Jaune Arc 2.0
Chapter 6 Mistakes
-Anima Airspace-
In the skies of Remnant far above Anima the people chattered, each with hope once more in their eyes despite how they were slaves but a merely few hours ago. The reason was simple they had been rescued, not by just anyone though. The people of Anima had long since given up in the huntsman and Huntresses ever since they had started neglecting their work.
Thou some would argue that they merely have had a increase in Grimm activity to preoccupy them while others would say that they're disappearance, retirement or straight up death in the line of action had increased casing this decline. Regardless each and every one of the people in the ship now had long since given up in the hope that a huntsman would've come to save them and for their part they were right.
After all it wasn't a huntsman who came to their aid but a legend, the hero of Vale in fact. To say they were surprised was a understatement, after all across Remnant thousands had seen the feed of the boy's sacrifice and even more had watched the funeral for those who perished during the Fall with the arc boy being the center. Yet not a one of the Ninety innocent souls he had saved would doubt that their benefactor was him.
It wasn't just that he was a dead ringer for the boy who saved the city, it was his presence, just as stalwart and kind as he seemed and was said to be by the students who had attended with him in Beacon during the interviews. His disposition and way of speaking matched perfectly with the leader of JNPR who spoke reservedly during those interviews during the Vytal Tournament. And his aura was just as white and bright as the explosion he used during the Fall.
To all ninety-four Slaves he had rescued it was without doubt he was Jaune Arc, which only begged the question of how? How had he survived, was it a secret or had he been hospitalized or something. Maybe somebody abducted him. Frankly no matter what they thought the answer refused to come. Which left only the infinite Question of how the thought dead legend Jaune Arc had come to their aid like a knight.
After healing the injured and taking the now freed slaves unto his ship Jaune had left them saying he had business to attend too with the headmaster of Mistral. While they at first protested, Jaune assured them that his partner Penny would take them to a seaside village of Anima and give then appropriate funds to go where they choose.
Thankfully for Penny all the rescued slaves were quite liked minded in this, as most requested to be directed too Vale with about a third or so who were faunus planning to leave towards Menagerie. The reason was simple, they held no more love towards their birth kingdom which had failed them, by comparison the birthplace of their benefactor was quite appealing and alongside that they also wished to gain an answer to the question of how their savior had survived his ordeal with the wretched false maiden.
Well nearly all of the slaves wanted this one of them, Neapolitan or Neo for short who was labeled a terrorist involved directly in failed The Fall Incident had managed to escape. The three White Fang members Jaune had rescued had been properly imprisoned within the Waverider's Retention cells until Penny rendezvoused once more with Jaune. Finally, there was the sole freed slave who had hope other than making way for Vale.
"Please let me stay!" Penny tilted her head a bit confused by the boy before her as he groveled before her. On the floor was the former slave called Oscar, after talking to him Penny had confirmed that he was in fact the sole survivor of his village leaving him with no guardians in which to entrust him to. To rectify this Penny had begun asking the family units among the former slaves if they might take him in but suddenly the boy came to her a determination in his eyes as he pleaded for the following, before Penny could respond the Oscar begun again.
"I know I've done nothing but benefited from you, miss Schnee and Jaune but even so I want to stay! I can help, I know I can, I want to help… I-I had given up on after I lost my village, my aunt. I thought it was all over but then Jaune came. He saved me, he saved all of us, but it's strange, why did everyone think he was dead? I can't help but think it's because they're something that making it hard for him right?" Penny merely waited patiently not commenting.
"If so then, then I want to help! Anyway, I can so please, take me…"
"Okay."
"I know its selfish but please reconsi- what?" Penny put her finger to her chin.
"I said okay, was that wrong…"
"Ye- I mean no, I don't know!" Penny leaned in close to the boy making Oscar blush.
"Are you okay? It would seem your stressed."
"I just, how can you say yes so easily." Penny blinked.
"Because you asked." Oscar gripped his head not knowing if he should be happy she gave him the okay, sad that she might be messing with him or annoyed how much courage he had to gather for something he apparently didn't need to worry about.
"Why would you say yes so easily, aren't you worried I might have anterior motives?" Penny shook her head.
"I am not, I am not capable of understanding the human condition to such a degree where I could determine each and every individuals motives and reasoning. However, from what I observed you have shown to regard friend Jaune positively, alongside that you are alone in the world so it is impossible you are the proxy for those with ill intent. As such I have determined for the time being you an ideal candidate to assist us." Oscar nodded dumbly but smiled none the less. Penny stood up as she made way to the Waverider's control deck.
"No then that leave eighty-nine former slaves in need of transport. I must hurry and return to Jaune…" Penny looked down clutching her chest.
"… Am I lonely?" She pondered on this feeling like the air was a bit stailer and the view was a bit duller.
"Stupendous, so this is the emotion one feels when away from those it cherishes…" Oscar looked to her confused.
"Um, Penny one usually doesn't act so… happy when they feel lonely."
"Really how should I act?"
"Uh, that's a tough one, I mean its not a bad thing that you not bummed out." Penny quirked her eyebrows.
"Bummed, out?" Oscar felt like this was gonna take a while.
-Haven-
Jaune stood over that spot, looking down to his corpse…
"I don't regret what I've done… only that it had to be done. That such a great man had been broken and a fake one had to end him." Winter looked to Jaune not sure what to say but not changing her earlier feelings. She looked to Lionheart's desk and made way to it searching it for any useful information, she found file after file showing the missions he sent the huntsmen on and how they were labeled dead far before it was confirmed. Among the documents were blank certification for a number of things ranging from passports to huntsmen licenses.
As she looked through the many documents a hope emerged in her heart and she stopped grabbing them wanting to make sure that damn cowards fingerprints were all over them. Finally, she noticed something it was only a coincidence that the moon light struck the small metal object making it glow and catch her eye.
Winter reached out for it picking it up it lit to projecting a W and seemingly opening a line to someone who was absent for now. The why that W was designed made her tremble as she could recognize it, this it was the same signature they found in the Fall virus. Arthur Watts quickly winter opened her scroll and took a small cord from it plugging it into the tiny machine and copied what data she could retrieve from it.
The scroll begun to beep as did the little orb and she knew its meaning not wanting to waste this chance she traced the call not daring to answer it. finally, a satisfying ping came to her scroll and she quickly ripped the cord out of the machine that sizzled before catching fire expiring.
Looking to her scroll she saw the data, six pins marked as lab 1 through 4 each in one kingdom but what surprised her was the remaining two one was labeled Knight and she recognized it. It was the facility they found Jaune in the one he destroyed, was he that valuable to them, the second though was in the inhospitable lands of Menagerie and its title was a bit confusing.
