Glynda frowned at Jaune's casual demeanor. It was as if he had forgotten she had spent the night leaning on his shoulder, vulnerable and unguarded. Their business in Argus had been brief, a quick in-and-out, with no reason to extend their stay. Yet, she couldn't shake off the peculiar way Jaune had been drawn to the central park, almost as if he was expecting something, or someone, to appear.
Their next destination was Solitas, a region known for its harsh conditions and frequent Grimm activity and where the Kingdom of Atlas is. Barely fifteen minutes into their journey, chaos erupted. A stampede of Grimm, both land and air varieties, was in hot pursuit of a caravan, desperate to tear it apart.
"Looks like they need help," Jaune observed, his voice calm and steady.
Glynda turned to the pilot. "Do they?"
The pilot's response was immediate. "We'd appreciate the help, Huntress!"
Jaune unsheathed Crocea Mors, his trusty sword. "Glyn, can you handle the sky?"
"Can," she affirmed, her voice as confident as his.
Jaune activated his Semblance, sending a surge of power into Glynda. The sensation was electrifying, the amplification of her soul almost addictive. It was a warm, reassuring feeling, knowing that Jaune was lending a part of his own to bolster hers.
"Opening the hatch!" the pilot called out.
Jaune addressed the other passengers. "Everyone, we'll be directing the Grimm to our location. Pilot, stay clear and stay low."
Glynda noticed the change in Jaune lately. He exuded a newfound confidence, a sense of purpose that made him more focused and determined. It was mesmerizing. He had a natural leadership quality, always letting her shine while being content in a supportive role. Unlike a certain brash Huntsman, she knew in Atlas, Jaune's leadership was subtle and steady.
With a powerful leap, Jaune dove feet-first out of the aircraft, landing heavily on the snowy terrain below. His aura flared, making him glow like a beacon amidst the white expanse, drawing the Grimm towards him.
Glynda sighed, a hint of admiration in her voice. "Still quite a show seeing it."
Aura Amplification was a fascinating Semblance. It boosted not only the aura and abilities of others, but also Jaune's own, allowing him to enhance himself before amplifying others. However, this ability consumed a significant amount of aura, though Jaune's vast reserves made this a minor concern.
Glynda leapt out of the aircraft, her Telekinesis enveloping her in a pale purple glow. She wielded her riding crop, the Disciplinarian, with the precision of a conductor, sending an amplified telekinetic blast that tore through the wings of the flying Grimm.
Below, Jaune was a whirlwind of steel and aura. He moved with a pragmatic efficiency, parrying and blocking with his shield, thrusting and slashing with his sword. Each strike was quick and decisive, aimed at killing with minimal effort.
As Glynda floated down like a falling leaf, her descent was graceful, controlled. The world seemed to move in slow motion around her. She watched as Jaune, a fiery figure amidst the snow, cleaved through the Grimm with brutal efficiency. His every movement was calculated, his strikes precise.
The ground met her boots with a soft crunch. Jaune, noticing her arrival, ducked down as if reading her next move. She raised her hand, telekinetically lifting rocks and debris from the ground, and launched them like arrows, skewering the Grimm. Jaune capitalized on the moment, channeling his aura into Crocea Mors, swinging it in a wide arc that bisected the Grimm with ease.
With the most dangerous Grimm eliminated, the remaining creatures were little more than a nuisance. Glynda and Jaune moved in perfect harmony, like a well-rehearsed dance of death. She marveled at his calm pragmatism, the way he fought with an economy of motion that spoke of countless battles and hard-earned experience. Jaune didn't fight like the usual Huntsmen do. He was no showman and when he swings that sword; it was to end Grimm.
When the last Grimm fell, the battlefield was eerily quiet. Glynda turned to Jaune, her breath visible in the cold air. "That was impressive."
Jaune smiled, his aura dimming as he sheathed his sword. "Couldn't have done it without you."
The pilot's voice crackled over the comms. "Thank you, Huntress, Huntsman. The caravan is safe. We'll continue our route to Atlas."
