wounds are still consistent with a Beowolf, but there's something... different."
"Different? How? What are we missing?" Scheming Voice questioned.
"Look closer. The pattern of the wounds. It's... odd," Well-Informed Voice noted.
Jaune knelt beside the body, examining the gashes. "The wounds are deeper, more precise. Almost as if the Grimm was... trained."
"Trained Grimm?" Curious Voice pondered. "Or a controlled one?"
Jaune's mind raced, the voices blending into a chaotic chorus. He needed to make sense of this, needed to find the truth.
As they deliberated, a low growl echoed through the clearing. Jaune and Penny turned, their weapons ready. A Beowolf emerged from the shadows, its eyes glowing with malice.
"Can you secure the area, Penny," Jaune warned, his sword at the ready.
Penny nodded. The Beowolf pounced. Jaune dodged the Grimm's claws, then he got under the Beowolf's chest, stabbed Crocea Mors and pushed it up the throat. Penny hovered in the air as Jaune pushed the beowolf flat on the ground and swung at its neck, beheading it.
Jaune looked at Penny. "Is it over?"
Penny scanned the area, her eyes narrowing. "For now. But there could be more."
Jaune placed Crocea Mors blade back to its shield-scabbard.
"Penny, what if these Grimm are being controlled?" Jaune asked, the thought hitting him suddenly.
Penny looked thoughtful. "Controlled? By whom? Do you think it's Dr. Merlot?"
"You already know the answer to this, Jaune," the Rusty Voice sneered inside his head.
He could hear the anvil's strikes in the distance.
"No, they don't match the usual appearance. Let's see if there's more we can find, Penny," Jaune said, groaning.
Penny looked worriedly at the vast expanse of snow
Jaune groaned as he boosted himself with his Semblance.
A week slipped by effortlessly as Jaune and Penny diligently pursued Grimm trails, swiftly eliminating any they encountered before they could claim more lives. Jaune relied on Penny's systems to detect their presence. Searching all of Solitas in a week was an impossible task, so they focused on areas matching the same pattern. It would be reckless to claim they had completely eradicated the Grimm threat, but after another week, there were no reports of incidents beyond the usual daily tragedies of life and Jaune had to make requests to any Atlas Huntsmen to watch the areas just in case.
Jaune stood before the doors of General Ironwood's office with his mind a whirlwind of thoughts and voices. The thought of controlled Grimm had shaken him to his core just for the sheer implication of it, but he knew he had to stay composed.
Penny Polendina stood beside him, her expression calm and reassuring.
Jaune took a deep breath and knocked on the door.
"Come in," came Ironwood's stern voice from within.
Inside, General Ironwood sat behind his large desk, his expression stern and unreadable. Jaune and Penny approached, their steps echoing in the spacious office.
"General Ironwood, we've completed our investigation into the recent attacks," Jaune began, his voice steady despite the nerves jangling in his mind.
Ironwood looked up, his eyes sharp. "Report."
Jaune recounted their findings, detailing the controlled Grimm. Ironwood listened intently, his expression growing more troubled with each word.
"So, you're saying someone has found a way to control Grimm?" Ironwood asked, his voice tight with concern.
"This is where it gets tricky. Be clear," Scheming Voice advised.
"Yes, General. But these Grimm aren't like Merlot's Grimm either. They're more precise, more strategic," Jaune explained, his tone firm. "Which leads us to believe they are being controlled by something or someone.."
Ironwood leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing. "And you're certain there have been no more attacks since you neutralized the last one?"
Penny nodded. "Yes, General. The attacks have ceased after this."
"We've combed sites where there might be and there should be no more of them, Sir."
Ironwood sighed, rubbing his temples. "The idea of controlled Grimm is... disturbing."
"He's worried. Push the point," Rusty Voice urged.
"General Ironwood, these controlled Grimm are a different threat from anything we've faced before. We need to be prepared for the possibility that there is someone out there who can do this," Jaune said, his voice resolute.
Ironwood gave a weary smile, shaking his head. "You always seem to find the most complicated cases, Mr. Arc. I'm almost tempted to swamp you with more work to keep you busy."
"He means you're getting involved in things you don't have to," the Scheming voice translated.
Penny's eyes brightened. "It's our duty as Mantle's protectors, General. We'll handle whatever comes our way."
Ironwood chuckled softly. "I appreciate your dedication, both of you. Now, let's move on to other matters I was hoping to hear about."
"He's changing the subject," the curious voice noticed.
"See?" the Scheming voice snorted.
"Old Ironwood knows who might be doing this," the Rusty voice sneered. "I'm betting he's going to give Oz a call after this."
"How are the walls and heating systems in Mantle holding up?" The General asked.
