A/N: This kind of story is a first in many ways. I don't think there are many stories about a post-redemption Cinder, let alone a story about Cinder with a family. At least I haven't seen it. Most romance stories tend to be just about them getting into a relationship, rather than telling a story about what happens after that. The biggest problem with that is that those stories often end up being railroaded and find themselves trapped in the canon storyline, dealing with Salem or even the gods, etc. I wanted to be free of that. So I decided to do something different.

Keep in mind that this is a post-redemption Cinder, so naturally she's going to be a bit different after having gone through some changes.

The story takes place post-canon after Salem has been defeated.

I don't plan on this being very long. Expect around 10–12 chapters at best and very episodic, self-contained storytelling for each chapter.

Hopefully, I've created something that Knightfall fans everywhere can enjoy.

Cinder wondered if it was possible.

She could just ask him, but...

Cinder watched Jaune hand all the goods and materials they collected from various settlements over to the farm boy. Whatever project the former vessel of the old wizard was working on was of little concern to her. She had her own dilemma.

Cinder looked towards Jaune as he began catching up with Nora.

She didn't have a clue in the world about how to even broach this topic with him.

This was the first time in her life she had ever been in a relationship. So she wasn't quite sure how these things worked. Yes, she shared her first time with him, but did that necessarily mean that Jaune loved her enough to want such a thing?

If he didn't….she supposed asking him would sound like the non sequitur of the year.

The very prospect of it sounded absurd when she spoke it aloud to herself. Usually in those quiet moments in bed when Jaune wasn't listening. It had always been one of those concepts she was vaguely aware of and knew existed but never really thought they applied to her. The very notion of Cinder Fall...and THAT? It simply didn't fit.

But ever since the fall of Salem, she and Jaune have become intimate. Very intimate. Their long nightly sessions would leave her dreaming of things she never thought she would care about. Like having a home...and being his...

A sudden girlish giggle snapped her out of her thoughts. It was Ruby. She leaped at Jaune while he grabbed her and spun her around before pulling her into a deep hug. Cinder felt her jaw tense and her brow furrow. Unable to describe the feeling that made her body stiffen.

It was hard to tell if Jaune wanted those sorts of things with her. He could be with literally anyone he wanted. He could very easily spend the rest of his life with some cute farm girl. One who had never caused him harm. Someone who could bring him joy and peace of mind. What was Cinder Fall compared to that? A murderer, born from dirt, was always told she looked sickly or a freak? Cinder only had one thing to offer him, and she didn't imagine it was any better than what other girls could give him. At any time he wanted, he could leave, and that would be that.

Cinder looked up from the ground to watch Ruby laughing amiably with her Jaune. She liked that he was happy, but seeing Ruby made her uncomfortable.

Silver eyes met golden amber, and there was a pause. A sudden, tense atmosphere washed over them both. As if time had stopped. They exchanged looks that neither could quite identify. Like two wild animals who had just discovered an enemy and were uncertain if they should fight or walk away. It was uncomfortable. Awkward. Her hand twitched as she wondered whether she should form a weapon or not.

Eventually, Jaune broke his hug with Ruby. Having said his goodbyes. Shattering their standoff as he came over to her.

She caught one last glance from Ruby. Watching as her sclera turned black momentarily before she disappeared in a whirlwind of roses. Was that supposed to be a warning?

Cinder turned her eyes away from her and focused on Jaune. Deciding to forget about Ruby. She should feel excited. They were going on the road again. Just him and her, traveling the remains of the remnant... until he got tired of her, of course. He met someone he could really love. "Sorry Cinder. It's been fun, but I met someone who was actually worth my time. Good luck out there". Probably someone prettier. Younger too. With a good heart. Someone who wasn't a murderer—someone who could be what she never could...

He stopped when he saw her face, and she saw his eyes widen slightly. The next thing she knew, he was at her side. His palm gently caresses her cheek. It was warm. He spoke softly and sweetly. There was deep concern in his voice.

"Cinder." It was like crack to her. She feared she was becoming addicted.

"Why are you crying?"

Cinder stopped nuzzling into his palm and reached up to touch her face. Shocked when her hand came away wet. Pathetic. She used to have such a poker face.

"It's nothing." It wasn't. "I was just thinking about my old life." And the future...

He smiled and wiped her tears away with his thumb.

"You don't have to worry about that. That life is gone. There's a new future ahead. For everyone."

What about us? Do we have a future?

"You too?"

He laughed as they began walking towards their ride.

"Of course."

Will I be in it?

"Jaune, what kind of future do you think I will have?"

With hands on her hips, he hefted her into the carriage.

"What kind of future do you want?"

Ask him. Ask him. Ask him. Ask him. Ask him. Ask him. Ask him. Ask him.

"I don't know."

Coward!

He shifted in beside her. Extra close so that they were joined at the hip. He laced his fingers with hers. Squeezing her little hands gently and planting a kiss on her knuckles, which had her heart doing somersaults. It was strange how, even after all the stuff they'd done, these little things could still affect her so much.

"Don't worry. You've got plenty of time to figure it out."

I already know what I want.

