Training and Forever fall
Jimmy was exhausted—sweat dripping from his brow, fists clenched, body sore from repeated hits. He stumbled to his feet, battered and bruised, while his new mentor stood off to the side, arms crossed and a wry grin tugging at his lips.
"Damn, kid. You really can't hold your own without that fancy semblance of yours," Qrow muttered, casually spinning his blade once before resting it against his shoulder.
Jimmy coughed and tried to straighten his back. "You… don't… have to… remind me," he rasped, forcing his legs to hold him upright again. The determination in his eyes burned through the pain.
Qrow shook his head, letting out a short sigh. "Maybe not. But you've been at this all day—and barely made any noticeable improvement. Alright, maybe your footing's gotten a bit better," he admitted reluctantly. "Still not enough."
Jimmy blinked at him, confused. "Wait, what are you saying?"
"I'm saying you're not going to Forever Fall tomorrow," Qrow said plainly.
Jimmy's breath caught. "What? You're kidding! I was supposed to go with Ruby and Yang—I wanted to see it with them!"
"That's the thing, kid," Qrow replied, tone shifting into something more serious. "If it weren't for your semblance, you wouldn't have even made it to Beacon in the first place. You're relying on it too much—and that's a weakness I can't let you carry."
The words hit harder than any punch Jimmy had taken all day. He lowered his gaze, shame blooming across his face. "So… what do I tell my team? That I'm not going because I'm not good enough?"
Qrow softened slightly at the sight. "Tell them whatever you want. Or don't. But know this—me and you? We're training all week. No classes, no distractions."
"Wait, really?" Jimmy perked up, a flicker of hope in his voice. "Not even combat class with Professor Goodwitch?"
"Nope. She knows what's going on and agreed to it. You've got potential, kid, but right now it's buried under raw emotion and overreliance on power. We're going to dig deeper than that."
Jimmy gave a slow nod, still catching his breath. "Alright. I'll go get dinner, then. You want me back here at…?"
"Five," Qrow confirmed. "Sharp."
Jimmy turned and limped toward the exit, wincing with each step but refusing to show weakness. As the door closed behind him, Qrow stayed where he was, watching the space where the boy had just stood.
His breath hitched. Despite his cool demeanor, there was a tightness in his chest. A chill.
Jimmy's presence lingered like smoke.
"That kid…" Qrow murmured under his breath, brows furrowed. "There's something wrong in his soul. So much rage… so much pain… It's darker than anything I've ever seen. And that's saying something."
He looked down at his trembling hands.
"Flames that bright… always come from somewhere deep. And sometimes, that somewhere is hell."
When Jimmy entered the cafeteria, his steps were sluggish, and he carried his food tray with one hand while the other nursed his sore side. His expression was tired but determined.
At one of the long tables, Jane leaned comfortably against Ranger's arm, her mood unusually soft and affectionate. She looked up and smiled as Ranger focused on her.
"I can't wait to see Forever Fall," Jane said, her ears flicking around her. "It's supposed to be beautiful this time of year."
"We've got a mission too," Ranger added, nodding with a more focused look.
Jimmy gave a strained grin. "Yeah… about that. I've got a bit of a problem. My new master—Qrow—just told me I'm going to be stuck in training all week."
Everyone stopped mid-bite or mid-conversation. All eyes turned to Jimmy. Even Ruby looked up from her meal, concern etched across her face.
"Wait, what?" Ruby asked. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Jimmy said quickly, waving a hand to dismiss their worry.
"Umm, 'fine' usually means able-bodied," Yang said, leaning in and raising an eyebrow. "Not half purple with two black eyes and a split lip. And don't get me started on the blood stains."
"Also," Ruby added, "you haven't even changed out of your battle uniform. That's not like you."
"I'm fine, really," Jimmy repeated, forcing a smile. "Just sore."
Prya crossed her arms, her tone skeptical. "So… let me get this straight. Huntsman Qrow did this to you?"
"Well, yeah," Jimmy admitted. "He said he has to be strict. Apparently, I've got no real form, and my semblance is… overwhelming."
"That makes sense," Prya said honestly. "You rely on instinct, not technique. It's mostly flashy attacks and unpredictability. You're like a wild flame."
"Wait—you could've told me this before!" Jimmy said, only half-joking but clearly a little hurt.
"Hey, don't get me wrong," Prya replied, shrugging. "You're strong, but there's no structure in your style. Even the Grimm seem confused by you. That doesn't mean you're untouchable."
"I gotta agree, sorry, firebug," Yang said, biting into a wing without hesitation. "You kinda suck in a fight without your semblance."
Jimmy clutched his chest playfully. "I swear, if I didn't have feelings for you, that would've hurt a lot more."
Yang grinned at the tease, but Ruby leaned forward, more serious. "Forget Qrow—go to the infirmary. You look awful."
Before Jimmy could respond, his knees buckled.
"Jimmy!" several voices shouted at once as he collapsed, his tray crashing to the ground.
Then something strange happened.
A faint light—soft, white, and warm—began to glow from his chest, rising from his body like mist. Everyone froze as they watched it expand gently around him.
"Is that… his aura?" Jane asked, stepping closer.
"I think so," Prya said, watching with a sharp eye. "But something's off. It's only healing the minor wounds—not the bruising or the blood. It's like…"
Before she could finish, the white light dimmed… and suddenly shifted. Black tendrils of energy bled into the aura, wrapping around the light. Jimmy's skin regained its color, the bruising fading quickly—but the black energy lingered for a moment too long, as if it wasn't just healing him but correcting him.
Then it vanished.
"Okay, that was weird… what even was that?" Nora asked, her voice uncertain.
"Yeah," Jaune added, his brows furrowed. "It looked like… two different auras. Is that even possible?"
Before the others could respond, Weiss's voice cut through the confusion. "We need to get him back to his room—quickly. Before someone starts asking questions."
They glanced around and realized she was right—other students were beginning to rise from their seats, whispering and staring.
Ren acted immediately, standing and raising his voice just enough on the table. "We've got him—everything's fine. Please, everyone, enjoy your meal."
Something about Ren's calm tone worked. The cafeteria hesitated… then people started sitting back down, returning to their dinners as if nothing happened.
"I'll grab his tray and clean up," Blake offered quietly, already picking up the fallen food with practiced ease.
Yang knelt down and gently scooped Jimmy into her arms, holding him like something fragile. "Come on, hothead. Let's get you some rest," she whispered.
They made their way through the halls in silence, carrying Jimmy back to Team JJR's dorm. Once inside, Yang laid him down on his bed while Blake followed behind with a small box of fresh food.
As they stood around him, Weiss finally broke the silence. "So… we're just not going to talk about what happened? Because that definitely wasn't a normal aura flare."
"His aura didn't just heal him," Jaune added. "It changed color. Twice."
"That's enough," Nora said suddenly, her voice firmer than usual.