"Little… Failure?" As much as she wanted to figure out what was going on she knew time was of the essence.
"Come on, let's go." She looked up to Jaune and shook her head.
"Wait, I still have the look through his computer." Jaune seemed annoyed but nodded before gaining a apologetic look.
"Sorry, for dragging you into this." Winter couldn't help but smirk at that.
"I was involved in this war far before you kidnapped me… however for the first time that I can remember, I'm actually able to make some progress. If becoming the people's enemy will let me make a safer world for Weiss…" Winter looked to Jaune and her smile softened.
This boy, I refuse to abandon him he's far to hopeless without me.
"I wouldn't mind burning beside you." She looked as Jaune choked up, however his eyes lit up the next instant not with excitement but fear. Before she could act the door behind Jaune was blasted apart, not by an explosion or dust round but by sheer force.
Jaune was launched into the wall, before either she or him knew what was happening a figure surged forth and once more struck the boy square in the abdomen. The wall behind Jaune was then covered in spider cracks, Jaune coughed up blood over the figure who hardly seemed concerned by the mess. The man was someone Jaune had never met, yet somehow… he was familiar.
He looked up to Jaune his deep blue eyes filled with hate, even with the crimson of his blood all over his head his blonde hair still stood out. His skin was slightly tanned and while his stature wasn't remarkable the cut and tone of his muscles spoke volumes. Winter went wide eyed and screamed out at him but Jaune couldn't hear her with the ringing in his ears.
Looking down he saw the man's fist against his abdomen his Ultimate shield bent inward, how strong was this guy. Slowly Jaune could feel his faculties returning as the man looked to Winter wide eyed, seemingly a mix of surprised and confused to see her here.
"Winter, what are you doi- Lionheart… Leo!" The man turned to Jaune.
"You… you did this?" His eyes begun to radiate with a hate neither Jaune or Pecus had even sensed before. Pulling back his other arm he struck at Jaunes chest, quickly Jaune formed a A.T. field between the two but before his fist it shattered before striking him dead in the chest.
'Crack'
Jaune was launched through the wall and into the courtyard creating a crater where he landed, as Jaune rose up he found he couldn't breathe.
What?
Reaching for his chest he found why, his Ultimate Shield had been shattered and pieces of his carapace and plunged into his lungs.
He broke it! With nothing more then sheer force!? That shouldn't be humanly possible…
Looking up to the hole in the headmaster's office he found the blonde no longer their.
"This is for Leo!" Jaune looked up and found the Jaune above him kicking down his body radiating a thick aura. Upon the foot landing Jaune was once more met by an unfathomable force and heard his Ultimate shield shatter upon his back as the crater grew.
"Now die Grimm!" Jaune looked up to see his fist and around it was the same aura.
"Stop!" Winter roared out trying desperately to summon even a mere glyph, the man looked to her shock once more stained on his face.
"What are you doing Winter! It's the enemy!" Winter shook her head and cried out!
"No he's innocent Leonardo was evil!" For a moment the old huntsman just stood there before he suddenly trembled in anger.
"I see that's why it kidnapped you, so it could brainwash one of our own for information…"
"W-Winter… get the data…" The man sneered at it and stomped his foot on Jaune's head.
"Shut up grimm!"
"I already have it! So please Jaune get out of there!"
"Jaune?" The man looked to the Grimm gnashing his teeth.
"You bastard… taking on that name,,, another one of Salem's sick jokes!" The man in his rage struck Jaune with an uppercut shattering more of his black exoskeleton as he was sent into the air.
"Enough…" The man took a stance Jaune could feel as all his rage, hate and anger seemingly vanished to the void leaving only the calm as he focused on the descending Arc. Sensing fear Jaune summoned as many A.T. field as he could fortunate that Winter's terror was so palatial. However to that man it seemed meaningless he only took a single step forward and in the moment before he struck their gaze met.
Pecus… retreat within me!
What!
Before the Grimm could understand he was thrusted into the depths of Jaune's psyche.
Please get Winter out of here…
What are you saying!
Goodbye… brother…
with those final words Jaune cut off his link to the Grimm within trusting he could manage it, he smiled despite the despair of the situation.
Let see if I can survive this! Jaune thrusted out his hands they glowed like never before the pale white enveloping the sky giving him the visage of a falling star. In his hands he primed his explosive blast while simultaneously boosting it!
It hearts! Like my soul is being torn in half… but still I can, I can do it!
"Die!" the man struck out with the invisible force in a desperate attempt to buy even a second more Jaune formed as many A.T. Fields as he could but each and everyone was shattered before the unceasing force.
NOW! Jaune released the blast that charged towards the unceasing force. Upon clashing the a explosion erupted the shockwaves shattering windows. Neither blast gave way as each tore into one another however in the end there was one difference. Slowly Jaune's blast begun to expand but not because it was growing but because it was being pushed back…
It all came down to experience…
Jaune went wide eyed as his blast was enveloped in the unceasing force and seemingly joined it in assaulting him.
This man had fought countless battles against the Grimm and huntsman alike. While the test and trials were grueling they were designed so he could one day triumph.
Jaune stretched out his palms in one final desperate attempt, his Ultimate Shield formed around them.
Watts said I can absorb any type of energy, right? Then that should include my own and kinetic!
the blast met Jaune form but didn't immediately tear him apart, Jaune struggled to absorb as much as he could, watching as his aura explosion returned to his reserves even if only a fraction. However, he didn't have the time to be relieved as the unceasing force met his form Jaune roared as he attempted to take the vast amounts kinetic energy in.
"What!"
He could feel his arms going numb as he resisted the force, all across his body flesh was tearing and bone fractured and shattered. The world was starting to go dark and yet he didn't stop, he couldn't stop.
I can't die here…
'Crack'
pain ran through his arms and mind alongside the entirety of his nervous system as he felt the small scarlet bead crack.
Not until I stop her…
The beads shattered as they had long exceed their limits against the sheer force.
I'm… sorry…
Jaune's form was enveloped by the force that exploded upon striking him unperturbed now. Before the man a body fell it's, form shattered and disfigured beyond recognition he saw as the black carapace begun to dissipate much like a Grimm's body.
"Abomination…" Tai turned away from the corpse that no longer drew breathe, instead focusing on Winter. The woman had fallen to her knees her eyes carrying a blank distant look, the man smiled and charged towards her. Perhaps when he killed that thing he had also freed her from its grasp. However, those thoughts were quickly erased when she cried out in despair.
"Jaune!" Even now, she was under Salem's influence her mind twisted to believe that thing was the hero her sister had cherished so dear. He gripped her shoulders and shook her.
