Authors notes
Hi so... I'm back
I honestly don't think I would be trying to continue this but I got some nice people in the reviews asking to keep it going so I thought I will. Thanks for the reviews and all the follows and favs.
Something to get out the way first.
A lot of you mentioned it and yes, I should have used Nero and Okita for Jaune's sisters but for some reason, it never came to me and I just kept drawing a blank for more sisters so I just went with what I could come up with.
Rionline: This chapter won't follow fate stay arc because I don't just want to copy Destaza work but I do plan in a few chapter for Jaune to reveal his powers to his family and other in a spectacle but I'm not there yet. This chapter is meant to be one of Shirou and Jaune together as Jaune grows up under his wing.
MX2432: To your bit about how Jaune and Shirou should have met all I can say is... that it's much better idea than how I made them met and the bit about me rushing there meeting was right. I was near the end of the story and just want to get it done. I do try to address that about how Jaune acted was not normal so hopefully that an improvement. In my original plan Shirou was not meant to stay in the story but because of some words with someone in my PMs, I think I can keep him as more of a main character and do plan to at least send Jeanne to Beacon.
Goose Attack: My reason for why Jaune was not good at fighting at a young age in chapter 1 was a bit of mixture of what you said. Jaune could not get the style right but pair that with his father who is impatient because he never had to deal with this because his daughters picked it up very quickly. As well as Alex does not have much time to help Jaune because of the all the missions Ozpin sends him on. I put in something which could explain Jaune progressing fast under Shirou and explain it a bit more in AN at the end.
"Talking"
'Thoughts'
Disclaimer I don't own RWBY or the Fate series.
This chapter follows Jaune growing up under the influence of Shirou. I wrote some action bit but I've never done them before so I don't know if they any good. There a bit of Shirou lecturing to Jaune on being a hero but I don't if made it work. I tried to take more time with this so let me know if it's improved or if now I should give up. My spelling and grammar is most likely still bad.
0-0-0
Chapter 2 – Bad luck
A broken world made for producing endless weapons. A war-torn land clouded in smoke, the ground was long dead and forgotten. Crude gigantic gears were suspended high in the sky continuously turning like a well-oiled machine. On top of a hill surrounded by swords was a man standing overlooking the desolate land. He stood above 6ft tall wearing a red outfit and his hair was pure white.
Shirou Emiya or just Archer to some was waiting for whenever he would be called upon again. He did not know how much time had passed since he was last called on, the concept of time had no meaning here. It could have been week, months or years possibly even centuries. The last time he had any contact with Alaya she was seeming distressed, something about a catastrophe on the planet that nearly ended mankind.
Shirou didn't know the details and Alaya did not seem to have time to talk before she left so, all he could do was wait and enjoy his solitude. But it would seem that his little break from all the killing was at an end as he felt a presence enter this world which could only mean she was back and had a mission for him.
Turning around he faced the collective unconscious of humanity but his eyebrows raised in slight shock as Shirou took in the state of Alaya. The form she usually took looked horrible her once beautiful white hair now looked dull and was a mess. Her red eyes that were always so bright and full of life now appeared dim looking near death. All in all, she looked terrible.
"Alaya." Shirou sated trying to hide his shock from her appearance. "What do I owe the pleasure of seeing you again."
"Shirou..." Even her voice sounded lifeless like she was incredibly tired. "I need your help."
'well, nothing new there.' He muttered in his head.
Shirou sighed "So who is you need me to killed now huh?"
Alaya just looked at him with her dim eyes looking like she could fall over any minute with how weak she looked. He wouldn't say anything but it was worrying him slightly.
"No Shirou you don't understand...things are bad with the state of humanity." She sounded regretful and sad when she spoke.
Shirou just looked at her wanting an explanation of what was so bad that needed understanding.
"Humanity is on the brink of extinction Shirou the planet is nothing but a remnant of what it once was. The catastrophe nearly ended everything, it took nearly all my power to just keep small portions of humanity alive." Ayala explained to his and Shirou face morphed into shock at hearing the state of mankind.
"How did any of this happen" He needed to know.
Ayala's face morphed into an ugly scowl.
"It was all because of that blasted grail!" She screamed so loud that Shirou had to wince from the ringing in his ears.
"Fighting over it awoke that beast of a Goddess up then it's unknown to me or anyone what happened after that but everything was lost, the planet is broken, humanity is near extinct and the goddess was destroyed." Alaya looked to have gained a bit of life in her as ranted about how everything had got so messed up.
"That why I need you Shirou because of my weakened state from trying to keep humanity alive for the last few thousand years I can't keep it up. You and one other are the only agents I have left that can help mankind." She looked at the white-haired man desperately.
Shirou really didn't know what to say he had just found out that the world had been destroyed and mankind was barely surviving. He was wondering how long he had actually been in here then since Alaya mentioned that It had been a few thousand years after whatever destroyed the planet. Things must be really bad if she was this weak.
"wait you said that I was the last of two agents what about the other one?"
Alaya glanced away then back to him and sighed. "He is doing his best to protect mankind but sadly he had forgotten his true purpose and given most of his powers away to others."
Shirou just pinched the bridge of his nose it looked like he was on his own then. "Okay then... what is it that needed to do."
Ayala's face broke into a small smile.
"Within the remaining hundreds of thousands of people, I felt something. A young boy whose soul resembles yours I want to you teach him to become like you so I can have two powerful guardians to help protect mankind for me."
As soon as she was done talking it immediately set off an alarm in Shirou's head. Someone like him? There should never be another one like him no one should have to go through what he had to do. This boy should not need to know the feeling of what it's like to be betrayed or to hate your own ideals. If Ayala wanted another copy of him then she could think again he would not make another "hero of justice" if he was to teach this boy he will lead him down another path if he can.
Shirou felt like he had some kind of responsibility to make sure this boy come out better than him.
Closing his eyes, he nodded to Ayala and she looked very relieved like someone took a weight off her shoulders.
"Excellent! Alright, I'm going to send you down to the Planet, the first person you see will be your new student and don't worry I'll give you all the information you'll need about the world when you materialize."
Shirou just rolled his eyes and just waited to be sent.
