I could see it Cinder taking aim at Pyhrra who was too exhausted after fighting Grimm tried standing up in defiance but, only for her knees to buckle underneath her bruised and tired she expended all of her aura "Well" Cinder click tongue in a bored tone though, her face betrayed it with an amused face "the great Pyhrra Nikos on her knees." Cinder gave a small laugh "I wonder while the heroes go save everyone so they can have their happy ending who saves the hero or ,rather in this case, heroine?" Fire started to gather around her hand. I started sprinting towards Pyhrra hoping I can get to her in time. Cinder shot her flame out heading for Pyhrra. I barely just made it in time sliding on my knees with my shield in front blocking the blast.
"Jaune…." Pyhrra smiled weakly her eyes still had that sparkle that you'll be hard press to find anywhere in spite of her fatigue.
"Don't worry I got this." I softly said and gave her a confident smile. I didn't though, my legs are shaking I wanted to grab Pyhrra and run. I couldn't, I know she'll get me from the back because she ,for whatever reason, wanted to kill Pyhrra. So I just need to waste time so backup can arrive and beat her. Putting on my bravest face I could muster I faced her. "The answer to your question ,by the way, is her friends we'll always be there to stop her from shouldering the burden alone."
"So the comic relief is here I read about you from information gathered by my associates. Not impressed." Cinder gave a sigh "Oh! I know why don't I kill you in front of your little girlfriend that should get a very amusing reaction from her."
"You won't get chance to do it because I'm gonna take you down here and now." I lied through my teeth I knew I can't but I need keep wasting more time.
"Your friends aren't coming you know." Cinder simply put closing her eyes in annoyance "while we didn't account for you actually making it past the Grimm we sent actual soldiers to take care of your more talented classmates. You're so naive thinking I couldn't see past your plan."
Adjusting my grip on my sword I prepare to fight. I charged with my shield in front getting close to her I swung my sword with all my strength she only retained that sweet smile as she ducked and slammed a fire infused hand to my side propelling me to a damaged wall I looked back only to she already sent a flurry of fireballs towards me quickly raising my shield in front me each as I felt each blast hit like a pile of bricks I noticed that my right leg was being burned as I was in a sitting position. As soon as the bombardment was done I quickly pat out the fire off my leg the burns wounds were being healed but more slowly than usual thanks to my earlier skirmishes with the Grimm. I looked up and saw Cinder adjusting her aim to Pyhrra who was still trying to get up. Ignoring the pain in my leg I ran each step gradually getting more and more painful I jumped as soon as she shot the blast intended to kill Pyhrra. Time moved slowly as I got in front of Pyhrra blocking her from the fire I could see her trying and get me out of the way tears running down her eyes I stood still trying to raise my shield hoping I'd make it in time to save myself as well. The fire hit me before I could the heat was so painful standing up hurt so much my legs gave out I landed in a heap on the ground.
"Hmm…. Not as pathetic as I imagined him dying but oh-" Cinder started
"You're so full shit." I growled trying to get up using my sword to prop me up "Why'd all this destruction be necessary in first place? Huh! So what you wanted war, wanted to everyone as miserable as you is that it?!"
"Like you should even be talking I already know your type you just wanted to be a hunter just for the attention that wimps like you hunger for. You just wanted fame just like the rest of your friends. None of them care!" Cinder spat venomously.
"...You're right." I admitted "Deep down I wanted the fame. My family were just a bunch of untalented foot soldiers none of us were famous warriors just regular people trying to be more than they were ,dying in the process. Heck my great-great grandfather would've kick the bucket if it wasn't for the fact a talented blacksmith cared about him and, made Crocea Mors so he wouldn't have to use standard military equipment that broke easily. I was going to join the military in Vale but, I always saw how Hunters were celebrated. I thought about how I wanted that. The fame. To be loved by countless people. To stop being the loser everyone sees. To finally be respected as a man." I grit my teeth together "But don't you dare lump my friends with me because unlike me they are the most genuine, thoughtful, and caring people you'll ever meet. Sure some have some rough edges" I smirked thinking of Weiss "but don't let that fool you they want to help people. They….they gave me strength."
"What are you saying you're powered by friendship?" Cinder mocked waiting for an answer
"No it's my drive, my resolution to live up to be the person they need me to be. Their friendship gave me the strength to try to become that person I want to be." I countered I saw I spark in her eyes as she is trying to comprehend something that should be impossible she lifted her hand a massive fireball already forming in her hand I braced myself once more for an attack protecting Pyhrra.
