Disclaimer: The following is a not for profit fan based fiction. The RWBY universe is the property of the late Monty Oum and RoosterTeeth. Please respect and support the original work.
Chapter 10: Fright Night
It was well into the night and Jaune couldn't stay asleep. He was able to get a few hours of sleep before his dreams turned darker, waking him up in a cold sweat. He knew what was bothering him. The tomb he was sleeping on top of, more specifically the people entombed. Maybe it was superstition or some sort of respect for the dead that made him feel this way. It just made him feel uncomfortable. Of course add the possibility that some of those skeletons could be distant ancestors piled on a whole other layer of unease. There were more 'issues' about this situation that made it hard for him, but he didn't want to think about the harder truths of this situation. The barks, growls and howls of the Beowulves far below didn't help either.
He closed his eyes one more time. Taking a long, deep inhale holding it before slowly exhaling. Once his lungs were empty he repeated the long inhale and the slow exhale. It was a meditation technique he picked up from Ren. It wasn't always successful but it was worth a try.
"Having trouble sleeping?" a voice whispered close by.
"Yeah, you?" Jaune heard the ruffle of the sleeping bag next to him then contact against his side. Opening his eyes Jaune could see the sleepy green eyes looking at him. With her foam mattress and sleeping bag now besides Jaune she cuddled against him. Bring an arm out, Jaune slid it under Pyrrha's head then wrapping it around her shoulder to pull her closer. A pleased smile came to Pyrrha's lips at she shifted to rest her head atop of Jaune's chest. Once done moving around both let out a pleased sigh from the contact.
"There is this rock that keeps poking me through the foam sleeping pad. I decided to complain about it to the person who decided to set up the tent over the top of it."
"Sorry."
"No you're not, you planned this. You put me on this side of the tent just to have me to scooch over, closer to you, to get comfortable." Pyrrha pressed herself against Jaune to make a point, both shared a quiet laugh at her accusation.
"You're welcome, I'm an evil mastermind," Jaune smiled as he looked at the cascade of red hair resting on top of his chest. He relaxed to rest his head back on his pillow, looking up at the ceiling of the dome tent.
Pyrrha closed her eyes again listening to the soothing tempo of Jaune's breathing and heartbeat. "You have a strong heart."
"You've mentioned that a couple of times," Jaune whispered back. The deep silence between them lingered as Jaune now comforted by Pyrrha's presence again tried to return to the realm of dreams.
"And your heart weeps at what we found in the Great Hall," Jaune stayed silent. Pyrrha knew her partner wore his feelings and thoughts on his sleeves. It was no mystery to her why Jaune was having trouble sleeping. She was disturbed by what she had seen, especially after Jaune explained his theory on how the pervious residents of Wulfstrum Keep had died. It was sad and depressing. She gained merely a little comfort knowing that their final act was taken out of desperation to spare their loved ones from pain and suffering.
Pyrrha didn't know fully what Jaune was feeling or thinking, but she knew Jaune valued the lives of his friends and family dearly. As he had gotten better in combat he had taken upon himself to be the one on the frontline. Putting himself in harm's way for the survival of his team. Unbelievably stubborn in keeping his adopted role as the team's 'damage sponge' when they suggested he try a different role. It was a good thing Jaune had such a massive aura or else he would have failed in his effort to shield his team from harm. This action of self-sacrifice was his way of telling everyone he truly cared about them.
The only other people Pyrrha knew Jaune deeply cared about was his family. When he mentioned his family members he spoke as if they were the most precious thing in the world to him. Especially his seven sisters. He didn't go into too much detail, only a few hilarious childhood stories, but the impression was Jaune loved his family very much.
Even when it came to strangers or faceless person in a crowd, Jaune cared about their safety. Living up to his mother's motto that 'strangers are just friends you haven't met yet', made Jaune one of the most caring people Pyrrha had ever met.
After coming to a conclusion on how the people had died in the Wulfstrum Keep he undoubtedly asked himself, 'what would I have done in the same situation?' Having to intentionally kill someone he loved to prevent or end their suffering was something that could destroy Jaune. Possibly even drive himself into a deep depression. Despite having such a strong resolution in sacrificing himself, he could not bear to stand idly when someone else was in that position. They were very similar in that respect Pyrrha thought.
After the 'Calamity' Pyrrha learned that Jaune didn't believe in fate or destiny. A predetermined life and death ordained by Monty was something Jaune adamantly disagreed with. While their creator could possibly see the future, he did not control their actions for his own design. It was his creation's decision, a person's free will that determined what future they would have [1]. The discussion turned into an argument of conflicting views. Nora ended that philosophical dinner table battle with a maple syrup induced rant on alternate realities, the multi-verse theory and mirror dimensions. Nora is no longer allowed to read any of Jaune's more 'intellectual' comic books.
So for Jaune to see a parent poison their own child to prevent them from suffering a worse fate. -He couldn't accept that as a choice-, hope could ever be extinguished. There was always another option. Plus he was really stubborn. He would bite, and claw, and crawl, and struggle to find another way. He believed the future is what you make it. Pyrrha feared the day when Jaune would confront an impossible situation.
"Yes, it does," Jaune finally answered Pyrrha's statement of his weeping heart. "Suffering…The suffering of others just… it gets to me. I see suffering and I just want to make a difference, to make it stop."
"Is that why you followed me to the balcony at the dance last year?" Pyrrha shifted the discussion. Hoping the fond memory would put Jaune in a better mood.
"Yeah," Jaune acknowledged with a smile, "among other things." Pyrrha's smiled as she successfully got her partner's mind off the day's events. They had many happy memories since that day, but the dance was something that had yet to be out ranked when it came to 'good times'. For some reason he still had that dress in his closet. Maybe she could get him to wear it again sometime?