"Winter snap out of it! Your safe now."
"Let go… Of Our WINTER!" from behind him a roar erupted, and he turned to be met by the abomination once more standing. However, it was different then before… more sinister.
—-
At first Pecus was enraged at once more being cast aside, however that soon faded as he felt the Arc's pain and realized his intent. The Absorbers and Ultimate Shield were essentially managed solely by the brain meaning that if they were overtaxed ort worse destroyed the brain would go through shock. The strain of losing both at once would be unbearable and surely almost completely lethal.
Jaune sent him away to protect him, Pecus felt as Jaune's mental presence begun to vanish, even if his soul remained Jaune's psyche was almost gone. He had sacrificed himself to save him…
Why.
Don't you dare leave you bastard!
Why for me, a Grimm?
I'm sorry…
You FOOL!
Your just as much an Arc as me!
BROTHER!
I won't leave you behind again.
AHHH!
The torn form that was once Jaune's unleased Pecus's wicked biomass. The Black sludge twisting his form doing everything he could to bring it to its former state and then beyond. He stood once more and looked to the figure as it touched Winter.
Please get Winter out of here…
I will, I promise.
An Arc never goes back on his word.
—–
He looked to the Abomination once more standing and decided to act fast, something felt different about this and he wouldn't risk it. turning to winter he struck her in the stomach, thankfully without aura that was all that was needed to knock her out. However, in response to his attack the Grimm roared with a volume that could be heard throughout Mistral. From its back dozens of wings burst forth and fired off feathers. With winter behind him he didn't dare dodge them and instead struck forward shattering it.
However to his surprise a drop of blood fell to the ground.
Upon looking to the shattered feather he realized why.
Their just as dense as it's carapace…
The Grimm begun to rush forward each step burying it feet in the ground, As he begun to take his stance he was suddenly stuck from both sides by an unseen force.
"Die!" from its back a tail emerged, its form taking the appearance of the dark half of a king Taijitu. Without warning it bit down however the huntsman was too fast and grabbed its mouth prying it opened.
"As if that'd stop me…" however as the words left his mouth the white head emerged from within the maws of the black on and bit into him. Without a moment's hesitation he struck the top of the white Taijitu's head killing it before leaping back.
"Die!" the abomination flew towards him while he was still mid leap, seeing no other way the man readied his fist and unleashed another strike that let loose a projectile like force. However, the Grimm avoided the attack midair, and sped up upon him while he was open. From its wings feathers launched out. The man chose his targets well only repelling those that would hit his vitals and tanked the less threatening projectiles.
However by the time he realized he was already to late as the beast had gained ground and now was but a few inches from him. With a roar it struck forward only for him to once more counter the hit and deliver one of his own. The grim spat out black vile but did not show even the slightest reaction to the attack continuing its assault striking out with its other hand.
Barely managing to intercept the attack the huntsman kneed its incoming arm before grabbing its wrist and shoulder and threw it over himself. Upon hitting the floor, the force created yet another crater without wasting another second, he channeled aura into his fist and unleased the largest attack he could upon it and slammed his fis6t down into it's bosom.
The earth beneath shattered them exploded into a cloud of dust and debris. With the sheer volume of it Winter begun to stir from the commotion and looked towards the cloud.
"Jaune!" She struggled to stand only now realizing how hard that man hit without aura.
Within the cloud he stood before the once more fallen beast however unlike last time, he was far from uninjured as crimson begun to trail down his legs and arms. The over the shoulder throw is where he made a mistake, he should've known better. During the time it had unleashed a barrage of point blank feathers upon him. He wondered it if was after the first twenty or so of the yard dart sized pinions that his aura gave in? If so it was surprising that he only bleed this much after the remaining thirty plunged inside his exposed back, shoulder and calves alike.
"No worry about that later…" the man struggled to step towards the downed Grimm and focused once more manifesting even the smallest flicker of aura as to light the dust on Pain & Love. After reaching the beast he finally managed to do so and the left (Love) knuckle glowed with the gravity dust adding a deadly weight to his punch. He struck down upon it however, as he did it rose its hand and gripped his own.
He could hear its palm creak and moan as the black carapace was disfigured by the distorted force of gravity. Despite that the beast didn't cease and once more reached out its other arm gripping his shoulder and applied as much pressure as it could. A sickening crunch rang throw the man's ears as it shattered his auraless shoulder. The man didn't lose heart instead opting to kick the beast arm however to his surprise it saw the move coming and launched a much larger pinon threw his knee.
Finally the man screamed however the beast's rage did not change despite that, soon he could feel a odd sensation upon his form from the place were it gripped his now shattered shoulder. Pain ran threw his body as it drained him little by little focusing all the new biomass into restoring even just one of it's absorbers.
"You… killed him… Now Die!" like they had done against Lionheart Pecus prepared to prime the man's soul.
"Jaune!" Pecus looked to his back and saw the Schnee rush in towards him a look of horror on her face as she saw his form and what he was doing to their enemy.
"Stop!" Winter tackled against his arm but her attempt was futile at best as he continued to devour the man but at only a tenth the speed he was accustomed to.
"Jaune you have to stop! You can't do this!" Pecus felt rage at her word, after what he had done he was to spare him? Never! He would suffer! He needed to suffer!
"Don't order me! After what he did!"
"But its okay! I'm okay and so are you! Jaune you have to stop! That's Ru-!"
"Jaune not okay you dammed fool!" Winter stepped back at his roar, Pecus couldn't bare to endure her words as if he was Jaune.
"Wh-What…" Winter looked into his eyes and seemed to notice for the first time.
"Who, what are you?" the beast snarled.
"Jaune's other-half." Winter trembled and Pecus smiled seeing that she figured it out.
"those experiments…"
"They were successful…"
"When he loses control." To that the Grimm smiled.
"Do you understand now… this man killed him… Now, only I remain! For that he will die!" Pecus begun to add push his still restoring absorbers to their limit. The huntsman roared in pain in response only further exciting the maddened Grimm.
"No stop! You can't! That's Taiyang! That's Ruby's and Yang's father!" Pecus stopped at those words as the memories of Jaune's days within Beacon came to mind…
Goodbye… brother…
However his hate outweighed those days.
"Ii… It doesn't matter! I will destroy him! He killed Jaune! He killed my brother for that he will suffer no matter who he is!"
"No! I don't believe it! I can't believe Arc would fall so easily!" Pecus flinched upon those words and glared upon her form.
"Silence woman! I felt it… I felt his presence vanish! What would you know!" Winter didn't cease though instead adopting a look of determination.
"No he's not!" Without waiting she plunged her hands on the center of his back She struggled to bring what little aura she could to manifest and then went and tried something she would have never considered before. From he depth she forced her soul and used it like a guide to connect this small strand to Pecus and spoke those words.