Everyone turned to her, surprised.
"I'm serious," she continued, looking around at each of them. "The more we dig into this, the worse we make it—for him and for us. I'm done diving into his inner world, dealing with giant spirit beasts and emotions that don't even belong to us."
She took a breath, visibly calming herself. "Can we please just be his friends for once, instead of his investigators?"
"She's right," Ren said quietly. "We've been treating him like a puzzle to solve. But right now, he needs something simple. Stability. People he can trust."
"And that means we stop jumping every time something strange happens," Ruby added, her voice more serious than usual. "His power runs on emotion. If we panic, he feels it—and it only makes things worse."
"Let's get some rest," she said, standing with finality. "Tomorrow we're going to Forever Fall. It's supposed to be a mission, but I say we make it something more. We have a chance to just… enjoy the world."
"I'm all for that," Jane chimed in, her usual energy returning. "I've been looking forward to this trip."
"Then let's make a promise," Ranger said from the corner, arms folded as he watched them. "No more talk about Jimmy's aura, his beasts, or what's going on inside him—at least for one day. They guide him spiritually. We guide him socially. That's how we help."
"Agreed," Yang said, already shooing people toward the door. "Now out. Team JJR's got this. We'll see you guys in the morning."
As the others trickled out of the room, Jane lingered for a moment, sitting on the edge of Jimmy's bed and watching the slow rise and fall of his chest.
"Geez, Jimmy… your aura is seriously complicated," she whispered with a small smile. "But I swear, I'm not going to lose you again."
"We won't," Ranger replied softly, pulling off his boots and climbing into bed. "But maybe tomorrow we finally get a day where we can all breathe."
Jane nodded, then reached over and turned off the light. The room settled into quiet, broken only by the soft hum of night. Tomorrow, they'd face Forever Fall—not as warriors, but as friends.
With Monica
Monica sat quietly in her chair, sipping tea with a rare moment of calm. That calm didn't last long. A raven swooped down before her, landing and transforming mid-air. In seconds, Raven Branwen stood before her, calmly brushing off her cloak before taking the seat across from Monica.
"So," Raven began, accepting a cup of tea. "How was the Tree—and Jimmy?"
"Not much to say," Monica replied. "He's being trained now."
As if summoned by the very word, Qrow walked up behind them, flask in hand. "By me, thank you very much."
Monica smiled. "Hello, Qrow. How are you?"
"I'm fine. Just… my new student either takes a beating like a champ, or I can't even touch him," Qrow grunted, taking a long swig before sitting down. "It's ridiculous."
Raven raised a brow. "So… how bad did you make it for him?"
Qrow shrugged. "Bad enough that he didn't even realize he was purple and still throwing punches. His spirit's unbreakable, and his body just… responds. It's like instinct."
Monica chuckled. "Yeah, that tracks. When he fights Grimm, he's constantly moving—if he's not attacking, he's dodging. Sometimes it's like he's not even aware of it."
"Even as a kid," Raven added, "he could dodge bullets. And flying objects. His body moves before his mind does."
"I've seen it, too," Qrow said. "He fights like a wildfire—overwhelming, not calculated. It's not about precision; it's pure force. Even with his semblance active, he just pushes through anything I throw at him."
"Sounds dangerous," Raven commented with a smirk.
"Oh, it is," Qrow nodded.
"Tell me," Monica said, leaning forward. "Have his eyes changed?"
"Yeah. His pupils—sometimes they go black when he's fighting through pain, like he's shutting something out. But other times, one turns white. That's when his spirit's flaring up. It's… intense."
"Same with his aura," Monica added thoughtfully. "It's never just one color. It changes depending on what he's feeling."
Raven crossed her arms. "You should know—the White Fang's been getting more active. There are rumors going around... about the Flame Swordsman helping them."
"What?" Monica's eyes narrowed.
"Yeah," Raven continued. "It's starting to make him look like an enemy of humanity. Which is not good. Fear of the Faunus is rising again."
"We can't let that happen," Monica said. "He's still a kid. If people start branding him a symbol of rebellion, it could ruin everything for him."
Qrow let out a long sigh. "That's why we're stepping up his training. He's not going with the others to Forever Fall. I'm taking him on a week-long field mission—Grimm hunting. Real combat."
"That's a bold move," Raven said, watching him carefully. "But are you sure separating him from his team is the right call?"
"I am. He needs to push himself, but I'll keep him safe," Qrow said. Then he added with a grin, "Probably."
Monica rolled her eyes. "Just don't kill him, Qrow."
He stood up with a casual wave. "No promises, but I'll try not to."
Both stood too, stretching before leaping off the ledge. "You Huntsmen are exhausting," raven muttered.
Just as Qrow turned to leave, a woman stood waiting for him—tall, sleek, with perky rabbit ears and a sly smile.
"You're a Huntsman, right?" she asked.
Qrow blinked. "Uh… yes, ma'am."
She held out a hand. "Then you owe me a tab."
Qrow groaned, pulling out his wallet. "Ugh, fine. Here, take it. That's on them, not me. Later!"
With that, he vanished down the hall, flask swinging.
Next Morning
The early morning light barely touched the edge of the sky when the soft, warm glow of Team JJR's room came to life. The sun hadn't yet risen. A faint orange hue seeped through the blinds as Jimmy, bare-chested and focused, sat cross-legged in the center of the room. His red-bladed sword stood upright, plunged into the floor, radiating a dim warmth.
He was meditating.
Inside his mindscape, the vast inner world of shifting Ash and flame, Jimmy called on his spirits waiting— the Tyrannosaurus, broad and proud, and the silent, stalking Wolf cloaked in a gust of wind.
'It's been a while,' rumbled the Dino, his voice echoing like an earthquake.
'I have questions… and I want the Wolf to answer too. Let me speak with both of you. This is important,' Jimmy's voice was firm, calm, but carrying a storm underneath.
The wind shifted. 'I'm here,' the Wolf answered with a cool breeze.
Jimmy closed his eyes tighter, sinking deeper into the space between his thoughts.
'My power… does it come from you, or from my soul?'
There was silence. Then the Dino answered, his tone more thoughtful. 'Yes… and no. You channel it from us. But without your soul, there'd be nothing to connect to. We let you borrow it, shape it, refine it. Unlike most semblances, yours needs a conduit. We maintain it. We keep it burning.'
'That's why you can tap into multiple elements — flame, wind… maybe more,' added the Wolf.
'So then, how do I get stronger?' This time, there was hesitation. The Dino shifted uncomfortably.
'Practice,' he finally said. 'Your teacher is ignoring us. That might help short term... but in the long run, it will break you.'
'You mean Qrow?' He asked.
'Yes. He focuses on the blade, on technique. It's necessary, but not enough. You need to train your semblance. That is the key. The connection between your power and emotion. Refine your control or lose it completely.'