"Let's see who wins my power or your resolution." She smirked she shot the fireball my way the heat came I closed my eyes awaiting death but nothing came I slowly opened my eyes my aura was surrounding me I looked to my left and saw a wing immediately I checked my right seeing another wing I stared in amazement my Semblance has finally shown itself. As on instinct I felt a build up of aura in my wings I flapped them a wave of light pushed through pushing back Cinder. My body feels light I looked down and, saw my wounds were gone giving another flap pushing her back I charged with greater speed than before ,I was practically gliding, and tried to hit her with my sword but she backed quickly focusing my aura into my sword I gave an experimental swing a horizontal energy slash came out. I started to shake in excitement my Semblance was incredible I might actually have a chance to beat her!
"So how long were you hiding this from everyone?" Cinder smiled smugly at me she looked as though nothing has changed I swung my sword shoot out another blast which she dodged I kept up the barrage of blasts swinging faster than I ever swung before but, she kept that smile on making me worry
"Jaune stop it you're going to tire yourself which is what she wants!" Pyhrra cried out with what little strength she had I stopped realizing how stupid I was being for tricked like that. I went back to charging her and try and get her in a corner. Running at her with my sword held high I swung it diagonally to which she jump above me and delivered a punishing kick to my head which slammed it into the ground. I started to push myself up still dizzy from the attack but, Cinder sent a flurry of fire at me at point blank rage looking at my hands my aura was becoming shaky trying to protect me I tried to fight back but was stopped with a kick to the face. My aura stopped glowing all the pain started to come through. It is hard to move anymore I felt something wet run down my cheek I assumed it was blood but as it ran into my mouth I realized it was tears. "I'm so pathetic…" I could hear Cinder chuckle.
"Even to the end the loser will die a loser. Shame such an amazing Semblance wasted on a person like you." Cinder stared down at me with that bored look again. Raising her hand she started to gather fire to finish me. Closing my eyes I accepted my fate.
"NOOOOO!" I heard Pyhrra and someone else shout I can't recognize the other's voice definitely a female though. I felt someone picked me up. It was Pyhrra I looked around and saw Cinder clutching her stomach glaring at us I looked at Pyhrra and noticed something wrong her normally dazzling green eyes were now a light orange filled with rage but, when looked at me they became soft and with a smile I know all too well she spoke with a reassuring voice "It's okay Jaune close your eyes" A weariness came over me a nice cool wind filled with the scent of pumpkins was blowing the first thing to come to mind was "Autumn?" I whispered before I blacked out and knew no more.
I felt light hit my face raising my hand I slowly got up and opened my eyes. I looked around I was in the school's infirmary. Feeling someone gripping my hand I turned to see Pyhrra who still had her green eyes I gave a weak smile "Hey…" I mumbled. Pyhrra pulled me in for a tight hug I felt wetness on my patient gown where she put face in we stayed like this for awhile I looked over to my left and saw Ren and Nora looking at us Nora was unusually quiet but, still kept a hyperactive smile on her face. Ren was just…. Ren he is always sorta quiet but he held a soft smile. "Uhhh…. Hi?" I attempted while Pyhrra quickly let go of me.
"JAUNE YOU WERE SO COOL BACK THERE!" Nora yelled put me in a headlock then proceeded to give me a friendly noogie
"What?" I asked confused ,pushing Nora off, but it wouldn't be the first time Nora confused me. I'm still feel sticky from that sloth football team incident and no amount of baths can change that.
"She is talking about that little speech you made to that woman you were fighting left quite the impression on us." Ren explained softly
"What speech? I didn't- oh gods no you don't mean-" I hid my face with my palms. " How did you even hear that! You guys weren't even there how could even know sheesh I said things I didn't want to admit." I cried out in embarrassment
"For how highly she thinks of herself she forgot one big detail" Pyhrra said "She didn't turn off her scroll she was using to communicate through the TV screens."
"Huh that's weird I took her for someone who wouldn't make such a stupid mistake." I thought out loud "So umm…." I sighed "I understand if you guys are upset about my reasons for being a Hunter. It is a selfish and stupid to think like that but, it really what I was after in the beginning…. Who am I kidding a big part of me still really wants that but, please believe that I still want to be a hero even though my reasons for it are less-" I was cut off by my teammates going in for a hug.
"Having a simple honest reason to do good is great but, having to admit to something that you're not proud of takes courage." Ren sagely stated quickly getting out of the hug only to be pulled back in by Nora.
"As heartwarming as this reunion is I have something to ask ." Ozpin entered in "How are you by the way activating your Semblance for the first time and taking on a terrorist can be very taxing on one's self."
