Chapter 25: Who Are You?
Rushing water.
Jaune followed the sound, his body the natural river to carry the aura where it needed to be. The path had to be steady, constant - free to flow. Through every vessel, every vein, and every pore of skin.
Curiously, Jaune peeked one eye open.
"Do not lose focus."
Instantly he closed it.
Raven was standing next to him, both perched on the cliffside that oversaw the valley. He could hear the waterfall spilling out of the mouth of the mountain. Cold air tickled his bare chest, making it harder to focus.
Aura training day, which meant meditation was bread and butter. The village wouldn't do much for silence, which is why they came out here.
A quiet place that would have no distractions.
"Direct your aura, do not force it," His master spoke, "Simply point and it will follow."
Jaune let out a breath before doing as she said. The ocean within him began to thin out and spread within his flesh, like a thin shell just underneath the skin. Close, but not quite there, he had to get it outside.
His body warmed as it spread from his chest to his upper arms and legs. But it wasn't complete, it curled about his chest but struggled to reach his back. And the energy in his limbs wasn't moving to his lower legs or arms. Even his face was left totally unshielded.
Sweat dripped off his brow. "Grr..."
"Calm yourself, Parakeet."
He was trying, but just knowing that his aura wasn't doing what he wanted was humiliating. How could a soul not obey its owner? It didn't make any sense.
He just had to make it move.
The aura boomed, startling his heart. And again, the sound - like water had been poured into a power outlet. Jaune could feel it reaching, like a thousand little hands slowly winding about his neck and back. And yet some of it slipped away, it ejected from his skin and vanished into nothingness. But that was fine, so long as he -
"Stop."
Jaune's eyes popped open, fighting back the desire to yell. "What, why?"
"You failed. Reign in your aura before you lose too much of it."
Jaune breathed out, letting the wild torrent come to an end. A feat that had taken him a good week to get right. He was ashamed to admit he ended up using it more than he should have and with it came a rush of fatigue that nearly made him fall over.
"Did you not hear a word I said?" Raven said sternly, "I told you calm down, didn't I?"
"What was I supposed to do?" Jaune bit down a snarl, "It wasn't working. I could feel the aura, but it wasn't covering my whole body. It's like it didn't want to move."
"And that is your fault."
"Me? How!?" Jaune let the heat out, glaring at the woman who just stared back unflinching. He already knew it was his fault but hearing it from her only made it hurt more, "I tried but it didn't work! The only way it did was when I forced it!"
"And then what happened? You became tired, correct?"
Jaune didn't respond. He couldn't.
Raven sighed, gesturing to her stomach up to her chest. "When you force your aura, you are simultaneously releasing it from your body. The energy must be steady. In forcing the shield, you expend twice of not three times more aura than you need. Moreover, the strain on your body is why the shield shatters shortly after."
Jaune sighed, she was right. Of course she was right.
He really needed to learn not to question her. She was an accomplished Huntress, she'd know what she was talking about. His aura wasn't special - he wasn't special, these were the same things any Huntsman-in-training needed to learn.
"I'm ready to try again." He said, already putting his hands together.
"Take a break first. Try to replenish even a little aura."
Jaune would've said he was fine, only to force himself to act on what he'd just told himself He needed to do what she said, it was the only way he was going to improve.
It's not like the training wasn't working. His defense was getting better, however slowly, and if his fundamentals weren't tight now, then they soon would be. Of course, a few weeks behind this wouldn't teach him everything, but it was considerable progress regardless.
Jaune let his arms relax, rubbing them to get the tightness out. He tended to do that a lot, at times it almost felt like the ligaments in his muscles were tearing when he used too much aura.
His free hand rubbed his stomach, recalling the aura that traveled up through his chest and biceps. It felt so fluid at first, so readily at his command, and yet whenever he held onto it for any longer than a few minutes, it receded. Like it wanted to run away from him.
Why?
"Your chest."
Jaune looked at Raven, about to utter a response before she continued. "Tell me what happened to it."
"I don't want to talk about it."
"Are you disobeying your chieftain's order?"
Jaune rolled his eyes. She used that to her advantage so much it was annoying, still it's not like he could really argue it. "Someone I ran into - an assassin or whatever she was. Fire."
"Hm."
"Why?"
"I'm surprised." She admitted, "I thought perhaps the story behind it was more interesting."
Interesting? Is that what she called being burned alive? "Sorry to disappoint."