Pyrrha could feel Jaune's breathing and heart beat begin to slow as sleep was returning to her partner. She enjoyed snuggling against Jaune. He was always so comfortable. Back when he was a little squishy with not a whole lot of muscle to the current well-toned and fit Jaune she now snuggled up against. She supposed it was another one of those qualities accredited to living and growing up with seven sisters. What was even better was that Jaune didn't snore or move around too much while he slept. He would mumble sometimes, but for a sleeping buddy Jaune was ideal. Check that off the husband requirements list. The thought brought a small blush to Pyrrha's cheeks as she closed her own eyes, hoping for pleasant dreams.
"UP, UP Everyone UP!" Pyrrha's eyes shot wide open. Jaune patted her on the shoulder before slowly sitting up holding her. Pyrrha hastily unzipped her sleeping bag, picked up Milo and Akouo before exiting the tent. Jaune reached over to shake Nora awake before rushing outside with Crocea Mors.
"What's going on? What's going on?" Nora bolted up right looking around.
"Don't know! Ren's on watch, come on!" Jaune called back as he looked around. The adrenaline was already pumping through Jaune's system as he drew his sword and deployed his shield as he made his way over to Ren and Pyrrha. Team RWBY soon appeared with the same serious expressions on their faces as Jaune.
Being roused from their sleep from an alarm was nothing new, but usually they had a little time to get dressed. On this occasion they didn't have the opportunity. Showing up at the muster area armed with their weapons, wearing only their pajamas and footwear.
Granted they packed lite for their journey, so their 'pajamas' mostly consisted of a short sleeved tee-shirts with either sport shorts or some form of underwear. Everyone in this sort of situation had learned to ignore their neighbor's state of undress and try their best to wear something modest so they weren't embarrassed. There always ran the risk of someone decided to take pictures for blackmail, paparazzi or other reasons.
However, Yang with her small bright yellow sports bra and tight pink bikini bottom was loudly demanding attention; damn exhibitionist.
Nora was the last one to show. Hopping towards the group trying to get her left boot tied.
"What's going on?" Ruby asked in a crisp alert tone. Falling in with the others in a defensive circle.
"Quiet and listen," Ren said, everyone frozen straining their hearing into the silence.
"I don't hear anything," Yang whispered.
"That's it," Ren softly answered, "I don't hear anything. The Beowulves are quiet, they've been grumbling and making small noises all night. Then it just suddenly stopped. Then I heard something."
"What?" Weiss asked pointing the tip of Myrtenaster into the black night, eyes scanning for any movement.
"It sounded like fingernails drumming on concrete or stone. Really quick, and continuous. I don't know what it was I thou - "
"SH!" Blake commanded, "I hear something." Everyone glanced over to see Blake's cat ears free of their bow tilt and rotate as she tried to locate the sound. Her yellow eyes in the low light glowed as she looking into the dark. Everyone kept their eyes open looking around occasionally looking over at Blake to any hits to where the threat might be.
"I hear it too," Ruby whispered shifting Crescent Rose to point towards the sound. The group shifted nervously as they all began to hear the sound. It was as Ren described. Like Professor Goodwitch drumming her fingers on her desk as she formulated a particular scorching scolding. However, it didn't sound like five fingers, not even ten. It was continuous drumming, there was no pause. Almost like a military vehicle with deep treaded mud tires going down a cobble street. There was a soft clicking noise too.
"What the hell is that? Blake?"
"I hear it, but I can't find it."
"Nora," Jaune turned to the Valkyrie, "Do you have any flare rounds?"
"I've got a couple," without the command Jaune heard the clicks and thump of Nora loading a flare round into Magnhild. "Alright, it's going to get bright in three…two…one…"*BOOMP*. Everyone shielded their eyes as a red comet flew upward. At the apex of its flight it released a burst of light then hovered in midair, illuminating the top of the plateau.
"What the fuck is that?" Jaune said wide eyed. Nobody chastised him for his language because they all thought the same exact thing. It was an old wives' tale that some Grimm were born from one's nightmares. Whoever dreamed this one up must of had one hell of a night.
It had an elongated body the shape of a giant centipede. Bone white segmented exoskeleton, at most 10 yards long and one yard high. At each segment a pair of short sword like legs propelling its movement. At the front was a squat torso, almost similar to a praying mantis, standing vertically about five feet high. Two arms folded against the torso with long white scythe like blades.
The head was shaped similar to that of an ant's, but it had no eyes. The standard Grimm mask was blank white without any of the typical red markings or glowing crimson eye sockets. Sprouting out of the top of its head were two long red insect antenna that twitched and moved feeling the air. The mouth was particularly gruesome. On either side serrated pinchers flex in and out around a mouth filled with long sharp teeth.
"Weiss, what is that?" Yang asked not taking her eyes off the creature.
"What makes you think I know?"
"Because you're the teacher's pet always paying attention, taking good notes and actually learning."
"Well, sorry they haven't covered this one in class yet."
"Don't you read ahead?"
"Yes, but I only a chapter at a time."
"girls."
"Well, you're falling behind in your duties as Miss-Know-It-All."
"Girls."
"Since when was that my job?"
"Girls!"
"Since the first day you arrived at Beacon and started lecturing my little sist-"
"GIRLS!"
"What?" Weiss and Yang yelled together at Ren.
"It's looking right at us." Sure enough the unidentified Grimm had its head pointed directly at them. The red antenna on top of its head rapidly flicking back and forth. Its mouth and pinchers twitching with excitement.
"Jaune I don't think it can see," Ren observed. Even without eye sight the Grimm still 'stared' in their direction. Its arms slowly beginning to unfold. The scythe like blades on the arms looking particularly horrifying in the red light from the flare overhead.
"Pyrrha, head shot," Jaune commanded. Without hesitation Pyrrha shifted Milo into its rifle mode. Pressing the stock against her shoulder, looking down the iron sights. *BANG!*
The sound of the shot rung in all of their ears as they watched the Grimm's head snap backwards.
