Chapter 2: Arming In Readiness
(1 Hour Later, West Of Higanbana…)
Far into the dark woods and away from Mistral's destruction, the White Fang Lieutenant steps out of a humvee and tosses his prisoner, Ilia, to the ground. Another prisoner that was beside her ends up being dragged away by the other member. She stays on her knees, while her hands are cuffed behind her back, and glares up at the Lieutenant in anger.
Ilia: "...So is this it?"
Lieutenant: "*sigh* I don't wanna hear it, Amitola…"
Ilia: "You're just going to let Adam harm our people like this?!"
Lieutenant: "...Were you not willing to harm them yourself, traitor? You were given a mission by the Albains in Menagerie to apprehend the Belladonnas. We were trying to bring them to our grounds with no harm, so the people they govern stay safe… But look what's happened. The Albains sent you to kill them instead."
Ilia: "And all you're doing is finishing what they started! Don't you get it?!"
Lieutenant: "Then why didn't you report them? Why instead would you help the Belladonnas and bring our people to this battlefield?"
Ilia: "Because Adam's gone too far. That explosion, all those people… He could've killed you too. Same goes for those Grimm out there that he's riled up. I thought his methods would give us all a better life, but it's not! He will harm anyone who stands in his way!"
Lieutenant: "What's harmful is you helping Blake to lure most of Menagerie in this war. You care nothing for the cause."
Ilia: "The White Fang swore to protect our people from humans, and you're just oppressing them yourse-!"
Lieutenant: "Don't you even start with that…! A rainbow princess like you could never comprehend the true nature that endangers our kind. You're the one who's disgraced us. All pampered and protected, acting just like you're one of the humans…" Ilia grits her teeth, causing her chameleon skin to turn red, and her hair, eyes, and freckles to turn yellow. "Or better yet, before your own parents died, how about those other Faunus you laughed at with the humans… in Atlas?" By hearing him, Ilia's skin reduces to its original state, as she goes to be more depressive and regretful. "Yeah, that's right. I've read your files. You weren't laughing then, were you…? It's no wonder why none of our troops in Vale wanted you around, besides Blake. Another cowardly traitor. What has she ever done for you that was worth crossing us?"
Ilia: "...She made me feel at home, when no one else could…! (sobbing) When my parents died, both her and Ghira made me feel like I belonged! They treated me like family! Her parents made me feel safe and helpful when even you guys couldn't. Not without hiding who I was."
Lieutenant: "(sarcasm) Is that why their daughter covers her ears, then?"
Ilia: "..." Not wanting to answer the Lieutenant, Ilia did have a meaningful retort. "It's why they never wore a mask. I know you don't wear yours to cover up those scars."
Lieutenant: "...I've heard enough out of you-!"
Adam: "Lieutenant…"
Right as the Lieutenant raises his hand, he stops and looks back to the sound of his superior approaching.
Lieutenant: "Sir!" Despite their vision in the dark, Adam comes off unseen in the shadows to the Faunus looking in his direction. "I-I didn't know you were already-? I… I can't-."
Adam: "What's the status?"
Lieutenant: "Uh- The prisoners have been captured, and are awaiting transportation."
Adam: "Good… Well done."
Ilia: "How in the…? Adam, what have you done?! You killed them all!" Adam does not respond, other than picking up Ilia's weapon from the humvee. "Would Sienna approve of this…?! Did she agree to this… before you killed her, too?!"
Lieutenant: "...Hm?"
Adam: "...Where did you hear that from?"
Lieutenant: "Adam…?"
Ilia: "...He didn't tell you? He overthrew the High Leader with murder. It was his plan all along. Corsac and Fennec told me everything."
Adam: "The Albains…?"
Ilia: "Yeah. And news flash, one of them's also dea-."
Adam: "Fennec is dead… I know. And Corsac is left to grieve for his brother in Ghira's prison."
Ilia: "H-How…?"
Adam: "They favored you, so that you could get to me… or did you THINK that I trusted them as much as I do my REAL brothers?"
Ilia: "Huh?"
Adam: "I suppose you believed them in thinking they'd never harm Blake and her family too, didn't you?"
Ilia: "You sent them, you monster!"
Adam: "And they're the ones that took you from us." He takes the Scroll from her resisting hand. He sees how she had tried calling for help from behind her back, but was too late to speak. He then skims through the Scroll's files before passing it off to the Lieutenant. "Perhaps I was wrong to think you'd surpass them one day. I regret ever sending you to them… You felt at home back in my squad, didn't you? Forever Fall…? I'll never forget her face when you left…" This lowers Ilia's defense in referring to Blake. However, he then empties her weapon of its lightning Dust crystal. She becomes more alarmed as he draws out Wilt. And from its handle, he detaches its bottom-cap(Kashira), revealing its extension to be a magazine for Dust cartridges. Thus, he inserts the yellow crystal. "I don't blame you for siding with Blake and her parents. I'd have had you stay at their side, rather than under their capture with Corsac… But now that you're ours, after your betrayal, don't expect your treason to go unpunished. I'll be sending you to the Head High Leader, herself…"
Ilia now panics, trying to squirm away. However, the Lieutenant presses down on her shoulders to keep her more still. Adam then firmly tightens his grip on Wilt. He induces Moonslice through it, causing the inserted electric Dust to produce yellow static, and then red static against the Dust blade. And as their surroundings briefly darken, Wilt sparks reddish black lightning before fading.
The tip of his sword now plants right below her collarbone to her horror, and the Lieutenant steps aside.
Ilia: "No! Adam-!" His glow fades to their sights as he stares down at her. "Please, don't-!"
Adam: "...To give you a proper lesson of our order."
A small surge of lightning shocks through her. She now slouches, unconscious as the Lieutenant picks her up. He looks at her, noticing the dried tears on her face.
Lieutenant: "*sigh*"
The tip of Wilt has only a few drops of blood that Adam soon wipes, turning into a petal from his hand.
Adam: "I won't be needing any further assistance at my next position. Pass our prisoner off for containment."
Lieutenant: "High Leader…" Just as Adam starts to walk, he looks to his comrade in concern, hearing the tone in the Lieutenant's voice. "How far are we to take this operation? More of our brethren seem to be at risk as we speak. I-I never agreed to aiding in this kind of slaughter."
Adam: "...*sigh* Neither did I… At least not at first. Fortunately for now, they were saved by a naive, but courageous fighter from their own forces."
Lieutenant: "But what of Sienna…? Was that truly your intent to overthrow her?"
Adam: "..."
Lieutenant: "What of Fennec? What will happen to Corsac, now that he's lost his brother."
Adam: "...If sources are correct, then I believe one of the brothers is currently doing time on the island in a prison cell. That is until our organization picks him up and the rest of his splinter group. The other perished out of both of their pursuits to kill the Chieftain. These were not the charges I had instructed them under. This was already a mess for HQ to hear of, and Khan's starting to express her regrets of appointing me as Co-High Leader as we speak."
Lieutenant: "You mean Sienna?"
Adam: "She's fine. Alive and well… My intents have always been to do what it takes for what is needed. But I've involved my personal affairs to the cause long enough."
Lieutenant: "And… the explosives? You…"
Adam: "I had to… There is no telling now what will become of the citizens… or of us… as we continue to fight for them… They deny us, and their leaders only endanger them with their reckless thoughts of bringing them to a battle against us. One they could not have prepared for… I must now make amends, no matter the costs! Else our entire race goes against an even greater fate… Rest assured, our traitors will be questioned, and these weak links are to be stemmed out of our order after we've succeeded."
Lieutenant: "...What of the Belladonnas? Will they retire, for good this time?"
Adam: "Indeed. No more harm will come to them, or their followers once there's little to their name… I can't afford to lose anymore partners and brothers in this battle. So I'm counting on you to trust me, Lieutenant Olmos…"
Lieutenant Olmos: "...I understand… Questionable as tonight's been, it has all been necessary above all else, it seems. With your charge, I know that we will win this war! And we will make a better world for our people…! A lot has weighed on your shoulders, Adam. But know that many of our comrades, and I especially, are forever grateful for all that you've done for us. We'll see this through, and I'll be right by your side."
Adam: "Heh… Were it not for you, old friend, I… may not have been able to lead us this far…" The two smirk and nod at each other. "Very well, then. Continue on with your task, and come find me when you've finished."
Lieutenant Olmos: "Yes, sir!"
Adam: "*chuckle* In this revolution, we do what we can to shield our kind… Although… it's mattered little of our actions to be right… Is this truly the only way for our betterment…? For the greater good… It… It was supposed to be you at my side, afterall… The both of you."
(Meanwhile, Oniyuri…)
The Arc Mobile of 7-tons stays parked in a village from four of our heroes' previous departure. Most of those within the truck had already stepped out and dispersed.
The few who stayed behind are Jaune, Weiss, and Sun. One of them resumes their meditation as they guard the truck, while the two roam throughout the town.
Jaune: "Hmm… No sign of anyone outside or within this place… Can't say I'm surprised… Come in, Weiss. How's it looking on your end?"
Weiss: "Fine. Nothing to report. I'm just now reaching the corner on the other side."
Jaune: "Same. Let's head back, and sync with the others. Hey Sun, we're on our way back to you."
Sun: "Copy."
Jaune soon after walks his way back to the truck, where he meets a group of Via Sun clones and Weiss, standing guard at the door and smiling at him. They both enter, and see as Sun begins to open his eyes, and out of his meditation.
Weiss: "You alright?"
Sun: "I'm fine. Kinda had to zone out for a while."
He stands up and stretches, looking over more of the truck from the inside.