Cinder didn't take her eyes off him, even as he broke contact with her and reached for the reins. He whipped the horses into motion, and they departed on their bumpy journey once more. Ready to explore the world and likely save more towns along the way.

The carriage rattled as the horses galloped across the uneven dirt road. The lingering question in her mind screamed at her again. Climbing it's way out of the ocean of thoughts, she once tried to drown it in until it broke through the surface, desperately gasping for breath. It yelled at her once more. The amount of hope it filled her with was almost terrifying. She could hear her heart pounding in her ears. In all her years of life, Cinder never thought it was okay for her to wish for such a thing. Simply accepting her fate. The lies she was told. The ones she told herself. Over time, she began to believe that wishing for such a thing was impossible. Something for the weak. So she sought refuge in power. To make people fear her instead.

"Jaune, do you think..."

"Hm? What is it?"

In reality, all she was doing was hiding. It was a mask. A layer of denial to hide from what she really wanted...but she had it now, didn't she? Against all odds, she had something that everyone told her she would never have. Did he not save her life when he had all the rights to kill her? Shown her kindness when she deserved nothing less than scorn and disgust? What she wanted was right in front of her. It should be okay for her to reach for it...shouldn't it?

She didn't know what it took to be worthy of that position in someone's life.

Cinder took a deep breath.

"Do you think I could be your wife?"

But she was going to try.

Days like this would've seemed foreign to her younger self. Sitting on some big fluffy couch in a warm homemade blue sweater, some black leggings, and a fluffy pair of slippers. She took another sip of coffee before placing it back down on the counter before continuing her project.

Sewing came naturally to Cinder. It was an activity that once gave her a great piece of mind back in the days when she was locked away in the Glass Unicorn. She could clearly remember the cold, lonely weekends where the Madam would leave and she was to remain locked away in the storage basement until she returned. She would sit for hours on end sewing outfits for herself. Playing pretend. Making pretty dresses that looked like the fancy customers of the hotel. Things she wished she could wear. She could remember hoping to one day wear pretty outfits of the same kind. Her head was filled with dreams of being seen as pretty and not the sickly slave she actually was.

She wasn't that little girl anymore. She was a grown woman, fully confident in her appearance. Scars and all. Though she no longer sews dresses. Nowadays, it's mostly boys' clothes. Her children needed clothing, so she decided to make them all herself. Which is what she is doing now. She sews together a shirt for her youngest son. So she ended up busting out the old thread and needle and making it her new project to work on this week.

Normally, this would be a rather peaceful and comforting activity.

She looked over at Jaune, eating his lunch in the kitchen. A tight white T-shirt showing off his well-built form and baggy training pants. While his long hair, tied into a pony tail, hung over his shoulder. They had just come up from the basement gym after finishing a light workout. Which would normally result in them getting physical with each other. Sadly there was none of that today. Before that, Jaune had slept all morning. Meaning they didn't engage in their usual morning intimacy. That's how tired he was. Which was extremely rare for Jaune, but that wasn't entirely the issue here. It was his mood. Jaune had been going on missions back and forth for a few weeks now. Some intense battles with another rising syndicate. She offered to go with him, but they had no one to watch the boys that month since their usual babysitter, Emerald, was unavailable. He had crushed them, of course, but since then he's been distant. Something happened that he didn't tell her about. So she sought to give him his space, thinking that would help.

It did not. Leaving her unsure of how to improve his mood.

Cinder was not one who was good with emotions. For years, she bottled them up and exploited them in others, but this was a new kind of problem she was unused to dealing with. They had gone through emotional hurdles before, but she wasn't quite sure what to make of this. She just wanted Jaune to be happy again. What was a wife supposed to do? What would a good wife do?

She didn't know, but she knew that she couldn't allow this to continue.

Cinder stopped working on her son's shirt, having just run out of thread. Thinking this was a good opportunity, she got up from the couch and called over to her husband.

"Jaune." Her voice was innocent and questioning.

He looked up from his meal and tried to put on a bright smile for her. Even though she could tell he wasn't feeling it,

"I need you to come with me to the market today. Is that okay?"

"Sure, I don't have any problem with that. Why would you need my help, though?"

Cinder merely shrugged.

"I don't like walking through town by myself. They give me strange looks."

He had a laugh at that. A genuine one. Good. It always filled her with an immense sense of pride to know she could bring a smile to his face. Just like his friends could. Just like Ruby.

"Cinder, they practically revere you. I wouldn't be shocked if they thought you were some high queen ruling over the town."

The thought of which made her cringe. Her foolish younger self might've wanted such a thing, but now she just finds the idea creepy and annoying. Undue praise was just as irritating as the unjust hate she used to receive as a child. She came out here to be with her family in peace. Not put up with strangers. Regardless, she was certain what they felt was fear, not reverence.

"Is that so?" She responded. Smoothly extending her hand for him to take. "Then would it trouble the King to escort his Queen on a small excursion into town?"

Jaune's smile returned as he took it.

"Not at all."