Jimmy exhaled sharply, brows tightening. His technique was wild, unpredictable — burning flame, raging wind, raw instinct. It got results, but it was far from controlled.
'Fine. Then help me with swordsmanship,' he asked again.
The Wolf growled, but it wasn't anger — it was concern. 'No. That's Qrow's path. Ours is different. The real strength lies in mastering the emotions we channel. Rage, Love, balance… If you lose control of them, we can't protect you.'
'Then why are you both scared?' Jimmy asked suddenly, catching the flicker in the Wolf's voice.
The Wolf didn't speak right away. The Dino responded instead. 'It's not you. If you lose control, we can't help you… without your blade, you will lose power.'
And with that, the wind blew harder — and the voices vanished.
Jimmy opened his eyes. The room was still. His sword stood silent.
He stood, grabbing the weapon and sliding it into its charred black scabbard, the ruby gem at the hilt pulsing faintly. Just as he buckled it to his belt, Jane stirred from her bed, stretching and yawning.
"Jimmy? What are you doing awake?" she asked, rubbing her eyes.
"I've got training with Qrow," he replied without turning.
She sat up a little straighter. "Okay, see you on the bulkhead then—"
"I'm not going," Jimmy interrupted gently. "Not this time. I won't be at Forever Fall. I won't be with you this week."
Jane's face fell. For a second, she looked like she'd been struck. "…You're being pulled out?"
"Not because I'm failing," Jimmy said quickly, sensing her fear. "I need to get stronger."
She hesitated. "What about us?"
Jimmy finally turned and looked at her. "I trust you. That's why… I need a favor."
"Anything," Jane said immediately.
"Watch Jaune," he said quietly.
"…Jaune?" she blinked. "Why?"
"I think he's being bullied. He's been acting off. He's always alone. I've seen how Cardin treats him."
Jane's lips tightened. "I've noticed too… I'll keep an eye on him. You have my word."
Jimmy nodded, stepping toward the door. "Ranger," he called out, without looking. "Tell Ruby and Yang I won't be able to see them. Not for a while. There's a notebook if you want it."
There was no reply, but from across the room, Ranger popped his eye open to tell Jimmy he heard and understood, watching the faint orange light begin to break over the horizon. He gave a slow nod.
Jimmy stepped out into the hallway, sword on his side, his flats echoing softly in the early dawn silence.
Jimmy enter the yard looking at Qrow in the front of the school. He had a motorcycle. The sky was still painted in sleepy grays as Jimmy approached the edge of Beacon's Gate.
"Good, you're here," Qrow said, leaning against his motorcycle, already flicking his flask closed. He tossed a spare helmet to Jimmy. "Field training day. Real world. Get on."
Jimmy caught the helmet midair and climbed onto the back of the bike. "You're not exactly a 'warm-up jog' kind of teacher, huh?" he said as he secured the strap under his chin.
"You'll thank me later. Maybe." Qrow smirked, revving the engine.
The moment the tires hit the path, the two sped off from Beacon, the wind biting against their sides as they rode off into the waking world.
Meanwhile, back in Beacon's cafeteria…
The morning bustle was loud, filled with clanking trays and sleepy conversation—until a sudden voice cut through the chatter.
"Jimmy's gone!" Yang barked, slamming her tray down. "He left with my uncle!"
Heads turned.
"Yang, please—calm down," Ruby said, trying to ease the rising tension. "Uncle Qrow probably has a reason."
Yang grumbled but didn't argue back, slouching into her seat and stabbing a sausage link. Across the table, Nora turned toward Jaune, tilting her head.
"So, Jaune," she said, a little too casually, "where exactly did you disappear to last night?"
Jaune hesitated, caught mid-bite. "Uh… I just had to get some stuff. Nothing important."
"Don't lie," said Pyrrha, her voice sharp. "You're not Cardin's errand boy. Stop letting him treat you like one."
"I get it, Pyrrha, I really do," Jaune said, giving a tired smile. "But I'm figuring things out in my own way. Let me do this. I promise I'll stop soon."
"That's not good enough," Pyrrha said, her tone more hurt than angry now. "You need to stand up for yourself now, not later."
Jaune lowered his gaze, but still kept that same smile. "Thanks for worrying, really. I'll be okay."
She didn't believe it. But for now… she let it go. To shift the mood, Ren spoke up. "So, our assignment for today in Forever Fall—"
"Oh! Oh!" Nora interrupted excitedly. "It's the tree sap mission, right?!"
"For the syrup," Ren confirmed with a small nod.
"For PANCAKES!" Nora declared triumphantly, throwing her arms in the air.
Weiss sighed, visibly annoyed as her breath frosted. "Yes, Nora. But try to act like a student, not a sugar-deprived child."
Just then, the intercom crackled to life.
"All first-year students, please report to the courtyard for transport to Forever Fall. Repeat, all first-year students report to the courtyard." The voice of Professor Goodwitch was unmistakable.
"Well, you heard her," said Ruby, standing and adjusting her belt. "Let's go."
The students all grabbed their things and began filing out, the chatter softening as they made their way toward the courtyard and the awaiting bulkheads.
Everyone landed in Forever Fall, and the breathtaking beauty of the forest was beyond words. Crimson and gold leaves drifted gently through the air, the trees constantly shedding in a mesmerizing cycle.
"Alright," Professor Goodwitch addressed the group, her voice carrying with authority. "Each student will be required to gather one full jar of sap from the trees. Be mindful and respectful of the environment."
She paused, turning her gaze to Team JJR. "Team JJR, please step forward."
Ruby glanced toward Jane and Ranger as the two calmly approached the professor.
"Since your team is currently without a leader," Goodwitch began, "I want to ask—would you prefer to be temporarily assigned to another group?"
Ranger shook his head with quiet certainty. "No, ma'am. Our leader gave us instructions before he left. We intend to follow them."
Goodwitch narrowed her eyes with curiosity. "Instructions? What were they, exactly?"
Ranger stood straight, voice steady. "My orders are to watch over Ruby and Yang—and to eliminate any Grimm nearby before they become a threat."
Jane nodded in agreement. "My orders were to support Jaune and make sure he grows. To push him where he won't push himself."
Professor Goodwitch tilted her head slightly. "And why would he give you these tasks? They sound… oddly strategic."
Jane grinned proudly. "Jimmy's unique. He wants all of us to grow, not just himself. He's always believed that fighting isn't just about power—it's about helping others reach their potential. Even if it costs him his own progress."
Ranger added, "He loves a challenge. He lives for a good fight, but also for developing others. Even when he was a kid, he'd throw himself into battles he couldn't win just to push the people around him."
"He's the reason I rely on my Faunus instincts more than my semblance," said Jane. "Even though my semblance—Enhanced Senses—lets me track Grimm, smell changes in the wind, and sense danger, he made me develop my raw instincts, not just powers."
