A Tale of Cinders

by Crow Mahn

Dying was just the first step. Follow Jaune Arc as he traverses the Nameless Lands. But not all is well, the dead do not die and monsters are around every corner. Will he find a way back home, or will he be reduced to a hollow blabbering mess of a man- no better than the monsters he once fought against.

RWBY ; A Tale of Cinders

'Tis the last rose of summer,

Left blooming alone;

All her lovely companions

Are faded and gone;

No flower of her kindred,

No rose-bud is nigh,

To reflect back her blushes

Or give sigh for sigh!

I'll not leave thee, thou lone one.

To pine on the stem;

Since the lovely are sleeping,

Go, sleep thou with them;

Thus kindly I scatter

Thy leaves o'er the bed,

Where thy mates of the garden

Lie scentless and dead.

So soon may I follow,

When friendships decay,

And from love's shining circle

The gems drop away!

When true hearts lie withered,

And fond ones are flown,

Oh! who would inhabit

This bleak world alone?

Thomas Moore

Series Theme: I am the Well - Kevin Sherwood

Arc Theme: Let There Be Fire - Aviators

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Day of the Dead ; Part One

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Jaune Arc thought dying would've been harder.

It really should have been.

But Cinder Fall had killed him quite handedly.

And in the single, fleeting moment that his life truly ended Jaune felt it all flash before his eyes. His earliest and fondest memories of his family and friends. His somewhat turbulent early teens. His absolutely droll mid teens. And the blast that has been his time at Beacon. A whirlwind of emotion and time. It was so short but so impactful. Every color felt brighter, every second seemed to stretch in for longer, all of it. But Jaune couldn't help but think of the events that led up to his death.

How he had ran as fast as they could to the vault at Pyrrha's request..

The woman in the glass pod. Stuck in a stasis of some sorts.

How the leader of team CMEN had put an arrow through the sleeping girl's chest. Killing her.

How he and Pyrrha had rushed to face her atop the tower of Beacom.

How Jaune had a decision to make.

How he shoved Pyrrha into the rocket locker and sent it screeching to Ruby Rose. Which probably angered the champion, but it wasn't like she could really scold him.

And how Jaune had faced Cinder Fall all alone. Weathering a storm of fire and a hail of glass. His every fiber of muscle screaming car him to stop. The blood, a bright crimson that leaked from the wounds, his Aura was too slow to heal. And the singular nick he scored across Cinder's perfect face. Right across her nose a deep score. Something that would scar despite her aura.

She then ran him through. It was a bitingly fast action fueled by a petulant, unbridled rage.

That was it. He had done so much just to be stabbed like he was a piece of meat on a plate. Cinder stabbed him clean through the gut. Piercing his entire body and disconnecting his spine in a spray of crimson blood. Just for the vengeful harpy to then set alight the boy's very insides. Cooking Jaune from within. That was how he died, anticlimactic as it was, but Jaune had no regrets.

It was all because Jaune thought that Pyrrha most certainly would have died if she faced Cinder. It felt that way at least. It wasn't that he had no faith in her. But after crossing blades with her and Pyrrha he could gauge who was better. And the fire magic absolutely did not help at all.

Pyrrha was amazing, the most amazing girl he had ever met. But against Cinder Fall that meant nothing. The woman had killed Headmaster Ozpin, who was most certainly a better fighter than Jaune and Pyrrha combined. So basic logic denoted that they couldn't even beat him together… Mainly because Jaune was weak. He knew it. He was holding them all back. His team, his friends, and now the world. But he had faced Cinder regardless of that fact with a smile on his face. Proud to die like a dog. It was the very best that he could do with what he had. And it would have saves Pyrrha.

Jaune could feel the blood well up in his mouth as his lungs started to stop functioning. He could taste the copper and his vision became blurry. Blackness crept into his vision as he burned and choked on his own blood. A terrible, cruel way to end the life of someone so noble. But Jaune thought it was fitting. He died a martyr, a hero. And that was enough. The boy faded out of consciousness with a bloodied smile on his face right as Ruby Rose entered the chamber.

The last thing Jaune saw was a blinding flash of silver light.

It was a good way to go.

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Jaune Arc awoke with a cold spark deep within his chest.

His eyes came open in a flash, an ashen gray and cloudy sky hung above. A sky that felt off.

A cold wind whipped the boy as he quickly looked around, revealing sharp stone cliffs around him. With each wall being decorated dozens of small gray gravestones, and gnarled trees. Which only left him more bewildered by it all.

Jaune then realized he was naked. Stark naked.

And it was cold.

He quickly sprung to his feet and began to look around, just to see a corpse dressed in dingy armor. Jaune could smell the death from where he stood, but with a slight bit of determination the boy pressed onwards. Jaune's bare feet clapped against the cold stone, echoing through the small divot in the earth he and the corpse occupied.

Unsteadily, Jaune knelt down next to the corpse. He had no other choice really. He was making a reasonable decision.

"Fucking… Brothers be with me…" The boy groaned as he began to unclasp the straps of the armor.

With shaking hands Jaune stripped the corpse down to its underwear and then began to dress himself. First went a pair of hand spun and thick woolen socks. Then went a pair of burlap trousers, a linen shirt, a pair of thick leather boots, and a pair of linen gloves. Next went on a pair of heavy grieves that were probably made of iron. Then a chainmail shirt with a pair of iron gauntlets. And finally a belt around his waist where a small purse of coins and the scabbard of a rusted sword hung.

