Glynda Goodwitch stared at the holographic screen in the small communication booth, the familiar face of her mother smiling warmly back at her. The connection was a bit fuzzy, but the affectionate tone in her mother's voice was unmistakable.

"Then I hope you'd take care of her, Mother," Glynda said, her voice a mix of hope and anxiety.

"Make no worries, dear. Your father and I shall welcome this little girl with open arms," Glynda's mother replied, her tone soothing. "I saw the pictures, darling. She's quite cute. I do not understand the reasoning of these heartless fools to reject such a beautiful child. She shall grow to be a Goodwitch, I assure you of that."

Glynda nodded, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. "Thank you... I appreciate it."

"How could I not agree to the request of my dearest daughter?" her mother said, her smile widening. "I was afraid you'd continue on as a prim and proper huntress, never experiencing the true beauties of life – and yet I've been proven wrong, my dear. Do promise me that you'll remain vigilant in your travels."

Glynda smiled, a genuine warmth spreading through her. "I promise, Mother."

"That's all I ask," her mother said, her voice filled with pride and affection.

Glynda ended the call and stepped out of the booth, her mind still lingering on the conversation. She spotted Jaune in the distance, with little Cinder perched on his shoulders, giggling as he twirled her around. It was a sight that warmed her heart and made her cheeks flush slightly.

She had always thought Jaune hated kids, but seeing him now, so tender and caring with Cinder, made her realize how wrong she had been. It wasn't children he hated; it was the unjust treatment they often faced. The rage and wrath Jaune had shown when they rescued Cinder had been intense, but it had also revealed another facet of Jaune Arc, one that she found unexpectedly endearing.

Cinder's giggles brought her back to the present. "Jaune, Jaune, does that mean I can be a huntress like Glynda too?" the little girl asked, her eyes wide with excitement.

"Yup. You just need to eat well, be kind, and grow to be a good child. I've no doubts that you'd do well," Jaune replied, his voice gentle but firm.

"I hope I do... Glynda – I mean, Sister Glynda said I could study..." Cinder continued, her face lit up with hope.

"That you can. Signal will teach you how to be a huntress. Then one day, when you're a cool huntress like her, you can do so much more," Jaune encouraged, ruffling her hair affectionately.

"I hope I do!" Cinder said, her small fists clenched with determination.

Glynda approached, her cheeks still slightly warm. "Mother will take care of you," she said, scooping Cinder into a hug. "You'll be attending Signal when you're of the right age. And don't you worry... Mother is strict, but I assure you she'd do you no harm. Maybe you'll have to worry about her taking care of you too much."

"I hope she likes me," Cinder said, her voice small and uncertain.

"She will. Cinder, you're my sister now. I hope that you find good things and forget about all of these," Glynda said, her voice soft but resolute.

"Thank you... sis. I hope I could come with you," Cinder whispered, tears welling up in her eyes.

"It's too dangerous. You need to stay safe. I'll visit and I'll make sure I'll bring Jaune with me," Glynda said, shaking her head gently.

"Do your best, Cinder. Be... happy, okay?" Jaune added, his smile warm and encouraging.

"I will!" Cinder said, her face lighting up with joy.

"That's all we ask," Glynda said, ruffling Cinder's hair again. She had thought of adopting Cinder as her own, but she wasn't ready for that responsibility. She was a huntress, but taking care of a child who had suffered so much required a different kind of strength, one she wasn't sure she possessed yet. Cinder needed a mother, someone who could give her the love and care she desperately needed.

As they walked around Mistral, Glynda and Jaune watched over Cinder, letting her explore the city without fear. They had already made their presence known to the Huntsmen of Mistral, allowing them to take the credit for taking down the Cult of the Queen of Grimm. It was safer that way, avoiding the attention that would inevitably come with such a reputation.

"The next stop is Atlas," Glynda said, breaking the comfortable silence.

"Atlas... huh," Jaune replied, a hint of reluctance in his voice.

"Don't like snowy places?" Glynda asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Bad memories. I've... lost a lot in that place," Jaune admitted, his voice heavy with past sorrow.

"We won't take long. We follow the lead, take them out, but the problem with Atlas is..." Glynda began.