Ranger chuckled. "He even helped me understand my own semblance better. When my gravity shift started acting up, he showed me how to use it in controlled bursts. Kinda like how Weiss controls her glyphs, except more 'boom' and less finesse."
Goodwitch raised an eyebrow. "And what's his reason for investing in Jaune?"
They both shrugged. "No idea," Jane said. "He just asked us to look out for him."
"Well then," Goodwitch sighed. "Since your leader isn't here, you'll be responsible for filling an extra jar of sap—on his behalf. Don't disappoint."
As they walked away, Jane leaned over and whispered, "So… you think that was really his full plan?"
Ranger replied calmly, "I doubt it. But I found that book he left in our room—filled with notes on all our abilities, our semblances, and growth patterns. He knew he'd be gone for a while."
"Yeah… I miss him already," Jane said with a playful skip in her step.
Just then, Ruby called out, "Hey! Jane, Ranger—can you help us out?"
"Need help finding the best trees for sap?" Ranger guessed, smirking.
"Jimmy thought of that, didn't he?" Jane teased.
"Nope," Ranger said. "But I know how he thinks. Jane has a smell like no other. Faunus instincts and a tracking semblance? Come on."
"Ohh! That's me!" Jane giggled and dashed over. "Let me put this dog's nose to good use!"
"Love you, Ranger!" she called over her shoulder.
"Love you too, Jane," he said with a faint smile.
Weiss walked up beside them. "Jane, do you mind if we use your semblance to help track the best trees?"
Blake frowned. "Wait, why her semblance just because she's a Faunus?"
"No," Weiss said quickly. "Her semblance is literally Enhanced Senses. It's the most efficient method we have to locate optimal trees."
"She's right," Jane replied, already focusing. A subtle amber glow shimmered around her as she activated her aura. She took a long inhale through her nose and sniffed the air.
"Alright… northeast from here. There's a tree that's dripping sap—should fill five jars easily."
"Lead the way!" said Yang with a grin.
The trees of Forever Fall were on fire—not with flame, but with the endless cascade of crimson leaves tumbling gently from the sky. Each leaf shimmered with the morning light, golden beams cutting through the forest canopy in waves of warmth and shadow. The quiet rustle of branches was serene, but there was something haunting beneath it. Something waiting.
"Wait… did you just say—" Cardin began, blinking.
"I said no," Jaune interrupted, his arms crossed and face hard. "This plan—hurting Team JJR? I thought it'd be different. But Jimmy's not here. There's no point." His voice was cold, lacking the cocky edge Cardin was used to. "I'm out."
Jaune narrowed his eyes. "Don't play innocent. I know you've been planning something behind my back. So I came prepared."
From behind him, one of his teammates opened a filled glass jar.
A thick, golden stream of sap launched forward, crashing down onto Jaune's head. The sticky warmth oozed down his cheek, gluing his collar to his neck and drenching his chest.
Cardin's grin twisted into something darker. "Yeah, well, here's a lesson about the real world." Cardin turned his head just slightly as a low growl echoed through the forest. "It bites."
A tremor ran through the ground—subtle at first, then stronger. A roar shattered the fragile quiet.
One of Cardin's teammates screamed as a massive ursa burst from the shadows and crashed into him, sending him flying like a rag doll into the brush. The others stumbled back, panic setting in as more glowing red eyes appeared between the trees.
"Grimm!" someone shouted.
The forest, once peaceful, erupted into chaos.
Jaune's heart pounded. His limbs trembled, part instinct, part fear. But even as the panic surged around him, a quiet voice filled his mind. Steady. Strong.
"This is your moment. Become the defender you're meant to be. After this… you walk your own path." a voice broke in jaune's head.
Jaune's fingers closed into fists. "Thank you," he whispered to no one, and to everything.
Meanwhile, shadows darted through the trees. Two more of Cardin's lackeys screamed as they tried to run, only to be cut off by snarling Beowolves. The fear they radiated was thick—cloying, magnetic. More Grimm were drawn to it like moths to flame.
A low, measured voice cut through the sound like a blade. "Do you need saving from a Faunus?"
From above, a dark figure dropped down. Jane's boots hit the forest floor with a controlled thud, her yellow eyes glowing under her hood of wind-blown hair. Her dog ears were perked, twitching with every movement in the forest.
"Jane the Beast!" one of the boys gasped, desperate. "Please! More Grimm are coming!"
Jane crouched slightly, studying the trembling boys in front of her. Her face was unreadable—stoic, dangerous.
"Leave Beacon," she said flatly, her tone like a judge delivering a sentence. "Say it. Now."
The boys blinked in confusion. "What?" one asked.
"You're cowards. You provoked this. You risked your classmates for a prank. You don't belong at Beacon," Jane said. "Say it—and I'll save you."
Their eyes flicked to the roaring Grimm only a few yards away. "Fine! Fine, we'll leave! Just help us!"
"Good," Jane growled.
She drew her daggers—sleek, curved, and glinting with Light Dust—then shifted them with a click. The weapons snapped and folded into twin Glocks, glowing faintly with stored Dust. Her aura flared around her, a vivid amber glow that shimmered with intensity.
"Come on then," she whispered, almost excited.
The Grimm turned on her, sensing her fear—sensing the challenge.
Two Beowolves leapt forward. Jane dodged with inhuman grace, ducking under their claws and delivering a brutal kick to the snout of the first, sending it crashing sideways. The second lunged—and was met with a volley of Light-infused shots to the chest. The Grimm roared in pain as it dissolved into ash.
Another leapt from behind. Jane spun, slashing upward with one dagger and blasting the ground with her second gun to launch herself into the air. Mid-flip, she unloaded another burst into the creature's spine, sending it collapsing in a puff of shadow.
Above her, Ranger stood perched on a tree branch, knives ready. "She's toying with them," he murmured, a small smirk on his lips. "Jimmy was right."
Jaune watched from behind a fallen tree, frozen—not with fear, but awe. Jane wasn't just surviving. She was controlling the fight. Her movements were fluid, confident, and relentless. He'd never seen anyone fight like that—like the forest was her domain, and the Grimm were intruders in her kingdom.
One more Grimm charged toward her, a massive ursa with jaws like steel. She slid under it, planted a shot under its chin, then twisted up and slammed both daggers into its back. The beast howled—then turned to ash in her wake.
Breathing hard, Jane turned and looked at Jaune. "You coming or what?"
Jaune stood, finally steady. "Yeah," he said. "I need to finish off this grim by myself to prove something."
Jane smiled, "Fine but four more incoming."
The Ursa let out a thunderous bellow and charged.
"Alright, let's go," Jaune whispered to himself.
He stepped into the clearing, raising his sword and shield—not with fear, but with resolve.
The Ursa came at him like a freight train.