The walk to town was a pleasant one. The fresh morning air wafted over her form like nature's morning yawn, while the movement of leaves and the wild beasts hidden out of sight all alerted her senses as she walked down the flower-laden path. Cinder wanted any townspeople to be a decent distance away from their home. So their house was nearly a mile from town. While she no longer possessed the maiden powers, she could have easily flown such a distance given her new abilities. However, a walk with Jaune was far more pleasant, and her semblance would just cause a commotion. They zigged and zagged through the maze of trees they created to protect their home from intruders. Aimlessly chit-chatting about this and that as they trotted along. From telling him about whatever little project she was working on, to what food they would eat for breakfast every day if they could, to what they would do during a zombie apocalypse. Nonsensical, of course, but it was good to distract him. To get him talking again.

It reminded her of the times after Salem's curse was finally lifted. They would chat for hours about nothing. They were just comfortable in each other's presence, while both were secretly amazed at how much they had in common. It made her reflect on how much they could have missed out on if they'd stayed enemies. Cinder had once believed she could never communicate with anyone. So she always hid her real self. She was always called a weirdo and a freak, but she never felt like that with Jaune.

They continued to walk, chat, and enjoy the scenery surrounding the path to their home when Cinder spotted the first few houses coming into view through the trees.

Phoenix Island was a thankfully peaceful and happy place for the most part. Which made it an anomaly when you considered the current state of the world. Certainly not like any of the towns she had often traveled to when growing up either. Admittedly, she didn't like the idea of people setting up homes near them initially, but she has tolerated it now since the people have never bothered her or her family.

They'd just entered through the edge of town, only to be met with the bustling activity that accompanied their little village. Loud conversations, children shouting and playing, and active merchants trying to sell their latest crops and other assorted goods Which was good news for Cinder, as she was hoping Miss Mulberry was selling today.

Her thoughts came to an abrupt halt when she looked to her left and didn't see Jaune. A brief fit of anger flared up within her, but it soon quelled as she quickly scanned through the crowd of people. She didn't even need to sense him, as she soon spotted him more than a few meters away. He stood in front of a crying child as he chastised a group of older-looking kids in front of him. They ran off, and she caught up just in time to hear the little girl thank him as she rubbed tears from her eyes. The kid flinched when she saw her, though, and scurried off to go find her parents.

"What was that about?"

"Bullies. You know how it is."

She did, indeed. Cinder had vented to him many years ago about all the things she kept inside and never spoke of. He was certainly no stranger at all to bullying either.

Before she could reply, she sensed something was wrong and studied his face. Same expression he had when he came back from his mission. He was thinking about it again; she was sure.

Cinder frowned.

"I don't appreciate you ditching me like that."

That snapped him out of it. As if he suddenly realized he'd made an idiotic mistake. He palmed his face.

"Sorry. I didn't realize. I saw them, and I just moved."

Cinder still pouted. She didn't like being ditched, but whatever was going through his head was bothering her the most.

"Hmph. If you're feeling repentant, you can make it up to me later."

She laced fingers with him this time as she walked towards Miss Mulberry's place.

Cinder looked over the various rolls of thread, scissors, needles, buttons, and clips laid out in front of her. She picked up the metallic gold thread and a couple of extra buttons since she was missing a few, before reaching into her bag and pulling out the animal fur and still frozen meat she'd brought along with her. Miss Mulberry thought she was really generous for giving her fur for clothes and fresh meat, all for a little thread, but Cinder merely shrugged. It's not as though it was hard for her to acquire, but then again, the lonely woman couldn't hunt for herself and often had very little to trade for it. Cinder could see why she considered it generous. However, her family didn't have any difficulty hunting at all, so parting with some spare meat meant nothing. Though if she were being honest, she would have parted with just about anything when her young ones were involved.

Speaking of which,

Cinder straightened her back, and her voice went up an octave.

"The boys caught this one."

"Oh, did they now?"

Cinder nodded eagerly, ignoring the woman's nervousness entirely.

"The boys are getting so much better at hunting now. They're much more efficient and lethal than before."

Miss Mulberry's face began to grow pale.

"L-lethal?"

"Oh yes. My oldest two were already so strong, but even my littlest one has become a dangerous hunter. He had always lagged behind his brothers, but I knew he had some killer in him."

The thought of those little tyrants becoming even stronger...

"Jaune and I train with them often. They're all growing so fast. I can't wait to teach them how to use weapons!"

Miss Mulberry thought she might faint.

Cinder went on about how her oldest cracked open the skull of some large beast all by himself. Or how the second child discovered some new form of poison. Or how the smallest one ate enough food to feed several entire families. As if they didn't all have witness to the youngest one's horrifying appetite firsthand during last year's pie competition. She continued incessantly ranting about the things her little deviants were up to for what felt like an hour until the lonely woman finally noticed that the beautiful blonde man she often liked to ogle at was nowhere to be seen.

"Your husband isn't with you?"

"Hm? Oh yes, he's-"

Cinder looked up to find Jaune several meters away, chatting with some townsfolk. Jaune thought the people here loved her, but it was him they loved to see. However, they couldn't see what she could.

She stared at him for a moment before her thoughts turned back to her current dilemma. Ultimately, she'd done nothing to ease his pain. Nor come up with a solution. She'd thought getting him out would help, but it didn't seem to have worked. At this rate, all she'd do is return home to the same problem. Maybe she'd done all she could for today? Maybe she could try something else tomorrow? But what?