"Oh... one more thing I'm using nearly all of my remaining power for this soooo... it may hurt."
"what?"
"Bye!"
*FLASH*
A blinding light hit Shirou before he could ask what she meant by that. Then he began to feel a new sensation one which was new to him being summoned by Alaya.
He could feel himself falling and gravity doing its job meant that he soon hit the ground...hard.
*Thud! *
"ouch" was all he could say as he opened his eyes to see that he had landed in dark dirty alleyway. Alaya really did send him to the nicest of places, didn't she? Getting up while nursing his hurting side from the fall Shirou soon had to deal with a much more painful experience. As he now had a crapload of information being jammed into his skull.
Shirou moaned out in pain as he fell to the nearby wall for support. Not even 10 seconds back into this world and he already was starting to regret this.
'could this be any worse?' He pondered
"Hey, mister... you alright?"
He stood corrected.
Twisting around he came face with a young boy with messy golden blonde hair that brought back some memories for him and a pair of the bluest eyes that would put even sapphires to shame. If you were to look into the Kid's eyes most people would maybe see just innocence and naivety but Shirou could see past that and he could see a fire. A fire that could not be put out and Shirou could already tell this kid was the one Ayala was on about, he knew that this was not going to be easy going by the similarities he was getting with his young self and this kid.
In that moment he had one thought.
'Curse my E Rank luck!'
0-0-0
Jaune's shoulders were tense and wide, in his hands he held a wooden sword that he was told was called a Bokken. The wood of the handle seemed to creak under the pressure in his tight grip, he had sweat dripping from his brow and his breath was labored showing clear signs of exhaustion.
*Pant* *Pant* *Pant*
He was trying to get as much air into his lungs as humanly possible each gulp of air was like sweet nectar to him at the moment.
His eyes narrowed into slits as he looked at his opponent and he could see the cocky smirk and how the man's eyes were mocking him.
*Pant*
'okay, Jaune wait for the opening and... strike!' He lunged in trying to take advantage of the opening that was available. At seemingly at the last possible moment, his attack was swiftly deflected. The change in his movement had made him stagger backwards and before he could do anything else his opponent had sent him tumbling to the cold hard ground.
"Wow that was really impressive you all most made it to five minutes that time kid" He could feel the sarcasm dripping from his mentor's mouth.
Jaune gritted his teeth as glared upwards at the white-haired man, with frustration.
Shirou didn't seem to care that the young boy was trying to set him on fire with his stare. He had his Bokken resting on his shoulder and looked bored showing that the past couple of hours had not even made him work up a sweat.
It had been three weeks now since Jaune had met the strange white-haired man who had told him that he could help with his dream to get stronger on his way to becoming a hero.
"Screw you," The young blond said before he looked at the floor and sighed out "I feel like I've been making no progress at all."
In three weeks Shirou had just completely wiped the floor with him and it pissed him off to no end. They would just have small spars then maybe talked about a seemingly unrelated thing before eating possibly the best-cooked food Jaune had ever tasted. Than Jaune would go home and rinse repeat with nothing changing.
"of course, you're not" Jaune looked back up at Shirou. "You didn't think you were going to see a massive improvement in just three weeks, did you? Shirou asked him and Jaune winced a bit at the question.
"Besides..." Shirou continued "I haven't actually been training you"
Jaune shot up from his spot "What!" He shouted looking completely livid. "You telling me that for the past few weeks you been doing nothing but smacking me around what was the whole point of all this then."
Before he could say anymore Shirou smacks the top of his head with a Bokken shutting him up.
When Jaune opened his eyes after recovering from the assault on noggin he came face to face with a piercing glare with the older man's golden eyes that seemed to glow with anger making the blond keep his mouth shut.
"Are you done...?" Jaune just nodded.
"Good the reason for the past few weeks was not to train you but it was for me to understand how you think and fight,"
Shirou informed him as walked to wall putting the wooden swords back on their racks. "The other reason could be seen as more important which was for both of us to know and learn about each other."
Seeing the confusion that must have been on Jaune's face the man went on.
"Kid you met me, some random stranger you found hurt in a dark alley and within a few minutes of meeting each other you were willing to tell me your whole damn goals in life." Shirou paused for second before going on.
"That's not something twelve-year-olds do okay it was pretty worrying how quickly you opened up to me it was like you never had a chance to express your thoughts with someone so you latched on the first person who would seemingly give you the time of day."
"T-That's not true" Jaune tried to rebuttal the claims his hands curling into fists and started to shake. It wasn't true it couldn't be.
He wanted for what Shirou was implying to be a lie that he was just making it up on the spot. But he knew... he knew that there were least some truths to it. Like how he was lucky if he got greeting from his father since the man was now so busy training with his sisters or going out on missions that they pretty much had no more real interactions.
It was like how his mom was so busy having to take care of the baby and the other seven children in the house that she had little time to spare equally for everyone. He knew that he was not close to his sisters with all of them apart from his baby sister were pursuing careers as huntresses so he was struggling to stay connected with them.
He didn't have any real friends and the few he knew well they were more of his sister's friends and with how awkward he was it meant that he had trouble connecting with his peers.
It felt like he was drowning in his family shadow.
"I think it is true from what I've learned about you in this small amount of time is that you wish to get stronger and become a hero." Shirou explained.
"I know you have some family issue that is making you recklessly want to prove yourself to them." Shirou was now walking towards him.
"I know you want to help people and that you are here with me because you believe I can help you active that dream." Shirou had now stopped in front of him.
Jaune didn't respond as he was too busy taking in how Shirou had just dissected him.
Looking back on it he had opened up a bit too fast but he was alone and desperate. He had used Shirou as someone to take his problems out on by just talking him and it felt good to get it off his chest in the last few weeks. It would have been a lot better if maybe he had just gotten his parents attention and talk to them but at this point in time, he just felt too disconnected from them.
"Now what have you learned about me in the last three weeks?" Shirou questioned Jaune
Jaune really didn't know what to say all he knew about Shirou was that the man was strong. He made heavenly food but that was pretty much it. Other than how much the white-haired man got on his nerves.
