A/N: I am happy to say that I will try to start updating more frequently so let me start and apologize for the lack of entry, content, and update that you guys seem to appreciate if anyone can help me remember it's you guys. So remember to read and review, because fics die without input so remember to review. Also, Jaune Arc will most certainly have other unique weapons and might be using Crocea Mors in addition, in this fic if that is a put-off then allow me to apologize. Most of this will be repetetive or at least that how I felt about this chapter.
Arcstein the DragonSlayer of Remnant
Chapter 2: One's Most Honored
P.O.V. Jaune Arc/DragonSlayer Ornstein
When Morning came the voice of Ornstein stirred me and so I was up not only before everyone else but before the sun. So it was then we began to push our body's limits and training past those limits. First of the many things which needed to be done was to raise my stamina which we would be doing over a long course of time because agility means nothing if you have poor stamina. The next thing we would work on would be reflexes as mine appear to have dulled and Jaune's are in need of honing desperately.
We first head into the marsh/forest nearby our home to begin our intense regime or at least planning and progress check/test to determine how it will be altered.
After I help with honing/Sharpening our reflexes our work will have just begun there are several other things in which will need to be done about our current agility, endurance, dexterity, fine aura control, technique, and discipline one thing I know for certain I have my work cut out however there are several exercises which may assist in this training one such which I have taken interest in acrobatics.
For discipline and technique perhaps we need to perform stances and hold for various weapons to increase proficiency, however only to a limited extent many of these will only truly be honed and sharpened with a spar or through a combat scenario, and as such how much work I do not know and will need to make observations to create an effective regiment for training.
However most importantly for me to learn how to best help is to learn what aura is, 'So what is Aura?'
For, now I can only focus on the other aspects and exercises or at least until father wakes,
and so for the next few hours, we ran through some of basic exercises and stances.
All for the sake of focusing and honing our mind and body. Odds are highly likely we'll need to keep this activity up for several weeks or possibly months just to have any hope of achieving Jaune's dream.
A few hours later
Jaune's father Nicholas is finally awake and looks like he is well rested and soon our training will begin with a quick glance and a gesture with a nod he leads us back into the forest to continue other exercises and offer advice and soon we started sparring.
Finally, he spoke and answered the question which for the past couple hours has plagued us in many words while we dodged all of his attacks or attempted to rather clumsily, "Jaune, do you know what aura is?"
To which we could only shake our head. Nicholas only sighed in response and then began to speak,"Ok then, Jaune listen and listen closely, I will only repeat myself two maybe three more times at most after this, then after that, you have to find someone else to answer, Uhm k?" To which we nodded.
Nicholas nodded and began, "Aura is the power of one's soul made manifest, it can be our sword, and it can be our shield however it is there to allow us to protect our soul and it is unique for every person as are our semblances, we are all, it can allow us as hunters to suffer greater injury and recover more quickly, if you aren't sure then think of it as a barrier, or maybe a force field however Aura has its limits meaning we are not invincible and if a hunter were to suffer from too great an injury or if too much strain were placed on the body it wouldn't be able to help so keep this in mind."
I nodded along it reminded me of the Bonfires and the soul reinforcement slightly in some ways but I understood that they worked similarly but not exactly the same.
He sighed with what seemed to be relief that he didn't need to repeat himself.
This was going to be interesting I thought to myself maybe if I increase the intensity I can reduce the expected length for the result we're hoping to achieve perhaps...yet only time will tell.
A few months later
The training grew more intense incorporating new techniques and finding a style of doing so was rather difficult in a timely manner but it was giving results slowly but steadily we grew to be more and more of a match for Nicholas initially we were training in unarmed combat a field both Jaune and I were sorely inexperienced in.
(I because it has been so long since I haven't depended on my spear, and swordsmanship and Jaune because of his lack of experience in this style of fighting) eventually, we were able to beat Nicholas after so many losses it was a bit ridiculous, but neither of us cared we were proud.