As she pondered this, Miss Mulberry, whom she forgot was here, turned to her with a curious look.

"Something wrong, Mrs. Arc?"

"I…"

Cinder hesitated. She was wary of revealing their personal business to a stranger. She may have liked Miss Mulberry, but it's not as though they were friends. She didn't have anyone she could talk to in town since Mrs. Oats had passed years ago, but Mulberry had once had a well-off marriage and family before they were all killed by Grimm. So she knew what it was like to be married for a long time.

Besides, at this point? If it were to help Jaune, She would take any advice she could get.

"I don't know what to do."

"Pardon?"

"It's Jaune. He's going through something. Something happened on a mission, and he won't tell me about it."

Miss Mulberry was shocked for a moment. Surprised to see the famously tight-lipped Queen actually opening up to her of all people. She must truly be bothered.

"You tried talking to him?"

"Of course! But he avoids the question! Even though I know it's making him upset. What am I to do? How do I make him feel better?"

Cinder stared down at Mulberry's wooden table, full of various items.

She truly was no good at this. Ruby would have known what to say. She would have made him feel better. Or his friends would. They were kind and loving from the bottom of their souls. They knew how to help people. She was only good at ending them.

"Most spouses tend to have this problem."

Cinder's head shot up, and she looked the older woman in the eyes. Giving her her full attention.

"Men and women often don't know how to communicate, it seems. Failing to properly talk about your issues could lead to decades of problems. I may not be an expert myself, but I do know that such conversations can only start when one person is willing to be open about their feelings first."

Cinder was silent as she let the woman's words sink in. She scanned her eyes for any sign of deceit, but it didn't take an expert to know that the woman spoke the truth. Once upon a time, such a conflict tore the world apart. All because two people failed to communicate and handle their problems together. She didn't want that to be her and Jaune. She thought back to the first night she vented everything in her life to Jaune. Was it not he who had made himself vulnerable first so that she would feel comfortable telling him everything? It seemed she would have to be the brave one this time. But still, that couldn't be all there is to it.

"And what do I do after that?" she asked.

"Sex." Mulberry answered simply.

Cinder's eyebrows were raised.

"Even though he's upset?"

Miss Mulberry laughed. "Especially because he's upset. Most couples don't know this, but during times of strife, it's far better to lean into sex than to pull back and create distance. You want to deepen your emotional connection. Not sever it. Sex is the main tool that allows you to do so. It's a couple's love language. After you exchange words, it'll be good to let your bodies talk."

Cinder was stunned. She and Jaune had sex often. Really often, in fact. Yet here she was, believing that giving that up this time was the way to go. That was a mistake.

The former maiden turned to her elderly advisor and smiled.

"Miss Mulberry…. Thank you."

The woman smiled.

"You're welcome, madame, but if you ask me, it seems you have a whole new problem on your hands."

Cinder looked confused, but the woman nodded in the direction of her husband. She turned, and Jaune was no longer surrounded by his kind fellows of the village. He was surrounded by women. Each chatting him up, batting their eyes, and taking every chance to put their hands on his chest or wrap an arm around his bicep. Jaune merely smiled and laughed. Brushing them off as if they were just being very friendly. They were about to be very dead.

Cinder thanked Miss Mulberry again before collecting her things and stomping away from her booth to go chase the women away. Some of them saw her coming. One look at her glare, and all of them immediately ceased contact with Jaune. One she recognized from her previous attempts to seduce her husband, fled the scene entirely.

Yeah, you better run, bitch.

Try as she might, Cinder could not stop her hands from shaking. Clasping them together in her lap did not help. To say she was nervous was an understatement.

Mrs. Oats sat across the room from her. A 4'5 woman with bushy gray hair, freckles, and a warm coffee-colored complexion Her hands were busy scribbling down in her notebook as if her home and her office were not destroyed, and she was still the town therapist doing her job as usual. Cinder had been visiting her for a couple years now. Jaune had been taking her to this town whenever they traveled together to get whatever supplies they could to help Oscar build a new kingdom to unite Remnant under. She felt the need to work on herself, so he agreed and found her someone who might help her work out some of her issues. Though when Jaune usually took her here, she was not usually in such a condition.

The dull gray of the psychiatrist's office had reminded her of one of those old black-and-white noir films she'd watched with Jaune and his friends. It was duller than Mercury's personality. Except the room looked as though a bomb had gone off in it and torn off the other half of the building. Which apparently it had. Metal pipes and wooden planks stuck out and hung loosely from the sides of the broken part of the room. The silence was occasionally broken by the scurrying of vermin across the ashen wooden floors. If she turned to her left, she could see the ruins of the small town. Still an absolute warzone. The stench of burning flesh and smoke nearly made her want to start coughing. She glanced at Jaune from where she sat. She watched him across the road, guiding the remaining citizens to safety as they huddled together, marching through rubble with the goal of finding a new home.

Mrs. Oats continued her line of questioning.

"That's quite a fascinating chain of events. It looks like you two have been through a lot. So what did he say after you asked him?"

Cinder's hands clasped in front of her mouth as if in prayer, and she held her breath.

"He said yes."

