The icy wind danced through the streets of Mantle, sending shivers down Jaune's spine as he watched children cross the street. His eyes traced their movements. Memories, not his own, flooded his mind like a relentless tide, dragging him to see himself patrol these same streets, dressed up in armor and in a different haircut.
There he stood, a reflection of himself, holding a stop sign aloft with a solemn gaze. The weight of responsibility hung heavy in the air, mingling with the distant echoes of laughter and the bustling hum of the city. Jaune feels the weight of the armor pressing against his skin.
But amidst the worries and the cold, there was warmth. Warmth in the smiles of the children as they passed by, their innocent chatter a balm to his weary soul. And there, on the edges of his memory, were mothers with their casseroles, offering small tokens of gratitude for his watchful eye.
For a fleeting moment, Jaune was lost in the nostalgia for it all, not his own. The sense of purpose, the sense of belonging.
But reality soon came crashing back, harsh and unforgiving.
As the last of the children disappeared around the corner, Jaune lingered a moment longer.
As the frigid air wrapped around Jaune like a suffocating embrace as he adjusted his yellow tie as a futile attempt to regain a semblance of composure. The memories, like ghosts, clung to him with a tenacity that bordered on desperation, whispering secrets of another life, another time.
With a sharp exhale, Jaune shook his head, as if trying to dislodge the hold of these memories that threatened to ensnare him. The streets of Mantle faded into the periphery, replaced by the stark reality of the present staring him down.
The echoes lingered. With a weary sigh, Jaune straightened his posture, steeling himself against the chill.
As he turned away from the crossing, Jaune cast one last glance over his shoulder and then made his way to the base.
As Jaune approached the Atlas military base, the atmosphere shifted, thickening with an unspoken tension that seemed to cling to the very air. The concrete walls rose like monoliths, their imposing presence casting long, ominous shadows that stretched across the ground.
His footsteps echoed against the cold pavement. Each step, the air seemed to crackle with an electric energy, sending a shiver down Jaune's spine as he drew nearer to the gate. His breath hung in the frosty air, each exhale a visible reminder of the chill that permeated the atmosphere.
As Jaune reached out to grasp the cold metal of the gate, his fingers brushed against its surface, sending a jolt of icy sensation shooting up his arm. The sensation lingered, searing into his skin with an almost tangible intensity.
Jaune strolled within the bounds of the Atlas military base. His mind wandered into surreal visions, sparked by the distant whirring of machinery and the occasional gust of wind. In the corner of his eye, he glimpsed movement, swift and graceful, like an energized star dancing through the air.
The girl defies convention with each effortless maneuver, zipping through the sky with an otherworldly elegance. Jaune whirls within his mind.
He sees the girl lifting the colossal structure of Amity Arena high into the heavens, carrying a message to the stars. A message of hope and unity.
Then Jaune finds himself standing in front of the girl, a sword gripped tightly in his hand. Not for salvation, but for hope.
A knight wears his helm in shame, holding a broken sword bathed in the purest blood.
Lost in his thoughts, Jaune didn't notice the figure darting through the air until it landed with a soft thud beside him. Startled, he turned to see Penny, her frame gleaming in the sunlight. For a moment, Jaune's heart skipped a beat, a stranger's memories flooding back in a rush, before he takes a sharp breath.
"Friend Jaune, it's good to see you again!" Penny's voice rang out, her green eyes sparkling with warmth behind her metal exterior. She stood tall, her posture straight as she executed a crisp salute.
Jaune forced a smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. He returned her salute. "Likewise, Penny," Jaune replied, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. He swallowed back the lump in his throat.
Penny's eyes flickered with curiosity as she tilted her head slightly, her gaze now fixed on Jaune. With a swift motion, she extended her arm, her fingers turning into a sensor. Jaune watched in fascination as she scanned him, her movements precise and efficient.