"For it is in passing that we achieve immortality."
I refuse to believe that the boy who survived those damned experiments as a child.
"Through this, we become a paragon of virtue and glory to rise above all."
Who endured for so long and managed to stop the Fall.
"Infinite in distance and unbound by death, I release your soul, and by my shoulder, protect thee."
And who once more escaped from that hell he was reborn into would fall here!
Pecus went wide eyed and looked back to her in shock.
"You fool!" He reached out his hand to grab her before the sliver of aura gave out and her soul was lost but she responded with a fierce slap.
"No… I can…see him."
Seeing no other way Pecus gripped Winter and begun to pump the small amount of Tai's aura into her with his shattered absorber further diminishing his draining of Tai.
-?-
Where was he?… Who was he?
Deep within the beast that was devouring Tai the presence asked this.
even now it could feel itself unraveling, becoming less…However it did not dread this fate…in fact it felt nothing, no fear, anger or rage only a emptiness and calm that came to those who accepted their demise.
.e
…What?
Jau..
Whose that….
Ple.. wa.e up!
That voice? Why does it sound familiar…
Suddenly a pain begun to assault it as images flashed… no not images… memories.
Jaune!
As her voice rang true he remembered…
Winter?
Jaune wake up! Please before Pecus!
Pecus…Pecus!
Stop! You have to stop! He's their father! Stop don't kill Taiyang!
"Taiyang? Father…Tai…Yang…Yang…Yang! Yang's dad! Ruby's dad, wait Pecus, what is he doing to Tai!
—
"Enough! I will hear none of your lies no matter how sweet they are!" Pecus could finally feel it nothing remained but Taiyang's soul.
"Stop!"
I won't leave you behind again.
"…no." Pecus begun to fill his soul with Jaune's pale aura.
Pecus stop!
Suddenly his other arm let go of Winter and lunged at Taiyang pressing against his chest, it's nail digging into the older blondes' skin. However, the moment he heard the voice he complied and ceased… not because he wanted to but merely from shock.
"Jaune…"
Within the core of their being the pale white orb shifted once more before Pecus and begun to pull at its own aura bringing it back. However, before it could finish, while his body staggered from having its control divided a red rift appeared above. From it a figure slashed down. It was to fast for Jaune or Pecus
soon Jaune pulled back only to find his limb severed at the wrist, Tai fell back but was caught by Jaune's attacker. Jaune looked to new figure, clade in red armor and black stockings she had a rather attractive form however all that was rendered void upon seeing the mask she donned. On her face was the mask of a Nevermore. Jaune looked to the arm she wasn't using to support Taiyang and saw a cracking lighting dust blade.
however it was only when he truly looked to the hand that still held Tai chest the nails slightly dug inside, the pale aura within the absorber slowly seeping back into the man did horror come to his face. He reached out his other hand.
"Stop!" The woman didn't bother hearing him out and instead made way to reenter her rift however brought back from his shock Pecus responded launching feathers at her, forcing her to shift from the rift. Jaune rushed the woman his arm stretched out to grab Taiyang, however just as he was within reach she once more rushed him her blade ready and thrusted it into his chest. The dust blade shattered however the lighting enveloped Jaune's form coating him in baleful blue lightning stunning him.
The woman turned once more however Jaune wouldn't let her take Tai, he knew his aura would renter the man in a few seconds. Activating his absorber, the lighting begun to converge upon his palm before dissipating. Jaune rose his arm and unleashed the lighting upon the woman but she was too fast managing to maneuver out of the way. However, Jaune could feel it as her caution was raising so did the smallest hint of fear.
before her he formed an A.T. field the woman slammed into it tearing through it however the gap her shocked from the invisible force provided was all he needed. Before she could react was struck by his lighting and momentarily froze like him not wasting the chance Jaune released the king Taijitu tail coiling it around her before opening its maw before Tai. Almost as if in response to the situation a bolt of lighting came down upon the tail. However, it reached it's goal swallowing his arm but still Jaune could tell so aura had managed to sink back into his form.
The woman radiated anger, hate but most importantly fear as her eyes begun to radiate much like Jaune remembered Cinder were back then.
She's one of those maidens…
Jaune quickly formed another A.T. field and pushed it forward against her, thinking it was weak like before she tackled it but was surely surprised as it withstood her hit and instead flung her forward into her own portal. As she did she starched out her hand at Taiyang, Jaune compounded the A.T. barriers upon each other pushing he back with much more force as he rushed to Tai. Upon reaching him he could feel it, his aura had set.
NO!
Jaune didn't know what to do but he refused to just let him be destroyed, from his form he could feel the arm the Taijitu reforming but in exchange he could feel his Biomass almost completely empty. Looking down to Tai he panicked and gripped his face with both hands. He used his absorbers but hno matter what he did he couldn't stop his semblance.
No! I can't let this happen!
Jaune gave what meager aura he could but knew it would hardly do anything, slowly the man begun to open his eyes. At first, he was shocked thinking he was being eaten alive however that thought vanished as the black skin of the abomination begun to flake off. He didn't know what to expect but it was certainly not golden hair and blue eyes. At first, he thought it was a reflection however that thought ceased when he remembered he hadn't been the pasty since Beacon.
Tears begun to fall from the boy's face as a numbness begun to take him, it was then that he remembered specialist Schnee's cries and smiled.
She was serious…
Looking to the boy above it was clear as day now and while he had a lot of questions this was certainly the boy who had saved his firstborn's reputation… This was the identity of the creature that attacked Qrow, that killed Lionheart… the Hero of Vale. For a moment the thought that this was one of Salem's sick jokes came to mind but as he looked to his tear-filled eyes he knew better.
"J-Jaune." The boy's eyes snapped to life at his voice and looked him in the eyes.
"heh, it really is you huh?" The boy shook his head,
"I-I don't know…" That was not the answer he expected however he could clearly tell it was a bit of a story. Unfortunately, if the acute pain starting to rise from his chest was any indication then he doubted he had the time.
I see… so he used that semblance on me huh…
He was starting to get things…
"Heh, guess this is what I get for attacking you huh… but kid can you tell me why did you kill Leo." The boy's body trembled however Tai saw Winter approach a shamed look on her face.
"He, he was working with Salem…"
"Shit! That can't be tru-… No, now it all makes sense… that's how the bitch got in." he looked to Winter and smiled.
"I'm glad you're okay, Qrow's been sick with grief… Weiss passed out when she heard you were abducted." Hearing about her little sister Winter trebled but didn't speak her worries not being able to bear looking to the man she couldn't stop Pecus from killing in his rage. Taiyang could feel the pain grow and knew he couldn't have very much time left. Knowing that he looked to Jaune his gaze fixed upon the blonde and nobody else.