Mrs. Oats stopped scribbling and looked at Cinder through those thick-rimmed glasses of hers.

"So what is the problem?"

"That IS the problem!"

The elderly woman leaned back in her chair and stared at Cinder.

"Explain."

Cinder took a deep breath for what felt like the millionth time that day. "I'm frightened." There was a long pause as Cinder gathered her thoughts, trying to make sense of the storm of emotions whirling within her. Anxiety, fear, love, and hope picked up weapons of insecurity and happiness alike and went to war in her heart. Each trying to claim dominion over her soul. "I'm not sure what I expected. I think I was preparing for the worst. For everything to suddenly turn out to be a lie. To be brought back down to earth for my hubris, and then he just... says yes." Hope landed a devastating blow and crumbled fear to its knees. "He just says yes, like it's nothing! What am I even supposed to do with that? He made it sound so simple. L-Like it's…" Her lips began to tremble. The absolute elation from that moment rushed back to her. She couldn't help the sniffle that came out of her. "Like, it's so easy to love me." Cinder hated the way her voice cracked. She hated her stutter. God, she sounded pathetic. What happened to her? How did she become reduced to this mess of a woman? This was all Jaune's fault! Cinder gulped back the knot in her throat just as Mrs. Oats interjected.

"I see. You spent so long never believing it was even possible, and now that it actually happened, you don't know what to do."

Cinder fought back the tears as she nodded. She never thought that she would get this far. Truth be told, Cinder was happier than she'd ever been in her life. She never thought she could be this happy. Which was equal parts liberating as it was terrifying. "I don't know if I have what it takes to be someone's family. I've never had one before. All I've ever done is destroy. That's all I've ever done. What if... what if I destroy this too?" Cinder ran her hands through her hair and gripped her head as if it were in pain. That was probably the thought that haunted her dreams the most. The idea of her having everything she wanted—only to destroy it all with her own hands— She had woken up more than once in a cold sweat because of such nightmares during their travels. Expecting to have burned down their campsite and Jaune along with it. Completely forgetting that her powers were different now and the maiden powers were long gone.

"What if all I can offer him is more pain?"

"Cinder, dear, you can't think like that."

"But what if it's true?"

Mrs. Oats paused and took a good look at Cinder before sighing to herself.

"Should we try my semblance again?" She asked.

Cinder was expecting it. Since Mr. Oat's semblance was the reason she was so successful as the town therapist, Remembrance, she called it. The power to take people into their past memories, allowing them to deal with their traumas directly. She had done this with Cinder over the course of their meetings, and it had genuinely helped her heal many of her past emotional scars.

Cinder nodded, and the elderly woman reached out her hand. Cinder took it.

"Remember, child, my semblance only works if you agree to it. Do you wish to dive into your heart and find the root of your pain?"

Cinder nodded once more. "Yes".

"Very well. Just like we always do. Close your eyes. Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in…"

As Cinder performed the ritual, Mrs. Oat's voice began to fade away. Along with the world.

Suddenly, she was somewhere else. Somewhere familiar. Somewhere cold.

It was that old, dirty basement. Her previous "home". The Glass Unicorn. The only light that graced this place was that of the cracked moon. She could still feel the horrible dust beneath her feet and in the air. It clung to her skin and made her feel disgusted. Like a constant reminder that she was dirt. That was when a sound caught her attention. A sickly Flem-filled cough and a snotty sniffle Followed shortly by sobbing. She looked over to the closet door across the room and suddenly found herself standing in front of it without having walked. She merely touched the door. Cinder was outside of it and inside of it at the same time. She could feel the other. Holding her head in her hands. She was shivering from the cold. Crying. Crying hard. Wondering what she did wrong. Why does everything always hurt? She cried until she passed out from exhaustion, only to do it all again the next day.

Cinder's heart pounded in her chest as the memory hit her like a ton of bricks. She had fallen that day. Broke dishes. The madam had beaten her for it, and people had merely looked on. Without a care. Continuing to laugh and party above, Cinder went to sleep to the sound of her own sobs.

Her head became dizzy, and the world spun again.

This time, the scene was different. It was the streets. The cold, bustling streets of Atlas. She remembered this. It was after she had killed Madame. Killed Rhodes. She had been hiding in an alleyway while the police investigated the hotel. When she walked by the buildings, she noticed the news reports talking about them. "A beautiful, hard-working business owner was killed along with her innocent daughters." It claimed. "Brave Huntsman killed trying to protect the family." The whole city grieved and mourned the loss of Madam and her family. Cinder remembered the bile that rose in her throat. The way they heaped sympathy and praise on the madam The same people who looked dismissively at her as she was abused cared so deeply about her and her children. They were loved.

Cinder remembered the pain in her chest. When she begged for a jacket to keep warm, people recoiled in disgust. How she had to kill herself again to clothe herself. No one would give anything to her. She had to take it. Cinder could see herself across the street. At the back of the alley. She was shivering in the coat of the woman she killed as the people walked past her. Wondering where her next meal would come from.

She took a step toward her younger self. Into the traffic. I was still not quite sure of what to do, and the world spun again.

It was cold again. Even colder than before.

