Flame Sword and the Beginning of the End
Three years had passed, and an unknown child had become a wandering huntsman, slaughtering Grimm at night yet never revealing his identity. The warning surrounding him was clear: never get near him. He wore no shoes or shirt, his unkempt hair cascading to his back, knotted and wild. Always hungry, he would approach Huntsmen and ask for rations in exchange for his help. Usually, this happened after he'd slain a group of Grimm. He always kept his back turned, never revealing his face. Those who got too close during battle suffered heavy burns, the air around him radiating unbearable heat.
This is the story of a blonde girl and the flame swordsman before his disappearance.
As the flame swordsman awoke from his daydream, the night had begun. He preferred to sleep during the day, hiding in the dense canopy of trees where leaves concealed him. He felt the comforting warmth of his blade, even as the summer nights grew unexpectedly chilly. Jumping down from the tree, he grabbed a sack of food and nibbled on some bread. It had started to mold, but he didn't care. Eating it felt like a punishment he deserved.
Since the destruction of the village, the voices in his head had gone silent. He had stripped himself of emotions, using only anger to fuel his fights against the Grimm. He raged when he saw Grimm kill other humans, but the price of that rage was devastating—flames that eradicated not just Grimm but grass and sometimes even people. The memories of those he burned haunted him.
His thoughts were interrupted by footsteps. A boar-like Grimm emerged from the darkness. He realized his resolve to control the flames had drawn the creature to him—a pattern he'd observed since his first year of wandering. Switching his emotions to anger, he prepared to fight.
"Ignite my strength," he muttered.
His sword burst into flames, and he charged at the boar. First, he aimed for its leg, tripping it onto its side. With a fluid twirl, he slashed at its stomach, killing the Grimm. As the creature dissolved into ash, he heard clapping.
Turning toward the sound, he could only make out the silhouette of someone in the darkness. But the faint moonlight reflected off blonde hair—it was a woman. She started to clap.
"Wow, I didn't know fire Dust could do that," she said, walking closer.
Without hesitation, he swung his flames in front of her, creating a line of fire.
"Do not come closer, or the flames will burn you," he warned.
She hesitated but obeyed, studying his figure. Though he kept his back to her, she could tell he was younger than she'd expected.
"How old are you?" she asked.
"Leave before I burn you," he replied curtly.
"Well, that burns," she said, smirking at her pun.
He chuckled slightly. "That's not bad. Just a second-degree burn," he quipped back.
She laughed, but he quickly turned serious. "Now leave. I mean it. I'm searching for something."
"I could help," she offered. "But first, how long have you been searching?"
He started walking away as the flames extinguished.
"Hey, nobody ignores me!" she yelled, her aura flaring bright yellow. Her bracers shifted into gauntlet shotguns. She charged at him, but he sidestepped to the left. Undeterred, she pivoted and swung her left leg in a swift kick.
He planted his sword into the ground to block her attack. As her foot connected with the blade, her leg seared red from the heat. She yelped in pain, hopping on her uninjured leg.
"What is that sword made of?" she demanded, holding her burned leg.
"To be honest, I have no idea. It just appeared one day," he said, his voice calm yet distant.
She suddenly felt the heat of the flames encroaching on her and instinctively jumped back to where she stood before. The started to jump and hold her leg. "What was that? It was so hot!"
"Like I said before, if you get too close, I'll burn you. It's not on purpose. It's just how it is. Though it seems like your semblance gives you some resistance to my flames. What is your semblance, anyway?"
She tilted her head and smirked. "Hmm, how about this? If you show me yours, I'll show you mine." She struck a seductive pose, puckering her lips in a kissy face.
He rolled his eyes. "Am I not beautiful? I mean, when was the last time you even saw a girl?"
"Three years i believe," he replied bluntly, his tone devoid of amusement. "And you are stunning, but honestly, you're kind of too blonde."
Her jaw dropped slightly, the unexpected comment leaving her momentarily speechless. Before she could retort, he continued, "Oh, and to answer your original question: I'm fourteen. Also, you have one glaring weakness—your fighting style is way too predictable. If your punch doesn't work, you lean into the leg you're about to kick with. It's almost a fluid motion, but that little spin you do gives it away every time."
Her eyes widened in shock. Her father had told her the exact same thing during training. But the "too blonde" comment? That lingered in her mind. People constantly praised her looks; it wasn't possible someone didn't find her attractive.
"W-wait," she stammered, "are you… gay?"
Silence fell over the forest.
"So because I don't like you, and I've been alone for years, you assume I'm gay?" He crossed his arms. "That's a little disrespectful, don't you think?"
Her face turned beet red. "I-I didn't mean it like that. I just…" She trailed off, her voice softening. "I'll say this: I am having a reaction to your state of dress."
As moonlight began to filter through the trees, his face became partially visible. She suddenly became aware of her own appearance—she was still in her sleepwear, clutching her weapon.
"Y-you're definitely not gay," she muttered, embarrassed, "but you're not exactly modest either… with those short shorts."
He glanced down at his tattered shorts, realizing how tight they'd become. "Well, I guess it's time for a new pair. Thanks, I suppose. Also, I'd appreciate it if you didn't gawk at my, you know…"
She froze, realizing she'd been staring at his shorts a little too long.
"Sorry!" she said quickly, her cheeks flushing. "It's just that I… well, I haven't seen… one yet…" She hesitated, her voice dropping. "Even though I was recently in a relationship. Were you ever in one?"
His expression turned puzzled. "I should go," he said, avoiding the question. "I'm a danger to you. And honestly, I don't feel comfortable. I haven't spoken to anyone in years."
"Then talk," she said firmly. "I promise I won't tell anyone we met."
His stomach growled loudly, betraying him.
"Have you eaten anything recently?" she asked.
He blushed slightly. "Only moldy bread I found a couple of days ago," he admitted.
She could tell he was being honest. Looking around, she said, "Stay here."
Before he could protest, she dashed off toward a nearby building. Moments later, she returned with a plate of food. She placed it on the ground and stepped back confidently.
"Here, eat. Moldy bread isn't good for you," she said, crossing her arms.
