CHAPTER 17- *Dodges a BFG round* HE IS STILL HERE! THAT'S IT! BRINGING THE ULTIMATE WEAPON OUT!
*Gets the Infinity Gauntlet* THE DEMON HAREM IS INEVITABLE! *Snaps twice*
*The Doom Slayer vanished*
We are safe for now...The first snap was supposed to erase him, but...he cannot be erased.
REVIEWS:
8-bit pirate: Lol. Yup. Can't have him smash them demonic cunts yet, can we?
Wolfang21: Thanks for the help with the Doomguy, but I had my Gauntlet. This, technically, my universe and the Gauntlet only work in their respective universe.
Nerdy: Steelrain66 - YOU BET YOUR ASS SHE IS. BEST RWBY WAIFU IS HERE MOFOS!
Server Lock: I know it may seem that he is hating his father too much, but Aura Sealing is a REALLY serious thing! I point out again and again how serious it is, and the reason why Jaune does that is because of the fact his father tried to do it to him. That is no laughing matter nor something easily forgiven. Frankly, it is fitting that Jaune comes to really hate him for that. As for his training, Judgement is actually really milking him (Sexual pun intended) to the point no normal human, Aura or not, would be able to handle it. Only him due to his semblance. That doesn't mean he will be on par with the others, but he will be decent enough with a good build. Besides, he always was a quick learner, so this time around Cardin won't get any stuff from him. As for the chapters AFTER the Hell Arc, well, those are more or fewer time skips until we get to Beacon, each chapter posted presenting events that are happening in this time and following Jaune as he lives with the girls. They are not meant to have any major plot points, except this one (No spoilers) and some other chapters that are to come.
Nerdy: Deans1000 - I assume you mean ruby and penny? They will not be joining this harem.
Nerdy: Luckypickle3 - it takes us a while but we try. Although bloody here tends to shoot down my ideas 99% percent of the time like a small dick having asshole :/ (Bloody: Because some ideas either do not make sense plot-wise, do not match the character's psychological profile, the time table is wanky, or try forcing certain scenes that are literally random just for fanservice. I do not mean to insult him, but some of his ideas are just...Why would Cinder leave Jaune alone after he insulted her in the face? Not giving any more spoilers, but this is a question that pops up at one of his ideas. And this is not for something light-hearted)
Kitsune Obsessed Freak: All's good. All's good.
This wasn't good, and Jaune knew it. While he and Lucifer were having a good time - something he had to go back to and think about - Mr. Colt, who likely learned the location of the house from his sister, had decided to barge in unannounced and found him in the pool with a dozen of bikini-clad women, one of them naked, and one in his lap and making out. He asked before if he was sleeping with Beel to pay rent, but now he might be asking more than just that. He couldn't tell him the truth, he just couldn't. But with his semblance, it'll be hard to lie.
Mr. Colt was currently on the couch, having been unconscious for about 10 minutes now, giving the girls and Jaune enough time to get out of the pool and get dressed, the girls hiding their demonic horns and tails, with Cerberus simply keeping her dog ears since she could pass as a Faunus. Jaune was next to him, in the living room, along with all the other girls.
"This is not good…" He muttered aloud, then he looked at Mr. Colt's unconscious form. This man had been his babysitter for crying out loud, and now he nearly saw Jaune become a man before his own eyes. The blonde couldn't help but imagine how it is to see the boy you knew since young ascend the stairs.
"I suggest we kill him," Judgement said, getting her new weapon ready. "If he is dead then he cannot talk" Her skin had a different, more normal tone to it now since grey is an unnatural color even among the people of Remnant. Now she simply looked tanned.
"No!" Jaune said quickly, half-shouting. "No killing him! He is a friend!"
"Then maybe we can alter his memories?" Beel suggested. "He won't remember ever seeing us in our real forms"
"Beel, I am afraid that wouldn't work either," Lucifer said, standing on the side. "We never tried that on a person with an Aura before, so magic might be an unstable solution"
"Then what do we do with him then? I could take him and offer him a good time in exchange for his silence" Modeus suggested. Even when out of the pool she only decided to wear a virgin-killer sweater. Fitting.
"No! No! No!" Jaune said again, waving his hands around to dismiss everything. "Just...Let me talk with him. I might be able to come up with an explanation"
"But didn't you once said he can force the truth out of people like me?" Justice pointed out, making Jaune recall that troublesome semblance. "Got any solutions if he asks something and forces you to say stuff that shouldn't be said?"
"I- Actually, he needs to make eye contact for it to work," He said, recalling the semblance's condition. "So, in theory, if he cannot make eye contact…"
'We pull out his eyes?" Malina guessed.
"No!" Jaune shouted. "We blindfold him and make up a story!" He quickly said, then watched as the girls agreed one by one to the idea, albeit with disappointment. "Good, glad we all agree. Someone get me something to blindfold him before he wakes up."
It turns out the old man liked his sleep as he had been out of commission for an hour after that talk, Jaune managing to put the blindfold on him without trouble and the girls went back to their rooms, except for Beel, Lucifer, and Azazel - who decided to stick around to make sure Mr. Colt was not in any mortal danger. Oh, Azazel, always the kind and curious. The older man stirred in his sleep, eventually getting up and running a hand over his face. "What the-"
"Please do not remove it, Mr. Colt" Jaune said. "You...You fell pretty badly and struck your head on something?" He tried to lie, but his attempt was as poor as they get. Lucifer sighed in exasperation at his weak attempt, while Mr. Colt frowned.