"Hey kid…" Jaune looked to him still trying to help him trying everything and anything but reaching no solution.
"Kid…" He couldn't let him die, he couldn't kill him, not their father!
"Jaune!" The man's roared shook him from his stupor and he looked back to Taiyang surprised.
"Listen you can already tell right… Its too late." Jaune shook his head at that but before he could retort Taiyang spoke.
"Enough! You did what you could… I can hardly blame somebody I was trying to kill for doing me in instead… but please tell me, are you the same as that kid who died on the CCT, will you protect my little rose bud and sunny dragon?" Jaune froze for an instant but then nodded tears running down his face.
"Yes… I will." Taiyang smiled to that.
"heh, We'll I guess I can see my wife with a smile huh? After all I left my kid with a man who could down me and Qrow so I'm sure they'll be safe."
"No… you can't die yet, they still need you!" Evern as Jaune roared this he knew his shouts were falling upon death ears. After all he could see it as pale light begun to radiate from the man's form.
"Heh, promise me, you'll protect them…"
"No!" Tai smiled to Jaune and the boy felt everything go white however as they did he felt his body move on its own.
Jaune use the A.T. Field on his insides!
Jaune didn't bother asking why and did as Pecus said only then did he notice that his absorber's were on Taiyang's chest.
Pecus What are yo-
No time! Just do what I say and keep up the barriers.
Jaune did as his other half said and could feel the light of destruction burst forth, much like lionheart's it was small yet still mighty enough to tear apart the father's innards. However, Jaune's A.T. field absorbed a good amount of the damage and no sooner did Jaune feel Pecus use the absorbers, each serving a different purpose.
From his left he could feel Pecus introducing Biomass to Taiyang's body and direct it to repair what it could of Tai's nearly vaporized organs. While from his right Jaune could feel him absorbing the fragments of the blonde's soul.
Pecus your…
Shut up… Your alive so I needn't kill him, besides those two losing a third parent is… an unsettling thing to me. Within Jaune could feel Pecus taking what pieces of the quickly fading soul remained and keeping it together with the A.T. Field. Before Jaune the body remained and to his surprise it keep breathing.
How?
Those organs were made from my biomass. As long as I live controlling them isn't impossible.
But why do this… he's, I…
No.
Within Jaune looked to the form of Pecus, his form was once more that of hundreds of glowing scarlet ambers. However, unlike before they didn't give of the same sense of danger, it was only then the Jaune realized that nestled within the mass was a golden orb. It form was cracked and fragmented, yet it still glowed with a dull brilliance.
Is that?
It is that bastards soul… Or what remains, though it would surely fade in normal circumstances I am maintaining it with my own soul. It is similar to how the Nikos girl enveloped your soul with her own during the initiation.
Jaune blinked in surprise as he started to understand the situation.
But if you stop then he'll just end up fading right… then what's the point…
Idiot! While I can't do anything beyond this you can!
Jaune surprised at the words but regardless of that he listened.
Your semblance… not that reckless way we've grown accustomed to but the way you used it on those slaves…
Jaune thought about his words and remembered using that power the feeling of it. He was healing their bodies with his aura… it was with his, no with they're!
Hmm, took you long enough… Use it right and you help, boost, amplify or reinvigorate their aura… that is why I could grow so fast. If you use it on the soul directly, maybe there's a chance it can come back together.
That's why you made sure his body was functioning.
If we only save his soul it'd be pointless… However there seems to be something attached to it… its almost like… A Beacon!
As the words left his mouth a blade thrusted down into Jaune's collar, looking up he could make out a crimson rift were the sword emerged from. The sword glowed a baleful red and exploded or at least would have if he hadn't gripped it on reflect and begin to drain the aura used to trigger the dust. Clenching his fist, he shattered the blade and pulled it towards him. From the rift the same figure came out kicking striking Jaune's face.
momentarily stunned he didn't notice when the woman swept his feet making him fall on his back. Before he could even act another blade was stabbed into his left shoulder and froze it with ice. Without the slightest hint of a cloud a bolt of lighting came down upon Jaune but unlike before he was ready and rose his bare palm to the sky. The bolt vanished within the orb of his right hand.
The figure visibly trembled but even without that Jaune was practically drowning in its fear, however strangely enough those feeling were torn between two thing. Direct at Jaune where equal part hate and fear while the other.
Why is she so scared of Taiyang… their guilt and shame as well… could she…
Good Oum! This woman loves that idiot!… that we seemingly killed. Fuck.
Looking to Taiyang Jaune could certainly understand someone mistaken the situation for that and in all honesty they wouldn't' be too far off. Looking to the body he found it covered in blood from Pecus having to expel the organs ruined by his white explosion. And his eyes were vacant since the soul of the man no longer inhabited the husk.
Oh gods it really does look like I killed him!
Raven seemed guarded against Jaune even now despite her form not showing it he could practically` taste the almost immeasurable fear radiating from the woman. However, despite that their remained a determination polished by her hate. He then noticed the feelings becoming far more palpable as his gaze was upon Taiyang.
I see, she loves him more then she fears you… Jaune we could use this.
What?
Listen you heard what Lionheart said right, Nikos is in danger… which means so are the rest of your team.
The words made Jaune shudder.
He said Mordred, was that the name of a hitman?
Perhaps, but regardless the point remains, that the longer we stay here the higher the risk is that we won't be able to intercept the attempt on her.
Jaune let out a low growl raising the woman's guard.
Good she really is cautious of us, Jaune, calm yourself. This won't help, not this way, however if we play this right we can ensure the bastards body is maintained and set off for the others.
How?
Attack Taiyang's body.
What?!
Hold up and listen, That woman seems to prioritize saving that idiot more than exterminating us… Not to mention currently we have no reserved Biomass for our Ultimate Shield and a mere sliver of aura from the dust blade we absorbed earlier. I'd hate to say it but if the bitch wasn't so cautious we'd probably already be dead.
I-I see, but how does that relate to Tai's body.
If we attack it I'm sure she'll prioritize it's safe keeping over fighting us, earlier that was her sole goal. Somethings changed though, I think maybe she has a inkling on what's happened. But regardless if we push her far enough her fly response will hit and she'll hopefully take his body somewhere secured.
I get it.
Good now come on we have to make it convincing.
Jaune roared out once more creating an condensed A.T. field around himself as he charged at Taiyang's body. Just as he was about to strike it the woman appeared before him raising her sword to counter his attack. Jaune respond3ede by pelleting her in his feathers. As the dust cleared Jaune found the woman out of his line of sight but Alongside her was Tai's body.
