Please read this first, as it is very important.
I've been doing a lot of thinking and have decided to write another RWBY story in the future. I am going to call it RWBY: Shadows of Remnant, where I create my own team of OC's, Team KNHT (Knight). The deal with this team is that there is only one female and she is the leader, so the other three, who are all guys, call her princess. Anyway, I have the OC's planned out, but I would like to know if you, my wonderful fans, would like me to write another RWBY story. If so, then please message me with a review or pm, either one is fine, and any suggestions you may have. Thanks for listening, and now you can enjoy the chapter.
Evolution
Chapter 33: Arkos' Determination
It felt cold. So cold, like being encased inside a giant frozen tundra and drowned in the Artic. Things were quiet, too quiet, as if everything turned silent. He was in so much pain that the sensation deafened all his other senses. Was this the end for him? Is this where he dies? Well, it wouldn't be all bad now that he thinks about it. To think he of all people would have such wonderful friends, lead his own team, and have such a beautiful girlfriend. He thought it was a lost cause to try, but even he was surprised to see how much he's changed.
Jaune lied on the floor, a puddle of his blood spreading beneath him. The attack happened so fast that it took a while for everyone to figure out what happened, but when they saw Jaune's blood splatter and his figure fall to the ground, it did more than horrify them. It looked like their entire world came crashing down as they watched Jaune's body fall to the ground, but not without seeing those dull eyes of his. Even he didn't expect the attack. Now who knows how much longer he has left. Surprisingly, he's not dead period.
"You can't win," a sinister voice broke through Jaune's dull senses. It was faint, but he could pick it up. Although, Jaune tried to think; however, the voice is completely unrecognizable, but the wicked feeling starting to swell up in his chest made it clear that it was not good. The longer he tried, the more his senses slowly started to come back to him; and he regretted it. He could hear the surroundings, not as good, but definitely pick up a ton of commotion. He could hear the cries and screams of multiple people, their battle cries or cries of anguish. If not for the intense agony coursing through his body, a freezing shiver would've run down his spine.
"Don't give up!" another voice entered Jaune's ears. That one came much clearer than the last one. And unlike the former, the latter is completely recognizable, but the name of its owner came at the tip of Jaune's tongue. His sense of touch returned finally and he could feel the hardness of the ground cradling him. His eyes refused to open themselves, which is probably for the best, if the frequent cries and screams were any indication of what's happening.
"Jaune," a third voice said. The blonde knight couldn't respond, the taste of metallic liquid retching from his mouth. He entered a series of bad coughs and heard his voice being called more desperately. "Jaune! Jaune! Come on, stay with me!"
Pyrrha was a nervous wreck, lightly speaking. She spent hours trying to heal her leader, who she cried over. Her tears blinded her eyesight, but she didn't need it to try and heal her leader and boyfriend. He suffered a deadly strike though the stomach and kept slipping in and out of consciousness. Pyrrha tried to remain calm, but seeing her leader fall like that made her entire world crumble. Jaune was the first person that didn't fawn over Pyrrha for her status and talents. Granted he didn't know about her aside from being the mascot of a cereal box, but that's beside the point. Even when he found out about her status, he still acted like a gentleman and treated her just like he would everyone else. He didn't go over the top and treat her like some goddess or something; he didn't fear her or beg her for autographs and pictures, no. He treated her normally, like a friend; and not like those that are only useful for their connections and strength, like a true friend, one that has her back and vice versa, one she can rely on, and one who would be there for her through thick and thin. Despite his goofy nature, Jaune has smitten the redheaded Spartan a lot more than people think.
"Oh Jaune, please stay with me," she begged him, her aura waving around his beaten body. Luckily, Jaune's aura was working overtime in tune with Pyrrha, but the blonde knight suffered from multiple battles and so the procedures are taking a lot longer than expected. Her tear filled eyes peered at his anguished face that crushed her even more the longer she stares.
It was after Jaune first got stabbed that Pyrrha went into a fierce rage and attacked the monster that did it. Omicron is definitely still alive, but like her partner, Zeke, she too underwent a serious transformation, as if her previous form wasn't strong enough. Pyrrha and the newly transformed Omicron battled it out viciously. At first, the two seemed evenly matched, although it was hard to tell with the crimson haired teammate of JNPR angrily lashing out at the Grimm.
Unfortunately, she needed to switch priorities and focus on her dying partner. She managed to get him to safety while the rest of JNPR, Weiss, and the newly arrived Yang and Ruby fend off the attack. She couldn't stand to see Jaune in such a state; he meant the world to her and the thought of him dying just…no. Pyrrha didn't have the time or the mental capacity to finish such thoughts.
"Please Jaune, wake up. We need you," she cried. "I need you."