"I learned that your snarky and sarcastic...also maybe a bit sadistic" were first things that came from the top of Jaune's head. "You...love cooking from what I saw of you in the Kitchen and um... you're a bit of an asshole." He finished using a word that he had heard Mordred use on some boy that talked her up before she kicked him in the crotch. Their mom had not been happy about Mordred dirty mouth which had led to many arguments in the past.
Shirou just stared at Jaune before the white-haired man broke into a small smile and took his hand then patted him on the shoulder. "See in just a few weeks we know each other a little better. I know you're a foolish kid and you know I'm an Ass... we'll get along so well together." He chuckled.
Shirou then gave the blonde a firm grip on his shoulder. "You got thing weighing you down kid but you'll get through them." After that said Shirou turned around started to walk to the hallway.
Jaune though was confused "Wait what about my training then are you still going to help me?" He asked getting the man's attention back on him.
"What you wish to start your actual training now?" The boy nodded his head so fast that Shirou thought it may fall off.
Shirou then seemed to sigh and took a deep breath before pinching the bridge of his nose. "fine follow me this part will have to be gotten out of the way first."
0-0-0
Jaune followed Shirou deeper into his house before it took them to a room which he guessed would be a study.
There was an old wooden desk with an assortment of different books and scripts laying on it. The bookshelves were filled with dusty old books with titles and authors he had never heard of and there seemed to be a little wooden workbench with swords as well what looked like an old gun? The gun looked to be a single shot pistol with some engravings on it. Shirou moved to the back of the desk and pulling out an old wooden box than preceded to blow the dust off it before turning to face him again.
"Jaune before we go any further I need to look at me and tell me that this is the path you wish to take because there will be no turning back from here. Once I give you this you will have to stay as my student until I think you're ready to move on."
The young Arc could tell that the man must be taking this seriously since Shirou used his name.
He was not completely sure about what was going on but he had given his word that he would get stronger so he won't turn back now!
Jaune looked at Shirou with his eyes blazing with unyielding determination and spoke loud and clear. "I'm sure, I can't just back down now and turn away I have to follow this path to the very end"
That seemed to be an enough as Shirou just nodded then opened the box to reveal... a card?
It was a shiny gold card with the image of a man, ready to fire an arrow. Jaune wasn't going to lie he was a bit let down and he let his opinion be known.
"It's a card" He dryly stated.
Shirou seemed to take some offense to that as snatched the card out of the box before nearly shoving it in his face saying. "A CARD! This is not just a card."
"Sorry...it's a... shiny gold card," Jaune told him as if it would make it better.
"WOULD YOU JUST SHUT UP AND LISTEN TO ME!"
Jaune didn't think he would get so emotional about a freaking card. He chose to just keep his mouth shut and let Shirou explain.
"This is NOT a card this is an artifact that encapsulates the power of someone which can be Implanted into someone else allowing them to gain the skills and knowledge of that person."
Jaune doubted that a card could be so powerful but he had no other option but to go with it for now.
But it did raise a question "who's power will I be getting?" He asked guessing that what this was all about.
He was not expecting for Shirou to say "Mine."
The silence hanged in the air for a bit before Shirou kept going. "When this artifact fuses with you it will come at a cost, however. It will replace whatever semblance you would have had."
To that Jaune intelligently replied, "what the heck is a semblance?"
He had heard the word before around his family but every time he asked them about it they would quiet down and then look sorry at him.
Shirou sighing at the boy's ignorance before replying "It's an... ability that Huntsmen have."
"ooh"
So that was why his family wouldn't answer the question because they felt sorry for him not being cut out it be a Huntsman so they didn't want to talk about Huntsman related topics with him. While they probably thought they were being kind by trying to not hurt his feelings, it seemed to be driving a wedge between him and them.
With how they would quieten down when he would show up and then try to awkwardly talk to him as they seemed to be walking on eggshells around him as a consequence it just made him feel like he didn't fit in.
Anyway, Jaune couldn't see much of big deal about losing this semblance of his seeing as how he won't be able to become a huntsman the traditional way so losing something he would never get to use was not a big price to pay.
He did have a question though. "Wait so HOW does this thing even work exactly?"
His teacher was silent for a while before he answered. "The artifact uses magic to transfer power."
"really... magic?"
Jaune was now looking at Shirou as if he was crazy. "Look just... let's do this and I will explain things at a later time ok."
So Jaune just gave a nod conveying to get this all over with.
Shirou positioned Jaune to the middle of the room before he kneeled down in front of the young boy to start the fusing process.
"Where did you even get something like this anyway?" The boy's curiosity getting the better of him.
Blinking Shirou looked at him before continuing setting it up. "You may not believe me but this object was actually a "gift" from an old "Friend" of mine and she wanted you to have it."
Yeah, Jaune had some trouble believing that with the way Shirou said friend and how his question was actually not answered.
"There's one more thing you should know kid when this thing will start fusing with you it's going to forcibly unlock your prana and modify it so this is not going to be pleasant... good luck." Shirou then stepped away from him leaving just him with the card floating above his chest.
Before Jaune called even ask any questions about any of that the card began to sink into him with no resistance at all.
Once it was completely submerged itself into his body the feeling Jaune now had was that of a dozen pointy foreign objects trying to jab their way out of his skin. It was really uncomfortable and unsettling but nothing terrible.
The uncomfortable feeling started to fade and for a whole minute, nothing happened.
...
But it was shortly followed by definitely the most painful experience in his life.
"ARGH!" Jaune screamed in agony before dropping to his hands and knees.
His whole body felt like it was fire he already had started to sweat and he had to grit his teeth to stop himself from screaming.
The process kept going with it now feeling like someone had replaced his blood with molten liquid.
He could see his hand light up in the corner of his eyes as he felt like someone had just now stuck a hot iron rod into his spine and he could start to see blue lines almost like circuit all-over his hands and arms.
Jaune's body was unable to take it any longer and his vision soon became black as he passed out from the pain.
He must have been under a lot of stress in those last moments because before everything went dark he could have sworn that he was lying on top of a hill surrounded by something.