Jaune sidestepped the first swipe, his shield taking the glancing blow. He felt the impact through his bones but didn't falter. His boots slid across the dirt and he pivoted, slashing his sword across the Ursa's flank. It wasn't deep, but it got the beast's attention.
It roared, swiping again. This time, Jaune ducked, adrenaline coursing through his limbs like lightning. The forest rang with the sound of metal striking Grimm hide.
Jaune leapt backward, grunting. His aura flashed as the Ursa caught his shoulder, throwing him into a tree with a crack.
Pain lanced through his back—but he didn't let go of his sword. "You're not beating me… not this time…"
He stood. The Ursa came again. Jaune's stance shifted—he remembered Turtle's advice, Monica's lessons… Jimmy's crazy, chaotic way of fighting.
Use your shield to draw attention. Strike where it's open. Keep moving. Protect others—even if it's just yourself. The lesson of the turtle coming back to him.
He roared, charging forward.
The Ursa swung—and Jaune bashed it in the snout with his shield, stunning it for just a heartbeat. He ducked under its arm, brought his blade up in an upward arc—and slashed through the tendons in its elbow.
Ursa screamed, stumbling.
Jaune turned, rolling under the next swipe—and this time, he wasn't afraid. He stepped in, thrusting his sword into the Ursa's side, right where its ribs met.
It thrashed, its claws flailing in rage. He twisted his blade, eyes blazing. "You're not hurting anyone else!"
With a final, furious shout, Jaune yanked his blade free and drove it up through Ursa's exposed jaw. The beast gurgled—and dissolved into black ash around him. Jaune collapsed to one knee, panting. Silence.
"Nice, Jaune. We've got more incoming," called Ranger, his voice calm but eager as he stood balanced on a thick branch overhead, eyes scanning the treetops.
He flicked his gaze toward the clearing where Jane was going wild—ripping into a Beowolf with such feral grace that even some of the other Grimm seemed to hesitate. Her Yellow eyes glowed in sync with her aura, her daggers now locked into their glock mode, smoke rising from the heated barrels. But her breathing was labored, and more Grimm were encroaching from all sides.
"She's gonna get overwhelmed if we don't help," Ranger muttered, more to himself than anyone else.
Jaune tilted his head slightly, giving him a dry but determined nod. "Then what are we waiting for?"
Ranger leapt first, vaulting off the branch like a shadow, drawing the weapon Jimmy had helped him design—a sleek throwing blade rigged with dust cartridges. His fingers danced with precision, locking in the ice dust canister as he focused.
His semblance pulsed.
Gravity warped slightly around the blade, anchoring the energy to the tip. With a sharp breath, he flicked his wrist—releasing it like a railgun shot. The projectile screamed through the air, glowing faint blue as the gravity-enhanced ice dust detonated on impact.
Boom.
The entire left flank of the Grimm were instantly frozen mid-lunge—snarls locked in ice, claws in mid-swipe. A moment later, the brittle sculptures shattered under the weight of their momentum.
Jane blinked. "About time."
Jaune landed beside her, shield already raised. "Don't hog all the fun next time."
A massive Ursa came barreling in through the trees behind them, roaring like thunder. Jane spun, hurling herself toward it with reckless speed, but the Ursa swung early—forcing her back.
"I got it!" Jaune shouted, stepping forward. He activated his aura, shield braced and stance ready.
The Ursa charged, but this time Jaune didn't hesitate. He sidestepped, using its momentum against it, and bashed its knee with his shield, throwing it off balance. Jane followed up immediately, lunging up its back and plunging both daggers deep into its spine.
"Tag team!" she grinned as she leapt off, landing beside him.
"That was awesome," Jaune admitted, eyes wide.
Ranger landed beside them now, calmly dusting his gloves off. "Told you we're a good trio."
"Yeah," Jaune said, adrenaline pumping. "I think I finally get it now."
"Get what?" Jane asked, wiping blood from her cheek.
Jaune looked between them—two people he never imagined would become teammates, much less friends. "What the turtle meant. About fighting for others, Not for glory"
Jane nodded slowly, her smirk softening into something more thoughtful.
"That's why we're here," Ranger said, tightening the straps of his gauntlet. "We protect our own."
"We need to go back. They'll notice we're gone," Jane said, her voice sharp but tired, her body tense from the adrenaline still coursing through her.
"She's right, you know," Ranger nodded. "It's time, Jaune. You need to tell Pyrrha how you feel. No more hiding."
Jaune hesitated—then clenched his fists and nodded. "I will. Thanks." He turned, sprinting back through the forest.
Ranger turned to Jane. "I've got one thing left to do before I return. I'll catch up later."
"Be careful," Jane said, gripping his arm briefly before she too turned away smiling evilly.
As Ranger disappeared into the trees, Jane marched away toward the two boys from Team CRDL who were still trembling after the attack. Without a word, he activated his semblance—his aura flared black, and the gravity around the boys thickened.
With a flick of his wrist, the two were slammed to the ground, pinned like insects under a boot.
"Now you'll come with me," he said coldly, his glare sharp enough to pierce armor.
They nodded frantically, barely able to speak. The pressure vanished. He motioned for them to stand. "Move."
Meanwhile, Ranger had found Cardin—bloodied, a knife still lodged in his foot, face twisted in a mix of pain and resentment. One of his goons was unconscious, slumped against a tree.
"So, Cardin," Ranger said, arms folded. "Did you know Jimmy sends his regards?"
He turned and—without warning—punched the unconscious boy square in the jaw again. Waking him up.
"What do you want?" Cardin asked through clenched teeth, trying not to show how shaken he was.
"We're making sure all four of you are accounted for," Ranger said, yanking the blade from Cardin's foot. Cardin let out a grunt of pain but kept his eyes on Ranger, still trying to maintain control. "Well two people agreed to leave."
"They aren't leaving Beacon," Cardin spat. "They're strong."
Ranger arched a brow. "Really? Then what's in the box behind you?"
Cardin's eyes darted briefly—mistake.
"Nothing," he said too quickly, flashing a smug smile.
Ranger returned it with a more dangerous one. "Sap's sticky, you know." He pulled out a jar, ignited the fire dust inside with a quick spark, and hurled it at the box—coated it and the ground around them in flaming, smoking sap.
As the sap spread across the area, Cardin cursed. "Sticky asshole—what the hell are you planning?!"
"That box," Ranger said calmly, "is twitching. If I cut it open, what do you think might come out? Bugs? A Grimm magnet?"
"You wouldn't dare—" Cardin snarled.
"Oh, he would," came a voice from Ranger's scroll. He showed it open, speaker on. Jimmy's voice came through loud and clear.
"Thanks for the text, Ranger. Hey, Cardin. So—you brought a box of Grimm bait into the forest on a school field trip?"
"You piece of—" Cardin growled, but Jimmy cut him off.
