Glynda Goodwitch sat quietly on the side of the hospital room, her eyes scanning the digital pages of her scroll. Every now and then, she would glance over at Jaune Arc, who was staring out the window. His eyes seemed distant, lost in thought.

"I'm sorry to hinder you like this," Jaune said, breaking the silence.

Glynda's eyes narrowed slightly as she looked up from her scroll. "If you say that again, I'll shut your mouth. You saved my life, Jaune Arc. I will not allow you to think otherwise."

Jaune nodded slowly, his gaze shifting back to the window. He closed his eyes briefly and focused on his Semblance, feeling the familiar warmth of his healing powers flowing through him.

Glynda sighed softly, watching him. "You would have died without your Semblance kicking in unconsciously. Never try that again. Do you understand me?"

Jaune didn't answer. He was leaning slightly, the hospital garment revealing his rippling abs. The sight made Glynda's heart skip a beat, but she quickly composed herself.

"That Grimm… it was tough," Jaune said, his voice quiet. "I don't mean to brag, but I don't usually have a problem dealing with Grimm… but this one… I could feel that my sword was not working against it. It was tough. Too tough."

Glynda reached into a satchel and pulled out a small orb. It was a strange object, purple and black with crystal veins running through it. She held it up for Jaune to see.

"Ancient Grimm are tough," she said. "A Grimm that could grow bony armor like that and have enough malice to do that attack must have lived for thousands of years. Grimm don't usually leave anything when killed, but this one left this."

Jaune took the orb and examined it closely, his eyes narrowing in thought. Glynda watched him with a mix of admiration and affection. When he turned slightly, she quickly put on a stoic expression, afraid he might have caught her staring.

Look at you, Glynda thought to herself. Acting like some schoolgirl. If Peach saw me right now, she'd make fun of me.

"Are the people fine?" Jaune asked, breaking her reverie.

Glynda couldn't help but grin. "They are. You don't know how thankful they are, especially the child you helped. We did well. Though you had me worried, and I thought you'd leave me."

Jaune tried to read her face, but Glynda made her best stern expression. Yet, the moment his blue eyes focused on her, she felt her knees buckle and her chest pound. Glynda prided herself on being stoic, in control, a prim and proper huntress. But it was hard to remain in control when the heart's fallen.

"So, are you fine?" she asked softly.

Jaune exposed his chest, revealing the now-healed wounds. "I think the wounds are healed. It's a good thing I managed to survive that."

"Please be careful next time," Glynda said, her voice almost a whisper. "You make me worry… partner."

Jaune raised his brows, surprised by her tone. "Sorry. It won't happen again."

Glynda reached for Jaune's hand, her fingers trembling slightly. "Jaune, I know you're strong… this may sound ungrateful, but I can handle it. I know you've practically saved me twice now and I'm grateful… but please worry about yourself. Don't just put yourself in harm's way."

Jaune looked serious, his jaw set. "I can't promise that. What kind of friend would I be if I didn't even risk my life?"

Glynda could tell that nothing would change his mind. The sternness in his face said it all. She sighed, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just… be careful."

Hearing the vulnerability in her voice, Jaune lowered his head and gently took Glynda's hand in his. "I apologize for making you worry, Glynda."

"You have nothing to apologize for," she said, touching his hand gingerly. She felt the warmth of his skin, the rough callouses, and the strength in his grip. It made her blush slightly.

Glynda looked away, trying to hide her embarrassment. But Jaune's hand was still in hers, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort. It was strange, this feeling. She had always been so composed, so in control. But with Jaune, she felt something different.

Is this what it feels like to care for someone? she wondered. To worry about them more than yourself?

She glanced at Jaune, who was still holding the orb, his eyes thoughtful. He seemed lost in his own world, contemplating the events that had transpired. Glynda wanted to say something, to reassure him, but the words wouldn't come.

Instead, she squeezed his hand gently, hoping that the gesture would convey what she couldn't put into words. Jaune looked up at her, his eyes softening. He squeezed back, a silent promise passing between them.

They sat like that for a while, the room filled with a comfortable silence. Glynda knew that things would never be the same between them. The bond they had formed through their trials was something that would last a lifetime.

Jaune finally broke the silence. "We need to find out more about this Grimm. If there are more like it out there…"

Glynda nodded. "Yes, we do. But first, you need to rest. You've been through a lot."

Jaune looked like he wanted to protest, but he saw the determination in Glynda's eyes. He sighed, relenting. "Alright, I'll rest. But just for a little while."

