The streets of Vale were alight with the vibrant hues of the Vytal Festival, casting a festive glow on every face.
Jaune let himself be swept up in the jubilation. It had been four years since he was expelled from Beacon Academy, a bitter blow that had taken him time to recover from. But today was not a day for regrets; it was a day for celebration.
Jaune watched with pride as his friends, now full-fledged Huntsman and Huntress, reveled in their achievements. Nora was her usual giddy self, bouncing around with an energy that seemed limitless. Beside her, Ren exuded a quiet pride, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to Nora's exuberance. They had done it — they had achieved their dream, and Jaune couldn't be happier for them.
"Look at you guys," Jaune said, a warm smile spreading across his face. "All official and everything. I'm so proud of you."
Nora beamed, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "And look at you, Jaune! You became a Huntsman too, despite everything. We always knew you had it in you."
Ren nodded in agreement. "You've come a long way, Jaune. But I think you've found a role that suits you even better."
Jaune chuckled, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. "Yeah, being a Mediator has its perks. It's different from what I imagined, but it feels right."
However, despite the joy surrounding him, Jaune couldn't shake a sense of unease. He felt eyes on him, and the crowd seemed to close in. He glanced left and right, trying to pinpoint the source of his discomfort.
Ren noticed the shift in Jaune's demeanor.
"Jaune, are you okay?" Ren asked, concern edging his voice.
Jaune forced a reassuring smile. "I'm fine, really. Just... got nervous, I guess. By the way, do you guys know where Pyrrha is? I haven't seen her around."
Nora and Ren exchanged tired looks, a silent communication passing between them. It was a familiar topic, one that carried a heavy weight.
"Pyrrha's always busy these days," Nora said, her tone a mix of admiration and resignation. "Ever since we got our licenses, we've hardly seen her."
Ren nodded. "She's on a mission of her own. Something important to her. We understand that it's something she feels she needs to do, and we respect that... but..."
Jaune nodded slowly, understanding the unspoken words. Pyrrha was always driven by a sense of duty, and whatever she was pursuing now was beyond their control. The conversation lulled, a shared silence acknowledging the absence of their friend.
"So, what's next for you guys?" Jaune asked, changing the subject. "Any big plans?"
"We're heading to Mistral," Ren replied. "They're in desperate need of Huntsmen, and we want to help out."
Jaune crossed his arms, pride swelling in his chest. "I'm proud of you both. You're doing great work."
Nora bounced on her heels, her energy infectious. "But enough about work! This is a celebration!"
She suddenly noticed Jaune wasn't drinking. With a mischievous grin, she pointed it out. "Hey, Jaune! Why aren't you drunk like the rest of us?"
Jaune laughed. "I made a promise not to drink unless it's a special occasion or with friends."
Nora's eyes lit up and then demanded like a queen. "Well, this is definitely a special occasion, and we are your friends! So, let's drink!"
Jaune couldn't help but smile. It was hard to resist Nora's enthusiasm. He raised a glass with them, toasting to their past, present, and future.
The night continued in a haze of laughter and stories, old memories blending with new ones.
As the night wore on, Jaune found himself reflecting on the journey that had led him here. His expulsion from Beacon had been a turning point, a moment that could have broken him. But instead, it had set him on a different path, one that led him to become a Huntsman in his own right. His role as a Mediator allowed him to bridge gaps, resolve conflicts, and ensure that peace prevailed where it was most needed. It was a role he hadn't envisioned for himself, but one that felt intrinsically right.
Nora's infectious laughter broke into his thoughts. "Remember that time when we had to fight that Death Stalker in Merlot's Island? We were such a mess!"
Ren chuckled. "And Jaune's plan was to run around and hope it got tired."
Jaune grinned sheepishly. "Hey, it worked, didn't it?"
They all laughed, the bond between them as strong as ever. Despite the years and the changes, their friendship had endured. And that, more than anything, was worth celebrating.
After a night of drinking. Jaune and Ren walked with Nora between them, her arms draped over their shoulders. She was swinging between them like a giddy child on a playground swing, her laughter infectious and unrestrained.
"Nora, you're gonna make us fall over!" Jaune chuckled, trying to keep his balance as Nora swung back and forth.
Ren, ever the calm and composed one, was struggling to keep a straight face. "Nora, maybe we should slow down a bit," he suggested gently, though there was a smile tugging at his lips.