He hesitated but stepped forward cautiously, While she stepped back at the same time. Picking up the food. Sitting down, he ate the bread and a bit of cooked meat in silence. When he was finished, he placed the leftovers into his pouch and returned to his original spot.
She picked up the plate with a satisfied smile. "See? I'm nice. Now, please tell me your name."
"I can't. It's a dead name," he replied solemnly. "Just call me the Flame Swordsman. And to answer your earlier question, no, I haven't been in a relationship. I had friends who seemed to be, but I don't know what became of them."
A sad look crossed his face. She softened, trying to comfort him. "Well, if you ever need a girlfriend, I wouldn't say no to dating a hero."
He laughed, the joke lifting his spirits.
"I'm no hero," he said, shaking his head. "But I've noticed your fiery red eyes and how your blonde hair glows like flames. Can I call you a Blonde Bombshell?"
She considered it for a moment, then teased, "Better save that kind of talk for a proper date."
"Then you'd better have the stamina to keep up with my 'fiery passion,'" he quipped, smirking.
Her cheeks flushed immediately. "For someone younger than me, you sure know a lot of innuendos," she retorted.
"Look," he said, scratching his head, "when you spy on Huntsmen hoping they'll leave some food behind, you hear all sorts of things. And then… there are the times when the forest sounds like Grimm, but it's not." He blushed slightly, realizing what he'd implied.
Her eyes widened, and a teasing grin spread across her face. "You little spy," she said, leaning closer. "You enjoy public stuff, don't you?"
He exhaled slowly, trying to suppress his laughter.
"Well," he said, his voice turning playful, "if it's you, I think I could give you a great experience."
This time, it was her turn to blush furiously.
"You win," she admitted with a faint smile. "Seems puns and teasing are your thing."
"Well, don't fall for me," he playfully said.
The moonlight illuminated more of his body, revealing his toned frame and defined abs.
"Damn," she said, genuinely surprised. "For someone who doesn't eat much, you seem pretty fit."
"I steal food when I need to, and people often leave food behind," he explained. "Plus, there's plenty of fruit in the forest."
She tilted her head thoughtfully, then nodded. "Well, I'm fit too. I mean, look at my chest."
This time, his cheeks flushed as he glanced at her. Realizing what she meant, he immediately turned away. "I get it," he said quickly.
She grinned, amused by his reaction. Then, remembering his earlier question, she added, "My semblance is Burn. It lets me absorb kentic energy and return it tenfold."
He nodded, processing the information. 'That explains why she wasn't burned as much,' he thought. 'Her aura must have been absorbing it.'
"Mine's called Awakening," he said after a pause. "It lets me manifest my aura into something like flames."
She furrowed her brows. "Wait—'something like flames'? But you keep saying 'burning me,' and those flames look real. Are you saying you're creating them through your aura? That's not possible. No aura can do that."
"I know," he admitted, "and that's why I don't have much aura left. Manifesting my semblance drains it fast. But it's dangerous because I can't control it through normal means."
"What do you mean, 'normal means'? You can't turn it off or adjust it?"
He shook his head. "My aura is powered by three emotions: conviction, anger, and rage."
"Wait," she interrupted, "conviction isn't an emotion—it's an action. And anger and rage are basically the same thing."
"Not quite," he replied. "Conviction is an action, but it's driven by emotion. It's what keeps me going to learn control over this power. My anger is directed at myself—for my past actions. And rage… rage is something I've learned to control. I've let go of my hatred for the Grimm, understanding that they're just another part of this gruesome cycle. I'm still learning to balance it all."
Her heart ached for him. "That's… really sad. I've never heard of an aura like yours. You must feel so lonely…"
Her aura flared gently as she stepped closer, arms outstretched to hug him. Burns began to form on her skin, but she didn't let go.
"Hey, you need to run," he warned, his voice filled with concern.
"Just a little longer," she said softly, her aura flickering as she held on. Finally, she released him and leapt back, using her arua to heal her wounds but it was slower than ussaul.
"I'm sorry," she said, her voice gentle. "But it seemed like you needed that. And yes, I'll keep your existence a secret if that's what you want." She glanced at the moon. "Are people after you?"
"I don't know," he replied. "But I've run into humans who seemed to know where I was. I… I burned them badly."
"Be careful," she said, her tone serious. "Some might think you're a monster."
"Thank you," he said, picking up his blade and slinging it over his shoulder. "But I need to leave. Grimm are attracted to me. I appreciated the embrace—it's been a long time since I've had company."
As he began to walk away, he paused. "One last thing: try using your semblance to leap onto trees and amplify the knockback of your weapons. It might give you an edge in a fight."
She blushed but managed a playful smile. "If I find you again, I'll help you and get you into Beacon. Then you'll have to take me out." She gave him a thumbs-up and added teasingly, "You're still not my type, though."
He smiled faintly before breaking into a run.
Later, with her family
Yang walked back toward the house, her thoughts racing. She spotted her father and sister waiting outside.
"Why are you two awake?" she asked, trying to sound casual.
Her father frowned, noticing the burns on her skin. "What happened to you?"
"I ran into some Grimm," she said quickly. "The Flame Swordsman helped me deal with them."
Ruby's eyes widened. "Wait, you met the Flame Swordsman?!"
Yang hesitated. "Yes, but it wasn't what you think. He didn't attack me. It was… an accident."
Their father's expression darkened. "If he's out there, we need to find him. He needs to learn to control his power."
"NO!" Yang shouted, surprising them both.
Her father raised an eyebrow. "Yang… did you talk to him?"
She nodded slowly. "Yes. And please, you have to keep this a secret."
Ruby looked at her in awe. "What was he like?"
Yang sighed and explained everything—their encounter, his semblance, and his struggles.
Their father listened carefully before speaking. "I see. He's fighting to protect people, even if it's from the shadows. I won't tell anyone, not even Beacon. But Yang, Ruby—keep this research minimal. If he ever asks for help, we'll be here for him."
Yang nodded, relieved. As she and Ruby went to bed, they both carried the secret of the Flame Swordsman, vowing to protect it.