Glynda smiled softly. "Good. We'll tackle this together, partner."

Jaune nodded, leaning back against the pillows. Glynda watched him for a moment before returning to her scroll. But her thoughts kept drifting back to the man beside her, the one who had risked everything to save her.

Thank you, Jaune, she thought. For everything.

The sun cast long shadows over the grounds behind the medical center, painting the scenery with an orange hue. Glynda Goodwitch sat on a bench, her eyes fixed on Jaune Arc, who stood at the center of the field, topless and swinging Crocea Mors with a fierce determination. The grounds, typically filled with the sounds of multiple patients, were eerily quiet, the only sound being the swoosh of Jaune's sword cutting through the air.

Glynda's gaze was unwavering, her eyes following every movement Jaune made. His muscles rippled with each swing, his form and technique honed to perfection. Yet, her attention was not solely on his skill. Her eyes traced the numerous scars that marred his otherwise perfect huntsman physique.

Jaune moved with a grace that belied the strength in his frame. He executed a series of simple yet deadly maneuvers, his sword slicing through the air with precision. Glynda watched, captivated by his performance. But her admiration was tinged with a deep sadness as she took in the marks that crisscrossed his body.

One particularly prominent scar caught her eye — a recent wound that had healed but left a jagged line across his abdomen. The memory of that battle flashed in her mind, the image of Jaune throwing himself in harm's way to save her, the moment his Semblance had activated unconsciously, saving his life. The Ancient Grimm's attack had been brutal, and though he had survived, the mark it left was now a permanent reminder of that day.

Glynda's heart ached as she studied the scars. She could see the evidence of countless battles etched into his skin: the thin line across his shoulder from a Beowolf's claws, the puncture marks on his side from an Ursa's fangs, the burn on his arm. Each scar was a testament to his bravery, his willingness to put himself in danger for the sake of others.

Jaune paused, catching his breath, and Glynda could see the sweat glistening on his skin, highlighting the ridges and valleys of his musculature. He looked over at her and smiled, a warm, genuine smile that made her heart flutter. She returned the smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes.

"How's it going, Glynda?" Jaune called out, his voice breaking the silence.

Glynda cleared her throat, trying to compose herself. "You're doing well, Jaune. Your form is excellent."

Jaune nodded, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Thanks. Just trying to stay in shape after staying in bed. I don't want to be rusty."

He resumed his practice, and Glynda's eyes were drawn once more to his scars. She felt a lump form in her throat, watching.

As Jaune swung his sword in a wide arc, Glynda's mind wandered to the first time she had seen him. Tearing through Grimm so he could save her. She had admired his spirit then, but now she admired something deeper. His resilience, his strength of character, his unwavering commitment to protecting those he cared about. She was glad that he cared.

The sun cast a golden light over Jaune, highlighting the contours of his body and the scars that adorned it. Glynda's eyes lingered on the most recent wound, the one that had almost taken him from her. She could see the jagged line clearly, a stark contrast against his tanned skin. It was a reminder of how close she had come to losing him.

A tear slipped down her cheek, and she quickly brushed it away, hoping Jaune hadn't seen. But he had paused again, looking at her with concern.

"Glynda, are you okay?" he asked, his voice soft.

She nodded, forcing a smile. "Yes, I'm fine. Just… thinking."

He walked over to her, his expression serious. "You're worried about me, aren't you?"

Glynda sighed, unable to hide the truth. "Yes, Jaune. I am. You have so many scars..."

Jaune sat down beside her on the bench, his eyes meeting hers. "It's part of the job, Glynda. You know that."

"I know," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But it doesn't make it any easier."

Jaune reached out and took her hand in his, his grip firm and reassuring. "I'll be careful, I promise. But I can't stop fighting. That's what a Huntsman is."

Glynda looked down at their joined hands, her heart aching. "I just don't want to see you hurt."

Jaune made her look into his eyes. "Glynda, I'm not going anywhere. I'll always come back. You have to trust that."

She nodded, blushing at bold he was being. "I do trust you, Jaune. I just… I care about you."

Jaune's expression softened, and he pulled her into a gentle hug. "I care about you too, Glynda. More than you know."

Glynda felt the warmth of Jaune's embrace, the steady beat of his heart against her cheek. It was a comforting reminder he was still here, still alive.

