The Forest of Forever Fall stretched endlessly before the students, its vibrant red leaves contrasting sharply with the gray trunks. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting a warm, fiery glow on the forest floor. The sight was breathtaking, but Glynda Goodwitch's stern voice quickly brought their focus back to the task at hand.
"Yes, students," she began, her heels clicking sharply against the ground as she led the way. "The forest of Forever Fall is indeed beautiful, but we are not here to sightsee. Professor Peach has asked all of you to collect samples from the trees deep inside this forest, and I am here to ensure that none of you meet an untimely end while doing so."
The students exchanged a mix of glances, some amused, others uneasy. Glynda held up a glass jar filled with crimson sap, the light shining through it like liquid rubies. "Each of you is to gather one jar's worth of red sap. However, this forest is also teeming with the creatures of Grimm, so be sure to stay by your teammates. We will rendezvous back here at precisely 4 o'clock. Have fun!"
The students dispersed into their respective teams, murmuring amongst themselves. Jaune cast a suspicious glance at Team CRDL, particularly at Cardin Winchester, who met his gaze with an expression somewhere between smugness and unease. Nearby, Pyrrha nudged Jaune gently with her elbow.
"Let's not stomp on them," she said with a knowing smile. "I think he got a clue after what you did to him."
Nora, overhearing, bounced on her heels. "Oh, oh! You wanna break their legs, fearless leader?! Please let's do it!" Her voice was bubbly, but the way she gripped her hammer suggested she was more than ready to follow through.
Cardin looked at Nora, his confidence visibly wavering as she grinned at him menacingly. Muttering something at his team, he scurried off, keeping a wary distance.
Ren, ever composed, tilted his head toward Jaune. "Do you think they'll try anything?"
"I wish," Jaune muttered under his breath, his voice low but firm.
Pyrrha studied Jaune's face with curiosity. "You seem to enjoy teaching them a lesson," she observed, her tone light but inquisitive. "I was surprised you slammed his face like that in the cafeteria."
Jaune groaned, "Was it bad to do so?"
"Nahh," Nora beamed, practically bouncing. "It. Was. AWESOME."
Ren added calmly, "Miss Goodwitch didn't even reprimand you."
Jaune shrugged, crossing his arms. "I've been helping people ever since I was a kid. My master taught me to protect anyone in need, no matter their shape, size, or background. Seeing someone like Cardin pull stunts like that… it just irks me."
Pyrrha nodded thoughtfully. "I doubt they'll try anything out here. But if they do…" She glanced at Nora, smirking slightly. "Well, as you put it, we'll 'break their legs and teach them a lesson.'"
Nora blinked at Pyrrha. "You know... you're quite devious yourself, Pyrrha."
"Sorry?" Pyrrha said politely.
Jaune allowed himself a small chuckle before gesturing to the towering trees around them. "Let's move, people."
Team JNPR then spent the next several minutes collecting sap. Jaune returned to the group with two jars full, setting them down with care as Ren and Nora leaned against nearby rocks and trees, taking a brief moment to relax.
Suddenly, a sharp, distant crack broke the peace. Gunfire.
Pyrrha's head snapped up, her senses on high alert. "That's gunfire."
Ren rose to his feet, drawing StormFlower with practiced precision. "Grimm?"
Jaune closed his eyes briefly, spreading his Aura outward to feel the disturbances around them. His eyes opened, steady and focused. "It's Grimm, alright. Let's go."
The team moved quickly, weaving through the trees toward the source of the noise. The closer they got, the louder the sounds of chaos became—snarling, shouting, and panicked cries.
They burst into a clearing and saw Team CRDL locked in a futile battle with a massive Ursa Major, its enormous back bristling with jagged spikes. The Grimm stood on its hind legs, towering over the terrified students. Its glowing red eyes locked onto Cardin, its nose twitching as it caught the scent of sap dripping from the boy's armor.
The Ursa roared, its powerful forelegs crashing to the ground. The impact sent a tremor through the earth, and Team CRDL's bravado crumbled in an instant. Russel, Sky, and Dove turned tail and fled, leaving Cardin alone to face the monstrous Grimm.
Cardin tried to run, but the Ursa was faster. It leapt over him, landing with a ground-shaking thud before swiping at his back with one massive paw. The blow sent him sprawling to the ground, gasping in pain as he attempted to crawl away.
The Ursa loomed over him, raising a claw for the final strike.
CLANG!
