The Bullhead lurched forward, and Jaune's stomach threatened rebellion. Ruby edged away in her seat, eyeing him warily as he clamped a hand over his mouth.
"You need a bag or something?" she asked, glancing towards the nearby trashcan.
Jaune shook his head, his face pale. "I'm fine," he managed. "Just need to pace myself." Another bout of turbulence hit, and he rocked forward, swallowing hard.
Ruby's silver eyes shimmered with concern, her hood pulled back just in case. "Jaune?"
"I'm fine," he repeated weakly, focusing on not redecorating the Bullhead's interior.
Glynda Goodwitch's voice crackled over the intercom: "We are now approaching the starting point."
Jaune silently thanked whatever deities might be listening. As the Bullhead touched down, he rose on shaky legs. Ruby hovered nearby, ready to assist if needed.
Turning to her, Jaune managed a wan smile. "Good luck, okay?"
Ruby's frown melted into a grin that reminded Jaune painfully of his sisters. His gaze drifted to the front, where Yang, Ruby's older sister, stood confidently. Jaune gulped, taking in the vast expanse of emerald forest stretching out below them.
"Please step forward onto the squares," Glynda announced.
As they took their positions, Jaune surveyed his potential teammates. "Weiss, Pyrrha, Ruby, Yang, that girl with the black hair," he counted silently. "Wouldn't mind being paired with Ruby or Yang. Pyrrha's cool too – I like their cereal."
His eyes met Ruby's nervous smile. "Wouldn't it be cool if we could be on a team?" he asked.
Ruby nodded enthusiastically. "It would be so cool! Maybe we could have Yang too!"
Yang glanced over, flashing a grin. "You shooting high, Vomit Boy? I'm flattered." She slid on a pair of aviator sunglasses with a wink.
Ozpin cleared his throat, silencing the chatter. His brief speech about teamwork went over Jaune's head as he focused on Ruby's unconfident expression. He remembered she was two years younger than everyone else – that couldn't be easy.
"You will all be launched from the cliff and will utilize a landing strategy," Ozpin explained. "Then you will locate artifacts placed at the ruins and return to the cliffs. The first person you make eye contact with shall be your partner."
Jaune's brow furrowed. "Landing strategy?"
"Yes, every student will use a landing strategy."
"What is a land—" Jaune's question was cut short as he was suddenly hurled into the air, the green sea of trees rushing up to meet him.
From the corner of his eye, he watched in horror as Ruby collided with a hapless bird mid-fall. Panic rising, Jaune flailed his arms, trying to right himself. A memory flashed – a comic book, X-Ray and Vav. In a moment of desperate inspiration, he spread his arms wide, mimicking the superhero's pose.
Jaune's vision blurred, the vibrant greens of the Emerald Forest fading into a haze of white. As his sight cleared, he found himself transported to an unexpected locale. The harsh forest air gave way to the aroma of coffee and grilled burgers. He blinked, adjusting to the softer light of what appeared to be a small-town diner.
A clink of glass caught his attention. Before him sat a towering milkshake, its whipped cream crown topped with a glossy red cherry. The cool condensation on the glass invited him to indulge, but confusion held him back.
A gruff voice cut through his bewilderment. "You gotta pay the lady, kid."
Jaune looked up, meeting the gaze of a man seated across from him. The stranger wore a crisp black and white suit, as if dressed for a funeral. His short black hair was neatly combed, and a hint of stubble shadowed his jaw. The man gestured towards a waitress standing expectantly beside their booth.
"Oh!" Jaune exclaimed, fumbling in his pockets. His fingers brushed against cold metal, and he pulled out two golden coins. Furrowing his brow, he examined the unfamiliar currency. Twin arcs gleamed on one side, while his own profile adorned the other, reminiscent of an old penny.
Before he could question it further, the waitress plucked the coins from his hand. "These will do just fine, hon," she said with a smile, her auburn hair neatly tucked into a bun.
The man across from him leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table. "I'd suggest you drink up, kid. It's going to melt."
Jaune glanced down at the milkshake, noticing the whipped cream already beginning to dissolve. "I... I don't remember ordering this," he said, hesitantly wrapping his lips around the straw.
The man shrugged. "Figured you'd want something sweet. I've got some bad news."
A chill ran down Jaune's spine, memories surfacing unbidden. "This... this reminds me of when my dad took me for ice cream after my fish died."
The stranger's expression softened slightly. "Care to look around?"
Jaune raised an eyebrow but complied. His eyes widened as he recognized his hometown diner. As if on cue, a bearded man with a warrior's wolf tail hairstyle walked in, a young girl with golden blonde hair trailing behind him.
"Amber? Dad?" Jaune whispered, ducking down in the booth.
The stranger nodded. "Your father's bringing your little sister for ice cream. It's a time-honored Arc tradition, isn't it? Works for fish at six, old dogs at twelve..."
Dread pooled in Jaune's stomach. "Who..." he swallowed hard, fighting to keep his voice steady. "Who died?"
The man sighed, reaching for a cigarette. "You did, kiddo."
