Unseen Tragedies

It always seemed to be raining in movies when things like this happened. It was always made to look like the world itself was sad, everything in a state of sorrow, from the person to the very sky itself. Life very rarely imitated movies however and there was no rain or sense of worldly sorrow. It was a nice day.

The sun had just begun to fall, casting a glow over the higher sections of the valley, the wealthier sections sat at the highest peaks, while the lower areas had already been covered by darkness. Casting an interesting portrayal of life in Mistral. But those weren't the thoughts going through his head while he walked.

Jaune had bigger things on his mind and little concern for philosophical meanings or hidden symbolism, he would leave those to Ozpin. He had one task at the forefront of his mind and he clutched it in his hands.

The red sash was one of the objects he had kept but far from the only. He wanted to keep it still but he felt it was no longer his to possess.

The others had offered to come, Nora had practically insisted, but he had convinced them to let him go alone. He knew how much it hurt the others to stay, and in truth he hadn't expected them to listen. The only reason he was alone was because Ruby had supported his decision, and for that his fellow team leader had his thanks.

Jaune climbed the path towards the highest peak of the city toward his destination; the fenced off area of the upper living district. The place for the wealthy and elite. The gate guard eyed him suspiciously as he approached but was still able to put a friendly smile on his face. Though whether that was just a professional courtesy or genuine Jaune neither knew nor cared.

"What can I do for ya, kiddy?" The guard kept himself on the other side of his small post but addressed him through a barred window.

Jaune didn't speak, unable to find the words, but instead pulled out a letter from Ozpin. News of his death was still unheard of so far from Vale. With the CCT still being in a state of disrepair news traveled slowly. Meaning the influential figure's words would be enough to grant him access.

The guard took the note and read through it a few times to make sure he understood it correctly. He slowly handed the note back.

There was a soft buzz and the gate slid open. "They'll be near the top, number eleven." Gone was the cheerful tone from before, replaced with the knowledge of why the young man was here.

Jaune stood still for a moment looking up the hill, attempting to find the strength to continue.

"I...I could pass the word along if you'd like. Let them know you're coming." The guard tried for a sympathetic expression even though it fell flat.

Jaune coughed once to prepare his voice. "That won't be necessary." he walked through the gate and began following the path up the hill.

The city was still visible from the side, likely a choice of design by the people who lived here. Either purely for the view or the feeling of power over the less well-off it mattered not, his goal was still the same.

Jaune did pause for a moment, looking out over the valley and the trees below. It was all so familiar, so similar to Beacon at this time of day. The orange and yellow colors of the sun cascading down over the hills in the distance. It would have brought a tear to his eye had he not stolen himself away from such emotion. He had no right to cry today, not now at least. He had to be strong.

He began moving up the hill once more, fighting the growing urge to turn back.

At the top of the hill he could make out dozens of lavish homes, each one more luxurious than the last and each one higher up than the one before it. Thankfully, that wasn't his destination. The place he was looking for was far from the top, farther than its number would lead you to believe.