The train rattled steadily along its tracks, the rhythmic clatter providing a backdrop to the conversation between Jaune Arc and Winter Schnee. Jaune, his gaze fixed out the window at the passing scenery, leaned back in his seat while Winter sat across from him, her expression a mixture of curiosity and calculation.
"What do you know about the White Fang, Mr. Arc?" Winter's suddenly voice cut through the ambient noise of the train.
Jaune turned his attention back to Winter, a thoughtful expression on his face. "During the Vytal Festival," he began, "they were trying to cause chaos. It was a coordinated effort, but they would've succeeded if it wasn't for Professor Ozpin, Glynda, and Qrow Branwen. They managed to fend off the main suspect of the attempt to destroy Beacon at the Festival."
Winter raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "And what happened during the attack? Were you privy to any particular secrets?"
Jaune hesitated for a moment, contemplating his response. "I can't divulge any specific information," he replied diplomatically, "mainly because I'm unsure of the full extent myself. During the chaos, I was knocked out by an Atlesian Robot and I woke up after the attack was done."
As Winter's gaze lingered on Jaune, his mind drifted to the events of that day at Beacon. He couldn't help but entertain a haunting thought that had been gnawing at the edges of his consciousness.
"If I hadn't been knocked out," Jaune mused inwardly, his thoughts drifting to a parallel universe where events had unfolded differently, "I would've followed Pyrrha to the basement. And then... she would have."
Jaune straightened his tie with a practiced gesture, and fixed his eyes back on Winter, adopting a professional demeanor.
"I am well-acquainted with the activities of the White Fang," Jaune commented calmly, his voice imbued with thoughtful deliberation. "Their persistent assaults on the Schnee Dust Company have merited ongoing apprehension. The setback they encountered in Vale during the Vytal Festival markedly weakened their influence, resulting in the dismissal of Adam Taurus and a loss of credibility among their ranks. Presently, Sienna Khan occupies the leadership position, and while she exhibits a lesser degree of radicalism compared to Adam, she nonetheless maintains a level of regard for him that dissuades similar reckless actions witnessed in Vale."
There was a flicker of surprise in Winter's expression, a subtle acknowledgment of Jaune's depth of knowledge.
"But to say it's because of them that's causing the tensions, then you are looking only at the tip. It's not just about the white fang that's the problem," Jaune added, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. "It's about what's beneath them and what supposedly they 'fight for'. The tensions in Mantle and Solitas — they run deep. Most of the disputes stem from Faunus-related issues and the SDC."
"But surely," Winter began, her voice edged with skepticism, "the Schnee Dust Company can't be solely responsible for the escalating tensions. There are always multiple factors at play in such complex situations."
Jaune remained composed, his demeanor unwavering as he reached for his scroll. With practiced efficiency, he navigated through a series of documents, each click a subtle echo of his determination to present his case.
"Let the numbers speak for themselves," Jaune remarked, his tone measured yet resolute. The screen illuminated with a series of reports, each one painting a grim picture of the realities faced by Faunus workers within SDC's domain. Jaune's finger traced over the data points, highlighting the alarming rates of medical issues and accidents plaguing the workforce.
Winter's gaze softened, a flicker of comprehension dancing in her eyes as she absorbed the stark evidence before her. The statistics painted a haunting portrait of neglect and exploitation, each figure a testament to the suffering endured by those trapped within the SDC's grasp.
"And it's not just about numbers," Jaune continued, his voice gaining momentum as he delved deeper into the scroll. He brought up records detailing wage disputes, testimonies of unsafe working conditions, and reports highlighting the deplorable state of SDC mines.
"We could spend hours dissecting these reports," Jaune stated, his words carrying a weight of urgency. "But the reality remains: the SDC's practices have exacerbated tensions to a dangerous extent. Left unchecked, the consequences have become this. We are careening into war, Ma'am."
"How did you manage to gather such comprehensive data?" Winter's voice carried a note of genuine curiosity, her icy blue eyes fixed intently on Jaune.
Jaune paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts before responding. "It's all about the people," he began, his tone measured but earnest. "Talking to the miners, listening to their stories — I've learned more from them than any report could tell and they allowed me to gain more understanding. It's not just the Faunus, Ma'am."
As he spoke, memories flashed in Jaune's mind. The hushed conversations in dimly lit bars, the weary faces of workers burdened by the weight of injustice. Each encounter had left an indelible impression on Jaune, shaping his understanding of the harsh realities faced by the oppressed workers.
