Chapter 2: Flames and Reunion
Jimmy's father stood with him at the training field, adjusting the grip on his son's weapon. The boy fired again, but the recoil sent him stumbling backward. Undeterred, his father modified the weapon to minimize the recoil, testing everything to improve Jimmy's control. Even so, his aim remained inconsistent. Switching tactics, they moved to sword training. Jimmy found the lightweight blades easier to handle, but his strikes lacked strength. Over time, he developed a defensive style, focused on blocking and evading rather than overpowering his opponent.
Near the ancient tree, Jimmy, Jane, and Ranger were training together. Jane fired at Jimmy with her weapon, a transforming dagger-pistol, while Ranger stood nearby, staring intently at the tree.
"Hey, are you okay? You seem distracted," Jane asked, lowering her weapon.
"It's the tree," Ranger replied, not taking his eyes off it. "I've never seen any animals near it. And those apples Jimmy eats... why is there only ever one at a time?"
Jimmy hesitated before responding, "I don't know. It feels... instinctual to eat them. And... my aura has been steadily growing since I started."
"That is weird," Jane admitted, her voice tinged with confusion.
Jimmy walked to the tree and ran his hand along the bark, which felt strangely soft under his touch. Curious, Jane and Ranger joined him. At first, the tree remained still, but as they closed their eyes and let their senses guide them, a soft breeze rustled the leaves. The sensation calmed them, as if the tree itself was breathing.
Suddenly, a squirrel leaped onto Ranger's head. Jane laughed as an apple fell into Jimmy's lap, and a single leaf landed delicately in her hand. They opened their eyes and, as if by instinct, all three said, "Thank you."
They settled down beneath the tree. Jimmy ate his apple while Jane studied the leaf in her hands, and Ranger followed the squirrel's playful antics. For a moment, they forgot their questions about the tree's mysteries.
Later, Ranger challenged Jimmy to a sparring match. Jimmy rose, finishing his apple, and picked up his broadsword. The two moved a short distance from the tree, where Ranger adjusted his gloves, which transformed into reinforced gauntlets.
"Why do you always change your stance depending on what you're holding?" Ranger asked as he dropped into a boxing stance.
"It's because—" Jimmy began, but relaxed his guard, distracted. Sensing an opening, Ranger lunged forward. Jimmy instinctively sidestepped, evading without looking. He tightened his grip and focused on blocking, deflecting Ranger's blows with precision.
When the match ended, Ranger looked at him with concern. "You okay, Jimmy? You're not yourself today."
"Two months," Jimmy replied quietly.
Jane and Ranger exchanged looks of understanding.
"It's not forever," Jane reassured him. "We'll only be gone for a few months at a time. We'll live at the school, but we'll still visit."
Jimmy leaned against the tree as if seeking comfort. The tree seemed to respond, calming his mind. They stayed by his side until the sun began to set.
That evening, Jane's mother approached the children, her gaze fixed on Jimmy. Unlike other nights when the dark seemed to deepen around him, this time, a purple swirl emanated from his aura, restricting his emotions. She watched closely, noting the shift in his aura back to red. Her trained eyes noticed patterns others might miss—Jimmy's emotions didn't fully control his aura. It responded to his needs, shifting in ways that defied explanation.
Taking out her journal, she scratched out her earlier theories and wrote down her latest discovery. She cared deeply for the boy, not just because he was her daughter's friend but because of the mystery surrounding him. The experiments and training had changed her perspective, and her own experiences as a hunter left her humbled by Jimmy's father's wisdom.
Yet, she knew the village's peace couldn't last. Jane and Ranger would leave for the academy soon. They would face the world's harsh realities—its racism, its dangers—but at least they'd have each other. Jimmy, however, would remain behind. Her thoughts returned to the day of his birth. She'd always felt something was... off, though she couldn't pinpoint why.
The memory brought a sharp headache. Pushing the thought aside, she left the children near the tree and ventured into the forest, seeking Grim to hunt—and answers to the questions lingering in her heart.
The Grimm were stirring again, this time in the west. Jane's mother, a seasoned Huntress, was keenly aware of their movements. For years, the creatures had circled the village, but she couldn't understand why. They seemed drawn to Jimmy—not because of fear or sadness, as Grimm were known to sense—but for some other, unknown reason.