"All set… Let's get going." Jaune said to no one in particular as he started off. Turning left and out of the earthen divot.

What Jaune saw was nothing short of breathtaking.

A wide vista revealing a great, green forest beneath him which seemed to stretch in for miles and miles. And a water colored horizon where the clouds seemed to stretch on to a towering mountain range. All with a small town of sorts nestled in the center of it all. It looked somewhat like Jaune's own village, sort of.

The thought sent a pang of despair through the boy as he thought of home. Of his sisters and of his mother. The warmth and fuzziness of comfort. The familiar scent of sandalwood and ivy. The loving embrace of those he cherished. It was all gone. Probably never to be seen again. It was a horrible, painful feeling that struck Jaune right in his gut. He wanted to puke but his stomach was empty so he was left to simply hack up bile.

But after a few moments his stomach was completely empty leaving Jaune to look around.

To his right was a rock wall. Steep and biting.

To his left a small, narrow path that seemed to stretch into a ruin.

Jaune knew which way he had to go. And with heavy footsteps he began to make his way down the path. Being careful to stay far from the edge. But the walk was otherwise uneventful until he reached a bend in the path going left. Which Jaune took without a second thought. Allowing him to see down the path which led into an ivy covered ruin.

But there was something- someone else on the path, clad in dark robes and holding a half broken sword.

Jaune furrowed his brow but called out regardless, "Hey! You!"

The person turned around to face Jaune. Revealing a sun baked, skinless face without eyes and a gaping mouth. It then began to approach, at a walk at first. But it soon broke into a loping run, sword raised.

Jaune didn't want to fight, but he drew his rusted longsword regardless. He quickly fell into a lower stance. A fool's guard.

The moment the person- the creature stepped into range it took a heavy, over handed swing at Jaune, who simply sidestepped it.

"Hey! Dude! Cut that shit out!" Jaune yelled out, patience growing thin.

Another swing, this time a horizontal slash. Which Jaune back stepped to avoid.

"Fuck- stop it!" He cried.

The thing lunged again, leaving Jaune to sidestep. But there was little room to avoid another attack. Which left Jaune one option… One he took with a heavy heart.

Jaune took a heavy swing downwards at the thing's neck, scoring a deep hit and making it collapse as black blood began to seep from its wounds. Which caused Jaune to take a small step back to avoid… But the sight of a coin purse caught the boy's eye for a moment.

"I shouldn't…"

His stomach grumbled.

"I really shouldn't…."

Yet he moved despite that, grabbing the small sack to empty its contents into his gloved palm. Which only amounted to five coins of copper, all of which were deposited into Jaune's own purse with a guilty clink.

That small amount of looting aside, the dingy knight began to move again. Quickly this time. Jogging down the path and through a ruined stone gate, sword still in hand. Dripping black blood as he moved.

But Jaune found his path blocked by three more of the robed creatures, so he called out once more. Trying to shove the fact that he was about to kill more people somewhere deep inside. Somewhere where the feelings wouldn't bother him for a while. Somewhere dark, where his worse self hid.

"Hey! You lot! Want to fight or not?" Jaune called out. Trying not to let the desperation seep into his voice… He was not doing well at that.

But the three creatures perked up and began to charge regardless.

Jaune met them head on, hacking into the skull of the first one with a spray of black blood. Just to cut through the throat of the second creature a moment later. Only for him to yank his blade free and skewer the last through the eye socket… It was so easy.

Jaune couldn't help but laugh, a throaty, hoarse thing that had no mirth. Only a dull rasp that only devolved into a hacking cough which devolved into a sob. Jaune couldn't help but weep as the black blood of the creatures- the men he killed began to pool beneath him. It was a horrid, burning feeling that stretched up from his hands to his eyes.

But a feminine voice cut through his manic sobbing. Clear as day but light as a bell.

"Why do you weep, Ser Knight?"

Jaune wiped his eyes with his non-bloodied hand. Pushing the tears back with a subtle burn.

"Who- Who said that?" He called out into the ruin, frantically looking around.

And behind him stood a woman in a black dress which billowed in the wind. It was a soft, lacy looking thing which sat loosely on her lithe form. But most strikingly there was a shroud of metal, silvery as star which hung over her eyes, leaving only pale flesh and pale blonde hair visible.

"I did not mean to frighten you Ser Knight. Please be at ease, I am nothing but a humble shrine maiden, tethered to the flame." The woman said.

Jaune raised an eyebrow but sheathed his sword.

"What about these men? The skinless men that I- I-" He couldn't finish the sentence as bile began to well in his throat.

"They are the Lost. Those that have risen again but lost their minds. They tend to gather in such places. But they will attack humans like you on sight. As if they were crazed by the moon."

Jaune stood in silence for a moment.

"Why didn't they attack you then?" It was a fair question.

One that the Shrine Maiden answered with a light giggle, "They attack humans Ser Knight." Which answered nothing.

"I… I see…" Jaune managed.

"Would you care to join me for the Rite, Ser Knight? It shall be my last."

"Why is it your last?"

"I am set to die." The Shrine Maiden said with a somber smile.

Jaune frowned and took a step forward, then another.

"Wh-What do you mean by that?"