Jaune straightened. "The walls are holding strong, General. The heating systems have been improved significantly, and the citizens are noticing the difference."
Ironwood nodded, a hint of relief in his expression. "Good. Mantle's safety is a top priority. Thank you for your hard work."
As they exited Ironwood's office, Jaune felt a mixture of relief and lingering unease.
The General had taken their report seriously, but the threat of controlled Grimm still loomed in his mind.
"Penny, let's head back to my place. We need to go over everything again," Jaune said, his voice steady but thoughtful.
Penny nodded, her expression supportive. "Of course, Jaune. Let's make sure we haven't missed anything."
Back at Jaune's house, they settled in the patio of his garden.
The air was crisp, and the sky above casts a serene glow over the garden.
Jaune leaned back in his chair, his mind still buzzing with thoughts and voices.
Penny sat across from him, her gaze thoughtful as he clearly monitored something.
Jaune guessed that it's her fishes... or sending a lot of text to Ruby.
"Jaune, do you think we've uncovered everything there is to know about these controlled Grimm?" Penny asked, her tone curious yet concerned.
"I'm not sure, Penny. There are still so many unanswered questions. How was this someone controlling them? Are there others who can do the same?" Jaune mused, his brow furrowed in thought.
Penny looked worried, she had no answer.
"You know who it is that is controlling them," the yellow tie's voice reminded Jaune as it tightened around Jaune like a noose ready to break his neck. "You can't lie to yourself, Jaune, that you don't know who it is. You're just... afraid that destiny's moving."
Oh Jaune knew who was the one controlling this.
If anything he was glad that she didn't send a Hound.
But the motives?
Was it to scout ahead?
Or was it to probe?
Or maybe it's just to send a message to Ironwood.
He can't rely on the Afterans memories either since according to the Afteran.
Atlas should already have fallen a year ago, and the only city left standing right now should be Vacuo.
But here he was.
Still under Atlas's shadow, trying to live a life as normal as he could.
His scroll buzzed. Looking at the message he felt another pain in his heart.
"Is that Miss Winter?" Penny asked.
Jaune looked up. "How did you know?"
"Oh, she told me she's going to take a break."
"Then I think I should meet her."
Penny nodded then her eyes dilated in panic.
"I'll have to feed my fish!"
Jaune then watched her fly, leaving the plants in his garden swaying.
Boarding an airship up to Atlas. Jaune found Winter and sat in the corner of a lavishly decorated coffee shop, one that screamed opulence with its gold-trimmed furnishings and delicate porcelain cups. Across from him, Winter sat poised, her demeanor calm and collected as always. The atmosphere was filled with the soft murmur of casual chatter and the clinking of fine china. It was the kind of place where the elite of Remnant would gather, and today, it was the backdrop for the conversation between two specialists. One that was poor, the other had inheritance she barely knew how to use.
Winter Schnee took a delicate sip of her coffee, her piercing blue eyes fixed on Jaune. "So, how are your mediator roles progressing? I've heard you've been quite busy lately."
Jaune leaned back in his chair, a tired smile playing on his lips. "'Busy' is an understatement. Solitas is a tangled mess, Win. You wouldn't believe the things I've uncovered."
"She might not believe it, but you have to tell her anyway," a voice said.
"Should we even tell her?"
"She's close to the General. She probably knows," the Well-informed voice said.
Jaune nodded internally. "Yeah, it's been a whirlwind. I came across something...unexpected. Controlled Grimm. They're not just attacking at random anymore… someone's pulling the strings. Directing them to certain areas where they try to make this obvious pattern. Like they were sending a message."
Winter raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Controlled Grimm? That's...alarming. Do you have any leads?"
"Tell her about the unusual movements," the curious voice said.
"Should we really?" the yellow tie's voice added, cautiously.
"I've tracked a few leads with Penny over the week," Jaune continued, leaning in slightly. "There have been strange things arriving in remote areas, and movements that don't quite add up. We've been dealing with everything we could find, but who knows how many are still there?. I don't know why, but it feels like the Grimm are migrating to the North before crossing the sea."
Winter's expression remained composed, but Jaune could see the gears turning in her mind. "That's quite the discovery. For a mediator, you certainly find yourself mediating more than just disputes."
"I am Huntsman too," Jaune chuckled, shaking his head. "But tell me about it. Sometimes I think 'mediator' is just a fancy term for 'troubleshooter'. Seems like I'm always putting out fires or checking up on the people."
"Don't forget to mention the part where you're still under the red. It adds to the narrative," a drunk's voice added. "Tell her this is her damn fault."
"And despite all the work I do, I'm still under the red," Jaune added, a wry smile tugging at his lips.