"I still don't know how I did it." I honestly told him
"Can you do try it right now?" Ozpin pushed further
"I can try." I focused on my aura and looked for it prying further in I felt it but it was more like a whisper from far away I tried to pursue it but I felt a barrier between me and my Semblance. I sighed this won't be easy I looked at Ozpin and just shook my head.
"Shame." He simply said
"So I can't activate it anymore or what?" I asked feeling frustrated at myself
"More like it will come when you or someone close to you needs it." Ozpin concluded "Rare as it is your Semblance is not unheard of it activates to certain emotion or state of mind. So think of it as something that constantly takes bits of your aura everyday storing it away until it is needed."
"So like a backup battery pack." I interjected. Looking at Ozpin giving me a nod in agreement. "Kinda useless if I can't use it anytime I want." I said dejectedly
"Be as that may certain abilities that have been activated passive as they may be but still should be useful." the headmaster explained
"Huh?" I scratched my head in confusion
"You'll have a bit of your Semblance is always active enhancing a certain part of yourself or an aspect of who you are. What you get we won't know and, maybe will never know. You'll have to figure it out." Hearing him sigh finally got up, looked at me, and a big smile I'd never thought I see him do much less towards me. "Remember" he started "it's not what you see now it's what you see with time and patience. You'll understand your power if you give it and yourself time to grow." Ozpin took his leave going outside the room.
"Wow I never seen that guy smile and, not involve a student getting the crap beaten out of by a Grimm….. or Professor Goodwitch." Nora said to no one in particular.
"Well might as well get up." I started getting off my bed I noticed something….off "When did you guys get taller?" I looked up to see my teammates gotten considerably taller only Pyhrra and Ren seem to be taller than me Nora only came to my chest suddenly it all made sense. "You'll understand your power if you give it and yourself time to grow.", and the smile. That son of a bitch! One part heartfelt advice and one part hidden insult. Yep Ozpin alright. "Guys?"
"Yes Jaune." Pyhrra treading lightly on her words
"I'm short now aren't I?" I asked dread filling my words
"Yes, yes you are." Pyhrra answered
"NNNNNOOOOOOOOO-" I started to scream little did I know Ozpin and Goodwitch were still outside the infirmary.
"Well looks like the school's new shorty found out his new vertical handicap." Ozpin chuckled
"You enjoy the torture of children way too much." Professor Goodwitch sighed
"I never laid claim to my being a good person just a competent one." Ozpin rebuttaled
"So looking at the video footage have you figured out any passive abilities he might have?" Glynda asked looking at scroll looking over Jaune and Cinder's fight.
"Just one" Ozpin slowly answered "It might've been why the woman in question accidentally left her scroll on leaving her location. Chaotic luck is what I believe to be his passive ability."
"How would that even affect her if he didn't unlock his Semblance before the battle?" Goodwitch countered
"Not everything about aura is known. It is entirely possible Jaune's aura could have sensed the catastrophe ahead of time and prepared itself by a partial activation. Then again it is Chaotic Luck we're talking about it doesn't go by the rules. It supposedly lets it's user get what they want but not how they want it." Ozpin explained
"Sounds like it could be a double edged sword" Goodwitch said with a pensive look on her face "and you're completely sure that Arc has that power?"
"About eighty-three percent sure. I would like to keep him under surveillance having an unknown in the midst of my students even when it's we're talking about is too dangerous." Ozpin ordered
"Of course sir I'll start surveillance immediately." Goodwitch complied turning around she felt a hand grab her shoulder she saw Ozpin with a very serious look on his face "Sir?"
"I almost forgot something else I need you to do." Ozpin keeping his tone steady but she could see cracks in the facade. Goodwitch looked at him with anticipation suretyly with such a serious face he truly had something important on his mind " Coffee. Vale blend, with Mistral cream, and of course seven…. No eight sugars please."
"O-o-of course sir." Goodwitch clenched her riding crop trying her hardest not to put the fear of the Witch in him turning her head abruptly she walked away with each step becoming louder than the last.
"Still waiting to see her snap." Ozpin sighed looking out at the window with a bored look "Who knows maybe it'd Jaune that makes her go crazy I've been trying for years I always wanted to see that. Oh well at least I get coffee."