She stopped healing to catch her breath. The one downside of healing Jaune of all people is his massive reserve of aura. Factoring everything his redhead partner been through, she didn't have the reserves to keep going. All she could do now is wait and recharge. Her friends remained locked in combat with the newly transformed Omicron, who increased in speed and power. Her attacks were more deadly and her speed nearly surpasses Raiden and Ruby.
The Spartan reached out and touched Jaune's cheek, feeling the coldness starting to wear off. She gave a sad sigh and planted soft kiss on Jaune's forehead.
"Stay safe Jaune; I love you," she grabbed her weapon Milo and wiped the tears from her eyes. She gave Jaune a sad look and turned back to face the Grimm responsible for this. That sadness evaporated and turned into rage as she glared at the quite beautiful bird woman with silver wings growing out of its head along with a ruff of feathers. Her normally black skin turned a lightly tan. This form didn't have a visor so everyone could see her light blue eyes glaring at them along two black stripes on her face. Her wings changed from their fairy like appearance and took on more avian style, black wings on her back. She had three claws on both hands and feet, one of those hands in particular being the one that stabbed Jaune. Her chose of wear was more…unorthodox: silver panties, a black top with detached sleeves, and metallic shoulder pads, gauntlets with crimson soft-edged pentagons and the Omicron symbol on them, black boots with metallic knee pads, a long silver scarf that resembles a strap, and a crimson breathing mask. Her boots are connected to its top by white straps that pass through the inside of its panties. As said before, it's unorthodox and 'highly inappropriate even for such a soulless monster' according to Weiss and 'Very slutty' from the mouth of Yang.
Pyrrha focused her anger; there was no way she'd lash out blindly like before. Her friends' lives are on the line and her partner is on the brink. She can't afford to lose sight now, not when she hasn't made the enemy pay.
"Hey! You big bird bitch!" the Spartan yelled. She gained everyone's attention, feeling their eyes land solely on her. Pyrrha gripped Milo and Akouo tightly in her hands.
"Oh it's you," Omicron sneered. "Have you stopped grieving over your boyfriend?"
Pyrrha gritted her teeth. How dare this monster? What does she know?
"He's still alive and when he wakes up, I'll greet him with your head. You know why? Because I'm going to kill you, right here, right now, with my spear!" Pyrrha declared and dashed at Omicron with a loud battle cry. Omicron smirked under her mask and lunged at Pyrrha with her talons ready to strike. Pyrrha's weapon grinded against the claws and produced a sharp screech that shrieked through the air. The Grimm drove its other claw down. However, the attack met the shield of Akouo. Pyrrha pushed Omicron back with her shield and swiped her sword in a vertical motion. Omicron blocked the attack with her wings and then spread them free. A powerful wind blew the Spartan back, but she thrust her spear into the ground and stayed in place.
The Grimm was about to attack, but she was intercepted by an angry hammer wielder and red eyed brawler. Nora slammed her hammer into Omicron's stomach and unleashed a shot from her launcher. Yang smashed her hands down on the Grimm's chest and pulled back a punch to finish the job. However, the blonde brawler felt a strong kick to the stomach and hunched over before the forced sprawled her over the ground. Omicron took to the sky and swiped both arms down vertically; she forced a typhoon of feathers to rain down on the hunters and huntresses.
"You're way out of your league," Omicron stated, her blue eyes peering down at her opponents. Just when her gaze focused on the blonde knight, a loud gunshot grabbed her attention. She quickly dodged a bullet from none other than Pyrrha, who changed Milo into a spear and chucked the weapon at the flying Grimm.
Omicron dodged the spear and made a dive for the Spartan. The avian Grimm lashed out with her claws, which met the shield of Akouo. The girls locked eyes with one another, firing intense glares that forced lightning between them.
"You're defenseless without your weapon," Omicron pointed out with a smirk. "Face it, you can't defeat me. Even in my previous form, you could all barely keep up; and now that I'm in my new one, you actually think you stand a better chance. That's rich."
"Oh really? Because the way I see it, you were forced to transform by the same people you're mocking," Pyrrha retorted. Her retort made Omicron frown and grit her teeth. "Wasn't it my leader and teammate who dealt enough damage that forced you to transform? So what does that tell you?"
"That you're so called leader got a lucky shot in," the avian woman stated. Her senses kicked in and she quickly spread her wings and took the sky once more, dodging gunfire. Omicron saw the glyphs appearing in the air and a leaping blonde brawler and her sister approaching. Below her, the members of JNPR continued to fire from their gun weapons, Pyrrha managing to retrieve hers after Omicron's escape, while the members of RWBY intercepted her flight. Omicron covered herself in a small dome of wind, which deflected the bullets and explosives while at the same time protecting herself from RWY's attacks.
"Damn it," Yang cursed as she, her sister, and Weiss landed back on the ground, glyphs and all. "We can't get past her defenses."