Jaune: "Don't sweat it. I get it, man."
Sun: "And I could hear and feel everything… Your pops is somethin' else, dude. I thought he was just kidding with letting you take the wheel earlier, until I felt that first swerve. Good driving though."
Jaune: "Thanks. That's dad for ya. You get used to it. And I don't even have a license, yet. But good thing we-."
Weiss: "You-! What?!"
Jaune: "...Oops."
Arc: "I told you I'd tell her."
Jaune: "You know what, how about you-!"
Weiss: "You could've killed us back there! Why didn't you stop or say anything?!"
Jaune: "It was the heat of the moment! We're on a mission, and I couldn't just let the truck drive without someone on the steering wheel!"
Sun: "*chuckle* Ya know, I don't think any of us have a license, except for Yang. But last time I rode with her in a minivan, we crashed so bad, that she gave Neptune a nightmare."
Weiss: "...What?!"
Jaune: "...I-I don't underst-."
Sun: "It was an aquatic themed dance club. Don't you remember, Weiss? We were taking the night off one time in Vale to try and cut loose…"
Weiss: "Oh, yeah… And it was a horrible attempt at helping Neptune conquer some of his fears…"
Jaune: "I-I don't think we should talk-."
Sun: "But Yang ended up crashing through the building by accident because she wanted to show off her 'skills' and drive us there with her feet."
Jaune: "Uh-!"
Sun: "So imagine what she could've done earlier."
Weiss: "Ugh! Yeah. Blake was there, too. There was fish… and water… everywhere! While she and Yang snuck off with the restaurant's live sushi, Sun had to carry Neptune's unconscious body, and I had to carry all the food back to the dorm. Fish and water… everywhere-."
Jaune: "Okay, I get it! Geez…"
Weiss: "I still get shaken up a bit from it all…"
Sun: "Still, I thought it was fun. I mean we still partied. I used to drive all over Mistral and Vacuo to get by without showing a license."
Weiss: "Why am I not surprised by that…?"
Sun: "Even Leo backed me up once when the police caught me… He *chuckle*... was NOT happy that day."
Jaune: "I'd imagine no Headmaster would be." The mention of Lionheart brings up a bit of tension between the three. "...Sorry about Professor Lionheart, by the way. You know, I'm just as disappointed."
Sun: "Eh, it's not your fault… It's none of ours. All it is is just another case to sort out. Am I right?"
Jaune: "Heh."
Weiss: "Do people like you and Yang mean to cause so much trouble wherever you go? I mean, how else can you explain why you're so calm about your professor being a traitor?"
Sun: "What do you mean people like Yang and I? You mean blonde, wild, and free?"
Weiss: "I meant somewhere along the lines of juvenile, but if that's what you wanna call it, then I would have an emphasis on the wild."
Sun: "Oh I'm sure Xiao Long can shake her hips, or punch her way out of trouble if she's ever in a jam. But we're not as rogue as you think, Schnee. I care about the Headmaster. I'd like to back him up this time… like he's done for me with all the trouble I find. Sure, I'm a punk in every Kingdom I step on. But Mistral, and even some parts in Vale to my shock, haven't been the safest places to live in anyway. Not unless you knew the area well, or if you sucked up to snobs and thugs that act like they run it."
Weiss: "Maybe you shouldn't wander off in rogue areas where they'll find you."
Sun: "It's not that simple. Not while we're Huntsmen trying to protect our community. Most of the time, I get in trouble with cops outside of Haven just by minding my own business. Or even stopping a Dust robbery (safe for Vale or Vacuo). So following the rules always just seems kinda pointless if none of us can ever win with these clowns…"
Weiss: "I can… see your point, Sun… But you still need to set a better example as a leader. The both of you do."
Sun: "*chuckle* Now you sound just like him… But, that's fair enough. Don't forget though, I can also fight FOR the law more effectively with my…" From his pocket, Sun takes out something shiny to present to her. "Junior Detective badge!" Weiss and Jaune both nod their heads with a small encouraging laugh. "*clears throat* So… nothing to report out here. No one came to the truck, no one stepped in this town, nothing."
Jaune: "Which is good… We've covered the middle ground. It shouldn't be too long until we get-." Soon after, they all get an anticipated call to their Scrolls. "There we go!"
Ruby: "Come in, Jaune. Do you read me?"
Jaune: "Loud and clear, Rubes. How's the birdseye view?"
Sun and Jaune then look over to a map pinned to the humvee's wall. Weiss, while guarding the door, does the same to pinpoint Ruby's general location.
(East Of Kuroyuri…)
Ruby: "*breathes in* Lively! This village looks like it's had a lot more growth since we last passed it."
Ren: "*sigh* Peace prevails…"
Ruby: "I can almost see everyone right below me!"
Jaune: "That's good. Love the enthusiasm. Hold on to that energy for now. Anything to report?"
Ruby: "Nothing so far. I've been looking through Kuroyuri more than twice now, and still no sign of them."
Jaune: "That's alright. We haven't found anything on our end either, but we're still gonna hold our position. Keep a good watch out that way, and stay hidden."
Ruby: "Okay." Ruby crouches down more and holds her cape to reduce exposure. "If the moon were any brighter, I could probably see them now… Or even the whole continent from up this mountain…! Wow!"
Yang(Scroll): "That… sounds a bit exaggerated."
Ruby: "No really, I could. Oh look! I can see you too, sis! Hey Yang! Hey Ren! Can you see me?"
(Outside The Nuckelavee Cave…)
Yang: "I'm… trying to…" From her position, Yang looks up towards the sky where tall trees on other mountains are from afar. She waves up, yet remains relatively silent through her Scroll. "I see you. Hi!"
Ruby: "*laugh* Hi! Wait, hold on. There's a Nevermore headed your way."
Yang: "...Where?"
Ruby takes aim, and with the Grimm closing in, she shoots it with a silent barrel attached. Her bullet meets one of the Nevermore's eyes and through their head. It falls until it lands a few yards from in front of Yang and Ren."
Ren: "...Right there."
Yang: "*whistle* Nice shot."
Jaune: "Sunflowers, how are things on your end?"
Ren: "We're approaching the cave now. There aren't any Grimm around (anymore), but I've noticed more signs of battle and maneuver… since the last time Nora and I hiked up here."
Nora: "So long as that one Grimm's not there anymore, that's enough for me."
Yang: "I noticed a lot of birds around us. I can tell mom's not one of them… They don't look like the ones that stood out back then. None of them have red eyes. But her scent… It's more faint than when she's around, but I know she's been here."
Ren: "I can't sense her, or anyone else's aura being close right now. It's just us two, I'm sure."
Ruby: "Stay sharp out there, just in case." Another Nevermore circles high up and over her comrades' general area, and she shoots it down. "Thundercats, how are you guys doing on your end?"
(West Of Oniyuri…)
Nora: "So far, so good. Nothing eventful just yet."
Blake: "Count our blessings…"
Nora: "We're still making our way towards Heat-Bandana."
Ruby, Blake And Ren: "Higanbana."
Nora: "Right… The Red-Spider Lily of Lost Memories."
Ren: "P-Precisely… She WAS listening…!"
Jaune: "Alright. So far, so good. Thank you guys for your cooperation. As much as I'm sure we all wanna spring into action, we gotta treat this with a little more sensitivity than some of our other missions. Or else, we get ambushed again, and risk the life of Blake's friend."
Ruby: "We don't wanna get hurt again until the real battle, right? So we secure Ilia first, then we engage the enemies… wherever they might be."
Blake: "Thank you Jaune… Ruby. Really, thank you."
Ruby: "A comrade of yours is a comrade of ours as well in this battle."
Nora: "Speaking of which, how does it fit on ya, boss?"
Jaune: "What…? Oh. I haven't tried it on yet."
Nora: "Well, hurry up! I wanna see how it looks on you when we get back."
Jaune: "Yes, ~mom~! *chuckle* Everyone, keep up the good work and stay in touch. They could be anywhere… So report back on a regular basis."
Ren: "Roger."
Yang: "Got it."
Blake: "Copy."
Weiss: "Copy."
Ruby: "Right."
Nora: "Rodney! Er, Roger!"
(Oniyuri…)
Our Heroes' transmission ends and they proceed to the given tasks of scoping out their enemies. Meanwhile, Jaune remains in thought as he steps to the back of the truck. He reaches down for the bag he received from his sister, Catherine moments ago. He disperses himself further from Weiss and Sun, and draws one of its curtains for more privacy. Yet unknowingly, one of them keeps a close eye on him.
Jaune: "Now, let's see how our old friend did." From one side of the humvee, Jaune bends down and unzips the bag. The dirtied protective outside of the bag gives an overshadow that makes the clean look on the inside seem the more presentable. As Jaune opens the bag all the way, a bright sight from within puts him at an awe. "Whoa. Heh heh… The Blacksmith pulled through, again."
Inside the bag, there holds additional pieces of armor for Jaune. Their designs match that of his own armor worn. He picks up one essential piece and looks closer at it in admiration.
He starts digging through the gym bag again for a set of the forged armor pieces, and settles on beginning the appliance. That being with the arm pieces. While removing his left spaulder, he puts on another shoulder plate. One that is more shaped and compressing to his muscle structure.
On Jaune's right side, he applies the same thing, along with rerebraces for his biceps and triceps. After the two pairs of arm pieces, he then applies the original spaulder over the new one, including one for his right as well this time.
With his upper armor on, Jaune tries adjusting to it with its bulky and heavier feeling. He only gets slightly more nervous as he feels its weight.
Arc: "...You alright?"