Winter's eyes sparkled with amusement. "You poor thing. If I recall correctly, this is three out of four meals you owe me. You should be glad."
Jaune groaned, a playful glint in his eyes. "You Schnee's have quite the sadistic tendencies, don't you?"
Winter laughed, a sound that felt like a small victory to Jaune.
It was rare to get something out of the Ice Queen.
"Ask her about her latest mission. It's only fair," The curious voice said.
"So, what about you, Win?" Jaune asked, shifting the focus. "Any interesting missions lately?"
Winter sighed softly, setting her cup down. "It's been rather routine, to be honest. Mostly patrols and reinforcing borders. The most exciting thing I've had was a brief skirmish with a group of rogue bandits."
"Press her for more details. She's holding back," the curious voice insisted.
"Rogue bandits, huh? Sounds like there's more to that story."
Winter smiled, a hint of pride in her eyes. "Well, they thought they could outsmart us. We managed to corner them and recover some stolen supplies. It was a small victory, but a victory nonetheless."
Jaune nodded, appreciating her modesty. "Every victory counts."
"Try get out of this financial strain," the drunk's voice added.
"You know, Winter," Jaune said, his tone more serious. "I really respect the work you do. It's not easy, and it's often thankless. But you do it with such grace."
Winter looked at him, a soft smile touching her lips. "Thank you, Jaune. That means a lot coming from you. But you still owe me the last meal."
"Tsk, that's right. Keep on bullying your fellow Specialist.."
Winter chuckled, a light blush coloring her cheeks. "And what about you, Jaune? Any new hobbies outside of work?"
"You can only read so many comics before they get tiresome. Penny's trying to persuade me into joining her fish mania, but the Lien for the build she wants to install was terrifying," Jaune scratched the back of his head, a sheepish grin on his face. "Well, anyway, I like to cook nowadays. Especially when out in Solitas where it's just pure white landscape sometimes. It's a nice way to unwind after a long day."
Winter's eyes widened in surprise. "Cooking? I wouldn't have guessed."
Jaune then frowned. "Hey, I can cook. I've been living alone."
"Then maybe one day I'll get to taste your cooking," Winter said, her tone light but sincere.
Jaune looked suspicious. "Win, you know I can't possibly win over a Schnee's taste."
Winter took a sip of her coffee. "They do say that to improve you need to learn about your failures."
"Don't wanna hear it."
Jaune leaned back and crossed his arms. "That reminds me, Win. Isn't the Vytal Festival coming soon?"
"It should be next month. Ah, the General wants to include Penny by the way."
"Why? Mantle needs its protector."
Winter smiled reassuringly. "The walls should hold up. And you know that the Ace-Ops are always around to stop anything."
"Oh, they better, I don't want to return and find my house flattened."
They continued their conversation, the hours slipping away as they exchanged stories and laughter. As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the coffee shop, Winter sighed softly. "I should probably get going. And you look exhausted. You could have just said you were just done with a mission. I can still smell the snow on you."
"Eh, it's alright. I was thinking of an expensive coffee might not be that bad."
Jaune asked the server for the bill and made a pained expression as he confirmed the payment.
"This was nice. We should do it again sometime." Winter stood, smoothing her uniform.
Jaune stood as well, offering her a troubled expression. "Win, please don't take me to the most expensive place you can find next time. I will literally have nothing to eat if you do."
"I'll think about it," Winter smugly said. "And if you find yourself in trouble. I'm sure Penny can help you out."
"Yeah, not when she has a lot of fishes to feed. You should really visit her house and see her fishes. They are relaxing to watch as long as Penny doesn't try to persuade you about joining her hobby."
As they left the coffee shop, Jaune noticed the voices in his head were quiet for now, their usual chatter subdued. Intuitively, Jaune turned and saw Winter Schnee's back, somewhat heavy. Then with a final glance at the opulent shop, Jaune stepped into the crowd and joined them.
But before he could leave. His eyes naturally went to the Dust-infused drinks they were selling.
There it was.
His best friends for the last years before all of this madness from the Afteran entered his head.
"FRERE, now is the time!" The drunk's voice commanded. "Your mind is troubled with all of this nonsense. We must REVITALIZE the electrons in our head with SWEET LIQUID DUST."
Winter Schnee walked through the quiet corridors of a medical facility, the soft hum of the overhead lights the only sound accompanying her footsteps. She clutched a small paper bag filled with the items she had picked up from the café house after her outing with Jaune Arc. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the faint scent of pastries wafted from the bag, a stark contrast to the sterile smell of the facility.
As she approached Fria's room, she took a deep breath. Fria, the current Winter Maiden, had become a mentor of sorts, though their relationship was still tinged with the formality of their roles. Winter knocked softly on the door before entering. Fria lay on her hospital bed, surrounded by life support systems that beeped and whirred, a constant reminder of her fragile state.
