Jaune had played the video of Pyrrha over and over faint glow of his Scroll rested on the boulder beside him, his thoughts consumed by the weight of his grief and the choices he had made as he trained in the woods of Anima one night.
Pyrrha. Her name echoed in his mind, along with the memories of her gentle smile and unwavering strength. She had believed in him when no one else had. She had fought beside him, had sent him away with a final kiss to face an enemy she knew she couldn't beat.
And now she was gone.
But beneath the pain of her absence was another truth, one that filled him with guilt. He was in love with Weiss Schnee. He always had been.
Jaune clenched his fists as he replayed the decisions that had led him to this moment. He had chosen to marry Pyrrha, not because his heart was wholly hers, but because Ozpin had subtly implied that she was the better choice for the kingdom. Pyrrha was beloved by the people, a warrior they could rally behind, especially in the wake of the scandal involving Weiss.
The photo of Blake and Yang had cast doubt on Weiss's character, even though Jaune knew in his heart she was innocent. But the kingdom couldn't afford further division. The optics were too damaging. Marrying Pyrrha had seemed like the best way to keep Vale stable. Plus he did have feelings for her.
And now she was gone.
Jaune's Scroll buzzed, pulling him from his thoughts. He glanced at the screen to see Weiss's face, her pristine appearance framed by the soft blue light of her room.
"Jaune," she said, her voice as composed as ever, though there was an undercurrent of concern. "How are you holding up?"
He hesitated, unsure how to answer. "I'm... managing," he said finally. "I'm on my way to Mistral to help secure the relic. It's... something to focus on."
After a pause he cautiously said, "I may be able to do something about what happened to her."
Weiss frowned. "What do you mean?"
Jaune took a deep breath. "Prince Chad of Mistral invited me to the Hunt. He wants me to serve as Cinder Fall's executioner."
Weiss's eyes widened in shock. "You aren't really going to accept the invitation, are you?"
Jaune met her gaze, his expression resolute. "This is my chance to avenge Pyrrha, Weiss. To bring her justice."
"That's not justice, Jaune," Weiss said firmly. "The Hunt is barbaric. It's not something you should be part of."
"I'm not a sadist," Jaune argued. "If I accept, I'll make her death quick and clean. My family has a history of serving justice as warriors. My sister Saphron told me our grandfather once executed a terrible criminal in the Hunt. This is part of who we are."
Weiss's voice softened. "Jaune, how can you be so sure Cinder is guilty? Ruby told us that the killer's eyes flashed purple when Pyrrha was struck down. Semblances can do strange things to perception. And Ruby's grandmother had a vision—a prophecy about a young woman from Mistral being tortured to death for crimes she didn't commit. What if that young woman is Cinder?"
Jaune faltered, doubt creeping into his mind. He wanted to dismiss Weiss's words, but something in her voice—her conviction—made it impossible.
Weiss looked away for a moment, seemingly distracted. "I have to go," she said abruptly, her tone regretful. "But, Jaune… promise me you'll reconsider. Think about what this means, not just for you, but for who you want to be."
Jaune hesitated, then nodded. "I'll think about it."
"Good," Weiss said softly. "Goodbye, Jaune."
The call ended, leaving Jaune alone with his thoughts once more. He stared at his reflection in the window, his own face a stranger to him.
Could Weiss be right? Could Cinder be innocent? And even if she wasn't, was the Hunt truly justice, or just another cycle of cruelty?
Jaune closed his eyes, Pyrrha's face flashing in his mind. He had made so many decisions for others—for the kingdom, for the people who looked up to him. But now, he had to decide for himself.
And he wasn't sure what the right choice was.
Suddenly Jaune saw movement and a flash of red out of the corner of his eye. He turned.
"Ruby?" He called out. "How long have you been standing there?"
She was partially concealed behind a tree, watching him. But then she disappeared in a cluster of rose petals.