The Ursa's paw collided with Crocea Mors, Jaune's shield raised to intercept the blow. Cardin stared up in shock as Jaune pushed back against the Grimm, forcing its claws away.
"Get out of here!" Jaune barked, stepping forward to place himself between Cardin and the beast.
The Ursa roared again, rearing back on its hind legs in fury. Jaune took the opportunity to slash at its exposed stomach, his sword leaving a glowing line of damage across its hide. The Grimm roared in pain, lashing out wildly. Jaune rolled out of the way, easily avoiding a crushing blow as the Ursa's claws raked the ground where he had just been.
Jaune's movements were precise, almost instinctive. He dodged another swipe, leaping over a follow-up attack and landing with a roll before bashing the Grimm with his shield. The impact pushed the Ursa back a step, but it only seemed to enrage the creature further. It charged, its jagged spikes gleaming in the dappled sunlight.
Jaune planted his feet, raising his shield just in time to block the charge. The force of the collision sent a shockwave through his arms, but he held firm, using the momentum to spring forward. With a single, fluid motion, he swung Crocea Mors in a deadly arc, his blade cutting clean through the Ursa's neck.
The massive head fell to the ground, followed by the rest of the beast's body, which hit the earth with a heavy thud. Silence fell over the clearing, save for the faint rustle of leaves and Cardin's labored breathing.
Jaune turned to him, his expression unreadable. "Are you okay?"
Cardin, still trembling, managed a shaky nod. "I-I am."
Jaune's tone remained calm, almost detached, as he surveyed the forest with practiced motion. "Good. Then go. Before more Grimm, pick up on your scent."
Without another word, Cardin scrambled to his feet and ran, disappearing into the trees. Jaune sheathed his sword and turned to see Pyrrha approaching, flanked by Ruby and Weiss, who had arrived to investigate the commotion.
Weiss arched an eyebrow, her arms crossed. "Well, that was… efficient. Well done, Arc."
Jaune nodded in acknowledgment, then glanced at Pyrrha. "We should get back to the group."
Pyrrha smiled warmly. "Let's go."
Ruby pouted, spinning her scythe idly. "Aw, I wanted to kick a Grimm's butt."
Weiss sighed, shaking her head. "Hush, Ruby."
With the incident resolved, the teams regrouped and completed their task without further trouble. By the time the bullheads arrived to take them back to Beacon, the forest was bathed in the golden light of late afternoon. As the students boarded the aircraft, Jaune couldn't help but glance back at the crimson woods one last time, his thoughts lingering on the lessons of the day.
The shattered moon hung high in the sky, casting a silver glow over Beacon Academy. The campus was serene, its tall spires illuminated by faint green lights that shimmered like beacons of hope against the dark night. On top of the dorm building, Jaune stood on the edge, his uniform neatly pressed, arms crossed as he gazed into the distance. His eyes reflected the soft glow of the campus lights, but his mind wandered far beyond the scene before him.
It had been weeks since he arrived at Beacon, and his thoughts shifted between moments of joy and frustration. He thought of the camaraderie he'd found in his team, the lessons he was learning, and the challenges that tested him both as a leader and as a person. Yet, there were other memories — ones that belonged to a stranger land.
The Everafter was unlike anything here, with its strange skies and dual suns. It felt like something pulled straight out of a fairy tale, a place where time bent and the laws of nature were dictated by a singular, unyielding truth: every being under the tree met an equal end. Their souls were returned to the tree, their stories folded back into the tapestry of existence. The thought of it filled him with a strange, bittersweet nostalgia. He wasn't sure he missed it, but it had shaped him, leaving its mark on everything he was.
Jaune's gaze lowered as his thoughts returned to the present. The day's events replayed in his mind, Cardin's cruelty and the Grimm attack foremost among them. He didn't hate Cardin, not truly. He loathed the man's actions, his arrogance and cruelty to others, but to hate him personally? No. Jaune couldn't muster it.
I have no enemies other than Grimm and men who act like Grimm, he thought to himself, the mantra echoing in his mind like a distant bell. It was always in his mind. Like lines that wouldn't be gone even if he lose his mind.
"Reflecting?"
The voice pulled Jaune from his thoughts. He turned his head to see Pyrrha walking toward him, her red hair catching in the moonlight, as she offered him a gentle smile.
"Am I interrupting?" she asked, stopping at his side.