Switching her weapon to her pistols, she eliminated a few Grimm in quick succession. But something felt off. The area, once teeming with Grimm, now seemed eerily quiet. She scoured the ground, even checking for signs that they might be burrowing underground. Nothing. The sudden absence of the constant threat put her on edge.
When she returned to Jimmy's home, she immediately went on the defensive, but relaxed when she saw him sitting calmly.
"Hello, Jimmy. How are you?" she asked gently.
"Um… fine," he replied flatly, his tone distant.
She studied his aura—it had shifted to black, but something unusual was happening. Activating her semblance, she peered deeper. Within the swirling darkness, faint traces of purple spiraled, barely noticeable. The aura gave off a chaotic energy, as if it were feeding on his emotions to grow stronger. Yet, beneath the chaos, there was a sense of control, as though somthing was holding the darkness at bay.
Curious, she pulled out her notebook and began documenting her observations.
"What are you writing?" Jimmy asked, leaning over curiously.
"Oh, it's just a story I'm working on," she said with a warm smile. "It's not finished yet, so I can't share it just yet, okay?"
"Okay, Aunty," Jimmy said, visibly relaxing. He loved stories, but only if they were complete. Satisfied, he wandered off, leaving her to her notes.
Moments later, Jimmy's mother approached, worry etched across her face. "I'm sorry to bother you, but… I noticed something strange. There are fewer Grimm near the village now, even though they've always been drawn to Jimmy. And… his emotions—they've been growing more negative lately. Shouldn't that be attracting more Grimm?"
Jane's mother nodded gravely and showed her the notebook. She explained the discovery of the purple spiral within Jimmy's black aura.
"Is it dangerous?" Jimmy's mother asked, concern deepening.
"I'm not sure," Jane's mother admitted. "It's not a new color—it's more like the black aura is evolving. But there's something about it… something that makes my Faunus instincts react. It doesn't feel natural."
Jimmy's mother sighed, her worry spilling out. "It's because he's not going to become a Huntsman. And now Jane and Ranger are leaving for the academy. I don't know how to help him."
Jane's mother placed a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder. "Training him is still important. Even if he doesn't become a Huntsman, he can still learn to defend himself. That's what matters."
That evening, the families gathered for a shared meal outside. Ranger family joined in the dinner. The warmth of the fire and the smell of barbecue filled the air. The adults chatted while the kids played near the flames.
As the night deepened, Ranger's father approached Jane's mother. "Monica, I… I want to apologize," he said hesitantly.
"For what?" she asked, surprised.
"For how I treated you when I first came to the village. I knew you were a Huntress, but I still looked down on you. I thought you were wrong because of your fanus heritage. I was too reckless. I was wrong."
Monica smiled faintly. "I didn't realize you felt that way."
"I'm not good at showing emotion," he admitted. "But I've always respected you. You've done more for this village than I ever could."
She nodded, appreciating his honesty But she knew that. Though she'd known his stoic demeanor masked deeper feelings, hearing him admit it brought a sense of closure.
Later, Ranger's father approached Jimmy. "Hey, buddy," he said awkwardly, trying to smile but failing. He settled for a serious expression instead. "I heard about Jane and Ranger leaving for the academy. I know it's hard for you. You've been working on your strength, and it must feel like you're being left behind. But listen—you still have so much to offer."
Jimmy looked up, frustration clear in his voice. "How can I help? I'm good at scouting, but if I get hit. I'm done for. My aura's so weak, it can't even heal me properly."
Ranger's father crouched to meet his gaze. "Helping others isn't just about being the strongest. It's about finding where you're needed and doing your best. And you, Jimmy, have something special. Don't let anyone, not even yourself, tell you otherwise."
Jimmy didn't respond immediately, but the words lingered in his mind as he glanced at his friends laughing by the fire.
He noticed that Jane was blushing next to Ranger. He smiled at that and it seemed like they were getting even closer.
That night, as the families shared stories and laughter, the shadows from the flames danced across Jimmy's face. Unbeknownst to him, his aura flickered, a faint purple spiral stopped then with the red returned.
"Why do you think only Hunters can become great in society?"
"Well… I want to fight, but I can't."
"Sometimes fighting doesn't involve Grimm. Maybe it's about helping the unfortunate with simple tasks. I want you to think it over—not all people unlock a semblance."