Jaune: "Uh, yeah… Just… This is… kinda heavier than I thought it would be. You don't think it'll slow me down, do you?"
Arc: "It'll be okay. Just takes some time getting used to after a while."
Jaune: "*sigh* Was it even a good idea for us to spread out and stake out across the villages? Should we have stayed together?"
Arc: "Who knows…? Your friends will be fine. They know their way back. If we ever get ambushed, then we'll fight whoever opposes us off, same as always.
Jaune: "Yeah… But… we're going up against the White Fang. I still can't believe it, sometimes… This is… different from killing Grimm… knocking blows with rogue Huntsmen, or surviving past Salem's goons. We're up against an entire army. One with every justified reason to be upset with the world."
Arc: "Correction: You're up against a corrupt leader of one… who is allowing for their services to be under the Grimm Witch's bidding… And as far as he is concerned, you are his equal."
Jaune: "But… why me? H-How did this ever become my responsibility?"
Arc: "...For you, clearly, it's due to what he and his acquaintances took from you, and those you cherish. Now I don't know if that's confident reasoning enough for you, but the question whether you are or not equal to him is enough to grab his attention. That should work to your advantage, and should be the first thing on your mind then a little extra weight on your shoulders. You and your friends have the power to succeed, this time."
Jaune: "Uh, yeah. But I mean, dad's with us… right? He'll… He'll keep my friends… He'll keep all of us safe from this, right?"
Arc: "Umm…"
(Meanwhile…)
Mistral Police Officer: "Um… excuse me, sir?"
Jacob: "*zzz*"
Mistral Police Officer: "General? Hey, sir!"
(...)
Arc: "You know dad… a very… VERY busy man. He's… got it covered?"
Jaune: "*sigh*"
Jaune then gets a call, dropping one piece of armor down, and grabbing his Scroll.
Ruby: "Hey Jaune?"
Jaune: "(nervous) Yeah, Ruby?! You find anything?!"
Ruby: "N-No. K-Kind of, I guess-. Are you okay? You sound kind of… jumpy."
Jaune: "...Sorry. Just… a little on edge."
Ruby: "Tell me about it…"
Jaune: "...I guess none of us will be sleeping well by the end of tonight then, huh?"
Ruby "Trust me, I'm no happier about it than you are."
Jaune: "...I don't know how you do it, Rubes… *clears throat* Uh- Did you need something?"
Ruby: "...Yeah. So… I figured if you're really going through with… you know, fighting Adam when the time comes, then… you should know… C-Can anyone else hear us right now?"
Jaune looks around to see no one eavesdropping (even if a certain Heiress had ducked away), then down to his Scroll to confirm their transmission is set to a two-way at the moment.
Jaune: "No, it's just us."
Ruby: "Good. Um… Also, I feel that I need to ask… Is it foggy where you are at all?"
Jaune: "Hm…?" The question brings Jaune to look through one of the humvee's windows and look outside. "No. The air's pretty clear. Same goes for the sky. Why? Is it for you up there?"
Ruby: "...Kind of."
Jaune: "I guess there must be a bit of mist up in your altitude. You think we can use that to our advantage?"
Ruby: "...Jaune." He stays silent and listens. "Do you remember… when I was having those dreams?"
Jaune: "Dreams?" He thinks for a moment, and then realizes what she means. "You mean… after we left… Shion?"
Ruby: "Yeah… and before we arrived there, too…"
Jaune: "I remember. You were hearing voices… Pyrrha's, especially… calling out my name, right?"
Ruby: "Yeah… It's… hard to explain this… But… I guess it started back at Beacon's Tower, after it had Fallen…"
Jaune: "It's been that way for a lot of us. We've all dreamt about that night… and more. Trust me, I get it."
Ruby: "...That's true… But that's not all. The thing is… that was when my Silver Eye powers first activated… and… seeing all this fog, I can almost remember more of my dream… and I can almost see Adam at the Tower like he said."
Jaune: "...!"
(More Than One Year Ago, Fall Of Beacon…)
You remember how it all went for me at first. I Burst to the top of the Tower, after the roof had tumbled down. The first thing I saw was Pyrrha, on her knees, with Cinder, as she shot her. Then, she disintegrates with only her crown circlet left.
Jaune: "...Right… So… you're saying you saw him?"
…I saw him… He was blurry… Or, maybe what I saw with Cinder was blurry, and I could see past the Hallucinations-. I don't know… Actually, yeah. That- The whole scenario was blurry. The bow and arrow, the lack of words. They were all so faint. But past that, I saw-.
(…)
Ren(Scroll): "Come in, Jaune. We might have something you'll want to take a look at."
Jaune: "-Hol-Hold on Ruby." Jaune and Ruby's conversation gets put off as they listen in on Ren's transmission. "Alright Sunflower, what've you got?"
Yang: "Probably hell's bathtub."
Jaune: "Uhh… Elaborate…?"
Ren: "They left a crate with an intriguing ensignia… and… an unsettling feel to it."
Jaune: "...'Unsettling', how?"
Ren: "As in possible 'Grimm-like magic' unsettling. Perhaps the first time I would ever describe something as such tonight… It's better if we show you."
Jaune: "Roger that. But if it's hazardous at all, I suggest you leave it where it is. Just get here safely."
Ren: "Roger, out."
The transmission ends, leaving it to just Jaune and Ruby.
Ruby: "Pretty curious…"
Jaune: "Aaand the worrisome news just adds on… Okay, sorry about that. Go ahead, Rubes."
Ruby: "Right."
(...)
The Hallucinations were blurry this time, and Cinder wasn't the one to kill Pyrrha. What Emerald tried to show me was faint, like ghosts in the mist. The same kind that I'm seeing now. They were in it, along with Adam, hiding in the shadows. But I could see him. I could see all of them.
They were all sharply outlined. Pyrrha was defeated, but Cinder… She was hesitating. And then Pyrrha stood up with a weak ankle.
Jaune: "Okay, but… I mean, these are all just dreams, though. Aren't they? These are all of what Adam had told us, and Cinder even seems to believe him."
There's more… At the last moment is when Adam had appeared. Almost instantly before Cinder could react. He didn't even face them as he lunged his blade… But she died, painlessly… Unlike the Hallucination led me to believe, she didn't sound like she was suffering, or gasping for air. It was as if she had gone to sleep the moment he laid her down. And THEN, she was gone.
Jaune: "*sigh*"
…He needed ME to feel hurt.
Jaune: "Huh?"
Remember, he didn't want Salem to know he was behind the Silver-Eye light that… I guess… is what injured Cinder. Given the fact that he and I are one in the same, he more than likely used his knowledge of the Light to activate mine…
Jaune: "By… killing Pyr-?"
Not just that alone, no… I don't think… I mean, Cinder was NOT happy about what he did. She really wanted Pyrrha to herself, and she probably was going to kill her herself, regardless of their shared apprenticeship with Professor Lionheart. But Adam didn't care. He was focused on the hit that Salem had over Pyrrha, either way… But also getting revenge… on Cinder.
Jaune: "...I see… Revenge for his men during the breach in Mountain Glenn, and during the Fall of Beacon, right?"
Right… Because right as she was gone, he looked at me… Past the Hallucination, and right. At. Me… And when he did… his eyes… behind the mask… had glowed.
Jaune: "So then… D-Does that mean he was…?"
It was short, but it was so tiny, and so bright. All I could hear were echoes… when he looked at me… I heard Pyrrha. I heard Cinder. And Roman, somehow. And it wasn't from Emerald's Semblance, trying to blur those voices as it did what I saw.
It was like everyone was speaking, somewhere, and those voices had all scattered and reached me! My heart was broken…! My body felt like it was gonna burn up… and I felt so angry…! And my head… I thought it was going to explode!
And then, it happened.
(...)
Ruby: "PYRRHA!"
(Present…)
Ruby: "The moment I saw Cinder charging at you in Haven, I flashed right back to that moment. And when Adam paralyzed the Grimm, I've been getting even more of some strange, but… immense feelings of the Silver-Eye's power… It has me pumped full of energy in a weird way. Feeling like my senses are sharper… Super sharper than ever before…! But it's also got me worried… Having this feeling occur in one night… both after I used it… and… when he did… Now up here, I notice that there's a lot of that same fog in the air. It's not just up in the clouds, but in the trees, near and below me on the lower altitude. Better yet, there's a lack of Grimm within this fog… A few of them on foot have already been paralyzed, too… And it wasn't just out here in the villages, but the same with the city. One moment, I'm closing in on the city border, and the next thing I find are piles of Grimm, smoking away. We've established that the Huntsmen and Huntresses in Mistral were all gone, and there sure weren't any officers there to do it either… Not unless… they were the same as me…"
Jaune: "A Silver-Eyed Warrior… It must be Adam, killing Grimm as he traveled."
Ruby: "The fog, right now… I see it surrounding all of the villages. And it's only outside of their walls can I see and hear Grimm."
Jaune: "Whoa…"
Ruby: "If I had to guess, I'd say that the Silver Eye's power leaves some kind of aura trace or residue that only…"
Jaune: "...That only a Silver Eyed Warrior would leave, as well as detect!"
Ruby: "Right, exactly! And from the looks of it, the Grimm kinda repel from it. That's for the ones that aren't paralyzed, of course."
Jaune: "...This is unbelievable…! And you're sure about all of this?"
Ruby: "Jaune, I could be wrong about some of this, other than what I can prove. I-I don't know what you plan on for this operation, so I don't want to jeopardize anything. But if I'm right, then Adam… He may not be all of what he seems."
Jaune: "Are you say- You're not saying he's on our side, are you? What, like Lionheart?"