0-0-0
2 years later
(Jaune age 14)
"Why do we need to be so far out in the wilds again?" Jaune asked while carrying a backpack full of camping supplies.
"Because my foolish little pupil I believe there is not a much of a greater lesson then trial by fire, you will learn better while testing your abilities under pressure."Shirou lectured as he walked in front.
"Wow, Shirou you almost sounded wise just then." Jaune deadpanned following behind his teacher.
"Of course, I have plenty of wisdom and knowledge to share."
Rolling his eyes. "Yeah, it must come with age huh old man."
Turning his head around Shirou frowned. "Who are you calling old I'm still in my twenty's damn it."
Jaune just scoffed at. "Yeah right, what type of person in their twenties already has white hair."
Shirou turned away and Jaune smirked at the victory. "You won't be smirking when your hair starts to turn white kid."
Jaune's smirk dropped at that remark but just kept on walking.
They had been out in the Wilds for a few days now just moving from spot to spot having Jaune test himself against the different type Grimm they had run into. The tests were things such as how many Grimm he could take on his own or how far he was able to snipe them with his bow. At the moment they both were looking for a place to set up camp as it was already getting dark.
His parents thought he was on some type of excursion for something that they probably didn't know about but they didn't really ask so Jaune wasn't about to tell them. They had been more than busy with Jeanne who had gone to combat school last year and his younger sister's needs in training.
Getting annoyed at lugging around the backpack Jaune spoke up. "Why am I the one who has to carry this around again?"
"It's because it's dangerous for an "old man" like me, I could throw my back out." Shirou didn't turn around as to hide the small smirk he was sprouting.
Jaune just sighs but his lips morphed into a tiny smile. He had enjoyed this little trip with Shirou it was like one of those camping things fathers and sons would do to spend time with each other. Only this camping trip was way more dangerous and the role of the father was filled by a sarcastic asshole... but it was still fun. He would never admit it to Shirou but Jaune had kind of come to see his mentor as somewhat of a second father to him.
It had been two years since that day he had passed out from pain caused by installing the class card. It had been worth it though the process had forcibly unlocked his prana and organized it into a pseudo-nervous system that spread itself throughout his body.
Shirou had told Jaune that he had one of the biggest prana reserves that he had ever seen and that the blue lines that connected like circuits that had appeared on his body were actually called prana streams. Jaune didn't really know how to take the praise but he felt some happiness from being able to impress Shirou in some way.
Jaune had asked a bit more about what this prana was and Shirou had spent some time explaining that it was something that all huntsman and huntresses have and that they have their prana unlocked in training.
The subject had caught his interest so he tried getting more information about prana by asking some of his sisters but when he inquired about it they had just looked at him funny and ignored the question so he never bothered again.
It had not been long for Jaune after the process before his real training had started. The physical part of the training was him getting his ass kicked in close quarters combat again and then Shirou criticising him when it came to archery.
Jaune had questioned why they were learning long range combat since his father and sisters never used any type of long-range weaponry in training but Shirou had counted it by saying that there was nothing stopping your opponent's from just picking you off from a distance.
But the other part of the training was what had gotten Jaune really interested and that was when Shirou had shown him Reinforcement and Projection.
Jaune had completely thrown himself into this type of training the idea of being able to have a near unlimited number of weapons and being able to make yourself move faster and hit harder sounded invaluable.
Shirou had started him with reinforcement having him use it on plants and after that, he was allowed to do on his body. It was horrible Jaune learned that if you put too much prana into to something it usually explodes so he spent the rest of that day healing his arm.
0-0-0
They kept on hiking through the wilds until Shirou's sense picked up on something nearby.
Coming to a stop Shirou surveyed the area before preceding to sneak to some nearby cover. "Kid, get over here" he whispered quietly.
Nodding Jaune moved up next to Shirou as his teacher point beyond the bushes.
Through the gaps in the leaves, there was a clearing perfect for setting up camp. The only problem was...
*ROAR! *
Yeah that
In the clearing was a huge hulking mass of muscle and black fur, it stood on four legs that looked like they could crush a man, with ease. It had a black smoke oozing from its body and menacing red eyes that lit up in the dark woods.
The thing looked like some kind of demonic dog but it had three heads each one with their own set of ferociously sharp teeth.
"Well, I'll be... it's a Cerberus." Jaune heard Shirou whisper to himself.
"A what?" Jaune asked him quietly as not to alert the beast.
"A Cerberus it's a three-headed dog."
Jaune gulped "what are we going to do?
Jaune had never seen a Grimm like this before it had to be one of the more powerful ones that you don't normally see near the kingdoms you would hear stories about.
"I'm going to go out there and take it on, YOU are going stay here and observe, if needed provide me with some support."
Jaune's eyes popped out of his sockets and looked at the older man like he was insane. "You're going out there to that fight that Grimm on your own?"
"No, I'm going out there to pet it," Shirou told him sarcastically before he left leaving Jaune on his own.
"Asshole" Jaune grumbled.
0-0-0
The Grimm, creatures that now plagued the earth and their only purpose seemed to be was wiping out all of what remains of mankind. They all seemed to have black skin or fur with bones on the outside of their body for protection. Their forms ranged from animals to mythical creatures of the old world, it made the white-haired Archer think what the source of those monstrosities was but he had no time to fully investigate it at this point in time with all of his attention going to training the kid.
Looking at the Grimm Shirou began to look for any weakness he could exploit. From what he could see its body was more forced to brute strength so while it can hit hard, it was slow so speed was key to taking it down.
Shirou didn't waste any time as he already moved in going faster than the eye could see with air pushing against him.
The Grimm didn't even know what hit it with Shirou slamming into its side with unyielding force making its legs buckle as tried to hold its ground from the surprise attack.
Capitalising on its disorientation, A sword was already traced into his right hand.
Bakuya one of a set of twin swords Kanshou and Bakuya.
Made by the blacksmith Gan Jiang the twin swords had a strong affinity against monsters making them ideal for dealing with the Grimm. Although his were only just copies they were still more powerful than what he was used to with Gaia's presence now so weak, it made the cost of his tracing easier and improved the quality of his weapons.
