The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Glynda stirred, barely awake, her mind still groggy from the previous night's battle. The scent of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, teasing her senses. She opened her eyes and sat up, blinking against the light.

On the table beside her bed, a breakfast tray awaited. The sight was both comforting and unexpected. As she reached for a piece of toast, a soft clattering noise from the kitchen caught her attention. She turned to see Jaune, clad in an apron, diligently working over the stove. He was a picture of concentration, sweat beading on his forehead as he flipped pancakes with practiced ease.

Glynda couldn't help but bite her lower lip softly. The memory of the fierce battle seemed distant in this peaceful moment. A day ago he was a knight fighting a monster, and now looked at him. She stretched and yawned, her body still aching from the exertion. The room they were in now was a significant upgrade from the shared room they had occupied before. Their efforts had earned them some comfort, and it was a welcome change.

Jaune glanced over his shoulder, noticing Glynda was awake. "Morning, Glynda," he greeted, his tone warm. "Breakfast will be ready in just a minute."

"Morning, Jaune," Glynda replied, her voice still husky from sleep. "You didn't have to go to all this trouble."

Jaune chuckled. "I wanted to. You did a lot yesterday. We all did. Thought you could use a nutritious breakfast."

As she sipped her tea, Glynda's scroll buzzed on the bedside table. She picked it up, noting the caller ID with a mix of surprise and trepidation. It was Peach, her classmate, and close friend from Beacon Academy. Glynda took a deep breath and answered the call. The holographic display projecting Peach's cheerful face into the air.

"Glyn-Glyn!" Peach's voice was as bubbly as ever, her accent thick with the distinctive cadence. "You just up and left without saying a word after sending me a mail with that new contact information! What happened to you planning to become a Professor? "

Glynda smiled, though it was tinged with weariness. "Minds change, Peach. There were... other things that needed my attention."

Peach raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Oh? And what could have possibly pulled you away from such a prestigious path? You all had that plan." Her eyes darted around the room before landing on Jaune, who was carefully plating the breakfast. A mischievous grin spread across her face.

"Wait a minute," Peach drawled, her voice filled with teasing glee. "Is that a blonde man I see? In an apron? Haha, I knew you still had an interest in men… look at you. Oh. my. gosh. Glynda 'all men do is a dick measuring contest' Goodwitch finally found the light!"

Glynda turned, catching sight of Jaune just as he wiped the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand. He looked up, flashing a shy smile before carrying the plates over to the table.

Peach's grin widened at the sight of Glynda's face. "Well, well, well, Glyn-Glyn. You've been holding out on me. Why didn't you tell me you had a boyfriend?"

Glynda felt her cheeks heat up, a mix of embarrassment and indignation rising within her. "Peach, it's not like that. Jaune and I are... we're just—"

Peach cut her off with a wave of her hand, her expression still smug. "Jaune eh? Oh, come on, Glynda. Prime and proper Glynda Goodwitch, left Beacon and got tempted to travel across Remnant without a good reason? I don't buy it. Girl, You're not fooling anyone. Nope. Not when you smile like an idiot. Gosh, where was this? See, this is why you needed to get out more and loosen up!"

Glynda opened her mouth to argue, but the words seemed to stick in her throat. She glanced at Jaune, who was setting the last plate on the table, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. Peach's insinuations were both frustrating and oddly revealing. Was there more to her decision than she had admitted, even to herself?

Oh, there is, but she'd rather DIE than admit that.

Peach leaned closer to the holographic display, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "So, tell me, Glynda. What changed? Or should I say, who changed your mind?"

Glynda felt a sense of defeat wash over her. Peach had always been perceptive, and there was no denying the bond that had formed between her and Jaune over the past weeks. She sighed, running a hand through her hair. "It's... complicated, Peach. But Jaune has been a good friend, a superb partner in all of this."

"Just a friend?" Peach teased, winking at Glynda. "You sure about that? Those looks ain't something you'd give to someone who'd want to called a friend. Gosh, Glynda Goodwitch, finally getting a crush—""

Before Glynda could respond, Jaune walked over, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Everything okay?" he asked, his voice gentle.