"*SSCCRREEEEECCCHH!*" Everyone jumped back when the Grimm suddenly cried out. The head snapped back up to 'stare' at them. Only a scuff mark appeared in the middle of the head from Pyrrha's bullet. Its arms spread displaying its blades, its mouth wide displaying rows of sharp teeth in a display of aggression.
"SHOOT IT!" Everyone opened fire in a blaze of bright flashes. The Grimm miraculously dodged to the side and charged. Without a second thought Jaune stepped forward, shield first as the Grimm sliced horizontally with one of its bladed arms. The force of the strike jolted Jaune's shield arm as the entire mass of the creature was behind the attack. Jaune's eyes went wide as the Grimm's opposite arm came in faster than anticipated. Leaning to the side the blade whistled past and so did the Grimm.
With speed that nobody had expected, the Grimm whipped around the group in rapid hit and run attacks. Its reaction time was remarkable. Able to dodge any long range attacks as if it was precognitive. After thirty second of being on the defensive the young adults renewed their attack.
"Ruby on my six!" Jaune ordered. In a gutsy move Jaune stepped into the Grimm's path. Crouching low Jaune drove forward using his shield as a wedge to get the Grimm on top of the shield. Plowing forward Jaune stood up making the Grimm go up and over the top of him. The Grimm focused on the human beneath them tried to stab it with its sword like legs. It didn't notice as it went over it unwittingly crossed directly into Ruby's scythe.
*SLICE* "*SCREECCHH!*"
The torso of the Grimm was decapitate from the centipede body. Both writhed on the ground wildly before going still. The body stayed a few moments longer before evaporating slowly into the black night.
"That," Yang took a few deep breaths, "was freaky."
"What the hell kind of Grimm was that?" Blake asked sheathing her blade. The group looked around warily, the red flare above still cast everything in a crimson glow.
"Haven't a clue," Nora said with a shake of her head. "Wait," everyone paused to look at Nora. "If that means we discovered a new type of Grimm. *GASP!* Do we get to name it?! Oh, oh, oh, how about 'Deathscythe' because it was buggy like a 'Deathstalker' but it had blades for arms. Or, or 'Centiblade' because all those scary legs look like a bunch of swords. Maybe 'Screecher', because it was all 'screechy' sounding."
"Nora, shhhhh…" Pyrrha hushed.
"What? What is it?" Nora asked
"Shhhhh…" Everyone went quiet. "The Beowulves are still quiet." The statement returned a sense of dread to the group.
"Everyone back to camp," Ruby hastily said walking in that direction. "Keep your eyes open, arm yourselves with some headlamps. Jaune get the lanterns up and lit, AND Yang get some Bless'd Monty Clothes On!"
The silence was very unsettling. There were Grimm that liked to use ambush tactics, staying quiet then pouncing on their prey. However, most Grimm team RWBY and JNPR have fought so far were loud, aggressive, up front and none too subtle. A quiet and fast Grimm was something they hadn't encountered. Everyone now armed with a light and all the lanterns turned on they stood around the camp looking for any signs of movement.
"Nora you want to give us another flare?" Ren asked politely. Nora gave a nod, loading in another flare.
"Okay, going to be bright in three…two…one…" *BOOMP*
"I just don't get something," Yang said aloud. "Where did that Grimm come from? I mean we're pretty sure it didn't climb the sides of the plateau and we've been up here all day and haven't seen it. Also, for that matter it could be alone."
"*SCREEEECCCHHH! SCREECH! SCREEEECH! SSSCCCRRREEECCCHHH! SCREEEEECH! SCREEEECCCHHH! SCREECH! SCREEEECH! SSSCCCRRREEECCCHHH! SCREEEEECH! SCREEEECCCHHH! SCREECH! SCREEEECH! SSSCCCRRREEECCCHHH! SCREEEEECH! Eh-ehm, tut-tut, Le Scrêéchã. SCREEEECCCHHH! SCREECH! SCREEEECH! SSSCCCRRREEECCCHHH! SCREEEEECH!*"
"Okay, not alone," Yang gulped.
"But where are they coming from?" Blake asked. "They're too big to just crawl out from under a rock."
"Here they come!" Nora gleefully readied her hammer as more Grimm came into the light.
Chaos ensued.
The young hunters and huntresses tried to stay in a defensive circle around the camp, but were soon scattered by the overwhelming numbers of this new type of Grimm. Despite being small, their bone white carapace was tough enough to deflect most of their projectile.
Pyrrha, Blake and Ren's dust round didn't have the stopping or penetration power to do anything but annoy the Grimm. Yang's concussive blasts could disorient their enemy at a distance, but had to be close to cause enough damage to put one down. Ruby and Nora were the only ones successful at hitting their enemy from long range. If they hit anything at all. In a close quarters confrontations everyone had varying degrees of success in defeating the Grimm. However, their training kicked in looking and exploiting weaknesses in their impressive armored carapace.
The incredible reaction time these Grimm had in avoiding their attacks was very frustrating. To make a successful kill they would have to team up on one. The creatures didn't seem to have to capacity to multi-task, only able to focus on one objective at a time. If two of them worked together to strike from different directions simultaneously they could score a kill. Even then this strategy didn't always work. Fighting in the semi-dark and the speed the Grimm moved sometimes caused them to misjudge the distance, miss their target or miscommunicate the timing. Through trial and error the young adults developed a strategy that worked.
Weiss had become skilled with many different types of glyphs. Several of which she categorized as 'traps'. However this type of Grimm navigated they could not detect Weiss's glyphs. Blindly running into them if placed directly in their path. Using this to their advantage everyone congregated around Weiss. They would 'corral' one of the Grimm towards her where she would hold them with a 'trap' glyph. There were different types of 'trap' glyphs. Some behaving like an automated land mine while others Weiss had to consciously activate and hold target immobile. Having an affinity for ice dust Weiss preferred to set 'ice traps', freezing the Grimm in place long enough for one of her companions to dispatch the foul creature.