As the man walked back to his wife and child, they waved goodbye. Jimmy stood there, mulling over the words. He's right, Jimmy thought to himself.
Jane's mother, standing nearby, noticed something strange. Jimmy's aura subtly shifted—she sensed chains surrounding him, growing more intricate. Grabbing her notebook, she jotted down this development, deciding to keep it to herself for now.
When everyone finished their goodbyes, Jane hugged Jimmy tightly.
As they walked away, Jane turned to her mother. "Why were you staring at Jimmy like that?"
"It's nothing," her mother replied. "I thought I saw something in the distance."
Jane raised an eyebrow, suspicious, but didn't push further. Her attention was drawn to a raven that swooped low over them. As it flew by, her mother stiffened.
An aura emanated from the raven—unnatural, yet oddly unsettling. Jane's mother quickly ushered her into the house.
"Go to bed. I'll be inside soon," she said firmly.
Outside, she followed the raven to an gardian tree near the village. The raven landed, transforming into a woman.
"You haven't lost your touch," the woman said with a sly grin. "Also, this tree… I can't get near it. It's almost mystical."
Jane's mother narrowed her eyes. "I don't remember speaking with you before, but I know who you are, Summer Maiden. Didn't you abandon your child and husband?"
Sadness crept into the Maiden's voice. "I needed to get away, to protect them from Ozpin. Isn't that the same reason you left him too?"
Jane's mother's expression hardened. "I left when her father died fighting the Grimm. I wanted a new life of peace."
"And the child?"
A heavy silence hung between them.
"She's fine. I wanted her to be safe," Jane's mother finally said.
"I'm not talking about Jane," the Maiden interrupted. "I meant Jimmy. He doesn't have magic, but there's something… off. His power is beyond a normal scope."
Jane's mother cut her off. "He won't kill her. The Professor will never know about him. I'll make sure of that. Besides, he can't even use his aura. Nor does he have a semblance—it will never activate."
Gripping her weapon, she shifted it into a semi-automatic rifle. "Leave now, or I'll ensure a new Maiden is created tonight."
The Maiden sighed, transforming back into a raven. "Be careful," she said before flying away.
Left alone under the moonlight, Jane's mother sank to the ground, overwhelmed. A single pink leaf drifted from the Gardian tree, landing on her nose.
She stared at it, bewildered. Pink leaves had never grown on this tree before. Tentatively, she touched the trunk and whispered, "Please… help me protect him."
The tree's leaves rustled in the night breeze. A deep, rough voice rumbled, "By my flames."
Startled, she glanced around, but there was no one nearby. A child's faint laughter echoed through the air. Shaken, she returned home.
The Day of Departure
"Guys, be careful," Jimmy said as Jane and Ranger prepared to leave. "Maybe I'll get in soon."
They hugged him before climbing onto the motorcycle. As they disappeared into the distance, Jimmy took a deep breath. Maybe it won't be so bad if I'm not a Hunter.
To distract himself, he decided to help Ranger's mom with chores. At least he enjoyed cleaning.
A Few Days Later
"Is Aunty going to be back soon?" Jimmy asked his mother.
"Two more days," she replied. "She's making sure they're settled before she leaves them."
Before she could say more, a bloodcurdling scream pierced the air. They rushed outside to find the village under attack by multiple Grimm.
Jimmy reacted instantly Running out side while his mother Followed him.
A grim was devouring a human then saw Jimmy. "Run!" she shouted, but he hesitated. Then the grim ran toward the pair. Then he ran while his mother shot at the wolf like grim.
The Grimm ignored her, focusing solely on Jimmy. Around them, villagers fell—some half-dead, others already gone. Soon, 30 Grimm were chasing Jimmy through the village.
Tripping, Jimmy dropped his scroll but kept running. He sprinted toward the Gardian tree. As he touched its trunk, the Grimm stopped, circling warily.
However, ten Grimm, wearing sinister grins, turned back toward the village to finish their slaughter.
"No!" Jimmy cried, but his feet wouldn't move.
A childs voice broke through his panic. "If you leave here, you will die. Stay, and you might live."
Turning, he saw a Green hair-haired girl who looked eerily like his mother.
"I can't just sit here. I need to help them!" Jimmy shouted.
"There's one way," she said, holding out a bright red apple. "But if you take this, you must fulfill a task."
"What task?"
