Sunshine Chapter 39: The Final Stop, a rwby fanfic

Chapter 39: The Final Stop

Reviews:

PlzDontReferToMe: That's my whole goal with Oscar, for him to become his own character, to become something more than just some body for Ozpin to possess. Which is why I gave him some attributes I think he would have had. At first he was naive and innocent and because he's so young, he's easy to lose his emotions, but because he's seen how much Jaune and Vernal have done for him and how strong they are, he's aspired to be like them, so while he's still a kid and will act like a bit of a country pumpkin, he can be serious and determined when the time calls.

Handsomistic1: Glad you noticed that! The Linkin Park lyrics in Oscar's dialogue were inspired by Bleach Abridged Ep.12, I thought it was pretty funny so I added it in this chapter

blaiseingfire: Oscar learned from Jaune's descent into near darkness and is afraid of losing that human part of him, he knows Jaune's still a good person, but he's also aware that Jaune can become a monster in an instant, and knows he was close to becoming like that. So, he still tries to show some humanity in his killing.

Megah: Shit! Wolf's voice would've been way better! I totally forgot them!

Delta7344: UPDATE NOW! LETS GOOOOOOO!

XXX

The door hissed open, and Jaune, Vernal, and Sun staggered into the second-to-last car, their clothes torn and bodies bruised from their grueling battle with the Devyl Grimm. The three of them looked exhausted, each movement weighted down by the toll of their recent encounter.

Vernal stretched, rolling her neck with a pained groan. "If there are more of those fucking things in this godsforsaken kingdom, I'm gonna lose my mind," she muttered, rubbing at her sore shoulders.

Sun gave a breathless chuckle, cracking his knuckles with a grin. "Eh, trust me—you get used to it!" he replied, flashing a confident smirk.

Jaune raised an eyebrow at Sun, clearly skeptical. "Yeah... Somehow, I doubt that," he muttered dryly, shaking his head.

They regrouped and made their way toward the next door leading to the control room, but as they approached, it slid open, revealing three White Fang grunts armed with automatic rifles. Without hesitation, the grunts leveled their guns, fingers itching to fire.

Jaune, Vernal, and Sun dove for cover behind the seats as the car erupted in a hailstorm of bullets. Metal pinged and sparks flew as bullets tore through the seats, filling the air with the acrid smell of gunpowder.

With a sharp glare, Vernal glanced over at Jaune, visibly annoyed. "So, are we just gonna sit here and wait till they're out of ammo, or...?"

Jaune nodded, catching his breath as he steadied himself. "Pretty much," he said.

Sun smirked from behind his cover, leaning out slightly to gauge the grunts' positions. "You feeling up for a little payback?" he asked with a mischievous glint in his eye.

Vernal took a deep breath as she carefully loaded her pistols, her fingers moving with practiced precision. She waited, listening to the storm of gunfire, each bullet ricocheting off metal and shredding through the seats around them. But then, finally, there was a pause, followed by the telltale clicks of empty magazines. The White Fang grunts had exhausted their ammunition.

Hearing her cue, Vernal stepped out from behind her cover, eyes cold and focused as she leveled her pistols at the grunts. She took aim, steady as stone, and fired three clean shots. Each bullet found its mark, hitting the grunts square in the face. They barely had time to react before they dropped to the floor, lifeless.

As the last body slumped, Jaune and Sun stood up from behind their cover, surveying the aftermath.

"Whoo! Nice shot!" Sun whistled, his tail flicking with approval.

Jaune gave her an admiring look, a hint of a smile on his face. "Yeah, that was some impressive shooting, partner,"

Vernal flashed a confident smirk, casually blowing away the thin trails of smoke rising from her pistol barrels. "Damn straight," she replied.

The group wasted no time, racing into the front car of the train. Inside, they found a tense standoff: one White Fang operative gripped the controls while another held the conductor hostage, a pistol pressed firmly against their temple. The moment the trio burst through the door, the second operative's eyes widened, and their grip on the conductor tightened.

"Don't move! You take one step, and I'll—"

The threat was cut short with a sharp crack. Vernal had already drawn and fired her weapon, her reflexes honed to perfection. The bullet struck true, and the White Fang member crumpled to the floor in an instant, lifeless. The conductor stumbled back, wide-eyed but unharmed, as the lifeless hand released its grip.

The other operative spun around at the sound, their hand darting toward an automatic Dust rifle mounted by their side. Before they could bring it to bear, Sun lunged forward, his staff whipping through the air in a blur. The blunt end of the weapon struck the operative squarely in the gut, doubling them over with a wheeze. Without hesitation, Sun followed through with a swift upward strike to the head, rendering them unconscious. The Faunus collapsed in a heap near the controls.

With the immediate threat neutralized, Jaune hurried over to the train conductor, kneeling to untie the ropes that bound their wrists. "Are you hurt?" he asked, his voice steady but urgent.

The conductor rubbed their sore wrists, their hands trembling as they took a shaky breath. "N-No, I think I'm okay," they stammered, their voice thick with relief. "Thank you... I thought for sure that was the end for me,"

"Glad we got here in time," Jaune replied with a faint smile. "Can you take control of the train? We need you to contact the station and let them know it's safe now,"

The conductor straightened, determination replacing their earlier fear. "Yes, absolutely, I'll make sure they're informed right away," They moved quickly to the controls, hands steadying as they adjusted the settings and reached for the communication panel.

Jaune gave the conductor an approving nod. "Good work, but do you think you can speed this thing up? We didn't clear out every White Fang grunt on this train, and we need to head back and deal with the rest before they try something stupid."

The conductor's face was still pale from the ordeal, but they nodded firmly. "I'll do what I can. I'll keep the train steady and push it as fast as it'll go without derailing us."

