Jaune Multiverse 2

33: Jaune Lantern 3

Jaune: know what?

Ironwood: I know better than most what it feels like to Lose everyone.

Jaune: you mean....

Ironwood shows him his Prosthetic Arm

Ironwood: I lost my whole team in one operation, my Commanding Officer sacrificed his life to save mine believing that I will be a better Leader than him as he was already in his advanced age.

He is the reason why I'm still alive but I lost more than I was able to bear.

I was a mess.

I didn't talk to anyone....I was ashamed for what happened.

I spent most of my time blaming myself and thinking if I only did it differently.

Sounds Familiar?

Glynda: James......

Ironwood: I got over it Glynda, and I'm trying my best.

Qrow: that's all we can do Jimmy.

Ironwood: cheers to that.

They toast their glasses finally coming to an understanding of one another

Jaune:.......................

Ironwood: I was destroying myself over working, training really hard......even drinking.

Then one day I realized......my life is no longer my own. I Owe it to my Team and C.O to live the life they gifted me with.

Jaune: But how did you get over the Guilt?

Ironwood: I did just that. I got over it.

Look I will say it's not going to be Easy but you have to get over that guilt that has been attached to you.

If not for yourself, do it for your Team. Do it for those who are still with you.

Jaune starts to tear up

Jaune: what if I cause another disaster like that?

Ironwood: then do your best to avoid it. Learn from the past Mr. Arc don't throw it away. You need to be a better version of yourself from the previous one.

Believe me, I was actually a whole lot worse.

Jaune: how so?

Ironwood: you are well acquainted with Mr. Branwen?

Jaune: I know him yes.

Ironwood: I was so much like him when I was younger. I chose to drink my problems away. But I knew I was just running away. He's still stuck there and I have tried my best to talk him out of it.

Jaune: I...............I see.......

Qrow felt that he needed to cut James some slack

Ironwood smiles in melancholy but he was happy that he was able to save another soul

Those of the Arknights understood from the Hardships that living in Terra has taught them

Ironwood checks the clock as he had another appointment with the Council and Jacques

Ironwood: well that's it for today Mr. Arc. Comeback Tomorrow at the same time. This Counselling session will be a part of you're Tenure here.

He stood up and left the room for his meeting