A quick start to a story that has been tumbling around in my head. I'm doing this to just get back into the swing of things. I will be returning to my other stories and updating them in the next couple of weeks. I just need to get back into the flow, and habit of writing again.
Anyway please enjoy.
/==/
The blonde haired young man dropped to his knees as the black obsidian arrow punched through his left shoulder. Grabbing at the point of impact with his right hand he bent forward at the waist, his forehead pressed against the trampled grass. Amber could easily see the cruel barbed tip of the arrow protruding out the back of his shoulder, from her own kneeling position. Even with his intervention, the trio of assailants had gained the upper hand.
One of them must have an illusion semblance, Amber thought. It was the only way she could have fallen so completely into the ambush. Her chest heaved, as her brown eyes watched as the fem-fatal leader slowly pulled on an inky black glove.
"Now my dear." the raven haired woman, spoke in a menacing tone, "be a good girl and stay..."
"NO!"
Amber turned her brown eyes from her assailants to that of the young man that had come to her aid. He was leaning back now, his neck bent back, his face aimed at the sky. He had screeched out that one word and now his head was trashing back and forth while his upper body and arms were ramrod straight.
"Mercury." the leader of the trio commented.
Amber watched as the silver haired teen nodded. A cruel, sickening grin crossing his rather ordinary looking face. He moved off and stalked his way towards the kneeling blonde.
/=/
"Go on. Let go. Have some fun."
Squeezing his eyes shut he shook his head.
"We both know you want to."
"No." came his weak response.
"They are all of them beneath you. Show them."
"I wont ..."
"You wont what? Kill?"
"I wont."
"People die everyday what is one more. Let go."
"I..."
"The world is yours to take. All you have to do is open up...release it..."
/=/
Amber watched as the one named Mercury closed upon the young man that had tried to come to her aid. She knew she should do something, at least try and give him a chance to escape, but she was spent. Her aura shattered, her body beaten. She turned her eyes from the scene that was about to take place; and instead focused on the pair of women standing before her. The sadistic grin splitting the beautiful features of the raven haired one, told Amber she was going to meet the same fate that her would be rescuer was about to.
A sudden burst of hysterical laughter cause them all to snap their heads around in the direction of the sound. All eyes grew wide as the one called Mercury backed away. The seemingly beaten blonde was rising to his feet, the laughter emanating from his wide open mouth. His eyes wide open and alight with malice.
Amber took the opening and used what energy she had left to scuttle backwards. Wrapping her fingers about her staff she rolled on to her back and aimed the red crystal adorned end at her attackers. Then she froze.
"Worms, worms. Writhing in the dust."
The voice was ominous, malicious and cold. It felt like the very warmth of her body was being drained away. Taking her eyes of her stunned assailants she glanced at her would be rescuer. Her breathing came faster as she took in the sight. He was standing his body looking like nothing more than a puppet on strings. His eyes consumed with a blazing red light.
"Mercury!"
Amber watched the silver haired teen bolt. Racing past his companions, and making a b-line for the edge of the forest.
"Mercury, you coward!" the raven haired one screamed, before turning her rage filled eyes upon the the blonde. "You have achieved nothing! Once I take this one's power I will strike you down like the insect you are!"
"Cinder!" the green haired one shouted her hands grabbing at the raven haired woman's arm. "We should go!"
"Nonsense . . ."
"Monster, devil, god, hero . . . call me what you will." the soul breaking voice echoed from his lips underlined by maniacal laughter.
Cinder snarled hauled back her arm, a ball of fire forming in her open palm.
"Analyze existence . . . and release."
Amber released the grip on her staff, and dug her fingers into the grass in an attempt to pull herself away, as Cinder howled in agony as an almost paper thin arc of lighting snapped out and touched her palm. The dark foreboding laughter filled the air, as Amber watched with panicked eyes as Cinder dropped to her knees grabbing at her arm as it started to melt away into a fine grey dust. The green haired girl acted quickly, lifting her weapon high and bringing it down as hard as she could. Cinder's howl became a shriek as her afflicted right arm was suddenly severed from her body just above the elbow. The severed portion never touched the ground; turning completely into fine grey dust and dispersing on the slight breeze.
"Burn it!" snapped the girl as she focused her eyes upon the cackling form shuffling towards them.