"That's all I need," Jaune said with a brief but sincere smile. "Thanks. Just stay focused and keep yourself safe."

Turning to his team, Jaune shifted gears. "Alright, one of you needs to stay here and guard the conductor, just in case any stragglers make their way up here." His tone was steady but carried an edge of urgency.

Sun immediately stepped forward, spinning his staff in a fluid motion before planting it on the floor with a confident grin. "I've got this. You and Vernal go clean up the rest of those psychos. I'll make sure no one gets near the conductor."

"Appreciate it, Sun," Jaune said, clapping him briefly on the shoulder. He then turned to Vernal, a glint of determination sparking in his single eye. A smirk played on his lips. "So, you ready for round two?"

Vernal mirrored his expression, a mischievous glint in her eye as she adjusted her weapon. "Always. Let's make this quick."

With that, the two exchanged a nod and headed back into the train, their movements synchronized and purposeful. Behind them, Sun took up a protective stance near the conductor, his sharp eyes scanning the door for any sign of trouble. "You've got nothing to worry about," Sun reassured the conductor with a casual grin. "Anyone comes through here, they're gonna wish they hadn't."

Meanwhile, Jaune and Vernal moved deeper into the train, ready for whatever was waiting for them. "Think they've regrouped?" Jaune asked under his breath, his grip tightening on his weapon.

"If they have, it won't matter," Vernal replied, her voice cold and resolute. "They won't get a second chance."

The tension between them only fueled their resolve as they prepared for the fight ahead... Only to be immediately met by Deery, Maria, and Whitely, who looked visibly relieved. Deery was the first to speak, her face lighting up with a bright smile.

"You're alright!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine joy.

Jaune gave a brief nod, his expression remaining steady despite the chaos they had just faced. "Yeah, we're alright," he replied. "We were just heading back to restrain any White Fang members still causing trouble,"

Deery waved off his concern with a casual motion of her hand. "You don't have to worry about that, we already took care of the stragglers while making our way here,"

"Good," Vernal said simply, though her sharp eyes immediately scanned the group, picking up on something—or rather, someone—missing. Her brows furrowed, and she tightened her grip on her weapon. "Wait, where's Oscar?"

At the question, Jaune froze, his gaze darting over the group. The growing knot in his stomach twisted tighter as he confirmed what Vernal had already noticed: Oscar wasn't with them. He turned back to Deery and Maria, his voice edged with urgency. "Where is he?"

Deery hesitated, the relief in her expression draining away and giving way to uncertainty. "Oscar... he stayed behind," she admitted, her voice quieter now. "Some rogue hunter tried to take Whitely hostage, and he told us to get Whitely to safety while he handled it,"

Jaune's heart skipped a beat, fear flooding through him like ice water. "What!?" he shouted, disbelief and frustration lacing his voice.

Vernal's sharp eyes locked onto Deery, her expression darkening into an accusatory glare. Her voice rang out, laced with anger and worry. "You left him behind? Are you serious!?"

Deery flinched under the intensity of Vernal's tone, her ears twitching nervously as she scrambled to defend herself. "He told us to go ahead!" she argued, her voice rising in protest. "He said he could handle it!"

Vernal's fists clenched at her sides, her composure slipping as a low growl escaped her throat. "And you let him!?" she snapped, her voice cracking with frustration. "He's one kid against a trained huntsman! How could you just leave him like that?"

Deery's face fell, guilt flashing across her features as she struggled to meet Vernal's piercing gaze. "I... I didn't want to!" she admitted, her voice trembling. "But he was so insistent, and Whitely—Whitely was in danger! He told us to protect him!"

Maria stepped forward, her posture calm but her voice resolute as she defended Deery. "She's right, none of us wanted to leave him behind, but he was insistent on handling it alone," she said firmly, her silver eyes narrowing slightly as she addressed Vernal's anger. "And for what it's worth, I believed he could do it, I still do,"

Jaune's frustration boiled over, his voice rising. "Are you kidding me, Maria?" he shouted, disbelief and anger clear in his tone. "You, of all people, should know better! He's not strong enough to handle something like this on his own!"

Maria's gaze sharpened as she turned to him. "Says who? You? That boy has been training day and night, pushing himself harder than anyone else I've seen, he's not just some kid tagging along anymore, he's a Huntsman in the making, and I've seen how far he's come," she retorted, her voice carrying a quiet but unyielding strength. She took a step closer, pointing a gnarled finger at Jaune's chest. "And I believe he can win,"

"Goddamn it, you old hag, that doesn't matter!" Vernal snapped, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and fear. Her fists clenched tightly at her sides as she turned to Jaune, her eyes flashing. "He's still just a kid! We have to hurry, Jaune! We have to find him now! If anything happens to him, I swear to every god there is, I'll kill every last motherfucking piece of shit on this train!" Her voice cracked, her anger giving way to desperation.

Jaune stepped closer, gripping her shoulder tightly, his own voice straining to stay calm. "We will find him," he said, locking eyes with her. "He's going to be alright, I promise you,"

Her gaze softened momentarily, but her worry remained etched on her face. "You don't know that!" she cried, her voice breaking as her anger gave way to raw emotion. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she whispered, "Jaune... we can't lose him, not Oscar..."

"Lose who?"

The soft, familiar voice cut through the tension like a knife. Everyone turned, their heads snapping toward the far end of the car where Maria, Deery, and Whitely had come from.

There he stood, Oscar, disheveled but very much alive, leaning against the doorway. His clothes were slightly torn, and there was a faint bruise on his cheek, but he wore a small, tired smile that instantly relieved the weight crushing their hearts.