"Jaune, my boy, what is going on with this nonsense?" Mr. Colt replied, grabbing the blindfold around his eyes, then pulling it off. Well, there goes his plan, time to improvise! "First I hear from little Silva that you live here, I get her to tell me the direction, I track the forest until I see a mansion, which I swear on my missing leg was not here before, and invite myself in-"
"Which was a bit rude of you, Sir," Beel said, interjecting in the conversation. Mr. Colt turned around, coming face to face with the demoness who was in her human disguise. "Coming unaccounted is not nice, even if you are a friend of Jaune here"
"I apologize for that, Miss...Beel? I think I heard your name around before" He said.
"It is Beel." The mistress of the flies replied, then she pointed at the others. "Those two lovelies here are Aza and Lucy, who also live here"
"A pleasure to make acquaintance, Mister" Azazel replied cheerfully.
"Hello" Lucifer gave only a brief reply, but Jaune had a feeling about it. Her voice leaked spite at the man in front of them, most likely because he interrupted the pool party.
"A pleasure to meet you as well, young ladies" Mr. Colt replied, then he turned to Jaune once more. "Now, my boy, care to explain yourself?"
Jaune nervously scratched his neck like always. "Explain...what?"
"Well, why I am on the couch, and what is with all of this place? I had one hell of a dream as well, seeing you with at least a dozen gals in a pool, sucking face with one!" Lucifer blushed furiously hearing that, looking away to hide her blush. Colt didn't notice, thankfully. "And if my short-term memory serves...One was even butt naked!" Now it was Jaune's turn to blush.
"M-Mr. Colt!" He shouted. "A-are you sure that was a normal dream?! It sounds like you had a wet dream from what you are saying!"
"Ha!" The older man laughed. "I'd wish it was me in there, in the pool, boy, but no, you were!" He said, slowly getting himself up and grabbing his cane to help him walk. "But it was merely just a dream. I didn't get a good look at the faces of anyone, but I know for certain the dream showed everyone with horns and tails, like some type of freaky Faunus. But I see none of that around, so it was likely just a dream!"
"Yeah, a dream…" Jaune said, then he inhaled deeply. "Anyway, I must be honest with you, I WAS in the pool with the others when you found me-"
"Dear God, a new generation of Arcs is on the way!"
"No!" Jaune shouted quickly at the accusation, the girls and the old man laughing at his expense. "Fuck you…"
Mr. Colt stopped laughing. "Now, I'll be. It seems you are really growing up, boy! I never heard you swear in your life, even a little. You were always polite and proper."
"Well, let's say another tenant has been rubbing off on him," Beel said.
"Really? Who-"
"ZDRADA! YOU FUCKING CHAIN-SMOKING, STEALING SLUT!" And there goes Malina shouting, shortly followed by the sound of a commotion upstairs, grabbing everyone's attention. Mr. Colt simply laughed hearing the female voice from above.
"Judging from the voice, that was another gal." He said. "I assume only gals life here?"
"Except for Jaune!" Azazel said. "But you needn't worry about him being rude to us or anything! He never dares do anything to us that might seem...perverted"
"He better be, else I'll smack his head so hard his eyes would pop out!" The old man replied, tapping his cane on the ground. "You hear me, Jaune? I better hear that you have been nothing but a gentleman to those young ladies!"
"Yes sir!" Jaune replied.
"Oh, please, if anything he has to watch you for Mo," Lucifer said, grabbing Colt's attention.
"Who is Mo?"
"Jaune~" And on cue, the voice of the Lustful Demon came from the stairs, prompting everyone to look her way...And widen their eyes at how she was dressed, again. Jaune immediately noted how she didn't really put on anything since the pool, wearing only her black-laced panties and a loose bathrobe, her hair still wet for some reason. Did she just shower? Maybe. Or she might've just gone under the shower to set up the tease. Either way, she chose one hell of a moment. The way she leaned on the railing of the stairs gave a bountiful view of her cleavage, and if one looked lower they could also see her nipples. Her eyes were still heart-shaped, but that was not the issue. The issue was how Mr. Colt couldn't take his eyes off her and was open-jawed. "Are you done? I want to cuddle in bed~"
"N-not now, Mo!" The boy shouted, a furious blush on his face seeing her there, barely dressed. Then he turned to Mr. Colt who had to sit down, a hand over his heart and gaze averted from the sexy demon.
"Damn...Jaune...Only a youth like you could do this, I am too old for this stuff" Mr. Colt replied.
"Mo, in the name of all that is good in this world, go get dressed!" Lucifer shouted, walking over to the lustful demon and forcing her upstairs. Modeus' words of protest went on deaf ears, luckily for everyone present, as she was taken by Lucifer upstairs. Was her thirst that great?
"I'm-"
"One lucky son of a bitch is what you are, Jaune" Mr. Colt replied, surprising Jaune. "What? This old crook still has some swearing in him left! Still...My boy, you are a lucky guy. Make sure to give a good squeeze tonight from me as well, ok?"
"Mr. Colt!" Jaune turned to him, the older man laughing himself until he started to cough.