The Next Day
"Hey Yang! Only six months left before we head to Beacon!" exclaimed a young dog Faunus, her tail wagging excitedly. "Oh, and guess what? We got our acceptance letters!"
"Of course you did," Yang replied with a grin. "You two are crazy skilled. And if it helps, I got mine yesterday too. Ruby was so jealous." She chuckled at the thought.
"Hey, what's with the burn mark on your leg?" asked a boy standing next to the dog girl.
Yang hesitated before answering. "Well… Grimm attacked, and I got saved by the Flame Swordsman. Rouge, don't worry—I'm totally fine. And Jane, why are you sniffing me?"
Jane tilted her head, her nose twitching. "Your smell... It's familiar. And you have ash on you."
"Stop that, Jane! That's not nice," Rouge scolded, pulling Jane back. "And don't use your semblance either. What if she met a boy last night? Do you really want to smell that?"
Jane instantly froze, retreating behind Rouge. "No," she mumbled in a sweet, embarrassed tone.
Yang laughed. "Why haven't you two started dating yet?"
"It's not the right time," Rouge replied calmly.
Jane's ears drooped slightly, but she nodded. "Maybe after we get into Beacon… but not now."
"I want her to choose me when she's ready," Rouge added. Jane leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. Her aura flickered as she grew slightly taller, her form maturing with her emotions. Rouge, too, seemed to shift, his lean, wiry frame adapting to his semblance's stealthy nature.
A bell rang, signaling the start of class. As they walked away, Yang thought to herself, I should try that semblance strategy he suggested.
A Few Weeks Later
Jimmy walked through a dense forest, flames erupting around him as he dispatched wave after wave of Grimm. The charred remains of his enemies littered the ground as he caught his breath.
he saw a clearing and walked around —until he spotted a group of Faunus wearing masks modeled after Grimm. Cautiously, he turned in the opposite direction.
A bullet whizzed past his head, forcing him to stop and turn around. His face, illuminated by faint embers, came into view.
"I'll warn you once," he said, his voice calm but firm. "If you've heard of the Flame Swordsman, I'm him. If you come closer, you'll burn. I don't want to hurt anyone else."
The leader of the group chuckled. "So you don't fear us? Do you even know who we are? We're the White Fang."
"I've heard of you," Jimmy replied. "A protest group fighting for Faunus equality. I respect your cause, but I've also heard rumors about your... methods. Are the terrorist attacks true?"
The leader smirked. "Humans have done far worse to us. So yes, it's true. And today, I'm here to take your power."
Jimmy let out a dry laugh. "My flames aren't something you can take—they're a part of my aura. I suggest you leave."
Before he could move, ice encased the ground around him, trapping him momentarily. A katana-wielding Faunus lunged at him, aiming for his neck. Jimmy's aura flared, burning the attacker's arm and forcing him back.
Jimmy took a deep breath, his voice steady. "Ignite my strength." His blade erupted into flames, forming a protective circle around him.
"If you enter this circle, it will mean death," he warned. "Please, leave me alone. I don't want to hurt anyone."
But his resolve wavered as three Faunus stepped into the circle. The flames began to falter—not from their presence, but from his growing fear. He wasn't afraid of them; he was afraid of himself.
The katana-wielding Faunus attacked again, his blade infused with ice dust. The cold energy extinguished Jimmy's flames, and the protective circle vanished.
A deep, booming voice echoed in his mind. "Stop fearing the possibility of killing them. They're after you. Your flames are dying."
Jimmy gritted his teeth, shouting back, "Why now?! Why are you here again?! I can't hurt them—they're just like Jane! They're people!"
The voice responded coldly. "If you don't fight, worse things will happen. They know your power."
The group advanced, freezing Jimmy's sword in a block of ice. A kick sent him sprawling to the ground, his weapon trapped. His flames extinguished completely.
Struggling to rise, he tripped over an unseen force and slammed his head against a rock. Blood trickled down his temple as his vision blurred.
A sinister laugh rang out.
The leader removed his mask, revealing a familiar face. "My name is Adam Taurus," he said with a wicked grin. "And I will take your great flames for myself."
Five Months Later
The bell rang as Yang, Ranger, and Jane walked out of weapon training, where they'd been learning more about their weapons and even upgrading them.
"Dammit! I barely managed to increase the knockback on my weapon. I mean, come on!" Yang groaned in frustration.
"Ever since you started purposely taking damage to activate your semblance, you've become faster and stronger," Jane said. "But it's a double-edged sword—it could kill you if you're not careful."
"She's right," Ranger added. "That's why I suggested adding a safety feature to reduce the damage you take when your aura gets too low. That way, you can still use your semblance without putting yourself at risk."
"Well, thanks," Yang said. "I didn't know you were an expert in programming."
"You're welcome. I also made sure the chip has a failsafe in case it ever needs to be disabled," Ranger replied in a bland tone.
Jane immediately grabbed Ranger's arm, leaning into him and wrapping herself around it as they walked.
As they continued, they noticed Monica—Jane's mother—waiting for them, polishing her blade. Monica stood and approached them as they got closer.
"Mother! Hi! Why are you here? Don't tell me—" Jane started, but Monica interrupted with a laugh.
"No, no, our home didn't burn down," Monica reassured her. "I'm taking an exploration job and wanted to ask Yang if you two could stay with her until you head to Beacon together."
Both Ranger and Jane looked confused. There were only two weeks left before they needed to head to Vale.
"Sure, they can stay with us," Yang said. Her family had grown close to Jane and Ranger, and they often spent time with Yang and Ruby anyway.
Ranger and Jane agreed to meet Yang at her home after gathering their clothes and necessities. As they left, Yang lingered, deep in thought.
Noticing her hesitation, Monica asked, "You okay? You seem worried."
Yang hesitated before responding. "Hey, do you know about the Flame Swordsman?" she asked, her voice steady but tense.
Monica's brow furrowed. "Yes, I do. It's strange—he appeared, made a name for himself, and then just vanished."
"I ran into him once," Yang admitted. "But it's weird… Someone so powerful just disappearing."