Despite this efficient technique the Grimm kept coming. Jaune and Ruby watched as the aura levels of their respective teams slowly diminish. The extended exertion of using their aura to enhance their movement to keep up this the faster Grimm were draining them quickly.
"We need to find a way to finish this quickly," Jaune yelled to no one in particular.
"I think they are coming from the inside the plateau!" Ren answered while kicking one of the Grimm in the head then back flip away.
"I'll go block the tunnel entrance with the stone I moved earlier," Pyrrha called out. With a quick spin she disengaged from the melee heading for the entrance.
"Wait! Pyrrha, shit-" Jaune tried to follow, but three Grimm quickly closed the hole that that Pyrrha went through. Jaune was pushed back towards the others as he desperately tried to follow his partner. "Pyrrha ran off on her own to block the tunnel entrance," Jaune informed the others.
"Yang, Nora make a hole. Weiss follow close, trap any you can. Everyone else follow, clean up, watch the flanks and rear," Ruby ordered. Despite the urge to rush to their isolated teammate's aid, the Grimm seemed to sense their intentions. Congregating en masse to put up stubborn resistance to their progress. While the Grimm fell to the determination, skill and strength of the hunters, they group of young adults started to worry as their offensive was taking longer than anticipated.
"This is getting really annoying!" Yang complained as she paused to reload her gauntlets for a fourth time that night. The Grimm's numbers had been decreasing as they pushed forward, even now they could count how many were left. The fewer numbers however did not discourage the Grimm to halt their assault. In fact it seemed to send them into a frenzy. While making progress the hunters were more on the defensive as the Grimm continued to hammer them in rapid hit and run attacks.
Weiss was very low on aura and could not risk casting anymore glyphs without compromising her defense. If one of the Grimm was quick enough to land a blow Weiss could be in serious trouble. Nora had resorted to only using melee attacks with her war hammer as she was running low on grenades. Having to wield the massive weapon without the momentum assist of firing off a grenade. Ren, while still doing well, was approaching his limit. The emerald martial artist knew his weakness was stamina and limited aura reserves. He had learned to be economical in his attacks and how to efficiently spend his energy so he could engage in a prolonged engagement. Despite this he was having to use a little more aura in his blocks and parries which were quickly draining him.
Jaune and Ruby were probably in the best shape out of everyone. Ruby's semblance allowed her to quickly dodge attacks so she did not have to waste aura on her defense. Defense for Jaune was his bread and butter as Pyrrha's training had made him a road block capable of stopping a freight truck. While taking the majority of the Grimm's attacks his large aura reserve and shield allowed him to shrug it off and continue moving forward.
Jaune continued to glance at his scroll showing all his teammate's aura levels. He paid special attention to Pyrrha's as it was the only information that gave him an indication on how or what she was doing. He hated it when she ran off like this. It was one of those noble flaws that made Pyrrha, and so many hunters/huntresses special. The uncontrollable desire to dive head first into a horde of Grimm to make a difference, to protect the innocent, to defeat evil. Knowing that charging in could cost them their lives. Jaune wouldn't have Pyrrha any other way, except maybe a little more restrained in following her instinct to charge into dangerous situations.
"Four more to go!" Nora cheered happily after a crunchy-squish dispatched number five.
"Make it three!" Yang answered back as she ducked down avoiding a horizontal slash from a Grimm. Channelling her aura she stepped forward then propelled herself upward with a devastating uppercut that knocked the Grimm's head clean off. "Yea I'm awesome!"
"My turn," Ruby declared. Twirling Crescent Rose around her is a flurry of movement she shot forward at blinding speeds towards her intended target. The Grimm was quick enough to dodge the spear tip at the bottom of Crescent Rose's shaft that Ruby lead with, only to meet the razor sharp scythe blade a milli-second later. "Two left."
"Someone! Help!"
"You blond doofus," Weiss muttered before rushing over to help Jaune. He had the Grimm in a bear hug around the torso. Spreading and planting his feet as he struggled to keep it restrained. The Grimm was flailing about wildly trying to bite or cut Jaune. Jaune froze when he felt something rush past his ear then a Grimm went slack. Shifting his head to the saw he saw the thin silver blade of Myrtenaster hairs away from his ear, piecing through the Grimm's mouth and out of the top of its head.
"That was kind of close," Jaune whimpered as Weiss withdrew her blade. Swishing it downward to clean it of Grimm goo.
"Hmph," Weiss huffed before walking away. Jaune looked around noticing Ren was facing the last Grimm by himself. Jaune was about to rush to his aid when a few quick moves Ren brought Stromflower up into a defensive Gun Kata form. It a quick series of moves Ren used the momentum from firing Stormflower to block the quick strikes from the Grimm. When its head suddenly darted forward to bite at him, Ren swiftly did a cross sweep that decapitated the Grimm. In a very suave move Ren turned his back to the Grimm flicking his wrists to return Stromflower to its hidden holsters up his sleeves walking away as the Grimm crumpled to the ground.
"Show off," Jaune muttered under his breath. Despite the relative stillness around them he still hear the sounds of combat in the distance. The unmistakable ring of steal being hit along with a few cracks of gun fire.
"PYRRHA!" The group realizing that the fight wasn't over rushed towards the noise.
"Looks like Pyrrha triggered the boss fight," Nora said wide-eyed. In front of them the invincible girl bobbled, weaved and hurled herself out of the way of the massive Grimm she was fighting. Rather trying not to get killed instead of fighting it.
"That's a big Deathscythe," Ruby muttered running ahead. Unlike the rest they had fought this one had to be about 17 yards long. Its centipede body standing about five feet high with the top of head towering over everyone at 3 yards tall. Instead of just two arms it had four. Each one had the long curved blade resembling a scythe as per it's now assumed name. Like its smaller brothers or sisters it was quick, deadly quick. Pyrrha was constantly on the defensive having no time to counter or strategize under the relentless battering.