"I will be dead. There is no flame to guide me so I will return to the cinders from which I was molded from."

Jaune didn't think, he simply replied, "How do I- how would I give you fire?"

The Shrine Maiden tilted her head to the left as he smile grew ever so slightly, "Take my hand and let the Fire of Your Soul burn."

She outstretched a slender, milky white hand.

Jaune nodded and stepped closer, into her reach.

"Okay… Fire of my soul. Got it."

Fire of his soul… Was that like Aura? Jaune couldn't help but draw a comparison between the two… Though he had no Aura… No matter how hard he flared it, nothing came up. He was without his best piece of protection. But the Fire of His Soul sounded like aura, so Jaune could only take the woman by the hand and think of his deepest feelings.

He wanted to protect. To be a hero-

Sparks flew the moment their hands touched, leaving their hands intertwined and wreathed in flame. But their hands did not burn. It was a biting, but not unpleasant warmth. Something that Jaune thought he could grow accustomed to. It was nice.

The Shrine Maiden's voice cut through Jaune's thoughts like a sword, "So you are a Returned! A soul wreathed in ash, cursed to never know peace."

Jaune's frown grew, "What- What do you mean by that? Returned?"

The Shrine Maiden nodded, "Yes, you bear a unique soul. One touched by the gods. A soul cursed to never know the peace of the afterlife… So it would suffice to say that killing you will not stop you. You will simply rise again."

Yeah that didn't sound like a good thing. But Jaune knew he couldn't do a thing about it.

"H-How do you know this?"

"Is it not the job of a Shrine Maiden to tend to their keep?"

"I- I wouldn't know.."

"Exactly… Now, what is to be our course of action, Ser Knight?"

Jaune thought for a moment, looking up to the sky. But he could not see the sun, just pastel reds and blues. It was going to be dark soon.

"I think we should find a place to rest for the night… But first I need to do something."

The Shrine Maiden nodded as Jaune stepped off to the corpse. Tentatively rifling through their belongings. Which made him sick- but Jaune had a feeling he was going to need everything he could get his hands off. The whole 'Returned' thing was suspicious and Jaune had a bad feeling about it. Though he did not voice it, as that would've been rude.

All In all Jaune found sixteen copper coins, a vial of red liquid, a dagger, and a heavy looking black cloak. So the coins went into his purse, the vial as well, the dagger onto his belt, and the cloak went around his neck. Giving him a bit of a silhouette that reminded him of Ruby Rose… Which only made rhe feeling in his gut worse.

Jaune had no idea what had happened to Ruby. Which was terrifying. She was probably going through a lot. And he couldn't be there for his best friend, which was a horrible thing, a horrible thing indeed. One that started to eat away at the boy's already fragile resolve. But Jaune kept up a somewhat shaky facade of confidence as he looked to the Shrine Maiden.

"Do you- Do you have a name?"

The Shrine Maiden shook her head, "I am afraid not, do you have a name Ser Knight?"

Jaune opened his mouth, ready to deliver the same introduction he gave Ruby- but the words died in his mouth, "No... No, just 'Knight' will do."

"Very well. You may simply call me Shrine Maiden. I do not require a name to conduct my duties as your guide."

"Right… Well- do you have any plan on what to do from here?"

The Shrine Maiden paused for a moment and brought a finger up to her lips, "We might find shelter in these ruins, as night is fast approaching us."

Jaune looked to the sky and his frown got somehow even deeper than before, "Yeah. Sounds like a plan… But can't you see without that veil on?"

"I am afraid that I cannot see the world as you do." She said somberly.

Jaune then stepped to the woman's left and took her hand in his own, "We'll stick together then. I'll tell you if I have to fight ."

"You are most kind, Knight."

Jaune winced at the name. But he supposed that it was fair. He had told her that he had no name and that she should address him. He had no one to blame for the awkwardness but himself… And like everything it was his own doing that made things a bit odd.

Nevertheless Jaune began to lead the Shrine Maiden around the ruin. One hand wrapped around her own, and the other on the grip of his sword. A tight, white knuckled grip on the worn leather handle. Jaune had a feeling that the night would be long. And the cold wind that caused his cloak to billow was a good indication of it.

The two wandered around the ruins for around fifteen minutes without a bit of resistance, but Jaune couldn't help but feel as if he was being watched. It was a dull tingle on the back of his neck that was creeping down his spine. But Jaune pressed on regardless. Taking head of the towering stone buildings that had been overtaken by the earth. It was a hauntingly beautiful place, but not one Jaune felt particularly safe in. Knowing that more of the Lost might appear around any corner. But the two settled inside of a building that was mostly intact save for it's lack of a front window.

It wasn't a bad place, even if it did smell like dust and mold. It even had a small fireplace in the main room with a few logs and an old rocking chair. Which Jaune led the Shrine Maiden to, allowing her to sit down.

"I'm going to go grab a rock or something so I can start a fire, be back in a minute." Jaune declared before slipping out the door, where he promptly found a rock.

Jaune then slipped back inside, taking care to close the door behind him.

" 'M back." He called, even though she probably already knew he was back.

The silence reigned, making Jaune somehow more nervous than he already was. But the Shrine Maiden was still in her chair, gently rocking back and forth as Jaune re-entered what he assumed was the living room.

"Do you know of magic, Knight?" She asked, catching Jaune off guard as he struck the rock to his dagger. Producing small gouts of sparks beneath the log.