"Y'know, I wasn't sure until Jane told me. She mentioned a few boys dragging in something strange. After that, well... let's just say I started connecting dots. What should I do about this?"
"Easy," said another voice, cold and authoritative. Professor Goodwitch.
She stepped into view behind them, heels clicking over the roots, arms folded. "The four of you are under disciplinary action. Endangerment of fellow students, unauthorized weapons, smuggling Rapier Wasps? That's expulsion territory."
Cardin paled.
"Well, nice chatting," Jimmy said through the scroll. "I was technically on break."
Click. "Professor, I can explain," Ranger started.
She held up a hand. "Your initiative is commendable, but next time—tell me first. Do not play too far into Jimmy's chaos. Understood?"
"Yes, ma'am," Ranger said with a salute before darting after Jane.
Goodwitch sighed and watched the four trembling boys stumble toward the extraction point.
"Kids," she muttered, rubbing her temple. "Always trying to outmaneuver us. One day, they'll learn."
Ranger jogged back toward the group, brushing twigs from his cloak, trying to steady his breath. Weiss noticed first and stepped forward, her brow furrowed.
"Ranger, are you okay?" she asked, her voice calm but laced with genuine concern.
He nodded, though his eyes darted slightly. "Yeah... let's just say Goodwitch has Cardin now," he muttered, his tone uneasy and a little guilty.
Ruby's head perked up. "Wait—what? Why?"
Ranger rubbed the back of his neck. "Also, Jimmy says hi." He said it quickly, trying to gloss over everything.
Yang folded her arms. "Why does she have Cardin?" Her tone had a sharp edge.
Ranger winced. "Ehhh… nothing major. I might've… punched him in the face. So, yeah. I'm probably getting detention."
Yang's eyes narrowed. "Ranger, just because Jimmy's gone doesn't mean you get to go around punching assholes. That's his job."
"Yeah, yeah," Ranger waved a hand dismissively. "So, uh—we got all the jars. Found any Grimm?" he asked, clearly trying to change the subject.
Weiss squinted at him. "Nice deflection."
"No Grimm," Ruby said with a sigh. "Kind of boring, honestly—"
"But guess what!" Yang interrupted, her grin spreading ear to ear. "Look over there." She pointed toward a patch of trees.
Ranger turned, squinting. Then his eyes went wide. "No freaking way…"
In the distance, Pyrrha and Jaune stood close—really close. The way their lips locked was anything but subtle.
"Okay damn, that was fast," Ranger whispered. He blinked, then turned to the others. "Wait, did he mean the Ursa he took down with Jane—or the one he handled solo?"
"What do you mean 'solo'?" Ruby asked, stepping forward with sudden concern.
Blake's bow twitched. "Jaune fought an Ursa alone?"
Jane's eyes narrowed, exasperated. "I was hiding that, thank you, Ranger."
Ranger clicked his tounge held up both hands. "Oops. My bad."
"Never mind, Jaune will tell us later," Yang shrugged, still smiling. "But hey, why were you on the phone with Jimmy?"
Ranger laughed nervously. "Ohhh... Jimmy needed a little info. Something about dust fusion on his blade."
Blake tilted her head. "And you helped him?"
"I mean, yeah, he asked if his blade could handle raw dust coating. I told him I didn't want him exploding, but it's Jimmy—we both know he might do it anyway."
Yang leaned forward, eyes sparkling. "Ugh, he's crazy... I like crazy." She bit her lip just slightly and gave a sly grin.
"Okay, Yang's officially in heat," Ranger deadpanned.
Weiss crossed her arms. "Why didn't he call me?" she asked, sharply.
Everyone turned toward her, surprised at the spike in tone.
Jane blinked. "I… don't think he has your number?"
Ranger nodded. "He did just get his scroll fixed. He's still figuring it out. Probably can't even check texts yet."
Weiss's lips tightened. "Still, he could've asked. He's always helping everyone else—but one moment, one, where he needs a little backup, and I don't even get a message?"
Blake's brows rose. "Weiss, you sound... more upset than you're letting on."
Weiss whipped around. "What? No—I just… I mean… he's helped me through so much. The least he could do is—ugh! Never mind." She huffed, clutching her sap jar and stormed off toward the bulkhead.
The others exchanged amused glances.
Yang smirked. "Somebody's got a thing for my fire-bug."
Jane giggled, tossing her arm over Ranger's shoulder. "Still want to share with him even more."
They all laughed together—tension melting, just a little—under the softly falling red leaves of Forever Fall.
With Qrow
Ash. Charred roots. A silence too heavy for just dirt and ruin. They rode up into the blackened terrain—ashen wilds. A place where the land itself seemed to mourn, and the air clung to skin like soot from a long-dead fire. The ground pulsed faintly, not with life, but with hunger.
Jimmy stepped off the bike and paused. As his foot touched the earth, something tugged at him. His aura sapped. Not violently—but enough. A slow, gnawing pull that made him flinch like it was drawing blood from a hidden wound.
"This ground is consuming my aura…" he muttered, backing up slightly. "Why bring me here? What's the history of this place?"
Qrow folded his arms and stared out at the desolate plain. "This is called the Ashen Wilds. Rumor is, the elements clashed here once. Fire. Lightning. People who want more power come out here to train their aura—some think it'll make them stronger."
He looked back at Jimmy, his expression sobering. "It's a myth. But we're not here to chase power. We're here to make sure your semblance doesn't kick in." said Qrow
Jimmy tried to swallow the rising tension in his chest. "Cool, I guess… so what do we do first?"
"First thing's first—your sword," Qrow said. "You need to get rid of it. We don't want you accidentally activating it."
Jimmy went still. His breathing hitched.
Then, slowly, he began to tremble. "N-No… no, no, no. I can't. Please… don't make me do that." His hands clutched the sword at his hip like it was the only thing anchoring him to the present.
"Whoa—hey," Qrow said, taking a step forward, voice softening. "I'm not saying throw it away, alright? Just don't keep it on you. It's a training thing."
"Still NO!" Jimmy shouted. He dropped to his knees and hugged the weapon tightly, as if letting go would tear open something deeper than flesh.
Qrow froze. Something was wrong. He wasn't just scared—he was spiraling.
"Hey… are you crying?" Qrow asked, his voice caught somewhere between concern and alarm.
But Jimmy wasn't really there anymore. He was back in a dim room—cold metal pressing against his back, arms strapped down. His sword? Gone. His voice? Gone. All that remained was the scent of blood, the sharp clang of tools, and a voice like glass.
"So what should we try next?" said Adam, as if he were choosing dinner.
Then—Qrow's voice again, distant but louder, breaking through the darkness.
"Kid! Hey—hey! Jimmy, wake up!"
Jimmy screamed and jolted upright. His eyes were wide, his chest heaving.
Qrow crouched down beside him, eyebrows knitted in concern. "You're confident. Brave. You handled yourself back at Beacon. What happened just now?" He hesitated. "Did something happen… before Beacon?"