Ruby: "What I'm saying is he might not be on Salem's side, completely. He might just be working for her and Cinder out of convenience… If he's really so dedicated to Her, he would've taken the key, and maybe finish us off then and there… wouldn't he?"
Jaune: "...I don't know. We'll just have to see, then. What about when we were up at Haven and your powers activated? How did it feel at that time?"
Ruby: "Almost the same… but not as painful, until Emerald knocked me out. I didn't see the 'dream', except for Cinder being in front of Pyrrha as I recall last time, just when you two were charging. I can see a massive cloud of that power up at the school… and…"
Jaune: "...And what?"
Ruby: "And a… small stream of bright… translucent clouds… leading from the school… to the cave of the town's former Grimm threat…"
Jaune: "That's where Ren and Yang were…"
Ruby: "...Passed Kuroyuri, and Oniyuri… and Higanbana…"
Jaune: "Sun, Weiss, and I…"
Ruby: "And passed… And… I… think it ends at… your old camping village…"
Arc: "...What?"
Jaune: "Really?!"
Ruby: "Yup! Hard to say if that's really where our guy Taurus went, but I can almost tell which cloud-like aura is mine from the mountain top, and which is his, based on how he must've traveled… I wish I could say, for sure. This is my third time having to struggle with this power…"
Arc: "...Now that she's mentioned it, I can almost feel his aura west of here…"
Ruby: "If I had to guess on how it works, I'd say it depends on how I feel when someone's in danger… The thought of someone's life at stake becomes too agonizing for me to bear more than it's ever been. And now, all I'm seeing is foggy aura clouds all across the land… I can't tell if this is my ability to sense all of this, or I'm only getting worse with anxiety… *yawn* and tiredness."
Jaune: "It could be a mix of both, ya know… but I think you're right. You should bring this up to Qrow and see if he can confirm these aspects of this power."
Ruby: "*sigh* He'll probably tell me the same as Professor Ozpin… I asked them just earlier today if he knew how my power's work, and it's always 'Stay vigilant! Control your emotions, first! Master it on your own! Figure out what kind of Huntress you want to be, and we'll talk!'"
Jaune: "Figures…"
Ruby: "And also something like 'The purest of lights are often the ones that need the most cover'. *groan* What's the point of having teachers if they don't… teach you?!"
Jaune: "...They might not know too much, themselves… Or they just have a different approach than filling us in… like with everything else… I gotta say, I'm still not a fan of how your Uncle and Ozpin keep things under wraps. But at the same time, I sometimes thought the Silver Eyes was a power to interpret on your own. If no one knows how it works, or can tell you much about it, then it should be yours alone to rediscover."
Ruby: "...You think so?"
Jaune: "...I do… And it's not like we can get much information from Adam, either. Not unless we can get him to talk long enough, maybe… All we have is what you've been feeling… If none of them can teach you this ability to win a battle against the Grimm of all things, then maybe your power should be more of yourself and what you'll make of it. It might've actually just helped us in this mission. So I'm glad you brought this up to me."
Ruby: "Wow… T-Thanks, Jaune…!"
Jaune: "Of course. Just a thought is all. *chuckle*… You got those powers from your mom. She brought you to this world so that you could share YOUR gifts, the way YOU were meant to. The only way you can do that is to accept it as your own."
Ruby: "Yeah… Hmph…"
Jaune: "Still, I think you should let Qrow and Ozpin know what you're seeing now and how your senses are being affected. They might not listen, but I'm sure they'd appreciate the progress you've made."
Ruby: "Okay then… Hmm… You know, you say you don't trust Uncle Qrow or Ozpin, but it sounds like you do, more than the last time I remember…"
Jaune: "...I guess so… He and the Professor know more than we do. They've seen things we haven't, and… maybe what we have by this point. So I don't have much of a choice now… When all is said and done, we're all on the same mission together, and I know they're not really bad guys."
Ruby: "Right? You know, they're just a bit tough sometimes. You get it."
Jaune: "I… guess… I don't trust them completely, but everyone's goal for the most part seems pretty aligned. And I could say that about Lionheart, too… I really thought we could trust him at first. I hope we've changed his mind about Salem. But this should go to show why we need to be careful with who guides us…"
Ruby: "...Or how we guide ourselves… It seemed like a stroke of luck when he helped us back at the school. But really, I think we owe that to you… and your loyalty to Pyrrha. I think if he cooperates, Qrow and Ozpin can work something out for him with the Council."
Jaune: "Yeah… The Council…" The thought of where their superiors are currently headed and whom they left to converse with crosses his thought process. "Hmm…"
Ruby: "…You know, he's the only one of my kind I've ever seen since I discovered what I… what we both are…"
Jaune: "I know…"
Ruby: "And… I still owe it to my team to know more about who we've really been dealing with… We're really depending on you, Jaune. We may have been pretty optimistic taking on these threats, but we've probably come as deep as what some of our ancestors had fought for because of it. To defeat some of this… evilness in the world… If you can learn anything from him… that could help me, maybe, help me know who I am, I would be grateful… Or just defeat him on behalf of my sisterhood too, however peaceful or rough you gotta get… then I would be in your debt."
Jaune: "(heroic accent) ...My sword and shield has, and always will be, yours in my service, oh leader of RWBY… I mean, it took me some time to get good at it, but…"
Ruby: "*giggle*"
Jaune: "Haha. I'll do the best I can."
Ruby: "Thank you, Jaune."
Jaune: "Heh. Anyway, these are the best leads we've gotten in hours. I'd say it's about that time. We should get everyone else to retreat back to the truck."
Ruby: "You're right. I'm heading down now."
Jaune: "Good. You guys stay safe coming back."
Ruby: "Roger that. See you soon." The two leaders end their conversation and transfer over to their members. "Come in, Thundercats. Regroup back to the Arc Mobile as soon as possible."
Blake: "Alright. Enroute."
Nora: "We'll be there in a jiff."
Yang: "See you on the way, sis."
Ruby: "I'll see you then, big sis." Our Heroes from the ground end their transmission as they gradually make their return from the villages they spreaded upon. Ruby from up above hangs up her Scroll, and folds Crescent Rose. She takes one more look at Anima's environment, admiring its vast moonlit greenery. From below, she then sees Blake, Nora, Ren and her sister Yang, gradually about to meet their designated positions. "Thank Oum for the full moon…"
(Meanwhile, Nuckelavee Cave…)
The cave comes off to be tidier than previously. Its fragments left by the deceased have been collected and placed in a bag by Ren, and under Yang's care.
Yang: "You almost done with your stress clean-up there? I think we got all the clues we need to know that they were here and left."
Ren: "Almost done, yes. These relics were here before our enemies' arrival. They're all of what's left of the Grimm's victims. Those people deserve a proper burial, if not their memories returned to the few families that might've survived…" The mention of the deceased brings Yang to look over them once more, and express sorrow through her face. "But… nothing else that could lead us to Adam, or your mother."
Yang: "...Right." She tries to distract her mind elsewhere, but then notices the wilting rose on Ren's armband. "Why are you still carrying that stupid flower around? Just throw that away! It's useless."
Ren: "Perhaps not… I can still feel an essence of aura from it. It might just need care, and some stability."
Yang: "...Whatever. Do you see any other leads we can use, or not?"
Ren: "Nothing else to report, other than what they left behind." He gestures toward what Yang referred to prior; the body sized crate. "We should head back, now."
From underground, a Creep suddenly jumps up and pounces at Yang. She instantly grabs it by the throat, and throw-shoots it to smoke.
Yang: "Fine by me." Her hand shakes before her right reaches over, only to realize and remember she cannot bother to hold it still. Instead, she grabs hold of the crate and drags it along the way. "This cave is haunting enough as it is."
Ren: "...It is." Ren follows suit as he places the relics inside the crate and helps Yang carry it above their heads. As they hold it, the tips of their fingers nearly feel numb, yet they keep it balanced one hand each and away from the damp Grimm stains with their aura brought out more. "...How is your aura?"
Ren looks to Yang and can see her feel unsettled with the crate as well.
Yang: "...It's holding…" He sticks his hand out to Yang and Masks the both of them with his Tranquility. The feeling they have with the crate becomes more nullified and easier to carry. "*sigh* Thanks."
Ren: "Don't mention it. My hope is that this will be the last time I or anyone will ever have to step into that cave…"
Yang: "Me too… I still can't thank you guys enough for helping my sister during your first trip out here."
Ren: "It's what friends are for… Though really, I should be thanking your sister. I insisted on this recon, given that Nora and I didn't get a chance to pray over these losses after the first time we were here. They knew how I felt about the creature that used to reside atop this mountain. So I'm thankful to you all for being patient with me."
Yang: "...So is that why Jaune was so reluctant to send you and Nora out here?"
Ren: "Most likely… He usually gets like this when we're in the field."
Yang: "Pfft. And I thought my dad had issues being such a parent. I don't remember him ever mothering you guys around. He kinda worries too much…"
Ren: "I'd say he got it from his experience with his siblings…"
Yang: "Ha! Now that'd be a show!"
Ren: "*chuckle* Though for good reasons. Combine that with a man that took away his partner, our teammate… and you'd see just how he's been more on edge than ever before… Even still, he's always pushing himself. He seems to exceed what we expect, every time we've come across a threat thus far."
Yang: "Heh… You got a point there. I mean Vomit-Boy kickin' ass? Wow!"
Ren nods his head to Yang's admiration, and then looks to the rose at his side.
Ren: "...And I just might have a theory of what all his powers could do."
Yang: "And what's that?"
Ren: "Well… let's just say it involves a rose that might not be as useless as we think."