"And where are Blake and Mizu?" Weiss questioned.
"Yeah, those two have been gone for a very long time," Nora pointed out.
"Big brother said he can't sense them," Ruby stated. "And if he can't sense them anywhere, then that means something bad happened to them."
"You can be serious right now," Weiss stated.
"Oh no, poor Wolfe and Blakey," Nora tightened her hold on her war hammer.
"Your friend is being taken to my master as we speak," Omicron stated, earning shocked stares from her adversaries. "Master Malevolent is bringing your friend and his mate to my master to begin the resurrection process."
An evil smile tugged at Omicron's lips.
"We were actually here to delay you and retrieve the key; and now that we have him, we can end our little game."
Her wings spread wide. Feathers popped right off and hovered in mid-air around her. Her eyes set on Yang.
"As for you, I wouldn't worry about that boyfriend of yours. I'll take good care of him."
Yang bared her gritted teeth and clenched her fists harder. She understood perfectly what that hidden meaning said. If her hair wasn't already on fire, it would explode from rage.
"I'm sure my master will allow me to keep him as a pet."
"You bitch," Yang said under her breath. It's no surprise that Yang would get angry about someone talking about her boyfriend, but the fact that this one intended to make his her own slave. No, that was not going to sit well with this brawler. No way, not no how is anyone putting their hands, or in this case claws, on her boyfriend. That's just asking for pain, which Yang intends to deliver.
"He's actually quite the human, to be able to stand up to Zeke all on his own for such a long time. My master would love to have someone like him on his side," Omicron continued to anger the Raiden appointed Sunbeam.
"And I would love to rip your head off and smash it into the ground," Yang declared and charged at the winged beast. Pyrrha followed after her, Milo shifting into its spear mode. "Ready to show this bitch why she shouldn't mess with our men?"
"Gladly," the redheaded Spartan nodded. The rest of RWBY and JNPR joined the fray, mostly followed by the happy shouts of Nora and her grenades.
Fire and lightning rained down on the battlefield in a spectacular display of light and power. The two elements molded together whenever they clash and radiated an energy so powerful it made the earth crumple away in fear. Nothing could appose these two elements, their might too overwhelming to withstand. Everything trembled and cowered away in fear of these elements. Even those foolish or brave, mostly foolish, enough to try ended up in defeat. However, while they're difficult to combat, it is a completely different story to fully tame them.
One wrong mistake with fire and the user will find themselves and everything around them engulfed in flames. It takes a calm and patient spirit to command fire with such mastery. The same goes for lightning. One cannot be bound to any sort of limitations or the element will circulate in a continuous loop and eventually become too much to handle, but by extending one's knowledge and abilities, they can utilize the chirping emanating element in a plethora of ways.
Which brings out the next event. Raiden's footsteps galloped across the ground, a streak of light tailing behind him. He drove his fist through the air and smashed apart a sphere of fire. His helmet looked left and right but found no Zeke. The armor clad professor clapped his hands together and channeled the lightning to his palms. When he separated his hands, a bolt of lightning appeared in between, which he grasped with his left hand.
"Think you can hide from me huh? We'll see about that," Raiden launched the bolt into the sky. With his right hand, he encased it in lightning and waited for it to disperse. His armored hand took the form of Shadow Bolt in Coruscation mode, which he used to fire a blast of lightning at the bolt in the sky. A smirk tugged at Raiden's lips as millions of tiny bolts rained down.
He tried to feel for the presence, which wasn't hard to do with all at the swift maneuvers. Raiden snapped into action and ducked under a strong claw. He threw his left foot back and just grazed the side of Zeke, who took to the sky and dove down immediately, slamming his fist clear across Raiden's cheek. The professor rolled on the ground and the fire commanding Grimm used the opening to fire a barrage of fire bullets from its super weapons. The red blasts pelted the ground and erupted in multiple explosions, sending a fire clouds to the sky. Zeke hovered in the air for a minute. Everything was quiet, minus the explosions still going off in the background.
"I know you're still alive. There's no way you would be done in by such an attack."
"Well you can't blame a guy for trying I guess," Raiden's voice echoed from the shadows. He soon came out and met the Grimm in mid-air with a pair of lightning wings giving him flight. His armor has taken a bit of damage though.
"Your armor is really annoying me," Zeke commented with a snarl.
"Don't hate on Leyna just because she's helping me kick your ass. She is armor for a reason, but she loves me, like most ladies. I don't know why, but then again, how can anyone hate this badassary," Raiden charged at Zeke and engaged in another round of close combat. Shockwaves exploded in the air as fire and lightning rained down.