"You're ashamed of it, you would not try so hard to hide it otherwise. Why?"
Jaune thought it would've been obvious. He remembered how as a kid he always dreamed of the day he got his first battle scar. It was what all the coolest heroes in the stories got, it was a sign of the many victories they had, and just being totally awesome in general. Plus, girls would love them - you got to look cool and get girls at the same time. It was perfect.
The truth wasn't quite so.
Jaune hid his scar like women hide their breasts. He looked in the mirror and saw the misshapen claw dragged across his chest and even he couldn't bear it for very long. It didn't look cool, it wouldn't get him girls - the mere thought of anyone seeing it was humiliating. Any insecurities he had in the past could not hold a candle to it.
The only purpose this scar served was a reminder of what the red woman did to him. And that he was stuck with it forever.
"I... really don't want to talk about it."
He looked pleadingly into Raven's eyes, hoping that maybe there was some form of mercy there. She embarrassed him enough kicking his ass in training - he wanted to be spared this at least. If Raven hadn't pulled the chieftain card, Jaune never would have taken off his shirt, he'd have kept it on no matter what.
It felt safer.
"Don't be foolish."
"Huh?"
"Are you worried what other people may think? You are giving them power over you by cowering before something so inconsequential."
"I don't care…" Was Jaune's quick answer, but as he reflected on it, he realized that was wrong. Why hide it then? Why feel so insecure? He didn't want people to think he was mangled, ugly - broken.
After all, who wanted to feel like they were 'less than?'
"Listen to me, Jaune," Raven spoke, drawing Jaune's eyes. And the look in hers told him he was not allowed to look away, " Most people do not, and will not, understand the strife that comes with permanent injury. You should wear it proudly, it is proof that you are alive."
Or a reminder that I nearly died.
"It's easy to say that."
To his surprise, Raven smirked. "You think I do not speak from experience?"
Jaune barely had to wait before Raven lifted her shirt, revealing a gash in her stomach. It almost looked like something had plunged their hand through her. "A close encounter for certain - the claw had gone all the way through. An Ursa Major. I was thirteen."
Then she pulled down her collar, Jaune making sure to keep his eyes on the mark and not... other things. The scar was jagged and rough, like his. "A serrated blade, torn across my chest - though this is a papercut compared to what befell my attacker."
She looked at him then, but her eyes weren't judgmental or mean. They weren't even neutral, no... there was something else there.
Something that made him forget his shame for a moment.
"Interpret your burns as you wish, hide it from people if you so choose," Raven said, returning to her stance as she closed her eyes, "But know that with me, with your tribe, a scar is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a badge of honor for those who have endured. We respect survivors."
Jaune stared at her for a moment, light wind nudging her hair as her body stilled. He quickly mimicked her, molding the aura in his body again and shutting out the world.
Now that he thought about it, in the few times he'd trained with his scar exposed, no one ever said anything about it. He barely even caught anyone looking, and of course he'd seen people with injuries or lost limbs all over the village. Many worse than his.
No one said anything about them, in fact, it was like they didn't even know they were there.
At times it felt like the scar wasn't even there.
Jaune felt himself smile a little. "I..."
"There is no need to thank me. I am your chieftain."
A chieftain's integrity is judged by his ability to guide and protect the tribe. That rule wasn't lost on Jaune, not with how traditional it was here. It was a little bewildering to look at Raven and think that she cared about anyone, least of all him.
But perhaps she didn't, maybe she was just doing her duty. But even if he asked, Jaune doubted getting a clear answer.
The blue sky became orange and red, the sun drifting away. Hours of hapless trial and error gone by with little progress, but progress nonetheless. Raven brushed herself down. "I'm returning to the village. You stay here."
"Stay?" Jaune asked, "For what?"
"Secluded training. Leaving you to your thoughts is a good method for connecting to your aura. And through your aura, your semblance."
"Except I don't know how to reach my semblance… we tried all day. I remember what you said but - "
"You said you used it once. How?"
Jaune honestly couldn't recall. Amber had said she saw him do something when he fought Oobleck under Merlot's control. He moved faster, hit harder somehow.
And thinking back on his fight with Vernal, he'd used something strange then too. He'd called on his aura... and suddenly he barreled right through her group of bandits. If it hadn't been for that, he wouldn't have made it to the village.
So what was the link there?
"I dunno..." Jaune rubbed his head, "I guess I was stressed? I was fighting and... I just used it by accident."