Yang: "...!"
(Meanwhile, Oniyuri…)
Jaune had ended the transmission before trying to get over the heavy feeling on his arms and shoulders. He then begins placing on his thigh armor and knee pads. Followed by his calf armor, which required him to remove his boots for them to clad over.
With the rest of Jaune's armor on, it all clads over most of his jeans and the top of his boots, exposing the foot portion. However, Jaune starts to feel uncomfortable from the feel of his armor as a whole.
Jaune: "This all feels like it'll weigh me down, or just fall right off my body."
Arc: "Oh come on. This isn't your first time being in leg armor. You've worn heavier…"
Jaune: "Sure, but unlike earlier today with Nora's weight training, my new self here is gonna have trouble fighting in a full suit."
Arc: "It's your call. Either you get used to it, quick, or just take it off and go lightweight if you can't handle it."
Jaune: "You know I can't take this off, now… How else am I gonna beat him if I keep getting stabbed from every opening he finds on me?"
Arc: "Simple: Get good, and do better."
He then stretches and straightens his back up in trying to get over the full armor's discomfort.
Jaune: "...This is nothing. Now all that's left is the… What the-? The hel-…" Looking back into the gym bag, Jaune sees that something is missing. "Where is it?"
But looking back up, he sees Weiss, closing the curtain behind her and strides up in front of him. And in her hand, she holds the last piece of his armor. His hood helmet.
He finds himself flustered as he sees Weiss place his helmet down and stand up close to him. Not only that, but her hands feel across the armor on him.
Jaune: "Weiss?! Y-You- You're supposed to keep watch outside."
Weiss: "I've got that covered."
He can see as such, pass the edge of the curtain, from the swarm of Summoned Lancers that guard the truck from outside. Sun even notices them in surprise.
Sun: "Whoa- ho-ho-ho! Weiss, d-did you…?" One of the Lancers nods in confirmation for her. "I, uh… think I'll leave this job back to you… guys."
He steps into the truck and sits at the front passenger side. Weiss then turns to Jaune for her to continue her previous thought process.
Jaune: "Well, it's better than a bunch of rapier wasps trying to sting us. Bu-But you shouldn't-!"
Weiss: "Don't… say another word." Abiding by her demand, Jaune silences himself as Weiss closely observes his armor. Admittedly to herself however, Weiss blushes with how touchy she is with the plates, straps, and Jaune's body. "Jaune, this… this armor looks… amazing! Even better with the chestplate and bracers. How come you never had this till now?"
Jaune: "Um… Well, the Blacksmith couldn't forge everything at once in the time we needed before one of our missions at the time. And we wanted to get to Haven as soon as we could, which put us on a schedule as we camped and traveled. So I had the Blacksmith work on most of the upper body armor first. I figured that'd be better, since I've been used to that kind of set for a while. It was also easier to travel and do more work with… *grunt* …less weight on. And the weight in these rerebraces are starting to kill my shoulders…"
Arc: "Suck it up, buttercup."
Jaune: "As useful as all this might've been earlier, I figured to stick with what you know as you grow. Ya know? *chuckle*... Yeah, that was a bad one…"
Weiss: "No no. I get it… And by that time, that's when you met the Headmaster, right?"
Jaune: "Right. I was hoping to try this out before… all THIS happened… so I could get the hang of it more… But I guess, I figured, there was no better time than now."
Weiss: "...I can't tell whether these two are actually ready for this, or if they're just pushing themselves. Ruby… She's really grown… Not as much of a child like she was at Beacon anymore. At… least not when in the field, I suppose."
Jaune: "Sooo… what are you-?"
Weiss: "I think… I think you and Ruby, as leaders, did a good enough job as it is… in timing everything for you and everyone in this team, up to this point."
Jaune: "Um… thank you?"
By the looks of his armor, she begins to notice its loose hold to his body.
Weiss: "However… if you believe this will give you a better edge than before… I don't think you guys should be too hard on yourselves. I mean, look at this, Jaune…! You could at least wear your armor right… You're gonna end up battling your own gear while the enemy's running circles around you." She then starts to reach for the insides of the plating. "Just… hold still, for a moment."
Jaune: "I… have been, but… Okay…"
Starting with his chestplate, Weiss reaches in between the armor and Jaune's body. Both of them blush harder, but focus on the critical task at hand. And despite his familiarity and adjusted comfort to his chestplate, Weiss ends up maneuvering and tightening its hold on him. Surprisingly to Jaune, he feels a small difference.
Jaune: "Hmm… This actually feels… better, somehow."
Weiss: "It should. Why don't you ever tighten these straps?"
Jaune: "Would you believe me if I said I kept growing out of it? Haha."
Weiss: "...I might, if I didn't think you were too lazy to do this yourself."
Jaune: "*chuckle* Fair enough… Catherine always did know how to keep it tight the right way…"
Arc: "She sure did… I do hope she's alright up there at Haven… Who am I kidding? For all I know, she probably rebuilt the school already for herself to teach and rule."
Weiss: "*sigh* I guess I'll just have to help you with the rest, now. Maybe that'll help you sound a little more… confident…"
(Meanwhile, With Thundercat And Sunflower…)
Nora: "...Oh look, there's Ruby!"
The group from the ground level all look up and see a swirl of rose petals leave from tree to tree, descending from branch to branch, and appear before them.
Ruby: "Phew! Now THAT'S a good landing strategy!"
Yang: "Hey there, sis."
Ruby: "Hey!" The two sisters give a half hug, and they all continue to jog onward. Ruby however notices Yang's unusually calm aura, until she sees Ren having the same experience with his Tranquility flowing from him. However, she also notices the ominous Grimm marked crate they were carrying. "What have you got there?"
Blake: "Yeah, I was meaning to ask that too, actually…"
Ren: "I believe that this is nothing more than a crate… or a coffin, perhaps… covered with Grimm carnage."
Yang: "The way Ren puts it, probably something from Salem that could use a little touch of light from a certain knight."
Ren: "...That was not how I phrased it earlier…"
Yang responds to his correction with her tongue sticking out at him.
Ren: "...But yes. Something, or… someone… must have come out of this… Wherever it came from originally… it was NOT… a place of blessing."
(Meanwhile, Oniyuri…)
A while passes after her work, and Weiss stands up to face Jaune upfront again. After grabbing his helmet from the floor, she begins applying it to the hood of his hoodie by reaching behind his head. Their faces are close, as her chest presses up against his chestplate. Yet they don't feel as embarrassed from the closeness.
Lastly, Weiss places the helmet hood over Jaune's head. She then secures its chin strap to his jaw, staying in place as it moves appropriately to his turning head's comfort. The helmet alone covers most of his head, while only shading the top of his face. Only when up close, could she see his shadowy blue eyes.
With her work done, Weiss pats Jaune's chest, gesturing for her completion.
Jaune: "Thank you, Weiss. It's a little restraining to move in, but overall… I feel great."
Weiss: "You can thank me by not dying this time… and teaching Adam a lesson or two like you showed promise in doing back at the school. We're trusting you to end this for our sake." In that moment, she looks deep into his eyes, and they both come off more serious to one another. "That man, that you're so close to, is responsible for countless murders… More than you can imagine. Both in my family, and across Remnant… from even just his influence alone… I don't want that for this team anymore than you or Ruby. Even I can tell none of us can stand up to him like you both did today. So… So do not hold anything back for him. Is that clear?"
Jaune: "Yes… I won't be going easy on him…" Jaune nods at Weiss with a calm and assuring smile. "I'll give him everything I've got."
Arc: "He'll have it no other way, anyway! *chuckle*"
Weiss: "..." She nods her head, and in a moment of hesitation, closes more into him. "And… I know he's your brother… but… You shouldn't let him get through to you. I have a brother too. And an older sister. I love them… but… I can understand how they can get under your skin, and make you question yourself… Be proud of who you are now."
Jaune: "Yeah… You're right. I am proud of myself, even if I do have a long way to go… And I'm proud of every single one of you… in this group here, more than ever. My classmates… I'll make sure we all get better at this together. Thank you for believing in me, Weiss."
With his acceptance, Weiss starts straightening up Jaune's outfit, like it were a uniform. And then as a surprise, Weiss hesitates for a moment, but gives a kiss to Jaune's cheek. They both become colored pink before making eye contact once more.
Weiss: "...And thank you for believing in me."
The moment however ends…
Nora: "So ya got a thing for our leader now, huh?"
…As they hear one of their friends together from the other side of the truck.
Now blushing much harder, Weiss turns her head to the curtain. She swings it open to see that Nora and that the rest of the group had already returned.
Jaune: "S-So uh, how long have you guys-?!"
Yang: "Somewhere along the lines of: (mockingly) 'Thank me by not dying, Oh this feels good!'"
Weiss: "B-Be quiet!"
Ren: "Okay, okay. It was just a kiss for good luck, everyone…"
Weiss: "Right. E-Exactly."
Ren: "But a kiss, nonetheless."
Nora: "HAha!"
As Ren, Nora, and everyone laughs, Weiss just pouts and stomps past everyone and goes outside.
Nora: "I guess all that persistence paid off, huh Ice Queen?" Not a word from Weiss, other than stomping back faster, punching the back of her head, and leaving the truck again "Pfft. Weak… *laugh*!"
Ruby on the other hand rubs the back of her head, remembering a similar act to her.
Ruby: "Speak for yourself…"
Jaune's comrades inch in close to see the look of his armor and the lower half of his red face.
Sun: "New armor, AND a kiss from the girl! WOO! ALRIGHT, SIR JAUNEY-BOY!"