As they re-boarded the airship, Glynda couldn't help but reflect on Jaune's transformation. He had always been dependable, but now there was a depth to him, a quiet strength that was profoundly reassuring after what happened in Mistral. Finding those people in chains seems to have sparked something.
As the aircraft flew over the stark white landscape of Solitas, Glynda took a moment to gather her thoughts. The Grimm attack had been sudden and ferocious, yet they had handled it with the efficiency and skill.
The pilot's voice interrupted her thoughts. "Approaching the landing zone. Prepare for touchdown."
Glynda nodded to Jaune, who was already on his feet, ready for the next challenge. They disembarked from the aircraft, the cold biting at their exposed skin. The city of Atlas loomed in the distance, its towering structures a testament to human ingenuity and resilience in the face of the harshest conditions.
Their mission here in Atlas was critical. Reports had indicated increased Grimm activity around the city, and their task was to investigate and, if necessary, eliminate the threat. Glynda knew that this would not be easy and the possibility of the increased in Grimm activity made it clear it might be the same cult again.
"Let's move out," Jaune said, his voice steady and calm.
"We need to find the source of the Grimm," Glynda said. "They're coming from somewhere, and we need to stop them at the source."
Jaune nodded. "Agreed. Let's head to the command center and get a status update. Might as well get a warm up."
The command center was a hive of activity. Soldiers and Huntsmen moved with purpose, coordinating efforts to defend the city and eliminate the Grimm threat in and out of Mantle. Glynda and Jaune were quickly briefed on the situation. The Grimm had been attacking in waves, each one more ferocious than the last. The city's defenses were holding.
"We've identified a potential source of the Grimm," the commander of the center said. "There's a cave system to the north of the city. We believe the Grimm are coming from there."
Glynda and Jaune exchanged a look. This was it. If they could eliminate the source of the Grimm, they could protect the city and its inhabitants.
"We'll handle it," Jaune said. "Give us the coordinates."
With the coordinates in hand, Glynda and Jaune set out for the cave system. The journey was icy, the cold and snow making progress slow and difficult. As they approached the cave entrance, they could hear the ominous growls and roars of the Grimm. Glynda's grip tightened on her riding crop, the Disciplinarian, as she prepared for the battle ahead.
"Ready?" Jaune asked, his voice low and steady.
"Always," Glynda replied, her eyes steely with determination.
They entered the cave, their auras casting a faint glow in the darkness. The air was thick with the scent of Grimm, a pungent, acrid smell that made Glynda's nose wrinkle. They moved cautiously, their senses on high alert.
Suddenly, the cave erupted with the sound of Grimm. They poured out of the darkness, their red eyes glowing with malevolent intent. Glynda reacted instantly, her Telekinesis flaring as she sent a blast of energy towards the oncoming horde.
Jaune was a whirlwind of motion beside her, his sword and shield moving with deadly precision. He fought with a pragmatism that was both efficient and brutal. Every movement was calculated, every strike intended to kill.
The Grimm seemed to come in endless waves, each one more determined than the last. But Glynda and Jaune held their ground, their skills and teamwork turning the tide easily.
Glynda's Telekinesis was a powerful weapon, allowing her to lift and hurl rocks and debris with devastating force. She used it to great effect, smashing Grimm against the cave walls and crushing them beneath boulders.
Jaune's Aura Amplification was equally impressive. It allowed him to boost his own abilities and those of Glynda, making them an unstoppable duo. He moved with a confidence and grace that was mesmerizing to Glynda.
Jaune attracting all the Grimm to himself, allowed Glynda to focus on killing them all.
As the last of the Grimm fell, the cave was eerily silent. Common Grimm were easy to kill, unlike Ancient ones, and without their bony white armor, they were easy prey for the two.
"We need to seal this cave," Glynda said, her voice firm. "We can't let any more Grimm come through."
Jaune nodded. "Agreed. Let's do it."
Using her Telekinesis, Glynda brought down the cave walls, sealing the entrance with a massive pile of rocks and debris. It was a temporary solution, but it would hold until a more permanent barrier could be put in place.