"No… I'm not very well versed in the ways of the world…" Jaune said cryptically.

All he received as a laugh with enough mirth for the two of them.

But Jaune continued to strike the rock against the dagger until a small fire crinkled to life in the moss beneath the logs. One which Jaune gently blew into, feeding the flames with his breath. And soon the fire became more than just a flicker. Something bright and warm that Jaune was more than happy to plop down next to. Even through his armor and clothing he could feel the heat. It was relaxing in a nostalgic way.

But the Shrine Maiden chose to speak again, "Magic is the lifeblood of all living creatures. It resides within us all. From the smallest insect to the tallest of the Titans. Everyone and everything has magic… But it requires a spark to wield. Something deep within the soul of the sorcerer that hungers eternally… It does not matter what lights the spark, but the moment it is set alight one will gain the most wondrous of abilities.. And you, Knight, have a spark brighter than any I have ever been near. I can feel the magic that simply radiates off of you with your every movement."

Jaune was silent for a moment which dripped into another then another and another. But after five minutes of trying to form words, and failing, Jaune decided to just speak with his heart for once.

"How would I- How would someone go about harnessing their own magic then? Is it like the Fire of the Soul?"

The Shrine Maiden shook her head, "I am afraid that I know not of how to harness magic. You will need to find yourself a teacher if you wish to harness your spark."

Jaune thought for a moment more.

"Well. I guess I'm out of luck for now… We should head to the village in these woods tomorrow morning."

"Very well. Wherever you roam I shall follow dutifully. As that is my purpose. To follow my returned to the ends of the world and back again."

Jaune's frown eased up a small bit, "You don't have to. I'm more than willing to drop you off with some money in that village I saw. I bet they could use a shrine maiden or someone of the sorts for their day to day things… Probably"

It was a weak retort, but it was all he had to give.

"I would rather stay by your side, if you will have me… But for the sake of safety I can make my worldly body incorporeal. You simply just have to call my name for me to reappear."

Jaune mentally face palmed. But he supposed that having her around was good company…

"When we head out tomorrow could you do that? I don't know what's in the woods and I need to focus."

He had no aura and just a rusty sword to defend himself. No shield. Just a sword and some ragged armor.

The Shrine Maiden's voice cut "Very well."

The two stewed for a moment before Jaune began to slip off his armor, "I need to sleep."

"Rest well then." And the Shrine Maiden's visage started to fade out into a thin sheen of mist until she was completely gone. Leaving Jaune alone, with just the heat of the fire to keep him warm.

Which was fine by him. He needed a moment to sit and stew on things. He had died after all. So that was due for some mild contemplation.

In all honesty, Jaune didn't want to believe it. Not one bit. He wanted to believe that this was all just a dream and he was going to wake up soon. Then things would be fine… Right? … He could only hope. Everything felt real, deadly real. Like he was actually going to have to live and die in this strange, nameless world. Like a lamb to the slaughter.

But-

But he had died a hero. Which had to mean something.

So he supposed that he had to be a hero in this world too. He just had to. It didn't seem like a choice, every fiber in his body screamed at him to do it. To get up and fight. To be someone that everyone could look too in a time of need. And his mother always said that the best time to do anything worthwhile was now. Right when you felt it in your gut.

Jaune let those thoughts, and the fire keep him warm through the night. But he wasn't quite able to keep at bay the feeling that he was being watched. At first he thought it was the Shrine Maiden. But the feeling didn't cease when she arrived, in fact it got worse. So much worse. Like a pair of eyes were boring a hole into his skull.

And then he heard it.

A low and beastial growl off in the distance.

Jaune sprung to his feet and grabbed his chainmail, slipping it over his chest. Next went the grieves.

The growling got louder.

Then the gauntlets.

Jaune could hear heavy footsteps.

Finally he drew his blade. It was rusted and chipped but it would have to do. He had nothing else save for a dagger than he kept on his belt. And with a grunt of determination Jaune cracked open the door. Letting the frigid night air billow his cloak as the dull firelight illuminated a small area in front of thr door.

And there he saw it.

Tall and gaunt, a creature of long limbs and pale flesh with a twisted maw. A horridly grotesque mockery of a man with the antlers of a deer on top of its dog-like face. Jaune could feel the air get colder as it took a heavy step forwards, causing frost to form beneath its hoof.

Jaune raised his blade up, his face twisting into a petulant snarl.

He felt angry.

The creature drug it's hoof through the ground once- Just to explode in a flash of gaunt flesh.

Jaune wasn't able to react and he felt an icy hand grip his throat and push. He couldn't breathe and his vision was going blurry. He didn't want to die again. Twice in the same day was pathetic. But alas, Jaune's efforts were in vain as the creature snapped his neck as easily as a child breaking a twig. It was pathetic. So very pathetic. His body could only limply flop to the ground as the creature turned.

But Jaune did not lose consciousness.

He felt it all. He felt the muscles tear and his bones snap. He could feel his spine be crushed to dust.

But slowly the bones shoved themselves back into place. The muscles grasped each other and began to reform. Blood started to flow again as his heart started to pump. And after a blazingly agonizing moment Jaune's senses returned. The blackness left his eyes and he could see the creature begin to walk away. So he struggled up, grabbing his blade once again. The grip was worn, but comfortable.