Glynda looked up at him, her heart swelling with gratitude and something more she couldn't quite define. "Yes, Jaune. Everything's fine. Peach is just being... Peach."

She then glared at Peace with an 'I will throw you up in the sky' glare, making Peach's smile reach her ears.

Jaune smiled, a knowing look in his eyes. "Well, breakfast is ready. Let's eat."

Peach's hologram flickered as she laughed at how meek she was. "You two enjoy your breakfast. And Glynda, don't be a stranger. We need to catch up properly sometime and you too, Jauneeee!"

"Um, bye, Miss Peach," Jaune said. "It was nice meeting you."

"You too! Take care Glyn, and you too Jaune!"

Glynda nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "We will, Peach. Thanks for calling."

As the call ended, Glynda turned to Jaune, her expression softening. "Thank you for this, Jaune. You didn't have to go to all this trouble."

Jaune shrugged, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of humor and affection. "I wanted to. You've been through a lot. We all have. But you especially after that hell of a fight.."

They sat down to eat, the breakfast simple but delicious, which was a testament to Jaune's skills in the kitchen. As they ate, they talked about their plans for the day, the tasks that still needed to be done, and the ever-present threat of the Grimm.

Glynda and Jaune walked through the streets of Vytal Island, the sounds of bustling activity surrounding them. The island, a hub of commerce and culture, was alive with the chatter of vendors, the laughter of children, and the clinking of armor as Huntsmen and Huntresses moved about their day. The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the cobblestone streets and lush greenery that lined the pathways.

The events of the previous night were still fresh in their minds. The battle against the Hound, the horrific discovery of the human host within the Grimm, and the implications of such an abomination weighed heavily on them. As they strolled, they discussed their next steps, their voices low and serious amidst the lively surroundings.

"We need to ensure this information gets to the right people," Glynda said, her tone firm. "This isn't just a new type of Grimm. It's something far worse."

Jaune nodded, his expression equally grave. "Agreed. The Huntsmen and Huntresses who fought with us need to be informed first. They deserve to know what they faced and what might be out there."

As they walked, they spotted a group of fellow Huntsmen and Huntresses gathered near a market stall, discussing their recent battle. The group included some of the familiar faces from the inn, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and determination.

Glynda and Jaune approached them, their presence drawing immediate attention. The Huntsmen and Huntresses turned to face them, their conversations halting.

"Good morning," Glynda greeted, her voice carrying a tone of authority. "We need to talk about last night."

One of the Huntresses, a woman with short, spiky hair and a scar across her cheek, nodded. "We were just discussing it. That creature... it was unlike anything we've ever seen. And that person inside it..."

Her voice trailed off, the horror of the memory still fresh.

Jaune stepped forward, his gaze steady. "We need to be clear about what we're dealing with. That Grimm was using a human host. It was more than just a monster; it had intelligence and regeneration capabilities far beyond any Grimm we've encountered."

A murmur of concern rippled through the group. An older Huntsman with graying hair and a weathered face stepped forward, his brow furrowed. "Yeah, this changes everything. You know how terrible it is? People are already afraid of the Grimm, but a creature that can take over a human body? That will shake them to their core."

Glynda nodded, her expression serious. "That's why we need to handle this carefully. We can't afford to cause a panic, but we also can't keep this information to ourselves. The Headmasters of all the Huntsman Academies need to be informed. They need to prepare their students and coordinate with Huntsmen and Huntresses across Remnant in case something like this happens."

The older Huntsman sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "It's a delicate balance. We need to inform the public without causing widespread fear. But how do we do that?"

Glynda took a deep breath, her mind racing. "We start by informing the Headmasters. They'll know how to handle the dissemination of this information. We need to gather as much evidence as possible and present a clear, concise report. Once the Headmasters are informed, they can decide how to spread the word to the public in a way that minimizes panic."

Jaune nodded, his expression thoughtful. "We also need to be prepared for the possibility that this isn't an isolated incident. If there are more Grimm like that out there, we need to be ready."

The group fell silent for a moment, the weight of their task settling over them. Then, one by one, they nodded in agreement.