Her feet crunched in the snow as she walked. Even though it was just a memory, she still squinted as the roaring blizzard blew frost into her eyes. Forcing her to bring up a hand to shield her face. Her hair was whipping in the wind as the cold lashed at her features. Looking up briefly, she could see her treasure. The thing that kept her sane throughout her nights at the Glass Unicorn The memory of the beautiful blue of the night sky sparking with bright stars was a sight that always warmed her heart and sparked her imagination and dreams of freedom. Cinder looked around again, and through the blizzard, she noticed a faint light. A bright orange glow was in the distance. The memory slowly seeped in, and she realized where she was. This was when she escaped from Atlas entirely. She managed to flee the Kingdom and Mantle and make it to the outer parts of the continent. Only to find more freezing cold. She appeared in front of herself once again, just like the first memory. Young Cinder was huddled under the coat she had stolen. Having started a fire with her semblance, Her aura was fading as she struggled to keep it burning.

Young Cinder's coat was suddenly blown from her shoulders. Stolen by the fierce winds The fire quickly went out.

Cinder couldn't help but shiver as the thoughts came back to her. She huddled over in the snow, thinking death was soon upon her. Knees are slowly being gnawed at by the frost. The child Cinder's thoughts would flood the children who she saw frequent the Glass Unicorn. Being hugged by their mothers and fathers. Their family. They must've been warm. Tears of frustration felt cold against her cheeks. They were both crying now, it seemed.

Young Cinder struggled and failed to ignite her flame even further.

She remembered what would happen now. Cinder would use her memories to remind herself just how much she hated Madam. She hated her daughters. Hated Atlas. It was the only thing that ever kept her warm. The heat she created from that would carry her another mile. Right to where she first met Salem.

Her adult self finally knew what to do.

Young Cinder soon found herself shrouded in flames. Flames of a much different color than her own. The flames did not burn. Nor were they hot. Yet they provided warmth all the same. Warmth that spread from her heart to her whole body like a warm cup of hot chocolate. The cold could no longer reach her.

It was then that she finally noticed her. Her older self.

Pure astonishment was shown on her young face as she stared up at the older woman. The resemblance was immediately noticeable, despite her scars. Instantly, Cinder could see the hope forming in her own young eyes.

"A...A-Are…. Are you…..?" Her tiny voice cracked and wavered. Sheer disbelief, combined with desperation and hope, seeped into her voice. "W-who are you?"

She didn't get the chance to say anything else as Cinder knelt down and wrapped her arms around her. Embracing her with a tight hug, the warm flames shrouded them both. Much to the frustration of the blizzard.

"Someone who loves you," she said. Cinder found that she meant it with all her heart. Cinder rubbed little Cinder's back and told her it was going to be okay. Young Cinder began to cry. "I love you," she repeated to herself. Over and over again in her ear as she rubbed her back. "I love you." Young Cinder could only sob harder, wrapping her arms around her older self. She didn't know who this woman was and didn't care. She clung to the source of warmth regardless.

It did not last long, however. Cinder's semblance flickered and began to run out, and a new wave of cold and darkness crept over the horizon.

"Cinder". It whispered.

"W-what is that!?" Her younger self looked horrified. Staring at the formless black mass, a vast army of red eyes appeared in the distance. Cinder knew what it was. Who it was.

"Come here, Cinder." It whispered again.

Her semblance faded, and suddenly they were both cold once more.

"NO!"

Just as Cinder thought she would be taken again by the darkness, A golden blanket appeared out of nowhere. Draped over her skin, embracing them both. Filling her with a familiar feeling that reignited her semblance. Chasing away both the cold and the darkness. The strength it provided shined brightly. All at once, her power felt limitless. She could do anything as long as it was here. The ice around them melted completely, and the blizzard completely stopped in its tracks. Turning her memory of Solitas into a barren wasteland of damp soil with not a trace of ice. No more cold. No more Grimm.

She looked down at her younger self again as they basked in the warmth of her semblance and the sheet of gold light that embraced them. Surprisingly, young Cinder hugged her once more. Looking up at her with rosy cheeks. Nose red and puffy from the frost, and ears red-tipped. "Thank you," she said with a tearful smile. With a smile so bright, she shone like the sun. Slowly, the body of young Cinder began to fade into nothing. She shimmered like stardust. Then...she disappeared.

When she did, Cinder's heart was left feeling full. Like a piece of a puzzle that she didn't know was missing, it was suddenly put into place. With that, the memory faded.

Cinder jumped up with a start. Exiting Mrs. Oats's semblance, she found herself still overflowing with power. The warm golden blanket had yet to disappear. It was a power she knew all too well.

"Sorry. I thought you might've needed my help."

Both women turned to see Jaune, having come over from guiding the townsfolk to safety. It appears there was a bit of a bandit situation, as he was carrying several of the brutish thugs over his shoulder and under his arm. They groaned as he dropped them. She almost smirked at their beat-up faces and broken bones. That looked like fun. She wished she could've joined him.

Cinder got up and walked over to him.

"I take it that you found the problem. What was it?" he asked.

She smiled. "Just...something I really needed to hear."