Jaune shook his head, stepping back slightly from the edge. "You're not," he said. He studied her for a moment before asking, "Pyrrha, can I ask why you're here? Why Beacon?"
Pyrrha glanced out over the campus, her hands clasped loosely in front of her. "Well, I wanted to be somewhere I wasn't defined by my reputation. I'm not as well-known here, but… it seems I've underestimated my popularity."
Jaune chuckled, his expression softening. "Is that so?"
She nodded, her smile widening. "And honestly, I think I made the right choice coming here. Ren and Nora are wonderful, and… I'm glad to be under a righteous team leader."
Her words caught Jaune off guard, and he blinked, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. "I'm glad you think that, Pyrrha."
She tilted her head, her smile taking on a teasing edge. "Ah, I almost forgot! You should come down. Ren made pancakes — though there's no syrup. You can thank Nora for that."
Jaune grinned and raised his hand. A small jar of the red sap they'd collected earlier appeared, shimmering under the moonlight. "I've got us covered."
Pyrrha laughed, her green eyes lighting up. "As expected of my dear team leader."
"Rejoice!" Jaune said proudly.
Pyrrha chuckled again, gesturing toward the dorm entrance. "Come on."
The dorm room was filled with the delicious aroma of freshly cooked pancakes. Ren stood at the stove, wearing an apron that read Please Do Nothing to the Cook. He was as composed as ever, flipping pancakes with precise movements. Nora, on the other hand, was anything but composed. She practically quivered with excitement, her nose twitching as she caught the sweet scent of the red sap in Jaune's hand.
"Ohhhhh!" Nora exclaimed, her eyes fixed on the jar like a predator locked onto prey. "Gimme! Gimme!"
Jaune held the jar out of her reach, palming her forehead to keep her at bay as she flailed comically. "Nor, behave!" he said, laughing.
Pyrrha giggled as she took the jar from Jaune's hand. "Nora, let's eat first, then you can drown your pancakes in syrup." She opened the jar, pouring a generous helping of the sap onto the stack Ren had set on the table.
Nora pouted, but her expression brightened the moment she took her first bite. "Mmm! This is amazing!"
The four of them gathered around the table, the atmosphere light and filled with laughter. Nora's endless enthusiasm, Ren's calm wit, and Pyrrha's gentle encouragement made the room feel like a haven. Jaune couldn't help but smile as he looked around at his team.
Jaune had to admit… maybe his master was right about coming to Beacon.
Pyrrha Nikos stood at the edge of the training grounds, her eyes fixed on the spar unfolding before her. Ren and Jaune circled each other, their movements precise and deliberate as they try to find openings. The sunlight filtered through the windows of Beacon's grounds, glinting off Jaune's sweat-dampened hair as he bobbed and weaved, dodging Ren's swift strikes.
Ren was faster, his attacks a flurry of kicks and punches, each delivered with the calm precision Pyrrha had come to expect from him. But Jaune was no slouch either. His movements were fluid, almost instinctive, his body twisting and rolling as he slipped past Ren's strikes. He wasn't just dodging — he was studying, waiting for openings.
He's not bad in bare-handed either, Pyrrha thought, her lips curving into a small smile. He did say he learned from a Knight... but his movement's like an Atlesian.
Ren threw a sharp jab, which Jaune narrowly avoided by tilting his head. A follow-up roundhouse kick came next, but Jaune blocked it with his forearm and retaliated with a punch that nearly sent Ren off his feet. Pyrrha's breath caught as Ren managed to twist midair, using the momentum to flip backward and land a precise overhead kick. Jaune raised his arms just in time to block it, the force making him stagger but not falter.
"Yeah! Go, Ren! Go, Jaune!" Nora's voice echoed through the gym, her cheers enthusiastic enough to fill the space. She clapped her hands loudly, hopping up and down like a cheerleader at a tournament.
Pyrrha wasn't cheering, though. She was too engrossed in watching Jaune. Exactly my type, the thought came unbidden, making her blush faintly.
He wasn't the most graceful fighter, certainly not compared to Ren, but there was something about the way he moved. It was strong, courageous, and utterly practical. Jaune carried himself like a soldier, every punch and kick precise, like they'd been drilled into his body through years of practice and beating. And yet, there was a knightly quality to him, an underlying chivalry that made her heart race just a little faster.
Dorky, too, Pyrrha admitted to herself, her smile widening slightly. She liked that about him, too. The way he was always just a little awkward, fish out of the water yet trying so hard. He was a curious blend of soldier, knight, and boy-next-door. And she found it endearing.