Raven considered him for a bit, but then turned to leave. "Right. Well, we cannot hope to replicate a situation like that. You have three days out here, Jaune, make the most of it. Remember your training schedule, in the morning -
"-do a 5-mile run. After that, two hours of meditation. Review my combat stances, defense first. Then aura practice for an hour. I know."
She smirked. "Good, then I expect results when I return."
"Yes ma'am."
And then she was gone, vanished over the tree line. Leaving him only with his thoughts and the sound of the distant waterfall.
Three days. It wasn't a lot of time, not if he planned on running himself dry. And putting that all between sleep and meals meant there was even less time. He'd need to be proactive.
Jaune laid back on the grass, gazing into the clouds. He touched his scar again, rubbing it like he always did. He'd always feel fear, shame when he touched it. Now, he felt a little different.
The negative feelings weren't quite so strong.
In that moment, just maybe it kind of felt... nice.
~Event Horizon~
Amber stayed her follow up as Oscar heaved, hands on his knees.
The sun beat on her neck, and her t-shirt and pants clung to her sweaty body. But she certainly looked better than her pupil, who looked about to collapse any moment.
But knowing him, he wasn't going to stop so easily.
He'd been doing well, though still had a lot to work on. Especially in close combat. Of course, the fact that he was only thirteen was a contributing factor, but close combat was not his forte as she'd come to learn.
However, aura control was.
"Let's try again."
The boy summoned his power, a green hue coating his body. It hugged him lovingly, like it enjoyed being in his control - he made it look easy, as natural as walking. Hazel orbs met brown.
With one outstretched hand, the green force came.
Holding up her own aura, Amber withstood the blow. Holding up the shield as the blast pressed against it. It held up admirably, but Amber dispersed it easily. Strong, but not nearly strong enough to break her defenses. Of course, that was probably an unfair comparison.
For anyone else the blow would hurt. Or worse.
The power of his aura upon projection was strong, the aura blast he'd conjured was powerful enough to rip trees right out of the ground if their earlier training was worth its salt. And with work, it could be a primary source of attack.
However limited, considering his average aura level.
"Let's try the shield, Oscar."
"G-got it!"
He widened his stance, holding out his arms as he closed his eyes. Hair billowed about him as the aura became a small imperfect bubble, slowly growing around him. Amber smiled a little, proud to see that her efforts were bearing fruit.
It certainly helped that Oscar was adamant in staying busy.
He woke her up early, so they could go running and exercise and was ready for training on the dot, even on days when he looked too tired. At times she had to remind him to slow down.
And his response, the cheeky brat, was that she needed to keep up.
The shell began to quiver, and Amber headed toward him, knowing exactly what would happen. "Three, two, one..."
The shell popped, this blast knocking Oscar onto his rear and rattling him.
He was still a novice, but one with a strong grip on the basics. At some point, he'd need someone else to teach him, as there was only so much she could offer on a more advanced level. She'd left her training early, and that meant there was magic she had access to that only Ozpin could teach her.
In the end, there wasn't very much technical comparison between magic and aura. They were similar fundamentally, but, a wizard, or in her case, a witch, fought very differently than a Huntsman.
"Wanna take a break now?" Amber asked.
"Yeah, just... a few minutes." Oscar heaved, leaning back on his forearms and taking in air like it was a dream come true.
Amber chuckled, plopping down beside him. She watched the boy breathe, taking note of the dirt and sweat on his body. That he was pushing himself so hard was good, he'd make quick progress.
A long-forgotten question came to mind. "Oscar, what do you want out of all of this?"
"Hm?"
"You're going through all this training - all this studying. Whats it for? There has to be something you're looking for in all of this, right?"
"Ah well," Oscar picked at his gloves, "I guess, I kinda just wanna be an adventurer, you know?"
"What, like the Archivists?"
"Something like that," He nodded, "I wanna write about everything I've seen, everything I've experienced. Just like all the other explorers. I wanna be the person to write down the history no one has known about, to have helped discover things no one else did."
That's what he was in it for, the thrill and the memories. She wouldn't have expected it from a meek boy like him. Shouldn't young kids like him wasn't something superficial like money or fame? But she felt herself smile a little bit.
"I dunno, I guess in that sense, I wanted to be like Jaune a little." He chuckled and rubbed his hands, "If that doesn't sound too weird to say..."
She could see that too... and that was something else she'd thought about.
"Do me a favor, Oscar?" She asked, ensuring his eyes met his.
"Um, sure."