Then we began training with weapons well, blunted, dulled, weathered, worn, and wooden weapons but weapons nonetheless, so call it what one might, it was progress.
For a little while we had struggled, but eventually overcame the many adjustments initially Jaune and I argued internally whether we'd be better with a sword and shield or spear, and so it was in the end that we had decided for training to use a sword, spear and shield well okay really more of a worn wooden buckler and we tried a variety of other weapons in addition still we compromised, in the end.
After, the days sparring we headed back home for dinner Father had asked us another question,"Jaune do you know what dust is?" to which we had haplessly shrugged.
Because I highly doubt that the kinds of dust he was referring to was the kind either of us were familiar with.
Nicholas replied with a sigh"Alright, Dust is essentially nature's wrath in a crystallized form, there are many types of dust and regardless of the form it is in it is also extremely volatile so if you ever find yourself handling dust in the future do so with an err of caution."
"Oh and one more thing, if you are serious about becoming a hunter we will spend the next four years conditioning your body, and we're going to need to figure out your semblance at some point and to do so were going to spar intensely so prepare yourself because I'll come at you with everything I got so take it seriously."
~Time skip 4 years~
" Alright son you have been conditioning your body for the past four years and you have worked incredibly hard especially for someone your age and Jaune I want you to know how proud I am of you, so if you still feel you can work to become a hunter I'll help in any way I can which brings me to an impasse how exactly do I continue your training well in a moment I will give you a choice and ask you a question, alright so answer carefully and honestly got it."
I nodded and readied myself steeling myself for the greatest decision I am liable to make.
Dad nodded as well and took a deep breath.
"Jaune you have worked hard, in fact, harder than most so here are your choices, you may either attend a formal combat school, or undertake an apprenticeship from me. Now if you choose to attend a formal combat school then you will receive any supplies you would need, instruction from professional huntsman and huntresses, the chance to forge your own weapon at an academy, making friends your own age, and great marks would look wonderful on a transcript for any of the top tier combat schools."
To which I nodded along in consideration, while I waited wanting to hear out the other option because as great as the benefits seem for the first choice I would like to make an informed, or really a complete decision.
"Or you can take an apprenticeship with me meaning that you'll get practical experience in the field with your mother blessing of course, hone and develop your own skills and technique, further practicing with fine tuning your level of aura control, and all while earning some Lien, however either way you'll still be forging your own weapons and armor, and remember no matter what you choose I'll respect your decision."
"However, if I were you I'd make this decision by the end of the week, because if you don't make this decision by then it will be too late I'll either be away on a mission, or it'll be too late to admit an application for the preliminary aptitude exams. However, don't think that means I'll let you slack off"
'Or I for that matter Jaune' Ornstein added
For many moments Ornstein and I debated pros and cons of each decision and weighed our options and in moments the choice was obvious.
A week later
I made sure I was prepared, informed well versed, and lastly well read on the focus of today, with first-hand knowledge and experience (in theory) all that really changed was the lack of titanite so we would have to use other materials for the work.
Because today it was time to head to the forge to forge our own weapons and armor.
First was to find or purchase the materials
However, after several hours of work, numerous burns, several smashed thumbs 'damnable hammer, man it sure has been awhile (several centuries) since I have last worked the flame of a forge, my smithing leaves a lot to be desired or at least that was initially how we felt for our first couple attempts and whoa! Were there many attempts'
Until finally we did it. Finally, we managed to recreate my dragonslayer's armor reinforced with fire and lightning dust, and aura the material was reinforced through numerous layers of brass and coated with copper, finely shined and polished the leather tanned and fitted the material reinforced and treated, and molded, the fiery crimson plume placed, the interior cushioned with fabric, the waistline cloak set with a blue and gold motif, and a sash with several daggers set along with it.