"Hey asshole…" Jaune growled.

The creature turned around but Jaune was already in motion. Scoring a deep cut on the fucker's back. Causing it to Howl in pain and whip around, its claws gleamed in the low light. But Jaune ducked the strike and ran his sword underneath the thing's ribs.

It howled again and brought its other claw down.

Jaune wasn't so lucky that time. And a razor sharp claw came down across his face. Slashing him from above his left eyebrow, across his nose, and down his right cheek. Jaune couldn't help but scream in agony and he was forced to let go of his sword as the creature squirmed about. Jaune could taste blood. It was horrid and coppery.

So the boy did the only thing he could, and drew his dagger. Ramming it through the base of the wailing creature's skull. Causing its body to instantly go limp. Allowing Jaune to spit blood onto its face as he pushed it to the ground with a heavy thunk.

"Good fucking… Fuckino ridance…" Jaune muttered as he placed a boot on the creature's now grounded body and pulled his sword free. Blood, blue as arctic ice stained the rusted blade, causing frost to begin to creep up from it.

A voice called from the back of his mind, "Knight… drink the red vial. It shall grant you a degree of healing. Enough to stymie the bleeding."

"Oh what the hells…" Jaune muttered as he drew the vial from his purse.

It felt warm, unnaturally so, even with the biting cold it was warm. And with a shaking hand Jaune dropped his sword. Allowing it to clatter on the ground as he pulled the golden top from the vial. He then took a swig, letting the liquid that tasted of strawberries and ash wash down his throat.

A moment later the blood flow from his face ceased, making Jaune grab the edge of his cloak to wipe the blood from his face.

"Fucking… Okay…" Jaune went to toss the bottle-

"Do not throw away the vial. It will stay with you even past death."

Jaune winced. He had died again. Then come back in a flash of vengeance… Which was a grim prospect for sure. If he couldn't truly die by getting his neck snapped, then what would kill him? When would it end? Jaune did not know, but he had a feeling that he would stay that way for a while. A long, long while. Which was infuriating to say the least.

With a heavy sigh Jaune tucked the vial back into his coin purse and looked at the corpse. Just for him to yank his dagger free and drive it home into its worn, leather sheath with a sigh. The boy then slipped back into the house and closed the door behind him. Leaving him alone, blood soaked, and cold. With only the fire and the spectral voice of the Shrine Maiden to keep him company. But Jaune did not entirely mind, and elected to settle himself down in the old rocking chair to close his eyes.

Slowly, after an hour, the boy drifted to sleep.

Just to be awoken the very next morning by the rising sun. And with a heavy grin Jaune arose from the chair and walked outside. Letting the cool air hit his face. But the stench of death was oppressive, though muted. Which left Jaune to suppose that his sense of smell was dismissed due to the injury of his nose. At least he could smell. A small blessing.

Jaune looked to the monster and sighed. Maybe he could get a reward for killing it In the village. So, with a tired groan Jaune drew his sword and knelt down next to the corpse of the creature. He then began to hack through its head. Which was a brutal, bloody affair. It lasted five whole minutes of him just hacking away. But at last he was able to get the head off.

After that Jaune departed from the ruins and into the forest. Where not a single creature came close. Smelling the monster's blood as the boy stomped through the woods. It was a long, three hour trek. But Jaune then saw wooden palisade walls and a tower rising above them.

"Ho!" A voice called from the wall as Jaune stepped into view of the front gate and its two guards.

Jaune raised the head of the monster up. Smiling slightly to himself as he watched the guard's recoil.

"Slayer of monsters you are Ser?"

Jaune thought for a moment, recognizing that he had to blend in with the locals, "Aye. This have a bounty on it?"

The guards looked to one another for a moment before the one om the left spoke in a voice like aged stone, "Thirteen silver was the price. But what might we call you Ser?

"Knight will do just fine. I am without a house to serve and I have no name."

"Very well. Welcome to Breeze Ser Knight. I will take you to the Judge so you may collect your reward and discuss your business here."

"You have my thanks." Jaune said, dipping his head slightly as he walked through the gates.

The guard quickly fell into step beside the boy.

"You look quite young Ser Knight…" He said, not quite finishing his sentence.

"I am young." Jaune said simply, hoping that his silence would speak more than whatever weak excuse he had.

It seemed to work, as the guard promptly shut up. Allowing them to walk in peace through what Jaune assumed was a market. Stalls and tents lined the sides of a cobblestone road. All were colorful and all were selling something you might find in a sleepy village. From seeds to produce to bread to small trinkets. Nothing of particular notice. But it was comforting to Jaune. As he had grown up in a similar village some three hundred miles away from Vale proper. A small village that rarely ever saw conflict.

But the two soon neared a rather large cottage where a man dressed in dark robes adorned by silver stood. Jaune could make out a hard set, square face and a lack of hair on the man.

"Ho there. Judge, this is Ser Knight, and he comes bearing good news." The guard called out.

They finally reached the 'Judge', who seemed to tower over them both.

"I can see that. You have slain the wendigo that has been plaguing us all winter."

Jaune nodded, "Aye. It was a tough fight but I was able to run the beast through in the end. Snapped its spine."

The Judge's lips were creased into a tight lipped frown, "I take it you want thr bounty for your quarry?"

"Aye. I have little in terms of coin."