"Don't be like Jaune."
A part of her wondered why Oscar could look so surprised. But she realized that he likely didn't see the same things she saw in Jaune. He saw the positives - his bravery, willingness to face the odds and challenge the world.
But that was the surface. The outer shell.
"Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying he's a bad influence. He has a lot of good things about him," She warded off any immediate concerns, "But don't try to live your life like he does. It's not exactly… healthy."
"Not healthy? What do you mean?"
The girl sighed. She'd gotten all her bitching about him out weeks ago but thinking about it all just stirred the pot again.
"He works hard for what he wants, and he's infuriatingly persistent. Those aren't bed traits to emulate. It's not 'why' he does what he does, so much as it is 'how'."
"You mean like the Branwen tribe? You read the letter he sent us a week ago. He said it all went well, he's fine."
Amber shook her head. "You're missing my point. He went there to seek out Raven, someone known for being merciless and savage, for help. What do you think it is he wants to learn for someone known for killing people?"
Oscar paused for a moment. "He... he said that its so that he can protect us. He's not trying to have the island happen again."
Leave it to Oscar to take Jaune's word at face value. She didn't really blame him, Jaune simply wasn't transparent, at least not in the way he should have been. Amber didn't doubt his integrity on that, but Jaune was fooling no one if he believed that was enough to convince her.
"The power to fight gives you the power to protect. But it also gives the power to hurt, to kill... get revenge."
Oscar's eyes widened. "You think he'll…?"
He trailed off, but Amber was sure he got the point. It was likely an underlying motivation, maybe he would've actively seek it. But with Raven's help, he might think it was in the realm of possibility.
The hatred he fostered for her the red woman was powerful. And scary. There was an unfiltered, focused rage behind the fear.
"But that's not the main issue," Amber crossed her legs, breathing out as she thought back to their argument, "the issue is what he considers more important."
"You think he's putting the red woman before you?"
"Us." Amber corrected with a blush. At the time, that's exactly what she'd thought. That Jaune would prioritize killing a woman instead of staying with her was shattering. It made her feel like she wasn't there, that he was concerned with a woman who thought nothing of him than a woman who spent a whole night with him.
But telling Oscar that would be too humiliating, so she opted for a less revealing answer. "It looked like he was feeding his anger instead of letting go of it."
"And you thought I'd be like that?" Oscar asked, eyes lowering, "Because of…"
"No, no," Amber quickly said, "I'm just making sure you understand what not to take from Jaune. There's nothing wrong with looking up to him, I just... try to look more into what he doesn't say. Pride comes before the fall, and all that."
It was honestly a contrast that Amber hadn't thought much on until recently. Jaune wasn't egotistical, at least not in the normal sense. But he held himself to a standard that no one forced on him. That desire to become a hero was evident of that.
Pride would become his killer, not the red woman, if he didn't wise up.
And perhaps in that lack of knowing right then and there, she found herself unable to understand what he was truly after. How could she have stood aside and just let him go?
Maybe because he hurt me?
That was one reason. But it was also because she wanted to respect his choice. More still, wanted him to rethink his options, to choose something that wouldn't be toxic for his mental health.
Why he felt the need to take such big leaps, she didn't think she could understand.
"Jaune will be fine, I'm sure," Amber smiled, "I just want to make sure you be yourself. Learn and take what you can from others, but forge your own path. Don't follow in another's."
It at least seemed like he understood, even if his nod was hesitant. Even if he didn't understand, he would in time. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be, there's nothing to apologize for." Amber rubbed his shoulder, "It's not the end of the world, so don't worry yourself into an early grave. I kinda need you to keep my spirits up."
And Oscar looked up at her, this time his nod was surer. "Okay, I promise."
Amber smiled, pulling the boy in her arms. He squirmed indignantly.
"Amber, it's hot."
"You're too kind."
"Not you! Ugh, will you let me go? Our sweat is gonna glue us together."
Amber smacked her lips. "Don't be such a prude."
"I'm a prude for not wanting to be sweated on?"
"Yep. Now shut up, we're bonding."
He sighed but didn't resist. And Amber could only laugh as she rested her chin atop his head. "Thank you."
She felt his arms wrap around hers, smaller hands than hers, different complexion. Still, as those fingers touched hers, she couldn't help but feel… happy. Relaxed.
Just here, with her little friend, and young adventurer trying to find his way in the world. She breathed out happily as he relaxed into her. "You're welcome."