Do you think she left?
Don't be stupid this place is still coated in her fear.
Knowing he was right Jaune focused on his surroundings looking for any traces of the woman's presence. However, as he did he felt a wing erupt in flames, turning he was met by the sight of the masked figure descending upon him. Raising his hand he readied to grab her but before he could she maneuvered out of his grip and kicked his elbow up. Soon the floor was enveloped in flames and the woman jumped back throwing a few of her dust blades at him.
Raising his arms in a mock shield Jaune endured the onslaught and charged forward. However to his surprise the A.T. Field endured the entirety of her attack.
Just how scared is she?
The woman stepped back in response to the boy's surge forth, just as he was within range he unleashed another ear piecing cry. The woman stubbed at the auditory attack and no sooner did Jaune have her in his grips and begun draining her albeit at a much slower pace. She watched in horror as his aura expanded from devouring her own. Just as Jaune was reading to lose his grip the eye holes of her mask begun to radiate with a crimson light.
Jaune!
In response to her attack Pecus begun to erect A.T. barriers around Jaune from the woman a wave of flames enveloped the two. Jaune could feel his first A.T. field break apart and yet he couldn't just let his grip go since he knew better than anyone just how deadly this power was.
Increasing his absorbers output he could feel the woman stagger and grit her teeth to ignore the pain, the whole time her fear growing by that much more. Jaune could only slightly make it out but it was surely there, the maiden's power. Tapping into it even just slightly was enough. Soon he was enveloped in crimson light as he brained a small portion of it.
What the hell! Our aura reserves are full?
So this is the power that woman sought huh? I can see why she became obsessed with it.
Finally managing to act the woman screamed out and from her a gust of wind begun to cycle until it formed a tornado. Holding true Jaune stared down the woman who greeted him much the same, however unlike her it was a struggle for Jaune to maintain his ground.
"Vernal!"
Who?
Before they could think a searing pain erupted from their back turning Jaune could see a woman with two crescent shaped blade laser gun hybrids weapons. From her Jaune could strangely enough sense no fear for her own life merely the woman before him.
Heh, she the same type as you then.
staring back at her she merely smirked before letting loose another laser upon his form. However, Jaune was ready this time and formed his A.T. Field the barrier enduring the attack. However to his surprise the Woman didn't hesitate to rush forward at him before leaping strength unto the invisible force and cutting into it.
She's insane… I think I'm in love…
Jaune reached for her but was met by Raven who intercepted him and flipped him over slamming him into the ground. Jaune roared in resistance however Raven seemed more composed then before and launched forward flames surrounding her palms.
Jaune charged at her however he felt a pressure on his back and then the impact of the lasers as Vernal blasted him sending him flying into Haven's main building.
Son of a bitch she's tough…
This isn't a fair fight… we have to take out one of them.
Agreed.
Vernal looked to the side and spotted someone she had certainly not expected.
"Is that a Schnee?" Winter turned to the woman noting her smile as she stepped forward.
"If we catch her we'll be set." Winter pulled out her saber, even without aura she was confident she could hold off a mere bandit. However, as the thought came a figure appeared behind her shocking Vernal. Jaune gripped the sides of Winter's body and begun to drain her vitality until he was sure he had enough. Both bandits looked to him horrified. Winter fell it was only then that the two finally seemed to notice the body that hung from the office."
"Did that think just… it that…" The masked woman stepped back.
"That Leonardo Lionheart… that what it was doing to Tai…" Jaune stepped forward and on his form his Ultimate Shield manifested from the biomass he had taken from Winter.
"What the hell, did that thing just change." Raven didn't seem perturbed and rushed forward.
"Vernal, you know what to do!" The tomboy nodded and begun to leap into the tree line to avoid Jaune's attacks.
Big mistake…
Before Jaune was running on empty but after tapping into the maidens power he was full and ready top go.
Now let's see if the power Cinder wanted so badly actually has some merit to it.
Jaune rose his hand and from it baleful white light emerged launched into the tree line and quickly expanded rendering it all to smoke. Vernal fell back struggling to stand as her aura flickered. Jaune then formed a A.t. barrier above the woman and slammed it down on her form making her hit the earth hart imprinting into it.
The masked woman screamed out her name and begun to make way to her only to be struck by a white and blue Beringel. Turning she was met by the sight of Winter rising up a glyph beneath her.
"Good grief, if you could restore others aura you should've done so earlier." Jaune wanted to apologize but currently he had other priorities namely the masked woman's lackey. The Woman looked to Winter.
"Y-You're in league with Salem! It would seem my brother was right about you Schnee." Winter sent a cold glare at the bandit.
"Raven, It seems you've misunderstood something, however I don't have the time to correct you." Winter launched forward on her glyphs, however the Woman Jaune assumed to be Raven nimble dodged and countered her. However just as she was about to strike a lancer stinger struck her.
"It would seem your under the impression I can only summon one Grimm like my sister." The Beringel and Lancer stood beside Winter while a glyph appeared and from it a Nevermore emerged as well. Raven tensed stealing glances at Jaune as he stepped towards Vernal.
"Don't bother, while I know I can't beat you Raven I can at least buy him enough time to finish off you lackey."
"So, you're in league with that thing…"
"That's really none of your business, all you need to know is that usually I dislike him finishing off his opponents… however for the likes of you even I can make a exception." Jaune looked down at Vernal was she struggled to rise against the force of the pressing A.T. Field. Jaune reached out pressing his palm against center of her shoulders. Releasing his A.T. Field he pressed down with his own strength burying her deeper into the earth.
Raven went wide eyed at the sight, however it wasn't enough, while she was scared he could feel her arrogance, she still thought she could win…
"Forgive me, but to save you three I'm afraid you'll have to endure a bit of suffering." Jaune then went to work activating his absorbers upon Vernal seizing her aura. The woman released screamed muffled by the dirt. Jaune lifted up his form flying into the air with his wing Vernal hoisted up by the spots in her back were Jaune buried his finger.
Raven stopped as she watched the last of Vernal's already damaged aura dissipate into Jaune's, she must have thought that would be the end of it and by the relaxing of her muscles so did Vernal. However that dream was quickly shattered as the draining once more resumed and with it Vernal screamed once more with far more strength. Raven and Winter watched in equal parts horror as the woman's tanned skin begun to pale top a ghastly alabaster and the light faded from her eyes. Her form slowly withered in their eyes.
Even Jaune was shocked, not by her appearance nor the pain she must be in but the emotions, relief and acceptance… could it be that she was glad it was her and not Raven!