But as she pulled back and looked at the scars that covered his body, she couldn't shake the sadness that lingered in her heart. Each mark was a reminder of the pain he had endured, the sacrifices he had made. And she knew that no matter how strong he was, each battle took its toll.

"Jaune," she said softly, her voice trembling. "Promise me you'll be careful."

He nodded, his eyes serious. "I promise. An Arc never breaks his word."

Glynda smiled through her tears, grateful for his promise, but knowing it could never truly ease her fears. She reached out and traced her fingers along one of the scars on his chest, feeling the rough texture of the healed wound.

"This one," she said, her voice barely audible. "How did you get it?"

Jaune looked down at the scar, his expression thoughtful. "A Beowolf."

Glynda's fingers moved to another scar, a thin line across his shoulder. "And this one?"

"An Ursa. It was a close call. Managed to get a good hit in before I took it down," Jaune explained. "Things... were tough outside of the Kingdoms."

"You should keep your aura defenses when in places like that."

Glynda's heart ached as she continued to trace the scars, each one a painful reminder of the battles he had fought. When she reached the most recent wound, the one that had left a permanent mark on his abdomen, she hesitated.

"This one," she said, her voice breaking. "This one almost took you from me."

Jaune covered her hand with his, squeezing gently. "But it didn't. I'm still here, Glynda. And I'm not going anywhere."

Glynda nodded, tears streaming down her face. "I just… I don't want to lose you."

"You won't," Jaune said firmly. "I'll always come back to you. No matter what."

What was that supposed to mean? Glynda wondered, her thoughts swirling with confusion. She had always prided herself on being a strong, composed huntress, but Jaune's words had shaken her to her core. Was he saying that out of friendship, or did he feel the same way she did? Glynda knew she was beautiful. During her time at Beacon, she had been the object of many affections, but none of those admirers had managed to worm their way into her heart as Jaune had.

Yet, despite her feelings, Glynda couldn't shake the sense that Jaune's actions were motivated by friendship rather than affection. He had always been polite, almost to a fault, addressing her as "Miss Goodwitch" in a way that maintained a frustrating sense of distance. She hated it when he called her that. It made her feel like just another superior, rather than someone he might care about on a deeper level.

Glynda sighed, recalling the moments they had shared since their harrowing encounter with the Ancient Grimm. Jaune's bravery had been undeniable, and his willingness to risk his life for her had been both admirable and terrifying. She remembered the way he had looked at her, the way he had held her hand, and the gentle yet firm grip of his embrace when he whisked her away. It had been comforting, but it had also left her with a myriad of questions.

Was Jaune's chivalry a sign of something more, or was it simply his nature? Glynda replayed their conversations in her mind, searching for clues. She remembered how Jaune had spoken about someone he had lost, a certain someone who had left a deep scar on his heart. Was that it? Was he still mourning a love lost, unable to see what was right in front of him?

Glynda felt a pang of jealousy at the thought. She had never been one to envy others, but the idea of Jaune's heart belonging to someone else made her chest tighten. It was foolish, she knew, to feel this way without any concrete evidence. But emotions were rarely logical, and Glynda found herself lost in a sea of uncertainty.

What am I supposed to do? She thought, her mind racing. It wasn't as if there was a manual to consult on matters of the heart. Her pride as a woman and a huntress made it difficult to admit her feelings outright. She wasn't the type to confess her emotions openly, especially when she wasn't sure of the response. It was easier to remain stoic, to keep her feelings locked away where they couldn't hurt her.

But even as she tried to convince herself to stay silent, Glynda knew one thing for certain: it was easy to be friends with Jaune Arc. He had a way of making people feel comfortable, of putting them at ease with his genuine kindness and unwavering loyalty. That was part of what made her feelings so complicated. She valued his friendship deeply, but her heart yearned for something more.

Glynda and Jaune left the medical facility together after Glynda confirmed Jaune's fine.

They took an airship back to Sumire where they found the village rebuilding.

As they walked through the village of Sumire, the villagers greeted them warmly. Jaune's survival was a testament to his strength and bravery, and the people of Sumire were grateful. Children ran up to him, wide-eyed with admiration, while adults offered their thanks.

One elderly woman clasped Jaune's hand, tears in her eyes. "Thank you, young man. You saved us all."

Jaune smiled kindly, squeezing her hand gently. "I'm just glad everyone is safe."

Glynda watched the interaction with a sense of pride. Jaune had a way of connecting with people, of making them feel safe and valued. It was one of the many things she admired about him.