Yang: "*whistle* Heh! Not bad at all, lady-killer!"
Jaune: "*groan* I wanna die right now…"
Yang: "Hahahaha-!"
Jacob: "Careful what you wish for, my boy."
Young Beacons: "*shock*!"
Sun: "Dude, what the hell-?"
Jacob: "This isn't the time to make such a wish."
Jaune: "Huh?" Jacob appears right at the driver's seat to everyone's unexpected surprise. "D-Dad?! When did you get here?!"
Weiss And Sun: "HOW did you get there?!"
Blake: "Good question. I couldn't even hear him approaching."
Jacob: "I took a train and ran… So… seeing as you've found time to clad in your armor…" He steps up from the seat, and walks past everyone, up to Jaune. "...I'd say you look nearly impenetrable."
Nora: "...I'll say. You know, I was starting to get worried that this armor wouldn't fit after we-."
Jaune: "Where have you been?!"
Starting from Ruby who grows just as strict as his son, the Young Beacons look up at Jacob. Even Weiss steps back in and shows her suspicions of him.
Jacob: "...Sorry I left you all hanging like that. But like I said, I'm simply here to help. I only left the way I did because I knew you'd handle it, like you always have… Does she ride okay…? The truck, I mean."
Jaune: "She… She rides fine, dad… Now where-?"
Jacob: "While you and your friends were on your road trip, I was speaking with Mistral's Chief of Police to give you kids a little more help. I figured you'd be used to these kinds of shenanigans with your sisters… Only now, the police are working to fight FOR the girls, and the girls this time are your sisters in arms who are just as deadly."
Weiss: "Sir, that's still no excuse for you to just leave mid-drive and nearly crash us!"
Yang: "Says you. That ride was FUN!"
Blake: "...Do the police chase his sisters when we're not visiting-? What?! No…"
Ruby: "Just what DID you go through with your sisters growing up, Jaune?"
Jaune: "More than I can count, less of what I'd hoped…"
Jacob: "Good news is, the rest of the officers are actively aligned with the ones already working with Menagerie, now."
Blake: "R-Really?!"
Jacob: "Absolutely. They're still keeping watch over the city and the Vault as we speak." Jacob takes out his Scroll and holds it out before the group. "Here, you'll want to add the officers to your Scroll."
Blake looks to Sun, who gets up from his seat to her, and Jacob looks to Jaune and Ruby. Both Blake and the leaders walk up, and take out their Scrolls to put some of the leading officers' information to their devices as well.
Sergeant: "Ms. Belladonna, do you read me?"
Blake: "Yes. Loud and clear."
Sergeant: "Are you present with the leaders of your group?"
Sun: "We hear you, sir."
Ruby: "Yup."
Jaune: "Us, as well as the rest of our team."
Sergeant: "Copy. See you all shortly. Roger out."
Jacob: "They'll need to brief the events of tonight to the Chief by its end. A thorough report for the Council, whom I'm hoping to attend a meeting with when this is over. Until then, I did advise them not to join you all in battle unless absolutely necessary. Just know that it still stands that you all will be representing the Kingdom's hope of survival on their behalf." This brings three of the leaders, Jaune, Ruby and Sun, to nod in an assurance. "Heh. Well alright then… I must say, I'm very proud to see each and every one of you beside my son here, and helping him to grow so much… Speaking of which, how do you like going heavy metal again, son? We were afraid you wouldn't fit in it."
Nora: "Right?!"
Jacob: "You must've been bulking up ever since your sister and I picked up the Blacksmith's gear."
Ren: "Very true… Nora and I have been wondering about that, ourselves. But Jaune's also become more slim and cut since then as well. Even before visiting Sakura." Ren takes a close look at his armor. Nora lifts his arm up and moves it around to look at its design, and feels the restraints of the straps. "You should be flexible enough to move as you please."
Jaune: "Only time's gonna tell, now. *grunt* This full armor here kinda feels like a new experience for me at the moment."
Ruby: "It does look familiar…"
Jaune: "So, uh… what else did you guys find out there?"
Ren: "Yang and I found something they left behind. Not sure what was in it."
Ren points to the Grimm crate outside, and everyone steps out to look at it. Jaune reaches for it, yet feels a dark vibe seep from it.
Sun: "Great. Now we've got something to bury Adam in, now."
Blake: "Sun…"
Yang: "Hmph. I agree."
Blake: "Geez…"
Jaune: "...I don't know what this thing is either Ren, but you probably shouldn't have touched it. It's all covered in Grimm matter."
Ren: "I know… But I figured there was something you could do to test your abilities. And also…" Yang takes a soaking bag from inside the crate and passes it to Ren. "...Perhaps purify these as well."
Nora: "What are those?"
Ren: "...Memoirs… of the fallen victims." Knowing what they are, Nora steps up, opens and lays out the bag flat on the ground of Grimm carnage soaked weapons and tools of the Nuckelavee's victims. "General- Er… Papa-Jacques… I'd like to document each trinket based on the estimated tribes and villages they originate from. When this is over, I plan on sorting them out to any loved ones that might still be alive, and can recognize whom they belong to."
Jacob: "I understand." The General nods his head and looks to Jaune. "Well son, give it a try."
Jaune: "Give it a-? What do you guys want me to do? Put it through a dishwasher?"
Weiss: "Jaune!"
Jaune: "Sorry, I-I didn't mean-."
Nora: "Silly… They want you to use your Semblance to evaporate this Grimm gunk off of it. Go ahead, try!"
Jaune: "But, that's not how it-. How would my Semblance be used to just…? What if I accidentally destroy these relics? I couldn't do that."
Ren: "Please, Jaune… I'm only asking that you try. I'll take responsibility. It'll be on me if you do break them, but I doubt you'd let your abilities do as such."
Jaune: "Oh… Oh, alright. Can't hurt to try I guess."
Jaune holds his hands out to the defiled weapons and memories of those the notorious Grimm had slain, and brings himself to glow. The light Jaune transfers shines from his forearms, down to his fingertips. It seeps out of him and onto the black gooey covered objects.
The objects themselves then are given a light that blinds everyone. It eventually subsides until everyone can see them. The swords, arrows, flags, and other artifacts come off as clean and more purified than with the Grimm carnage that had evaporated.
Yang: "*gasp*"
Nora: "Oh my…!"
Ren: "Jaune, y-you did it!" Ren, now in bliss, steps up and takes one of the swords. He looks over it in amazement to its shiny look. "I think it's even better than before this had reached the Grimm's back. No rust… Not even a dent or a dulled edge… Huh."
Nora then walks up beside Ren and picks up both a Shion and Kuroyuri flag. No black stains, nor dirt, or even a single tear like she previously remembers.
Nora: "Amplification, indeed…!"
Jaune: "I… don't know what to say. I hope this was enou-."
Jaune had not finished his words as Ren dashes up and hugs him tight. He returns the hug, knowing how much it means to him, and Nora, watching them with watered eyes.
Ren: "Thank you, Jaune… Thank you!"
Ruby too smiles, along with everyone else watching them. Including Yang with a small smirk as she holds her shoulder.
Their hug holds for a moment long enough for Ren's eyes to water also. The box however comes back to Jaune's intrigue.
Jaune: "Hm…"
He pats his brother's shoulder, before they separate. Jaune looks close in the box and its lid lying halfway on it. He sticks his head inside, but immediately jerks his head out, holding his nose.
Ruby: "What…?! Does it stink?"
Jaune: "No, it doesn't stink. Ah! *sniff* …But it does sting. You know when it's less than 0 degrees outside, and whenever you inhale, the air is just too dry? It has that kind of feeling."
Weiss: "Ooh…"
Jaune: "Yeah, THAT feeling. There's no odor coming out of it, but you'd be crazy to take a big whiff under that temperature… like I just did. Ow…" His nose soon recovers and he focuses on what he'll do to the box next. "Okay. Here goes…"
Like before, Jaune bestows his aura onto the Grimm crate. It takes him a while to concentrate and repeat the process, until he puts more power into his exertion.
Arc: "Come on…! Push!"
However, the process fails, and the light surrounding the crate had not taken in so much as a gleam of Jaune's aura. He then exhales in exhaustion.
Ren: "*sigh*"
Yang: "Hey, not a bad try though, Jaune. Right?"
Jaune: "Yeah… Just where did this thing come from?"
Jacob: "Not to worry, son. Save your energy for now. I'll have my guys look into this heinous box… As for you, Lie Ren… I will gladly take these memoirs and give proper compensation to the families that these belong to."
Ren: "Thank you, sir."
Nora: "...That's awesome! Thanks, Papa!"
Weiss: "Why do they keep calling him that?"
Jacob: "Just doing my job, young ones. Now, how do you kids plan on neutralizing your targets, anyway? Have you found any of them yet?"
Jaune: "We have, actually."
Yang: "Y-You have?! Since when?"
Jaune: "To tell the truth, a few moments ago, when Ruby gave me a few clues to where one of them might be."
Ruby: "The power of the Silver-Eyes… Somehow, it leaves a trace of itself. I can feel that energy west of here more clearly."
Jaune: "Somewhere near one of our old camping grounds, she says."
Jacob: "Oh, you mean Shion?"
Jaune: "Yeah. Heh… That's where we got a hunch of our other Silver-Eyed member choosing to wait… If he was really a part of the family, I'd imagine him knowing how much that place meant to me."
Jacob: "A likely place to assume, of course. Well done, Ms. Rose… I must ask, however, what brought you and my son to take such caution on your mission? Seems like it'd be more fun if you all just wing it and burst through on his location."