"Boss… run…" With those words he gave in passing out and to both Jaune and Winter's surprise the Raven acted, but not how Jaune had thought. Turning she launched towards Taiyang grabbing him up and opening a rift.
She can't be…
She rushed into the void disappearing into it.
She ran…
She abandoned her.
Jaune looked to the worn Vernal and slowly descended, however now he cradled her like a princess as he slowly gave her back her biomass and aura. Winter begun to make way to him but was stopped upon seeing his expression. He trembled in anger as his eyes glowed with a deep resentment.
She left her to die…
He looked to the woman who used the last of her strength to plead for the masked woman to run on her face was a smile.
Jaune focus, we need to reach Oniyuri.
Right…
Jaune's closed his eyes and breath slowly the extra Grimm parts faded leaving only his Ultimate Shield. He looked over to Winter.
"We need to head out, now." Winter nodded.
"Agreed, I doubt your battle went by unnoticed, frankly it's a blessing nobody else has shown up yet." Jaune nodded to that.
"We have to make way to Kuroyuri, I think we shouldn't use summoning's till after we make way out of Mistral, don't want to make it to obvious where we're heading." With that Winter nodded before her expression turned to one of curiosity.
"So then, mind telling me what the plan is for her?" Winter pointed to Vernal.
Jaune looked down before his expression paled.
Oh no I did it again.
Brother, perhaps we could go a day without you kidnapping a woman.
Yeah… maybe that'd be a good idea… dammit.
-Extra Chapter-
Slowly Taiyang opened his eyes to find himself on a field of grass. It was more beautiful than any other place he'd ever seen, yet it didn't need to state its beauty to draw the eyes of others—this beauty was understated, natural, and all the more because of it. It always had been, after all it was a place he was all to familiar with. He had raised his daughter here.
However what made it so beautiful wasn't something tangible, it was that the feeling of loss it once held where gone… because before him on the porch was her. With hesitant steps he made his way forward, terrified this was but a dream but none the less unable to move towards it… towards her because of the chance she might be real.
She looked up to him and smiled, her silver eyes filling him with equal parts hope and fear. How many nights had he had this dream, how many times had he embraced her just for her to shatter and him to be brought back to reality. With all the courage he could manage he struggle to say it, to call to her once more yet hope for a response unlike the thousand of times before.
"Summer…" It was the tiniest noise a mere whisper at beast and yet it to him it was palpable to a feat as great as facing her killer himself. For a pregnant second the two just stared at one another and finally realizing it was but a dream once more and the moment he took a step towards her he'd once more wake brought him to his knees. He cried out however those feeling that carved deep into his heart faded in the next moment as he felt a pair of thin arm's wrap around him.
"Tai…" That voice rang through his being, it was one he had long since given up on hearing and yet, it filled him with joy… slowly he reached his hand out around her hoping that when he held her she wouldn't shatter. When his arms enclosed on her side he felt her warmth and a tremble ran through his form, as he dared to say her name once more.
Summer… is it… is it really, Is it really you?" even now he could look to her to sacred that this was all a fever dream, what was he doing before this anyways…
"hehe, silly of course it's me who else would I be hmm?" he begun to tear up as he heard her bell like voice, that voice he had yearned to hear so long. The voice of the girl who mended his shattered heart when Raven left him alone with Yang and who mothered both their daughters…
"I, I can't look up… What if, what if this is just another…Just another dream."
"Hmph, what do you mean you can't look at me. I spent all this time waiting here and I don't even get a hello and now you're not even going to look at your wife. Meanie. You can't look at me huh, well to bad because I wanna look at you." Before he could respond he felt a pair of hands grasp his cheeks and felt his head be lead up and was met by her gaze.
she gaze him a gazelike she was checking him over and smiled.
"I like your stubble… but you've really tanned haven't you?" She smiled at him like she uses to her face making his heart skip a beat while his eyes begun to once more tear up. Ignoring his trembles, she pouted like she use to when they wouldn't follow her orders.
"Hey! It your long-awaited reunion with your wife! Can't you act a little more, you know romantic… geez." Taiyang couldn't manage anything more then keeping his gaze on her form taking in every little feature of her face looking for any discrepancies but hoping beyond hope he wouldn't find them.
"Mmmm, Tai! Say something! Geez it just weird if I'm the only one talking! …aren't I supposed to be the awkward one… Hey come o-mph!" Before she could finish her complaint he kissed her pulling her in close like she'd scattered if he didn't hold her together. A tear ran down his eyes as he tasted the slightest hint of strawberries on her lips…
She was real… this was real.
Pulling back despite how his entire being pleaded for him not to he looked to her.
"T-t-Tai! What was that! I mean… I, I You shocked me! But it was…ahhh…" He watched as she fiddled with her fingers, her face flushed red, really she was always the cutest little thing when they got intimate to any compacity. Not being able to resist he cupped her cheeks with his hands and pressed his forehead against hers. His deep blue eyes stared deeply into the silver of hers.
"You're as beautiful as the day I lost you…" A tear ran down her cheek as she looked to him slowly another formed on her other eye and then before she knew it they wouldn't stop. Without waiting for her to speak he embraced her, He embraced his wife who had been torn away from him. Not wasting a second they kissed as passionately as they did on their wedding day and everyday after.
their kiss quicky changed to that of a more intamante nature and before he knew it she was removing his shirt while he pulled off her white cloak and begun top work on her skirt before a thought occurred to him.
"Summer do you have protection?" At his words she quirked her eyebrows as if asking 'really'.
"What? Ilove Yang and Ruby but I'm to old to have another kid." At his words she begun to shake and quickly covered her mouth as she struggled not to laugh.
"You, you…hahahaha you silly man! Hahaha Tai, honey… we're not in Patch."
"We're not?" Tai then looked to both sides for any signs of where they might be but all he could see was the familiar home he had spent all of both his married lives. Finally calming down Summer looked to him her eyes still tearing up.
"Honey, we're… you know on the farm up north… um, the other side of the river."
"You mean Vale? Summer there's an ocean between Patch and Vale not a river." At that she facepalmed.
"Tai I'm dead, this isn't Patch this is, well this heaven, well in front of it I guess. The brothers were never to clear on that." Tai just stared at Summer dumbfounded before his eyes widened and he clutched his head in frustration.
"Ahhhh!"
"Tai what's wrong!?"
"Oum dammit I made the kid kill me!" Summer stopped looking to her husband as he panicked a bit impressed it to so long for him to realize.
"Tai…"
"He looked to miserable as he was trying to save me! I even made him promise to protect Ruby and Yang but when they hear they'll hate his guts!"
"Honey…"
"Why didn't I stop and hear him out! Instead I just attacked and put him in that situation!"