"Oh, the times of youth, how I miss them. Believe it or not, Jaune, I once took on a whole 14 women at once! The peak of my youth and my greatest nightly achievement!" The old man boasted, having a smile on his face and a laugh in his voice. "Those were the days! When I was still a young huntsman killing off Grimm and fighting bandits, receiving praise everywhere!"
"Hmm." Beel hummed. "Pray tell, how is your Aura?"
"Eh? Meh! Never really worked on it much, to be honest with you. I was mediocre at best, not a big help since my semblance only works on people. Sure, it came in handy when fighting Grimm, but I was more than nimble enough to not get hit by the little tarts!" He replied, then Beel seemed somewhat disappointed. Jaune knew what that was about, finding a teacher to train him in using his Aura better. Mr. Colt was an option that came to his mind as well, but now it seems said option was no longer viable.
"I see," Beel muttered with a hint of disappointment. " Anyway, going back to another subject of ours, I cannot overlook the fact you came here unannounced and dropped on our little party, but since you are an old friend of dear Jaune here I am willing to forgive you." She finished. "With that being said, do call Jaune next time you plan on visiting please."
"Will do, Miss Beel" Mr. Colt replied. "Anyway, since I doubt I am welcomed here right now, I will take my leave. I do promise to come to visit once in a while, maybe bring little Silva as well."
"You can bring any of my sisters, actually" Jaune added. "Just make sure you know who doesn't find out"
"I understand, Jaune" The older man replied. "Anyway, I will be on my merry way. I'll see you another time, Jaune, and please...Make sure to use protection"
"Goodbye!" Jaune replied hastily and with embarrassment.
The issue with Mr. Colt that happened on Christmas day was awkward, Jaune will never say it wasn't because it was. It was also very close to having their little demonic secret busted. The fact the old man now knew he lived with multiple women and might have a suspicion he was getting up to intimate things with them was...a worry, but not an important one right now. Right now he was getting ready for the Sanctum Selection, going with Lucifer, Beel, and Judgement. He had to look good, the event was tomorrow. The fiasco at the pool from last week seemed more like a distant issue right now compared to the excitement he was feeling for the event.
The Sanctum Selection has been a tradition in MIstral since the days before the war and it only grew as time went by. Now it is a nation-wide event, holiday, and free day from work. Anyone can go and enjoy the food, drinks, and fun. But you need tickets to see the greatest event of the event; the Selection. A fighting tournament that puts the best students at Sanctum against each other, the winner being allowed to graduate right there and choose whatever Huntsman academy they like while also covering their traveling expenses. A great opportunity. He wondered who would win, but he couldn't help but be excited about it all. Judgement has told him to pay close attention to everything during the event, to scan the participants and gauge their potential compared to his own. He had a feeling they would eclipse him seeing as he was not as good since he didn't train as long as them, but he was not going to give up easily. For the last week, he has been practicing against Judgement using Crocea Mors and even Clarent.
The sword given to him by Lucifer and Judgement was...strange. He could feel the power running through it, but it was accompanied by a strong urge to kill and destroy. It was untamed. The sword was clearly alive to some degree, so he decided not to use it too much in case it pulls some magical issues on him. The new shield mentioned by the girls was also ready, but they needed to go to Mistral to get it. He phoned the smith and told them he would be there to pick it up during the event and they replied that they will be closing shop that day but get the shield with them and meet somewhere in the crowd to give it to him. He was ok with that and glad there was a smith nice enough to do something like this.
The time was nigh, and with that so did the night was upon them. The Sanctum Selection was tomorrow and they had a long way to go until they would reach Mistral. Or not, considering Beel can just portal everyone there, but they decided to go by night to avoid any questions when they pop up. The semblance excuse can only last for so long, after all. He got his clothing on, choosing a blacktop covered by a white jacket with golden details and matching pants of the same design as his jacket along with brown boots. Something simple.
He got Crocea Mors, strapping the blade at his hip, then went down the stairs. There, at the entrance, were the three demon girls, still in the demonic forms. Beel was dressed in a red sweater, likely borrowed from Mo, with a pair of black pants and a jacket with fur along the neck and black boots for the journey. To be fair, it was still winter and pretty cold outside. However, Lucifer acknowledged that more than them, having a long coat over herself that reached just below her knees with black boots, her jacket being black with pink fur along the wrist and neck. Lastly, there was Judgement, who was the most boldly dressed of them all, choosing to go in a jacket left open at the front with a black top on her held by two straps, wearing a pair of black ripped jeans and high boots that reached to her knees.
"Look who decided to show up." Lucifer said, seeing him come down the stairs. "Ready to depart, Jaune?"
"Yeah, I got everything I will need. Crocea Mors, Lien, my scroll, and even a map" He replied. "Shall we depart, Beel?"
"But of course. Follow me everyone" Said the Mistress of the Flies as she led them outside into the evening, the snow falling gently on the ground. The last go out was Jaune who closed the door behind him, then he watched as Beel took in a few breaths, steam coming from her mouth each time. Then she threw her hands forth, the portal opening itself to Mistral. "Alright, everyone goes through one at a time." She said and one by one they entered the portal, Beel going in last.
When they came out the other side they were met with the city of Mistral, the sight taking Jaune's breath away entirely along with Lucifer and Judgement. The city of Mistral was beautiful, decorated with lights all the way to Haven Academy where his sister, Coral, studied. The houses had chimneys, letting out smoke from the fires inside to keep those within warm and the snow was falling even here, although not as heavily as in Ansel.