~Event Horizon~
Jaune stared at the fire.
His eyes followed each flicker, the crackle providing a break in the otherwise dull night. Lying on his side, he let his mind wander as he watched deeper into the burning substance.
Why wasn't he afraid it?
It wasn't as simple as seeing it, at least that's what professionals had told him. He was fine to handle things like matches and stovetops. Even campfires weren't a problem.
Even now it surprised him that he'd grown a distaste for it, something all human beings needed to survive. And now here he was, cuddled as close to it as possible to protect himself from the cold.
Was that who he was, a guy who was afraid of fire?
Did his semblance repel fire?
It felt ridiculous to think of it all that way, treating a such a complex force like basic math. His training went without saying, had he discovered his semblance, he'd have been training it. But he couldn't reach it... still. Something was holding him back.
His semblance was him.
That had to mean that if he knew himself, he'd know what his semblance was.
But he knew who he was, he knew what he wanted, he knew the reason for everything he did. But his semblance still didn't appear. So, if the problem wasn't knowing, then what was it?
Unconsciously, Jaune reached out his hand.
The fire reached back, and as it took shape, the fair skin connected with his own. Fingers interlocked between his.
And Jaune stared at her, the monster.
"You know why you're doing this."
"I have to protect her. From you."
"Don't fool yourself, she said with an unimpressed frown, "you're not doing it for her sake, not directly anyway."
"And how would you know?"
She chuckled. "Do you really want me to say it? Let's not be cliché here."
Jaune rolled his eyes, it was funny how aware he was that she wasn't real, and yet he could still see her. Interact with her.
But that begged the question: Was he talking to her? or himself?
"I'm not like you."
"Aren't you? It was none of your business - what's the difference between her going after what she wants and what you are doing now?"
"I'm not trying to kill anybody."
She gave him a look.
"... that doesn't deserve it."
"And what does that make you, huh? A savior? A protector? No, you'll be a murderer - no matter how right you think it is. I guess you really do belong with the Branwen."
It wasn't that simple. Jaune knew of the things they did, the things they still did. There was no excuse, no kind of redemption for the acts they committed.
And yet, when she said it about them, reminded him of that... why did he feel slighted?
"You don't know anything."
"Are you sure about that?"
"You don't!" Jaune stood up, meeting her eyes as she did. Those same orbs of molten gold burning into his blue.
"But you do. And you should know what you seek will only end in tragedy. That you somehow feel attached to your enemy because she burned you is what pushed Amber away, is it not?"
That wasn't true. He was doing this for Amber. She was his best friend; how could he stand by knowing that this woman could show up out of nowhere and take her away?
If he killed the red woman now, then he'd never need to worry about it again.
He could finally sleep.
"You won't accept the truth, Jaune Arc. You've lost sight of who you are."
Jaune turned away. She was wrong, he knew what the truth was, he's accepted it all. He knew exactly who he was.
Right?
Jaune shook his head, trying to clear the emotions away. He didn't want to look back to see if she was still there, instead he headed for the forest. Hopefully a walk it would tire him out, so he could sleep soundly tonight. He focused on the sounds of the owls and other animals reaching his ears.
He'd probably walked for an hour before he crossed into a clearing, a windmill not far off.
"A village?"
A small one, he noted, upon getting closer. More of a community really, made up of only a few houses, well near the center and the streets barren and empty.
Why did it feel so empty?
It felt so devoid of life, and Jaune might have chalked that up to everyone sleeping, but it didn't seem that way. It felt more like no one lived here, and the ghostly moonlight made the entire area feel dead somehow.
Carts were left in the streets, random objects strewn about like weapons and farm tools. It was like one giant messy room, as if some kid had just kicked the toys around and left them on the floor.
And the windmill... aged as it was, it still managed to look sturdy. Likely having been there for years.
But It was so still, as it was supposed to be, but it was like it was looking over everything, casting it into darkness. The blades didn't move and inch, even with the wind.
Did something happen here? Or was it always abandoned?
Jaune's boots scuffed the path as he ambled through the village. Wooden homes moaned with the wind, as though departed souls were calling for help.
Or ordering me to leave.
If there was any evidence of life, it wasn't in sight. Even when he'd checked few homes, he'd found everything that could be found there... except for people.
A village. But no villagers.
"Where are they...?" He wondered aloud, looking about for any sign that someone was around.
A glint, like sudden flash.
Jaune quickly whipped around, searching for the source of the beam.
There.