"Find a girl named Ruby," she said. Her name rang in Jimmy's ears, as though it was already etched into his soul. Then heard a very familiar man's voice saying the same thing.
"Why?" he asked.
"Because someone told me to tell you. This apple will restore your power, but in exchange, I will sleep within this tree for four years."
Jimmy hesitated but saw the trust in her eyes. He took the apple, biting into it. A surge of power coursed through him, igniting his aura.
"This will boost your strength for five minutes," the girl said. "Find your mother. Protect her. Save her from pain."
Once he left she was happy and sad. Good luck Brother was the last thing before she fell asleep and disappeared.
Jimmy's lungs burned as he sprinted through the village. The screams of the dying and the roars of the Grimm blended into a cacophony of chaos, but all he could focus on was one thought: I have to reach Mom.
The ground beneath him was uneven, littered with debris and shattered remnants of homes. His foot caught on something—a broken plank or perhaps a stray root. He stumbled, landing hard on his hands and knees. Pain flared in his palms, but when he glanced down, the plank was gone. The ground looked smooth.
What the...?
No time to think. He scrambled to his feet, his body trembling from exertion and fear.
A Beowolf emerged from the shadows, its teeth glinting in the dim light. It charged, claws outstretched. Jimmy ducked low, the wind from the swipe ruffling his hair. As the beast lunged again, something snagged his foot—this time, it was unmistakable. It felt like a vine, though none were visible. The unseen force yanked him backward, pulling him just out of the creature's reach.
What is going on?
He didn't have time to question it. The Beowolf snarled, its crimson eyes glowing as it stalked closer. Jimmy rolled away, grabbing a nearby rock and hurling it at the Grimm's head. It was a pathetic defense, but the distraction bought him enough time to dash toward the village center.
As he ran, the shadows seemed to shift around him. His path was clear, yet every time a Grimm lunged or swiped, their claws missed by mere inches. The air felt heavy, like something was shielding him—guiding him.
He spotted his mother near the ancient tree at the heart of the village. Her spear was a blur as she fought off two Creeps, her movements fluid despite the exhaustion etched on her face.
"Mom!" he yelled, his voice cracking.
She turned, her eyes widening. "Jimmy! Stay back!"
But he couldn't stay back.
More Grimm poured in from the edges of the village, drawn by the chaos. A Boarbatusk barreled toward him, its tusks tearing through the dirt. Jimmy dodged to the side, his heart pounding in his chest. His foot caught on something again—another invisible force pulling him off balance. This time, it saved him, as the Boarbatusk's charge missed him by a hair's breadth.
He kept running, the path to his mother narrowing as Grimm closed in. An Alpha Beowolf appeared, towering over the others. It snarled, its focus locking onto him.
Jimmy froze, fear paralyzing him. The beast lunged, but before it could reach him, his mother intervened, driving her spear into its flank.
"Run, Jimmy!" she screamed, her voice desperate.
"No!" he yelled, his voice raw.
The Alpha swung its massive claws, catching her midsection. She staggered, blood soaking her shirt. Jimmy's heart stopped as he saw the wound—deep gashes across her stomach, exposing flesh and bone.
"Mom!"
She turned to him, her eyes filled with both pain and love. "Get out of here!"
But he couldn't. He wouldn't.
The Alpha loomed over her, its claws raised for a final strike. Jimmy grabbed a shattered piece of wood—a pathetic excuse for a weapon—and charged.
"I won't let you take her!"
The makeshift weapon struck the Alpha's side, but it barely noticed. With a roar, it swatted him aside like a rag doll. Jimmy hit the ground hard, his vision swimming.
"It's okay," she whispered with a weak smile. "You've always made me proud."
Tears streamed down his face. "Do you forgive me?" he asked, his voice trembling.
"Always," she said.
He took the wood steak to end his mother suffering away from the grim. As a tear ran down his face the grim man started to laugh and surrounded him.
A booming voice echoed in his mind.
"Do you wish to beat them all?"
"Yes," Jimmy thought. "But at what price?"
"A small piece of your soul. But with it, great power for 30 minutes."
Jimmy clenched his fists. "Okay. And?"
Jimmy's eyes burned with tears. He down on his mother.
"A warning: More power means more will try to take from you."
"I accept," Jimmy said resolutely.