With their mission complete, Glynda and Jaune made their way back to Mantle City and gave their report. After the report, they walked into the city.
The air in Mantle was crisp and cold, the kind of cold that bit through layers of clothing and left a stinging sensation on any exposed skin. Jaune and Glynda walked side by side, their breath visible in the frosty air. The city bustled around them, people hurrying about their business, their faces set in determined expressions. It was a stark contrast to the opulence of Atlas that loomed above them, which was a constant reminder of the divide between the two cities.
Jaune glanced at Glynda, noting the way her hair, always perfectly in place, seemed to shimmer in the weak winter sunlight. She caught him looking and raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing at her lips.
"Something on your mind, Jaune?" she asked, her tone light.
He shrugged, a playful glint in his eye. "Just wondering how someone can look so elegant in this weather."
Glynda laughed softly, the sound almost lost in the noise of the city. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Mr. Arc."
"Not even a warm smile?" he teased.
She shook her head, though her smile widened. "Maybe just that."
The streets of Mantle were a mix of old and new, with buildings that had seen better days standing next to more modern structures. The people were bundled up against the cold, their movements brisk and purposeful. Despite the harshness of the environment, there was a resilience in the air, a determination that was almost palpable.
"I guess the heating wasn't as a good in the past, huh?" Jaune noted.
"Hmm?" Glynda raised a brow. She was used to these odd remarks that Jaune had. Sometime, she felt like he was looking too far ahead.
Jaune and Glynda moved through the crowd with ease, their presence commanding attention even if they weren't trying to. There was something about the way they carried themselves, a confidence and grace that marked them as Huntsmen. Then again, Glynda knew that Jaune's attire made it clear what his profession was.
They walked in comfortable silence for a while, taking in the sights and sounds of the city.
Glynda broke the silence first. "It's different from what I expected," she said, her eyes scanning the surrounding buildings. "More vibrant, despite everything."
Jaune nodded. "Yeah, it's got a certain charm to it. Feels like a place where people don't give up easily."
She looked at him, her gaze softening. "Like you?"
He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "I suppose so. But I think you're the one who embodies that spirit more than I do."
Glynda's smile turned wistful. "Perhaps. But it's something we all share, isn't it? The drive to keep going, no matter the odds."
As they continued walking, they found themselves in front of a small, cozy-looking diner. The sign above the door read "Tina's Diner," and the warm glow from inside was inviting. Jaune held the door open for Glynda, who nodded her thanks as she stepped inside.
The diner was a stark contrast to the cold outside. It was warm and filled with the comforting smells of home-cooked meals. The patrons were a mix of locals and travelers, and there was a low hum of conversation that created a welcoming atmosphere.
They found a booth near the back, away from the main crowd. Jaune slid into one side, and Glynda took the seat opposite him. A waitress appeared almost immediately, her smile friendly and genuine.
"Welcome to Tina's. What can I get you folks today?"
Jaune glanced at Glynda, who nodded for him to order first. "I'll have the special, please. And a coffee."
The waitress turned to Glynda. "And for you?"
"I'll have the same," Glynda replied, handing the menu back.
As the waitress walked away, Jaune leaned back in his seat, looking at Glynda with a thoughtful expression. "So, what's our plan once we get to Atlas?"
Glynda sighed, her fingers tracing patterns on the table. "First, we need to check in with the local authorities. There have been reports of increased Grimm activity, and we need to assess the situation. After that, we'll start looking into the cult activity. It's been too quiet lately, and that makes me uneasy."
Jaune nodded, his expression serious. "Do you think they're planning something?"
"I wouldn't be surprised," Glynda replied. "They've been lying low for too long. Something's bound to happen soon."
Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of their food. The waitress set down two plates of steaming food and two mugs of coffee, smiling warmly. "Enjoy your meal."
"Thank you," Glynda said, giving the waitress a polite nod.
Jaune took a bite of his food, savoring the taste. "This is good. Just what we needed after that flight."