A cloak, still against the breeze, standing atop the windmill like a perched crow.
And like a crow, he stared down at him, he betrayed not even the slightest movement.
Jaune felt his hands tremble a little, swallowing to steady himself as he met his new admirer back.
What did he want?
Or the better question, what was he planning on doing?
Jaune caught the source of the glint in his hand. A sword, no doubt - and he has a feeling the cloak hadn't flashed the light at him on accident.
"Do you want something?" Jaune called out to him, hoping to spot a reaction.
It worked, in a way.
Born straight out of the darkness, more showed up. A flock, all gathered atop the rooftops, faces hidden.
But weapons drawn.
Two dozen? No, three… four… Jaune immediately shook his head. Counting them was pointless.
The only number that mattered was that he was outnumbered.
A hundred to one.
"Albuquerque was at the last left turn, you know." Jaune said, already reaching for his sword. His hand grasped at air.
The village. That's right, Raven said he didn't need it, so he left it at there.
Cautiously, the blonde took a step back. Fighting them was next to impossible without a sword unless he could get his hands one of theirs. he didn't doubt that he could, but did he want to push his luck when in near complete darkness against a horde?
Hell no.
But they must have sensed his reaction, for they converged like a falling cloud.
Cloaks closed in from all sides, Jaune pushing into a sprint to create some distance. But they'd covered that, Jaune skidding to a stop as several blocked his path his path.
There was no time to think, he couldn't let them attack first or he'd be on the defense until they wore him down.
Desperation fueled his fists, knocking one aside before he could fire. He summoned a shell of aura to his front, rebounding the chain fire set by another.
A third took that opening, a knife drawn in a flash… but Jaune moved faster.
A gong struck in his head as the gun fired, the blast having gone off near his ears. Jaune staggered briefly, trying to keep a grip on the world.
Enemies swirled about him, no footsteps, no sounds other than their flapping coats. Where would they attack from? Who would make the next move?
On reaction, Jaune met the answer, pushing against one who drilled his spear at him. Jaune got a satisfying choke when he threw a fist into his stomach, then pushed his one defeated foe to the ground.
That was one. Out of a million.
He had to get away. And Jaune made to do just that…
If only his foes were so merciful.
The blonde was forced to backtrack, a wild sword nearly taking his head.
Drawing the aura into one arm, Jaune stopped the blade in its tracks, pushing the man off and removing him of the sword. Seizing that chance, he lunged for the weapon.
Only for a boot to strike him in the chin, sending him into a broken stable.
The cloak seemed to know his intent, picking up the sword himself and wielding it in conjunction with the other. The two blades danced as he flourished them - even banging them to together as if to call Jaune's challenge.
The others were all for it, bringing about their formation again as Jaune got back up. But he noticed they didn't move.
It quickly became clear why.
He was caught in a small alley, a row houses on his left and right that boxed him in, while a wall behind him cut off the only other route of escape.
The leader approached, and his followers guarded the roof.
They could all jump him if they wanted to, he was trapped. And in such a tight space, they'd easily overpower him.
So why weren't they?
Someone said something, no, it was more a rhythmic huff. Another followed, then another.
It was like they were speaking some ancient language - their hands pounding on the rooftops like they were egging something on. Or summoning someone.
Jaune eyed the leader again, and he had stopped a short distance away, blades idle.
A challenge?
"Do I at least get a weapon?"
No response.
"Guess not."
The man dashed toward him, his speed made his cloak blur in the darkness. Getting away was impossible, but perhaps beating this man here would be the ticket he needed.
Or it was a trap, in which case, he was screwed.
But did he really have another choice?
Jaune stepped back to avoid the swipe, but before he could counter - the second sword jabbed at his face.
Its edge nicking his neck as he moved out of its path.
But then his footing was gone, and Jaune was knocked onto his chest. Had both previous attacks just been a distraction?
Jaune rolled to avoid a series of stabs, leaving his opponent to kill only dirt. He kicked back up, swinging a hard-right hook.
A hook that missed by a mile.
His teeth bit into his tongue as a knee struck his jaw, a metallic taste oozing into his mouth. Painfully he gripped at his face, and his eyes widened in shock when his attacker pursued.
Dodging was the best he could do, trying to stay out of the range of her weapons. But it seemed she was trapping him every time. Whittling away at his body.
Jaune coughed up as the boot met his stomach, and his opponent whipped around, carrying the strength of the spin into a roundhouse.