A soft hum filled the air as Penny's sensors worked their magic, collecting data with each passing second. Finally, Penny withdrew her hand, her hand retracting back into place with a subtle click. She regarded Jaune with a thoughtful expression, her lips quirking up into a small smile.
"So you're the Mediator, Jaune?" Penny's voice held a note of intrigue, her eyes shining with curiosity.
"Yes, I am," Jaune replied, his voice steady with conviction. He met Penny's gaze head-on. "So, uh, what you're doing here, Penny?"
"I am the official protector of Mantle!" she said proudly.
Jaune and Penny stood side by side amidst the orderly chaos of the military base, surrounded by soldiers bustling about with purpose. Jaune's brow furrowed slightly as he observed Penny.
"Hmm, I thought you'd still be in school," Jaune remarked, his voice barely audible over the hum of activity around them.
Penny's gaze shifted to meet Jaune's, her expression tinged with a mixture of melancholy and determination. "Hmm, there was no need. After my defeat in Beacon, I was deemed too dangerous for Academia. A shame."
Jaune's shoulders sagged slightly. "Well, be glad you didn't get expelled, Penny."
Penny's eyes held a hint of resignation as she nodded in agreement. "One argues it's the same, Jaune."
"So, why did they recommend me as the mediator?" Jaune turned to Penny, a puzzled expression on his face.
Penny's eyes sparkled with a hint of pride as she looked at Jaune. "Because you have an aura, Jaune. But it's not just that. Throughout the years, you've quite a record of cases successfully solved peacefully."
A faint smile tugged at the corners of Jaune's lips. "I guess I have, haven't I?"
Penny nodded, her gaze softening. "Indeed. Your ability to empathize and find common ground with others is remarkable, Jaune. That's why they trust you to handle delicate situations like this. Though I think you're combat ready!"
Jaune never stopped training out of habit. Before they parted ways, Pyrrha left him with training videos, and he had been using them ever since. However, as of late, the vivid memories had provided him with enough experience drilled into his head.
Adjusting his tie with a practiced flick, Jaune turned his attention to the sleek airship gliding gracefully into the military base's bustling landing zone. Its metallic hull shimmered under the midday sun, casting elongated shadows over the tarmac as it descended with a gentle hum.
"Oh, Ms. Winter is here!"
Jaune's demeanor turned from casual to professional, tapping into the stoic expression of that Afteran in the Everafter.
The airship opened and Winter Schnee, dressed in a white, ankle-length coat, fastened by a single dark blue clasp at the waist, complemented by a crimson jeweled brooch adorning the collar. The coat's sleeves are split from shoulder to elbow, adding to its distinctive flair. Beneath, she dons a sleeveless white blouse paired with a dark blue waistcoat. Completing the ensemble are white trousers accented with dark blue garters, and gray thigh boots with black detailing at the knees. To finish the look, she wears black forearm-length gloves with cuffs trimmed in gray.
She gave Jaune a critical the moment their eyes met. If Jaune hadn't had those vivid memories instilled in his head. He would have quivered like a prepubescent boy.
Jaune's head ached.
Jaune sees a silhouette, and a shiver runs down his spine. She stands there, an enigma wrapped in layers of determination and sorrow. But it's her eyes that hold him captive, their depths swirling with emotions too complex to decipher. Grief weighs heavy in their depths, yet beneath the surface, a flicker of something primal, something fierce, ignites.
Floating above the sands of Vacuo, her maiden eyes burns as she brings the Winter.
And as Jaune met her gaze, the vision disperses.
This is troublesome.
"Mr. Arc."
Jaune blinked. "Ms. Schnee," he nodded. "I have arrived as per the instructions provided. However, currently, I am only privy to the initialisms denoting the situation."
Winter Schnee looked surprised. This time, she offered a hand. "I've heard of you, Mr. Arc."
"Regarding my previous expulsion from Beacon Academy, I understand if you have reservations about my involvement in this mission. In fact, I would prefer to continue serving in my current capacity within this city."