"Alright," the spiky-haired Huntress said, her voice firm. "We'll start gathering our notes and any evidence we have. We'll get this information to the Headmasters and you two will do the talking. That okay, you two?"

"It's alright," Glynda agreed.

The older Huntsman looked at Glynda and Jaune, his eyes filled with respect. "You've both done well. This is a heavy burden, but I believe you're handling it the right way."

Glynda offered a small, appreciative smile. "Thank you. Your work last exemplar. If you weren't there, the hound would escape."

As they parted ways with the group, Glynda and Jaune continued their walk through Vytal Island. The atmosphere was still lively, but there was an undercurrent of tension, a sense that something had shifted. They moved with purpose, their minds focused on the task ahead.

After a while, they reached a quieter part of the island, a small park with benches and blooming flowers. They took a seat, allowing themselves a brief moment of rest.

Jaune leaned back, looking up at the sky. "You know, when I first started this journey, I never imagined I'd be dealing with something like this. I just wanted to see Remnant. Then again, this comes with the job, isn't it?"

Glynda chuckled softly, the sound tinged with weariness. "None of us did. But we're Huntsmen and Huntresses. We adapt, we fight, and we protect. That's our duty."

Jaune nodded, his gaze steady. "And we'll do whatever it takes to fulfill that duty. You can't leave monsters like this. Not like this."

They sat in companionable silence for a few moments, the peaceful surroundings a stark contrast to the chaos they had faced. Then Glynda straightened, her resolve returning.

"We should head to the CCT" she said. "We need to contact the Headmasters as soon as possible."

Jaune stood, his determination clear. "Let's go."

They made their way to the Cross Continental Transmit System, a large building equipped with the technology for long-distance communication. As they entered, they were greeted by a technician who directed them to a private room where they could make their calls.

Glynda took a seat at the console, her fingers flying over the controls as she established connections with the Headmasters of Beacon, Haven, Shade, and Atlas Academies. One by one, the holographic images of the Headmasters appeared before them.

Jaune looked surprised at how she got a hold of them.

"Glynda," Professor Ozpin of Beacon greeted, his voice calm and authoritative. "What is the nature of this urgent call?"

"Ozpin? Where's Headmaster Solomon?" Glynda asked with a glare.

"I'm afraid that Headmaster Solomon can't join us at the moment. I've contacted the other Headmasters as well... it seems that this is something Remnant can't ignore."

"Already trying to warm the seat, eh?" Glynda accused.

Glynda took a deep breath, her gaze steady. "We have encountered a new type of Grimm. One that uses a human host. This Grimm is not only intelligent but also possesses extraordinary regenerative abilities. We believe it is a significant threat."

The other Headmasters listened intently, their expressions serious. Glynda continued, detailing their battle with the Hound and the horrifying discovery of the human host. She explained their plan to combine different types of Dust to disrupt the Grimm's regeneration and the need for a coordinated effort to address this new threat.

"This information needs to be shared with all Huntsmen and Huntresses," Glynda concluded. "We need to be prepared for the possibility that there are more of these creatures out there. We cannot afford to be caught off guard by this monster.."

Professor Ozpin nodded, his expression thoughtful. "This is indeed a grave situation. We will take immediate steps to disseminate this information to our respective academies and coordinate with the Huntsmen and Huntresses in our regions."

The other Headmasters voiced their agreement, their faces reflecting the seriousness of the situation.

"Thank you, Glynda," The Headmaster of Atlas said, his tone firm. "We will handle this with the utmost urgency."

"I will have my people keep an ear on these monsters," the Mistral Headmaster stayed his gaze on Ozpin.

Glynda and Jaune were about to return to their Inn when they noticed Ozpin was still present on the screen. She exchanged a quick glance with Jaune before answering.

"May I have more words, Glynda?" Ozpin said, his voice steady and composed.

"Good evening, Professor," Glynda replied, her tone polite but guarded.

"I wanted to discuss the situation further," Ozpin began. "Given the nature of this new threat, we may encounter more cases like the one you faced. If that happens, I would like to request your assistance in handling them."

Glynda raised an eyebrow, her skepticism evident. "So, you don't want me to work for you, but still plan to use me? I don't appreciate this, Ozpin."