Beelzebub took a few steps forth, the girls had taken their human disguises, and spun around to them. "Welcome to Mistral! I visited this place before when obtaining the supplies for the house so I know how you must feel. The city is amazing, through and through. The architecture and culture are tightly linked together, and the people are amazing as well. Granted, they do have their flaws, but we are not here for that now, are we?"
"No…" Jaune replied, recovering himself from his state of awe. "We are here to have fun," He continued. "Let's go find ourselves an inn and check-in there so tomorrow we are ready for the festival"
"I wonder how you humans are capable of such wonders at times…" Lucifer muttered, still looking around the city.
"This is beautiful," Judgement said.
"Yeah...It is." Jaune said, then the group made their way to the inn. They managed to check-in, taking two different rooms each, Judgement staying with Jaune in the room while Beel was with Lucifer. A risky play, but the two promised Jaune they would behave, so he had faith they won't start genocide in the inn. He hoped. After getting everything settled Jaune noticed Judgement getting ready for bed, taking off her clothing. He turned his gaze away, the former high prosecutor snorting at his behavior.
"Having so many women at your disposal, yet still shy to look at a little skin?" She said, trying to sound mocking, but she couldn't hold the act together until the end. "T-Thank you, for not peeking" She finished, then got changed into her pajamas and got into the bed, but Jaune had other plans. He wanted to go out and explore the city at night before the next day when he knew the streets would be packed.
He didn't take anything off, keeping his clothing on, then he grabbed Crocea Mors and went out and outside, the snow falling much better now than it was before. He kept Crocea Mors close in case anyone might jump him, then he ventured out into the city of Mistral, keeping close to the center of the city and walking along the dimly lit streets of the lamps powered by Dust. His steps were obvious as the snow was crushed under his feet, and his blue eyes took in the beautiful nightlife of Mistral. The streets were not fully deserted either, having some people here and there who also like staying up late running around, doing their own thing. He eventually reached the park where a fountain was located. The water was most likely warmed up a bit so it wouldn't freeze, offering the beautiful sight before him. He went to it, leaning against the edge and looking down to see his own reflection in the water.
He couldn't believe he was the same man he was half a year ago. Thanks to Judgement's training he put on more muscle and grew a bit as well, not to mention the sword training he received. While not a master, he had the basics down and he was confident he could stand up for himself if need be. Judgement was unforgiving in battle, so he never took her for granted or easy. But she did, since she was far better than him and a demon no less.
He chuckled as he waved his head around, seeing his ponytail at the back of his head. He has to admit, he looked good with that instead of maybe, God forbid, using gel. He then looked around, seeing the sky. You couldn't see much because of the clouds, but it had its beauty. He turned around, leaning himself on the fountain and looking around. That was when he heard another set of steps heading his way, making him look in their general direction to see a girl, tall but still a bit shorter than him, with emerald eyes and fair skin dressed in a long, red coat with black buttons and brown gloves, a pair of boots on her feet along with black pants going to him, her bright, crimson hair a bright contract to the white of the snow, being let loose around her.
She walked to the fountain as well, Jaune looking at her with the tail of his eye. She seemed familiar, but he decided to ignore it. "Good evening," He said, catching her attention. The girl turned around, looking at him, but she seemed a bit on guard.
"Good evening." She replied, although reluctantly, which Jaune noticed. Why was she so tense around him? Did he scare her? He did carry around a weapon, so maybe that was it? "I...I see you like the fountain too, huh?" She said, trying to make conversation, Jaune replying in kind.
"I guess…" He replied with a small smile on his lips, turning around and leaning on the fountain again. "I actually came here for the Sanctum Selection"
"The Selection?" The girl echoed, looking at him and noticing the sword at his hip. "Are you perhaps a participant?"
"What?" He said, turning his head to her, looking at her with a bit of confusion before he realized she must have been asking because of Crocea Mors. "Oh, no, I am not. I am here to watch, nothing more."
"Then are you from another school? Signal? Mantle? Or…" She trailed off.
"No, I am not. Never been to one, actually" Jaune said. "I am more or less self-taught. I mean, I do have people helping me train, but they are not exactly professionals" He was hiding certain details, but that was so the secret didn't come out. He just hoped this girl didn't press on.
"Oh, I see…" She said, returning to the fountain's water.
"Mind if I ask you what you are doing here? Except enjoying the view, of course. You seem a little bit off." Jaune asked, watching the girl turn her head once more towards him, almost in a state of confusion. What was it about Jaune that was having this girl act weird? Did he say something bad? Messed it up already?
"I am actually taking part in the Selection" She replied, then Jaune quickly chimed in.
"That's so cool!" He replied aloud, catching her off-guard. "That must mean you are one of the top students at Sanctum, is that right?" He asked, the girl trying to put together a question but mumbling randomly for a bit and just looking at his innocent eyes. Did he not know who he was talking to? Did he not know how many would cause harm to just talk with her like he was right now?
Originally, she had gone out to vent and catch a breather from her home's constant stressing environment. But now? Now she was finding herself curiously wondering who this guy was, acting as if he never heard of her name, feats, or reputation! Surely he had at least seen her face on the box of those blasted cereals, correct?
"I...Excuse me, but do you really not know who I am?" She asked softly, watching Jaune's expression change into one of confusion himself, scratching the back of his head, trying to think.