Amber watched as he stopped moving forward, and tilted his head almost as if he was confused about something. Dread grew in the pit of her stomach as his eyes turned to focus on her. Off to the side the green haired girl helped her companion to her feet, and supported her weight as they shambled off. Amber watched them for only a short time, before turning her full attention to the young man stalking towards her with uneven steps, until suddenly he vanished. Amber screamed in panic as he was suddenly right on top of her. He sat astride her hips pinning her to the ground with his body weight. The fingers of his right hand coiled about her throat.
"I create nothing, forgive nothing, save nothing . . . I just erase . . . completely."
Amber grabbed as his wrist with both her hands trying to pry herself free as his fingers began to slowly close. She choked, coughed, and gagged as the pressure increased. Then suddenly it stopped. She felt his grip falter and then fall away. She looked up and watched as his eyes rolled over, and his head dropped forward. A second later his whole upper body followed, and he collapsed like someone had removed all the bones from his body. Still coughing, she squirmed and wiggled trying to work her way out from underneath him.
She had only gotten partly free when she felt a pair of hands reach under her arms. She screamed and flailed about twisting her torso. She was beyond any thoughts of common sense or defence, so she struck out wildly and ineffectively.
"Hey, hey" came a calming voice. "Amber, you're safe. You're safe."
"Qrow?" she asked as she tilted her head to catch a glimpse of the face that belonged to the voice. Seeing his scruffy face come into view. She gave him a relieved smile before her own eyes rolled over and closed.
"Shit." Qrow swore as he was suddenly holding dead weight.
/=/
"I know what I saw Oz." Qrow repeated. "The kid had gone totally berserk. Spouting some real nonsense. If I hadn't gotten there when I did, he would have killed her."
"I believe you Qrow, but neither Amber nor Jaune have regained consciousness yet. I want to corroborate your story with theirs."
"How do you know the kid's name? You go through his pockets looking for a wallet?"
"That's exactly what we did. But that is beside then point. Both have suffered injuries, and Mister Arc's are not consistent with what we know of Amber's fighting style. So there is more. . ."
"Did you say Arc?"
"Yes. Yes I did." Ozpin replied after taking a sip from his mug. "Is that a problem?"
"Not to me, but it might be for you and Beacon; if his family finds out he's here. They are an archaic bunch if the rumours are true."
"That will not be an issue. I've already contacted them, and aside from surprise that he was in our care, they had nothing more to say; other than the last they heard he was out wandering to explore the world."
"Wandering? With no weapons? That doesn't add up."
"I agree, which is why once he and Amber have both recovered, I will be sitting down with each of them individually to get a broader idea of what happened."
"If you say so Oz. Just be careful of that kid. There is something off about him."
/=/
Cinder awoke in pain and fear. Her left hand instantly crossing over her torso reaching for her right. She suppressed a whimper as her fingers curled around nothing.
"Cinder!"
"Emerald?"
"I'm here. I'm here."
"What happened? Where are we? Where's Mercury?"
"He's in the other room, awaiting his punishment, the coward." Emerald snapped, "We're in Vale. One of Roman's safe houses."
"What happened?"
"Someone interfered. We had it all under control and then the guy just snapped."
"Snapped? My arm?"
"He did something to it. Must have been a semblance or something. I had to cut it off to save you."
"We didn't get her did we?"
"No. I used my semblance on him, and dragged you out of there."
"We'll have," Cinder rose from the bed she had been laid upon, "to try again. We need those powers, or the plan will fail. Do we know where she is?"
"No."
"Then we'll have to get Roman to use his contacts. She needs to be found."
"What about . . . him?"
"What about him?"
"He's already gotten in our way once. What if he tries it again?"
"He wont have a chance to." Cinder commented as she turned and let her bare feet touch the floor. Anger burning away her fear, dulling her pain.
"You want to know where he is as well."
"I do."
"When he's found? If we find him?"
"Oh, we will find him. We'll find him the same way we will find her."
"Then what?"
"When we find him..." Cinder looked down at what was left of her right arm, a vicious snarl curling her lips. "He will suffer."
/=/
Amber still sitting in a hospital bed, relayed the events of the past day. Her body still hurt from the abuse she had taken during the ambush; her aura having yet to full recharge and help in the healing process. Once she had finished, she waited as the Headmaster took a sip from his mug.
"Is that everything?" he asked.
"Yes." she replied her hand moving to her throat as she relived the feeling of his fingers closing about it.