"And it's not only what they want that I learned," Jaune continued, his voice tinged with quiet determination. "Every case I've been involved in has given me insight into the depths of the problem. It's a matter of lived experience."
Winter nodded slowly, a flicker of respect glinting in her eyes as she absorbed Jaune's words and then of apology.
"It appears that I have once again underestimated your capabilities, Mr. Arc," she declared. "It is evident that you possess the requisite qualifications for this endeavor. I must acknowledge that my initial impressions of you at Beacon were clouded by prejudice, for which I now express regret."
Jaune's response was a shrug, his expression reflecting a quiet understanding. "No need for apologies, Miss," he replied, his voice tinged with humility. "I understand the perspective. And truth be told, I've always believed that negotiations involving the Schnee name carry a weight of history and resentment that no one should bear lightly and that it will add weight to the discussion... However, I maintain my assertion that involving a Schnee in this conflict presents a dual-sided dilemma."
Winter nodded in acknowledgement.
Jaune was about to change the topic back to the business at hand when his senses were dialed to eleven.
Time seemed to warp as it sharpened to a razor's edge, each moment stretching into an eternity as the cabin behind Winter erupted in a blaze of searing heat and billowing smoke. Flames licked at the air, casting grotesque shadows across the compartment, while the deafening roar of the explosion reverberated through the metal walls.
Winter reacted with lightning-fast reflexes, her aura flaring as she localized her aura's defense to shield herself from the inferno — but even her formidable skills couldn't withstand the force of the explosion as she was sent hurtling across the cabin, her body crashing into the metal bulkhead with a sickening thud.. Jaune watched in horror as she was tossed aside, her aura shimmering like a fragile veil against the onslaught.
With a surge of adrenaline, Jaune sprang into action, his mind racing as he drew Crocea Mors and amplified his aura and Semblance. Holding his shield aloft, he bore witness to the burnt remains of passengers — men, women, children — scattered amidst the wreckage like broken dolls.
Then, as if emerging from the very depths of his nightmares, a figure wreathed in flames stepped forth from the conflagration. The rusted knight's presence seemed to freeze the air around them, its voice a haunting whisper in Jaune's mind.
"You have to kill all the Jabberwalkers in this world," the knight intoned, its voice a chilling echo in the chaos.
"I don't understand," he said, his voice tinged with desperation. "We need evidence, a way to bring them to justice… we can't let it become a war."
"Perhaps," the knight replied cryptically, "but maybe you can reason that to the surrounding dead."
No time for ghosts. Have to think of a plan. See if there are still civilians needed help. White Fang isn't a priority. The people needs help. Winter can defend them with her Semblance.
With that thought in mind, Jaune sprang into motion, his muscles coiling like a spring as he darted through the flames and debris. He reached Winter's side in a blur of motion, his hand pressing firmly against her arm as he helped her to her feet as he then boosted her up.
"My Semblance isn't healing," he explained urgently, his voice barely audible over the roar of the flames. "It's Aura Amplification! Ma'am, we need to isolate the cabins, and you have the Dust and Semblance to do that!"
Winter's eyes widened in comprehension, a flicker of resolve lighting her features as she nodded in understanding despite the clear hesitation to stay still.
"And what about you, Arc?" she asked, her voice cutting through the chaos.
Jaune met her gaze, his jaw set in grim determination. "Trying to find if there are pieces left, Ma'am! I can do this… and even though it was just recently issued. I'm still a huntsman!"
Before Winter could reply, Jaune's form blurred into motion, cutting through the suffocating smoke. Debris and embers danced around him as he darted through the inferno.
"Is anyone alive?!" Jaune's voice rang out, a desperate plea echoing through the chaos as he scanned the wreckage for signs of life. "Please! Can anyone hear me!?"
In the midst of the devastation, Jaune's gaze fell upon a family of Faunus, their terrified faces illuminated by the flickering flames. With a surge of resolve, Jaune propelled himself towards them, his heart pounding with the urgency of the moment.
But before he could reach them, a hail of dust rounds tore through the air, slicing through the smoke with deadly precision. Jaune's aura shimmered as the rounds struck him, the force of the impact driving him back with a jarring force.
Anger ignited within Jaune's chest as he whirled to face his attackers, his eyes blazing with fury as he beheld the white masks of the White Fang. "What the hell are you doing?!" he roared, his voice reverberating with righteous indignation. "You're killing civilians! Your own kind!"
As Jaune's urgent plea hung in the air, the White Fang's relentless assault pressed on unabated, their weapons aimed squarely at him. With each strike, Jaune's movements became more desperate, his trusty Crocea Mors serving as his only defense. Despite his efforts to advance, he found himself locked in a defensive stance, unable to make any headway against the relentless barrage of attacks.