Without hesitation, Vernal rushed over to Oscar, wrapping her arms around the younger teen in a fierce, almost crushing embrace. The sudden pressure caused Oscar to let out a surprised groan.

"Vernal... little tight here," he muttered, trying to adjust, but before he could catch his breath, the hug tightened further as Jaune joined in, sandwiching him between the two older teens. "Uh... it's getting kinda hard to breathe," Oscar wheezed, squirming slightly in their grasp.

"Deal with it," Vernal shot back, her voice muffled by the proximity but carrying an unmistakable edge of emotion.

Finally, the two released him, stepping back as Oscar staggered slightly, catching his breath. He barely had time to recover before Vernal's intense glare pinned him in place.

"What the hell were you thinking!?" she shouted, her voice a mixture of anger, fear, and lingering relief.

Oscar flinched under her fiery gaze, raising his hands defensively. "I-I'm... sorry?" he stammered, his tone uncertain, as if unsure whether it was the right answer.

Jaune crossed his arms, his expression stern but less volatile than Vernal's. "You scared the hell out of us," he said firmly. "Don't ever pull something like that again, do you hear me?"

Oscar's gaze dropped to the floor, guilt written all over his face. "I... I didn't mean to scare anyone," he admitted quietly. "I just... I didn't want anyone else getting hurt, Whitely was in danger, and I thought if I handled it, everyone else would be safe,"

Hearing the sincerity in Oscar's voice, Jaune's expression softened. He let out a long sigh, running a hand through his hair. "I get it," he said, his tone gentler now. "But listen, don't try anything like that again, at least not yet, you've still got a lot to learn,"

"Exactly," Vernal added, her tone still sharp but laced with worry. "Don't go throwing yourself into danger like that again, not until you've improved your training!"

Oscar gave a sharp nod. "Got it," he said simply, his voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions that seemed to linger in the air.

Jaune offered him a small smile, a mixture of pride and relief washing over him. Oscar had held his own against a rogue Huntsman—no small feat—and he had come out alive. But as much as Jaune felt proud of the younger boy, the lingering question gnawed at him, and his expression grew more serious.

"Oscar," Jaune began hesitantly, his brow furrowed. "The rogue you fought... is he...?"

Oscar turned to him, his face carefully neutral, but his slow nod answered the question before he even spoke. "Yeah," he replied quietly.

Jaune let out a heavy sigh, the weight of the confirmation settling over him. Vernal's expression softened, her earlier frustration melting into something gentler as she glanced at the younger teen.

"Oscar," she said softly, stepping closer, her tone calm and soothing in stark contrast to her earlier outbursts. "Don't blame yourself for what happened,"

"I know," Oscar said quickly, cutting her off before she could continue. His voice carried a firmness that was unusual for him. He looked at both of them, his gaze steady and resolute. "I did what I had to do, if I hadn't... He might have hurt Maria, or Deery, he could've taken Whitely, I couldn't let that happen," he told her. His voice faltering slightly.

Vernal opened her mouth to say more, to push him, to make absolutely sure he was okay. But as she studied him, she stopped. She didn't need to ask if he was blaming himself—she could see it in his eyes. There was no guilt there, no self-loathing. Instead, there was a quiet acceptance, an understanding of the weight of what he had done.

It wasn't the look of someone who saw himself as a monster. It was the look of someone who had made a hard, life-altering decision and knew it had been the right one, no matter how much it hurt.

But despite what she saw in his eyes, Vernal knew she had to ask. She had to hear it from him, to be certain.

"Was it hard for you?" Vernal asked, her voice softer than usual, lacking its usual bite.

Oscar lifted his gaze to meet hers, his expression steady and composed. But Vernal wasn't fooled; in the depths of his eyes, she caught a flicker of something raw—a quiet pain he wasn't trying to hide but wasn't dwelling on either.

"Yeah," he admitted, his voice low but resolute.

For a moment, Vernal simply nodded, her bright blue eyes searching his face. "Good," she said finally, her tone carrying an odd mixture of relief and approval.

Oscar blinked, clearly confused. "Good?" he repeated, tilting his head slightly.

"Yeah," Vernal replied, crossing her arms and leaning slightly toward him. "It means you're still human, you felt something when you did it—regret, pain, whatever it was, that's important, Oscar," Her voice softened, though her gaze remained firm. "Jaune and I... we don't always feel that anymore, not like you do,"

Oscar frowned, his brow furrowing as he considered her words. "But doesn't that make me weak?" he asked hesitantly. "If I hesitate, or if it gets to me too much, won't that put people in danger?"

Vernal shook her head firmly. "No, it makes you human, farm boy," she said, her tone sharpening slightly. "The moment it stops bothering you, that's when you need to worry, It's not weakness—it's what keeps you from turning into the kind of people we fight," Vernal said.

Oscar took a deep breath, her words settling over him. He hadn't thought of it that way before. The pain he felt, the weight of the choice he'd made—it wasn't a burden to be ashamed of. It was a reminder of what he stood for, of who he was.

"Thanks," he said quietly, his voice steady but sincere.

Vernal smirked faintly, reaching out to ruffle his hair in a rare show of affection. "Don't mention it," she said, stepping back. "Just don't let it eat at you too much, okay? You did what you had to do, and you did it to protect people, that's what matters,"

Oscar nodded, a small, genuine smile tugging at his lips. "I'll remember that,"

"Good," Vernal replied, her smirk widening slightly.

Jaune glanced around at the group, a relieved smile spreading across his face. "Alright," he said, his voice steady with a note of determination. "Now that we're all here, let's make sure we've secured and restrained all the White Fang members who are still unconscious. At the same time, we need to check on the passengers, let them know everything's under control."