Which made it all the easier for Shirou when the white sword sliced through one the beasts neck like it was made of paper. The lost limb dropped to the ground, black blood pouring out of its now severed neck before it dissolved into black ash.
The beast screeched in pain from losing one of its heads and retaliated back. It's now twin heads opened their mouths and to spew forth... fire!
Catching him by surprise Shirou made an attempt to evade the fire with flames only just burning the tip of his cape. Running from the flames Shirou moved to get behind the Cerberus.
Coming up on the back legs he traced Kanshou in his left hand then slashed at the back of creature's thighs with the twin swords. His arms moved in a blur as strike after strike connected with the beast's legs.
The attack had completely destroyed the back of its legs. With no support, it fell under its own weight.
Taking advantage of its fallen state Shirou reinforced Bakuya and threw making it spin through the air before it decapitated the beasts second head on its right stopping it from turning around to breath more fire at him.
The Grimm was now seemingly immobilized with its back legs destroyed and the loss of two of its head. It just continued to growl with middle head trying to get a view of Shirou as he climbed on its back with the remaining sword in his left hand.
Shirou made his way up the Grimm's back to the neck of its last head.
Twirling the sword before stopping it mid spin and jamming it into the creature's skull killing it for good.
'That was easy'
The rusting of leaves came from the nearby bushes and out came his student with the kid's eyes wide and the boy's mouth did not seem to want to close.
Jaune was having a hard time in what he had just witnessed he had just seen Shirou take down a powerful Grimm, one that usually required multiple hunters to take it on and Shirou had done it like it was next to nothing. It only just proved to him that he had a long way to go before he would be anywhere near his teacher's level.
Taking in Jaune's state of shock Shirou just smirked at the kid as the Grimm dissolved behind him and asked.
"Not bad for an "Old man" huh?"
Still smirking Shirou moved his right hand out as Bakuya flew right back into it like it had never left him.
0-0-0
They had set up camp not long after the fight Jaune was finishing pitching up the tents while Shirou was cooking up some of the food they had packed. No matter how little the ingredients Shirou somehow always manage to make the food taste amazing.
Making sure the tents were sturdy Jaune looked to Shirou "How long before the food is done?"
"Not long but this can't be rushed you have to be patient to get the best result." Answered Shirou not taking his eyes off of the food.
Having to still wait with nothing to do Jaune got up and went looking around the area. Walking into the nearby woods
It had gotten very quiet with the sun down and broken moon now out lighting up the sky.
Moving further away from the camp Jaune's mind started to wonder.
It had been a full two years with him under the wing of Shirou and the man had kept his word. Jaune had gotten stronger, faster and tougher with the hard training under the man's watchful eye. It made Jaune wonder if all Hunters have to go through such insane teachings.
They all could not be like Shirou, could they? The man was monster Jaune had never seen him get even a bit exhausted and now Jaune had just got a glimpse of the difference between them. It got him thinking if he could even meet Shirou's expectations.
'No, you can't think like that like' Jaune reminded himself as kept walking aimlessly.
He had been very afraid at the start of failing Shirou and of the man just washing his hands of him just like his dad had done.
Made him wonder if he could achieve his dream and prove to his family that he has what it takes just as much as they all do to become hunters. To get some recognition that he too could follow the family legacy and make them proud of him.
Sure Shirou was tough on him at times but stuck with him on getting stronger. It was nice to know that someone won't give up on him, hell if he even mentioned something like giving up Shirou would whack him on the head for even thinking about throwing it all away.
0-0-0
Still walking in the woods, a loud noise shattered the calm silence. A small high-sounding blast coming from the west of him scaring away the birds hiding in the trees. Going on his instinct Jaune went to investigate running in between the trees in his way.
'What the hell was that!'
He soon found himself at the top of a small hill and looking down he located the source of the noise.
At the bottom of the hill was a small road with three individuals with their backs facing Jaune. They had weapons pointed at what looked to a small traveling caravan of Faunus. It clearly looked like the men were robbing them at gunpoint having them all lined up on the side of the road. There seemed to be families in the group with the children hiding their faces in their parents embrace as they tried to calm them down.
"Now look here if you all want to go on your way, you're going to have to hand over anything of value." one of them spoke his voices was just full of false sweetness showing he didn't mean what he was saying.
"This does not need to end badly for any of ya."
"You heard him you animals hand it all over before I have to start making an example out of one of you!" The man's accomplice shouted at them smacking the butt of his gun into one of the hostages making them fall to the ground and the others screaming in terror.
Having seen enough and not wanting this go any further Jaune got ready to make a move.
He was bit worried, this would be his first time fighting human opponents that weren't Shirou but he couldn't just stand back watch.
Going back to Shirou was a no go, there was no telling if they would make back in time no he would do this himself and save them.
Reinforcing his body, he acted and jumped down the hill and landed on the back of one of the perpetrators making them crash to the floor knocking them out.
Hearing the loud thud, the two in front spun around to see their friend face down in the dirt with Jaune standing on his back.
"what the fuck?"
"Don't just gawk at him shoot!"
Bullets sprayed at Jaune as he evaded the bullets moving in different directions to get the robbers attention on him and keep it.
The Faunus seeing the robbers distracted moved, some ran to safety with their family and friends while one moved in to help their rescuer.
The Faunus jumped on one of the gunman's back trying to wrestle the gun out of their hands.
"Argh got off me you piece of shit."
See the commotion Jaune moved in on the other gunman while tracing a sword and reinforcing it to the point to be as hard as diamonds.
He started to deflect each shot as it came to him at blinding speeds and soon...
*Click*
... the man's dust clip ran out so Jaune moved in for the attack.
Accelerating in close on his target Jaune went in for a strike.
The man pulled his gun up to block but the sword went straight through it making the bit of the firearm flyout as it was torn apart.
Now with no weapon, the man was at the mercy of Jaune's fist as it smashed into his skull rendering him unconscious.
The young Arc didn't have long to take in his new victory as...
*BOOM! *
Jaune froze
A cold chill went down his spine as he robotically turned his head to see the last robbers gun barrel smocking and the Faunus that had helped was lying down on the ground.