Monica seemed intrigued. "I did some digging. I thought he might be from our village, but when I got close to where he was last seen, all I found was a clearing full of ice and ash. No Grimm tracks, no sign of what happened—just evidence of a battle."
"Do you think he was captured? Do you know what happened?" Yang asked, her questions coming in rapid fire.
"Calm down!" Monica said firmly, her voice silencing Yang. "Why are you so invested in this? I don't know what happened. This was five months ago."
Yang hesitated, then admitted quietly, "I… I want to save him from himself."
Monica tilted her head. "Did you talk to him? Get his name?"
Yang shook her head. "No. I just know he's searching for something."
Monica sighed. "Fine. If I hear anything, I'll tell you first. But don't do anything stupid, Yang." She turned and began walking to her bike. "Oh, by the way, I left you a gift at your place. Hope you like it." With that, she rode away.
Yang watched her go, then headed home, her mind still on the mysterious Flame Swordsman.
With Jimmy
"Well, well… The last few months have been very informative," said a man in a top hat, his voice dripping with smug amusement. "I can't believe your semblance can awaken others, allowing them to conjure flames."
"Hello, Roman," Jimmy spat, blood dripping from internal damage. His face was streaked with blood running from his eye to his chin. "You made me use a sigil. This was the price."
"You're right—the price is heavy," Roman said. "But I've noticed that you get one back after a few months."
Jimmy froze, his body tense. Roman had figured it out. Jimmy avoided using the sigils because they caused his body to bleed and suffer internal damage.
Roman's smug smile widened. "You're breaking down, boy. Just enough to let Adam draw a little of your power. It's not as strong as your flames, but it's enough to give his opponents fear."
His aura felt weaker without his sword was hidden from him. He knew they kept the sword far from him for a reason—it amplified his strength when it was near.
"Your sword is incredible," Roman said, inspecting it from a distance. "Indestructible. It can't be broken, melted, or even lifted by most people. The weight is insane—it takes at least three people to move it. But when you're weak, it becomes blunt. That's why we've made sure you stay somewhat healthy."
Jimmy gritted his teeth, fury and frustration simmering inside him. He couldn't let Roman or Adam continue to use him. He had to find a way to regain control—before it was too late.
"Should I say thank you, even with that silent chick?" Jimmy muttered, glaring at another figure nearby. The silent woman bowed slightly and held up a sign that read, Ignore me, Flame Swordsman.
Jimmy clicked his tongue in irritation. "You're creepy, you know that?"
The man in the top hat chuckled. "Well, you need to recover before anything else. And remember—we need more blood, so eat well. And whatever you do, don't use Conviction. It could lead Grimm straight to the town."
Despite the warning, Jimmy had already attempted to use Conviction emotion during his earlier stay to retrieve his blade. Instead, it drew Grimm to the area. The resulting chaos left the townspeople fighting off an attack, with casualties on both sides. Guilt gnawed at him, and he tried to divert the Grimm by unleashing his rage, hoping to make them flee or lose their sense of him.
Later that night, he ate a bland meal of bread and a little meat. He knew it was laced with something to sedate him, but he ate it anyway, needing to keep his strength up. As exhaustion overcame him, he fell into a fitful sleep, his thoughts consumed by the destruction he had caused.
The Night Before Heading to Beacon
"I can't believe it! My baby sister got into Beacon two years early!" Yang said enthusiastically.
"Nice job, Ruby! Now neither of us has to be the youngest anymore," Jane added with a grin.
"I don't think it's a good idea to send someone so young to Beacon," Monica said with a skeptical tone.
"I slightly agree," Yang's father admitted, lowering his voice. "But let's not argue about it here."
Ranger, listening quietly, knew of Monica's distrust of the Beacon headmaster. She had even suggested delaying Jane and Ruby's enrollment by two years to gain more experience, but the idea was ultimately dismissed.
Despite the concerns, everyone seemed happy about the upcoming journey.
The Next Day
On the airship to Beacon, Ranger and Jane noticed a boy looking pale and unsteady. Jane clung to Ranger, hiding from the boy as he wobbled.
"He's going to throw up. You know that, right?" Jane whispered.
Ranger smirked and leaned toward his best friend/somthing more. "Just stay away from him until we land."
Jane shifted her attention to a broadcast about the White Fang, watching it with a look of disgust.
When the airship landed, Jane, showing a moment of kindness, guided the nauseous boy toward a trash can to help him recover. Ranger gave her a thumbs-up before walking off with Yang.
Ruby, left to her own devices, accidentally caused an explosion because of the girl shaking a canister. Jane quickly intervened when a white-clad girl clearly ready to slap Ruby.
"What do you think you're doing?" Jane asked, her semblance activating and emanating a ferocious canine energy.
The girl hesitated but composed herself, performing a curtsey. "Your semblance is impressive. I know who you are—Jane Bones, the warrior who nearly defeated the Invincible Girl."
"I lost fair and square," Jane replied humbly. "Her skills are far more refined than mine. But, you shouldn't shake dust around like that—it's dangerous."
"She's right, Miss Schnee" A girl in black with a purple bow approached and glanced at Jane. "You're a skilled warrior—and a proud Faunus, no less," she said.
"Thank you. I don't believe we've met," Jane said, intrigued.
"My name is Blake Belladonna," the girl replied. "You're famous among Faunus. Many believe you're the future of our kind."
Jane smirked. "Nice to meet you, Blake." She winked, causing Blake to stiffen slightly. With Ruby and Weiss still confused by the exchange, Blake turned and walked away without another word.
Ruby leaned toward Jane and whispered, "Do you know her?"
Jane shook her head. "No idea."
As Weiss gathered her bags and walked off, the boy Jane had helped earlier approached her.
"Hi," he said nervously. "Thanks for your help earlier. My name's Jaune Arc. I'm... not very good with transportation."
Jane smiled kindly. "No problem, Jaune. I came here with Ranger to explore Beacon. My mother was a student here, too."
Jaune's expression briefly soured at the mention of Ranger. "Is Ranger your boyfriend?" he asked, trying to sound casual.