A pillar of fire erupted around him, consuming his form in blazing light. His simple weapon transformed into a longsword, nearly as long as his arms. His eyes glowed pure black and white with intricate purple and golden inlays, a cloak materialized, falling to his ankles, and gloves covered his hands.
As the Grimm charged, a single phrase echoed in his mind and at the same time he spoke: Flames of Strength.
Jimmy dodged with precision and struck, killing four Grimm in one swing. Flames engulfed the creatures and spread to those nearby. Running through the chaos, he encountered a villager begging for death, swinging his sword and giving the warmth of death.
"I'm sorry," Jimmy murmured before raising his sword.
Before he could deliver the blow, a Grimm lunged at him from behind. His blade pierced through both the villager and the Grimm, ending them simultaneously.
As he ran fast to kill those near death a voice interrupted him.
'You're taking too long,' the voice in his head growled. 'Use Flame Nova. It will ensure everyone who is meant to die will die, and those who are meant to survive will survive. There aren't many left.'
Jimmy hesitated briefly but complied. He sprinted to the center of the village, slicing through Grimm with incredible speed. He slashed both villagers to free them from pain while slashing. The grim were starting to go after Jimmy killed them like the rest.
Once he found the middle he saw the grim cautoise but circling him. The voice returned: 'Repeat after me: With the strength I wield, I pledge my flames to spread. Let me ignite my ancient prayer. All who see flames as a gateway to both hell and heaven, burn all I see fit. Silence those who seek death, and bring peace to those in despair. Flame Nova.'
As Jimmy recited the incantation, a fiery circle formed beneath him, shimmering with a translucent red glow then changed into large flames. A Tranasuarse Rex With large Firery feathers emerged from the flames, Finally a lizard eye in the middle opened its majestic form soaring skyward.
At the final word, Jimmy stabbed his sword into the ground. A fiery explosion consumed the village, dragging the Grimm into the inferno. Those who dieing or were eaten alive felt only warmth and peace before their final breaths. When the flames subsided, nothing remained—no trees, no buildings, only ash.
Jimmy approached the tallest tree untouched by the flames. "Thank you," he whispered. "Now I understand what you meant by" Save her." He touched the tree's remains, completing his ritual.
'I need to warn you,' the voice continued. 'You'll attract Grimm. It's best to avoid human contact.'
"Is that why they attacked?" Jimmy asked aloud.
The voice offered no response, but Jimmy knew the truth. He started to run
'Your form is incomplete as I am forced to mature it,' the voice resumed. 'Your sword is strong, but it's forcing power unnaturally. To master your flames, you'll need years of training.'
"How long will this form last?"
'Ten minutes,' the voice replied. 'But heed these warnings: First, never use this form again. Second, your sword is now bound to you. If you discard it or lose it, you may lose your aura entirely. Third, your semblance, Awakening, allows you to manifest your aura as flames. However, your emotions fuel this power—rage, anger, and conviction. If your emotions falter or destabilize, your flames could burn everything… or worse.'
The voice hesitated. 'Lastly, your sword carries a limiter. Five signals mark its blade. After today, you'll have three remaining. Every time you lose a signal, your body will pay a price. Be cautious. Your journey begins now, and it will be lonely. Stay strong.'
As the broken moon hung above, Jimmy's flames died out, leaving him alone with a thin, rusty red sword. With his outfit he wore now stained with blood before he transformed. He didn't cry for his losses. He simply grabbed the blade and walked toward the forest.
Turning briefly, he whispered, "I'm sorry, Ranger, for your family's death. Jane, I'm sorry I couldn't support you."
With purpose in his step, Jimmy moved forward, silently thanking his parents and hoping they would be proud of his newfound strength.
A Day and a Half Later
Monica returned to the village, but something was wrong. The first house she passed was burnt to the ground. She stopped and looked around for ash and bones. She walked and tried to take the bone but turned into dust upon her touch. Further in, she found scorched earth and charred bones. Following the trail, she reached the tree. All she saw was the same Ground full of ash. Bone littered and every touch ended with dust. Unable to get a DNA sample.
Stepping on something, she picked up a bloodied scroll. She turned it on and the screen saver was his family. With Jane and Ranger next to him. While she was in the back with hsi parents. It belonged to Jimmy.
Using her semblance Running around then seeing the tree, she searched for any sign of his aura. At first, there was nothing. Then, a faint signal flickered in front of her before vanishing.