Jaune's brain rattled, it felt like the sky and ground had switch places.
But before he could fall, Jaune threw out his hands and pushed against the ground, back to his opponent.
He was not going to die here.
With a cry, Jaune put running aside, wildly throwing punches at his enemy. Not that it was so easy, the man's reflexes were polished. And he took every opening he could to wear him down.
The sword tore at his t-shirt, ripped at his shorts - taking any flesh it could with it. Jaune sledged his fists at his opponent's head, hoping to catch him when he evaded. But it came to nothing, his enemy sidestepped - letting Jaune overshoot himself.
Jaune saw the blade coming too late to dodge, but not too late to block.
He couldn't hold the howl, immediate tears pricking his eyes. He could feel his flesh give way, the blade piercing through both forearms. And through his squinted eyes, Jaune saw the point of the blade inches from his face.
The leader whipped the blade back out, blood splattering his cloak as he fell to his knees.
He could barely see his injury through the tears, yet he knew they were a mess, he could feel the warm blood soiling his arms. His hands twitched, like they were looking for an answer to the pain - they found nothing.
Something struck his head, and Jaune fell onto his side. He called on his aura, trying to coax it around his arms.
A blade plunged into his leg, Jaune crying out in agony. He glared up at the man, wondering what face he could be wearing under his hood. Was this just a hunt? Or was he taking pleasure out of it?
"Get... get off me!" Jaune swung out, but it was batted aside. A returning stab caught his leg again.
And dragged.
He didn't want to scream, not at the mercy of his enemy. But the sword took its time going through his flesh, dragging out his pain. It felt like he was trying to pick off his flesh piece by piece.
He had to move! He had to run!
But he couldn't, the blade held him there. And he feared losing anything that couldn't grow back. His face was matted in tears, and his fingers clenched together so tightly he thought the bones would shatter.
His enemy hadn't had enough though. For he drew out his sword, tacking the handle in both hands...
And drove it toward Jaune's head.
Jaune threw out his hands, gritting his teeth as he caught the path of the blade. They cut deep into his palms.
But he refused to let go.
It didn't matter whether his opponent's strength was greater, the fact that he was above him was all the advantage he needed. So he pushed.
And Jaune fought to keep him back.
But he could see it, it was slow, but it was coming. Like a meteor falling to the sky. It wouldn't be long before the blade pierced between his eyes.
And he'd die.
...
But...
"I don't... I don't..." Jaune sobbed, lip trembling as his heart pounded in his chest. How could it end this way? There was still so much he wanted to do, so many things he hadn't yet experienced.
He wanted someone to save him. Anyone!
But no one could.
Raven was long gone, and he'd left Amber and Oscar behind.
And for what? For this?
"And what does that make you?"
There she was, beside the man, looking down on him like she pitied his state. "You did all this just to die, failing even to do the very thing you planned to do to me."
No. It hadn't been like that. He just wanted to protect Amber, that hadn't been a lie... it couldn't have been a lie.
He wailed as the blade cut deeper into his hands, blood seeping down his wrists. Then down to patter his face, and the blade only got bigger and bigger as the cloak pushed.
Was this what he was becoming?
Would he do this to the red woman? Pin her down and slowly drag out her death? He felt sick to his stomach at the thought. Yes, he'd come here to be trained - he needed to be stronger to face the red woman if she ever attacked him again.
But... had that been the whole truth?
Had he truly been honest to Raven? To Amber?
To himself?
"You want revenge, you want me to die as painfully as you are now. You feed your bloodthirsty heart, committing to that evil you so wish was real. But you are weakened, unable to muster the strength to even save yourself. Am I wrong?"
...no.
"It's true..." Jaune wept, a tiny, quiet cry that evolved into a solemn bellow, "It's true, god damn it! All of it!"
He was a coward, a weakling. He thought he'd acted with altruistic intentions but failed to see what he was feeding this whole time.
Anger.
Blind, unassisted rage toward the woman that hurt him. So lost in it, that he chose to leave behind Oscar and Amber in a relentless pursuit of power.
What kind of man did that?
And it was too late now. Death was inches away, and whether he accepted it or not, it would take him.
M-mom… Dad… everybody, I love you, Jaune sniffled, I-I did my best. I'm sorry… Amber.
"What will you do, Jaune Arc?"
Jaune's eyes drifted closed, his muscles loosening. Fighting back now was useless, it only delayed the inevitable.
At least, this time, he'd face it as bravely as he could.
"What will you become?"