"Nora, Yang attack the tail, everyone else find an avenue of attack," Jaune ordered rushing to help his partner. Just in time too. As she was recovering from one strike the strength of the blow forced her to spin, exposing her back.
*CLANG*
"Come on Pyrrha," Jaune grunted pushing back the Deathsycthe's blade. "Now is not the time to be slacking off."
"What took you so long?" Pyrrha snapped back, but taking a deep breath of relief now that her cavalry had arrived.
"What made you think it was a good idea to run off on your own?" Jaune shot back deflecting another blow.
"I thought you were right behind me," Pyrrha used as her excuse.
"I'm your partner, not physic," Jaune growled back.
"I told you I was heading for the tunnel entrance."
"And I told you to wait!"
"The lovers quarry is nice and all, but can we kill this thing first?" Weiss shouted in frustration.
Jaune paused to survey his surroundings. The Deathscythe was circling him and Pyrrha as it attacked, keeping the rest of its body on the move so the others couldn't attack it. Nora held her hammer over her head chasing the Grimm's centipede body angrily shouting. "Get back here you fiend! Don't run away from me! Get what's comin' to ya'."
Ruby was taking pot shots at the Grimm with her sniper rifle, but had no effect as she looked for its weakness. Ren and Blake were off to the side analyzing the situation. Filling the role as ninja/assassin they were looking for that opening where they could deliver a critical hit. Weiss was too low on aura to cast any more glyphs so she stayed back giving people warnings or ideas.
"Pyrrha, Shuffle," with little more than a glance Jaune and Pyrrha exchanged weapons. Pyrrha taking Crocea Mors in exchange for Akouo. Jaune's moves, with the two shields, became fully defensive. Blocking all the incoming attacks. Pyrrha shifted Milo into its sword form. Spinning Crocea Mors in her other hand to re-familiarize herself with its weight before settling into a dual-wielded stance.
It was one of Jaune's more unconventional ideas one day during team practice, however afterwards it made perfect sense. Being able to wield your teammate's weapon was beneficial in that it provided a better understanding how they fought. Thus they now cooperated better in a battle.
One of the inadvertent 'strategies' that came from this was for them to switch weapons. Nora missed smashing things with Magnhild, but now had a new appreciation for 'slicy-slicy' weapons. Ren was most adamantly oppose to someone else wielding Stormflower. Though he did now like to wield a sword and pistol combo.
"We need a plan!" Jaune shouted to anyone who was listening. While Jaune was focusing on defense, Pyrrha was able to sprint forward to slice at the Deathscythe. Her strikes did little, but scratch the hard carapace armor before having to jump behind Jaune's defenses. Nobody else was doing anything to remotely make a difference.
Ruby brought her eye way from her scope to look at the lack of progress. Looking at her team's aura stats they were all still holding at about 50 percent, except Weiss who was about 10. Right now what would turn the tide of this battle would be a dust mage's ability. Blake did carry around her dust infused rounds, but she didn't grab them when the alarm was raised. Maybe…
"Weiss how much ice dust do you have left?" Ruby asked an idea forming in her mind.
"Enough, more at the camp, why?" Weiss answered. Ruby watched how Jaune and Pyrrha were working together, perfectly in sync with each other. Pyrrha stepping forward to slash at the Deathscythe, then Jaune dashing in front of her to block the Grimm's blades. Pyrrha with Jaune's sword, Jaune with Pyrrha's shield.
"How hard is it to learn that 'freeze thrust' you do with Myrtenaster?"
"Ruby, you're not thinking-"
"Look, we need someone to freeze some part of that Grimm in order to get some decent hit on it. I'm the fastest one here. I use my semblance to close the distance. Guaranteeing the attack will hit. So is it something I can pull off?"
"You just don't pick up dust wielding and expect to be a master of it the first try. You'll probably freeze yourself into an ice block!" Weiss looked at the determination in Ruby's eyes and knew there was no arguing with her. Giving a brief glance at the current impasse in the battle with the Grimm. She couldn't give a different suggestion. "Okay listen carefully so you don't kill yourself…"
Jaune's arms were numb, but somehow they still reliably followed his commands. Both he and Pyrrha were breathing heavily and he knew if they survived this they would both be very sore in the morning.
*CLANG*
He blocked another slash for the Deathscythe expecting to see Pyrrha dart around him to strike at it. But her red flowing hair didn't make an appearance.
"Pyrrha?" Jaune did a quick glanced behind him to see she was kneeling breathing heavily. Looking at the way she was trembling…
"I'm sorry Jaune, but my tank's empty," she said between large gulps of air.
"BALLS!" *CLANG!* Jaune raised his shield just in time to block the blade he say coming right for his head in his peripheral vision. He stood his ground as the Deathscythe brought its blade down again. Jaune felt the blade slide off his shield to strike the stone floor. Taking a glance at his scroll inside his shield he saw Pyrrha's aura was almost depleted. She must have been using it to boost her speed. After fighting this long she had finally run out of stamina.
The Grimm sensing the weakened state of one of its prey increased the ferocity of its attacks. Its arms in constant blur of motion, hammering away at the annoying stubborn one. It could taste panic. It could smell the fear. Everything was delicious. They will die soon. Their flesh hard earned will be like ambrosia.
Jaune's mission now; to standing his ground. To defend Pyrrha or somehow get them both out of this thing's clutches. He went into a trance eyes glazed over and his body instinctively moving on his own. He had learned that using his shield to block and stop an attack was ineffective. If he did that he would spend too much energy and possibly be pushed from his spot guarding Pyrrha from the Grimm. It was better to deflect the strike. Angling his shield then pushing the offensive away. If he was wielding Crocea Mors he would then counter. However, the Deathscythe had four limbs. Each with a deathly sharp scythe blade. Four blades Jaune had to defend against.
"I'm sorry Jaune," Pyrrha meekly.
"What. Did I tell you. About saying that?" Jaune angrily grunted out.
