JADE (RWBY Fanfiction)

Amaranth Adler

The towering spires of Atlas stretched high into the sky, gleaming in the pale light of day. The city hummed with an air of calculated precision, every movement and interaction governed by the regimented beat of time. Snowflakes danced in the frigid air, landing on the streets and rooftops like fragile crystals. Amidst this stark landscape, where the division between privilege and struggle was palpable, stood a figure, an embodiment of rebellion and resilience.

Amaranth's aunt and uncle, Maria and Oliver, were the bedrock of her upbringing. They were a warm-hearted and resolute couple who had taken Amaranth under their wings after a tragedy left her orphaned. Maria, her aunt, was a kind and nurturing woman with a fierce devotion to family. She was an accomplished musician herself, and it was from her that Amaranth inherited her musical talent. Oliver, her uncle, was a former Huntsman who had retired to a quieter life. He shared his experiences with Amaranth, teaching her valuable skills in combat and survival. Together, they provided a stable and loving environment for her, nurturing both her rebellious spirit and her sense of justice. They encouraged her to explore her passions, even as they worried about her tendency to challenge authority. Their guidance and support laid the foundation for the woman Amaranth would become – a warrior for justice who used her music to amplify the voices of the oppressed.

It was a frigid afternoon when a chance encounter forever etched its mark upon her soul. Walking hand in hand with her aunt through the streets, she witnessed a group of bullies taunting a group of Faunus children. Unable to bear the injustice, she stepped forward, her young voice raised in defiant protest. Her words were met with jeers, and in that moment, a rock struck her, leaving a scar above her eye. The pain was fleeting, but the anger and empathy that swelled within her were indelible. 

In the quiet corners of her home, she discovered a dusty guitar, a forgotten relic from her uncle's youth. Curiosity led her to pluck the strings, coaxing forth melodies that resonated with her soul. The guitar became her confidante, a vessel through which she channeled her passion and anger. The chords she played echoed her own journey – a symphony of resistance. As her fingers danced across the frets, she realized that her voice was not confined to spoken words alone.

From that day forth, Amaranth's path was set. Her aunt, recognizing the fire in her eyes, encouraged her to stand up for those who couldn't. Amidst the towering spires of Atlas, where privilege and power often overshadowed the cries of the oppressed, Amaranth vowed to make her voice heard. Her rebellious spirit was no longer confined to familial boundaries; it was unleashed as a force for change.

As she grew older, her involvement in social justice movements deepened. She spoke at rallies, wrote impassioned articles, and used her music to rally the disheartened. Yet, her path was fraught with challenges. A particularly intense protest led to her arrest, an event that shook her to her core. But instead of dissuading her, it fueled her determination. The experience solidified her commitment, transforming her rebellious spirit into an unwavering advocate for the marginalized.

Amaranth's journey toward embracing her role as a warrior unfolded through moments of profound self-discovery. During an intense sparring session with her uncle Oliver, an epiphany struck. As she harnessed her Aura with heightened focus, a radiant energy enveloped her, merging seamlessly with her physical strikes. This marked the unlocking of her semblance, Aura Infusion. This unique ability allowed her to channel her Aura into her attacks, imbuing them with amplified strength and speed, a testament to her unwavering resolve.

Her weapon, named Crescendo, was an embodiment of her dual passions: music and combat. A fusion of a guitar and an axe, Crescendo was an extension of her identity. In its guitar form, it allowed her to weave melodies that could manipulate emotions and even influence the battlefield. However, it was its transformation that truly showcased Amaranth's adaptability. With a resounding chord, Crescendo shifted, its body elongating into a fierce battle-axe, capable of cleaving through Grimm with remarkable precision.

Before her enrollment in Beacon Academy, Amaranth's journey led her through Sanctum Academy, a renowned combat school. There, her skills with Crescendo and her semblance, Aura Infusion, flourished. Yet, it was also her experiences outside the battlefield that shaped her into an advocate for justice. Her musical performances ignited conversations, and her spirited speeches stirred hearts. These moments forged her determination to bring about change, propelling her toward Beacon Academy where her unique talents and unwavering beliefs would find a platform to inspire the world.