But before his sight fell to the abyss, a red light. No, two red lights… glowing brightly under the cloak's hood.
"Who are you?" He asked.
No, she.
The sound... like a spark of lightning. But greater, stronger. White as it flashed before him.
Something ignited.
It was strange, warm, new, enhancing, it was…
It was him.
~Event Horizon~
Raven stopped immediately as aura flared to life.
A powerful burst, like a bolt of lightning had struck her pupil. Earth tore up where her apprentice one laid, and she jumped back to keep clear of the blast radius. The chieftain watched as he rose from the ground.
It was pristine white, pure in the face of death. It flowed out of him, not as a cloak of aura - rather sparks of it, like the very aura inside him had been ionized. The cuts on his body began to hiss as they closed, even the blood started to evaporate. The bolts flew off his body erratically, giving his body a faint hue that warned all who saw of his strength.
Blue eyes shined.
And even she, through her smile, thought to be wary.
Raven pulled back her hood. "Well done, Parakeet."
He didn't seem very surprised. Though that likely couldn't have been helped with as far as she had to push him. He'd either seen her face, or her eyes. But he didn't answer, instead focusing purely on her.
Good.
"Can't hope to replicate it?" Jaune frowned.
The woman shivered a little. Perhaps the cold, no it was relatively warm. Fear? No, not from her apprentice.
No this… this was excitement. Thrill.
It wasn't foreign. In fact, it was welcome.
It had been quite some time since that had been brought out of her.
She could barely contain a grin as Jaune's raw emotions ignited his power - unique to him and him alone. The boy stayed firm, and she could still see the many questions on his lips. But that would have to wait, the matter at hand needed to be addressed.
"Think of it as your master taking a proactive approach with her struggling pupil. Hope you aren't too angry."
Sparks came to life around his form, the flaring aura started to mold into his body. Yet the presence of power remained the same, lightning charging his skin in response to the wild torrent inside him.
"How do you feel?" Raven asked.
"I... I dunno..." Jaune looked at his balled fists, "I guess... lighter..."
The weight was gone, the confusion he held for himself. He was sure now, no longer did he have to question it.
The barrier had been broken.
And now, greater heights awaited.
Raven nodded, her smile widening as she took a stance. "Can you move?"
"I'm not sure."
Raven threw aside her cloak and swords. She drew her real weapon, the blade extending to full length as its red edge gleamed in the moonlight. A quiver in her hands as she stared down her target.
Perhaps she was enjoying this too much.
Ah but why not? He was her pupil.
Was she not allowed to feel a bit of pride?
"Want to try?"
Her smile widened as his appeared; and that driving force, that motivation that had brought him to her in the first place was alive again. But this time, not with anger, not with fury. It had a better fuel, one that suited him.
What that was, Raven did not know. But she felt she'd soon find out.
The gates had been broken through. She was proud to say her apprentice was ready to move forward.
Higher, and higher, and higher still.
Lightning flew into Jaune's eyes, igniting the blue flames within. And Jaune Arc, the true Jaune Arc, smiled.
"Yeah."
~Event Horizon~
White lightning and black blurs, that was all Vernal could see standing on the rooftop. Each impact could be felt, the power behind them rattled the air.
A power, through pain, she didn't think possible through that outsider.
And even now, when he'd been beaten down, nearly to death. He faced the chieftain, with not an ounce of fear.
And now, here he was, clashing with her on a level she never expected from him.
A level that even she had yet to reach.
Her lips pursed.
Well damn, I finally did it.
It might feel a bit early for Jaune to have found his answer, which, if not clear, will be expanded on in the next chapter.
You can see now that Jaune has begun to see the errors in his choices, willingly leaving behind Amber and Oscar in pursuit of something much more personal than altruism. Losing sight of the kind of person he is because of his hatred for Cinder.
He lost his way. But he's found it again.
Now of course, this doesn't mean he is leaving the tribe yet. It merely means he has changed his priorities and that he is going to gear himself toward what is truly the most important thing to him.
The people he loves.
A more of an inner look in Raven too, which I find is always nice. I've started to enjoy writing for her. As a side note, I'm gonna do my best to respond more to reviews from now on. I kept putting it off due to laziness.
Not much else to say now other than sorry for taking so long to update. And thank you so much for all the support and help, it truly means a lot. I've been in a bit of writer's block for a while, but I'm hoping that by getting the chapter done, I've broken through.
We'll see.
Later!
ISA