"Well, I will leave to rest then." Ozpin mentioned as he stood up from the chair he had been using. "I would ask one thing from you."
"Yes?"
"Please remain here at Beacon until we've had a chance to look into things a bit further."
"Why? I can be more..."
"Amber." Ozpin titled his head forward looking at her like a parent trying to explain to a child why they shouldn't touch an active stove burner. "It is obvious from what you have told me that these individuals are after the maiden's powers. That means you are at risk of being attacked again."
"I can..."
"You fell for what was an obvious trap. A young child hurt and alone in the middle of nowhere? Though from what you have told me you were capable of almost driving them away. In the end however they over powered you and if it was not for that young man's inclusion I fear they would have killed you."
"I..."
"Please, I am asking you. Please remain here at Beacon until we have a better understanding of what is happening. Use the time to better prepare yourself for when you return to your travels."
"I guess." Amber's voice had a depressed edge to it.
"It is not punishment. You are not a student, or a child. This is for your safety. Someone or someones are after your powers. We need to see if we can find out why."
"Okay."
"I will leave you now to get some rest. The doctor has informed me, that you should be fine to be released in a day or so."
"What... about him?"
"I will be speaking to him once he is up."
"Is he okay?"
"He is healing, though without aura it will be a much longer process than it has been for you."
"He had no aura?"
"Apparently not."
"Then how?"
"That will be something I will be discussing with him once he awakens."
/=/
Jaune awoke covered in sweat and in pain. His shoulder throbbed, as did his side, chest and most notably his head.. He had taken a beating, and as he took in his plain surroundings it was obviously a serious one. Pressing his hand to his stomach he attempted to sit up but gave up on the idea shortly after fresh sharp pains tore through his shoulder and head. Laying back down he took slow deep breaths, waiting for his body to settle back into the dull ache he had awoken to.
As he lay there he let his thoughts drift back to the events before finding himself in this obvious hospital bed. He remembered getting involved in a fight. He hadn't even thought twice about stepping in and assisting the young woman at the mercy of those three. From the feel of things he had obviously overestimated his ability to intervene on her behalf. Closing his eyes he shivered. It had over taken him, again. He had seen it all, even though he had been unable to influence it. He had been noting but a passenger in his own body as that force took control.
He heard the door to the room opened and soft clap of feet making their way across the tiles of the floor. Opening his eyes he saw the nurse approaching the side of his bed; data pad in hand. She smiled warmly at him as she noticed his open eyes.
"Good afternoon mister Arc. How are we feeling?"
"Sore, tired and thirsty." he replied, not surprised that they knew his name. They had obviously gone through his things and found his id.
"I can bring you some water in a minute, would you like me to give you something for the pain?"
"No, just water will be fine."
"If you are sure." she responded as she moved about and checked the few instrument readouts hooked up to him. Entering the relevant information into the data pad. "Do you feel well enough to speak with someone?"
"Speak with someone?"
"The Headmaster has been waiting for you to wake up. He would like to speak with you about what happened. Are you up for that or would like to rest a bit more?"
"No, I'll be fine." Jaune replied, before a thought popped into his head. "There was a girl. Is she?"
"She is fine. Don't you concern yourself with that. We are taking good care of her just like we are you." finishing her duties she trapped the data pad under her left arm, and moved over to the side of his bed. After a few seconds of her adjusting his blankets, she straighten and smiled warmly. "I will be back shortly with some water, and I will let the Headmaster know you are available to talk with him. But don't push yourself. You need to rest up and heal."
Jaune smiled weakly and nodded.
/=/
Ozpin sat quietly sipping from his mug as Jaune recounted the events that had happened. He raised his eye brow slightly as Jaune finished his retelling. Ozpin knew from his conversation with both Qrow and Amber; that Jaune was leaving things out. Most notably the actions that took place after he had been seriously wounded. Ozpin wondered if the young man propped up on the bed before him truly didn't know what had transpired at the end of the encounter. Had he really lost control as Amber suggested; or was there something else. In the end Ozpin only nodded and gave Jaune a welcoming smile as he filed away those questions and concerns for a latter discussion.
"Well first off I would like to thank you for stepping in to aid Amber." Ozpin took another sip from his nearly empty mug before continuing. "I fear that this day in age, very few would have stepped into such a dangerous situation; especially with no aura; or semblance."
"My pleasure?"
"Which begs me to ask a question."
"Yes?"