Few hours later
"Finally" I stretched outside on a bench in front of the school. I always liked this spot the garden surrounding the walkways the refreshing scent of flowers that were planted around the area along with the trees making it a nice hangout spot for walking, taking picnics, or like me just sitting down enjoying the fresh air. "Man it took me awhile to find clothes that look like my old ones. Tomorrow I will have to get my armor refitted because my stupid Semblance. That also will cost me a pretty lien." I sighed though the shopping was also a chore Nora kept trying to make me buy sloth underwear so Ren,Nora, and I could be underwear buddies I don't even want to know how she got Ren to wear that but I think I'd be okay not knowing, and Pyhrra kept trying to help me change saying I wouldn't be use to my body's new stature. Ren just seemed happy to have some quiet time the poor guy.
"Hey Jaune!" A voice called out I turned my head around to see Ruby walking up to me and taking a seat next to me. Though she looked up and down she then smiled. "Looks like you done some uhhh…. Changing? Uhhh… Wow your so short now."
"Yeah well I'm still taller than you!" I exclaimed ruffling her hair with a big grin on my face
"Well you're old and I'm young besides I'm gonna be like a skyscraper just you watch I drink milk like every day!" Ruby put on a playful pout puffing out her cheeks.
Taking advantage of her weakness I grabbed her by the cheeks and started to pinch them "I don't know I think I prefer you like this it'd be a waste seeing such cuteness go away." I teased her she playfully protested and started to pinch my cheeks back. The battle was long and hard but we settled on a truce I'd buy her cookies and she doesn't tell Yang I was doing her job of teasing Ruby.
"Jaune… Uhhh" Ruby started to mumble her face was red she was looking at something that was causing her to freak out looking in the direction I saw two students making out… Hard… They looked like they were sucking each other face off…. It looked quite painful. Looking around I saw more students in a similar situation. I looked back at she now has her hood on looking like she was going to pass out from embarrassment. I don't what drove me to do it. Maybe it was to get her comfortable again, or maybe because teasing her is too much fun. I don't know but in this moment it was too perfect to pass up.
"Hey Ruby~" I said in a sing-song voice
"W-w-what?" She asked still on verge of a nervous breakdown
I puckered up my lips "Mweah, Mweah, Mweah." Started to make kissy faces at her. I was rewarded with a priceless look on her face as she was squirming in her spot.
"Ew, ew, ew, Jaune stop it!" Starting putting her hands on my face, but her face betrayed her actions as a bright smile was on her face. Seeing that she had enough I pulled my face face away closing my eyes in contentment knowing she back to her old self, but I was pulled back with her hands on my face as she pressed her lips to on mine. My heartbeat was crazy, and my head was spinning trying to process what was happening I opened my eyes to see what was exactly was going on. Ruby was kissing me it wasn't anything perversed just a simple kiss, but the pleased look on her face told a different story. Eventually she backed away and I- I just stared at her face she looked down at her feet meekly though she held a smile like someone gave her a full plate of cookies.
"Um.. Uhh…. I… You…. Huh?" My head was still spinning around
"I heard what happened you know with you and her…" Ruby looked a little angry thinking about Cinder "I just wanted to say you're my favorite."
"Favorite?" I questioned her
"Because you're weak." answered Ruby
"Thanks I really needed that." I exhaled feeling my one manly feeling get hurt.
"What I mean is." Ruby took a deep breath and continued. "When my mom or Yang would read me stories of heroes. I always wanted to be the strong ones, I admired the smart and quick witted, I cried with the dark brooding ones, but I was always cheering on the weak heroes because they know what it's like being helpless, feeling trapped, and it's because of they can understand the people they save because they can truly sympathize with others. Even going as far as fighting enemies way stronger, smarter, or more talented than them and putting everything on the line just so they can win."
"Well then you heard about my real reasons for being a hunter" I feel the guilt coming back up "my reasons for doing it are wrong. Are you still sure about me being your favorite."
"Yep." Ruby chirped
"Yep?" I started to smile at her antics
"Yep! You may be a Huntsman for different reasons you think are not as honorable as others, but the Jaune I know is a sweet guy who would help anyone he can, sure he is a goofball, and maybe a bit of a wimp." Ruby stopped to giggle "but he tries his best to pull through for the sake of others."
"Thanks Ruby I got lectured twice over the same thing, but hearing it from you and my team." I sighed "Thanks Ruby I guess I needed to get this crap out of my head." I chuckled a bit "Soooooo about that kiss-" a gust of wind and rose petals dancing in the air were all that was left of the speedy huntress. I leaned back on the bench and sighed. I raised my hand to touch my lips remembering the kiss I had with Ruby. What did that kiss mean to her? Was it a confession, or was it a heat of the moment thing. Either way it looks like the rest of the year was looking up for me.