"Let me guess. Bureaucracy?" Jaune interjected, his tone sarcastic.

"Exactly. It's not exactly a good place for Huntsmen since they'd rather be too nosy about our business," Glynda said, smirking.

"Then we'll head to Argus and then find clues? Hmm... I hope we can find them quick," Jaune mused, crossing his arms.

"You don't have to worry. Atlas's intelligence network is competent, and having a military means they always keep an eye on groups like this. Of course, it's not far-fetched to say that they might have already caught them," Glynda explained, her confidence reassuring.

Jaune nodded, his eyes following Cinder as she explored the market stalls. Glynda pushed her glasses up, her attention caught by the headlines on a nearby screen about Faunus protests.

"The White Fang... huh?" she murmured.

Jaune stood next to her, squinting at the headlines. "I guess the Faunus are fighting hard for their rights," he said thoughtfully.

"A shame that they have to fight in the first place. What do you think?" Glynda asked, curious about his perspective.

"It's not my place to say. I... am not a Faunus and I have no idea what they're suffering... but I am simply speculating here... but I doubt this will remain a peaceful organization," Jaune replied, shaking his head.

Glynda looked surprised. "Why do you think that?"

"The SDC earns too much from paying them low wages. I'm sorry to say this, but even if they do rise up, what can they get? They'll have families to feed. They can't run a revolution with an empty stomach and even if they get traction... it'll take years with the SDC's status," Jaune explained, his tone pragmatic.

Glynda widened her eyes in surprise. "I guess so... but do you really think they'd go violent?"

"Maybe one day. Everyone has a limit, and when they can't take it anymore... they'd find another way," Jaune said, his expression serious.

"I hope they can find a better way," Glynda said softly, her heart heavy with concern.

Jaune looked away from the news and returned to Cinder, who was examining a hairpin at a stall. He bought it for her and helped her put it on, his actions tender and caring.

It was a sight that made Glynda's heart flutter, filling her with a mixture of warmth and something else she couldn't quite identify. She watched as Cinder beamed up at Jaune, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

As they continued their stroll around Mistral, Glynda couldn't help but reflect on the changes in her life. Adopting Cinder into her family, seeing Jaune's gentle side, and witnessing the troubles of Remnant made her realize how there was so much more she needed to learn. The path ahead was uncertain and fraught with danger, but for the first time in a long while, Glynda felt a sense of hope and purpose that she hadn't known she needed.

It was not something she'd get on the halls of Beacon.

Glynda and Jaune stood in the busy market square of Mistral, the morning sun casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets. People bustled about, chatting, and making deals. Cinder clung to Jaune's hand, her eyes wide with curiosity and excitement, occasionally glancing up at Glynda with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension.

Glynda's mother was due to arrive any moment, and Glynda's heart pounded with a mix of excitement and nerves. She had described her mother's formidable presence to Jaune, but seeing her in person was something else entirely. Glynda knew that her mother, with her imposing demeanor and witch-like appearance, would leave a lasting impression.

As the minutes ticked by, the distant sound of approaching footsteps caught their attention. Glynda's mother emerged from the crowd; her tall figure unmistakable even from a distance. She wore a wide-brimmed hat that cast a shadow over her sharp, discerning eyes, and a greatcoat draped over her shoulders, flowing behind her with each graceful step. Her presence was commanding, every bit the powerful matriarch Glynda had described to Jaune.

Glynda's mother, Melinda Goodwitch, moved with a sway that was both elegant and intimidating, her eyes locking onto Glynda, Jaune, and Cinder with a keen interest. As she approached, her expression softened into a warm smile, and she held her arms out in greeting.

"Mother," Glynda said, her voice tinged with relief and joy as she stepped forward to embrace her.

"Glynda, my darling," Melinda replied, her voice rich and soothing. She turned her attention to Cinder, who was peeking shyly from behind Jaune's leg. "And you must be Cinder."

Cinder nodded, her wide eyes taking in Melinda's striking appearance. "Yes, ma'am," she said softly.

Melinda knelt down to Cinder's level, examining her with a critical but kind eye. "Well, aren't you just the sweetest little thing?" she said, her tone playful. Without warning, she scooped Cinder up into her arms and began to tickle her gently. Cinder's initial surprise melted into giggles, her laughter ringing through the square.