There was a moment of silence before Ozpin responded, his tone measured. "Glynda, your skills and experience are invaluable. I'm not asking you to abandon your current path, but merely to consider aiding us when these specific threats arise. Your expertise and your combat abilities are crucial."

Glynda scrutinized his intentions, her keen eyes narrowing. "Ozpin, I can see right through you. You're trying to keep me on a leash without offering any real commitment. That's not how I operate."

Ozpin chuckled softly, a hint of admiration in his voice. "You haven't lost your sharpness, Glynda. That's precisely why I believe you are the best person for this task. But let me explain—"

Before the conversation could escalate further, Jaune, who had been listening intently, reached over and 'accidentally' ended the call. Glynda blinked in surprise before breaking into a smile.

"Oops," Jaune said, feigning innocence. "I must have pressed the wrong button."

Glynda couldn't help but laugh. "Thank you, Jaune. I needed that."

Jaune grinned, his blue eyes twinkling with amusement. "So, why aren't you working with Ozpin? You'd make an amazing professor."

Glynda's expression softened as she considered his question. "I did want to teach. But the mission that brought me to you opened my eyes to how little I truly knew of the world. There are so many things out there, so many experiences and lessons that can't be learned from within the walls of an academy. I need to see the world first, to understand it better, before I settle down to teach."

Jaune nodded thoughtfully. "That makes sense. And honestly, I think it's a great decision. You'll be an even better teacher with all that experience under your belt."

Glynda felt a warm glow in her chest at his words. "Thank you, Jaune. Your support means a lot to me."

She gazed at Jaune, her thoughts turning inward. It was so easy to like someone like him — supportive, kind, and fierce in battle. He had a strength of character that was rare and incredibly appealing.

Glynda couldn't resist teasing him a little. "You should be glad you'll still have a travel buddy."

Jaune laughed, a sound that always seemed to brighten her day. "I'm definitely glad, Miss Goodwitch. Traveling with you has been an incredible experience. And, well, thank you for being there."

"Miss Goodwitch again?"

"Sorry, it's a habit."

"IT"S JUST GLYNDA," she sighed.

"Right, Glynda," Jaune grinned.

They shared a moment of comfortable silence.

Glynda turned to looked at Jaune and reflected on how much Jaune had come to mean to her. His unwavering support and genuine kindness had made her travels so far not just bearable, but truly enjoyable. Perhaps she's jumping the gun here, maybe, but she also knew she's being young and stupid.

She looked at him, her eyes filled with warmth and appreciation. "Jaune, I'm really glad we met. You make all of this—" she gestured around them, "—worthwhile."

Jaune's expression turned earnest, his blue eyes locking onto Glynda's. "I feel the same way, Glynda. We make a great team."

Glynda nodded, her sharp gaze softening slightly. "Well, there's not much left to do here," she said, glancing around at the now peaceful surroundings of Vytal.

"Yeah," Jaune agreed, crossing his arms over his chest. "With so many teams of Huntsmen patrolling the area, the Grimm problem should be manageable. We already took down the Hound, so where to next?"

"I'm thinking we head to Sumire," Glynda said, her voice tinged with anticipation.

"Sumire? Never been there before," Jaune replied, a hint of curiosity in his tone.

"Then it's settled. We might find some missions there," Glynda said, her eyes glinting with purpose.

Jaune tilted his head slightly. "Are we traveling on foot?"

"We'll take the boat back to the mainland," Glynda explained. "From there, we'll catch an airship. We can visit a few settlements along the way. Does that work for you?"

"Works for me," Jaune said with a smile, his adventurous spirit shining through. "I'm just here for the ride."

Glynda's stern demeanor softened further as she responded, "Thank you."

They spent three more days in Vytal, taking in the tranquility and ensuring everything was in order. The island was a stark contrast to its previous state, with its lush greenery and clear skies providing a brief respite. On the fourth day, they boarded the boat back to the mainland. The sea was calm, the horizon a seamless blend of blue sky and water, promising fresh adventures just beyond the edge.

But somewhere, a woman with a grim dark sitting in a crystal throne adorned with several white candles received a messenger. Informing her, that the Hound of Vytal had been killed.