"Fria, it's me, Winter," she announced softly, stepping into the room.
Fria's eyes lit up with a mischievous glint as she saw the bag Winter was carrying. "Well, look who's back," she said, her voice weak but filled with warmth. "And you've bought something with you. What is it?"
Winter placed the bag on the small table beside the bed and began to unpack its contents. "Just some coffee and pastries from the café. I thought you might like them."
Fria's hands moved with surprising speed, sneaking a pastry from the bag and taking a bite. "Mmm, this is good," she said with a satisfied smile. "It's nice to see you being more sociable, Winter."
Winter stiffened slightly, a hint of defensiveness in her posture. "I am sociable," she retorted, then softened. "Well, maybe not as much as I should be. But having someone to talk to does help relieve some stress."
Fria chuckled, a sound that turned into a cough, causing Winter to step forward in concern. But Fria waved her off, still smiling. "I had a read on the person you were out with today," she said, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "This Jaune Arc, he seems interesting."
Winter tilted her head, a bit taken aback. "Why the interest?"
"Just curious," Fria replied. "And besides, if he's spending time with you, he should probably know about the existence of a Maiden."
Winter nodded slowly. "He's quite... intuitive. He probably has already guessed a lot. And he's strong, too. Managed to beat a Maiden in single combat. His Semblance is impressive."
Fria paused, her expression becoming thoughtful. "Why haven't you tried using his Semblance on me?"
Winter hesitated, searching for the right words. "Because... well, you're..."
"Old?" Fria finished for her, a wry smile on her lips.
Winter looked down, a mix of emotions crossing her face. "Fria, do you really think I should become the Winter Maiden?"
Fria's eyes bore into hers, searching for something. "Do you?"
There was a long silence before Winter spoke again. "I've been thinking a lot lately, you see. This friend of mine has shown me a level of kindness and goodness that makes me question myself. I used to think I was more machine than human, just following orders and fulfilling duties. But now... now I don't feel that way as much. He's tireless, dedicated, just like me. And it's made me realize I'm not as special as I thought."
Fria reached out, her frail hand covering Winter's. "You are special, Winter. Not because of your strength or your duty, but because of your heart. Hmm, I did think you were simply here to take on the Mantle under Ironwood's orders. The fact that you're questioning this, that you're even having these thoughts, shows that the first impression really does not say it all. I owe you an apology."
Winter squeezed Fria's hand gently, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "You have nothing to apologize for, Ma'am."
Fria smiled softly. "Thank you, Winter Schnee. For keeping this old woman company."
Fria then glanced at the bag of pastries, then back at Fria.
"Want another pastry?" she asked with a small smile.
Fria grinned. "Only if you share one with me."
Winter nodded, taking a pastry and handing one to Fria.
Fria, with a sly smile, couldn't resist. "So, how was your outing with your friend? You two seem to be getting quite close."
Winter thought back to her outing. "We're strictly professional friends," she said firmly. "He's just been a good companion and support during these stressful times."
Fria raised an eyebrow. "Oh, strictly professional, is it?"
Winter maintained her composure. "Yes, strictly professional. He's a good friend, but that's all."
Fria chuckled softly, a knowing look in her eyes. "Alright, Winter, whatever you say."
The visit continued with light conversation, Fria sharing stories of her past, and Winter listening intently, absorbing the wisdom and experience of the older woman. As the evening drew on and Winter prepared to leave, Fria caught her hand one last time. "Be good, okay?"
Winter nodded. "I will," she promised, giving Fria's hand a final squeeze before stepping out of the room.
As Winter lay down to rest for the night, Fria's words echoed in her mind. She closed her eyes and let the fatigue of the day take over. Her dreams took her to a vast, white space, an expanse of light and tranquility. In the midst of this whiteness, Fria appeared, looking vibrant and strong, so different from her frail form in the hospital bed.
"Fria?" Winter whispered, reaching out.
Fria smiled warmly and took Winter's hands in hers. "Winter," she said softly, her voice filled with a gentle power. Winter felt a wave of calm wash over her. Fria's presence was comforting, reassuring. The older woman's smile seemed to imbue her with strength.
When Winter awoke the next morning, the memory of the dream lingered vividly. As she prepared herself for the day, she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes, normally a piercing blue, seemed to blaze with an inner light, a spark of the Maiden's power.
Suddenly, her tears began to fall, unbidden and unstoppable. They flowed freely, each drop a testament to the overwhelming pressure she felt. As she cried, the frost began to spread around her, freezing the tiles and creeping up the walls.
Destiny had come knocking.