Jane laughed softly. "No, he's not. He's just a really close friend."
At that, Jaune visibly perked up. Ruby, noticing the change, whispered to herself, "Oh no..." She shot Jane a look, sensing Jaune's thoughts.
"I'm just saying," Ruby whispered to Jaune with a sly tone, "Jane and Ranger are definitely an item... it's just complicated."
Jaune's hopeful expression quickly turned somber. He scratched the back of his head, realizing he needed to work on himself before thinking about relationships.
Suddenly, a scream and laughter echoed across the courtyard. A girl with wild orange hair came barreling toward him and knocked into Jaune, spinning him in circles.
"Nora, please don't do that!" A calm voice called after her. The speaker, a boy with green eyes and a gentle demeanor, walked over. "We need to get to the main area before we start fighting everyone else."
Ren glanced at Jaune apologetically. "Sorry about her. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again. My name's Ren, by the way."
Before anyone could respond, Nora darted off again with a carefree laugh.
"Sorry, see you later!" Ren said, hurrying after her.
Jane watched Nora disappear into the crowd, a bittersweet feeling washing over her. Nora's unrestrained energy reminded her of Jimmy—the way he would run free and enjoy life's little moments esscialy at night. Her heart ached as a single tear slipped down her cheek.
"I miss my best friend," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Jimmy's POV
Jimmy sat strapped to a chair as blood was drawn from his arm. He glared at Roman, his anger palpable.
"This blood is fascinating," Roman said, inspecting a vial. "The flames seem to adapt to it, making it possible to create fire from just a drop. Amazing."
Jimmy's blood began to boil with his rising anger with the vail it boiled as well.
"Ah, you're proving my point," Roman said smugly.
Adam entered the room, glancing at Jimmy's restrained form. "This power you've given me is remarkable. I've figured it out—the emotion of rage ignites the flame." To demonstrate, Adam's sword erupted into fire. "When you're weak, I am weak. So you must survive."
He removed the strap from Jimmy's mouth.
"You don't understand," Jimmy said hoarsely. "Rage is dangerous. It'll destroy everything and everyone close to you."
"You may be right," Adam admitted. "But I've realized that you can only grant this power to one person. That makes me special."
Jimmy's voice trembled. "I don't even know what this power truly is."
"That's why we're here—to test your limits," Roman interjected with a grin.
Jimmy glared at him, his rage boiling his blood.
A masked woman entered the room. "He's done for the day," she said, injecting a sedative into Jimmy's IV. As the drug took effect, Jimmy had one last thought.
"My sword is stronger when it's closer to me…. I have a secret if…you ... .want…i…." he murmured before succumbing to unconsciousness.
"He's right," Adam said, intrigued. "Let's test it. Move him to a cell and bring the sword within six feet, but no closer."
Roman chuckled. "I'd like to see that. When will he wake up?"
The masked woman glanced at a clipboard. "Around six tonight. I've increased the dosage since he's started resisting it. Also, his sword glowed again—it seems he has three sigils left."
"Perfect," Roman said, adjusting his hat. "Now, I'll have tea and cookies. Care to join me, Neo?"
Neo held up a sign: Sounds lovely.
Back at Beacon
After the headmaster's speech, everyone gathered in the hall to settle in for the night. Most of the students had changed into more comfortable attire. Jane sat cross-legged on the floor, wearing simple bone-patterned shorts and a soft blouse, engrossed in a book. Back to back, Ranger sat shirtless in meditative stillness, his legs crossed.
Ruby and Yang walked by and stopped to say hello.
"Hey, Ruby. Don't disturb Ranger—he's in a phase," Jane said without looking up.
"That's fine. Thanks again for helping me with Weiss earlier," Ruby replied.
Jane smirked. "When did you get all proper, Miss Rose?"
"Never mind that," Ruby said, waving her hand dismissively. "I wanted to ask something: have you guys ever seen Grimm up close?"
"We did, once," Ranger said calmly, his eyes still closed. "As kids, Jimmy managed to distract one. It got so annoyed with him that it just walked away."
Jane chuckled. "Yeah, I remember that. Grimm hates Jimmy. It's kind of funny when you think about it."
Ruby tilted her head. "Wait... a Grimm just walked away from him? That makes no sense!"
"It's true. Jimmy has this strange power. He's practically invincible—nothing can touch him. But in exchange, he's ridiculously clumsy. One time, he tripped over a mouse and accidentally set a whole store on fire," Jane said with a grin.
Yang laughed. "No way!"
"It's true! The store owner was furious, but when she found out she had a mouse infestation, she actually thanked Jimmy afterward," Jane added.
Just then, Jane's eyes landed on Blake, who was reading a book nearby. "Hey, Blake! Come here."
Blake glanced up, clearly annoyed. "What is it?" she asked, rolling her eyes but walking over nonetheless.
"Do you know about the Flame Swordsman?" Jane asked.
Blake raised an eyebrow. "The kid who uses fire? Yeah, I've heard the rumors. Some say he's using magic; others say he's stealing massive amounts of fire Dust. Why?"
Jane smirked mischievously. "Yang over there has a crush on him. She met him once."
Blake looked surprised, but before she could respond, Weiss suddenly appeared, her voice sharp with curiosity. "What do you mean you met him? What was he like? Does he actually use Dust?"
"Whoa, Weiss. Why are you so interested in him?" Jane asked.
Weiss crossed her arms. "Because he's a hero—a mysterious figure who inspires others and warms the hearts of all. Obviously."
Ruby frowned. "What are you even talking about?"
Weiss pulled out her Scroll and played a video. The footage showed Grimm attacking a small village, only to be obliterated in a single fiery strike. A blurry figure—a boy with shimmering hair—appeared briefly, his flaming sword in hand. The video ended with him dropping the sword and carrying an injured girl to safety.
"This happened seven months ago," Weiss explained. "Before he disappeared. Everyone in Atlas talks about him."
Yang folded her arms. "Why do you want to meet him so badly?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Weiss said. "He sacrifices himself to save others. He's a hero who asks for nothing in return—except food!"