"Should I?" He asked sheepishly, putting on his trademark goofy smile. The girl's eyes widened a bit and she felt a warm feeling grow in her chest. Here was someone who never heard of her, who doesn't try to woo her to get bragging rights or take advantage of her reputation. Here was someone to whom she might actually form a meaningful bond...a friendship. "I'm sorry if I do not know, I don't usually pay attention to stuff like this"
"No, it's ok!" She quickly replied, trying to dismiss the now awkward situation. "I...My name is Pyrrha. Pyrrha Nikos" She said, waiting to see his reply. He might have not recognized her with her hair down and in those clothes, but surely he might recognize the name, right?
"Glad to meet you, Pyrrha, I am Jaune." He replied, introducing himself and stretching his hand to her. "Jaune Arc." He finished, then she slowly took his hand, shaking it.
"Nice meeting you" She replied with a warm smile of her own. He really didn't know her?
"By the way, have I seen you before? You look a bit familiar."
And there goes her hope.
Pyrrha sighed, knowing this was too good to be true, then she looked at him. But then a thought came to her mind. He didn't know her, yet he finds her familiar in a way? She had only one question lingering on her mind right now. "Pumpkin Pete?" She asked, to which she watched him widen his eyes and stare at her in awe.
"Oh my God, that's it! Your face is on the side of the cereal box!" He said aloud, Pyrrha letting out a small giggle from his childish reaction. Well, at least he was more honest than the others, even if he heard about her in some way. "I cannot believe you are also a Huntress in training!"
"Yeah…" She replied. "I am taking part in the Selection tomorrow to try and finish early."
"I see. Any special reason for that?" He asked, Pyrrha tensing up a little to find an answer to his question. She did have a reason, but it was not a good one per se from a moral point of viewing, so she didn't want to say it outright.
"I...I just want to have more time for myself, I guess?" She lied or at least tried to.
"Oh, I see. That's cool, I guess, getting more spare time to spend with your family" He replied.
A small silence fell after that answer between the two. Jaune didn't know what else to say and Pyrrha, in all honesty, never had such a casual talk before. People who talk to her usually had a second agenda, yet the one before her now had no such thing. He was being honest to her, from what she could tell, and the only thing he knew her from that could consist of any sort of bias towards her reputation was the cereals, which she didn't care that much if she was being honest. Here stood a guy to whom she could honestly talk to without the worry of him trying to take advantage of her. Well, not that he could, she could put him down quite easily.
"Jaune, you mentioned that you have people helping you train, but that they are not professionals. Care to elaborate?" She asked, then watched him tense up a little bit. Jaune didn't expect her to ask about that in particular, but now he better put his time with demons to use and bullshit the living hell out of people.
Good God, they really rubbed off on him, didn't they?
"Well, they are not Huntresses, active or retired for one" he began, already confirming to Pyrrha that he was being trained by other women. She'd be lying if she said she wasn't a bit concerned, but she let him continue to talk. "I had a bad falling out with my father, you see...Ended with some yelling and me running off" her eyes widened and her mouth stood agape hearing that. Did he run away from home? Why? Did the fight he had with his father cause it? How bad was it?
If only she knew the truth.
"After I took off I found myself wandering around Ansel, my home village, for a bit before finding a place to stay. It was away from my home, all the way through the woods. I met the landlady in Ansel and she offered me a room. And believe me, she had more than enough space" He said, even though that is not really what happened. Lying still felt somewhat bad to him, but he couldn't help it. Can't go around telling people he lived with demons and angels, all-female, and that he has Hell's current head honcho on speed dial. "I didn't have money to pay, but I decided to offer other services instead" Red flags, RED FLAGS!
"You're sleeping with the landlady?!" She asked in utter shock.
"What?! No! God damn it, why is everyone assuming that?! I have seven sisters for crying out loud! I clean, cook, fix stuff, and even take care of any Grimm that comes around!" He replied in haste, not leaving the misunderstanding alive.
"Oh...Apologies for jumping to assumptions" she replied, her cheeks going a bit red from having thought such a thing. Wait, did he say..."Wait, seven? Seven sisters?!"
"Again, yes" he replied with a sigh. "I am the only son in a family with eight children."
"Forgive me for asking, but is your-"
"Yes, my mother is ok, and yes, she has killer hips from what everyone and my father keep saying" he replied in anticipation, having received that plenty of times before already. Thank God for foresight, it comes in handy at times. Although it burned him inside to refer to that man as his father again. Not yet. Wounds are still fresh, they need time to heal. "As I was saying, I offer my services in exchange for a room, but one of the other tenants has been offering their help. One in particular who loves to work out has been working me like a slave to get me into shape" He flinched a bit recalling the early days of his training. Hell...True, utter terrifying Hell.
Pyrrha nodded her head after he finished, putting the pieces together. It seemed to her like he was going through a rough time and needed some support, which she wasn't entirely wrong about either. The others were great to him until now, in their way, but sometimes you need someone of your kin. "And...How long has it been since you and your father...If you don't mind me asking?" She spoke slowly, trying not to be rude or trespass on a sensitive subject.
"Roughly half a year ago, at the end of last summer," He replied. "Since then I have been working my ass off trying to get in shape in time for Beacon"
"Beacon? You plan on going there?" She asked, looking at him with a somewhat surprised expression. Something was bugging her and she needed confirmation. "Wait, Jaune, how much training do you have, exactly?"