"I understand from contacting your family, that you have taken to a life of wandering; yet you have no weapons to speak of. How do you defend yourself from threats; like grimm?"
"Well I... I'm fairly skilled at hand to hand." Jaune stammered.
"I am well aware of your family's esoteric tendencies, and reputation. So please indulge me."
"If you know, then I guess..." Jaune held up his right hand.. With out a word, or even motion, a ball of flame appeared, hovering over just above his palm; and then it shifted to one of electricity.
"Interesting." Ozpin smiled and took a final sip from his mug, "Is that the extent of your abilities?"
"This is just a small fraction of what I can do."
"I see." Ozpin took a quick look down at his empty mug, and wished he had thought to bring a thermos with him. "I have a couple requests; if I may?"
"Requests?"
"Yes." Ozpin replied.
"I guess, it wont hurt to hear you out."
"I appreciate that. Firstly I would like to ask you to stay at Beacon for the time being."
"Why?"
"Well to give you time to heal from your injuries, but also to give me and my associates time to look into the incident you became involved with. From what I have been told by yourself and Amber; her assailants are rather dangerous. You interfered in their plans which I would assume makes you a target."
"That makes some sense. How long? I really would like to get back on the road."
"A few days." Ozpin replied, "I may not get all the answers by then, but I would hopefully have a better understanding of the why."
"What's the other one?"
"I would like to test you."
"Test?"
"More a demonstration. Nothing overly strenuous. Just a simple, how should I put it?" Ozpin took a minute to collect his thoughts. Ozpin knew of the Arc clan's abilities. They were an old family, with ties going way back into the mists of antiquity. He in fact in one of his many former lives had employed the family, as bodyguards. He was interested to see if the power he remembered was still at their beck and call. "You have a unique ability, I would like to see a bit more than a fraction of it. If you are so willing."
"I guess it can't hurt. When?"
"When you are feeling better. You suffered some serious injuries; I would prefer to have you fully on your feet, and well before subjecting you to any further strain."
/=/
Amber was feeling almost a hundred percent. With a glance at her scroll, she checked the aura gauge; as she wandered about her room. She was in the green but not fully. Collapsing her scroll and shoving it into her pocket she made her way to the door. She was bored,. Having just finished eating; she wanted to do something other than stay inside the small room. She knew from speaking with the on call doctor that she was going to have to spend the night. The excuse was to monitor her and make sure there was no other injuries that they may have missed.
Stepping out into the corridor, she looked about. There were only two paths to go; left or right. As she stood there trying to decide which direction to take, one of the nurses walked by; and a thought jumped into her head.
"Excuse me."
"Yes?"
"There was a young man who came in with me. Can you tell me which room he is in? I would like to thank him for something."
"Of course." she gave Amber a warm smile, "He's in the room right next to yours. Right there."
Amber followed the direction indicated. She smiled at the nurse and nodded her thanks, as she turned and approached the indicated room. Looking through the narrow window she saw that he was up sitting in his bed; picking at the tray of food in his lap. As she regarded him, her left hand came up and rubbed her neck. Right now he looked nothing like how he did when he had grabbed her. Pulling her hand away she took hold of the door knob and turned it.
/=/
Cinder stood with her head bowed. Before them an image of a pale skinned beauty seated upon a throne wavered.
"So you failed."
"Someone intervened." Cinder protested, "He was not much of a threat at first, but then..."
"Tell me."
"He suddenly lost control."
"Control?"
"Yes, my queen."
"Explain."
"I wounded him, and Mercury was about to finish him. Remove him completely while I was set to complete the task you had set before me. But he rose up."
"Rose up?" the stately figure leaned forward, "Continue."
"He was suddenly powerful. The voice, the laughter; it was unnerving." Cinder lifted her head and the stump that was the remains of her right arm. "He took my arm."
"How?"
"I'm not sure, but it just started to fall apart, the pain..."
"I see." the figure leaned back on her throne and seemed to be contemplating something before she spoke again, "Did he say anything of note, before?"
"Analyze existence and erase."
"Interesting. I will need to think on this development further. Return to locating the maiden. Acquiring her powers is important."
"What of him?"
"Ascertain his location, but keep your distance for now."
"Yes Queen Salem." Cinder responded, bowing her head towards the majestic figure.