The Judge scoffed, "I can see that Knight. Did you pluck your armor from a corpse?"

Yes.

"No. I have just traveled far. From a distant land."

"You certainly look the part. What are you, a southerner? Born of the ice and snow."

Jaune nodded, not knowing a single thing about the south of this world.

"Very well. Haor, you may leave us. The Knight and I have much to discuss."

The guard, Haor, dipped his head before trodding off to his post. Leaving Jaune to stand in front of the Judge awkwardly.

But the man quickly broke the silence, "You are a Returned, no?"

Jaune flinched but said nothing.

"I see. Do you want to know a secret, boy?"

"Sure…"

"Your eyes. The eyes of all Returned glow dully."

Jaune instinctively blinked.

"Do not fret, you are not the first Returned who has come to our humble little village. In fact, I have a job for you. If you are up to the challenge."

"I'll hear you out. Don't know if I'll actually do it… I'm… tired…"

He was not, for some reason.

"Very well. Four leagues out there is a Dungeon, a structure of stone that has existed for longer than we have. A remnant of a bygone era. But inside lays a Drake that occasionally assails the town. Bring me its eyes and you will be handsomely rewarded… And I have a favor, if you will hear me further."

Jaune nodded, "Well?"

The Judge's frown loosened slightly, "There is a girl, a witch really, take her with you. Take her far away. Please. For the sake of stability take the girl away from us…"

Jaune's frown deepened, "Why? What do you have against witches?"

"They are unnatural… To the common folk at least… They mean the girl no harm but she has no home here. Especially since she arrived only a fortnight ago."

Jaune nodded, "I'll take her. But is she at least able to use a blade?"

The Judge shook his head, "She has scythe though, I haven't a clue as to why she would use such a thing but she's quite skilled with it."

Jaune's eyes widened for a moment, but he quickly reverted back to a steely expression, "Works for me. But I'm going to need some basic supplies and the reward from the Wendigo."

The Judge nodded his head knowingly before he pulled a pouch from his belt and tossed it to Jaune, who caught it handedly, "Thirty five silver. That should cover both of your expenses. I will fetch the girl and meet you at the gates in an hour's time."

Jaune nodded farewell to the man and proceeded down the small hill that the Judge's cottage sat on. He let the breeze blow his hair about as he admired the simple charm of Bramble. Its houses were all made of stone with thatch roofs, they looked sturdy. Which was probably a good thing, judging by how common monsters like the Wendigo were treated. But Jaune couldn't help buy appreciate the simplicity of it all. He'd bet good Lien that life here was pretty idyllic.

But the thought of Ruby being here with him was both comforting and harrowing. Could she be a Returned too? Did she know what brought them to this strange world? Was she the cause of it? So many questions and so many possibilities. It was slightly maddening. But Jaune didn't let the thoughts stall his progress. He had to keep it together long enough to get to Ruby.

Jaune's first stop was the blacksmith, but Jaune took the time to count the coins in his purse. Which amounted to ten silver and some twenty copper, putting him at forty five silver and twenty copper coins. Which he desperately hoped was enough to net him some basic gear.

But as Jaune approached the blacksmith he was able to see a man hammering away at something on an anvil, so he called out. Mimicking the guards.

"Ho there!" He called.

"Ho." The blacksmith called back, taking a step back and wiping his brow with a gloved hand, "What can I do for you, Ser Knight?"

"A new blade. My current one is… Less than ideal."

"Aye… Eight silver and I'll give you my finest yet."

Jaune pulled out eight silver from the Judge's purse, "Will this do?"

The smith smiled,"Aye, one moment please Ser," He said before disappearing into the shop for a moment.

Jaune waited patiently for the the man to return, which only to return holding a sheath made of leather, "Here she is. Made 'er for a youngin not to long ago, but he died to that Wendigo you killed," He offered the sheath to Jaune who took it tentatively and drew it.

It was a fine blade. Made out of what he assumed was steel. It was balanced well while the hand and a half grip was comfortable. But what Jaune liked the most was it's copper guard which shone a pretty gold in the light of the forge. It reminded him of Crocea Mors if he was to be honest. But instead of a stolen sword it was one to call his own. Which left Jaune to slip his rusted blade off his belt and replace it with the new sword.

"You have my thanks." He said earnestly.

"Naw. You're just taking it off my hands… I can't stand to look at it no longer, reminds me of the lad… So young."

"I'll use it well then." Jaune said as sincerely as he could.

The smith nodded and went back to work, grabbing a now cool horseshoe and throwing it to the crucible.

His next stop was the general market. Where he milled around for the rest of his allotted time. And in that time he bought himself a pack, a flask of oil, ten torches, a hundred feet of rope, a hundred ball bearings, a sleeping mat, flint, steel, and some under pants. The last of which he changed into behind a building. But after that time he found himself idly trotting up the hill to the Judge's cottage.

And there she stood.

Clad in linen trousers and a shirt with a massive, red shawl wrapped around her neck Ruby Rose stood propped up against a scythe. Wide eyed and with her mouth agape. In a sudden burst of speed the girl tackle hugged Jaune. Nearly knocking the bloodstained knight off of his feet. But he gladly accepted the hug, tears threatening to leak out so that everyone could see.

"JauneI'msosorryIdon'tknowwhat'sgoingonbutI'mhereandthere'smonstersandIdiedthreetimesandithurtsobadbutI'msogladtoseeyou." She stammered.