Her gaze shifted to the tree, its leaves miraculously untouched by the flames. Though an entire village had been destroyed, it felt as though the flames had freed the people. Her heart felt heavy but relieved like her fanus side was telling her it's alright.
"Did these flames… free them?" she whispered.
A gentle wind caressed her skin, but no answer came.
Tears streaming down her face, Monica clutched the scroll. "Jimmy, I'm sorry I couldn't protect you. But I'll protect Ranger and Jane. I promise."
Walking toward the remnants of Jimmy's home, she stumbled upon three distinct sets of bones. She paused, heartbroken, before murmuring, "I'm sorry."
Mounting her bike, she rode back to Signal Academy, determined to provide a safe haven for Ranger and Jane.
As Monica rode back she could stop crying and even had to take breaks, she knew she had to get to Ranger and Jane. She reached Signal before entering she checked herself to make sure she look likea proud warrior. After entering she spotted a young blonde woman. They locked eyes. The blonde walked up and asked if Monica was a huntress.
"Yes," Monica replied, her voice tinged with sadness, "I need to see the headmaster."
"Why?" The blonde's eyes softened with concern.
Monica's gaze dropped. "Bad news has just come through. I need to speak to him immediately."
The blonde hesitated for a moment before offering her help. "I'll take you to him."
As they walked, a tall man appeared, causing the blonde to stiffen.
"Father," she said, her voice strained.
He turned to her. "What is a huntress doing here?" He asked, eyeing Monica with suspicion.
"I need to talk to two students," Monica said, the urgency in her tone unmistakable. "There's been a tragedy, and they need to know."
The blonde looked at her father, his expression conflicted. He glanced at Monica with understanding.
"I'll call for them," he said, "I'll deal with the aftermath."
Monica nodded and mentioned the students' names. Without hesitation, the headmaster called for Jane and Ranger to meet at the plaza. Within minutes, the two students appeared.
Ranger was the first to react, noticing Yang's presence. "What's going on? Why is she here?" He glanced between Yang, A teacher and Monica, confusion written on his face.
Before Monica could answer, Jane rushed forward and wrapped her arms around her mother. "What's happening?" she asked, her voice sounded concerned.
Monica didn't answer immediately. She handed Jane the bloody scroll. Both Ranger and Jane looked at it in shock. When Jane saw the blood confused. Then she open the Scroll with ranger looking at it to she saw screen saver. A blood Curtling scream cam from her voice, desperate for answers. Throuning the scroll and grabb her mother shirt bring her down to her eyes.
"Who's Blood is?" Jane demanded through her tears. "Where's Jimmy?"
Ranger, in contrast, was still confused, picking up the scroll and scanning it for answers to confirm Jane's theory. As he did, Monica's expression hardened.
"The village..." she began slowly, "It's been burned to the ground. There are no survivors."
Yang's expression grew somber as she looked at the two students. Jane's sobs grew louder, and her aura flared in a sudden outburst of emotion. She turned on her mother, attacking her with everything she had. The raw power in her strike made Monica stagger, but she didn't back down.
Ranger Ran and tackled her, acting quickly before she did something she would regret. "Calm down!" he yelled, his voice firm. "You need to stop!"
Jane looked up at him, her face a mixture of anger and confusion. "Why should I? What about your family? You think your parents are just gone too?"
A silence fell between them as Jane's words struck a chord, something she wouldnt normally say. She relaxed slightly, tears streaming down her face as the weight of the situation hit her.
Ranger sighed and asked, "What happened? Tell us everything."
Monica's voice faltered as she spoke. "I went to the village. Thirty grim I believe from the tracks… It was a massacre. Everything burned. The only thing left standing was the tree."
The mention of the tree caught both Jane and Ranger off guard. "Was there any aura?" Ranger asked, his voice thick with emotion. "Did you find his body?"
Monica shook her head. "There was no aura. Some bones were left, but they were too burned for any identification when I tried the dissentragated touch. I couldn't find anything else. There was no sign of Jimmy." She paused before she spoke again. "His family home has three sets of bones."
Yang's father, who had remained quiet until now, spoke up. "What about the grass? Was there any trace of his presence?"
Monica paused, her expression grim. "Nothing, just ash. Just the tree. No aura, no sign of him, just that tree."