The thing we were most proud of and the thing which required the most effort was the work involving the mecha-shift function on both sheath and long sword (more like great sword if we're being honest) the sheath like Crocea Mors shifting into a shield but light and easily able to be strapped to back, waist or gauntlet, styled with the crest of Artorius in his memory, while the long sword could mecha-shift into a Great spear styled after my original Dragonslayer spear.
In addition to this, the shield is magnetically charged allowing us the freedom of mounting any of our other charged items to this such as the great bow I carved and mounted also similarly charged and reinforced, in honor, and memory of my blind compatriot Gough.
Lastly was a set of twin curved blades one styled with spines and serrated edges formed with an ebony-like colored light metal, and its companion made of a golden like material, red along the lower half of the blade, both were highly durable materials but unfortunately not cheap (Resembling the Gold and dark silver tracer after Ciaran the Lord Blades assassin).
I named the set of weapons Promised Memorial (Artorius styled great sword and shield), Shadow and Remorse, and The Hawk's Eye (Gough's Great bow)
Soon we'll set out, soon we will be ready for the many trials ahead.
After the many hours at the forge and the weapons were ready there were a few weeks spent to adjust to the weapons and armor's weight and thus implemented such into my combat which meant many more training exercises were to occur then after this I would learn to fight with deprived senses and I would refine my aura detection technique which would, in turn, allow me to fight even if I were to be blinded in combat, then I would refine my other senses similarly such as my hearing and sense of smell just like my blind giant friend.
With father, we worked on our aura reinforcement technique and my aura detection with Ornstein I honed and sharpened my other senses that way as to maintain my fighting ability, then there would be many hours spent working on my marksmanship shooting targets further and further away.
The first of many problems we had that we encountered when working on our archery was the draw strength required for the bow which for a while we could not produce, after we managed that problem the next was the lack of foundation for the art of archery, and lastly was the work on perception and adjustments when aiming.
After this and many days practicing we were getting the result we needed, however, it wasn't as remarkable as Gough but we were certain we could hit most targets we needed to if it depended on it, and so long as it wasn't forty feet away or further we could hit said target.
Also when it came to sneaking up on my...our opponents it was difficult, to say the least one thing I was sure of, I wouldn't be sneaking up on really anyone at least, not for quite some time as the material in my armor was too heavy to allow for perfect stealth 'Damn it how did you do it Ciaran?' Oh well, just another of the many things we'd have to work on.
Soon we were back to sparring again this time it was much more one-sided (Not in a way Jaune liked) and in our frustration, Jaune instinctually started reaching while we raised our arm it was then a bolt of lightning lanced outwards in the direction our arm flew, and moments later flame followed from my opposite hand and with will light hovered around my being illuminating the area briefly, to say I was stunned wouldn't have been saying much as I was shocked at his potential for casting miracles, sorcery, and using pyromancy.
So it was I began searching the depths of my soul to notice the flame burning fiercely within us and he could tap into my fairly limited knowledge of sorcery, he could tap into my faith to use the miracles I learned over the years, but it was that he ignited the flame within us without my aid that is what was most surprising.
However this gave me ideas, yes perhaps he could channel energy like I was able to back in Anor Londo however when using miracles we from then on were able to use them when I uttered the appropriate incantations and prayers silently, removing the need to chant so long as I prepared them internally.
"Congratulations, Jaune it turns out you may have just discovered your semblance, which to me it seems to resemble a form of fine energy manipulation in a few forms and channeling. A powerful ability if you practice with it often".
Note to self, focus more on the discipline aspect of training with Jaune by reinforcing patience possibly by having him hold stances for a couple of hours. Maybe, and it should also help with balance and weight distribution which will help further combat ability aside from that continue endurance and stamina training, still need to work on acrobatics and tumble technique for mobility.
However, I must admit in the next four years we may be in good shape or may catch up to my previous level of ability, so I can ease up on the kid but he'll still be working hard so I'll have to praise his efforts soon Jaune is a capable disciple or student.