Nora's eyes sparkled with mischief and joy. "Oh, come on, Ren! This is the Vytal Festival! We're supposed to have fun!" She giggled again, her cheeks flushed from the combination of excitement and alcohol. "You guys are my besties!"
Jaune couldn't help but grin at Nora's exuberance. "Besties, huh? Well, I'm honored," he said, giving Ren a playful look.
Nora's laughter turned into a fit of giggles. "No, no, wait! I mean, I'm Ren's baby momma, and Jaune, you're like my male bestie!" She looked between them, her eyes wide and sincere despite her tipsiness.
Jaune raised an eyebrow at Ren, smirking. "Baby momma, huh?"
Ren sighed, shaking his head with a fond smile. "Nora, you really need to calm down a bit," he whispered, though his tone was more affectionate than reprimanding.
The trio continued their meandering journey through Vale, Nora's cheerful voice a constant companion. They stumbled across street performers, food stalls, and games, each encounter met with Nora's unfiltered enthusiasm.
"Look, guys! Cotton candy!" Nora exclaimed, dragging Jaune and Ren towards a vendor. She insisted on buying three sticks, handing one to each of her companions before taking a huge bite of her own. "Isn't this the best night ever?"
Jaune nodded, savoring the sweet treat. "It's definitely up there," he agreed, sharing a smile with Ren.
Ren, ever the practical one, took a more measured bite of his cotton candy. "It's certainly memorable," he said, his eyes twinkling as he looked at Nora. She had managed to get cotton candy stuck in her hair, adding to her already disheveled appearance.
Finding a stall that had some drinks. Nora, using her own Lien, convinced them for another round.
"Nora, I think there are two of you now," Jaune said, voice stuttering. "Did you like, learned how to clone yourself with pink lightning?."
Nora beamed, her smile brighter than the festival lights. "Aww, Jaune! You're gonna make me cry!" She sniffled dramatically, then burst into laughter.
"Huh, wait, that was not a joke," Jaune stumbled.
Ren was barely keeping himself standing. "Yeah… I… ."
They walked in silence for a while, the sounds of the festival creating a comforting backdrop. Nora's earlier exuberance had mellowed into a peaceful contentment, her head resting on Ren's shoulder as he carried.
As they turned a corner, they found themselves in a quieter part of Vale, away from the main festivities. The soft glow of lights illuminated the cobblestone streets, casting a serene light over the scene.
Nora sighed happily, her eyes half-closed. "This is nice," she murmured. "Just the three of us… would be nice if Pyrrha was around… but she's busy or something."
Ren nodded, his arm tightening around Nora's shoulders. "It is," he agreed, his voice gentle.
He looked at Jaune, a silent understanding passing between them.
Jaune smiled, feeling a sense of peace settle over him. "We should do this when we can."
Nora lifted her head, her eyes sparkling with a mix of mischief and affection. "Agreed! But next time, let's make sure there's more cotton candy," she said with a giggle. "But let's forget about drinks. I think I might-"
Nora barfed.
Jaune woke up sprawled on the floor of his temporary apartment, a dull ache throbbing in his head. The previous night's celebration had left him with a hangover that seemed to weigh down every bone in his body. Groaning, he sat up and glanced at the couch, where Nora Valkyrie and Lie Ren were cuddled together, still asleep. A soft smile tugged at his lips at the sight of his friends' peaceful expressions.
Summoning the energy to move, Jaune activated his Semblance. It was a curious ability, one that allowed him to amplify the aura and Semblances of others, but it also gave him a burst of physical strength and agility when needed. He used it now to propel himself to his feet and make his way to the kitchen. The apartment was small but cozy, and he quickly found the coffeemaker. As the machine hummed to life, Jaune prepared three mugs, filling each with the dark, aromatic brew.
Placing the coffees on the low table in front of the couch, Jaune turned on the TV. The finals of the Vytal Festival were being broadcast live, a spectacle that never failed to captivate. He then activated his Semblance again, sending a gentle pulse towards Nora and Ren to wake them up.
Nora stirred first, blinking sleepily before realizing where she was. "Renny," she mumbled, her voice soft and childlike. "We didn't do anything, right?"
Ren's eyes fluttered open, and he gave Jaune a reassuring look.
"I'm sure we didn't," he said, though his cheeks flushed slightly.
Jaune chuckled, shaking his head. "You two were so loud, I thought there was a wild animal in here."
He grinned at them, making it clear he was joking.