"Did you know he can't fully control his powers?" Yang asked nonchalantly.
Weiss froze, her eyes wide. "What do you mean he can't control his powers?"
"Shh! Keep it down," Blake warned. "It's true. Huntsmen tend to keep a six-foot distance from him to avoid getting burned. It's... common knowledge."
Weiss's excitement shifted to a somber mood. "That's... sad. No wonder he's alone." Wiess sighed. "Well, I only came over to tell you to keep it down, but it seems I've made things louder instead. We have to get up early tomorrow."
"I'd like to meet him too," Ren said, approaching the group quietly. "He saved me and Nora once."
"Yeah! He's a hero," Jaune added. "I'd love to ask him what it means to be a real hero."
Jane stood, her arms crossed. "Enough talk. It's time to sleep," she said firmly, cutting off the conversation.
They were surprised as Jane stared at the video, studying the figure's two-toned hair. Her expression hardened.
"It's not him," Rouge said, her voice quiet but firm. "He's dead. I'm sorry."
Jane looked at her, a pang of emotion crossing her face. "I know it's hard. Thank you for setting me straight."
Yang and Ruby exchanged a knowing glance, their expressions mirroring the weight of the moment. Without further words, the group returned to their sleeping area. Jane lingered for a moment before Ranger spoke softly.
"You can sleep near me," he said.
Jane nodded and settled next to him. Exhaustion overcame her as she leaned into his presence, finding a semblance of peace as she drifted to sleep.
With Jimmy
"Well, well... how are you feeling? Is your strength returning?" Roman Torchwick asked, his voice dripping with mockery.
Jimmy's gaze snapped to his rusty red blade, now mounted on the wall, seven feet away. The sight of it ignited a spark of hope and determination.
Roman continued, oblivious to the shift in Jimmy's demeanor. "If I'm correct, Adam's power seems to resonate with your little flame. Fascinating, isn't it?"
Jimmy's eyes narrowed. "You mentioned wanting to know the secret to my power," he said, his voice low.
Roman tilted his head, intrigued. "Oh? And now you're willing to share? Why?"
Jimmy exhaled slowly. "Because it starts with a prayer," he said simply.
Roman's eyebrow twitched, and then he burst into laughter. "A prayer? You're telling me you're going to pray to your sword?"
"It's more than that," Jimmy replied, his tone steady. "It's an incantation. A channel for power. And this one is special."
Roman stopped laughing, leaning closer, suspicion and curiosity etched across his face. "Fine. Show me," he said, gesturing with a wave of his hand.
Jimmy bent his head slightly, his focus locking onto the blade. Though it was just out of reach, he stretched his will toward it, drawing strength from the bond they shared. Quietly, he began his chant:
"Flame, as it burns, its self-destruction is inevitable. Allow hell to destroy itself. Once used, there is no heaven—only self-annihilation. Flame... consume yourself."
A sigil ignited beneath him, glowing ominously.
Neo, standing nearby, reacted instantly. With a smirk, she darted forward, her parasol spinning as she knocked the blade further out of Jimmy's reach. She held up a sign: Nice try.
Even Roman couldn't hide his amusement. "I have to admit, that was bold."
Jimmy stood motionless, his head bowed. Blood streaked down his face from his eyes, pooling on the floor beneath him. He clenched his fists, his rage and determination intensifying.
"You should have never brought my sword near me," Jimmy said, his voice a deadly whisper.
Roman's smirk faded as Jimmy snapped his fingers. The blade ignited, its fiery glow illuminating the room. In an instant, the sword exploded, shattering the walls and bars around him.
The room filled with smoke and fire. Roman coughed, stumbling as Neo pulled him to safety.
"Ingite my strength!" Jimmy roared, flames engulfing his body as he charged down the corridor. Using the fire to cloak his movements, he broke through the outer doors, vanishing into the dark night.
The city lit up behind him as his fiery escape left a trail of destruction. But Jimmy didn't stop running—not even when Adam appeared in pursuit, his own flames shooting through the streets in retaliation.
Their chase led them to a distant mountain, where the trail of fire finally ended.
Jimmy stood at the edge of a rocky platform, the cold wind whipping around him. Adam slowed, his blade igniting in preparation for the final blow.
"This is the end for you," Adam said, his voice cold and certain.
Jimmy didn't look down at the platform beneath him, but he felt it metal platform. He exhaled deeply, his voice carrying on the wind.
"You don't understand the pain you've caused, do you?" Jimmy said, his tone a mix of sorrow and defiance.
"What do you mean?" Adam demanded, his sword poised.
Jimmy's voice remained steady despite the tension. "I cause pain—not with my flames, but with my ability to attract Grimm."
Adam frowned. "Everyone attracts Grimm. What makes you different?"
"Grimm are drawn to power, and my semblance isn't just about flames. It awakens something deeper—a gift of power that they crave. I don't understand it fully, but they do. They'll stop at nothing to take it."
Adam chuckled coldly and began to approach. "More riddles? Conviction or not, you're still just—"
Jimmy's lips curled into a faint smile. "You don't understand conviction. Watch this."
With that, he stabbed his blade into the ground. Flames erupted, in the crack of the platform. A hidden mechanism beneath the platform ignited, and suddenly, a spring-loaded board launched Jimmy high into the air, sending him soaring across the forest canopy.
Adam yelled after him, fury in his voice. "Run all you want! I'll find you again!"
Before Adam could follow, a figure emerged from the shadows. A woman with a poised stance and a crop in hand stepped forward, her gaze locking onto Adam.
"You're not going anywhere," she said, her voice calm but commanding.
Adam gritted his teeth, ready to fight, but before she could act, a bulkhead to a stop nearby. Neo and Roman appeared, swiftly pulling Adam aboard before the woman could capture him. The vehicle sped off, leaving her standing in the clearing.
She muttered under her breath, frustrated, and used her crop to reset the scorched springboard.
From behind her, a man with a cane approached, observing the scene with a calm demeanor.
"Who was that?" the woman asked, glancing at him.