Winter Schnee replied with a smug grin, "Oh, Mr. Arc, I was merely referring to your endeavors to courting my sister."
Jaune adjusted his tie with a composed demeanor before responding, "That was years ago, and Weiss has made it abundantly clear she has no interest in dating." With the matter addressed, he smoothly transitioned, "Now, if we may focus on the task at hand, could you clarify my official role here beyond serving as a mediator with an aura?"
Winter Schnee nodded in acknowledgment before elaborating, "Your role extends beyond mere mediation, Mr. Arc. Your proficiency in negotiation and problem-solving is highly regarded, making you a valuable asset for this mission. Furthermore, the nature of the task ahead necessitates your aura for protection."
Pausing for a moment, Winter continued, "And regarding your Semblance, it's not difficult to hear about a man who consistently employs his abilities to heal others. Your reputation precedes you. Atlas could certainly benefit from healers like yourself."
Jaune nodded thoughtfully, absorbing the information before responding, "I see. Well, I'm ready to contribute in any way I can to ensure the success of this mission."
After a few exchanges, Winter led Jaune through the busy corridors of the military base, the air crackling with a sense of urgency. Jaune couldn't shake off the knot of anticipation in his stomach. His footsteps echoed against the polished floors.
Finally, they arrived at the meeting room. With a nod from Winter, Jaune followed her inside, where Councilman Sleet and Councilwoman Camilia sat, their presence commanding the room.
Councilman Sleet's stern visage softened slightly as he acknowledged their entrance, while Councilwoman Camilia's gaze held a glimmer of expectation. Jaune sensed the gravity of the situation, in the way they held themselves, in the subtle tension that lingered in the air like an unspoken challenge.
He extended a firm handshake to Councilman Sleet and Councilwoman Camilia, his posture upright and demeanor composed. "Councilman Sleet, Councilwoman Camilia, I'm Jaune Arc," he introduced himself, his voice steady, with a hint of confidence.
Councilman Sleet nodded, his gaze assessing as he spoke. "Ah, yes. We've heard of your reputation, Mr. Arc. Impressive work on those cases you've solved."
Councilwoman Camilia chimed in, her tone carrying a note of genuine admiration, "Indeed, your record speaks for itself. Your ability to navigate complex situations is quite commendable."
Internally, Jaune felt a twinge of doubt. Were they overestimating him? He couldn't help but wonder. Yet, amidst those uncertainties, there was an undeniable pull, a sense of duty that urged him forward. Despite any doubts, he harbored a strong inclination that he belonged here, contributing to this crucial task rather than leaving it to others.
"Mr. Arc, there's no easy way to say this. A war looms on the horizon. If left unchecked, it could escalate into conflict between Menagerie and the Kingdom of Atlas." The atmosphere in the room grew heavy as Councilman Sleet addressed Jaune directly.
Jaune felt a chill run down his spine at the gravity of the situation. War? The mere thought sent a wave of apprehension coursing through him. But before he could fully process the weight of their words, Jaune was enveloped in a sudden vision. There stood in the corner, a figure shrouded in rusted armor, carrying a broken sword on his back, watching, judging. The Afteran was like a silent ghost he only could see.
Not the time for ghosts.
Gathering his composure, Jaune pushed aside the echoes of the clanging anvil that seemed to reverberate in his mind, a reminder of the weight of responsibility resting upon him. With a steadying breath, he adjusted his tie, a slight gesture to ground himself in the present moment.
"Thank you, Councilman Sleet, Councilwoman Camilia," Jaune began, his tone professional and focused. "I appreciate your candor. If I'm to assist in negotiations, I'll need to understand the full scope of the situation. Please, provide me with all the pertinent details."
His words were measured, but beneath the calm facade, Jaune's mind raced with a sense of urgency. There really was no time to waste.
No wonder they wanted someone with an aura to do this, damn it.