Ruby: "...For our teammates. There was no telling where that big booming voice came from moments ago. Our enemies could've gotten the drop on us again if we weren't a little more stealthy as we looked for them on the way."
Jaune: "And truth be told, dad… some of us aren't fully prepared for this… Us leaders, we have to be. For all we knew, most, if not all of them, know the Kingdom of Mistral better than most of us. Ren and Sun being some of the exceptions in our group. We'd… probably all be lost if it weren't for them…. With that said I'll be the first to face off with Adam… as per usual, it seems."
Blake: "He… He doesn't mean by himself, does he?!"
Jacob: "...Well son, if you're certain about this, then I stand by with you on your decision." From Jacob's hip, he pulls forth the secondary weapons of Flourish and Fair. "You will be needing this if you hope to save this Kingdom and your friends. But especially if you truly wish to save Adam, and put an end to his turmoil."
Seeing the weapon set, Jaune starts to grow nervous. Certain memories, those of which mentioned, and others with little clarity begin to flash in his mind.
Jaune: "Alright… Well it's about time I got reacquainted with an old weapon of mine, then. *deep inhale, exhale*!"
Jaune slowly steps past his fellow Beacons and stands closer before his father. Jacob nods his head, then activates his Scroll attached to his wrist. He conducts a video call to Catherine at Haven, nearly to Jaune's surprise of her sudden inclusion.
Catherine: "(Scroll) Hey, everyone! Good to see communication's been updated-. *gasp* Jauney! You're going heavy metal!"
Jaune: "*chuckle* Yeah. I know it's not really the first time, but it sure feels like it."
Catherine: "I understand… Oh brother, I'm so proud of you…! You ready for this?"
Jaune nods his head in appreciation for Catherine to bear witness beside their father, via Scroll. Jacob, who bows his head, takes a knee before his son and presents his former weapon set, Flourish and Fair, above his head.
Jacob: "Take back what is yours, son… so that as an Arc's promise, as your father… I… WE… shall make everything right."
Taking a good look at his forgotten weapon, Jaune admires the allure of Flourish and Fair. He notes the crucial design of how it imitates Wilt and Blush.
Due to all that had been revealed up to this point, from the Silver Eyes, the memories, and his power, Jaune begins to recognize the weapon in which he had forged. Thus, a sensation begins.
Arc: "Get ready… Cause it's story time!"
(12 Years Ago…)
Two young kids, a boy and a girl, run through the trees of a park. It is the daytime, and they run away from a pursuer behind them.
The boy is in a short sleeved hoodie that shadows his eyes, and he holds the girl's hand as they run in exhausting hope of their safety. The girl wears a dark blue bow over her head, a handkerchief around her neck, and a pair of overall shorts over a ragged shirt. However, the pursuer in their preteen years giving chase tackles them both to the ground. They slip out of their hold with the boy pulling the girl up to her feet.
They stand up, staring at the bully. The two back away only to find a wide tree behind them, leaving them cornered. The girl shakes in fear while the boy stands his ground with the bully approaching. He holds his fist up to his face, only for the bully to kick his arms, shoving the two against the tree.
The girl feels woozy and rubs her bleeding right eye in pain. But with them both down, the bully grabs her by the bow, revealing her cat ears. They yank it off, and grab her by her ear and hair.
Bully: "I knew it!"
She screams as she is dragged away, but the boy immediately runs up and punches at their arm. This brings the bully to drop the girl, and grab him by the hood before kneeing in his nose.
?: "J-Jaune!"
Jaune: "S-Stay away Blake! Agh! Run!"
This time, the girl (Blake) runs up, only to be shoved back as the bully throws the boy (Jaune) down. She can only sit and watch as he stomps down at him in between punching him.
Bully: "Get outta my way! Freaking Faunus lover-! They don't belong here, and you know it!" The bully stops, and turns to Blake once more. But even as Jaune aches from the pain he feels, he reaches out for the bully's leg, and trips them. "Ahh-! You son of a…!"
Blake: "Jaune, no!"
Bully: "She's not allowed on this property! Why can't you little beasts just follow the damn sign!"
Jaune: "He- He'll be here-! Ow…! Just… Just you wait…"
Blake: "(whisper)...He'll be here… I…" As she struggles in watching him suffer, she only grows more agitated. Her eyes become more feral with slit pupils. Her bleeding right eye's iris begins to fade in a greenish tint. "I can't just watch! I have to-!"
Then suddenly, a force swoops in, which leads to a hit across the bully's head. Blake sees the other person in white and red dress clothes, as well as a black blindfold over their eyes, and under their white horns.
Adam: "Blake, are you alright?!"
Blake: "Adam…!"
Adam: "Oh no, Jaune! Quick, can you walk?! Get him out of here, and find Uncle Ghira! He's just down the trail, on his way!"
Blake then realizes what had happened. Looking over, she sees Jaune, barely responsive, and helps him to his feet. He limps with her arm under his shoulder, and she looks back to Adam as he fights.
The bully goes in, only for Adam to hit him with his wooden katana each time. With his eyes covered, he only listens in on every time he tries to hit him, while also waiting for the sounds of Blake and Jaune's exhaustion to fade in the distance.
Jaune coughs, and he begins to run with both of his legs after getting used to the pain he feels. Blake sees as his aura slowly, but subconsciously subside his wounds, and she eases up more from holding him.
(The Reacquaintance Of Jaune Arc…)
Surrounded by white again, now brighter somehow, Jaune finds himself feeling internally divided. His clothes are the same as that of only his chestplate, spaulder and bracers, and without his lower body's armor. His whole color scheme once more is faint, other than that of red and copper. But after his familiarizing interaction with Blake and Adam of the past, Jaune feels himself coming to that same characteristic.
For Jaune looks down and sees that very character kneeling before him where Jacob was/is.
This time clad in full leathered squire armor. Looking up from where his father was last seen, he once again finds his past self in yellow and white, with a glowing blue light from under his hood; The silhouette Arc in him.
Arc: "This is it. Are you ready?"
Jaune: "To officially be 'Jaune Arc' this time? Yeah… A little nervous, not gonna lie."
Arc: "Heh. Me too."
Jaune: "Well, that probably just means that we have more in common than we think. Huh, 'Felix'?" The Arc in Jaune becomes shocked, hearing the assumed to be less confident part of him make such a remark. It makes both of them laugh hysterically before wiping away their tears. "Hahaha! *sigh* ...So let's both fulfill our dreams. And we'll start with a proper greeting to become one."
Arc: "Heh heh… I'd like that."
Standing above his once forgotten self, Jaune sticks his hand out. Much like the greeting he gave to another, he introduces himself while on their paths to heroism.
Jaune: "Hi… I'm Jaune."
Arc: "..." He looks to himself, and takes his hand into his own. "...Arc."
Upon contact, the Arc in Jaune dwells within him. And by that, his yellowish gold/blonde and blue color scheme comes into full color with his red and copper, and his new armor in full. The remainder of himself remains faint however, such as his skin, and the brightness of his armor. So even with his completion, he questions it.
Jaune: "So… is this me from the past… the present… or am I…?" Before he could give another thought, he feels multiple vibrations surrounding him without even looking. It gives him an answer without a word, nor restrains him of his reawakened empowerment. "Yes… That's all that matters. I'm me… Jaune Arc."
(One Second Later…)
From his mental perception of self hand greeting, Jaune, after the years that have passed, finds himself reunited with an extension of himself; Flourish and Fair. He takes a moment to admire it in his possession. Its shining white image, and his family Arc emblem engraved on it in blue. He even looks over his bracer with its unutilized attachment.
Recognizing the structure and build of both creations, Jaune sees how it was meant for his weapon set of white and blue. He then finally attaches it to his bracer, seeing how well it fits and feels.
With a flick of his forearm forward, the sword unsheaths a few inches from the sheath, as it converts to its gun form. He flicks it back, sheathing the blade back in, and then twists his wrist to flick it at his backhand and elbow for more maneuverability.
Weiss sees this, along with Jacob, who stands back up. It brings them, as well as Jaune's allies, happiness to Jaune and his father's ceremonial pass off. This includes Catherine as she sees her brother, holding back her tears.
Weiss: "Now THAT looks much better."
Jaune: "Dad… I'm back!"
Jacob: "I see." Jacob steps up to him, and gives a hug to Jaune. "...Welcome back… I love you, son!"
Jaune: "...I love you too…" Subconsciously, the two Arcs give off a glow from one another, leading Jaune to hug his father back. "...Dad."
As their glows fade, Jaune separates from Jacob and gives one more nod before turning back to his friends.
Nora: "J-Jaune… Are you…? Did you change?"
Jaune: "...Yeah." He looks to his left hand and tightens his grip to feel as such. "...But… I'm still me, Nora… thankfully. This time… I remember everything. And I mean, everything."
Nora: "So… you haven't forgotten us, like…?"
Jaune: "No. I'm starting to get a better understanding of who I am now. I'll make sure to never forget it, this time."
(Elsewhere…)
Out in the depths of Mistral stands the enemy of the night who feels an immense surge of power.
Adam: "At last…!"
(With Our Heroes…)
Ren: "So then we take it that your sword has restored your old memories, while you still retain your new ones then?"
Jaune: "That's correct. At long last, I might add."
Nora: "*sigh* What a relief. Well alright then, fearless leader. We're glad to have you all back."
Catherine: "I'll say. *giggle*"
Yang: "...So how soon should we be heading out?"
Jaune: "*sigh* The question brings a strong sign of reluctance in Jaune to answer. He instead reaches in his pouch and looks to one of the other leaders of the group. "Sun, take this."
Sun: "Okay…?"