Glynda smiled, sipping her coffee. "Agreed. It's nice to have a moment of peace before things get hectic again."
They ate in companionable silence for a while, the comfort of the warm diner a welcome respite from the cold outside. As they finished their meal, Jaune leaned forward, his eyes meeting Glynda's.
"You know," he said, his voice soft, "I've always admired your dedication. You never let anything get in the way of doing what's right."
Glynda looked down, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Where is this coming from?."
He reached across the table, gently taking her hand. "You're an incredible Huntress, Glynda. And an even more incredible person."
"No calling me 'Miss Goodwitch'?"
Jaune smiled.
She squeezed his hand, her eyes shining with emotion. "And you're an incredible Huntsman, Jaune. I'm glad we're in this together."
For a moment, they simply held each other's gaze, the connection between them palpable. It was a moment of vulnerability, of mutual respect and admiration. They had been through so much together in the past few months, and their bond had only grown stronger with time.
Glynda felt like she was speeding up, rather foolishly, but then again, her mother had looked at Jaune with approval, something that was not easily done.
As they left the diner, the cold air hit them again, but it felt less harsh now. They walked side by side through the streets of Mantle, their steps in sync.
"Where to next?" Jaune asked, glancing at Glynda.
"We should head to the local police station first," she replied. "Get an update on any recent incidents and see if they have any leads on the cult. And we have that place to look out for, right?"
"Glass Unicorn, was it?" Jaune nodded. "Lead the way."
The police station was a short walk from the diner. It was a sturdy building, designed to withstand the harsh conditions of Mantle. Inside, it was warm and bustling with activity. Officers moved about, discussing cases and reviewing reports.
Glynda approached the front desk, showing her credentials. "We're here to speak with the officer in charge about the recent Grimm activity and any reports of cult activity. And I believe that the Headmaster of Mistral already made appointments?"
"Tem Arcwitch, was it?" The desk sergeant nodded, his expression serious. "Right away, ma'am. Please follow me."
They were led to a small office, where a stern-looking officer sat behind a cluttered desk. He looked up as they entered, his expression softening slightly.
"Huntsman Arc and Huntress Goodwitch, I presume?" he said, standing to shake their hands. "I'm Lieutenant Adams. Please, have a seat."
They sat down, and Adams began to brief them on the situation. "We've had a significant increase in Grimm activity over the past few weeks. It's been hard to keep them at bay, but we're managing for now. As for the cult activity, we've had some reports of suspicious gatherings, but nothing concrete. They're good at staying hidden."
Glynda nodded, absorbing the information. "Do you have any leads we can follow up on?"
Adams handed her a folder. "This contains all the reports we've received. It's not much, but it's a start. It looks like the place you mentioned seems rather… part of it."
Jaune took the folder, flipping through the pages. "We'll look into this and see what we can find. Thank you, Lieutenant."
As they left the police station, Glynda looked thoughtful. "We have our work cut out for us. But I'm confident we'll find something."
Jaune nodded, his expression determined. "We always do."
They continued their walk through Mantle, discussing their plans and strategies. The surrounding city was alive with activity, but there was a sense of unease in the air, a tension that spoke of the dangers lurking just beneath the surface. It seems the Grimm attacks had somewhat rattled them.
As they walked, their shoulders brushed occasionally. The streets of Mantle began to quiet as evening approached, the cold intensifying. They decided to find a place to stay for the night, opting for a small inn near the city center. The inn was modest but clean, with a welcoming atmosphere that was a stark contrast to the harshness outside.
After checking in, they made their way to their rooms. Jaune paused outside Glynda's door, his hand lingering on the doorknob.
"Good night, Glynda," he said softly.
"Good night, Jaune," she replied, her voice equally soft.
As she closed the door behind her, Glynda couldn't help but smile.
The next morning, they met for breakfast in the inn's small dining room. The conversation was light, filled with the easy banter that had become their norm.
"We should head to that place today," Glynda said as they finished their meal. "Glass Unicorn was it?"