Jimmy's lips quivered. He didn't want to speak. But the words forced their way out.
"I… I was captured. By the White Fang."
He looked down at the ground like it might swallow the memories before he had to feel them again.
"Adam… he experimented on me. Tests. Drained my blood. Forced me to eat, fight, scream—whatever it took to see what made me different. He kept saying I could go free—if I did one thing."
Qrow watched, unmoving.
"I said no. Every day. For months. Until… someone new came. Worse. He figured out more about my aura than Adam ever did. And I…"
Jimmy clenched his fists, voice breaking. "I gave him the prayer. The one I swore never to speak. I thought—maybe—it would end. But it didn't. It got worse."
Qrow was quiet for a moment. Then softly, almost to himself, "How did they know about the prayer?"
"They didn't," Jimmy whispered. "Not until I told them. I… I was stupid. If I'd just kept my mouth shut—if I'd stayed strong—none of this would've happened."
Jimmy dropped into a crouch, arms wrapped around his sword like it was the only real thing left. His voice was small. "I should've never said anything."
Qrow slowly knelt to Jimmy's level, voice softer than usual. "You're not stupid. And you're not broken." He placed a hand gently on Jimmy's shoulder. "But you do need to learn how to stand on your own—without the blade. I'll keep it locked away. Safe. In my bike. You'll know exactly where it is."
He offered his hand.
Jimmy hesitated, then slowly nodded. "Okay… but… if I need it…"
"You'll get it. No problem. And we'll take breaks. This isn't a punishment—it's training."
Jimmy's scroll buzzed. He pulled it out, eyes narrowing. A message from Ranger.
His stomach dropped. "That's not good. They only text me when something goes wrong. They will text me if it gets worse."
Jimmy's scroll buzzed.
He glanced down, thumb swiping the screen to open the new message. It was from Ranger.
"Cardin has a box. Not sure what's in it. I'll keep you updated."
Jimmy's eyebrows pinched together. His stomach twisted—not from fear, but from a sense that something was moving in the background, slowly creeping closer.
He turned the screen toward Qrow, who read it in silence. The older huntsman stared for a second longer than necessary, lips tightening slightly.
"I don't like that," Qrow muttered. "Cardin having anything he doesn't understand is bad enough. A mystery box in his hands? Worse."
Jimmy looked up, concerned. "Should we go after him?"
Qrow shook his head. "No. Not yet. Ranger said he'll keep us updated, and I trust that kid's eyes. If it turns into a fight, we move. But if it's just Cardin being Cardin... we're not wasting this moment."
He walked over to the bike and popped open the side compartment. From inside, he pulled out a long, cloth-wrapped object. He tossed it to Jimmy with a flick of the wrist.
A wooden sword.
Jimmy caught it, frowning at the weight. Lighter. Hollow. Nothing like his real blade.
"Really?"
"Yup," Qrow said, already stepping into the clearing and planting his boots in the ash. "You're too reliant on your real sword. That's not judgment—it's just fact. We break that today."
Jimmy held the wooden sword awkwardly. His breathing unsteady "So, what's the plan?"
"Stance. Footwork. Reaction. You've got aura, instincts, and raw speed—but if your base is off, none of that matters when it counts. And considering you've got panic triggers buried deep…" Qrow gave him a look that wasn't unkind. "We train those out of you, one rep at a time."
Jimmy nodded slowly, his thumb brushing over the smoothed wood of the training sword.
He stepped into position. "Alright. Show me how you naturally hold it."
Jimmy shifted. Right foot forward. Shoulder squared. Grip solid—but a little too tense. Blade held diagonally across his chest. One of his hands near the tip of the blade.
Qrow circled him like a wolf. "Loosen your knees. You're rigid. If I tap your shoulder, I should feel you absorb the hit, not lock up like a statue."
Jimmy adjusted.
Qrow stepped close and nudged his elbow. "Too high. Drop it a bit—you need flow, not just defense. Defense locks your joints. Flow lets you move."
Jimmy dropped his stance an inch.
"Good. Now—breath in. Ground yourself. Feel where your weight is."
He inhaled slowly, focusing on the soles of his flats against the cracked earth, the pulse of his aura just beneath the surface.
"Now exhale—and swing."
Jimmy stepped forward and brought the wooden blade across in a clean, horizontal arc. It sliced through the air with a satisfying hiss.
"Again. But this time, shift your weight through your hips, not just your arms."
Another swing. This one had more power—more stability.
Qrow nodded. "Better. Now three-count: guard, slash, pivot."
Jimmy moved—guard high, slash down, pivot on the back foot, spinning out of an imagined counterattack. His foot dragged slightly in the ash, but he kept his balance.
"Nice recovery," Qrow said. "Again."
They continued like that—repetition after repetition. Sweat beading at Jimmy's brow, his breathing steady but growing heavier. Qrow never raised his voice. Never struck. Just corrected. Adjusted. Made him feel what each motion meant.
Eventually, Qrow stepped back, arms crossed.
"You're not ready for a real fight without your blade. Not yet. But you're learning. That box Ranger mentioned? Whatever it is—it's just one more reason we don't stop."
Jimmy, flushed and breathing hard, nodded silently. He tightened his grip on the wooden sword. And this time, it didn't feel so hollow.
Jimmy's breathing had leveled out, the burn in his shoulders now something familiar. The stance no longer felt forced. His weight moved with his hips, his blade flowed instead of swinging, and each step forward had purpose. He completed another slash-pivot-guard combo—his footwork tight, his posture was working.
Qrow raised an eyebrow. Then gave a small nod. "There. That's was close"
Jimmy blinked. "So i need to adjust?"
"Yup," Qrow said, cracking his neck. "Took you a bit, but that was clean. Looked like you actually wanted to be a huntsman and not a guy flailing a stick."
Jimmy let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding and gave a tiny, tired grin.
But Qrow's smirk turned sly. "Alright. Let's see if you can hold that under pressure."
He stepped aside and pointed toward a jagged ridge up the slope. "Run to the top of that hill. Touch the biggest rock. Then run back."
Jimmy blinked. "Wait, what? I just got it right!"
"And now we stress test it," Qrow said. "Combat doesn't wait until you're rested and ready. Go!"
Jimmy groaned but took off at a jog, kicking up small clouds of ash as he charged toward the ridge. The slope wasn't steep, but the terrain was loose—charred stone and brittle root remnants cracking underfoot.
By the time he touched the rock and turned back, his legs burned, and his chest felt like it had rocks in it.
He returned, panting. Qrow nodded to the wooden sword lying on the ground. "Pick it up. Stance. Same move you did before."
Jimmy did. His body screamed at him, but he got into position. "Guard. Slash. Pivot."
Jimmy moved—but his guard slipped just slightly on the recovery. A loss of form instantly.