The group nodded in unison, their shared sense of purpose clear in their expressions. Without hesitation, they moved into action, splitting up to cover more ground.

Jaune led Vernal and Oscar down one side of the train while Maria, Deery, and Whitely took the other. They methodically entered each occupied car, double-checking the restrained White Fang members to ensure their bonds were secure and gathering any weapons that had been left behind.

At the same time, they reassured the frightened passengers, offering calm, steady words of encouragement. "It's all going to be okay," Vernal told a trembling elderly man, her usual sharpness replaced by an uncharacteristic softness.

Oscar crouched beside a small child who clung to her mother, offering a reassuring smile. "We've got it under control," he said gently, his calm demeanor helping to ease their fear.

Jaune checked in with a young couple huddled in a corner, their expressions still tense. "We've handled the worst of it," he assured them, his voice firm but kind. "You're safe now."

As the group moved through the train, their teamwork and determination shone. Each car they cleared brought them closer to ensuring the train was secure, the passengers unharmed, and the remaining threat neutralized.

By the time they regrouped in the central car, the tension in the air had lifted slightly. The passengers were calmer, and the train felt less like a battleground and more like a place of relative safety.

"Looks like we're in the clear," Jaune said, his voice carrying both relief and resolve. "But let's stay sharp, just in case."

The group nodded, their confidence bolstered by their progress and the trust they'd built through their actions.

At last, the chaos seemed to have settled. The train was secure, the White Fang operatives and the two rogue Huntsmen had been neutralized, and, most importantly, the passengers were safe. As Vacuo City came into view on the horizon, its towering structures glinting in the sunlight, Jaune felt a wave of relief wash over him. Despite the challenges and close calls, everything had worked out in the end, and for the first time in what felt like hours, he allowed himself to exhale deeply.

XXX

Finally, the train pulled into the station, the hiss of the brakes signaling the end of their turbulent journey. As promised, a team of local police officers was waiting on the platform. They moved quickly to assist the passengers, checking for injuries and offering comfort while securing the White Fang members that Jaune and his group had restrained.

Once Jaune and the others stepped off the train, they were approached by the police captain, a stern-looking man with a thick mustache and a no-nonsense demeanor. He gestured toward Jaune. "You must be the one in charge," he said. "I'll need a full report of what happened on board,"

Jaune nodded, stepping aside to recount the events. He explained the White Fang's attack, the rogue Huntsmen's involvement, and how his team had managed to secure the train and protect the passengers. When he mentioned Sun's role in saving Whitely, the captain raised an eyebrow and nodded approvingly.

"That's commendable work," the captain said once Jaune finished. "You and your team did more than most could've in that situation,"

By the time the rest of the group had given their own accounts, the captain offered a firm handshake. "Thank you all for your bravery," he said, his tone sincere. "You've done this city a great service, safe travels, and take care,"

As the group began to relax after the debriefing, a group of well-dressed security guards approached them. One of them called out, "Whitely Schnee?"

Whitely turned at the sound of his name, immediately recognizing the team sent to escort him. He glanced back at Jaune and the others with a small, appreciative smile. "Well, it seems this is where we part ways," he said, his tone polite but tinged with genuine gratitude. He hesitated for a moment, then looked directly at Jaune. "Mr. Arc—"

"Just Jaune," Jaune interjected, smiling warmly. "No need for the formalities,"

Whitely gave a slight nod, correcting himself. "Right, Jaune... I can't thank you all enough for what you've done, you saved my life, and I owe you a great debt,"

Jaune shook his head, his smile unwavering. "You don't owe us anything, Whitely," He told the younger teen.

"Surely there must be something I can do," Whitely said, his tone unusually earnest as he glanced between Jaune and the group.

Jaune considered for a moment before a smile tugged at his lips. "Well, we'll be in Vacuo for a little while, how about you swing by and see us before you leave or if you ever find yourself with some free time?"

Whitely blinked, a bit taken aback. "What for?" he asked, his confusion evident.

Jaune chuckled, his relaxed demeanor disarming. "Just to hang out with us," he said casually. "After everything that's happened, you deserve a break, it'd be good for you,"

Whitely's brows raised slightly, genuine surprise flickering across his face. People rarely sought out his company for anything other than business or obligation. The idea of someone wanting to spend time with him purely for the sake of it was... novel. After a brief pause, his lips curved into a small but genuine smile. "I think I'd like that, Jaune," he replied with a nod.

"Good," Jaune said, his grin widening. He pulled out his scroll and brought up his contact information, holding it out to Whitely. "Here, take my number, call me whenever you're free,"

Whitely retrieved his own scroll, quickly entering the number and sending a message so Jaune would have his in return. "I'll be sure to," Whitely said, a hint of warmth in his usually composed voice. "Thank you, for everything,"

"Don't mention it," Jaune replied. "Take care of yourself, Whitely,"

With a final nod, Whitely turned and followed his security team, disappearing into the bustling crowd of the station.

As he walked away, Vernal sauntered up beside Jaune, her arms crossed and an amused smirk tugging at her lips. "Gotta say," she began, glancing in the direction Whitely had gone, "I kinda expected him to have more of a stick up his ass, considering who he is."

Jaune chuckled, shaking his head. "Honestly, I expected the same, but Whitely? He's way better than his sisters,"

Vernal raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a sly smirk. "Speaking from experience?" she teased.

Jaune nodded with a wry grin. "Oh, yeah, I've met both Weiss and Winter, and trust me, compared to those two, Whitely's the nicest of the trio," He told Vernal. "Weiss can be... well, a brat and Winter's got this stern soldier thing going on, Whitely, though? He seems like a decent kid, just... a little lonely, maybe,"

Vernal tilted her head, her smirk fading into a thoughtful expression. "Lonely, huh? You really think so?"