Glynda watched the interaction with a mixture of relief and gratitude. Her mother's playful side was not often seen, but it was clear that Cinder was already bringing out the best in her. Jaune, standing close by, couldn't help but smile at the sight.

"You see, Glynda, there's nothing to worry about," Melinda said, still holding Cinder close. "This little darling will be well taken care of."

"Thank you, Mother," Glynda said, her voice filled with sincerity. "It means the world to me."

Melinda turned her sharp gaze to Jaune, a mischievous glint in her eye. "And you must be Jaune," she said, her tone teasing. "The man traveling with my daughter."

Jaune blinked, a slight blush creeping up his cheeks. "Yes, ma'am. Jaune Arc. It's an honor to meet you."

"Oh, the honor is all mine," Melinda replied with a chuckle. "You must be someone special if Glynda has allowed you to accompany her on such important business."

Glynda felt her own cheeks grow warm. "Mother, it's not like that. Jaune is a trusted friend and ally."

Melinda raised an eyebrow, her smile widening. "Of course, dear. I know you well enough to understand you don't let just anyone into your circle unless you find them acceptable."

Glynda opened her mouth to protest, but Melinda's knowing look silenced her. Instead, she sighed and nodded. "Alright, Mother, you win."

Melinda's laughter was rich and full of affection. "I always do, my dear."

The moment of levity was brief, as the reality of their situation settled in. Glynda knelt down to be at eye level with Cinder, who was now nestled comfortably in Melinda's arms.

"Cinder, this is goodbye for now," Glynda said softly. "Mother will take care of you, and you'll be safe with her."

Cinder's eyes filled with tears, her small hands clutching at Melinda's coat. "I'll miss you, Sis," she whispered.

Glynda's own eyes misted over as she hugged Cinder tightly. "I'll miss you too, Cinder. But I promise, I'll visit as often as I can. You're my sister now, and that means we'll always be connected."

Jaune stepped forward, his expression gentle as he ruffled Cinder's hair. "Be strong, Cinder. And remember, we're always thinking of you. Do your best and be happy."

Cinder nodded, her tears spilling over but her smile bright. "I will, Jaune. I promise."

Melinda, sensing the emotional weight of the moment, gently set Cinder down and gave her a reassuring pat on the back. "Come now, little one. Let's get you settled. We have so many adventures ahead of us."

Glynda and Jaune watched as Melinda took Cinder's hand and led her away, the little girl looking back one last time with a wave and a brave smile. Glynda waved back, her heart aching with the bitter sweetness of the moment.

As Melinda and Cinder disappeared into the crowd, Jaune placed a comforting hand on Glynda's shoulder. "She'll be okay, Glynda. Your mother will take good care of her."

"I know," Glynda replied, her voice thick with emotion. "It's just hard to let go."

Jaune nodded, understanding all too well the weight of her words. "We're doing the right thing. And we'll see her again soon."

Glynda took a deep breath, her resolve strengthening. "Yes, we will. And until then, we'll continue our mission. For Cinder, and for everyone who needs us."

They stood there for a moment longer, taking in the vibrant energy of the market around them.

The world kept moving, filled with challenges and opportunities, and they had a purpose to fulfill in their travels.

With a final glance in the direction her mother and Cinder had gone, Glynda turned to Jaune. "Let's go. We have work to do."

Jaune smiled, his confidence unwavering. "Right behind you, Glynda."


Glynda and Jaune moved efficiently through the final stages of their mission in Mistral. With the cultists apprehended and the necessary reports filed with the local Huntsmen authorities, their business was officially concluded. The streets of Mistral were a blur of activity, the marketplace buzzing with life as they made their way to the train station. Their destination was Argus.

As they approached the station, the sleek, polished armored train gleamed under the midday sun, promising a swift and comfortable journey. Jaune carried their bags with ease, his posture relaxed but his eyes scanning the area with the practiced vigilance of a seasoned Huntsman. Glynda walked beside him, her thoughts a whirlwind of emotions and unspoken words.

They boarded the train, finding a quiet compartment at the rear. The interior was luxurious, with plush seats and large windows offering a panoramic view of the passing landscape. Once they were settled, the train lurched forward, beginning its journey to Argus.