Jaune was left to simply pet the girl's head and hold her close as she sobbed. But he couldn't quite stop all the tears from coming out. He was so glad to see her even if it had just been a day. Because it had been hell. With the cold and the killing and the death. He almost couldn't stand it.

"I am still here." The Judge snarked which caused Ruby to squeak and let go of Jaune.

The two blushed for a moment, but Jaune was quick to try to change the subject, "We can definitely handle the dungeon… Just point us in the right direction."

The Judge rolled his eyes, "I will get a map and a compass," He said before turning on heel and entering the cottage.

Which left the two alone.

Jaune had no idea what to say. Which was really pissing him off.

But Ruby was able to break the silence, "So. You're Returned, right?"

Jaune gave an uneasy laugh, "Yeah. Found out the hard way. Got my neck snapped by a Wendigo. Hurt like a bitch but Ingot better."

"Yeah… I learned that way too," She said with a shutter.

Jaune could only pull the girl into a hug, "It'll be- … It'll be okay. We8're here together now…"

Ruby sniffled, "Yeah… We're gonna kick some butt and help these people."

Jaune nodded, "You got it…"

The two stood like that for a while. Simply holding one another and finding solace in that fact. It was nice, even Jaune had to admit that. He was scared- terrified even. But he couldn't show that. He had to be strong and he had to be capable. He couldn't be useless like he was in Beacon. He had to be better. He had to do better. Even if he couldn't die by conventional means there had to be something that would be able to do him in.

The Judge came out with three items in hand: a watch, a map, and a compass, "Here you are…"

Jaune took the items with a nod, "You have our thanks."

"Well, you'd best be off now."

Jaune grabbed Ruby by the arm and began to lead her away. And to her credit, Ruby didn't argue. She could probably feel the tension between the Judge and Jaune. Even if she didn't know why. But the two walked for a ways at a slow pace before stopping just outside of the palisade walls.

"So Jaune…" Ruby began shakily.

"Yeah?" Jaune wasn't able to form more of a sentence, it felt as if icy talons were grasping his throat.

"Do you… Nevermind…" Ruby seemed to falter for a moment but Jaune gave her shoulder a squeeze, "Do you think we can find a way to undo it? Being Returned I mean…"

Jaune thought for a moment before he called out into the forest, "Shrine Maiden."

Ruby looked confused for a moment until she saw a black clad woman step from behind a tree. Eliciting a small gasp of shock from the girl as the Shrine Maiden stepped forwards.

"How may I assist you, Ser Knight?"

Jaune's frown seemed to deepen, "Is there any way to reverse being a Returned?"

The Shrine Maiden paused for a moment, her pleasant expression shifted to a more neutral one. And her massive, blue eyes gained a hollow sort of look, "No. Once you return you may never know rest again… Though that is common knowledge for the people of this world… But I suppose that you are not from this world, Ser Knight and Miss Reaper."

Jaune's eyes narrowed, "Yeah… We're from quite a ways away."

"Will that be all?"

"Yeah… See you later."

The Shrine Maiden stepped back as mist began to form around her. Wreathing the woman in few as she faded into nothingness. Leaving the two standing around awkwardly as Jaune knelt down then placed the map and compass on the grass.

Ruby coughed, causing the boy to look at her for a moment.

"Do you know how to read maps?"

"Yeah, I went camping a lot with my family… Had a lot of fun and it was one of the only times when dad actually taught me stuff. How to read a map, pitch a tent, lay snares, all that stuff."

"Sounds nice! And it's coming in real handy here!" Ruby chipped.

Jaune nodded as he read the map, "We're four leagues out. Which is about twelve miles. I think we can make nine by sundown if we hurry. Do you have gear on you?"

"Mhmm! I have torches, a sleeping mat, a tender box, and some other stuff. No food though, but I haven't really been hungry for the last couple of weeks. Not at all."

"I don't think the Returned have to eat."

"That's probably it… Ready to move out?"

Jaune nodded as he scooped the map up, folding it then shoving it into his pack. While he didn't feel so ready Jaune knew that they had no choice but to explore the dungeon. It might even have clues as to why they were here… But that didn't seem like the most promising of things. Though Jaune had resolved to explore it anyway and to kill the Drake inside of it in order to save the people of Bramble.

The two made good time walking through the forests near Bramble. All the while they made awkward, but pleasant small talk. Discussing things like Jaune's family, favorite foods, and things they liked on Remnant. It was pleasant if nothing else. But it lacked any substance. Which caused Jaune to feel like there was something just eating away at his mood. Maybe he was still sore from dying so brutally. His nose certainly hurt like a motherfucker. The Wendigo had managed to get him pretty good.

But by the ninth mile Jaune noticed something. He wasn't tired. Not one bit, though he should have been by all means. Nine miles was a long walk, so he voiced his concern to Ruby.

"Hey Ruby… Are you tired?"

The little reaper shook her head, "I'm not, but we've been walking for ages."

Jaune sighed, "Let's make camp here. The nights here are frigid."

And almost as if on cue a freezing wind blew through the forest. Causing Jaune's cloak and Ruby's shawl to billow.

"Yeah, hopefully we can find a stream or something tomorrow… You stink," Ruby said with a cheeky grin.