"Wrong," Qrow snapped. "Do five push-ups."
Jimmy stared at him like he'd just sprouted wings. "What? Come on—"
"Five. Or ten if you talk back again."
Jimmy groaned, dropped to the ground, and started pushing.
"One," Qrow counted, arms crossed. "Redo that you push up form isnt right. One. Two. Three. Form's better than your sword technique. Four. Five. Up. Try again."
Jimmy pushed up, spat ash, grabbed the wooden blade, and went right back into the stance.
"Guard. Slash. Pivot."
This time he close it again.
"Good," Qrow said. "Now duck. Backstep. Jab."
Jimmy flowed through the combo, but rushed the jab—his footing uneven from fatigue.
"Ten jumping jacks."
Jimmy grit his teeth, dropped the sword, and got moving.
Qrow watched with the calm indifference of a man who had trained a dozen rookies and broken half of them. But under the cool exterior, there was a method.
"I'm not doing this to punish you," Qrow said, voice even. "I'm doing it because in a real fight, mistakes mean blood. You're gonna mess up. But I want your body to know that slipping once means you've got to earn your way back."
Jimmy finished the set, dripping sweat. He picked up the sword again. "Ready," he said through clenched teeth.
Qrow smirked. "Good. Now try not to screw it up."
Two hours into the training session, the sun had midday paint the Ashen Wilds black and yellow. Jimmy's arms ached. Sweat clung to his neck. He was mid-swing with the wooden blade when his scroll buzzed against his belt.
Qrow, wiping dust from his gloves, called out, "Hey, kid—take five. Check that message."
Jimmy paused and pulled up his scroll, heart still pounding from exertion. The message was from Ranger:
"Grimm problem. Also, there are bugs in the box. With stingers. Reply fast."
Jimmy's expression tightened. "Qrow, we might have a problem."
Qrow walked over, his tone shifting instantly. "What's up?"
Jimmy handed him the scroll. Qrow scanned it fast, eyes narrowing. "Grimm and stinger bugs in a box? Great. We need more details."
Jimmy quickly typed out a response. Seconds later, Ranger replied: "Two Ursa. Two Beowolves."
Qrow gave a short whistle. "Not a huge pack. Doable."
Jimmy was already typing again. "Where's Jaune?"
A second ping. "With one Ursa. What's the plan?" –Ranger
Jimmy thought fast, then typed back:
"Let Jaune handle the Ursa solo. Ranger—stay close, assist only if he's in real danger. Have Jane go feral, cut through the Beowolves. New weapons—basic use only. Don't go flashy."
Qrow raised an eyebrow at that. "You sure that'll work? You're playing this like a tactician now."
Jimmy didn't answer right away. His fists clenched at his sides. "I need Cardin to pay for what he was messing with," he muttered.
Qrow's tone went firm. "Kid, I get it. But vengeance? That's a fire that doesn't go out easy. You chase that too far, and you'll burn yourself with it."
Jimmy nodded slowly. "I know."
He stared at the fading light over the mountian, then looked back to his scroll.
"I want them to leave. On their own. No traps, no forced exile. I want them scared enough to walk away from whatever they're messing with."
Qrow folded his arms. "What's the play, then?"
Jimmy exhaled and laid it out carefully. "Jane goes first. Full force—quick, brutal, precise. Ranger comes in next—hits from the flanks, picks off stragglers. Use the box, let that sap they've been collecting attract the stinger bugs. Then…"
He paused, voice dropping with intensity. "…we threaten to open it fully. Let them see what they almost unleashed."
Qrow gave him a long look. "You really want to scare 'em straight, huh?"
"I want them to understand what they were playing with. Then… when they're rattled and unsure—then we call Goodwitch. Let her walk in when they've had a taste of reality."
Qrow scratched at his jaw, impressed despite himself. "Kid… that's actually a solid plan. Little extreme, yeah—but calculated. You've thought this through."
He paused, then smirked a little. "But I'd tweak one thing. You want them scared? Fine. But don't go full monster. Let Jane and Ranger handle the muscle. You stay back. Observe. Stay cold. That'll rattle 'em more than yelling ever could."
Jimmy looked at him, caught off guard. "…You're saying less anger?"
"I'm saying control is scarier than rage. Trust me."
Jimmy nodded slowly, absorbing that. The wooden sword still hung at his side, and his shoulders still ached—but the tension in his chest had shifted.
He texted back: "Stick to the plan. Jane goes loud. Ranger clean-up. Keep the bugs contained. I'll move when I get the signal."
Another ping from Ranger came almost instantly. "Copy that. Let's scare 'em smart."
After the Call
The scroll call ended with a soft beep, the silence settling hard over the Wilds.
Jimmy exhaled, dragging a hand down his face. "Shit… I'm so in trouble."
Behind him, Qrow exploded into laughter—an unfiltered, genuine cackle that shook his shoulders. "Hahahaha! Oh, man! I knew it! That woman's sharper than half the blades in Vale!" He bent slightly, chuckling. "Glynda Goodwitch—damn. I always said she could sniff out trouble before it even had time to grow legs."
Jimmy glared at him. "I hate you. Did you message her?"
"I didn't have to," Qrow said, still catching his breath. "She just knows. You're her student. You start making plans that flirt with dangerous ideas, and bam—she's already on your tail."
Jimmy groaned and sat down on the nearest boulder, dropping the training sword beside him. "She's gonna fry me alive."
"Nah," Qrow smirked, walking over and giving him a light pat on the back. "She'll lecture you, maybe assign you a week of writing scrolls about emotional restraint—but she won't kill you."
Jimmy muttered, "That's not even close to reassuring."
Qrow's amusement faded, and his voice dropped into something steadier—colder. "Alright. Joke's over."
He turned, facing the glow of sunlight stretching across the Ashen Wilds. His silhouette looked sharper now—more like the huntsman he truly was.
"Let's wrap this up. Because The next week?" He cracked his knuckles and rolled his shoulders. "The Next week's gonna be hell."
Jimmy looked up, eyebrows furrowed. "What kind of hell?"
Qrow's smirk was subtle, but there was weight behind it. "No more wooden swords. No step-by-step stances. No slow training days. Maybe Few days, we fight with aura, instinct, and pressure. Real sparring. Real Grimm."
He looked over his shoulder, eyes meeting Jimmy's. "And I'll be right there beside you. Every step. Every fight."
Jimmy stood slowly, sore muscles protesting, but his stance had changed. Straighter. Calmer. Like he wasn't just reacting anymore—he was preparing. The wind stirred the ash at his feet.
"I'll be ready," he said quietly.
Jimmy looked down at his scroll, then to the sword in the distance—his real sword, locked away in Qrow's bike. His fear is still on his blade, not on him. He turned toward it with new resolve in his step. This wasn't just training anymore. It was the warm-up for war.