"TAI!" At her roaring voice the blonde seized up and faced her pouting face, in response Summer pressed her fingertips against her forehead.
"Serious… its just like you to worry about other."
"But… Jaune will be misunderstood for what he did to me and Leo." At the later name Summer leaned back frustrated.
"Tai, you're not dead…" At that the man froze.
"What."
"I said you not dead honey."
"So I'm alive…" Summer looked away from Tai breaking eye contact with the man.
"I never said that."
"Huh, but you said I'm not dead so that can only mean I'm alive right." Summer begun to rub the back of her heads as she tried to come up with the best way to describe the current situation.
"Tai… you are dead but you didn't die… those two refused to let you." Tai looked to were Summer did into a puddle and saw Jaune rushing through the cities back ally. However that wasn't what caught Taiyang's attention but the strange being the looked like a seer with a face like Jaune's armored form. The creature wasn't beside Jaune but overlapped him seemingly taking the same space.
"What is that?" Summer chuckled.
"He's…I guess it would be best to say he's Jaune's brother… he a bit unruly and maybe a bit jade and certainly doesn't have as kind of a disposition as his big brother but he's a sweetie all the same… even if it does hurt my eyes a bit to look at him."
"then those experiment on Jaune… they were…" Summer looked down and smiled though their was clearly no joy in it.
"They were a success… in a sense. Salem got her Grimm parasite even if they thought it was a failure, watts used that to make the thing they put in that girl Cinder that took the Fall maiden from Autumn. But you know he's actually very different then Salem… hehe, he even cares about Jaune friends and he lost it when he thought you took out Jaune. Salem might be what Watts was hoping for but he'll never be what he wanted." Tai nodded slowly still trying to wrap his head around it all.
"So because of that thing I'm not…" Summer puffed up her cheek.
"That's rude, His name is Pecus Tai honey and yes he saved you… kinda."
"Kinda?"
"Hmmm, how do I put this. When you were about to be Shattered…thank Oum you weren't Those boy found a chance to save you… and it sort of paid off."
"Huh?"
"'Sigh' you're lucky you handsome. They managed to keep your body alive and while your soul… broke, they took in what they could… I guess you could say their trying to glue it together, because of that I kind of asked the brother for a favor so they let you come her to…'visit' I guess." Tai stared at his second wife in confusion before but understood the gist of it.
"So, I can be brought back." To that Summer happily smiled.
"Yeah, isn't that great!"
"But what if they fail… won't my soul Shatter? If that happens will I just come here again?"
"…"
"Summer, your sweating."
"Um, so here's the thing, Only souls can come here… I mean after all the soul is supposed to be inextinguishable… but lil Pecus can kind of… eat them or brake them."
"So then… If they don't succeed then I'll."
"Hehe, uh yeah. But Don't Worry I'm Sure Our Son Won't Let that Happen! Jaune seems reliable in a pinch after all."
"Ah, I mean I guess… wait… Son!" Summer smiled wryly.
"I mean son-in-law is just way to long so I decided it'd make more since to just call him son… besides if I knew before how much he had gone through I would've just adopted him after beating those bastard parents of his."
"Wha… No! I'm not letting that little blonde playboy near our girls!" Summer cheerful smile almost completely took a 180 at that staring him down with her stern glare that he hadn't seen in so long.
"Tai, this isn't something you get to decide…especially when he's trying so hard to save you after you almost killed him. Besides Ruby already has a crush on him and I'm sure once he tried to relieve Yang of her guilt she might end up falling to." Tai struggled to find the right words.
"Summer you can't be serious! You can't honestly be thinking of letting his mess with both of our girls." To that glared.
"What kind of mother do you think I am! Of course, not whether he end up dating my little rose bud or our Sunny Dragon or even both he has to do it properly just like I did when I asked you and Raven out!" Yang flinched back at that not wanting to receive his wife's glare any further.
"I-I still don't like it…"
"Well tough, cause I do and even Qrow approved of him dating Ruby… even if it was after he died but the vote remains so it's two against one!"
"I-I'll just ask Raven then! I'm sure she'll side with me."
"Raven doesn't count since she walked out on us after having Yang. So there its decided." Tai slumped his shoulders to his wife logic but refused to give up.
"No I won't accept it no matter what you say!"
"Honey but he'l"
"No I won't hear it, also if he tri-" Before Tai could go any further he stopped as before him was the sight of his precious wife trembling as tears begun to swell in her large silver eyes.
"'sniff' 'sniff' but, but he's such a good boy."
"Summer don't.."
"I just want them all to be happy 'sniff'." Tai struggled to retort but couldn't bring himself to as all he could think about was cheering up his love.
"I-I just think its a lot like how I felt about you so, so." Before she could go any father Tai threw himself down before her and groveled.
"Oaky! Your right I'm sorry!"
"'sniff' Really?"
"Yes, yes a thousand times yes! Just please don't cry!"
"Okay…" After saying that she pulled him off the ground and hugged him her face pressing deep into his chest. Where he couldn't see her smile.
Heh, works everytime.
"So Summer?"
"Hmm?"
"Um, what do we do while were here." The girl smiled at him.
"I just watch you guys while I wait so let's do that hehe." Nodding the man sat while Summer leaned against him sharing in his warmth as they watched the puddle flicker between those they loved.
Until he's brought back to that side I wanna stay like this…
"Um Summer…."
"Yeah…" she looked to her Tai who was looking away from her nervously a slight blush on his cheek.
"So you said… we don't need protection right?"
"…" Summer looked up at tai who looked back to her his blush only growing that much more, she then broke into a smile and gripped his hand leading him inside the replica of their house.
Well we can cuddle up and watch afterwards.
-Patch-
Qrow leaned into his seat already seven whiskeys in, he never really appreciated how much aura did for him until now, usually this could be considered a appetizer for him but now. Now it felt like his liver was about to raise the white flag.
Guess my aura really was something else huh?
As he realized how vital his aura was for his life of combat, subterfuge and debauchery his thoughts lingered to on of his more recent worries. Tai, he pulled out his scroll once more to examine it hoping his old teammate had finally called him back but was greeted by the same image stating no incoming calls. With a sigh Qrow leaned forward unto the bar.
Tai you rat bastard call back already.
As he thought about this the bartender froze up, turning to see what spooked the man he was greeted by the sight of a crimson rift.
Sit really… I am not ready to deal; with her crap right now.
Qrow leaned back into the chair however the next moment all the cocky confidence he had gathered to speak to her vanished as out from the Rift Raven emerged panic evident. However Raven's state of dread wasn't what drew Qrow's attention but the bleeding and heavily injured figure in her arms.
"Tai!"