"I say it too much," Pyrrha recalled.
"Yes, you do. And the second part?"
"Bad things happen when I say I-"
"Don't say it!" Jaune exclaimed. "The only times you say 'that'. And some good comes of it is wh-"
"BANZAI!" Both Pyrrha and Jaune jumped in surprise when red comet of rose petals suddenly hurdled over their heads. Arm fully extended lunging forward with a silver rapier leading the way. The Deathscythe paused at the sudden appearance of this new prey, giving Ruby all the time she needed.
When the point of Myrtenaster touched the Deathscythe Ruby sent a pulse of her aura straight through the blade, activating the dust stored in the reservoir. Blue ice crystals burst from the point of contact where the torso transitioned in to the centipede body. Spreading up the torso and down the centipede body rapidly.
"*SSCCCREEEECCCHHHH!*" The Deathscythe let out a blood curdling cry of pain as the ice dust pierced through its armored defenses. Freezing its insides solid. In rage, it brought all four blades down at the same time upon the prey that had caused it so much pain.
Ruby startled by the ear piecing cry halted her attack jumping back to see four massive blades descending upon her. Pathetically she raised the thin rapier up to block the oncoming bombardment, closing her eyes and hoping for the best.
*CL-CL-CL-CLANGGgGgGgGgGgggg!**(ringing metal sound)*
Ruby registered the sound of the blades hitting metal, but did not feel the force behind them. Opening her eyes she saw Jaune standing over her. His and Pyrrha's shields above his head pressed down on his shoulders.
"FIRE DUST!" Jaune shouted, jolting Ruby out of sigh of relief. Spinning the revolving chamber to the red cylinder she pulled the trigger releasing it into the activation reservoir.
"HAI!" Ruby planted her left foot, extending it as far as possible to propel herself forward. She bent her right leg at a ninety degree angle she planted it in front of her to keep her balance. Leaning her torso forward to get the maximum amount of reach she thrust the dust rapier forward. The blade hot with fire dust melted through the frozen chunk of Deathsycthe. Ruby sent a burst of aura through the blade to activate the fire dust.
"Weiss will be so impressed that I did a perfect fencing thrust. I bet she's watching me right now, full of pride that I'm her partn…"
"YOU IDIOT!"
*KA-BOOM!*
"Okay maybe not," Ruby's thoughts were halted by a loud and powerful explosion that sent her, Jaune and Pyrrha flying backwards. Tumbling end over end she let go of Myrtenaster to curl into a ball arms protecting her head. Felt herself bounce a couple of times off the stone ground before coming to a stop on top of something a little softer.
"owe," Ruby let out with groan.
"Ditto," the soft thing she was laying on said in agreement. Propping herself up she looked down to see she was lying on top of Pyrrha. Rolling over to the side so she wasn't laying on top of her friend Ruby let out an exhausted sigh.
"Ruby, what were you thinking!? Ice and Fire dust behave completely differently. It's a miracle that Myrtenaster didn't blow up in your hand. With fire dust you only need to coax it with a little aura to activate it. AND, if you activated it while…"
"Weiss," Jaune's voice came from Ruby's left somewhere, "is it dead?"
"Uhm…" Weiss looked over to where there was now a smoking filled crater. "I'm pretty sure it is."
"…die,*thwack* hahahaha *thwack* die *thwack* die *thwack* die *thwack*…"
"What's all that noise?" Pyrrha winced as she sat up, blinking a few times to clear her blurry vision.
"It appears Nora is playing 'whack-a-mole' with the dead Deathscythe."
"IT'S NOT DEAD YET!" Nora called out, "its legs are still twitching and stuff!" *thwack, crunch, thwack*
"Nora I think it's dead," Ren deadpanned. Looking at the mutilated centipede body that still did occasionally twitch.
"Let me just check." *Crunch, Thwack, Thwack* "Okay." *Thwack* "Just to make sure."
"And they say I go overboard," Yang chuckled watching Nora giving the Grimm's body a few more kicks to make sure it was starting to evaporate before walking away.
"You do go overboard," Blake reminded her. The eight young adults slowly regrouped, some leaning on others exhausted from the battle. Trading small jokes and trying to bring an uplifting mood from the terror they faced. They exchanged small thanks for protecting each other's backs during the fight, all responded with a 'no problem' or 'it's what friends are for'. In the back of the group Jaune and Pyrrha leaned on each other as they made their way back to camp.
"So," Pyrrha said leaning into Jaune a little harder. "Back before Ruby came in and saved us. You were saying something about my… 'apologetic nature'."
"Uhm… I don't quite…" Jaune didn't like critiquing his partner's habits.
"Here let me remind you. You were saying that the only time I say 'I'm sorry' and something good comes after is when?"
"Oh well," Jaune hated being caught saying something in the heat of the moment. His 'brain filter' completely shut down when he was in a fight. When his 'brain filter' was engaged he usually sounded like a bumbling fool as he tried to say something without making him a fool. Of course, being honest with others had mixed results.
"Well, it's of a working theory," Jaune said cautiously. "When you say 'I'm sorry', the events that followed have ranged from very good to very bad."
"Oh, and what are some of these 'bad events'," Pyrrha questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"The first that comes to mind is Battle of Beacon and Cinder," Jaune stated without regret. The 'brain filter' wasn't going to give him any benefits dancing around this issue.
"Hm," Pyrrha didn't really what want to admit it, but he did have a point. "Wait, that was our first kiss, should that be in the good?"
"Bad events overshadow good," Jaune resigned.
"Okay, what 'conditions' dictate a 'good event'," Pyrrha brought her hands up half-heartedly to do air quotations.
"Usually, you spearing or pushing me up against something."
"Oooo, kinky," Yang interrupted now interested in getting her daily quota of teasing in. "And what, pray tell, good things happened when Pyrrha pushed you up against the wall Jauny-boy."
"Well, I became her partner when she speared me to a tree at initiation."