Nora and Ren turned crimson, exchanging embarrassed glances. But seeing Jaune's playful smile, they relaxed and joined him on the floor, each grabbing a mug of coffee. They sipped in comfortable silence, eyes on the screen as the final match of the Vytal Festival played out.
The match was intense, showcasing the incredible skills of the competing Huntsmen and Huntresses. The three friends watched in rapt attention, the excitement of the battle momentarily distracting them from their hangovers. But just as the match reached its climax, the power abruptly cut off, plunging the apartment into silence and darkness.
Exchanging concerned looks, they quickly moved to the window with their weapons. The sight that greeted them was one of pure terror. A Grimm Dragon hovered ominously above Vale, its massive wings casting shadows over the city. Jaune immediately tried to contact anyone, but the CCT was down, rendering communication impossible.
"Where are the Maidens?" Jaune muttered, frustration evident in his voice. "They should be here by now."
Before they could dwell on the absence of the Maidens, a new threat emerged. Beowolves with green crystals protruding from their backs began to pour out of Vale, their eyes glowing with malevolent intent.
"Wait, Jaune, isn't that Merlot's Grimm?" Nora asked, her voice tinged with fear and recognition as she brought her weapon out.
"Looks like it," Ren drew his StormFlower.
"Yeah," Jaune confirmed, a grim determination settling over him. He quickly shouldered Crocea Mors and extended his aura, amplifying the Aura and Semblances of Ren and Nora. His voice took on a commanding tone. "Ren, Nora, we need to prioritize the civilians. I'll attract the Grimm and gather them to an open space. Once we're done, Ren, you'll mask them with your Semblance and find them a place to stay."
The change in Jaune's demeanor surprised them, but they could feel the force of his confidence. With grim expressions and determined smiles, they nodded.
Ren and Nora tore through the Grimm with practiced ease, their movements a testament to years of training and fighting side by side. Jaune, meanwhile, found his way to a rooftop where he could get a better view of the chaos below. Amplifying his aura to its maximum, he became a beacon, drawing the attention of every Grimm in the vicinity.
Raising Crocea Mors high, Jaune's aura blazed like a lamp in the dark, a signal to all the Grimm. They turned towards him, drawn by the irresistible pull of his amplified presence. With a determined tug at his yellow tie and a firm grip on his weapon, Jaune readied himself for the onslaught.
"Alright, you ugly bastards," he muttered to himself. "Come and get it."
The Grimm surged towards him, a wave of dark, twisted creatures intent on destruction. Jaune stood his ground, his sword and shield at the ready. As the first Beowolf lunged at him, he swung Crocea Mors in a wide arc; the blade slicing through the creature with ease. He moved with purpose and precision, each strike fueled by his Semblance, each movement a calculated effort to draw the Grimm away from the civilians and towards himself.
It was simply a slaughter.
From his vantage point, Jaune could see Ren and Nora guiding terrified citizens to safety, Ren's Semblance masking their presence and allowing them to move unseen. Nora's strength and ferocity kept the Grimm at bay, her hammer smashing through any creature that got too close. Together, they formed an unstoppable team, their synergy honed over years of fighting side by side.
Jaune continued to hold his position, cutting down Grimm after Grimm climbing towards him. His aura flared brilliantly, a golden aura clad in a hue of red and blue, a beacon of hope in the midst of chaos. The Grimm seemed endless, but Jaune remained a burning flame of aura. Sweeping the Grimm to black flakes in the sky.
Eventually, the tide began to turn. The number of Grimm dwindled, and the remaining creatures hesitated, sensing the futility of their assault. With a final, powerful aura infused swing, Jaune dispatched the last of the Beowolves.
Jaune took a breath.
His aura back to full in a single inhale.
As the dust settled, Ren and Nora joined Jaune on the rooftop.
Their expressions were a mix of exhaustion and relief.
As they descended from the rooftop to the street below, his eyes scanned the surrounding chaos. The civilians, huddled together in terrified groups, looked up at him with a mixture of hope and fear. He took a deep breath, pushing aside his own exhaustion and stepping forward with a commanding presence.
"Everyone, listen up!" Jaune's voice cut through the din, firm and steady. "We need to get you all to the shelters, and we need to move quickly. Stay calm, stay together, and follow our lead."
Ren and Nora joined him, their expressions mirroring his determination. As they approached the groups of civilians, Jaune noticed several Huntsmen and Huntresses among them, their weapons at the ready. He called out to them, quickly formulating a plan.