"Yeah," Jaune said with a quiet sigh. "I mean, think about it, growing up in a family like the Schnees? Probably spent more time in meetings and etiquette lessons than actually being a kid,"

Vernal studied Jaune for a moment before her smile returned, softer this time. "Is that why you invited him to hang out with us? To give him a taste of something different?"

Jaune nodded, his tone sincere. "Yeah, I figure it wouldn't hurt to show him what it's like to be around people who aren't expecting anything from him, you know? Just... friends,"

Vernal hummed, clearly impressed, as her smile grew wider. "You really are a softie, you know that?"

Jaune smirked, crossing his arms. "I've been told,"

Before Vernal could fire back another quip, Maria's voice rang out behind them, cutting through the moment like a whip. "Alright, enough flirting, you two! Some of us are still waiting to get moving!"

Jaune and Vernal groaned in unison, their heads snapping toward the elderly Huntress, who stood a few feet away with Deery, Oscar, and Sun, all watching the exchange with varying degrees of amusement.

"We weren't flirting," Vernal shot back, her tone defensive but laced with mild exasperation.

"Sure, sure," Maria said with a knowing smirk, adjusting her goggles. "Let's just call it... bonding, then,"

Sun stifled a laugh, his tail flicking behind him as he leaned toward Oscar. "They've got great chemistry, huh?"

Oscar looked at the Monkey Faunus with a smile, "I'm staying out of this," he mumbled.

"I think it was kinda cute," Deery said.

Vernal growled in annoyance as she began to blush while Jaune looked away.

Maria chuckled, "Anyway, can we just focus on what's next? Like getting some food or sleep? Preferably both?"

Jaune's eyes widened as a sudden realization hit him like a freight train. "Oh... I didn't plan where we're staying tonight," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

Vernal turned to him with a look of disbelief, "You forgot to book us a place? Seriously?"

Jaune shrugged helplessly. "I was going to check what was available online during the train ride, but... well, everything kind of went off the rails—literally,"

Vernal sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose as she tried to rein in her frustration. "Fair enough, I guess," she muttered.

Maria, who had been listening in with a bemused expression, cleared her throat. "If you two are done playing the blame game, I might have a solution," she interjected.

Vernal arched an eyebrow at her, skepticism evident on her face. "You know a place where we can stay?"

Maria nodded confidently. "I've been to Vacuo more times than I can count, there's a little place I know that's cozy, quiet, and won't charge you an arm and a leg!"

Jaune perked up, his curiosity piqued. "Really? That sounds perfect, where is it?"

Maria's lips curled into a knowing smile. "I'll take you there, It's not far, and trust me, you'll love it, just follow me,"

As the group gathered their belongings and prepared to head off, Sun turned to them with his signature bright grin. "Well, I guess this is where I split off," he announced. "I've got a cousin and some friends here in the city I need to check in on, but I'm sure we'll bump into each other while you're in town,"

Jaune stepped forward, extending his hand with a friendly smile. "It was really great meeting you, Sun, and thanks for all your help back there,"

Sun clasped Jaune's hand firmly and waved it off with a laugh. "Hey, don't even mention it, dude!" Sun said with a smile. "Anyway, take care! Peace!"

With that, Sun threw up a casual peace sign and began walking backward, his tail swaying in rhythm. Then, with an effortless leap, he landed on a nearby platform and bolted across the rooftops, weaving through Vacuo's skyline as agile as ever.

Jaune watched the monkey Faunus disappear into the distance, a chuckle escaping him. "That guy's something else," he said, shaking his head with a grin.

Vernal folded her arms, her expression less amused. "He's alright, I guess," she said with a shrug. "But all that energy? Definitely not my type,"

Jaune laughed softly. "Maybe, but you've got to admit he's a solid ally,"

Before Vernal could respond, Maria clapped her hands together, drawing their attention. "Alright, lovebirds, if we're done here, shall we get going? I promised you a place to stay, didn't I?"

Jaune nodded, gesturing for her to lead the way. "Right, let's get moving before it gets too late,"

Maria chuckled, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. "Oh, don't worry, kid. This spot is worth the walk. You'll thank me later."

The group set off through the bustling streets of Vacuo, the city alive with a unique rhythm. The golden glow of the setting sun bathed the sandy streets, and the air buzzed with lively chatter from market stalls, street performers, and travelers.

After a long walk filled with occasional banter and the sound of Oscar trying to keep up with Maria's brisk pace, the older Huntress finally stopped in front of a modest two-story building tucked into a quieter part of the city.

"There it is," Maria said, gesturing grandly toward the structure. "Cozy, quiet, and run by someone who owes me a favor or two, trust me, you'll sleep like babies here!"

Jaune tilted his head, scrutinizing the modest building in front of him. Its worn yet well-maintained exterior suggested it had weathered the years with care and attention. Above the door hung a small wooden sign, engraved in elegant script: The Desert Rose Brothel & Inn.

Jaune read the sign, his brow furrowing as he processed the words. His gaze flicked away, following the others as they entered the establishment. Then, like a bolt of lightning, the full implication of the sign hit him. He froze mid-step and whipped his head back to re-read it.

"Maria!" Jaune's voice cracked with alarm as he charged after the group. "Did you just bring us to a—!"

His words caught in his throat as he crossed the threshold. Inside, the warm, dimly lit room revealed an array of scantily clad—or completely nude—women and men lounging in various states of repose. The atmosphere was thick with sultry music and flirtatious laughter, the air scented with exotic spices and perfumes.

Before Jaune could even blink, Vernal's hand clamped over his eyes. "Oh, hell no!" she growled, shielding him from the view.