/=/
Amber had be anxious when she entered his room. She wanted to thank him for what he had tried to do; in coming to her aid. Yet still in the back of her mind; even though she tried to push the thoughts away, was he tried to kill me. She was shocked at how personable and easy going he was; and soon the pair were laughing about various misadventures they had suffered on their respective journeys. Currently she was trying to hold in her laughter as Jaune described how he when trying to help an elderly couple with the roof of their house; he had tripped and fell through the roof of the chicken coop.
"Laugh it up. I broke my wrist on that one, not to mention having to pull feathers out of my hair for three days."
"So it's true." Amber commented as she regained control of herself.
"What's true?"
"You don't have aura."
"I don't."
"Then how?"
"How what?"
"How were you able to launch those attacks?"
"I... I really don't want to talk about that right now. Maybe at a later time?"
"I didn't mean to pry."
"It's nothing. You weren't." Jaune took his eyes of Amber and look down at his lap. "I'm sorry."
"Sorry?"
"About what happened." Jaune lifted his head. His bright blue eyes were rimmed with sadness and regret. "I tried to..."
"I'm okay." Amber cut in, just then understanding that Jaune remembered everything that had happened. "I'm okay."
"Still..."
"I know. It happened."
"I should go." Jaune commented as he lifted his blankets and turned his body to get out of bed.
"You're hurt. You can't leave."
"I still should go."
"Didn't the Headmaster ask you to stay?"
"How?" Juane looked a little surprised that she would know that tidbit of information.
"I figured if he had asked me to stay he would have asked you as well." Amber gave him a weak smile. "So you've been asked to stay and you're injured. Tell me if I'm wrong but that sort of indicates that you should hang around."
"Okay, but only if you answer something for me."
"So I have to bribe you to not get out of bed?"
"No, but I would like to know something."
"There are a few things I'd like to know as well, particularly about you." Amber responded.
"They were trying to kill you because you're a maiden; aren't you?" Jaune asked his eyes studying Amber's face.
"If I tell you, you have to tell me something. Deal?" Amber swallowed nerviously. She wasn't sure how he knew, but he did.
"Like what?"
/=/
Ozpin sat in his office behind his desk. A musty old tome opened before him. To his left Glynda Goodwitch stood, her hands clasped behind her back, while before him Qrow lounged in one of his chairs.
"So he skipped over the parts where he went loco?"
"Yes he did Qrow."
"So you think he didn't know or that he's trying to hide it?"
"I'm not sure, though I do believe it is the later."
"So then why are we allowing him to remain?" asked Glynda, "If you think he is lying, and if what Qrow, and Amber have told you is accurate..."
"He is a young man in need of assistance. He may well have many reasons to not want to talk about all his actions."
"Still..."
"We will monitor him, as we will Amber. The more important question. The one that overrides if he's holding back on us, is who attacked Amber."
"And seeing as he got involved, you figure, that whomever they are; may try something with him." commented Qrow.
"Exactly."
"I am still uncomfortable with this whole arrangement. That young man is hiding something."
"Of that I have no doubt. Yet until we have more details on the aims of Amber's attackers, it is better to have both possible targets under our roof. I very much doubt anyone would try to get at either of them while they are here."
"Very well. Will the pair be remaining on campus during initiation?" asked Glynda.
"If we can impress on them both the need to be where we can provide assistance, I hope so."
"Then I will need to find them accommodations. They can't very well live in the infirmary."
"Please place them as close to the staff as possible. They need to be close so we can observe."
"I could put them in one of the staff units." Glynda offered.
"I think that would be for the best."
"Are you sure about this Oz?" Qrow asked, "I know you, Glynda, Peter, Peach and Bart are top rung; but they did bring a maiden low."
"It was an ambush. Amber I feel has learned her lesson, and will be more vigilant in the future, but you are right. It does cause me some apprehension. However from both Amber's and Jaune's statements we have an idea as to what we may face. At least one of the individuals has an illusion semblance, and the leader seems to be adept at dust manipulation."
"You don't think they will try to infiltrate the school as students do you?" asked Glynda.
"I do not know. But with the information we have we can be proactive. We will re-screen all the applicants that fit the general description of Amber's assailants. Cross that with what we know of their semblances."
"One of them is down an arm. It could be something to be on the look out for." offered Qrow.
"True, but I'm not hedging my bets that someone would be so bold as to attempt to forge their way into Beacon. I would like you to reach out to your contacts Qrow. Use the information we have available. See what you might be able to turn up."
