Dark Symphony (RWBY X Jaune Arc X Sukuna)

Chapter 38: A Needed Talk

The night had arrived, and the team of RNJR, along with Ruby's uncle Qrow, sat around a campfire. They were perched on chopped logs Ruby had cut with her scythe, while Ren gathered leaves and branches to fuel the fire.

As they formed a circle, an uneasy feeling settled over them. A chilling silence surrounded them. The sudden appearance of Tyrian and Jaune's shift in demeanor only added to the tension.

Jaune stared at the fire, which spat out small sparks of warmth. Despite the flames, everything, including the heat from the fire, felt oddly muted and distant.

Sensing the atmosphere, Qrow decided to start the conversation.

Qrow began explaining the basics and brief history of the four individuals known as the 'Maidens' and their so-called 'Magic.'

Nora: So these Maidens... There are four of them, and they each control different elements?

Qrow, holding a small silver flask, nodded.

Qrow: Yes, there are four of them, but they don't actually control elements. They have magic... Well, powers. They're named after the four seasons, but those names are more like titles than reflections of their abilities.

Ren followed up with a question.

Ren: Why haven't the Maidens been used to protect the world?

Qrow: They are strong, very powerful, but they are still human like everyone else here. We keep close tabs on who becomes a Maiden because it's very important. Essentially, if someone kills a Maiden, their power transfers to another woman. However, if the killer is a woman and jumps in front of the Maiden, another person is granted magic.

Qrow looked down and sighed, reflecting on something obvious to everyone present.

Qrow: If someone from the other side were to gain a Maiden's magic, it would be disastrous. The last time someone with malicious intent got their hands on Maiden magic, a great war soon followed. Due to that incident, which was one of many reasons, my colleagues and I took an oath to find and assist the Maidens to ensure humanity has the best protectors. We ensure these Maidens have someone good in mind so that if they are ever killed, the powers would go to someone we trust, and the cycle continues.

He continued.

Qrow: However, that girl who snuck into Beacon during the Festival, Cinder, the one responsible for the fall of Vale and Beacon, found a way around the system. She didn't need to kill the Maiden. When the last Fall Maiden and I were on a trip, she was unique... funny, too but when she decided to walk around town alone, her power was partially taken. By the time I found Amber being attacked by Cinder and her accomplices, it was mostly too late. I failed to keep Amber safe, so some of her Maiden magic was lost, leaving her in a bad state. When you all arrived at Beacon, Oz found a suitable candidate to be the Maiden.

There was silence as Qrow turned to Jaune.

Qrow: The next Maiden was supposed to be Pyrrha.

Their eyes widened at Qrow's words. Pyrrha? She was supposed to be one of these Maidens.

Nora: So that means...

Jaune: ...

Ruby looked down, knowing the answer along with everyone else.

Qrow: The smartest minds created a machine to keep Amber's condition stable despite her unconscious state. It would be the safest way to transfer Maiden magic to the next host without harm. But, as with everything in life, nothing is ever perfect.

But now, there were two issues they needed to address. One being...

Ruby: And... What about that Tyrian person?