He sighed with a chuckle, looking down in the pool and answering "Little. Barely got any, actually, except some basic stuff. Although I'd say I am moderate at CQC, I barely know anything else. One of the reasons for my fallout with him was the fact he was intentionally stopping me from pursuing a Huntsman carrier" He said, taking the champion aback a bit.
He admitted to having little training, and if the rest of the story he said lines up, that means less than one year as well. Less than her, or anyone for that matter! Yet, here he was, proudly wearing a sword he likely barely knew how to use, dreaming for the fame and glory. "Why do you want to be a Huntsman, Jaune?" She asked, judging him. Someone with little to no training, even if they are lucky to pass initiation, is bound to be a liability and risk one cannot take. She admitted he seemed to be built well enough for it, but she needed confirmation. Having a good build was not everything, after all.
"To be a hero, really" he answered simply, Pyrrha sighing thinking he was just another naive poor fool who didn't know what he was getting himself into. "But…" Then she was proven wrong. "It is more than just a childish dream, it's a legacy. My father, grandfather, his father before him, all were Huntsman - Heroes who stood against the masses of Grimm to fight and protect. And although not all my ancestors were as such…" Artorious died a warmongering king in the end, his name being one that brought shame to his family. But he had his reasons. Yet, his life, from what he read in his journal, gave him time to think more about his dream. "They all had good intentions. I want to be a Huntsman to protect others, even if…" Artorious did everything in his power for his people and family. That, as far as Jaune can see, is his redeeming quality. "Even if it means throwing my own life away and going to Hell" he finished, leaving Pyrrha stunned as a result of his words.
When he began she only heard the foolish dream of a bit wanting to uphold a family legacy. Yet, hearing his father didn't let him follow in his family's footsteps must have been frustrating. Explains why they had a falling out. But what really made her see him as more than that was how...realistic he was about the whole thing. He knew it was a risky job, he knew he may not live to see old age...He was already more than most Huntsman in training she knew. He believed it was his destiny to follow in his ancestor's footsteps, and it was denied to him for too long. "Tell me Jaune…" she began, getting his attention. "Do you believe in destiny?"
"Destiny?" He echoed, pondering about her question. Destiny, the notion that everything a person is meant to be is pre-written to them and they have to follow it. But honestly? When you know the supposed higher beings responsible for writing destiny you don't believe in it much. His father would claim it is not his destiny to be a Huntsman and Hero, but that's the thing about it. He smiled with confidence, knowing how to reply. "I believe that destiny is not what dictates how we end up. I believe that, if you don't like your destiny, you can change it."
"Change destiny?" She echoed in awe. "How can you do that?"
"Well, with my training one would say it is not written for me to be a Huntsman, but watch me prove them wrong!" He declared boldly. "I might not be the best fighter around, but hey. Been told I got the tactical smarts, big Aura pool, and I know for a fact my semblance kicks ass"
She processed his words a bit, looking at the boy before her as if she saw an oddity. Other Huntsman in training would believe he was spitting on their life-long hard work for this, yet she didn't see that. Her own years of training taught her that you cannot judge someone by talent alone. But she was not about to take him up on those claims fully. Just...Believe that he was more than meets the eye. Once she did that, she broke put in a laugh, clenching her stomach.
"Did I say something funny?" Jaune asked in confusion as Pyrrha laughed, thinking he said something stupid. His social anxiety was returning to him. But when she stopped laughing she looked at him with a large smile on her face. Change destiny...If he dared to do it, then who says she cannot do the same?
"Yes and no, Jaune," She said. "Look, I don't know exactly how good you are or what your semblance is, and honestly I do not want to pry, even if I am curious now to check if everything was worded in the wind. So, if I win the Selection, how about we arrange for a spar?" She asked.
Jaune thought about it for a bit. Having a human sparring partner would be beneficial since he felt he was growing too accustomed to his demonic friends. If anything, her help would be appreciated by him. "Sure. Wanna exchange scroll numbers so we can contact each other?"
"Sure" she replied, bringing out her scroll and exchanging their contacts. She put her scroll back in her pocket but did a glimpse at the time. "Oh no, I have to get back home and prepare for the Selection tomorrow!" she said in an urgent tone. "It was nice meeting you Jaune, truly, and I hope to see you tomorrow during the selection. Goodbye!" She said, running off in the dimly lit streets covered by the snow, leaving the boy behind.
"Bye," he waved at her, watching her go. Then the realization of what happened dawned on him. Time to bring forth the influence the demons had on his speech. "Holy shit-stained, wide-eyed living and unholy fuck! I actually talked to a girl that wasn't an other-worldly creature!"
Still has a long way to go until he swears like a true sailor.
The day was here. After returning to the inn and getting a good night's sleep Jaune and the girls woke up to the sound of the busy street outside. The ruckus started at 8 AM. Those people didn't like wasting time in the least. The group of four got themselves ready and went out to explore the city in the light of day and take in the sight of Mistral. And have fun at the festival. And believe me, they had fun.
Jaune could not believe how lovely the streets were, not to mention the food stands spread around the streets, serving all sorts of street food ranging from soups to sweets. His wallet had taken a toll as a result of the sweets since Lucifer and Beel wanted to try out the various new aromas put at their disposal. Judge, to his luck, was more interested in the weapon accessories they had on sale, but nothing caught her eye in particular.