Two weeks later
It looks like today is the day our first cooperative field operation with Dad we are both eager for this most gratifying opportunity still I am most certain we are ready so let's hope for the best and see what's to come. In the distance, we heard a twig snap and rolled to the left quickly lowering my hand to my sheath and clipping it to our charged gauntlet while unsheathing my sword from my sheath as it quickly mecha-shifts into a buckler and my free hand wrapped tightly around the hilt of my newly unsheathed long sword.
Quickly tensing and shifting to a familiar stance as many low growls are heard from the surrounding trees and from behind the rustling bush an Ursa is quick to emerge but not as quick as I am to slash, missing the Ursa but sliding through the thick trunk of the tree as it slides from the point of the cut, crushing many of the nearby Ursa as it fell knocking some of the other trees down in its path creating a new clearing in the forest, making a ring to fight with the remaining enraged Ursa.
They are quick to realize rushing me one by one will not aid their number, only lead to their fall, and are quick to abandon this tactic switching to instead rushing together to try and overwhelm with force. One Ursa's swipe nearly slashing towards my neck quickly missing with a well-timed dodge causing the Ursa to stagger as it had overextended, failing to reach it path and in but a moment it isn't even given enough time to realize its mistake as it is just as abruptly decapitated leaving only seven of the creatures left.
In moments my long sword quickly mecha-shift into the weapon which brings my most comfort I swiftly shield bash another nearby Ursa causing it to stagger more in surprise rather than something had stunned it, as our spear pierced its wretched hide frying within moments as I deliver a swift kick unsheathing the head of the spear from the beasts hide, leaving only six as I quickly charge and prepare a lightning spear miracle which in seconds incinerate another Grimm leaving behind only the scent of burnt hide and ozone felling yet another of the wretched beasts number.
Only five remains from what could have been a group of what was once 23, the five rush again as do we until they are almost upon us when, we quickly leap upwards as the first Ursa passes beneath us as we thrust our spear downwards using this momentum to vault over the offending Ursa landing with spear raised quickly shifting it back to a sword as the four try again I slash the nearest approaching Ursa bisecting the beast cutting their number down to three.
As I soon stab another of the beast's in the stomach through the plating and swiftly expelling the blade from the Grimm's flesh via a diagonal slash exiting through the shoulder leaving two. I then swiftly ended the remaining two which roared and attempted to flee with a well-placed stab. Penetrating both beasts hides with barely a scratch and only minor exhaustion I quickly sheathed my weapons as their remains quickly vanished into smoke.
Only for our moment of peace to be interrupted by the hissing of a nearby king taijitu, the crow of a nevermore and the skittering of a death stalker with a low sigh I pull my bow after reaching the nearest set of high grounds, quickly drawing and loosing an arrow that violently ripped the nevermore from the sky as it struggles to stay in air its wing knocks the deathstalker onto its back as its pincer crushed the Taijitu quickly killing it.
I fire another great arrow into the flesh of the downed deathstalker quickly piercing it armor and impaling it nailing its slowly fading body to the ground.
Leaving only the clipped nevermore to deal with as I suddenly notice the flightless bird charge I leap at it's legs quickly cutting through the tissue as its now legless body slide against the ground it dragged itself around on the wings it was once proud of as I leapt onto its back and climbed to its head where I drove the long sword deep into its head and in moments it was dead.
Nicholas watching in the distance with a proud smile 'well done Jaune now comes the hard part the rest is up to you if you succeed my apprentice and my beloved son please don't break your promise, remember your promise.' Sigh, these next four years are going to be crazy.
A/N: Sorry about the poor quality of the chapter, however, I can only improve with input so please read and review also I will try to explain some of my intentions for the story, also I am so sorry for the many things I have done with this chapter mostly the poorly written fight scene towards the end there so as you can tell not too great at those so I'll try harder in the future to produce both better quality fight scenes and chapters. Last but not least for those of you reading remember to R/R hope you enjoyed and remember "Praise the Sun!"