For a while, they sat in companionable silence, the rhythmic clatter of the train tracks a soothing backdrop. Glynda stole glances at Jaune, her heart fluttering each time their eyes met. She busied herself with arranging their belongings, her movements precise yet uncharacteristically fidgety.

Jaune broke the silence first, his voice soft. "You did great back there, Glynda. I don't think we could have done it without you. Especially with how you handled Cinder's affair… I am thankful for what you did. I think she deserves a better life."

Glynda smiled, her cheeks warming. "Thank you, Jaune. But you were incredible as well. Your instincts and quick thinking were crucial."

"You give me too much credit," Jaune shifted in his seat, his gaze dropping to his hands. "I just did what needed to be done. You... you're always so composed, so sure of yourself. Honestly, I feel somewhat… uncertain compared to you."

Glynda laughed lightly, the sound melodic. "If only you knew how uncertain I feel sometimes."

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world outside the train faded away. Glynda felt a surge of affection for Jaune, his sincerity and humility endearing him to her even more. She reached out, unable to held herself, placing a hand on his arm. "Jaune, I couldn't have asked for a better partner while I'm traveling."

Jaune looked up, his blue eyes searching hers. "I feel the same way, Glynda. I... I've been thinking a lot about us. About what we've been through."

Glynda's heart skipped a beat. She withdrew her hand, her fingers trembling slightly as she smoothed a non-existent wrinkle in her skirt. "Ahem, and what have you been thinking?"

Jaune hesitated, his brow furrowing. "I'm not sure how to put it into words. You've been a constant in my life these past few months. More than just a teammate."

Glynda's pulse quickened, her eyes never leaving his. "I understand, Jaune. I've been feeling the same way. You've become... important to me."

Jaune's lips curled into a shy smile, his hand brushing against hers. "You're important to me too, Glynda. I just don't know where we go from here. You've… given me purpose coming here… and I can't thank you enough… for giving me light to follow."

Glynda's mind raced. She wanted to confess her feelings, to tell Jaune how much he meant to her, but the words caught in her throat. Instead, she leaned in closer, her gaze intense. "We take it one step at a time, Jaune. Whatever happens, we face it together."

Jaune nodded, the tension in his shoulders easing. "Together. I like the sound of that of Miss Goodwitch."

Glynda rolled her eyes. They lapsed into silence again, but it was a comfortable one, filled with unspoken promises and shared understanding. The countryside rolled by outside the window, the scenery a blur of green and gold.

Later, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the train compartment, Glynda found herself alone with her thoughts. Jaune had dozed off, his head resting against the window. She watched him for a moment, a soft smile playing on her lips. He looked so peaceful, so vulnerable in sleep.

She turned her attention to the moon, broken and fragmented in the night sky. Its ethereal light bathed the landscape in a silvery glow, casting an otherworldly beauty over the world. Glynda's thoughts drifted, wondering about the future. If she and Jaune were to be together, what would it mean for them? For their travels?

Her heart ached with a mixture of hope and uncertainty. She liked Jaune very much, more than she had ever liked anyone before. His kindness, his strength, his unwavering support — they had become something new. One she found hard to solve. She hasn't felt this way, and maybe she really was feeling the effect of a suspension bridge. The reasonable part of her urged caution. She needed to observe, to understand if their feelings could withstand.

With a sigh, she leaned back in her seat, her gaze returning to the broken moon. "What comes next?" she whispered to the night, her voice barely audible.

In that moment, the train's steady rhythm seemed to answer her, a reminder that life moved forward, one step at a time. Glynda closed her eyes, allowing herself to dream, just for a moment, of a future where she and Jaune faced the world together.

She watched Jaune sleep, his face softened by dreams, and felt a pang of affection so strong it nearly took her breath away. Glynda scolded herself, but after a brief look around them, she ran her hand on his stubble, before quickly taking it away when he shifted around.

Her mind drifted back to their conversation earlier. The way Jaune's eyes had met hers, the unspoken words lingering in the air between them. She had wanted to reach out, to close the distance that still seemed to exist despite their closeness. But she held back, unsure of how to navigate these new and overwhelming feelings.