She looked up at Jaune. Grin is still on her face. She was reminded of how he stood up for her after Salem fell. He stood his ground with her on his back and said that she deserved to be free in the face of everyone who wanted to see her executed for her crimes. Prepared to fight every last one of them if need be to ensure it. However foolish it was.

"A little bit of fear is normal," the elderly woman said. "I know you've had a hard life, dear... and I don't know who you were before, but the woman I see before me now? She is not a destroyer. The furthest thing from it. You two have something truly special. Don't let the past stop you from learning to love and be loved."

Hand in hand with her fiance, Cinder turned towards her longtime therapist...and friend. She smiled.

"I won't."

The light of the moon drifted in from the open window into their master bedroom. Which Cinder opened to let the breeze in. This, of course, came with the nightly sounds of crickets and the gentle splashing of the waves in the lake by their house. They'd made it back several hours ago, and since then, they've all had dinner. After which, she put the boys to sleep. Jaune was his usual self at dinner, but every now and then she'd catch some of the melancholy seeping onto his face when the boys weren't looking.

It frustrated her. She hadn't done what Miss Mulberry suggested yet. By the time she was done putting away the dishes, Jaune was already busy giving the boys their bath. She'd then gone to the basement until it was her turn to send them to bed. Only to hear him step outside as she was tucking the boys in. She thought she'd simply wait for him as she planned the activities for the next day.

So Cinder continued to scribble in her daily planner. She was planning out her homeschooling schedule for the boys and detailing their progress. They were fairly young, but they had already passed her basic math lessons and had developed a love for reading. Something she had developed along with them. She had initially hated stories as a child, but seeing her own children's faces light up as she read them stories, sparked her own genuine love for the old tales she once regarded as childish nonsense. Something anyone should be ashamed to read. Now, however, she read them openly. When she thought about it, her life wasn't so different from a fairy tale either. She certainly never, in her wildest dreams, ever imagined she'd meet her "prince charming". It wasn't all perfect, of course. She'd be a fool if she expected anything of the sort. But it was a life worth living, no matter what. It was something she was determined to keep at any cost.

Cinder felt like Jaune was drifting away from her. Maybe she was exaggerating, but that's how it often started. Or so she'd heard. She hadn't entirely grown out of the clingy girlfriend she once was, and the fear of those she loved one day leaving her still hung in the back of her mind. So Jaune's being emotionally distant in any capacity was rather alarming.

She stopped writing and put the pen down. She ran her hands through her hair and stared at the collection of books, notes, a letter from Blake, and flowers from her garden laid out over her desk. She finished the last of her tea that had long since gotten cold and the last two biscuits left on her plate before deciding to go check on Jaune.

Cinder closed her eyes and focused her aura. Mentally extending her senses outward. She picked up on Jaune's aura immediately. He was rather hard to miss. Jaune's aura was so huge, she'd spot it from a mile away. In her mind's eye, she could see the bright, husband-shaped star in the blackness of space. He was to the right of their home, in the sitting position. Definitely in the lake. Which meant he was likely night-fishing again. If his posture was anything to go by, She smiled and slid her chair back. She got up from her desk and headed over to the window.

It'd be much easier to fly down to him than going out the front door.

Jaune stared at the fixed moon's reflection in the water. A full, complete moon. Something he was still getting used to. He'd grown up with a broken moon, after all. The gods had fixed it when they came back. It felt like the world had been restored a little bit, but it certainly wasn't all sunshine and roses. People were still pretty broken, as was society. It was all up to them to pick up the pieces after the fall of Salem. The brothers had left again, so it wasn't like they could rely on them to solve all their problems. Not that he wanted to. People mostly rely on the maidens these days.

But having an all-powerful being to turn to at times like this would have been helpful. He was starting to think that maybe they shouldn't have rejected the gods offer to stay on the remnant.

Jaune could only sigh as he let the stress from his latest mission roll off him. Trying to focus on fishing instead.

The night air was cool and peaceful. The croaking of frogs and the gently rocking of the boat were things that typically put his mind at ease. Sadly, that wasn't the case tonight. He began to reel in his line since he wasn't catching anything when he noticed a moving mass of blue light reflecting in the water. A sound akin to someone flapping a large blanket in the wind could be heard, accompanied by a sudden whooshing of flames.

Like a creature straight out of myth, she descended onto the boat. Rocking it slightly. Jaune didn't need to look up to know who it was.

"It's getting late, you know."

"I was just about to head in." He paused to put away his fishing rod. "You put the kids to sleep already?"

Cinder merely strode over to where he sat. Taking a seat beside him and snuggling up next to him.

"Only after reading them their favorite story."

"Which one was that again?"

"The one about the dragon and the knight."

"Ah, I remember that one. The knight set out to kill the dragon, only to end up falling in love with her. Doesn't the dragon become something else in the end?"

"Mhm. She does. She becomes her true self. Right before she runs off with the knight."

"I don't blame her. That guy was charming."

She playfully slapped his shoulder.

"What? It's true. Man seduced a whole dragon."

Cinder could only roll her eyes as they shared a laugh.

"Catch anything?"

"No. It looks like they're not biting tonight."

"I see…"

There was a long pause where the two of them just sat in silence. Enjoying each other's company under the starlit night sky and the home that they built together.

"She was really happy."

"Who?"