From it, he gives Sun Lionheart's watch (the key to Haven's Vault).
Jaune: "So long as they think I have the key, I ought to be the only one they're after for now. I wanna keep this as far away from them as possible. But I think I can trust it with you more than anywhere else… . We're all that's left, for now. We can still save your school, and this Kingdom. In order for that to work, you need to keep this safe, from now on. Let no one, especially our enemies, know you have this key."
Sun: "...What about Lionheart? He entrusted this to you, didn't he?"
Jaune: "He might as well have trusted it with you. One of his REAL students. I shouldn't have to be the one to pass this off to you. This should've been the Headmaster's job. But since Mistral's your school, it should be one of its present team leaders to protect its prized Relic. Knowing you… your sacrifice at the school, and taking good care of my cousin here… tells me everything I need to know."
Sun: "Gee… Thanks. I dig the generosity. Huh… Jaune and Blake as cousins… She's full of all kinds of mysteries… Always keeping a guy wondering… But, ya know, I still won't be happy until I get a crack at the guy who blew it up."
Jaune: "*chuckle* I know…"
Sun: "So… what happens if they find out you don't have it? Or, you know, if 'I' have it?"
Jaune: "Then that'll be your shot to get at him, won't it…? But I'm sure you got what it takes to keep them guessing."
Sun: "Heh. Got that right!"
Jaune: "I'll be doing the same, but by keeping the fight focused on me… even if Adam does find out. He'll have to get through me in order to get to any of you…"
Ruby: "...And get through all of us in order to get to any one of us!"
Nora: "Right!"
Jaune: "One more thing before I leave… Ren… May I see the flower?"
Ren takes the rose out of his armband and holds it before Jaune. Looking down at it, Jaune then pulls out his sword, Flourish. And then Crocea Mors sword.
Weiss: "Okay. So, while you're handling Adam, how do we plan on actually stopping him?"
Jaune: "By whatever means it takes to."
Weiss: "...Wait, so you don't even know yourself, do you? What, you think you're just going to fight him until he runs out of breath and hope he changes his mind about revolution?"
Jaune: "I'm going to fight him, either way. That's inescapable at this point. But the revolution isn't the problem. It's this cult of Salem's… Maybe I'll share some words with him, ask him why he joined the big bad witch in our grandparents' fairytales… But I'm gonna do my best and make sure he's stopped from taking this any further for good…" He holds his katana out with its blade facing up, and Crocea Mors raised up high. "...Should that mean he'd be put to rest…"
Ruby: "Jaune…?" His longsword's blade glows in a yellow light. "W-Wait. Wait! What are you doin-?!"
He strikes it down to his other blade. Crocea Mors cuts half an inch into the sharp end of Flourish. He then proceeds to expand his arms in order to graze and shed the rest of its sharp edge off into a glowing blue powder. They fall as a stream, and down unto the wilted rose in Ren's hold.
Jaune: "...Then I'll take that fault for myself."
Not one spec had missed the flower as his longsword curves off of the rounded end of the katana, and the rose absorbs all of the water Dust of the blade. This gets the intrigue of Yang to see what Jaune did to his sword and her prosthetic turned flower, and why.
He sheaths both weapons to the sides of his hips. The flower glows in Ren's hand before passing it off to Jaune. Though it remains weak, its petals do rise with a growing bluish-white light. All Jaune does is hold it in front of Yang, who is not sure what to do. She only stares at it while now unsure how this is possible.
The longer she looks at it, the more it seems to change. Its dark red look eventually gains a brighter orange hue to her questionable surprise. The light surrounding it nearly affects her vision to the point of creating blurs. However, to her perception and everyone witnessing, they realize how it changes color under the light…
Nora: "It's… orange?"
This brings Yang to hold the flower, now seeing how its change in color coincides with its growing healthier look. However, a feeling starts to dwell in her aura. Her Semblance begins to flare by the oily fragrance that the flower evaporates. Its vapors give a more vibrant aroma to her sense of smell, causing her aura to begin flaring, and her eyes to turn red. She calmly allows her fiery Semblance to simmer down. As the flower continues to blossom, its own aura expands and merges with hers. From her hair to her body, she gleams a brighter yellow glow. The flower flashes at its brightest, until her aura absorbs its remaining coat of light.
She then takes one breath, and it briefly catches fire.
Yang: "Wow!" The rose nearly burns on the edge of its petals and thorns, until everyone sees how the fire slowly fades. It settles to the point where they can see the flower clearly, and its new appearance. "It's… yellow…!" The fiery light eventually withers from the rose. Bright residues of goldish-orange highlights grow through the yellow flower with its less wilted, and more flared state. "I… feel…"
Yang nearly begins to shake from the whole process. But while still struck by his display to her extension, Jaune steps up to her, and embraces her. She can only be still and continue staring blankly at the flower.
Jaune: "It'll be okay… It'll all be over soon."
With Jaune holding tighter, she nearly feels her traumatic panic about to begin. However, she can feel her nerves begin to calm her mind. Her widening eyes restore its lilac purple. She consciously maintains her steadiness, narrows her eyes to subtlety, and holds Jaune back. "...I'm sorry I gotta bench you like this, Yanger-Bomb… but we need you at your best for this… and I've got business that I should've finished a long time before we got here."
Blake: "What?!"
Jaune: "Clear your head for now."
Before everyone could begin to question what had happened, one of them protests from Jaune's last few words. "N-No! All of us should go with you, Jaune! You can't fight Adam! He's more dangerous than anything we've ever faced!"
Jaune: "...I know."
Blake: "Y-You…?"
Ruby: "Honestly Blake… he might be the most dangerous man that any of us have ever faced… Thus. Far… Jaune's got a plan to help us sort out some of that danger. Besides, you saw him get up earlier when they-."
Blake: "I don't care what I saw back there! You can't play luck on this man! And I won't play it for his life!" While Blake tries warning Jaune, he lets Yang go, and steps up to her partner. He then dissembles his glove and bracer as he approaches her. "Jaune, you can't go after Adam by yourself! You saw what he can do! He- He'll kill YOU, for sure! You don't know what kind of-!" To interrupt her, Jaune simply gives a brush to Blake's hair near her cat ears. Doing so, he smiles. This causes Blake to remain silent as she blushes, and her nerves too start to be at ease. "Wha-...? That… That felt… familiar…"
Jaune: "Hmph. Sun always told us you looked better with your ears out… I should've known that more than anyone." Blake looks more curiously up to Jaune, surprised at him. "Even our old friend would agree… Our old friend as we knew him best, that is."
Blake: "J-Jaune, this… How do you plan on stopping him…? I need to know, please?!"
Jaune: "You're just gonna have to trust me on this one… I missed you, cousin. Our time as kids wasn't as vast as our own time with this guy, separately. Still, I'm glad we could come together as classmates. Heh. Small world, huh? We'll have to really catch up later… outside the shyness of shadows, this time."
Blake: "But… What just happened?"
Jaune: "Alright…" Jaune now steps up, walking past Blake, and faces west of the village. "...Let's end this."
Blake: "What? No… Jaune. He-… He'll die…! If we don't help him-!"
Ruby: "Blake… It's okay." From behind her, Blake's team leader, Ruby, walks up to her side. "We will help Jaune. We're helping right now, just by staying aside. This is just how he fights, now. If anything should happen, for us to stay safe is the best thing that clears his mind… And he can count on us to finish the mission if it comes to it. But when he's ready, he'll call for us to help."
Blake: "Ruby… You- None of you know Adam like I do. Jaune, he can't-!"
Weiss: "But he CAN… None of us would be alive if it weren't FOR that goofball. He's got this. He had better…!"
Sun: "...Who would've thought; Jaune facing off against the White Fang's top guy, all by himself."
Nora: "Well yeah! I would HOPE so by now!" From behind, Blake and Sun's attention is brought to one of Jaune's own teammates. "Ren and I didn't work him dry just to be all weak and lose this battle, ya know."
The confidence of the comrades calms Blake down more. However, she herself only partially believes in Jaune's success as shown in her expression.
Weiss: "And I'm almost certain that everyone here knows what that monster can do… So after Jaune's had his time with his 'brother', we'll give him a little piece of our minds, too."
Blake: "...Brothers…"
Even as Blake remains in denial, she looks to her partner, Yang. She looks back, but this time meets her eyes with less disgust, and the two have more remorse towards one another.
However, to them and their allies caught attention, the sky grows red on the horizon, along with the contrast right above them. A dark blue growing brighter as it expands. A brief wind blows from Jaune's aura, and the environment to him moves in still motion.
From the push in his power, his familial classmates in arms slightly levitate in its soft embrace.
Now the Knight readies himself, getting to a running position…
Jaune: "Breathe it in… *inhale* And… Now! *exhale*!"
…And takes off in a sonic boom of protruding light.
Blake: "What?!"
Nora: "See! He's juuust fine."
Blake: "But I just saw-! He's… How did he do that…?! Jaune…" She, along with everyone, can only watch as his presence nearly fades as the light he exhausts dims down in the distance. "I can't even tell if this is really you right now…! But if you have a plan with all of this, you had better be good with it…"
Enroute to his battle, he calls on his close fellow leader.
Jaune: "You mind calling it, Ruby?"
Ruby: "..." This brings Ruby to tighten her fists with enthusiasm, yet with unease in her heart from the Knight's previous statement before tending to her sister earlier. Still, she looks to their teams and allies with a smile. "...Operation Battle of Mistral… is now engaged!"
Credits for the idea of Flourish and Fair goes to asdfguy432. Check out his story, "Adam Arc", where the weapons originally came from.