Suddenly, the ceiling above them groaned ominously, threatening to collapse at any moment giving Jaune a chance to move forward. With lightning reflexes, Jaune leaped and twisted through the crumbling wreckage while keeping Crocea's Mors shield in front.
Jaune tried to close the distance, his eyes locked on the terrified faces of the Faunus family. But before he could reach them, the ceiling above them groaned and dropped on them. Jaune heard the sickening crunch of their bodies, the scream that was about to come out from being burned, muted by the falling debris.
Jaune had no illusion they survived that.
Deal with the White Fang. Record this. Keep them accountable. Make sure they pay for this. Turn on your scroll, record as much as you can.
Then, in a heartbeat, the cabin shifted, tilting precariously as debris rained down upon him like a torrential storm. Jaune's instincts kicked in, his body moving with fluid grace as he leaped and twisted. Finally, he reached the rooftop, the surface slick with snow and debris. But before he could catch his breath, a sharp crack split the air, and pain exploded in Jaune's head as a dust round struck him square on the head.
For a moment, Jaune's vision swam, his senses reeling from the impact. But as his aura shimmered with renewed intensity, a primal rage ignited within him.
With a guttural roar, Jaune surged forward, his movements a blur of blue motion as he closed the distance between himself and the White Fang member who had fired the shot. With a swift and powerful motion, Jaune slammed his forehead into the assailant's face, the impact reverberating through the air like a thunderclap.
As the White Fang member staggered back, dazed and disoriented, Jaune followed up with a vicious kick to the side, sending the assailant sprawling to the ground. Then, with a resounding crash, Jaune brought his shield down on another White Fang member, the force of the blow sending shockwaves rippling through the air, denting the roof itself..
With swift and decisive movements, he reached for the communication device strapped to the White Fang member's belt, his fingers deftly manipulating the controls until he tuned in to their frequency.
The voices of the White Fang crackled through the airwaves.
"We have confirmation. The Schnee is still alive. Send the rest of the squad to finish the job," a voice announced over the comm. "I'll have the Paladins take care of the one in the suit."
Jaune's eyes narrowed with resolve as he seized their scrolls, his fingers dancing across the touchscreens as he accessed the controls. Without hesitation, Jaune sprang into action, his muscles coiling as he leaped towards the connecting cabin. With a powerful thrust, he propelled himself through the air, his body arcing gracefully as he landed on the roof of another cabin.
Ignoring the blistering cold that shot through his limbs, Jaune wasted no time in locating the emergency brakes before swiping at the couplers, separating the train cars.
"This should buy us some time," he said to himself.
With an abrupt motion, he grasped the lever and yanked it with all his strength, the metal groaning in protest as the brakes engaged with a deafening screech.
As Jaune's fingers pressed against the earpiece, he initiated communication with Winter. "Miss Schnee," he began, his voice urgent but steady, "there are White Fang members heading your way. I've halted and separated the cabin connecting ours and the others, but they're deploying an Atlesian Paladins and some might be on your way."
Winter's voice crackled through the earpiece, her tone clipped with concern. "Why do they have a Paladin?"
"I don't know, Ma'am," Jaune replied through gritted teeth, his frustration evident in his voice. "But if they reach you, they won't hesitate to attack. I will try to stop the train!"
There was a brief pause before Winter's response came. Her words measured and decisive. "I'll reinforce you."
Jaune shook his head, a grim determination coloring his voice. "Negative, Ma'am," he insisted, his tone unwavering. "I believe you know who can protect them better. I may only have a sword and shield, but I can slow them down."
There was a brief silence on the other end of the line before Winter spoke again, her voice conveying both gratitude and resolve. "Good luck."
As Jaune turned around to confront the approaching Atlesian Paladins. With instinct kicking in, he crouched low, his shield raised against the storm of gunfire that erupted from the mech's weapons, the cabin roof being ripped apart by the mech's dust rounds.
The dust-rounds pounded against his aura-covered form, each impact sending shockwaves rippling through his body. But Jaune held firm, his muscles straining against the onslaught as he braced himself.
Then, with a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins, Jaune propelled himself forward like an energized meteor. His shield became a battering ram as he charged towards the nearest Paladin, as he closed the distance, Jaune's shield connected with a resounding crash against the mech's cockpit, shattering glass as the force of the impact rocked the Paladin back on its heels. Seizing the moment, Jaune harnessed the momentum of the blow, flipped backward as his muscles coiling like a spring as he held Crocea Mors with both hands mid-flip and channeled the full extent of his aura and semblance, a surge of power coursing through his veins like a raging inferno. His sword became a blur of motion as he unleashed a devastating slash, the blade crackling with energy as it cleaved through the metal body of the mech with unstoppable force.