Neither knew how long they've been fighting. It's definitely been more than a couple of hours. What they did know is that one will emerge victorious while the other dies. But above all else, they knew how exhilarating the fight was on them. It's rare for Raiden to use his full strength against an opponent and said adversary has not disappointed. For the longest, Raiden was worried about using too much and hurt someone when he didn't mean to, but now he knows Zeke can take it. He knows Zeke can take the punishment and dish out just as much. That means Raiden can go all out without worries, without fear; he can fight without holding anything back.
How long has it been? It felt like days since they started fighting, but in actuality, it's only been several hours. Their stamina was close to emptiness, and yet, they continued to battle. It was so spectacular, glorious, exhilarating, and neither wanted the fight to end. However, both knew that it must; it seems like they've become quite good friends, but they were enemies first.
When their fists socked the other in the cheek, they fell straight to the ground with a loud thud. Both Zeke and Raiden rested on their backs, exhaustion beginning to take control. At the most, they had one last attack in them. Raiden's armor had suffered major damage to the point where parts of his body could be seen clear as day. He removed his helmet and stared into the cracked visor.
"Thank you Leyna; you've served me well. Now, how about we have one last dance? We have to end our first reunion in years with a bang right?"
The helmet began to shine and release gentle sparks of electricity. Raiden closed his eyes and smiled; it's time to finish this.
"Hey Zeke, be honest with me. Do you want this fight to end?"
The Grimm in question suffered just as much damage as Raiden. His wings were badly damaged, parts on his own armor was destroyed as well but only showed parts of a skeleton. One of his weapons was destroyed and the other was barely functioning.
"No," he said back. "I don't want this to end, but it must. I can't disobey my master's orders."
"My friend," Raiden panted. "The one that's supposed to resurrect your master; what did you do to him?"
"Malevolent, Alpha, he took him and his mate away. Omicron and I were ordered to distract you and your friends while Alpha seized the key and his mate. As we speak, they're on their way back to my master to begin preparing for his resurrection."
"How long will it take?"
Zeke didn't respond at first. He was in deep thought, namely wondering why he's telling Raiden all this in the first place.
"I believe it will take four months for the key to learn the resurrection ritual and procedures and maybe another two to have everything set up properly in time. After that, it will begin; and when my master finally comes forth, everything you hold dear will be engulfed in flames. I can't wait to see it."
Raiden chuckled at that claim, although felt a surge of pain course through him afterwards.
"You can't wait? From the way it sounds, it seems like you're going to defeat me."
"Of course I am going to beat you. You can barely move; I bet you have no tricks left," Zeke pushed his aching and exhausted body to his feet. He smirked at seeing Raiden having trouble doing the same thing. "Like I said, no tricks left."
"That's…where you're…wrong," Raiden pushed his limits and painfully rose to his feet. His arms limped at his sides as his eyes focused on the fire wielding Grimm. "I have one more trick up my sleeves. However, I only save it for last resort tactics, but given the circumstance, I say this situation calls for it."
The helmet that shined dispersed into lightning and engulfed each of Raiden's hands.
"I'm going to repeat something I said to you at the beginning of our fight," Raiden raised his head and looked at the black sky. How long has it been since daylight hit, too long in Raiden's opinion. "There is a reason why I'm called Raiden. Like the name intends, I can command lightning with high expertise. Any source of electrical energy is like a battery to me and I can even get help from the sky during storms, but I hate that. I like to use my natural abilities to win, not receive help from any other kind of outside force. I'm not saying I'm ungrateful, but it's not a real victory in my opinion. Anyway, I hope you remember that, because using the same abilities that gave me that title, I will destroy you."
Zeke stared at Raiden, a smile slowly getting bigger and bigger on his face. He started chuckling and soon erupted in full blown laughter.
"I see the battle hasn't damaged your sense of humor. I like that, you can still make things exciting for me," Zeke flexed his claws, the remains of them anyway. "Then let's see how much strength you have left. Show me Raiden, what all that training did for you!"
Fire erupted in a dazzling light, encasing Zeke completely. As soon as Raiden heard that phrase leave the Grimm's mouth, his eyes reverted to that serious stare he revealed at the beginning. He planted his feet firmly on the ground and clenched his fists tight. A loud battle cry escaped his lips as he charged up the rest of his aura, blue lightning mirroring the beautiful image Zeke created with his fire.
"Explode! Rising Thunder!"
The blue light vanished first and revealed Raiden with Shadow Bolt equipped in their ultimate phase, the Omega Blaster. Zeke let the flames consume him. The flames extended and created a bird like appearance, a giant flaming Phoenix.
"Let's finish this! THIS IS WHERE YOU DIE!"
"I WON'T LOSE! HERE WE GO SHADOW BOLT! ULTIMATE MOVE! OMEGA BLASTER!"
Fire and lightning exploded from their containers and dashed towards one another with earth shattering power.
Just when he finally regained feeling in his arms and legs, Jaune opened his eyes and saw the dark sky still lingering above him. His whole body ached in pain.