Jaune couldn't help but chuckle. He had plucked his gear off of a dead man, "I can't smell… Wendigo got my nose and the potion I drank only fixed the bleeding."

"Can you at lease breathe through your nose?"

"Yeah, it just hurts a lot."

"Oh… I'm sorry."

"Don't be."

Ruby and Jaune both ran out of things to say as they slowed to a halt beside a massive oak tree's nook. Jaune was quick to set his pack down inside of it and pop his back with a satisfied groan. The weight lifted off of his shoulders was more than welcome. Because he found that even if he didn't get 'tired' he could still be sore. Which was a fucking travesty if you asked him.

Jaune was quick to unlatch his belt as he looked up to the quickly darkening sky. Letting his weapons hit the ground with a mighty clank as Ruby rested her scythe against the tree. Ruby then sighed heavily and popped her back. Letting the brief amount of relief wash over her sore muscles. After all, it had been an eventful day.

There was a flash of pale, bluish flesh in the brush.

"Shit Ruby-"

By the time they both grabbed their weapons the Wendigo was already on top of Ruby. Bringing its long, gnarled hands down on her face with a sickening crunch. Causing the girl to collapse into a pool of red by the time Jaune was able to drew his sword.

The Wendigo leaped at Jaune who stepped to the side, letting its claws bounce off of his chainmail. He made a move to swing at the thing but it already was whirling around. Claws sparking against his chainmail but sending the boy flying back into a tree. Splintering it and causing something to snap inside of his neck . The pain only lasted a moment and Jaune could feel things snap back into place a half second later.

But by that time Ruby was already up, bringing her scythe down onto the creature's shoulder. Causing it to scream out in pain, and also letting Jaune stagger up from his place inside the splintered tree. Frost now covered his mail but he didn't care.

The Wendigo broke free from Ruby's scythe and lurched forwards at Jaune. But the rusted knight met it head on, running his sword through the creature's skull with a satisfying, wet sound. Killing it in a single blow. Leaving Jaune to spit up even more blood onto the creature.

"Fuck…" Jaune ripped his sword free, letting the body fall.

But a loud, ear piercing howl broke the silence. Then another, and another, and another. The howling just got louder and closer. Leaving the two to wordlessly fall in next to each other.

There was another blue flash, making Jaune and Ruby sidestep. Avoiding another Wendigo. But they weren't as lucky a half second later as another left at them, crushing Jaune's head in an explosion of red. Leaving Jaune's body to slump harmlessly to the ground.

Ruby wanted to scream, cry, or vomit. But she held it all in. She had to be strong and win this fight. So with shaking arms she raised her scythe and buried the tip into the stomach of the Wendigo that smashed Jaune skull in. And with a small whimper she pulled up with all of her might. Frost leaked from the wound as the creature shrieked in ears hurt. It was horrible. She felt sick and blood was leaking all over her from the wound. She wanted to cry and stop this madness.

Jaune arose with a deep, primal growl of fury. His blade met the skull of the Wendigo that Ruby had impaled a half second later. Bones cracked and frosty blood was splattered everywhere as Jaune jerked his sword free. The second was on him a moment later, hands raised above its head as it jumped. Causing Jaune to lurch to the right and lash out with his sword.

But Ruby's scythe was faster and was promptly embedded into the skull of the second Wendigo. Just for a third to spring forward, barreling towards the girl. Who quickly dodged and lashed out, scoring a deep wound across the beast's back.

Jaune quickly moved forwards and brought his sword down, hewing its skull in twain. Leaving the two teens standing in a pool of blue, frosty blood, utterly lost. Jaune was seething, Ruby was hyperventilating. While hot tears streamed down her cheeks as she stood amongst the dead. She felt horrible as sharp, ragged breaths escaped her mouth.

With a sickening sound Jaune pulled his sword free. His face was twisted into a ghastly snarl as he kicked a corpse to the wayside. Ready for more… But 'more' never came. He was left there, bloodied blade in hand. Still crazed by battle. Though that feeling soon faded, leaving him with a great hollowness inside of his stomach.

Jaune stood above the dead with his jaw clenched and a white knuckled grip on his sword. Pain was wracking his head and he could hardly focus. But he could see that Ruby was crying. Which wouldn't do at all. So with shaking legs the boy splashed through the freezing blood to wrap Ruby in a massive bear hug. There were no words exchanged between the two. Jaune simply wrapped the girl up best he could. Hoping that his armor wasn't too cold against her.

They stood like that for a long while before Jaune finally broke the embrace, only to grab their backpacks and sling them over his shoulders. He then took the comatose girl by the hand and began to lead her away. It took ten minutes to trudge the half mile. But they finally escaped the stench of blood and settled down against a massive birch tree where Jaune rolled out their sleeping mats and began to make camp.

It was a slow, tedious process that Jaune didn't want to even bother with. But he still collected kindling and stones despite that. After he arranged the stones in a small circle around the kindling, Jaune sparked a fire and began to feed it. Allowing the warmth to return to his bones and muscles. Yet Ruby still sat unresponsive against the tree. But Jaune couldn't blame her, she had died rather brutally.

Jaune joined her a moment later, spreading his tattered cloak over the both of them as the fire crackled. And the two stayed there, locked in silence until a dreamless sleep overtook Ruby, who was left with the great cloak over her as Jaune tended to the flames. A dark, brooding look cut across his face as the sun set.