Jane and Ranger couldn't hold back their tears. The weight of what Monica was saying was sinking in. They knew Jimmy was no longer with them, but the way it was happening—the lack of closure—was unbearable.
Yang's voice cut through their sorrow. "Who is this Jimmy?" she asked, intrigued by the mention of the name.
Jane spoke first with a sniffle and tears. "Jimmy was the one who helped us. He taught us how to use our semblances. He was the reason we got into Signal early." She looked down at the bloodied scroll, her emotions overflowing. "He was our friend, and he helped us even when he couldn't help himself."
Yang looked at her and thought that she was inlove with Jimmy but Ranger nodded in disagreement, his voice quieter but no less sincere. "He was our best friend. He would do anything for us, even when he didn't have the power to do it. By teaching me a new way to use my semblance of Gravity control. Even helped our aim, even perfecting our hand to hand by using himself as a target."
Yang stood and stunned as one boy used himself as a target, clearly affected by the situation. "I wish I could've met him," she said softly, her voice full of regret. She glanced at her father. "Can I go now?"
Her father didn't question her. "Go ahead, Yang," he knew she wouldn't speak with anyone about this or cuasse rumors with a dismissive wave, clearly already processing the situation in his own way. "We'll deal with it later."
Yang walked away, her thoughts heavy. She was torn between helping Jane and Ranger. Dealing with the aftermath of what had happened. As she left, she thought to herself, If only I had known who Jimmy was at all could he make her stronger….
Monica nodded respectfully before turning to Jane and Ranger. "We'll be going now," she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "I'll arrange a new home for us. We need to stay together."
The Man spoke, his voice firm but understanding. "You will be excused for the week. Please return next week. In the meantime, send a report to Beacon with the death toll. I'll alert Professor Ozpin and set a due date for the end of the month for that report."
Monica bowed her head respectfully, her hands trembling slightly as she absorbed his words. "Understood, sir," she replied. Turning to Jane and Ranger, she added, "Come, we have much to do."
With a final glance at the headmaster, Monica led the children away. They would need to find a new place to live, a fresh start—though nothing would erase the pain of their loss.
The three of them left the plaza, the weight of their loss heavy in the air.
Your author's note is heartfelt and reflective, offering an honest view of your journey as a writer. Here's some feedback and suggestions to make it clearer and more engaging:
Revised Author's Note
A/N
Hey guys! I've just finished this chapter, and I promise it won't take long for the RWBY cast to get more involved. First, I want to admit something: I'm not the best at grammar and writing, and I've always needed help with details. Using a bit of AI to refine my drafts has been a big help, but I'm working hard to improve on my own.
To the commenter NaedineFebruary2.0:
You asked how long I've been writing stories because you said my work feels vivid, almost like imagining a scene while reading it. Thank you so much! That means a lot. To answer your question, I've written a variety of stories under a series called Conquerors. It's a collection of fused narratives based on my perceptions of light and darkness.
Since I have ADHD, ADD, and OCD (plus a sprinkle of other traits), I tend to be highly imaginative. I grew up loving creative storytelling—shows like the Yogscast were huge inspirations for me. However, this is my first attempt at a story I'd consider publishing. My ultimate goal is to use a Writter carrer and find an occupation I can do.
To ZoyeZest:
I'd love to work on a commissioned story someday, but I'm married and currently serving in the military. My future is a bit unpredictable because of my occupation. However, I'd definitely like some help designing clothes for Jane, Ranger, and Monica. As AI suggested, I've decided to keep them in the story, and I agree—they're essential. I want to build a new team for them with unique missions and interactions, similar to RWBY and JNPR.
About RWBY:
I've only recently gotten into RWBY, and streaming it has been difficult since it's not available on most platforms where I am. I've been researching through other types of stories and fan interpretations. One thing that stands out to me is Ruby's untapped potential. I feel like her character sometimes only acts when absolutely necessary, so I'm considering developing her differently in my story.
As for Yang, I see her as having a Goku-like energy—bold and brash but with a deep heart. I plan to highlight that similarity in my story.
Closing Thoughts:
I'm committed to improving my details and avoiding unnecessary mistakes. I caught three errors in this chapter that slipped through because of the AI, so I'll be more careful moving forward. Thank you for your patience, feedback, and support—it means the world to me!