"What…happened?" He groaned loudly. All he remembers is fighting that fairy Grimm, that very powerful fairy Grimm. Then, he felt something pierce through him, and finally, darkness. "Guys?"
Jaune searched for his friends, his dull blue eyes lazily scanning the area. He received no response, but all that tiredness instantly vanished when he spotted his teammates. That is, he found them all lying on the ground completely battered and beaten. He called out to them, despite the pain, but he still got no response.
"Ruby?"
The little redhead was curled up on the ground, her hood and cloak in shreds.
"Yang? Weiss?"
The blonde brawler and snow heiress, much like their leader, was unconscious on the ground, their bodies littered with cuts and gashes.
"Ren? Nora?"
The green clad man of JNPR was sprawled across the ground with his partner thrown on top of him, both unconscious. Jaune opened his mouth to call out his own partner, but the act was interrupted by the sound of her voice.
"I will not stop fighting," she declared. The blonde knight searched for Pyrrha. He tried to stand up, ignoring the pain shooting through his body. His sword acted as a crutch for him to stand on, but his legs wobbled tremendously just trying to stand.
"P-Pyrrha," Jaune whispered. He had to find her. Things just couldn't end this way, not like this. His teammates, his friends, they all fought so hard while he just slept through it all. His friends gave it their all while he stayed on his back. His friends protected him; and now he must do the same. Question is how. He is in no condition to be fighting. Hell, he can barely stand as it is. But he decided to keep trying, his legs and arms screaming at him to stop, his muscles aching and crying in pain, and his consciousness keeps being fickle. At times he wants to pass out, but other times he keeps moving.
Jaune continued to move towards Pyrrha's location. He could hear her battle cries and weapon smashing against something in the distance. His dull blue eyes narrowed as he pushed himself to keep moving, but his legs gave out and he collapsed. The blonde leader pushed himself up, but his arms gave out next and dropped him to the ground.
"Damn it," he cursed softly. He couldn't move, his body won't let him. But he has to; how can he help his partner if he can't move? "Why?"
He bit his bottom lip. Is this all he can do? After all that training with Pyrrha, his friends, Raiden, and Mizu, is this the limit of his strength? Is this where he dies?
Jaune opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. What could he say anyway, besides he failed? He failed, something he didn't think he'd hear again. He tried to get stronger in order to avoid hearing that phrase, but it seems like it was inevitable. Jaune failed; he failed his teammates, his friends… and her. He just wanted to become stronger and live up to his family's legacy, cast away that shy and timid hunter for someone more confident and brave, someone more courageous and reliable.
Confidence, something he seriously lacked in the beginning. To everyone else, he seemed to have it, but those with better eyes could see that it was all a mask. He tried to tell himself that he could this or he can accomplish that; however, deep down, even he knew it was just fabrications meant to egg him on.
As much as it pained him, he knew he failed, just like always. He couldn't save them, he couldn't protect them. Why did it have to be this way? Why did things have to go so poorly for him? A tear fell down Jaune's cheek. Why did he have to be so weak?
It is a sign of weakness to cry in a fight. Even if he didn't, would that make a difference?
"They were right; I'm a lost cause, not a hero. I can never be a hero; that's just some made up thought I shoved in my head!" The tears flowed down his cheeks as he silently sobbed. The weakness of not being able to help, of failing those he care about for the umpteenth time, it formed a black hole in his heart.
"Are you just going to give up?" a masculine voice questioned. "That's nothing like the Jaune I know."
"The Jaune you know is a big weak coward!" the blonde knight yelled back. Seems he found his voice again, but not the way the voice intended. "I was always meant to be at the bottom. Who was I fooling? I would never amount to anything so just leave me to my self-pity."
The air turned to silence. Even the sounds of Pyrrha fighting was drowned out as the crying huntsman lie on the ground in pain and sorrow.
"Who told you that?" the voice asked Jaune.
"No one, I reached that conclusion myself," the leader of JNPR replied, trying to stifle his sniffles. He failed at that too.
"I see. Then you're an idiot," the man's voice rang through his ear. "Are you just going to lie there and let your partner fight all by herself? Are you just going to abandon her?"
"But what can I do?" Jaune questioned. "I'll just get in the way."
"ENOUGH!" the voice screamed. "I did not speak to you just to watch your bellyaching. I came here to help you and make you show those Grimm bastards whose boss. Now get up."
Jaune didn't react or respond. He shook slightly and let his bangs cover his eyes.
"I SAID GET UP!" a strong force hauled the blonde to his feet. An even stronger force struck the knight across the face. "I'm through playing your games. Who the hell are you and what have you done to my son?"
Jaune's gasp reach the ears of the man holding him by the hood. If the lightning was any better, Jaune would be able to make out the man's appearance, but the fact that he said 'my son' only made the blonde knight shake more.