"The Dragon. I think it was knowing she had someone to rely on. That's what saved her. When she was reborn... I think it happened because she wanted the knight to be able to rely on her as well. I think that was the first time she wanted to be a pillar of strength for someone else."

Jaune could only stare at her in silence. Trying to process what she was getting at.

"Cinder?"

"Maybe you don't always have to tell me everything, but I can tell clearly that something is bothering you. Just...just tell me...is it my fault? Am I to blame for anything?"

He spun to look at her.

"What? No!"

"O-ok. Good."

"Sorry I... I know I've been a bit distant lately. I've just had a lot on my mind." He sighed. "I guess I should explain from the beginning. Look, Cinder, during the mission, I was chasing the leaders of this cartel."

Cinder sat patiently and listened to his story. Thinking back on how she thought he might've been betraying her just feels utterly silly now. Jaune's tale was utterly horrifying. Or at least it would be to most people. A nightmare of human brutality and depravity. It was humanity at its worst. Something she had seen much of in her youth but the things Jaune spoke of made even her stomach turn. However, that wasn't the worst of it. It was what they had done to a child at the end. Apparently, by the time he cornered one of the crime lords, he'd found her in a room full of child slaves. Though most of them were dead, it wasn't any mystery as to what they'd been doing there. The crime lord, former Huntress Gilles, was using the children for... her own "needs," for lack of a better term. Jaune happened to catch her in the act. She was arrested and executed, of course. Which she nodded in approval of as he told it. The boy Gilles was using, on the other hand, had a story that made her heart sink. He'd taken his own life afterward. Even after Jaune promised to take him home, He was horrified by the prospect of continuing to live in this world.

"It made me think about a lot." He started, "I couldn't help but think back on all the things you'd gone through before we met. If I could have helped you sooner."

"But you did. You did that when no one else would."

She took his hand, lacing her fingers with his. Giving him a gentle squeeze. Which he returned.

"I know." He smiled. "But it's not just that. It's the boys. It made me think about what kind of world we're bringing them into. What's the right way to raise them? As Huntsmen? As ordinary citizens? Are they going to be okay brought up in all this..."

He watched Cinder stand up without letting go of his hand. Clutching it to her chest as she stood in front of him. Gently stroking his cheek

"We raise them strong. With good values. We raise them with the best parts of both of us. Let them learn from our failures and mistakes. Isn't that what we decided?"

He remembered. He just wasn't sure if that was enough. Not anymore. And he told her so.

"Jaune, it's all we can do."

He stared into her eyes. Beautiful amber. Like the sunset. Something he had long ago decided was his favorite color. In them, he found love in its purest form. As well as raw conviction.

"When did you get so protective?"

"I have always coveted whats mine. Especially when my husband gave me the greatest gift anyone's ever given me." She put her forehead against his. "I'll do anything to protect it."

He could feel her body heat through her thin sleepwear. He began to notice her scent, rosy cheeks, and perfect lips. His hands found her waist, and he ran them up and down her wide hips as she settled into his lap. She ran a hand through his blonde locks while the other snaked around his neck. She locked him in place as she shoved her tongue into his mouth.

The kiss was intense. Both expressed a hunger they had almost forgotten about. With Cinder on his lap, the area between them was suddenly soaked, and he had a feeling it wasn't him.

Jaune broke the kiss. Lightly biting her lip as they parted. She looked frustrated and horny. Her confused expression asked him why he stopped.

"Let's take this upstairs."

She grinned at that as Jaune picked her up by her thighs and leapt off the boat over to their house. They made out all the way up the stairs.

When Jaune threw her on the bed, he silently prayed that the soundproof walls would be enough to contain her voice.

Looking back on all she'd been through and all that she overcame, Cinder truly was an amazing wife. Even if she didn't believe it.

It was a good thing that he intended to show her.

So that's the end of the first chapter. This was supposed to be short. Unfortunately, that's not how it turned out. This was a brief introduction to Jaune and Cinder's relationship. As you may have noticed, Cinder doesn't have maiden powers anymore. Which is part of what spawned this story. "What would it be like if Cinder no longer cared about the Maiden powers?" She no longer chases a false identity or needs external validation to feel whole or complete. She has abandoned her "Fall" identity entirely and embraced being an "Arc". She is no longer the girl who chased magic in a desperate attempt to feel special or to feel like she mattered. That is a very important part of the story. I'm not sure if that bothers anyone, but I always felt as though her learning she didn't need them would be massive growth for her. Ironically, she ended up pretty powerful anyway.

The world itself is kind of messed up. The conflict with the gods was resolved, but a lot of places are looking like post-WWII Germany. Things weren't just going to be magically fixed overnight. The idea of all human conflict ending forever and there being perpetual peace just sounds silly to me. So I imagine that while they proved their worth to the gods, they would still have a lot of work to do once they were gone.

I will also be playing around with interesting concepts and aspects of the world that aren't explored very much. One Piece has been a horrible influence on my world-building tendencies. This entire story is infected with it. So I apologize for that beforehand. You have been warned. I'll be trying not to go over 5k words for each chapter, but it seems I've already failed horribly.

That's all for now. Next chapter, you'll get to meet the kids.