Time seemed to slow down to crawl for Jaune seeing the blood slowly spill out coating the ground in crimson.
He had failed...
Jaune had failed to save someone.
What did he do wrong?
Was he not strategic enough?
Was he not fast enough?
Was it...
Because...
He was not strong enough?
The grip on his sword tightened.
'Not strong enough.'
His Jaw locked in place
'Not strong enough.'
His eyes blazed with the fires of rage.
'Not strong enough!'
The words kept repeating like a mantra in his head. Over and over about how he was too weak to save people too weak be a hero.
Jaune's world turned red and he roared.
"ARRGH!"
The shooters head snapped at Jaune to see the kid from earlier screaming at the top of his lungs sprinting towards him at inhuman speed.
Jaune didn't even give the man a chance within seconds he was within striking distance and didn't hold back.
Powered by rage Jaune slashed in a downward arc the blade tore through flesh and bone with little to no resistance.
*Thud *
It was over in less than a second the man's body dropped to the ground with a dull thud.
*Pant * Pant* *Pant*
Jaune chested was falling and rising with each quick deep breath he took. The red mist started to lift up and Jaune looked down. His shirt was coved blood as well as hands, it was warm on his skin as dripped down from his hands to the floor.
*Pant... Pant...Pant*
Realisation started to sink in
The sword dropped as his grip loosened
His bloody hands started to shake
His eyes widened as what he just done started to replay in his mind.
*Pant Pant Pant Pant*
His breathing started to become more erratic and uncontrollable. His stomach felt like it was doing cartwheels making him feel more uneasy.
'...killed...'
He had killed
He had-
"BLARGHHHH!" The contents of his stomach were spewed out to the ground before returning to breathing heavily.
He kept trying to get his breathing under control but his body would not allow it.
'I...killed...'
"Jaune..." A deep voice called out him.
Slowly turning around and still shaking he looked to see Shirou with a solemn look on his face. He was standing there with his swords in his hands and Jaune could see he was breathing a bit deeper than normal indicating he must have run all way here.
The group of Faunus that had fled earlier were now behind Shirou the parents of the families making their kids look away from the site.
Shirou started to walk slowly Jaune as he could when saw the boy's eyes starting to water and his body shaking like a leaf.
When Shirou got within arm's length of Jaune, he pulled the young boy into a very awkward hug something he would never do if they weren't in their current circumstances. Shirou was not the hugging type but the Jaune needed some kind comfort.
Jaune collapsed into Shirou's arms not caring about how uncomfortable they both felt while he wept.
"It's fine Jaune... It will be okay." Shirou kept saying whilst patting his back.
0-0-0
"…"
"…"
Shirou together with Jaune had returned to their camp with the young blonde not saying a single word since they had got back.
The Faunus had eventually repacked their belongings and took there fallen with them as they continued on their journey, but not before giving there thanks to Jaune for his rescue. unfortunately, Jaune was in no state to give any word back or even acknowledge their thanks, with him being impassive and unmoving. Shirou had to tell them it was alright and wish them luck on their travels.
So, the group of Faunus moved on wanting to get their destination and bury their fallen comrade. Shirou was now having to keep a watchful eye on Jaune because of the traumatic experience he had just gone through.
'how did we get to this?' Shirou asked himself internally.
This small trip was just meant to be for Jaune to test his skills against strong Grimm that lived out in the wilds but instead, Shirou now had to deal with a kid who had just gone into shock after his first kill.
He was not good with these types of things being nurturing and supportive he was more for dry humor and smart talk, the kid needed someone... anyone better than him.
But he was all Jaune had out here at the moment and it was not good idea to just leave this and let burrow. No Shirou had to get Jaune to talk about it if just to make sure that he was going to make it through this.
"...kid?"
"..."
No response
'Goddamit this going to be harder than I would like.'
"Jaune... I know that you don't want to talk about what happened but you can't just leave it alone we have to discuss what happened and the sooner we get it done the better." Shirou told Jaune but this time his voice had some force behind it.
Jaune eyes glanced at Shirou before they shot back to the ground.
"..."
Shirou narrowed his eyes and Jaune began to bite his lip.
After a few seconds of awkward silence, Jaune started to shift his feet nervously.
"..."
Not being able to take the rising tension any more Jaune spoke in a quiet whisper like voice.
" I... k-killed someone... and I...I failed... I failed to protect someone."
Jaune nails dug into his palms and voice got louder as he spoke.
"How can I ever call myself a hero if can't even save one person."Shirou listened to Jaune as the kid expressed how he was feeling about the incident.
Shirou knew what was like to take a life and had not been easy for him the first time as well because of his dream of wanting to be a hero of justice. Thankfully Jaune was not him, no the kid was similar but their dreams were completely different. Shirou had wanted to be a hero of justice and save everyone not caring about himself which had led him here, he had stuck to his beliefs to the very end and he could never active them.
Jaune wanted to be a hero like he had heard from the stories told to him as a kid not just because he saw it as his duty coming from a line of powerful Hunters but because Jaune at his core just wanted to help people. That was the big difference Shirou had wanted to save everyone and eliminate the need for sacrifice. Jaune wanted to help people because he cared and as a sense of obligation.
Shirou had wanted to be in essence a superhero saving everyone because of a dream that was not really his. Jaune wanted to help the people who needed it and become a hero something that was much more possible. That what it was all down to in a sense but it was still too early to tell what will happen to Jaune, so all Shirou could do was at least keep him on the right path.
"But you did save the others from the bandits," Shirou told the kid his face not showing any emotion.
"But my actions still led to someone dying!... and then because I lost control I killed someone!" Jaune shouted his emotions running wild.
Crossing his arms and leaning forward. "Jaune maybe your actions killed that man..." Shirou said his voices unforgiving and Jaune flinched.
"...but your actions saved all the other back there, we don't know... if things had gone differently it could have been much worse and there could have been more than one innocent person dead tonight." Shirou sigh after he finished speaking and rubbed his forehead.
"What I'm trying to get through to you is you CAN'T save everyone."Shirou looked away for a brief moment. "Believe me, ok you just can't... no matter how hard you try."