"Old news, old news," Yang said with a wave of her hand from in front of them. "How about some recent events."
"Uhm," Jaune thought for a moment while Pyrrha walked alongside him interested in what he might say. Snapping his fingers Jaune answered, "So about a week and a half ago we were in that Grimm infested part of Vale. A Nevermore crashed into one of the taller buildings and caused a bunch of debris to fall. Pyrrha pushed me into this sheltered alcove so we weren't crushed."
"Boring," Yang stated, "anything more 'exciting'?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," Jaune answered honestly. "Dodging falling debris is kind of exciting, if a little dangerous."
"Come on you know," Yang encouraged. "Pyrrha let me refresh your memory. You and Jauny-boy were just walking along when you shoved him into a dark alley. Pressing him up against the wall. Your fingers gripping his hair, your lips desperately pressed against…"
"You've been reading some of Blake's literature haven't you?" Weiss asked with a bit of humor.
"Weiss, Yang," Ruby whined not liking where this conversation had gone.
"I haven't a clue what you're talking about," Jaune clammed up.
"Come on," Yang begged, "Pyrrha spill the goods."
"Yang nothing's happened," Pyrrha blushed at her admission.
"What do you mean nothing's happened?"
"Nothing has happened," Pyrrha restated.
"You two have been 'officially-unofficially' dating for almost a year now and 'nothing' has happened?" Yang asked exasperated.
"I'm sorry, but there's nothing really to tell," Pyrrha admitted, "we hug, snuggle, kiss, go on 'not-dates'." Pyrrha was thankful she picked up some Nora-isms to describe Jaune and hers relationship. "Nothing like what you're implying. We have not 'boop'd'," Pyrrha emphasized. Luckily the night hid her blushing face, not from embarrassment. She would never be embarrassed to admit that she and Jaune had 'boop'd', but just thinking about 'booping' made her feel warm.
"Aren't you two just the perfect example of a cute innocent couple. Jeez, way to make that un-fun," Yang grumbled.
"I'm sorry, our relationship isn't currently that entertaining Yang," Pyrrha turned to her partner giving him quick peck on the check.
"Quick pushing Jaune up against a wall or the floor or something. Or bad things will happen," Yang joked. In the back of her mind though, Yang was making a plan. A devious plan to make the two-love birds lives more interesting. Which then she would tease them about.
Jaune needed a distraction, he didn't exactly like their relationship as a public topic of discussion. Granted the media hounds were always following and asking Pyrrha those sort of questions. By this point he was used to having a microphone shoved in his face asking personal questions about his 'rumored' relationship with the mighty Pyrrha Nikos. So he liked to minimize that scrutiny when they were on the Beacon grounds, on missions or with friends. That distraction thankfully came in the form of his teammate Ren. Who for some reason had stopped walking, standing straight at attention with Nora looking up at him questioningly.
"Ren what's up?" hopefully this was enough to get Yang's attention off him and Pyrrha.
"The Beowulves," Ren said silently, "they're still quiet."
Jaune's gut froze suddenly for some unknown reason. The Beowulves were quiet. The whole time they had been fighting the Deathscythes they hadn't let out a yip. What did that mean? Why were the Beowulves still quiet?
"*SCREECH!*"
"AHG!" Jaune suddenly felt Pyrrha's weight leaning against him disappear. Whipping around he didn't even consider how much he had been tempting fate with their conversation. The Deathscythe that they thought they had killed was alive, or at least half of it was.
Ruby's attack with the ice dust then fire dust explosion had separated the two halves of the Deathscythe. Nora made completely sure that the centipede body was crushed to a black and white pulp. However, the torso remained hidden from their view within the large cloud of smoke created by the fire dust explosion. The Deathscythe remained still in shock and pain, however regained its faculties. When it had, its prey were celebrating. Full of joy and glorification at their presumed victory.
Quietly propping itself up it used it used its four arms as legs. Slowly and silently approaching its prey from behind as they loudly communicated with each other. It noticed at the back of the pack the annoying stubborn one was helping the weak one walk. I couldn't help, but drool at site of the weak one. The power that protected it was so low. It need merely needed to scratch it and it would be defenseless. A quick scratch of its blades would end it. A fast scratch. A scratch. Scratch. Scratch.
But…
But its smell was so delicious, it must have a bite. It must taste its flesh. A bite from its poisonous fangs will make it die. Then it would not struggle any more. Yes, a venomous bite. Just one bite. A bite. Bite. Bite. Bite. BITE. BITE. BITE! BITE!
Jaune was horrified to see the Deathscythe biting down on Pyrrha's right forearm. He could see its gruesome fangs stabbing into her muscle as sick green fluid and crimson blood flowed out. With a flick of its head the Deathscythe threw Pyrrha into the air behind it. Turning with bloodied jaws to smile at Jaune.
"RRAAWWRRR!" Jaune charged the Deathscythe full of anger. Forgetting to draw his sword and shield. The Deathscythe could not have asked for more cooperative prey. Darting forward the Deathscythe opened its jaws wide to see what the stubborn prey tasted like.
It an instinctive move Jaune brought its arms up to catch the Deathscythe head on either side of its dangerous jaws. Letting the force of the Grimm push him, Jaune let his legs swing forward then up as he held the Grimm's jaws snapping and razor sharp pinchers inches away from his chest. Opening his legs he brought them around the Grimm's neck then closed them and hooked his feet together. Letting the Grimm's fang filled mouth scrap dangerously close as he wrestled to readjust his hold on the Grimm's head.
"KILL IT!" Someone shouted behind Jaune. Nobody fired their weapons afraid of hitting Jaune as the Grimm wildly thrashed about trying to throw him off.
"rrrrRRRRAAAAWWWRRRR!" Jaune twisted and pulled the Deathscythe's head with all of his strength. He could tell he was hurting it because the antenna on to top of his head were waving about frantically and a higher pitched shriek sounded from the Grimm's mouth. The rage he was suddenly filled with blocked out the outside world. The only thing was that was in Jaune's world right now was a dead Grimm, that was still alive. He needed to fix that. Wrenching the Deathscythe's head harder to one side.