Jaune blocked Ren's high kick, transitioning seamlessly into a counter with his own punch. Ren shifted quickly, deflecting the strike and shifting into an elbow thrust. The spar ended abruptly when Ren stepped back, lowering his arms and standing at ease.
"Hitting you is like hitting a wall Jaune," Ren said with a small smile, his tone light but carrying a note of genuine admiration as he shook his hand.
Nora, never one to miss an opportunity, raised her hand excitedly. "Ooh! My turn!" she announced, bouncing toward Jaune.
Jaune, in a moment of theatrical silliness, darted behind Ren, using him as a human shield. "Ren, save me!" he called out, feigning terror.
Pyrrha couldn't help herself. She laughed. The sight of him hiding behind Ren, so utterly ridiculous yet charming in his own way, made her heart skip a beat. Her laugh startled her, and she quickly composed herself, putting on the polite smile she wore when she didn't want anyone to know what she was thinking.
Oh no, she realized, feeling her cheeks heat up. Her mind had wandered, and her thoughts were entirely unbefitting to the poised warrior she was supposed to be. She stole a glance at Jaune, only to find his blue eyes meeting hers. For a split second, she froze, the world narrowing to just the two of them.
She looked away quickly, pressing her lips together and willing herself to regain control. Pyrrha Nikos didn't let her emotions show, keeping a polite smile. That was her usual mask. But right now, her heart was pounding, and all she could think about was how she'd almost gotten lost in Jaune's gaze.
"I'm starving," Nora announced, breaking Pyrrha's train of thought. "What are we doing after this?"
Ren shrugged, pulling a towel over his shoulders. "Relaxing, probably."
"What about you, fearless leader?" Nora asked, turning to Jaune. "Got plans?"
Jaune wiped the sweat from his brow with a small towel, catching his breath before answering. "I'm volunteering," he said simply, his tone resolute.
Pyrrha raised an eyebrow. "Volunteering?" she asked.
Nora groaned, throwing her hands up dramatically. "Jaune, you're always so serious! Come to the arcade with us! Ren and I were going to hit up the new fighting game — come on, it'll be fun!"
Jaune shook his head firmly. "Sorry, Nora. I already promised to help out."
Nora pouted, crossing her arms, but Pyrrha saw the determination in Jaune's expression. Once he sets his mind to something, there's no changing it, she thought, admiring his resolve even as Nora continued to whine.
Before she realized what she was doing, the words were out of her mouth. "Can I join you?"
Jaune turned to her, his expression softening. "You want to volunteer with me?"
Pyrrha nodded, smiling warmly. "If that's alright with you."
He seemed surprised at first, but then his smile grew. "Sure, I'd like that."
"Ugh, fine," Nora said, throwing her arms up in mock surrender. "I'll just beat Ren at the arcade without you."
Ren raised an eyebrow. "You haven't beaten me yet."
As the group dispersed to get cleaned up, and get dressed. Pyrrha found herself walking alongside Jaune to a Bullhead.
The bullhead soared over Vale, its engines humming as it carried Jaune and Pyrrha toward the city below. Pyrrha glanced at her companion, who sat quietly, his hands resting on his knees. His face was calm, but there was an unmistakable focus in his eyes, as though his mind were already at their destination.
"So," Pyrrha began, breaking the silence, "you signed up to volunteer at a hospital for Huntsmen?"
Jaune nodded, glancing at her. "Yeah. I figured with my Semblance, I could help."
Pyrrha tilted her head, curiosity in her expression. "That's… impressive, Jaune."
But Jaune shrugged, his expression thoughtful but modest. "I don't think it's anything admirable. It's just something I can do. So I should."
Pyrrha studied him, her respect for him deepening. He genuinely didn't see his actions as extraordinary, even though she thought they were. His humility was refreshing and, in its own way, inspiring.
The bullhead landed smoothly, and soon the duo was walking through the bustling streets of Vale. Jaune led the way to a small, unassuming building with a Huntsman crest above the door. The hospital wasn't grand or flashy. It was functional, built to accommodate those who fought for the safety of the kingdoms and bore the scars to prove it.
Inside, the air was quiet but charged with a sense of purpose. Nurses moved quickly but efficiently, tending to patients in various states of recovery. Some Huntsmen were in beds, bandaged and bruised, while others sat in chairs, their bodies scarred but their eyes sharp with determination.