"Then who did I save then?" The young boy asked his mentor desperately. He wanted to know what he was meant to do.
Shirou looked at Jaune dead in the eye. "You save the people who matter most to you, you save the people who need saving and you don't go trying to save the people causing sorrow for others."
"Then what did you do with those people who cause that sorrow then... just... kill them and let them die!"
Shirou didn't even blink. "Yes"
"What...?" Jaune breathed out as couldn't believe he just heard that from his teacher.
"Sometimes... you have to be willing to do what others are not in order to protect and save people, the people who wish to harm others for nothing but their own selfish interests are the people who can't be saved," Shirou explained
"That's... not what a hero does."Jaune tried to argue back.
"And what do you know about being a hero... all you have to go on are them old stories for children that glorify the idea of heroism. Having knights in shining armor come in kill the monster and save the people." Shirou was getting a bit angry at the naivety Jaune was showing.
"The stories you have are simplified versions of how the stories of heroes go, they are done to inspire people. No, unlike the stories heroes do not live happily ever after, they don't save everyone and sometimes they had to take lives to save others."
"A hero isn't just someone who wins, who saves the day. A hero is someone who does what other cannot at the expense of him or herself." With his peace said Shirou sighed to calm himself then added.
"That is why I think what you did was necessary action, doing what those other people back there could not... you saved them."
Jaune who been deathly quiet under Shirou's speech said timidly. "b-but I... killed someone."
"Did you enjoy it?" Shirou fired the question at him.
"NO OF COURSE NOT!" Jaune was angered that he would even think that.
"Good then remember that feeling."
Jaune looked confused
"Remember that feeling if you take another life remember the people you saved today, remember why you're doing all this is because you want to help others and remember your dream but don't let it control your life." Shirou stated before getting up to give Jaune some time to think about what was said.
Shirou hopes that he was doing the right thing he didn't want Jaune's ideals to betray him and leave him surrounded by corpses like him. But he had to have faith that the boy will turn out all right and be better than him.
0-0-0
Leaning against a tree waiting in what best can be described as the middle of nowhere was a now sixteen-year-old Jaune Arc. His short and scrawny frame was long gone he was now with a muscular build and was tall for his age being at about six feet. The bangs of his hair had started to lose their golden color and was now looking whiter. He had been told that his slight physical changes were the influence of the class card but he didn't see anything negative about it so he didn't mind.
He was wearing an outfit similar to his mentors which consisted of a black armored sleeveless shirt with black pants and metal planted boots with a red tattered cape attached to his waist. The outfit was given to him as a gift from Shirou for his birthday.
Speaking of his mentor he had made Jaune wait out in the middle of nowhere by a long dirt path road on the lookout. The whole reason they were out here was that they had gotten word of Bandits that had set up camp nearby. Shirou would deal with the camp and Jaune would take on any that made run for it.
It was one of the things Jaune kept on learning with Shirou for two years now and that was the world was not as peaceful as many would have you believe it is. Sure, people knew about Grimm attacks, the bandits, and the white fang but most people would pretend none of that existed while they were safe behind the kingdoms wall or a well-defended village. But if you out went out beyond them and their safety nets you would soon be faced with Grimm every couple hundreds of feet or murders and thief's that will try to rape, kill and steal from you.
His hand tightened into a fist as he thought about the people out there that would call for help but most of the time would be left unanswered. Sure, the councils would sometimes send help to the people outside their kingdoms but usually only to the ones that benefited their kingdoms such as for trading or ones that could be used as outposts. The other people and settlements as far they were concerned didn't matter as much saying that they ran the risks when they would not take up refuge within the kingdoms. They even sometimes stopped Hunters from helping even though they meant to be separate from the government but the Councils did have some control over the headmasters of the academies and control over the CCT so it was not uncommon at times for distress signals to have "technical difficulties" meaning what help did arrive was usually too late. All because it would make the Kingdoms look more secure and safe discouraging people from wanting to leave.
It made him feel sick to believe that the people in power who were put there to serve the needs of the people would be so corrupt. Jaune knew that after he had been shown all this that there was no way he could just go back to being ignorant he could not just look away while people suffered.
The people out here needed real help instead of relying on the corrupt officials, a wandering Huntsman, and even some time bandits. Yeah that's right sometimes the settlements out here would make deals with some bandit tribes so they would gain protection from the Grimm and the more cut-throat tribes in exchange for supplies and weapons it didn't seem very smart but when people are desperate they will do what they can to survive.
Jaune's attention was soon drawn to dirt path from what sounded like shouting.
"Hurry the fuck up I'm not dying because you're too slow!"
"I'm trying...who hell was that guy back there?"
"I don't know some type of Huntsman."
Hearing the shouts Jaune looked down the dirt path to see a group of about three men that looked to be running away from the direction of where the Bandit camp was meant to be.
Getting off from the tree Jaune looked and started to assess the escapees. There was nothing to write home about them, they looked like your typical low life trash that would steal and kill because they could. A snake tattoo was visible on all their forearms it was the mark of their little group calling them self's the Vipers. They had gotten their name from their leader who was apparently some kind of snake Faunus and they were restively new but their group had been causing a lot of pain for the people living nearby in the last few weeks. They didn't look like much of a threat most likely they had run scared as soon as Shirou showed up at their camp.
Jaune sighed to himself knowing what he will have to do and just closed his eyes before his lips moved saying something too quiet for anyone to hear. Then blue energy shot forth from his right hand and materialized three slender rapier-like swords holding them in between each finger.
Black keys weapons that can be used for both close range and as throwing knives with the ability to bind a person if stabbed into their shadow.
Jaune exhaled preparing himself for what he was about to do. Pumping some prana into his foot Jaune throttled forward kicking up a cloud of dust behind him. Within moments he was upon them and acted swiftly by smashing his foot in the chest of one of the bandits. The power of the kick was so great it sent the victim blasting into a nearby tree trunk.
The other two had stopped moving and were just looking at him with their eyes so wide that they were at risk of popping out of there sockets. Jaune was not one to let their shock to pass him by and instead threw on his Keys into the furthest one's shadow pinning him where he stood.