"Huntsmen, over here!" he shouted. "We're going to use my friend's Semblance to mask our movements and lead everyone to the shelters. The plan is simple: stay close, protect the civilians, and keep moving."
One of the Huntsmen, a tall man with a scar across his face, stepped forward with a concerned look. "What if he runs out of Aura? We can't afford to be exposed."
Jaune nodded, understanding the concern, as he then ignited his aura to a glow. "My Semblance can regenerate Aura as long as there's something to draw from. We'll keep Ren's Aura up and running. And even if we do run out, we'll deal with it. I'll handle the Grimm and keep them away. Your job is to make sure none of them comes even near the civilians!"
There was a moment of silence as the Huntsmen exchanged glances. They had seen Jaune fight, and despite their initial skepticism, his confidence was contagious. They nodded in agreement, ready to follow his lead.
With the plan set, Ren activated his Semblance, masking the group. The civilians huddled closer together, their fear palpable, but their trust in Jaune and his team was evident. They began to move, guided by Jaune's steady voice and Ren's subtle direction.
"Stay close, keep quiet, and follow us," Jaune instructed, his tone reassuring. "We're going to get you all to safety."
As they moved through the streets of Vale, Nora kept a vigilant watch, her eyes scanning for any signs of danger. The Grimm, drawn by Jaune's earlier display of Aura, seemed less interested in the shrouded group, focusing their attention on the distant beacon that was Jaune.
The plan worked seamlessly. Ren's Semblance kept them hidden, and Jaune's presence drew the Grimm away. They moved swiftly, navigating through alleyways and side streets, avoiding the main thoroughfares where the Grimm were most concentrated.
Before long, they reached the evacuation point where an airship awaited. The civilians began boarding, their relief palpable. Jaune felt a surge of pride and determination, knowing they were almost out of danger. But just as the last of the civilians were about to board, a new threat emerged.
A Grimm, unlike any they had seen before, landed with a thunderous crash. It stood on two legs, its gigantic wings spreading wide, casting a dark shadow over the area. The creature's eyes glowed with an eerie intelligence, and its presence sent a wave of fear through the crowd.
Jaune's eyes narrowed as he recognized the creature. "It's a Hound of Salem," he muttered, his voice grim.
He quickly turned to the Huntsmen. "Guard the airship! Make sure everyone gets on safely. We'll handle this."
Ren and Nora moved to stand beside him.
The Hound roared, a chilling sound that echoed through the deserted streets. The massive Grimm, a horrifying fusion of beowolf and something far darker, charged at them with terrifying speed, its claws outstretched and eyes burning with malevolent intent. Jaune raised Crocea Mors, his Aura flaring as he braced for the impact, determination etched on his face.
"Ren, Nora, stay sharp!" Jaune called out, his voice steady despite the chaos. "We've got this."
Ren moved with swift precision, his Twin Pistols firing in rapid succession. Each shot was aimed at the Hound's joints, attempting to slow its movements. His breathing was calm and controlled, every motion a practiced ballet of precision and purpose. The bullets struck true, momentarily halting the beast's advance. However, the Hound's hide was unnaturally tough, and it shook off the impacts with a snarl.
Nora, with her immense strength and boundless energy amped up, swung Magnhild in wide arcs, aiming for the creature's legs. The hammer, a weapon as large and imposing as its wielder, cleaved through the air with an audible whoosh. Each swing sent shockwaves through the ground, cracks spiderwebbing from the points of impact. Despite the Hound's agility, Nora's blows were calculated, her timing impeccable. She grinned fiercely, her eyes gleaming with the thrill of battle.
Jaune engaged the Hound directly, his sword and shield a blur of blue motion. He parried its claws, countering with powerful strikes that reverberated through the air. The Hound was relentless, its attacks a flurry of deadly precision. Jaune's confidence, however, never wavered. His Aura flared brilliantly, drawing on the strength of his Semblance to bolster his attacks. Each clash of his sword against the Hound's claws sent sparks flying, the force of the impacts resonating through his arms.
The Hound lunged at him, its claws striking with deadly accuracy. Jaune deflected the blow with his shield, countering with a powerful thrust of his sword. The blade bit deep into the creature's flesh, eliciting a pained roar that echoed through the night. Dark, smoky tendrils of Grimm essence seeped from the wound, but the Hound showed no signs of retreat.