Deery, equally mortified, darted to Oscar's side and covered his eyes with both hands. "Don't look, Oscar! Don't look!" she pleaded, her cheeks blazing red.

"Maria!" Vernal's voice was a blend of fury and disbelief as she turned to the elderly Huntress. "What the hell are we doing in a place like this?"

Maria, seemingly oblivious to the uproar, stood at the counter with a grin, chatting with the innkeeper as if nothing were amiss. When she finally turned to face the group, she raised a brow at their horrified reactions. "What? I told you I knew a cheap place to stay!"

"You failed to mention it was a brothel!" Vernal snapped, her voice rising with indignation.

Maria shrugged nonchalantly, utterly unbothered. "Details, details," she said, waving a hand. "Don't be so uptight! They've got great rooms, affordable rates, and some of the best security in the city! Plus, they owe me a favor, so it's free for us,"

"That doesn't make this okay!" Vernal shouted, her other hand still firmly planted over Jaune's eyes.

"Uh… Vernal?" Jaune's muffled voice came from behind her hand. "Can you please move your hand? I can't see."

Vernal's grip on his face only tightened as she shot him a glare, her cheeks still faintly pink from the scene around them. "Oh, and what exactly do you plan on looking at, huh?" she demanded, her voice sharp with suspicion.

"N-Nothing!" Jaune stammered, his hands raised in surrender as he tried to lean back without much success. "I swear, I'm not going to look at anything! I just want to be able to see where I'm going!"

"Yeah, right!" Vernal shot back, her tone dripping with accusation. "You're not fooling me, you pervert!"

"I-I'm not a pervert!" Jaune cried, his voice pitching higher as his face turned bright red. "I don't even want to be here!"

Behind them, Oscar chimed in, his voice laced with curiosity. "Can I look now? I just want to know what's going on,"

"Absolutely not!" Deery snapped, her hands firmly over Oscar's eyes as though shielding him from a life-altering revelation.

"But why not?!" Oscar protested, squirming in her grip. "I'm fourteen!"

"And still not old enough!" Deery and Vernal barked in unison, causing Oscar to groan in frustration.

"You're treating me like a little kid!"

"Because you are a kid," Deery countered, her tone firm.

Meanwhile, Jaune was still wriggling under Vernal's iron grip. "Vernal, come on! At least let me walk! I'm going to trip over something!"

"Maybe tripping will teach you to keep your eyes to yourself!" Vernal shot back, though a small, amused smirk tugged at the corner of her lips.

Maria, standing a few paces ahead, turned to witness the chaotic scene and burst into laughter. "Oh, lighten up, all of you," she said with a wave of her hand. "It's not like there's anything here they haven't seen in anatomy books or on the internet,"

"That doesn't make this okay!" Vernal snapped, her grip on Jaune unwavering.

"And why are we even here?" Deery added, her voice teetering on panic. "This is not the kind of place kids should be hanging around!"

"Relax," Maria said with a mischievous grin. "It's just a brothel, not a battlefield, besides, the staff here are professionals, they're not going to corrupt your precious innocence,"

"That's not the point!" Jaune and Vernal shouted in unison.

The absurdity of the moment hung in the air as Maria chuckled, clearly enjoying the group's flustered reactions. Eventually, Vernal relented with a groan, removing her hand from Jaune's face.

"There! But if I catch you staring at anything you shouldn't, I swear—!" Vernal began, her eyes narrowing dangerously.

"I won't! I won't!" Jaune promised, hands raised defensively as he finally dared to peek around the room—keeping his gaze strictly on the floor.

Oscar sighed, still trapped under Deery's vigilant hands. "This is so unfair," he muttered.

"Welcome to life," Deery replied dryly before nudging him forward. "Now come on, let's get this over with..."

With Maria leading the way and the group still grumbling, they ventured deeper into The Desert Rose, their awkwardness as palpable as the scent of perfume in the air.

At last, the group reached the back of the establishment, where they were relieved to find no scantily clad or nude individuals. However, the muffled sounds of pleasure filtering through the walls were impossible to ignore for those paying close attention, causing Jaune and Oscar to shift uncomfortably.

"Just focus straight ahead, and don't listen too hard," Vernal muttered, her voice sharp but low enough not to echo.

Finally, they came upon a wooden door with a frosted glass panel, clearly marked as an office. Maria, ever the picture of decorum—or lack thereof—grinned mischievously before pushing it open without so much as a knock.

"Mallard!" she called out, her voice warm and inviting.

The group collectively exhaled in relief when the scene beyond the door proved entirely tame. Behind a modest desk piled high with paperwork sat a man around Maria's age. His attire was simple but elegant—a black robe adorned with intricate purple designs that caught the light. His long silver hair was neatly tied back, and his dark green eyes, framed by small round glasses reminiscent of Ozpin's, gleamed with intelligence. His dark tan skin had the weathered quality of someone who had seen much of life but carried it gracefully.

At the sound of Maria's voice, the man looked up from his work. His expression brightened as his gaze fell upon her, and he stood with a wide, toothy smile.

"Maria Calavera!" he exclaimed, his tone infused with genuine joy.

He stepped out from behind the desk and embraced Maria tightly, their laughter filling the room as if they were old friends reunited after years apart.

When they finally parted, they stood beaming at one another like family.

"How have you been, you old cat?" Mallard asked, his voice carrying a rich warmth that put the group at ease.

Maria chuckled, her grin widening. "Ah, well enough, little duck! And you?"

"As well as any old man can manage," Mallard replied with a hearty laugh, gesturing toward the mountain of paperwork on his desk.

Their banter continued for a moment, the familiarity and affection between them making the room feel much cozier. The rest of the group exchanged glances, unsure whether to interrupt or wait politely.