They made their way to the village center, where Sumire's leader, a woman named Haruka, awaited them. Haruka was a middle-aged woman with sharp eyes and a commanding presence. She welcomed them into her modest home, offering tea and a place to sit.

"Thank you for coming," Haruka said, her tone serious. "I understand you wish to know more about the Ancient Grimm you fought."

Jaune nodded, his expression equally serious. "Yes, we need to know if there are more like it out there. We need to be prepared."

Haruka sighed, her eyes darkening. "What you fought was not just any Grimm. It was part of an ancient cult that worships Grimm. They call themselves the Cult of Grimm."

Glynda's eyes widened. "A cult? Worshipping Grimm?"

Haruka nodded grimly. "Yes. They believe that by serving the Grimm, they can harness their power. They perform dark rituals to summon and control them. The Ancient Grimm you fought was likely a result of one of these rituals."

Jaune clenched his fists, anger flashing in his eyes. "How do we find them?"

Haruka looked at him, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "It won't be easy. They are elusive and dangerous. But there is one person who might be able to help you. His name is Daichi. He was once been a member of the cult but managed to escape. He's been hiding in the mountains, fearing for his life."

Glynda and Jaune exchanged a glance. This was the lead they needed.

"Thank you, Haruka," Glynda said. "We'll find Daichi and get the information we need."

Haruka nodded. "Be careful. The Cult of Grimm is not to be underestimated."

The journey to the mountains was arduous, the terrain rugged and treacherous. Glynda and Jaune traveled in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Glynda couldn't shake the uncertainty she felt about Jaune's earlier words. She knew she needed to focus on the task ahead, but her mind kept drifting back to him.

They reached a small, secluded cabin nestled among the trees. Smoke curled from the chimney, indicating someone was home. Jaune approached the door and knocked firmly.

A moment later, the door creaked open, revealing a gaunt man with weary eyes. He looked them up and down, suspicion evident in his gaze.

"Are you Daichi?" Jaune asked.

The man hesitated, then nodded. "Yes. Who are you?"

"We're here to talk about the Cult of Grimm," Glynda said. "We need your help."

Daichi's eyes widened, and he stepped back, fear flashing across his face. "I don't want anything to do with them. They'll kill me if they find out I've spoken to you."

Jaune stepped forward, his expression earnest. "We can protect you. But we need to know how to stop them."

Daichi looked at them, weighing their words. Finally, he sighed and gestured for them to come inside. "Alright. I'll tell you what I know."

Inside the cabin, Daichi began to recount his story. He spoke of dark rituals and forbidden magic, of sacrifices and summoning ceremonies. The cult was obsessed with gaining power through the Grimm, believing that they could control them and use them to conquer Remnant.

"They have a base deep in the forest," Daichi said. "It's heavily guarded and well-hidden. But if you can get past the defenses, you might be able to find their leader. He's the one behind all of this."

Glynda listened intently, her mind racing with the implications. This was more than just a rogue Grimm. This was an organized, dangerous group that posed a significant threat. And the worst part of it? She had a feeling that these were the same cult she had fought.

"Do you know anything about the Ancient Grimm we fought?" Jaune asked.

Daichi nodded. "Yes. They call it the Black Revenant. It's one of their most powerful creations, a Grimm infused with dark magic they use alongside this artificat to control them. They've been working on perfecting it for years."

Glynda exchanged a glance with Jaune. This was worse than they had thought. The cult had the means to create more of these monsters, and they needed to be stopped.

"Thank you, Daichi," Glynda said. "Your information is invaluable."

Daichi looked at them, a flicker of hope in his eyes. "Just be careful. The Cult of Grimm is ruthless. They won't hesitate to kill anyone who stands in their way."

Jaune nodded. "We will. And we'll make sure they can't hurt anyone else."

As they left Daichi's cabin, Glynda felt a renewed sense of purpose. They had a lead, and they had a mission. But the uncertainty about her feelings for Jaune still lingered in the back of her mind.

Jaune glanced at her as they walked. "Are you okay, Glynda?"

She nodded, forcing a smile. "Yes, I'm fine. Just thinking."

He looked at her, concern clear in his eyes. "About those cult… they're the same, right? The same people who were controlling the Grimm… when I met you outside of the kingdoms."

"Yes," she agreed. "It seems like they're on the move."

"Going after them?"

"I'm… undecided…"

"People are in danger, Gyln."

Glynda look at him and then realized he'd find them with or without

She made her choice.