Jaune left the girls to their own devices, heading towards the spot the smith told him to pick up his new shield for Clarent. He walked through the crowd of people, eventually a large man with a dense beard and a shield in his left hand waiting on a bench. Bingo.
Jaune went to them and introduced himself to the man, giving them a handshake. The smith recognized Jaune's voice and presented him the shield. "It has everything you asked for! It can fold nicely into a double sheath and I made sure to follow the measurements you send me. I must say, Kite shields are not commonly asked for nowadays since their size is seen as a drawback. So it is refreshing to have to work on one. I also liked the suggestion with the Dust."
"Thanks. " Jaune replied, then he looked at the shield. "May I?" He reached out to the shield, everything having been already paid for, and held it in his hand. The shield was designed after the one from Crocea Mors, having the same color scheme of white with golden details at the edges and the Arc symbol in the center. It was a Marauder Kite shield, large and shaped almost like his old Heater shield at the lower section, the upper section having two spots on either side that curve inwards and outwards as it goes up, ending in a more triangle-shaped upper part. Granted, he also had a special addition to it. Below the Arc symbol, he had a pentagram drawn, a homage to his more demonic benefactors. "I like it"
"Glad you do, my boy!" The smith replied. "I will be on my way now, I have a family to spend the day with, after all," The smith left, leaving Jaune with his new shield. It was certainly larger than his Heater shield, but he felt barely any weight difference. He kept his grip on the handle behind the shield, then pressed the button and watched it fold into a double-sheath that went on his back. He strapped it on, then he looked down at Crocea Mors.
"Oh, nice!" He turned around hearing the voice of Beel, just in time to spot her and Lucifer. "I see you received your new shield. I must say, I like it."
"Yeah. It certainly is different." He replied, then he pulled Crocea Mors out of its old sheath. "Can you portal this home and get Clarent?" He asked, to which Beelzebub nodded her head, taking the blade and going away. Jaune and Lucifer went with the semblance excuse to anyone who asked. She returned shortly, Clarent in hand. He took the blade, watching the red symbols on it flare to live in his grip. He then looked at it along with Crocea Mors in his dual grip. He then put them in the new sheath, hearing the clicks from both blades and seeing them perfectly fit in their respective slots. The smith did a good job, alright.
"Looking good, Jaune" Lucifer said, strolling around him and looking at the new sheath on his back. While it will likely take him a bit to get used to everything, it was refreshing to see him like this. She reminded him of another old soul who came to her throne room once, wielding two blades strapped to their back just like this. While they didn't use a shield, they tore through her skeleton troops like a knife through bread, eventually having to send Judgement to finish the job.
They were still a great warrior, no denying that.
"Thanks" he replied, then he looked at the time. "The Selection will start soon. Shall we make our way to the arena?"
"Certainly. We should also pick up Judgement along the way. The poor dear must be worried about our whereabouts" She got her new handkerchief out, putting it to use to wipe some sweat off her brown. "Or tearing someone a new one"
That was all Jaune needed to hear before he darted off with them to find Judgement before red snow became a thing.
"WELCOME LADIES AND GENTLEMAN TO THE SANCTUM SELECTION!" The announcer said loudly, the large crowd in the arena cheering in support of the many contestants that will be trying their skills here. Jaune and the girls were seated in the second row to the northern part of the arena, the place being a large, barren field. Heating systems melted the snow and dried the earth most likely, which explains the lack of it despite it having no roof. It was a perfect square in shape, keeping a simple design in mind. "TODAY WE WILL SEE WHO WILL CONQUER AND DOMINATE, HERE, IN THE BATTLE OF THE PROMISED, FOR THE CHANCE FOR AN EARLY GRADUATION TICKET AND PROMISE OF GLORY!
" He sure likes running his mouth a lot" Judgement commented, frowning a bit as her now human skin bore a slightly tanned shade with her eyes more normal than before, but retaining the white iris. "Come on now and start the fight!" She said aloud, not minding her volume much.
"Judgement, dear, please be patient," Beel said, being seated on the opposite end next to Jaune, Lucifer sitting on the other of him and Judgement sitting next to Lucifer. "I am sure the wait will be well worth it."
"It better be. Despite the heating, it is still chilly and I hate being surrounded by so many people" Lucifer commented as well. "What do you think, Jaune? Will it be worth it?"
"Certainly" He replied with barely restrained glee. "It always started like that, but - oh, look, the contestants are coming!" He said, pointing at the arena where multiple students stepped out, each one of them wearing their equipment and weaponry. Jaune counted at least 50 or so students. But one of them stood out to him thanks to their bright, crimson hair.
"NOW, LET'S GO OVER THE RULES!" The announcer said. "BEFORE YOU STAND THE TOP 50 STUDENTS IN THE LAST YEAR AT SANCTUM! THE SELECTION IS COMPRISED OF THREE ROUNDS THIS YEAR, AND THE FIRST ONE IS A FREE FOR ALL BATTLE ROYALE! EACH STUDENT WILL HAVE TO TAKE ONE PERSON OUT BY KNOCKING THEM OUT OR DRIVING THEIR AURA INTO THE RED! ONCE THEY DO THIS THEY WOULD'VE SECURED A SPOT IN THE NEXT ROUND! STUDENTS WHO COMPLETED THEIR GOAL CANNOT BE TAKEN OUT, NOR WILL ANYONE TAKEN OUT BY THEM AFTERWARDS LOSE! ONCE THEY WIN THEIR SPOT OR LOSE, THEY WILL ASKED TO LEAVE THE ARENA OR, IF NEED BE, PICKED UP BY A MEDICAL TEAM! FROM EVERYONE HERE ONLY 25 WILL PROCEED TO THE NEXT ROUND! BEGIN!"