The air hummed with the sound of rending metal as the Paladin staggered under the ferocity of Jaune's slash, its once-imposing frame now reduced to a twisted wreck.
Before Jaune could even move again, a missile streaked toward him with lethal intent. Reacting with split-second reflexes, he raised his shield just in time, the explosive impact sending him careening into the cabin floor with bone-jarring force. Despite stars dancing at the edges of his vision as he fought to stay conscious from the impact, he unleashed another aura-infused slash at the Paladin, cleaving it into the two as well.
Before he could fully recover, the roof of the cabin gave way, sending Jaune hurtling below. Dust rounds peppered the air around him as the White Fang members didn't waste time to kill him, each strike chipping away at his dwindling aura, leaving him vulnerable and exposed.
Pain lanced through Jaune's body, every impact driving him closer to the brink of defeat. But strangely, Jaune saw a memory of Cardin trying to hit him only for him subconsciously raised his defenses and then, like puzzles connecting, the memories from the Afteran clicked in, giving him an idea of how to escape.
Summoning every ounce of strength, Jaune channeled his aura, wrapping himself in a protective barrier that shimmered with a golden light that then exploded. The shockwave of energy rippled outward, pushing back against the relentless assault and affording Jaune a moment's respite.
Seizing the opportunity, Jaune rose to his feet, his muscles burning with exertion as he swung Crocea Mors in a sweeping arc, the flat of his blade connecting with devastating force against the unprotected heads of the White Fang members.
The sound of impact echoed through the cabin, followed by the dull thud of bodies hitting the floor.
As Jaune's vision cleared from the haze of battle, Winter's urgent voice pierced through the chaos, a lifeline in the turmoil. "Mr. Arc, your aura's down to red," she exclaimed, her concern palpable through the crackling comm link.
"It's alright, Ma'am," Jaune responded calmly, his voice a steady despite the chaos. With a deliberate breath, he closed his eyes, focusing inward with unwavering determination.
In the depths of his being, Jaune summoned forth the essence of his Semblance, a flickering flame of vitality pulsing within him. With each heartbeat, he willed his aura to regenerate, drawing upon reserves of strength he didn't know he possessed.
A surge of energy coursed through his veins, igniting his aura with renewed vigor. The sensation was electric, like a surge of power radiating from his very core. Winter watched in astonishment as Jaune's aura levels surged back to full capacity on her scroll.
"I'll be fine," Jaune assured her, his voice tinged with resolve. With a nod to himself, he turned his attention to the task at hand, his senses sharpened by the urgency of the situation.
Leaving Winter's voice behind, Jaune moved with purpose through the cabins, his heart heavy with the weight of the lives lost in the senseless violence.
The scene before him was devastating — the bodies of the dead, both human and Faunus alike, strewn amidst the wreckage. Jaune's chest tightened with sorrow as he surveyed the carnage, his mind struggling to comprehend the senseless tragedy that had unfolded before his eyes.
All of this so they could kill a Schnee and a send a message. I knew that this was dangerous… but if she backs out now… it would mean Atlas and the SDC are scared of the bloody white fang, damn it.
Jaune then saw movements ahead.
A bat faunus and spider faunus emerged from the forward cabin. Jaune's gaze hardened as he regarded them with cold indifference.
"You see, Yuma?" the spider faunus taunted, her voice dripping with disdain. "I told you the Atlas scum would not send just the Schnee. Even the 'Mediator' is a Huntsman. What? Going to call us 'animals', eh?"
Jaune's expression remained impassive as he shook his head. "No," he countered, his voice cutting through the hostility like a blade. "Animals are kind, gentle. But you... you're monsters. Like Grimm. And I have no qualms dealing with Grimm in humanoid forms."
"Yuma move!" The spider faunus reacted.
With a flash of blue, Jaune disappeared from sight, his aura enveloping him like a protective cloak as he launched himself into action. In an instant, he seized the spider faunus by the neck, slamming her against the cabin floor with a forceful impact.
"Trifa!" the bat faunus cried out, lashing out with an attack. But Jaune was ready, as he parried the blow with his shield with practiced ease. With a rapid motion, he thrusted Crocea Mors's pommel on the bat faunus's stomach, stunning him.