As the train continued its journey, Glynda found herself drawn to the window once more. The broken moon hung high in the sky, its fractured form a stark reminder of the world's imperfection. She wondered if their relationship would mirror the moon—beautiful but broken, or if it could become something whole and enduring.

Glynda's fingers traced the outline of the moon on the glass, her mind a whirl of possibilities. She imagined a life with Jaune, the two of them facing challenges together, supporting each other through thick and thin. The thought filled her with warmth, but also a deep, unsettling fear. What if their bond wasn't strong enough? What if the demands of their life as Huntsman and Huntress tore them apart?

She shook her head, trying to dispel the doubts. Glynda Goodwitch was not one to shy away from challenges. She had faced Grimm, fought battles, and navigated the complexities of life. She could face this, too. But the stakes felt higher now, the potential for loss more personal.

A soft murmur drew her attention back to Jaune. He shifted in his sleep, a small smile playing on his lips. Glynda felt her heart swell with tenderness. She reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. He stirred, his eyes fluttering open and Jaune caught her in the act.

"Glynda?" Jaune murmured, his voice thick with sleep.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you," she whispered, her hand lingering near his cheek, her fingers brushing gently against his skin.

Jaune sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes and blinking away the remnants of his dream. "It's alright. I was dreaming... about us, I think."

Glynda's breath caught in her throat, her heart skipping a beat. "What were we doing?"

Jaune smiled softly, his eyes still half-closed but filled with a tender warmth. "Just... being together. It felt nice."

Glynda's heart raced, her cheeks flushing with a mix of emotions. "I'd like that too, Jaune."

He looked at her, his gaze suddenly intense and unwavering. "Glynda, I know we're in the middle of something big. But I want you to know... you're important to me. Does that make sense?"

Glynda's hand found his, their fingers intertwining with a natural ease. "You're important to me too, Jaune. Does that make sense for you too?"

"Somehow," Jaune squeezed her hand gently, his smile warm and genuine. "Maybe I'll try to make sense of it too. Give me time?"

"You know?" Glynda asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "You do know."

"I'm not exactly blind… and well… let's just say that I've seen that look before. And… I don't want to live with the regret of not acting on it again... it's not fair."

Glynda saw the hurt on Jaune's eyes… as if he had a time where he saw love but did not act on it. She somewhat understood, but at the same time, she wondered if she had been too obvious?

"Is that so?" Glynda snorted softly, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose, a habit that seemed to ground her in moments of uncertainty and compose her troubled thoughts.

Jaune simply smiled, a look of sincere affection in his eyes. "I mean… who wouldn't from someone like you?"

"Flatterer."

"It's the honest truth," Jaune said, his voice steady and earnest.

They sat in silence for a while, holding hands, the weight of their unspoken feelings settling comfortably between them. The compartment was filled with the gentle rhythm of the train, the landscape outside a blur as they sped towards their destination. Glynda felt a sense of calm wash over her. She didn't need to rush things. For now, it was enough to know they cared for each other. She had time, and whether it worked out or not… it would be an experience worth having.

Feeling a surge of boldness, Glynda leaned her head against Jaune's shoulder. It was a brave move, but one that felt right in the moment. Her heart swelled with a mix of courage and vulnerability. She was a huntress, after all, and courage was not something she lacked. The steady rhythm of the tracks, combined with the warmth of Jaune's presence, lulled her into a sense of peace she hadn't felt in a long time.

Jaune turned his head slightly, resting his cheek against her hair. "You know, Glynda, I've always admired your strength. But it's nice to see this side of you too."

Glynda smiled, her eyes fluttering closed. "I could say the same about you, Jaune. You've always been kind and brave. But seeing you with Cinder, seeing how much you care... it means a lot to me."

Jaune's arm slipped around her shoulders, holding her gently. "We've both been through a lot. Maybe it's time we start looking out for each other a bit more."

Glynda nodded, feeling a tear slip down her cheek, not from sadness, but from the overwhelming sense of connection and understanding between them. "I'd like that. A lot."

The train rocked gently as it sped toward Argus, and Glynda allowed herself to drift into a peaceful slumber, her head resting on Jaune's shoulder, their hands still entwined.