Jaune's world tilted. A burst of nervous laughter escaped him, bordering on hysteria. "You're crazy! I'm standing right here. I'm alive!" His voice rose with each word, drawing no curious glances from the spectral diners. "If I were dead, wouldn't I be in the afterlife? Heaven? Hell?"
The figure raised an eyebrow, lighting his cigarette with a bronze lighter despite the prominent "No Smoking" sign. "Life—and death—are rarely that simple, Jaune."
As if to prove his point, a waitress passed by, completely ignoring the flagrant violation of rules. The stranger leaned forward, his voice low and urgent. "Your brain is dying, kid. One minute here is a thousandth of a second out there, and we're still running out of time."
He pointed towards Jaune's chest. To Jaune's horror, blood began to soak through his shirt. "So let me ask you: are you going to let yourself die here? Without achieving your dream? With so much unfinished business?"
Jaune shook his head vigorously. "No, I- I don't want to!"
"Do you think it's right for people to be taken before their time? For little girls like Amber to lose their loved ones because they were trying to be heroes?"
"No," Jaune whispered, his resolve hardening.
The man smiled, his teeth gleaming despite the cigarette smoke. "Then let's make a deal. I'll send you back with some... perks. In exchange, you do me a few favors."
"I won't hurt anyone," Jaune stated firmly.
"You won't have to," the man assured him. "You're going to help people. Give closure to those who've lost loved ones too soon. Save thousands of lives."
Jaune narrowed his eyes. "What's the catch?"
The stranger tilted his head. "You won't live a normal life. The boundaries between life and death will blur for you, much like the границы между мирами—the boundaries between worlds—that the ancient Remnant texts speak of. You'll walk a path similar to those in the stories you've read, where reality bends to will and sacrifice."
Jaune's eyes widened. "Like a psychic?" he whispered, recalling those TV people who could commune with the dead.
The man nodded, a hint of approval in his eyes. "Similar, but uniquely your own. Your semblance will evolve beyond what most huntsmen can imagine. You'll bear the burden of those you can't save, like all heroes do. In time, you may be called to give your own life for those you care about." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "But I guarantee, if you follow my guidance, you'll be remembered as a hero. A man worthy of bearing the yellow death."
"Crocea Mors?" Jaune breathed, his ancestor's legendary weapon coming to mind.
The stranger nodded, then extended his hand. "Do we have a deal? You're starting to fade, kid. Time's running out."
Jaune's gaze darted between the mysterious man and the ghostly image of his father and sister. Their movements had slowed to an agonizing crawl, Amber's spoon hovering inches from her lips, his father's kind eyes frozen mid-blink.
His heart raced. The diner was becoming transparent, the edges of reality blurring. Jaune could feel himself slipping away.
"I'll do it," he blurted, reaching for the man's hand. As their fingers touched, a surge of energy coursed through him. The world exploded into blinding white light, and Jaune felt himself falling, falling...
"Since now you work for me. I figured I'd make some adjustments to Crocea Mors. You know. To be more on brand."
/-/
/-/
/-/
Jaune's eyes fluttered open, his vision focusing on a pair of striking silver eyes gazing down at him. For a moment, he thought he was dreaming - or dead. "Are... are you an angel?" he breathed, mesmerized by the ethereal beauty before him.
The woman's melodious laugh sent a pleasant shiver through him. "Flatterer! But no, I'm not an angel, young man. Just a Huntress... or at least, I used to be."
Jaune found himself cradled in her lap, the soft fabric of her dress a comforting pillow. He became acutely aware of her closeness, a mix of rose petals and warm vanilla teasing his senses. The white cloak draped over her shoulders seemed to glow in the dappled forest light, a silver rose emblem glinting at her chest.
"Where am I?" he asked, his mouth dry, heart racing for reasons beyond his recent brush with death.
"The Emerald Forest," she replied, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. Her short, dark hair ruffled in the breeze. "Brings back memories. But hey, no time for trips down memory lane - initiation's still on, kiddo. We gotta get you moving!"
With surprising strength, she helped Jaune to his feet. He swayed slightly, body protesting, and found her steadying hand on his arm. The touch sent a jolt through him, and he fought to keep his composure.
"You, uh, you talked to him, right?" Jaune managed, trying to focus. "The guy in the diner?"
She nodded, silver eyes twinkling with a mix of mischief and concern that reminded him intensely of both Ruby and Yang. "Yep, Mr. Tall-Dark-and-Cryptic. Seems like we're both on his weird cosmic to-do list."
Jaune's brow furrowed. "Who are you? I mean, not to be rude, but you look kinda like-"
"Ruby?" she finished, a proud smile spreading across her face. "That's my girl! I'm Summer Rose, supermom extraordinaire and your new partner in... well, whatever this is."
Jaune's jaw dropped. "Ruby's mom? But that means... oh." The realization hit him, and a wave of sadness washed over him.
Summer's expression softened. "Yeah, I'm dead. Or was. It's complicated. But hey, I'm here now, and we've got work to do!" She playfully punched his arm, her fist passing right through him. "Oops, still getting used to that."
