Sunshine

Chapter 37: Step Forth! Oscar Pine!

As Jaune, Vernal, and Sun made their way back toward the front of the train, they moved cautiously, knowing the dangers that could lie ahead. Just as they were about to enter the next car, Vernal raised a hand, signaling them to stop. She leaned in close to the small window in the door, her sharp eyes narrowing as she took in the scene beyond. Through the glass, she saw a large group of White Fang members, their menacing masks a stark contrast to the terrified expressions of the hostages they were holding.

Vernal turned to the two blond boys, her voice low but urgent. "We've got hostages," she whispered, her tone leaving no room for doubt.

Sun's brow furrowed in concern. "What do we do?" he asked, his usual easygoing demeanor replaced by the seriousness of the situation. "We can't just go in there with weapons blazing. It'll get them killed."

Jaune, always quick on his feet, took a moment to assess their options. Then, an idea sparked in his mind. "Vernal," he began, his voice steady with determination, "head back to the last car. There should be a fire escape on the roof. Use it to get on top of this car and make your way to the other end. Get behind them and take them out quietly. Sun and I will create a distraction, act like we're going to negotiate."

Vernal gave a curt nod, understanding the urgency. Without wasting a second, she slipped back into the previous car. Her eyes scanned the ceiling until she found the fire escape hatch. With a swift motion, she opened it and leaped through, the rush of wind immediately hitting her as she landed on the roof. The train's speed sent her cloak billowing behind her, and she took a moment to regain her balance before quickly moving across the roof toward the far end of the next car.

Down below, Jaune and Sun heard the faint sound of the hatch closing, a signal that Vernal was in position. They exchanged a determined glance, their silent communication conveying everything they needed to say. With a deep breath, they pushed open the door and stepped into the car, their presence immediately drawing the attention of the White Fang members.

One of the White Fang members swiftly aimed a Dust rifle at Jaune and Sun, while the others quickly followed suit, weapons pointed at the two intruders. One of them kept a wary eye on the frightened passengers, ensuring their hostages remained under control.

"Stop right there!" barked the leader of the group, his voice dripping with authority. "Don't do anything stupid!"

Sun smirked, his usual cocky confidence shining through despite the tense situation. "Funny, we were about to say the same thing," he shot back, his tone taunting.

Jaune, ever the strategist, raised his hands slightly, trying to keep the situation from escalating further. "Listen, we don't want anyone to get hurt. Just let the hostages go, and we can walk away from this without things getting ugly."

The leader snarled, clearly unimpressed by Jaune's offer. "Things will get ugly if you don't surrender right now! We're the ones holding all the cards here! If you don't want these walls painted with their brains, you'd better drop your weapons and surrender!"

While the leader was busy issuing threats, Vernal had silently reached the other end of the car. The White Fang members remained focused on Jaune and Sun, oblivious to the danger creeping up behind them. Moving with practiced stealth, Vernal slowly cracked open the door, slipping inside without making a sound. She positioned herself behind the one guard who had been tasked with watching the hostages, her movements deliberate and precise.

In one swift motion, Vernal drew a dagger and clamped her hand over the guard's mouth. The sharp blade plunged into his back, silencing him before he could alert the others. The guard let out a muffled cry of pain, but it was too faint for anyone to hear over the noise of the train.