"It's been a while son," his implied father said. His voice, while still stern, was gentler. "You've grown a lot since the last time I saw you."
"Why?" Jaune responded in a barely above a whisper voice. "Why are you here?"
The man released his son, who staggered back and kept his head hung low.
"I came here because Ozpin messaged me. He said that you might have a harder time than the rest and could use the help. Your mom and sisters are defending the town along with the other huntsmen and huntresses. It took a lot of convincing to let me come here alone and I don't want to remember it mostly being about my son giving up. That is not the Arc way; we do not give up just because things look tough. We get back up and keep trying; and you're going to do the same."
Jaune didn't respond and shrunk under his father's stare.
"Let's go, we have a Grimm to beat," the older man stated, but stopped when he felt the earth shake violently. "What's happening?"
Jaune and his father turned their heads towards a wall of bright light flashing blindingly in the distance. They could feel an intense surging from that area and decided to move back a little. No doubt more Grimm would be attracted to that light now that it's releasing such strong visuals.
"Raiden," Jaune's father heard his son say.
"Raiden? Is that one of the professors in your letters?" He asked back. In one of the many letters Jaune has sent, one of them contained small adventures he's experienced through two new professors that arrived at Beacon. The Arc family was glad to their blonde knight having a lot of fun, but they were secretly hoping the professors could help discipline him.
"Yeah, he was fighting another one of those special Grimm," Jaune explained what happened. His father already knew about the White Fang helping out so he omitted that part. His father could see the color starting to return in Jaune's eye as he talked about Raiden and Mizu. He listened intently how these new professors caused so much positive change in everyone at Beacon; they were basically the best duo anyone has seen.
"And what would they say if they found you like this?" Jaune's father questioned. He watched Jaune flinch and lower his head in shame. "I say they would be very disappoint, especially how you haven't gone to save your partner yet. Can't you hear her?"
Jaune raised his head once more and tried to listen for Pyrrha's voice, but all he heard was metal clashing and screams.
"She can still fight?" Jaune pondered. His mouth remained opened in speechlessness. It only closed when a strong hand clasped on his shoulder and his head snapped towards his smiling father.
"You still have the will to fight. The only thing holding you back is your own self-doubt, but I know that if you can tap into your power, you and your partner can defeat this foe."
"But."
"Remember how I said a woman loves a guy with confidence? Well your mom didn't want me telling you the whole thing until she felt like she could trust those around you, but the truth is Jaune, only you can make things happen. While you have the personality, you need the abilities to compliment it; and I know that you have them. Just…let it go Jaune, and help your partner."
Jaune's father took a few steps back and watched his son stare at the ground. His sapphire blue eyes never left his son, whose fists were clenched tightly and arms trembling. A widening smile tugged at his lips as he saw sparks of white energy crackling around his son and his hair begin waving with the wind.
"Go for it Jaune; don't hold back."
Jaune looked at his trembling fists and narrowed his eyes, the gleam slowly returning. Out of everyone he knows, it was his own team at first that helped him improve. They never gave up on him, even when he was so difficult at first, but they slowly made him open up more and that made all the difference. His brotherly moments with Ren, fun and thrilling adventures with Nora, and finally, the training and team bonding with Pyrrha; it's thanks to them that Jaune has become stronger, and never once did they express any signs of disappointment, that he knew off anyway. They made him see exactly what he was so blind to, a lot more things than he expected, but that's beside the point.
He knows what he has to do.
"GO FOR IT JAUNE! RELEASE EVERYTHING YOU HAVE LEFT!" His father screamed. Jaune let out a fierce battle cry as well and focused on one of the many lessons Raiden taught him. A dome of white light encased the blonde knight and created a strong gale to blow in his father's face, but the man didn't bat an eyelash. He smiled even wider and pointed in the direction where Pyrrha continued to fight.
"Go to her Jaune and show everyone how strong Jaune Arc really is."
Jaune didn't respond, as he vanished all of a sudden. He took off at inhuman speed, a line of white light trailing behind him. Jaune's father let out a satisfied sigh.
"That's my boy; now I better go save his other friends or Juniper will kill me," he shuddered at the thought of what his wife would do.
There are many ways to describe the state Pyrrha is in; beaten, exhausted, and sore at only a few words. But she was determined to keep fighting, even if her body didn't have the same thoughts, she made it her sole mission to beat this big bird bitch into the ground. The Grimm beat her friends so now it's only her, but the red haired Spartan wasn't giving up, not at all. She didn't keep fighting because she needed to, but because she wanted to. Her teammates were defeated, her sister teammates were defeated, and her leader was defeated; she wanted to avenge them, she doesn't know if they're alive or not, fighting an incredibly powerful Grimm.
She collapsed on her stomach, her damaged weapon and shield falling out of her hands. Pyrrha couldn't must the strength to keep going, but she pushed herself anyway.