Before the bat faunus could recover, Jaune was already upon him, his movements a blur of speed and precision. With a lightning-quick uppercut followed by a devastating roundhouse kick, he sent the bat faunus reeling backwards, his aura shattered by the sheer force of the impact.
Meanwhile, the spider faunus attempted to ensnare Jaune with her webbing, but he was one step ahead. With a speedy kick, he sent a nearby chair hurtling towards her, the webbing ensnaring the makeshift projectile instead of him.
Not wasting the opportunity, Jaune launched himself forward, his fist connecting with the spider faunus's jaw in a powerful uppercut. As she staggered backwards, Jaune spun on his heel, grabbing her by the leg and slamming her against the cabin walls with bone-crushing force again and again until her aura completely shattered.
With the spider faunus incapacitated, Jaune turned his attention back to the bat faunus, who was attempting to flee. With a flick of his wrist, he unleashed an aura-infused slash that sliced through the bat faunus's wings, rendering him unable to fly.
Closing the distance in an instant, Jaune delivered a gut-wrenching punch that sent the bat faunus sprawling to the ground.
Jaune then disarmed the faunus assailants and relieved them of their weapons. Then he turned his attention to the metal floor panel, his fingers curling around the edges as he exerted his strength to wrench it free. The metal groaned and protested as Jaune tore it from its place, his muscles straining with the effort. With a resounding clang, the panel came loose, the bolts rolling away.
Wasting no time, Jaune secured the faunus assailants, wrapping the metal panel around their torsos. The cold metal biting into their flesh with each twist and turn of the metal panel. Jaune ensured the faunus were securely bound, their movements restricted. With a last effort, he cinched the bindings tight, ensuring that they would pose no further threat.
Standing back to survey his handiwork, Jaune's gaze hardened and turned his attentions forward to the front.
Jaune sprinted towards the cab of the train, his heart pounding with urgency as he approached the driver's compartment. As he crashed through the door, a wave of dread washed over him at the sight before him — the driver lay lifeless, slumped over the controls, as he feared.
With a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach, Jaune's hands flew to the controls, his fingers frantically searching for any sign of life. But his worst fears were confirmed as he realized the controls were irreparably damaged, leaving the train hurtling towards an uncertain fate.
Desperation gnawed at Jaune's insides as he grappled with the grim reality of their situation. With no means of stopping the train, his options dwindled with each passing moment. And then, as if to add insult to injury, Jaune's heightened senses caught the ominous click of a dust bomb being armed.
Reacting on pure instinct, Jaune brought Crocea Mors up in a defensive stance, his shield raised to protect himself from the impending explosion. But even as he braced for impact, Jaune knew he was too late.
The explosion tore through the air with deafening force, a blinding flash of light engulfing Jaune in its fiery embrace. Despite his best efforts, the blast overwhelmed him, the shockwave slamming into his body with merciless ferocity.
With a sickening crunch, Jaune was hurled backwards through the train's metal hull, his form then colliding with the unforgiving stone of the mountain wall as the train crashes to a dangerous height. The impact reverberated through his body, sending shards of agony shooting through every fiber of his being.
As he lay battered and broken against the mountainside, Jaune's vision swam with a haze of pain and disorientation. His aura shattered, his suit singed and burnt. He struggled to draw breath amidst the wreckage.
As Jaune's consciousness wavers on the brink of oblivion, the Afteran, the Rusted Knight, appears beside him like a ghost.
In the eerie glow of the flickering flames, the world around Jaune comes into sharp focus.
The air is thick with the acrid scent of burnt flesh and smoldering debris, the remnants of the explosion casting long shadows against the ashen landscape.
The screech of metal echoes through the cavernous expanse, a symphony of destruction that reverberates in Jaune's ears with bone-chilling clarity. Snowflakes drift lazily through the air, mingling with flecks of molten metal as they fall to the ground in a haunting dance.
With each labored breath, Jaune feels the sting of his own blood dripping from his wounds, mingling with the snow and metal that surround him.
And then, amidst the cacophony of chaos, Jaune hears it — a distant echo that cuts through the clamor like a clarion call. An anvil strike, its rhythmic beat like a constant reminder of a forge, of a workshop, of a place he had never been into.
He feels Remnant speaking to him.
Then it shows him a humongous tree in a place with two suns.
And finally... standing in the sands of Vacuo... he sees the Afteran holding his sword at the wave of Grimm coming at him.
With a final, fleeting glimpse of the rusted knight standing vigil by his side, Jaune's world fades into darkness, his consciousness slipping away as he succumbs to the embrace of a sweet void.