"I wouldn't worry too much," the man replied, his tone measured. "The Flame Swordsman was likely nearby. Perhaps he intervened."
"Are you sure, Professor?" she asked, skeptical.
He smiled faintly. "The Flame Swordsman never fights during the day. That's his rule, remember?"
The woman nodded reluctantly, turning back to the now-silent clearing.
In the Forest
Jimmy stumbled through the forest, flames flickering weakly around him. He dispatched a few Grimm with exhaustion weighing on his body, blood dripping from his eyes. Each step grew heavier as his strength waned.
Finally, he found a small, abandoned structure nestled in the woods. Desperate for rest, he collapsed inside and allowed sleep to claim him.
In the darkness, a voice echoed—a soft, angelic tone that pierced through his dreams.
"I'm sorry… I couldn't protect you," it whispered, fading into the the light
The Next Morning at Beacon
Students stood gathered on a high cliff, each atop a launch platform, awaiting the headmaster's signal. His voice boomed over the crowd, outlining the rules for the initiation.
"Good luck," he finished, and the platforms activated, launching the students into the air.
Most landed gracefully, but one blonde boy screamed as he was flung into a tree. Nearby, Ranger caught Jane mid-air, their embrace steadying them both as they descended safely. Then Jane grabbed a tree to make sure they landed carefully without injury.
Jane's gaze lingered on Ranger. "Looks like we're teammates," she said with a small smile.
Jane nodded and broke into a sprint, determination fueling her movements.
Ren found Nora moments later, her laughter echoing as she rode an Ursa like a wild steed.
"We've got work to do, Nora," Ren said calmly, pulling her attention back to the Grimm swarming around them. Together, they worked seamlessly, Ren's precision and Nora's sheer force overwhelming their enemies.
Elsewhere, Jaune, gripping his sword with trembling hands, hesitated as a Beowolf lunged at him. Closing his eyes, he swung awkwardly, the blade connecting and cutting the Grimm down.
"I… I did it," he muttered in shock.
"Keep moving, Jaune!" Prya called, regrouping with him. "There's no time to stop!"
As the teams pushed forward, Yang and Blake were the first to reach the ruins, their movements synchronized and efficient.
"Looks like we're ahead," Yang said, scanning the area.
Before Blake could respond, a sudden crash from above sent both Weiss and Ruby tumbling onto Yang in a heap.
"Ugh, Ruby!" Yang groaned, pushing her sister off. "Watch where you're landing!"
Ruby grinned sheepishly. "Sorry, Yang. didnt understand when i said jump!"
"I did not because you didnt fully explain!" Weiss snapped, dusting herself off.
Before the bickering could escalate, the ground shook. Grimm poured into the clearing, their growls growing louder as they surrounded the group.
"Is it just me, or is there a small army of Grimm?" Jaune asked running, his voice trembling as he joined the others. Ren and Nora bulldosed more grim before killing it.
Jane and Ranger arrived moments later, their semblances cutting through the horde to reach the ruins. Ranger's hands blazed with controlled fire shots, each strike incinerating multiple Grimm, while Jane's precise shots pierced the enemies' weak points.
"We've got a problem," Jane announced, panting. "More Grimm are coming, and they're not letting up."
Above them, the screech of Nevermores filled the air. Four massive shadowy figures descended, their wings darkening the already dim sky.
"This place was scouted! Why are there so many Grimm here?" Ruby shouted, her scythe slicing through a Beowolf mid-charge.
"It doesn't matter why!" Yang yelled, punching a charging Ursa with enough force to send it flying. "We need to focus on surviving!"
Weiss formed ice barriers to slow the Grimm's advance, but even they began to crack under the sheer numbers. Ren and Nora worked in tandem, creating openings for the group to push forward, while Jaune clumsily defended the rear, his confidence growing with each successful strike.
Jane's sharp eyes caught the Nevermores circling above. "They're calling reinforcements! If we don't deal with them, we're going to be overwhelmed!"
Ranger nodded. "I'll distract them. Keep the others safe!"
"No way you're doing this alone!" Jane snapped, firing at a Nevermore's wing to ground it temporarily.
The group's coordinated attacks began to turn the tide, but exhaustion was setting in. Ruby, wielding Crescent Rose with precision, yelled over the chaos, "We need a plan! We can't hold them off forever!"
Yang, catching her breath, growled, "Then someone better come up with one fast!"
The roars of the Grimm grew louder as the group braced themselves, their resolve the only thing keeping them standing against the seemingly endless tide.
As the teams regrouped, more Grimm began to appear. Jaune, hesitant but determined, managed to take down a few, while Ren and Nora cleverly used an Ursa to dispatch others. The groups converged at the ruins, with Yang and Blake arriving first. Moments later, Ruby and Weiss crash-landed onto Yang, their disoriented state adding to the chaos.
"Is it just me, or is this a small army of Grimm?" Jaune asked nervously, eyeing the growing horde.
Jane and Ranger pushed through the crowd with their semblances, thinning the Grimm enough to reach the ruins.
"Hey, guys!" Jane called out, panting. "We've got a problem—more Grimm are coming!"
Everyone's focus shifted upward as four massive Nevermores descended from the sky, their shrieks echoing across the battlefield.
Ruby clenched her scythe. "This place was scouted! Why are there so many Grimm?"
Yang grit her teeth. "Doesn't matter why. We need to survive this."
The roars of the Grimm grew louder as more swarmed the area, threatening to overwhelm them. Jane and Jaune screamed as they fought to keep the horde at bay, their energy fading.
Ruby, Yang, and Weiss held the line, their attacks synchronized but desperate. Blake darted through the chaos, her strikes precise yet strained.
Above it all, Jane's voice cut through the noise. "We can't hold them like this! We need a plan!"
The intensity of the battle peaked as the group was pushed closer to the brink, their exhaustion attracting even more Grimm. Their weapons swung slower, breaths came in ragged gasps, and desperation hung heavy in the air.
The acrid stench of blood and ash reached Jane's nose, triggering a cascade of memories. Her eyes widened as recognition settled in. "There's blood and ash… I need to get closer," she declared, her voice filled with urgency.