Jaune couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. It was infectious, just like Ruby's. "I'm Jaune Arc," he said, attempting his usual introduction. "Short, sweet, rolls off the tongue - ladies love it." He immediately felt his face flush. Was he really trying to flirt with his friend's deceased mom?
Summer burst into laughter, eyes sparkling. "Oh, I bet they do, lady killer! You're adorable." She ruffled his hair, her spectral hand passing through but leaving a tingling sensation. "But careful there, partner. We're gonna be working together, so let's keep it professional... mostly." She winked, and Jaune felt his blush deepen.
"R-right, totally professional," he stammered, trying to regain his composure. "So, uh, what exactly are we supposed to do?"
Summer's expression turned more serious, though a hint of her playful smile remained. "Well, first things first - we need to go over some ground rules and info. You've got some new abilities, kiddo, and trust me, they're going to take some getting used to."
Jaune nodded, a mix of excitement and nervousness bubbling up inside him. "I'm ready to learn," he said, surprising himself with his own determination.
Summer beamed at him, maternal pride shining through. "That's the spirit! Now, let's start with the basics of being a ghost whisperer, shall we?"
Summer's silver eyes glinted with mischief as she pointed to the sword at Jaune's hip. "Whip it out, big guy. I've got something to show you." Her playful tone sent a flush creeping up Jaune's neck, his heart racing at her proximity.
With trembling fingers, Jaune grasped Crocea Mors' hilt and slowly drew the blade. The whisper of steel on leather filled the air, a sound both familiar and charged with new potential. Sunlight danced along the silver blade, and for a moment, Jaune could have sworn he saw Summer's reflection in its surface.
"Now, press that," Summer instructed, her spectral finger hovering over a small, coin-like symbol on the crossguard. She took a step back, practically vibrating with excitement.
Jaune hesitated. "What happens if I press it?"
Summer's grin widened, reminding Jaune so much of Ruby it made his chest ache. "He said he was going to make some adjustments. Press it and see!"
Taking a deep breath, Jaune pressed the golden symbol. Crocea Mors shuddered in his grasp, the blade splitting apart. Gears and mechanical pieces emerged from nowhere, sliding into place with a series of satisfying clicks. The familiar sword elongated, curved, and transformed before his eyes.
"Whoa," Jaune breathed, staring in awe at the massive silver and gold scythe that had taken Crocea Mors' place. It was improbably large, almost supernatural in its presence. The weight felt foreign yet oddly right in his hands.
"Your scythe!" Summer exclaimed, her joy infectious. She pointed to a small rectangle near the base. "And that's your Dust magazine. For loading rounds."
As Summer fawned over the weapon, Jaune found himself captivated by her enthusiasm. The way her eyes lit up, the animated gestures of her hands – she was like a perfect blend of Ruby's weapon obsession and Yang's passionate energy.
"Alright, enough ogling, big boy," Summer said, playfully nudging him. The ghostly touch sent a shiver down Jaune's spine. "Black Suit said we've got work to do. You've got some fancy new abilities, but we'll have to figure them out together."
Jaune nodded, trying to focus on her words and not on how the sunlight seemed to create a halo around her spectral form. "Right, um... abilities. Like what?"
Summer's expression turned serious, a maternal concern flickering in her eyes. "Look, Jaune, this next part is intense. We can sync up – basically, I can possess you for a bit."
Jaune's eyes widened. "P-possess me?"
She nodded, a hint of uncertainty in her own eyes. "I know it sounds scary, but it might be necessary. And you can 'conjure me' too, make me more... solid, I guess?"
The idea of having Summer inside his head, controlling his body, sent a mix of interest and terror through Jaune. On one hand, the thought of being so close to this beautiful, enigmatic woman was enticing. On the other, the loss of control terrified him.
"How do we do that?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Summer shrugged, looking sheepish. "He didn't say."
Jaune groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "He couldn't have given us a pamphlet or something? Even Beacon has a handbook."
"I wouldn't have read it anyway," Summer quipped, striking a pose with her hand on her hip that was so Yang-like it was uncanny.
Jaune couldn't help but chuckle. "Me neither, but still." His laughter faded as a thought struck him. "Wait. You said you've been here before. Can you tell me where the relic is?"
Summer's face lit up. "Sure can! Let's get moving!"
With a wave of her hand, she set off through the forest. Jaune quickly shifted Crocea Mors back into its sword form and sheathed it, struggling to keep up with Summer's eager pace. As they moved deeper into the woods, he couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. The trees seemed to loom closer, shadows deepening despite the midday sun.
"Summer," he called out, slightly breathless, "what exactly are we up against here?"
Summer's spectral form flickered, her expression growing grave. "Things that shouldn't exist in your world, Jaune. Or in any world. Stay close, and remember – if things get dicey, we might need to sync up fast."
The ominous warning sent a chill down Jaune's spine, but as he watched Summer's determined stride, he felt a surge of courage. Whatever lay ahead, they'd face it together.