Jaune walked straight to the back, where the more severely wounded Huntsmen were being treated. Pyrrha followed, her boots clicking softly against the tiled floor. She watched as Jaune approached the bed of a man whose injuries were grievous—a shattered arm, deep gashes across his chest, and burns on his left side. The man's Aura was depleted, his breathing shallow.
Jaune rolled up his sleeves, his hands glowing faintly with his Semblance as he began to work. The light from his palms spread to the man's wounds, knitting the torn flesh and soothing the burns. Jaune's focus was absolute, his brow furrowed in concentration as he guided his energy with practiced precision.
Pyrrha stood to the side, offering silent support. She marveled at the sight before her. Jaune's single-minded determination was striking—there was no pretense, no showmanship. He wasn't doing this to impress anyone or gain recognition. He simply worked, his every movement a testament to his desire to help.
A soft chuckle escaped her lips, and Jaune glanced at her briefly, curious. "What's so funny?"
She smiled, her voice light but warm. "I was just thinking… I don't know if you're a knight, a soldier, or a healer."
Jaune smirked, his hands still glowing as he turned back to his work. "I'm just Jaune."
Pyrrha's smile widened. Just Jaune. Yet there was so much to him... a depth she was only beginning to understand. As the hours passed, she helped where she could, fetching supplies and offering words of encouragement to patients, all the while keeping an eye on Jaune as he moved from bed to bed. He never seemed to tire, his focus unwavering even as the strain of his aura began to show in the faint sheen of sweat on his brow.
By the time they left the hospital, the sun was setting, painting the city in hues of orange and pink. They walked side by side through the streets, their steps slow as they reflected on the day.
"It's impressive, you know," Pyrrha said finally, breaking the comfortable silence. "What you did back there."
Jaune rubbed the back of his neck, his modesty showing again. "I just did what anyone would do."
Pyrrha didn't argue, though she thought he was underselling himself. As they walked, a small commotion ahead drew their attention. They approached a store with shattered windows and graffiti scrawled across its walls. A man stood outside, angrily sweeping glass shards into a pile.
"Fucking Faunus pieces of shit," the store owner spat, his voice seething with venom. "They come here, destroy everything, and then run back to their little White Fang hideouts."
Jaune stopped, his expression tightening. "Were they White Fang?" he asked, his tone neutral but edged with steel.
The man nodded, glaring at the mess in front of his store. "Yeah. Had those Grimm masks and everything. Cowards."
For a moment, Pyrrha saw something flicker in Jaune's eyes — a light extinguished, replaced by a cold, intense burn. It was subtle, but the shift sent a chill down her spine. She watched him closely, wondering what had caused that reaction, but before she could say anything, Jaune turned away.
"Let's go," he said quietly, his voice calm again.
Pyrrha hesitated, but followed. The two walked in silence back to Beacon, the day's events weighing on both of them. Despite the lingering tension, Pyrrha felt a sense of contentment. She was glad she'd joined Jaune, glad to see this side of him. Yet, as they reached the dorms and parted ways, she couldn't shake the image of his eyes—the brief, chilling emptiness she'd seen.
It was gone now, replaced by the warmth and kindness she admired. But for a second, it had been there, and she couldn't help but wonder what it meant.
Meanwhile, Jaune stood on the rooftop of the dorm building, the cool night air brushing against his face. Beacon's spires rose majestically in the distance, their silhouettes cutting into the star-speckled sky. The campus below was alive with soft, ambient lights, casting a glow over the grounds. Yet, Jaune's gaze was distant, his mind elsewhere as he stood at the edge, his hands resting lightly on the railing.
He closed his eyes, breathing deeply.
"It's not a place you go," he murmured under his breath, his voice low but steady. "It's a place you know."
The words came unbidden, as natural as breathing.
The air around him seemed to shift, growing warmer, softer.
A faint rustling sound broke the stillness, and a swirl of multi-colored leaves appeared, carried by a sudden, gentle gust of wind. They danced around Jaune, vibrant reds, yellows, and blues swirling in a mesmerizing pattern. He didn't move, didn't flinch. Instead, he closed his eyes, letting the leaves encircle him.
Then, as if the wind itself had claimed him, Jaune vanished, carried away with the leaves into the night.
The rooftop fell silent once more, the only trace of his presence a faint scattering of leaves that shimmered briefly before disappearing into the darkness.