"*SSCCREEECCHHH!*"
Jaune could tell it was a cry of pain as he continued to pull on the Grimm's head. Jaune usually wasn't a sadist, but he was gleeful at the pain of this particular Grimm. It continued to squirm and shriek as Jaune slowly felt the neck begin to tear.
"gggggrrrrrrr, COME ON!" in a strong pull Jaune ripped the Grimm's head off. He felt his back hit the ground and the Deathscythe's limbs clawing and spazzing in death. Jaune laying on the ground breathing heavily before throwing the Grimm's head into the distance. Grunting he stood up seeing Nora wailing on the Deathscythe with Magnhild without abandonment. Jaune looked around seeing the head of the Deathscythe with a surprised, almost aghast expression on its blank face.
He just tore that Grimm's head off with his bare hands. Professor Port is right. That is really satisfying.
"MEDIC!" The cry was all too familiar and dreadful. Jaune turned to see Blake, Ren and Weiss crowded around where Pyrrha had landed. He ran towards the group as he saw them pulling, cutting and ripping through layers of cloth and to get to Pyrrha's wound.
"RUBY WHERE'S THAT MEDICAL KIT! Blake go get some blankets, she might go into shock," Weiss commanded. Without question Blake disappeared in a blur heading back to camp. Ren kneeled with Pyrrha's head resting on his lap and hands on her shoulder as he concentrated on transferring his aura to Pyrrha.
Weiss had removed Pyrrha's sleeve all the way up to the shoulder. As she studied Pyrrha's injury she could help but notice her health skin color quickly paling. A grey spider web started to form around the puncture marks in her forearm. Without thinking Weiss placed her thumb under Pyrrha's armpit feeling around for the artery then pressed hard to cut off the circulation.
"Talk to me Pyrrha, how are you feeling?" Jaune asked in an assertive tone, as he took the opposite side from Weiss. Pyrrha's closed eyes popped open at the sound of her name for a moment before slowly drifting close.
"I feel cold," Pyrrha sluggishly answered. Ruby appeared in a gust of rose petals besides Weiss setting down a medical kit. Opening it Ruby pulled out an anti-venom hypodermic pin.
"Inject it into her bicep," Weiss instructed. Jaune watched intently as Ruby stabbed Pyrrha in the arm, injecting the generic antivenom into her system. Ren moved Pyrrha up on his legs so her heart was higher than her injury. Weiss continued pinching the artery in Pyrrha's armpit. It was a lot of guess work when it came to dealing with Grimm venom. Sometimes you need to just let the venom circulate through the body in order for it to dissipate. Other times you need to cut off all circulation. In an extreme case immediate amputation.
"Jaune shine your light over here while I clean and dress this," Ruby commented bring out the alcohol swabs, dressing, gauze and wrapping. Despite being the youngest here Ruby was not squeamish in seeing Pyrrha's injury. Expertly cleaning then dressing the wound.
"Can you move or feel your fingers or anything?" Weiss asked urgently. Pyrrha's face scrunched up in concentration as Weiss watch her fist clench then relax.
"It feels like each finger weighs a hundred pounds, I'm starting to feel a little numb..."
"Neural toxin?" Jaune looked at Weiss for answers.
"Don't know," Weiss replied hastily. Blake made a reappearance with a blanket. Carefully draping it over Pyrrha. The whole group soon stood around their fallen comrade in dreadful silence. Not daring to say anything that disturb the oppressive atmosphere. The adrenaline and panic in Juane's mind soon settled and he was able to think clearly again. He paid close attention, watching Pyrrha's chest expand and depress from each breath. Each breath taken seemed to calm his nerves just a fraction more. Looking up he saw the three pairs of anxious eyes looking down at him, unsure of really what to do.
"Blake," the faunus ninja-girl straightened up, "get on the radio and tell Ozpin or whoever picks up we have a medical emergency. See if you can get that evac right now," Jaune emphasized. Blake gave a nod and headed off.
"Nora, Yang re-equip and reload then head to the tunnel entrance and confirm it's sealed. If not, close it by any means necessary. Once completed, patrol the perimeter make sure we got them all." There was a double click as Yang cycled new dust shells into Ember Celica as the two girls dashed off.
"We need to keep her warm. Do you think she's alright to move her to your tent?" Weiss asked looking at Ren and Jaune.
"I can get her head and shoulder," Ren stated. "Jaune get her torso, Ruby take her legs, Weiss hold her wounded arm." Everyone took their positions. "On three; one, two, three."
Gently lifting Pyrrha they headed back to team JNPR's tent.
A/N: Thank you for enjoying another chapter with me. Hope to get the next one out soon. Remember there is a poll on my profile page where you can vote your opinion on whether you're alright with this story going into a more mature rating. Please comment and I'll see you next time.
[1] I actually don't know Monty Oums thoughts on destiny, fate and free will, but I think Jaune does believe in free will. I remember him saying he "wants" to be like his heroic ancestors. Not he is "destined" to become one. I get the feeling Jaune believes in free will because the alternative is to accept his 'role' in life to be 'weak' and 'useless'. He is striving to become the hero he wants to be, not because he believes himself to be a hero. I think Son Goku from DBZ, Simon and Kamina from Gurren Lagann and Jaune Arc kind of have a similar belief that you shouldn't accept your limits or lot in life; when you can work hard to surpass your limits and make your own path. Anyway, just my opinion. (Kind of ironic that they're having this conversation being fictional characters. "Dance my puppets, Dance!")
Shout outs to Sonalt, sdphantom10, Ruby Rose and Her Cookies, and Kalos1234ify for commenting on the previous chapter.
Knights and dragons: You need to calm down please, we'll get to all the fun stuff eventually. Hope you enjoyed the chater.