"N-No," she gasped for air. "I can't…stop…now."
"Just give it up," Omicron stated. She shared her fair amount of gashes and bruises. Her wings were especially damaged, preventing her from flying. With that advantage gone, she was forced to engage her enemies in close combat, but as the results have shown, she excelled in it. She wasn't about to let some humans get the better of her, but the one she's been battling just doesn't know when to stay down. No matter how many times she brings the huntress down, she keeps getting back up. It's infuriating to say the least, but now she can finally finish the job and bring her newfound 'pet' back to her master. IF Zeke didn't kill him yet.
"You never stood a chance of beating me. It disgusts me even now that I was pushed so far by you lowly humans, but like the rest, you're going to fall as well."
Omicron flexed one of her claws and peered down at the struggling Pyrrha.
"Tell your boyfriend I said hi when you meet him; I'm sure he must be lonely," she lashed forward, her claws traveling towards their target. However, they were blocked by a strong wall and pushed back. "What?"
A powerful kick to the stomach made the Grimm fly back a few feet and roll on the ground with a loud grunt of pain.
Pyrrha froze in shock. Her head raised slowly to see a tall young man with scraggly blonde hair. He looked like he's been through Hell and back, as his armor was mostly broken, but he still stood strong. In his right hand, a very familiar sword glowed brightly with white light. In the left, a shield that took a lot of damage and yet there no broken pieces anywhere. The young blonde himself was bathed in a white aura that outlined his form.
"Are you okay?" He asked and Pyrrha snapped out of her stupor. She gasped softly when she saw them, those beautiful blue eyes she loved so much, which were now backed by a fierce fire and unbreakable determination. Jaune stood in front of his partner, who began to tear up.
"Jaune?" She sniffled. The blonde knight gave a cool smile back.
"The one and only."
Pyrrha pushed herself to her feet and limped over to her partner before wrapping her arms around his neck and crying on his shoulder. Jaune sheathed his sword, the glowing disappearing, and hugged his partner back. He dragged his fingers through her crimson hair and repeatedly apologized to her for all the worry he's caused. It was probably his best idea not to tell her about his depression episode, as she would stop kissing his cheeks and hit him instead.
"Pyrrha, I'm really happy to see you too, but we have something more important to take care of," he pointed out. Pyrrha ceased her affectionate assault and nodded in agreement.
"YOU!" Omicron's voice rang out. The couple turned towards the glaring Grimm but only Jaune could draw his weapons. Pyrrha was still too exhausted to do anything. "I thought I killed you. How? How are you still alive? I killed you! I know I did!"
"Apparently not, because I'm still alive," Jaune retorted. "I see you've transformed, not much an improvement, you're still a dead Grimm."
Omicron gritted her teeth and drew her claws. Jaune could feel the pain in his stomach as he remembered those claws that stabbed him like they did. The blonde knight branded his sword and moved his shield in a more defensive position.
"Pyrrha, I know you're about to collapse, but I really need your help," he said. The redhead Spartan stared back blankly.
"How? I can't do anything. I'm so exhausted I can't even see straight," she responded and leaned against her leader to balance herself.
"I know, but don't worry. I have a plan, just give me your hand," Jaune told her and held out his appendage. His body started to release the white sparks again, captivating Pyrrha as she slowly reached for her leader's hand. Omicron growled and charged at the pair. She didn't care about some white light; it wouldn't make a difference to her. She was going to kill these two and be done with it. Her master already has what he wants so there's no use dragging this out any further.
Jaune held Pyrrha's hand tight and focused intensely. The P of JNPR could feel something vehement surging through her. She felt the adrenaline picking back up again and her fatigue slowly lessen. She looked at her arms and saw the same white aura Jaune is exerting encasing her as well. She felt incredible, but what did Jaune do? Is this his aura work, or his semblance? Whatever it is, Pyrrha loves it.
"How sweet," Omicron sneered. "Now you both can die together!"
She swiped her claws in a down vertical manner, a wicked smile plastered on her face. However, said smile vanished, along with her prey. She missed her attack and sight of her targets.
"But how?"
"Enhancements," Jaune stated. Omicron quickly turned around, only to be hit in the shoulder by a downward sword strike, courtesy of the blonde knight himself. Omicron screeched in pain and distanced herself as she held the wound she received. How did he get behind her so fast? Did it have to do anything with that strange white aura?
"Aura can already enhance and block attacks, but my ability is a little different. It provides the same qualities; however, my restores some of my energy and allows me to restore someone else's by touch, giving them just a big a boost I do myself. In other words."
"You are so fucked right now," Pyrrha appeared beside Omicron and delivered a strong kick to her stomach, lifting her off the ground. The Spartan followed up with a strong overhead slash and struck the Grimm on the back. Her scream filled the couple's ear.
