Chapter Text
Epilog to Volume 5 , Episode 13
After Yang made her way into the elevator to follow her mom and Cinder into the vault of the spring maiden Jaune took stock of his surroundings. Hazel was still a threat, but Weiss with her replenished powers seemed to be holding him in check. It seems that after he had fought Oscar and Qrow his power reserves were lessening. Rwby and Norah were still standing and were once again engaging Mercury and Emrald. That left Ren, Oscar and Qrow down for the count. Meanwhile outside the white fang was most likely creating havoc but, Jaune thought to himself, it is better to worry about one problem at a time. Instinctively he got up and moved over to where Qrow was crouching on the floor, struggling to summen his powers to undoubtedly rejoin the fight.
Jaune approached the older man, kneeling next to him to share his aura. Qrow, who should by all accounts have been unconscious already, given the abuse he had been faced with in this fight, by constantly jumping in between Hazel and Oscar to take the hits, unexpectedly grabbed Jaune's arm roughly. "Save it kid, I'm ok, don't waste your energy on me."
Jaune very gently shook off the offending arm and instead lightly touched Qrows shoulder to push him into a lying position on his back. "Please Qrow, I know how many hits you took. By God, I don't even know how you are conscious at this point, but I beg you, let me help you get your strength back."
As the healing aura from Jaune started effecting Qrow, he again grabed Jaunes hand in a effort to stop him. "Jaune, was it? Please, I really appreciate the gesture, but aura is your most precious possession and should not be dished out to people lightly. I will be ok, just give me a minute and I will be back on my feet."
As he said it, Qrow was attempting to push himself into a sitting position but Jaune was having none of it. He again pushed him back down but stayed just as gentle with his words. With a very heartfelt voice he said "Please, listen to me Qrow, yes, my aura is precious, but so is my life." He said his next words with a deep sense of urgency and sincerity. "And so is Ruby's, Norah's and Ren's. All lives that you've saved whilst almost loosing your own in your fight with Tyrian." As Jaune was speaking, emotions started crowding into his voice and moisture into his eyes. The events of the day really started getting to him. "And today you were again and again taking hits from Hazel and Leo all in an attempt to again save someone else. While I am sure everyone appreciates your actions, you need to let someone else take a hit for you once in a while. I'm sorry, but I will be sharing my aura with you because I can feel that you really need it, no matter what you are saying."
With that said, Jaune once again focused his thoughts on strengthening Qrow's aura. The older man didn't seem to know how drained he really was, otherwise he may have put up more of a fight. Instead he let the words sink in, lie back and close his eyes. The process felt very endearing, like being enveloped in a warm embrace of light and strength flooding his system. It felt relaxing and comfortable and it felt loving. In this moment Qrow understood the depth of this kid's semblance, it was triggered by love. He seemed to be carrying love for everyone around him. So much so, that he was able to use it to strengthen not just their aura but their very soul. It felt healing. Something Qrow hadn't felt in a very long time. Like a cooling agent was soothing the burning pain in his soul. All Qrow could think was how grateful he was that Ruby and Yang had a friend like that watching their backs.
Jaune realized that healing this man was quite different from Weiss. She had been more deeply wounded physically while Qrow was more hurt emotionally. It wasn't something he could pinpoint onto a certain reason but it did feel like he had opened up a vault of sadness within him that was now washing over him. It was nothing though compared to the light that was in Jaune's heart as he was focusing his healing energy to Qrow's aura. The process took way less time than healing Weiss, but it somehow felt more straining to Jaune than before.
Qrow could sense the kids struggle and decided enough was enough. He inhaled deeply and with his renewed strength finally was able to sit up without pain. Jaune noticed the change in pace and ceased his actions. Sitting in front of the now healed Qrow Jaune felt an understanding for him more deeply than he ever had before. Before he was able to say anything however Qrow had already gotten up and reach a hand down to pull Jaune to his feet. After a beat of silence the older man spoke with a deep sincerity in his voice.
"Thank you Jaune, for that. I really appreciate it. But I need you to never do that again, ok kid? You have an amazing gift but you have to be frugal with it. Leaving yourself unprotected like that is extremely dangerous, especially in this kind of environment." He looked around to the others who were all in varied states of exhausted, while some still engaged in battle, though all in all the situation seemed contained.
"Use this gift wisely, and use it on them." Qrow continued and pointed instinctively to his nieces but meant the whole team. "But also never forget that you don't have an unlimited supply. If you overextend yourself with this, you will die."
Before Jaune could even answer, Qrow had already picked up his sword and was racing again toward the battle to protect those he felt needed him.
Jaune could only look on in awe as he was processing what he has been made privy to. Whatever horrors their protector had faced in his life, it left him scarred yet unyielding in the face of danger and determined to protect those he could, with his life if need be. It was in that moment that Jaune knew this man's love for everyone was even greater than his own and they could count themselves lucky to have him on their side.
With a last grateful look and a renewed determination to protect those around him, Jaune grabbed his sword and also stormed into battle.