Dark Symphony (RWBY X Jaune Arc X Sukuna)

Chapter 24: A New Enemy

In the heart of Vale, a city that had once reveled in the harmonious blend of modernity and tradition, now bore witness to the relentless onslaught of dark forces. Buildings, once homes to its people, stood shattered and destroyed, stark reminders of the havoc that had befallen them. The air, once filled with the lively hum of everyday life, now resonated with the anguished cries of those caught in the crossfire.

Streets, once lined with vibrant market stalls and bustling cafes, transformed into battlegrounds where Huntsmen fought against the nightmarish creatures of Grimm. These monstrous entities threatened to plunge the city into eternal darkness, their sinister presence casting a pall over the once-thriving urban landscape.

Jaune raced through the city, a lone beacon in the chaos, exterminating Grimm and rescuing civilians from collapsing buildings. "Run! Get out of here!" he yelled at a family he had just saved. They quickly obeyed, fleeing towards a makeshift bunker formed by the combined efforts of Huntsmen Semblances. Already, hundreds of people sought refuge in these underground shelters, and more were expected to arrive as the city's residents sought safety from the storm that raged above.

Gazing up in horror, Jaune watched as multiple Atlas airships were shot down by a colossal main aircraft. His attention swiftly turned to locating and helping people escape the crash zones of these falling airships. Though he couldn't save everyone, he managed to rescue many from being crushed and slaughtered. Yet, despite his efforts, a heavy weight pressed on him. The bodies he had witnessed in just a single day exceeded what one should see in a lifetime. It pained him deeply, but he knew he had to press on. He must continue onwards, He was a Huntsman.

"I hope the others are okay..." Jaune worried for his teammates, friends, and all the Huntsmen and students within Beacon's grounds. An ominous feeling settled over him, fueled by the coordinated actions of the Grimm, suggesting a premeditated plan. This uneasy sensation intensified as he sensed an approaching threat, a growing sense of dread.

Suddenly, the ground shook beneath him. A deafening roar echoed, followed by the powerful flapping of wings. Jaune looked up to the sky, his eyes widening in shock. A massive flying Grimm was heading straight for Beacon. He struggled to comprehend the scale of the impending danger. "No way... You're joking, right?" he muttered to himself, biting down on his lips to regain focus.

Without a moment to spare, he sprinted toward the looming threat. "Can't let them get involved with it!" he declared, pushing himself to run at top speed. Along the way, he passed other Huntsmen who tried to warn him. "Get back, kid! You've Gotta get out of here before that Grimm comes next!" one of them shouted, attempting to grab Jaune's shoulder but missing due to Jaune's raw speed. Jaune, fueled by anger and determination, responded with a fierce yell, "I don't have time to escape. I need to save my friends!" The Huntsman, taken aback by the intensity in Jaune's voice, could only mutter, "Dammit, kid..." as Jaune continued on his path.

The huntsman, with slick-backed black hair and a small red cape attached to his back collar, appeared right beside of Jaune. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Jaune decided not to press the man on why he was following, knowing there was no time.

"Brat, you look familiar" the huntsman commented as they ran side by side towards the docks to head to Beacon. Confusion played on his face. "You're Jaune Arc, right?" he asked. Jaune, curious, responded, "Yeah? How do you know?"

The huntsman chuckled. "My niece's talks about you a lot to me and Tai" Their brief conversation halted as they both came to a stop, witnessing a disturbing sight. "The hell... Isn't that what Oz was talking about months ago?" the huntsman whispered, his tone filled with disbelief. Jaune's eyes widened, and his pupils shrunk. Gritting his teeth, he managed to speak, "Transfigured Humans" also known as Cursed Spirits, one of Mahito's abilities to manipulate the souls of humans.