As the battle raged, the civilians continued to board the airship; the Huntsmen forming a protective barrier around them. Jaune's plan was working, but the Hound was proving to be a formidable opponent. It was fast, strong, and intelligent, adapting to their attacks with unsettling ease. Jaune could see the strain on his teammates' faces, their Auras flickering under the sustained assault.
But he had his Semblance.
With a sharp exhale, he extended his aura and brought them back to full while also amping them up again.
Nora, feeling pumped up, shattered a lightning dust and enhanced herself further.
"Nora, now!" Jaune shouted, signaling for a coordinated strike.
"YOU'RE GOING DOWN!"
Nora leapt into the air, her hammer descending with incredible force. The impact sent shockwaves through the ground, staggering the Hound. The force of the blow cracked the pavement beneath it, sending a tremor through the surrounding area. Ren seized the opportunity, his Semblance masking him from the Grimm as he moved in for a precise attack. His movements were fluid and ghostly. With a series of rapid strikes, Ren's Twin Pistols morphed into their blade form, slicing through the Hound's hide and targeting its weak points as they opened up.
With a final move, he holstered StormFlower on his side, localized the aura on his hands as his two open palms hit the Grimm, imploding a huge chunk of the Hound, leaving it disoriented and vulnerable.
Ren then retreated, drew StormFlower again and fired at the Hound keeping it pinned down.
Jaune took a deep breath, his focus narrowing to a single point that Ren opened up.. With a surge of Amplified Aura, he lunged forward, his sword glowing with a golden light tinged with a hue of red. He struck at the Hound's core, channeling all his strength into a decisive blow. The blade pierced through, and a brilliant flash of light erupted from the impact. The Hound howled in agony, its form slowly disintegrating into dark smoke.
Breathing out, Jaune lowered his sword, surveying the area. The civilians were safely aboard the airship, which was now taking off, its engines humming as it ascended into the sky. The Huntsmen relaxed slightly, their protective stance easing as the immediate threat passed. Jaune turned to Ren and Nora, offering them a tired but triumphant smile.
"Good work, both of you," he said, clapping Ren on the shoulder and giving Nora a thumbs up.
Ren nodded, a small smile playing at his lips.
Nora, still buzzing with adrenaline, gave Jaune a playful punch on the arm. "That was awesome! We showed that Weird Grimm who's boss!"
Jaune chuckled, wincing slightly at Nora's enthusiastic hit. "Yeah, we did. But we need to stay on our guard. There could be more where that came from."
The streets around them were eerily silent, the echoes of the battle fading into the night. The city was still in chaos, with fires burning in the distance and the sounds of distant conflicts reaching their ears. Jaune knew they couldn't afford to rest for long.
The safety of the civilians was paramount, but there were still many more to evacuate and countless dangers lurking in the shadows.
But before they could even move and as the Hound completely vanished into black flakes.
They looked up and saw the dragon still hovering over Vale, its presence ominous and foreboding. The massive beast began to drop droplets of black liquid, each one hitting the ground and transforming into more Grimm.
Among the chaos, Jaune's eyes widened as he saw a familiar figure descending from the dragon. Hazel Rainart, clad in Grimm with dust crystals, stabbed into his back, landed heavily on the street.
His presence radiated raw power and menace.
"Out of my way, Huntsmen," Hazel growled, his voice dripping with contempt.
Jaune's heart pounded as he assessed the situation. They were surrounded by Grimm, the last remaining civilians still boarding the airship, and now Salem's follower was here.
Jaune quickly amplified his Aura, his Semblance extending to Ren and Nora.
He felt a surge of strength and determination, readying himself for a difficult battle.
"Nora, watch our backs and destroy the Grimm. Anything hostile that comes in the shroud, smash them to pieces," Jaune commanded, his voice resolute. "Ren and I will handle this bastard ourselves. If he tries to get out of the masking, then hammer him back to us."
Nora grinned wildly, her face set in a determined expression.
"Got it, you two. Be careful."
With Nora watching their backs.
The two faced Hazel who had become part Grimm.
"Ready Ren?"
Ren simply nodded stoically.
Jaune posed with Crocea Mors gleaming against the dark as he amped up Ren with his Semblance.
Ren, in turn, took a battle-ready stance, crossing StormFlower before unleashing his Amplified Semblance. This created an obscuring shroud that concealed them from the mass of Grimm, crafting a domain where they could confront Hazel without interference.
It was time to fight hard.