Ranger frowned. "Blood and ash? Jane, what are you talking about?"
Ruby stepped forward. "I'll guide the others. Jane, if you think there's a chance of finding help, go. But be careful!"
Yang's head snapped toward Jane at the mention of ash, her own memories stirring. Her eyes burned with determination. "I'll go with her. If it's what I think it is… we need his help."
The two pushed through the chaos, their combined semblances carving a path through the Grimm. Jane activated her Semblence enhanced senses, the familiar smell pulling her forward. Yang's eyes flicked between the ash on the ground and the flame-charred remains of Grimm.
"Jimmy! Please!" Jane screamed, her voice raw. "Return and help us! We need you!"
The group froze. Ranger's eyes darted toward Jane in confusion. "Jimmy is… he's gone, Jane. Why would you—"
Before Ranger could finish, Yang cupped her hands and shouted, "Flame Swordsman! It's me! The Grimm will kill us—please, we need you!"
Stunned silence fell as the echoes of her plea faded. Even the Grimm seemed to pause for a split second, their relentless charge breaking as they reoriented toward the sounds of their fear-filled voices. Eyes of pure chocolate brown heard both voices.
They both ran back into the group as the grim was starting to overwhelm them. The reprieve was short-lived. Three massive Grimm, larger and more menacing than the others, broke through the horde with an unearthly growl. One charged at Ruby, another at Jane and Yang, and the third bore down on Jaune. The team braced for the onslaught.
A torrent of flame erupted, obliterating the three Grimm and incinerating a swath of enemies in its wake. The blazing heat swept across the battlefield, scorching the ground and silencing the chaos momentarily. The remnants of the fire left behind a single, rusty red blade, its surface glowing faintly as it embedded itself into the earth right in front of Jaune.
"Umm… guys?" Jaune stammered, pointing shakily at the weapon. "Is it just me, or is that rusty red sword on fire?"
Yang's face lit up with recognition and hope. "I knew it! Nobody else carries a rusty sword like that! He's here!"
Jane stumbled toward the blade, her trembling hands brushing its hilt as she leaned in, her enhanced senses working overtime. "It's his scent. Jimmy's. But why?" Her voice cracked with emotion. "Could he really…? Is he the Flame Swordsman?"
The group stood in stunned silence, the blade standing as both a beacon of hope and a mystery. Around them, the Grimm began regrouping, their guttural growls signaling another wave. The fight wasn't over, but now, there was a spark of something more—a belief that, perhaps, they weren't fighting alone anymore.
"Guys," Jaune stammered, his voice trembling as he pointed toward the distance. "There's a Boy …. his hair is long—like, really long—and he's wearing pants. No shoes. That's… that's exactly how they describe the Flame Swordsman."
Everyone turned to where Jaune was pointing, and their eyes widened.
Jimmy's figure emerged from the haze of ash and fire, his bare feet moving soundlessly across the scorched earth. Each step carried a quiet but undeniable weight, the air around him rippling with heat and a dark, oppressive energy. The Grimm, known for their relentless aggression, faltered and began retreating, their guttural growls replaced by uneasy whimpers. Even the fiercest of them cowered under the intensity of his presence.
His long, disheveled hair flowed behind him, and the blood across his body gleamed faintly in the firelight. His face was expressionless, but his eyes—his eyes burned with a mix of fury and pain so raw it was almost unbearable to look at.
The group stood frozen, unable to tear their gaze away. Awe and dread mixed in equal measure, their hearts pounding in their chests. This was no mere huntsman.
"Jimmy?" Jane whispered, her voice cracking as she stepped forward, her breath hitching at the sight of him.
Jimmy stopped, his head tilting slightly in her direction, but he didn't speak immediately. His bare feet pressed into the ashen ground as he clenched his fists. The flames around him flickered and sparked, reacting to the storm of emotions swirling within him.
"Jane," he finally said, his voice low and hoarse, as if he'd been screaming for days. "I… had a run-in with the White Fang." His jaw tightened, and his eyes momentarily flicked to the ground. "They… they did things. But we don't have time for that now."
He lifted his head, his gaze sweeping over the group, his expression hardening into resolve. "Right now, we need to deal with the Grimm."
Jane felt her heart break a little as she heard the weight in his voice—the pain he tried so hard to conceal. She wanted to ask more, to press him for answers, but before she could, Jimmy raised a hand.
"Stay back," he said sharply, his voice cutting through the tension. He turned to Ranger and Jane specifically. "Both of you. Six feet—no closer."
Confused but obedient, they took a few steps back, watching him warily.
Jimmy strode toward his sword, the rusty red blade still embedded in the ground. As he approached, a circle of flames erupted around it, flaring up with a heat so intense the group instinctively shielded their faces. The fire formed a perfect ring, the light casting ominous shadows that danced across Jimmy's features.
He reached out, his fingers brushing the hilt. The flames pulsed as if alive, then roared skyward as Jimmy gripped the sword and pulled it free. The blade burned with a renewed fury, the flames licking along its edge as if celebrating its master's return.
Jimmy turned back to the group, the sword resting heavily in his hand. His eyes, though bloodshot and weary, now held a fierce determination. "Stay together. Protect each other. I'll clear a path."
The weight of his words hung in the air. No one moved, no one spoke. They were seeing a man who had endured unspeakable trials, who had faced horrors they couldn't imagine—and yet here he stood, ready to fight for them, even as his own demons gnawed at him.
Jane finally found her voice, though it wavered. "Jimmy… are you okay?"
For a moment, his mask slipped. A flicker of vulnerability crossed his face, a crack in the armor. "I'm still standing," he replied simply, before turning away and stepping toward the oncoming horde.
As the Grimm surged forward, drawn by the group's lingering fear, Jimmy raised his sword. The flames around him intensified, and with a single swing, he unleashed a fiery wave that tore through the creatures like a wrathful storm. The air was filled with the deafening roar of the flames and the dying screams of the Grimm. In that moment, he wasn't just the Flame Swordsman. The group's silent vow to survive burned as brightly as the fire in his soul.