Finally, Jaune cleared his throat. "Uh, Maria? Mind introducing us?" he asked, his tone polite but laced with curiosity.

Maria glanced over her shoulder, her grin undiminished. "Right, right, where are my manners?" She stepped aside, gesturing toward the man. "Everyone, meet Mallard, an old friend of mine and the proprietor of this fine establishment,"

Mallard chuckled, inclining his head toward the group. "Welcome, all of you! Any friend of Maria's is a friend of mine!"

Jaune stepped forward, extending a hand. "Jaune Arc, sir," Jaune greeted. "Thanks for having us on such short notice,"

Mallard shook Jaune's hand firmly. "No need for formalities, young man, call me Mallard," He told Jaune. "And it's no trouble at all, if Maria vouches for you, that's good enough for me!"

Vernal crossed her arms, her gaze appraising. "So, you run this place, huh?"

Mallard nodded with a knowing smile. "Yes, yes, I understand your concern, but I assure you, despite the nature of our establishment, the fine ladies and gentlemen who work here are some of the kindest and most respectful people in Vacuo," he explained, his tone warm and reassuring. "And don't worry, they know when and when not to flirt, It's clear enough that these two young gentlemen are already taken, so you needn't worry about them being bothered," he said, gesturing to Oscar and Jaune.

Vernal's eyes shot wide open at that, her cheeks flushing slightly. She quickly shook her head, her voice rising in protest. "I-I'm not dating Jaune!" she cried out, her face turning red.

Deery, who had been standing by with her arms crossed, nodded in agreement as she finally let go of Oscar's eyes. "Yeah, and I'm not dating Oscar either!" she added, emphasizing the point with a firm nod.

Mallard simply smiled, unfazed. "Very well then, Let's get you all settled in, rooms are ready, and I'm sure you'd appreciate a good meal after the long day you've had, I'll make sure we take care of everything," he said, clapping his hands together. His eyes twinkled as he turned to Maria. "And I'm sure we'll have some time to catch up, yes Maria?" he asked with a grin.

Maria gave a knowing smirk, her voice light and teasing. "Oh, you can bet on that, little duck!" she said, winking playfully at him.

Vernal, who had been listening to their exchange, leaned in close to Jaune, an expression of mild disgust on her face as she whispered, "They're not talking about fucking, right?" She shuddered slightly, her voice tinged with distaste. "Because I really don't need the image of two old people going at it,"

Jaune's eyes widened in horror, and he immediately grimaced. "Neither do I!" he hissed back, trying to block the unwelcome image from his mind. "Let's just get upstairs and pretend we didn't hear that," he muttered, desperate to change the subject.

"Good idea," Vernal said

After that, Mallard led the group toward their rooms, which required them to pass through the brothel again. As they walked, the sounds of laughter and conversation filled the air, and the group couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable with the reminder of where they were. Once again, Deery found herself instinctively reaching for Oscar's face to cover his eyes, despite the fact that they were walking through an area far less scandalous than before.

Oscar groaned in exasperation, squirming away from Deery's hand as she tried to shield his view. "Come on! I know where we are, and I'm not a kid anymore! Stop covering my eyes!" he protested, frustration evident in his voice.

Deery, however, was resolute, her tone firm and unyielding. "Doesn't matter! You're still a kid in my eyes!" she snapped, not backing down in the slightest.

"Oh, and how old are you, anyway?!" Oscar shot back, his tone a mix of frustration and curiosity.

Deery stiffened, clearly caught off guard. "That doesn't matter!" she retorted, crossing her arms defensively.

"I think it matters!" Oscar countered, his eyebrows shooting up.

Deery groaned, clearly annoyed. "Fine! I'm 16, alright?" she admitted, glaring at him as she dared him to say something else.

Oscar's eyes widened in disbelief. "You're no older than I am!" he cried, pointing an accusatory finger at her.

"Doesn't matter! You're still not looking!" Deery snapped back, her tone resolute as she jabbed a finger toward him for emphasis.

Oscar scowled, his frustration mounting. "Well, neither should you!" he retorted, his voice rising slightly.

Deery flushed, her composure slipping for a moment. "Wha—! That's not the same!" she stammered, clearly flustered by his logic.

"It's exactly the same!" Oscar shot back, crossing his arms and staring at her like he'd just won a debate.

"Look, Oscar," Deery said, her voice softening slightly as she tried to recover her authority. "I'm just trying to protect your innocence, okay?"

Oscar let out an exasperated groan, running a hand through his hair. "I appreciate the thought, but you're making a big deal out of nothing!"

"Nothing?! You think this is nothing?!" Deery cried, gesturing toward nude men and women.

"Yes! I didn't even get a chance to see anything!" Oscar shot back, throwing his hands up in exasperation.

"Exactly!" Deery said triumphantly. "And you're not going to, not while I'm here!"

Jaune, who had been trying—and failing—to suppress his laughter, finally stepped in, raising his hands in a gesture of peace. "Alright, alright, you two, let's not start A second Great War over this," he said, his tone light but firm.

Vernal smirked, walking casually against the wall. "I don't know, this is pretty entertaining, I say let 'em duke it out,"

"Not helping," Jaune muttered.

Maria, meanwhile, was practically doubled over with laughter, clutching her stomach as she cackled. "Ah, young love," she teased, wiping a tear from her eye.

"Young love?! That's not—!" Deery and Oscar yelled in unison, both of them turning beet red.

"Okay, okay," Jaune said quickly, stepping between them before the situation could escalate further. "Let's just get upstairs and call it a night, alright?"

Deery huffed but relented, turning on her heel and marching toward the stairs without another word.