"And what are you going to be doing, while Glynda and I are scouring around?"
"Research." replied Ozpin, as he tapped the book before him.
"On what?"
"On something I haven't run across; for over an eon."
/=/
Once Amber returned to her room after her chat with Jaune, she started to shake. He knew; she thought as she pressed her back against the door. Of course he had seen her using her powers, but most would have written it off as a rather powerful semblance; yet he knew. She hadn't broached the subject on how he knew during their little back and forth. Instead focusing on trying to get a better feel for him. Through their conversation she had found out that he was her age, give or take a couple of months. She had also received a short demonstration of his own ability.
"Mana manipulation." he had called it, though to Amber it looked surprisingly similar to a semblance, yet without his aura unlocked she wasn't sure if it was possible. When she had brought up the topic of the other happenings during the encounter, he had brushed off the questions. Again offering an apology for what he had done; and calling it all a curse.
Afterwards she had excused herself, and no alone in her room she had time to reflect on what she had learned. He was knowledgeable about the maidens. He had skills that did not required an active aura; and for the lack of a better term, he had suffered a psychotic break after being seriously injured. All were disturbing revelations to her. Yet a question remained. With what he knew of the maidens, was he just a bystander that got involved on her behalf, or was there more to his involvement.
/=/
"Stop pretending to be weak." came the; dark and seductive voice he had for so many years been able to suppress and ignore.
"Shut up."
"You are above them all. The world is yours to take all you have to do is open up... release it."
"I said shut up!" Jaune snapped his voice growing in volume.
"Kill... until everything disappears before your eyes."
"No! I wont!" Jaune screamed as he pressed his hands to his face, covering his eyes.
/=/
Amber pulled open her door as soon as she heard him scream; and rushed to his room. Twisting the door knob she shouldered her way through the doorway and stopped. Jaune was seated on the side of his bed, his hands grinding into his eyes. He was shaking, rocking, and mumbling.
"Jaune?" Amber took a tentative step forward, as he slid from the bed to the floor, collapsing to his knees, bending at his waist and pressing his forehead to the tiled floor.
The clatter of heels told her that the on duty nurse had just arrived. Amber stepped aside as the nurse rushed forward. Amber just watched as the nurse placed her hand upon his shaking form and with soft whispers tried to either find out what was wrong or calm him. She wasn't sure which. She stood there, an interested observer, her own mind flickering back to the events from much earlier that day. Something was happening to him, and she feared the worse.
/=/
"So there was an incident. Is it under control, Doctor?"
"It is Headmaster. The on duty nurse was able to calm him, and as a precaution we gave him a mild sedative. He is resting now."
"Any thoughts on why, or what happened?"
"It would be conjecture at this point, and without further testing I wont have a viable answer."
"Humour me."
"Possible mental health issue or issues; based on the symptoms reported."
"Do you feel he could be a danger to himself or others?"
"Until we conduct further tests, and possibly have a mental health professional see him; I don't know."
"I see. Please keep me informed of any further developments; and do what you can for the young man."
/=/
Jaune was resting. The injection that he had been given making his eyelids feel heavy. His breathing was slow and calm, as his head rolled to the side. The voice was muffled now, almost silent. With one final deep breath, he drifted off.
/=/
Amber had returned to her room. She sat on her bed, and wondered. She knew from her conversation with Jaune that he had been on his own travelling Remnant for several years; much like her. What she had witnessed during the attack, and just now; reminded her of some unfortunates she had run across. Lost and confused, some talking to themselves, other just a shell. Empty and vacant. Was Jaune like those people? Was the reason he wandered from place to place because he felt he belonged nowhere? For life of her, she couldn't understand the feeling in the pit of her stomach telling her, she needed to help him.
/==/
Again, this start of a story will not be taking away from the ones I need to complete. It was an exercise in getting back into writing, and to remove an idea that has been rolling around in my head.
I've been reading a few Jaune-Amber stories, and decided against the common thread of having Amber inside of Jaune's head. Instead I chose to make Jaune the same age as Amber, and give him something as equally powerful; if not more so, than her Maiden abilities. And yes it is the Alpha Stigmata from "Legend of the Legendary Heroes."
With this out of the way, I'll return to work on "Monster" and "Unleashed". I'm still slightly stuck on what I want to do. Planning not my strong point when it comes to writing.
Anyway I hope you enjoyed this offering. As always comments, suggestions and critiques are welcome.