"Shit it's another huntsman"
"What the hell I can't move!"
The closest one charged at the blonde with his weapon drawn going for a strike as Jaune put his now two blacks in each hand. The man had finally got in close to Jaune and put all his weight down into his strike.
A loud sound of metal smacking against metal rang out to all as the man's attack was quickly parried and he was pushed back. Jaune now having an opening struck and plunge his other sword in his off-hand into the man's body killing him with minimal effort. Ignoring the man still pinned to shadow as he screamed Jaune turned to at bandit he had smashed into the tree only frown by seeing the man, up and running with a limp to treeline.
Tensing his left arm Jaune threw a black key and watched it sail through the air as it sought outs its target. The runner soon met their end as the sword darted into their back and they collapsed to the ground.
'One more left' he told himself as Jaune looked to the final bandit who eyes were darting around looking for some way to remove his statue-like state. Sadly, for him, the only way out would be for Jaune to remove the key binding him.
With the man not going anywhere, Jaune reluctantly made his way to him.
"PLEASE STOP!" The bandit was begging and Jaune was sure that if the key was not pinning him the man would be on his knees right now.
Jaune moved right in front of him and the man was starting to get hysterical saying he would do anything and that he would turn his life around. The man was like caged animal willing do and say anything if there was a chance of survival. Sadly, all his repenting would not bring back the people his gang had killed, the people whose food they stole and the fear they caused that had brought the Grimm to some villages ending more innocent lives.
Jaune eyes hardened into cold steel as he brought his sword up overhead and about bring It down until.
"PLEASE DON'T I'M SORRY!"
Jaunes hand wavered and shook.
Before his grip on the sword tightened.
"I'm sorry too." Jaune whispered back as his sword swung down ending the man's life.
Letting the swords dematerialize Jaune just closed his eyes and sighed. He didn't like killing he hated it but he could not let his emotions get the better of him. That had happened once before after his first kill Jaune had tried to never take another life again which led him to spare someone which had come back to haunt him later with the person he had spared had killed two innocent young girls. It had been his fault if he had just been stronger with his resolve they would not have died so Jaune needed to make sure he would not make that mistake again.
When he was a little kid Jaune just thought all, he would have to do as a hero was save people. Of course, he had never truly thought of what he would be saving people from. He most likely would have believed that he would be protecting people from monsters like the Grimm but in reality, people can be much more monstrous than the Grimm it seemed.
'maybe this is just-'
*Dodge!*
Jaune's eyes snapped open as his instincts screamed at him to move so he leaped without any hesitation and in corner of his eyes, he caught a flash of crimson.
*SLASH*
Hastily repositioning himself a few feet away Jaune stared at his attacker.
Wearing high heel black boots with black legging immediately told him the gender of his assailant. Moving up she had a short skirt with what looked like some type of dust sheath attached to her belt. The woman was sporting a red and black shallow cut dress with a pair matching red gauntlets. In her hands was a red three-foot single bladed Odachi. Her face was concealed under an intimidating four-eyed Grimm like looking mask. The only defining trait about her physical that he could make out was the raven black hair that was majestically blowing the wind.
The masked woman readied her weapon into a fighting stance.
The look in Jaunes eyes turned to steel It was easy to tell that woman was dangerous so he needed to be on his guard. He had no clue as to way she was attacking him but she didn't look like she was about to let him know anyway.
Tensing his muscles to prepare himself for approaching clash all Jaune could think of at the moment was one simple thing.
'Curse my shitty luck!'
0-0-0
End
Their boom Raven has made an appearance what could she be doing found next time if I keep on going.
Jaune's outfit is Emiya's second ascension outfit from FGO and the red cape is the same as Blackened Emiya's from the Fate Grand order movie. I just like the tattered cape I can give him a new outfit later on if you guys want.
I'm not sure if my writing style is any good hell I don't think I have a style. Anyway, there should be no more time skips now at least I have none planed. Let me know if there is any way for me to improve my fights since I would like the clash between Jaune and Raven to be much better in the next chapter.
Let me know if this any good and if I should keep this up.
Now to explain some things
First, the catastrophe if you some of you know what happens later in Fate grand order story you might know what this could be about. Anyway, the planet is fucked with both Gaia and Alaya being now incredibly weak.
Alaya is desperate and is grasping at straws to resolve things so she sends her last and best agent out to help train Jaune so he will be ready for a contract with her. She's willing to risk it if she could possibly get another powerful agent like Shirou working for her.
Obviously, Shirou is trying to make sure that never happens and make Jaune into something better or at least won't end up like him.
The class card was given to Shirou be Alaya to help give Jaune power as well as to speed up Jaune's progression when came to his fighting. It could be seen as Alaya making an investment in him by giving him the power from the card.
The bit about Jaune killing someone was well... how I see it is Jaune has grown up only being told about stories of heroes so he wants to be one. The problem is that most stories you tell to kids leave out the darker details like for example when I was a kid I just thought King Arthur was just some guy that pulled out a sword became king, slayed monsters and the such. But when I found out the whole story when I got older I thought wow that much darker then I was told. Anyway, I think that if Jaune wants to be like a hero he will need to willing to take the burden of taking a life just like many heroes before him because I can't think of many heroic tales where the hero didn't need to kill someone.
What else is there oh yeah!
The bit about Prana can be seen as just aura I could go into another time in a different chapter. I mostly put it there just for Shirou to mess with Jaune a bit.
Thanks to:
BlitzNeutral69, Thedarkness1996, Trzn, Howler66, Goose Attack, Kharn, ENDDRAGON369, X3runner, mx2432, Rionline, warrior of six blades, Neema Amiry, Midnight49, Ultimate Kuuga, Nerf585, The Rupture
For the reviews
Big thanks to Lord Rikudou for his help with throwing his ideas at me with his world building it helps.
Anyway, I'm going back to FGO to save up quartz for Jeanne alter. Are there any servants you guy are waiting for to roll on? My luck is really wired on the game I get nothing on the 10 roll except the one time I got Mordred. But when I use the goddamn tickets I get waver, Jeanne and best fox girl Tamamo. -_-
Anyway, see you next time maybe.