Oscar sighed, shaking his head as he followed. "She's impossible," he muttered under his breath.

"And you're not stubborn at all," Jaune quipped with a smirk, earning an indignant glare from the younger boy.

As the group made their way upstairs, Mallard leaned toward Maria, his smirk widening. "You really know how to pick a crew, huh?"

Maria grinned back. "Wouldn't have it any other way," She told him.

XXX

Later that evening, in a small, dimly lit room tucked away in an undisclosed location, a woman sat alone at a wooden table. Her fingers ran over the smooth shafts of arrows, checking each one meticulously, making sure the points were sharp and deadly. The quiet of the room seemed to mirror her focus, broken only by the occasional scratch of metal against wood as she adjusted the fletching. The stillness, however, was suddenly disturbed when the door was thrust open with force, causing the woman to look up in surprise.

In the doorway stood another woman, her face tight with an unreadable expression. The newcomer's presence was commanding, and it was clear that whatever news she carried, it wasn't good.

The two women shared a long, silent glance before the one in the doorway spoke.

"Gillian," Carmine Escolados said, her voice strained but purposeful, "I found out what happened to Jax and Bertilak."

Gillian Asturias, who had been so carefully tending to her arrows just moments ago, stiffened. Her eyes flickered to her best friend as she set the arrow she'd been working on down with unnatural care. "What happened to them on that train?" she asked, her voice low, heavy with suspicion. "Did they get the Schnee boy?"

Carmine shook her head, her lips pressed into a thin line. "No. The white-haired little shit is safe and sound in whatever hotel they've got him holed up in. But Jax and Bertilak... they're dead. Killed by a group of Huntsmen in training."

The words hit Gillian like a physical blow. Her hand, which had been steady just moments ago, clenched around the shaft of an arrow until her knuckles turned white. A fierce glare twisted her face as she locked eyes with Carmine, her voice cold and sharp. "Who killed my brother?" she demanded, her words dripping with venom and grief.

Carmine hesitated for a moment, her gaze dropping as if weighing her words carefully. When she met Gillian's eyes again, the grim reality of her answer was evident. "If I had to guess... it looks like it was the guy who was in charge of taking the train back. A Huntsman in training by the name of Jaune Arc, according to the reports." She paused, a flicker of distaste crossing her features as she spoke the name. "The news says he was the one leading the charge to secure the passengers, but it seems he and his team took down Jax and Bertilak."

The name "Jaune Arc" seemed to linger in the air like an ominous threat, and Gillian's eyes narrowed, the anger and sorrow on her face mixing into a seething storm.

Gillian stood up slowly, her fists clenched at her sides as she faced Carmine. Her expression was a mask of fury, her usual calm demeanor replaced with something far darker. The air in the room seemed to thicken with the weight of her rage.

"Find out everything you can about this Jaune Arc," she commanded, her voice cold and sharp. "I want to know where he came from, who he is, everything, I'll make him pay for what he's done..."

Carmine nodded, her expression unreadable but understanding. She saw the storm brewing in Gillian's eyes, and though she had been the one to deliver the grim news, she knew this fire was something Gillian would carry with her until it was quenched. "You got it, Queenie," she said, offering a faint smile, trying to lighten the mood, though it didn't seem to reach Gillian's mood.

With one last glance, Carmine turned to leave, her footsteps echoing in the silence of the room.

Gillian stood motionless for a moment, her eyes drifting back to the arrows laid out before her on the table. The quiet clink of metal against wood was the only sound that filled the space, but it did little to calm the storm brewing within her. She reached for her bow, her fingers brushing against the smooth wood, as if she could feel the tension vibrating through it.

With a sudden, violent motion, Gillian notched an arrow and drew it back, the string groaning under the pressure as she aimed with deadly precision. In one swift motion, she released the arrow, and it tore through the air, embedding itself deep into the far wall. The force of the impact caused the arrow to shake with a faint echo, a symbol of the fury now coursing through her veins.

"He's going to pay," Gillian muttered through clenched teeth, her voice low and dangerous. The words were more than just a promise—they were a vow. "I'll make sure of it."

Her chest heaved as she stared at the arrow quivering in the wall, and for a long moment, she was lost in the bitterness of her thoughts. She could still see Jax's face in her mind, his confident grin that had always reassured her. Now, that grin was gone, replaced by the cold reality of his death. It was an injustice, and she would make sure the one responsible paid in full.

Meanwhile, far away at Beacon Academy, Ozpin sat in his office, the glow of the television casting a soft light across the room. The VNN broadcast filled the silence, reporting the hijacking of one of Vacuo's bullet trains, and the camera footage showed Jaune Arc stepping off the train with a few unfamiliar faces. They were helping passengers evacuate, their faces a mixture of exhaustion and determination.

Ozpin watched with interest, his fingers lightly tapping against his coffee mug. He took a sip, savoring the warmth as the footage continued to play, his eyes fixed on Jaune. There was something in the young man's demeanor, something Ozpin couldn't quite put his finger on.

"You never cease to amaze me, Mr. Arc," Ozpin murmured to himself with a small, almost imperceptible smile.

There were calls to make, and a certain man to inform about Jaune's arrival in Vacuo, but for the moment, those things could wait. Tomorrow, he would attend to the business of Vacuo. But for now, even the youngest headmaster in history could afford a moment of peace.

With a content sigh, he placed his mug down, the clink of ceramic against the desk echoing in the otherwise quiet room. Ozpin leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes for just a moment.

After all, even a man like him needed his beauty sleep.

XXX

Wow, that was quite a long chapter, huh? How did you all like it? Are you ready for what's coming next? You'd better be because things are about to get really intense! (in the best way possible!).

Anyway! Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!