"I told you I would make you pay for what you did."
Pyrrha kicked Omicron off the ground and fly back across the ground, her back grinding against it.
"Jaune, this is amazing," Pyrrha looked at her arms again. The enhancement felt wonderful; it made her feel like nothing could stop her, she was invincible.
"Agreed, but I doubt this will last much longer," Jaune said with a heavy pant. He could feel the effects wearing off already. "We need to finish this quickly."
"I couldn't agree more," an enraged Omicron stood up and glared daggers at her very annoying and infuriating adversaries. She summoned a dark aura and forced the wind to change more violently. "I've had enough of this! This ends now!"
"Are you ready Pyrrha? It's time for some Arkos," Jaune took his stance.
"That's the one with our names combined right?" the Spartan asked for clarity. If the situation wasn't so dire, Jaune would start scolding his partner, but he settled for just a nod. Omicron unleashed a typhoon of violent wind at her opponents, who split up and charged at her with enhanced speed. The Grimm took it upon herself to keep them separated, but it only angered her when her attacks kept missing.
She was so close to victory. But that damn blonde knight had to show up and do some weird thing with his aura. This fight has gone on long enough. Omicron continued to unleash powerful winds, but the Arkos pairing maneuvered through them and managed to get in close. Omicron didn't expect it and attempted to dodge, but Jaune and Pyrrha struck her at the same time on the chest, drawing more screams from the Grimm. Jaune followed up with a vertical up strike and Pyrrha came down with an overhead slash. Omicron was completely at their mercy as she suffered the combined attack of Jaune and Pyrrha.
They attacked in perfect sync, hitting every opening they could find. Omicron was no match for their combined attacks. White streaks cut through her mercilessly, causing her to scream more and more from the intense pain. It was as if the light was a very strong poison that's coursing through her systems. The more poison she takes, the stronger the affects.
"Let's finish this," Jaune jumped back and used the last of his energy to fire a wave of white light from his sword. The sickle cut through Omicron's shoulder and diagonally down to her right hip. The Grimm felt her entire world crashing down, but why? She was the stronger being, the more dominant species. How could she lose to such weak specimen such as these humans? Her thoughts were shattered when Pyrrha landed the final strike against her neck.
As the white energy faded, the hunter and huntress collapsed on the ground with a loud thud, heavy pants pouring out of their mouths. They groggily raised their heads to see Omicron trying to make their way to them, the look of pure rage painted clearly across her face. She muttered the same thing over and over again, "I will not be beaten."
Jaune tried to push himself up to his feet, but he didn't have the strength to go on. Pyrrha already fell unconscious from her previous fights with the female Grimm. Omicron limped towards the fallen couple; however, her walk fell short as she collapsed on the ground.
"I'll…kill…you," was her last breath before the Grimm evaporated into nothingness. They did it. They beat her. They won. Jaune managed a smile and chuckled softly despite the pain. His eyes moved to his hands as he recalled the white glow surrounding him a few moments ago. It felt exhilarating while it was active, but now he knows the full extent of his injuries. Jaune's head fell to the ground, his eyes beginning to close from the heaviness.
"Hmm, Radiant Dawn; I like the sound of that," Jaune closed his eyes and fell into unconsciousness.
He sat with his back resting on the ground, his dull eyes looking up at the dark sky. Still no sunlight, no regular starry night sky or even a blue one, the one he missed the most. He yearned to see the blue sky again, filled with flying clouds and the big ball of fire radiating intense heat. He missed the starry night sky and its complimentary lunar orb or crescent; it makes very romantic scenery for when he spent time with his hot girlfriend, who he prayed was okay. He felt many aura signatures weaken during his fight but couldn't let that distract him as he needed to focus on his own fight. Surprisingly, he won the fight, but his body was so damaged that even the slightest twitch was excruciatingly painful.
Raiden couldn't move a muscle. His entire body ached from head to toe and then some. His armor vanished, leaving him in his original tattered battle gi. Nothing really much changed, except for the gargantuan crater Raiden is resting in at the moment. That explosion should've killed him, should have anyway, but the lightning bastard is still kicking, barely.
"Mizu…Blake…don't…worry," he gasped, feeling his conscious slip away. "I'll…bring you back. I…promise."
The lightning professor closed his eyes and let the drowsiness take over. He won the fight, but the war is still going strong. He may have made a new friend, but lost one in the process; and now it's time to bring him and his mate back.
A/N: And that ends yet another chapter for your viewing pleasure. I'm actually going to apologize, because I feel like many people will find this completely boring. I know I shouldn't think that, but I just have a bad feeling. Anyway, please tell me what you think of the chapter in a review please. This has been MalevolentDarkness16 and I will see you all in the next chapter. Thanks so much for reading and take care. MD16 signing out.