And so it began. The moment that the announcer finished explaining everything, all Hell broke loose, every student getting their weapons, semblance, or whatever they had out and began dishing out punishment against those around them. No one was choosing opponents either, it was a free for all brawl. A Hard-Light shield was erected to protect the audience from any stray fire, quite literally seeing that someone could launch fireballs in there. But Jaune only had eyes for one person. Pyrrha. He kept his gaze on her and analyzed her movement. Fluid, strong, not a move wasted or done to show off.
"This is absolutely barbaric," Lucifer commented. "I love it. It quite helps to reflect the real situations in the world where you never know who your allies are, considering everyone your opponent"
"Indeed. But them stopping only when they are defeated is disappointing. I expected a fight to the death" Judgement added.
"Pretty sure they wouldn't allow that" Jaune commented, then jumped as someone was thrown right at them, kissing the hard surface of the Hard-Light shield and falling unconscious to the ground. "Ouch. That looked like it hurt"
The fighting continued for a good amount of time afterward, the number of students growing thinner and thinner. But curiously, Pyrrha has yet to take anyone out until it was only her and another girl left. Jaune thought she might lose, the other girl's semblance has allowed her to survive this long. She could daze people, induce a state of vertigo onto them. But in the end, it didn't matter. In the end, as she engaged Pyrrha in battle with her curved dual daggers, the redhead dodged with grace, jumping back and turning her xiphos blade into its rifle form, shooting two rounds, only one landing. The vertigo was getting to her a bit.
Her opponent, despite receiving a bullet to her shoulder, showed a cocky smile on her lips and charged forth at Pyrrha with her daggers at the ready, but what followed was...strange, and Jaune noticed it. She threw the daggers at Pyrrha, but then a faint black glow seemed to envelop them for just a moment, throwing them off-course, which allowed her to deflect them by quickly switching her rifle to javelin form and deflecting one, blocking the other with her shield. Her opponent was clearly frightened by this, but she didn't have the time to be scared. In the next second Pyrrha was upon her, and her shield collided with the poor girl's jaw, delivering a dazing strike followed by the girl a few steps back. She raised her head, just in time to receive three finishing shots to her Aura, placing it in the red.
Jaune knew why they hit those times. He had noticed. The girl's semblance needs her to look, to lock on to a target. And Pyrrha knew that as well.
"THAT'S THE FIRST ROUND, COMPLETE LADIES AND GENTS! FINISHED BEAUTIFULLY BY SANCTUM'S TOP, NUMBER ONE STUDENT, NICKNAMED 'INVINCIBLE GIRL', PYRRHA NIKOS!" The announcer called out, then a wave of cheers erupted from the crowd, Jaune processing the information that was revealed.
"She is the top student?" He muttered softly, then watched as Pyrrha went away into the hallway. He had to admit, at first he nearly didn't recognize her. She looked different with her hair tied, and her armor and tiara added to the warrior feel as well. Her weapon as well, a sword and shield combo like his, but more modern and of a different 'race' so to speak.
"Her skills were above the others…" Judgement remarked. "And everyone was aware. The reason she finished last was likely because she wanted to observe everyone, a fact made possible by their intimidation. I swear, humans can be such cowards"
"I see. That does make sense" Jaune commented. He noticed that black glow around the daggers, and he found it strange. It changed their trajectory, allowing Pyrrha to counter them and strike back effectively, but he wondered if that was her semblance. He had a strange tingling feeling when he saw it in action, and he didn't know why. But he knew he needed answers. He will have to talk with Pyrrha when he gets the chance.
"ALRIGHT, EVERYONE! WITH THE CONCLUSION OF THE FIRST ROUND WE WILL NOW TAKE A BREAK TO ALLOW THE STUDENTS SOME REST. YOU ARE FREE TO WONDER ABOUT THE ARENA, BUT PLEASE KEEP TO THE PUBLIC SECTIONS. UNLESS YOU ARE FAMILY, I SUGGEST YOU DO NOT BOTHER THE PARTICIPANTS. THANK YOU" The announcer informed, then everyone in the spectator seats began to wander around. Jaune was going to wait for the second round with the girls, not wanting to disturb Pyrrha. She needed to focus.
About half an hour later, the Selection resumed itself. "ALRIGHT, EVERYONE! TIME FOR THE SECOND ROUND IN WHICH OUT OF THE 25 STUDENTS WHO PASSED ONLY 10 WILL ADVANCE TO THE SECOND ROUND!" The announcer said the students expected to come out but out came only...one? "IN THIS ROUND THE STUDENTS WILL BE FACING GRIMM! CAPTURED SPECIMENS THAT THEY, AT THEIR CURRENT LEVEL, SHOULD BE ABLE TO KILL! THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS ROUND IS TO TAKE OUT THE GRIMM AS FAST AND EFFICIENT AS POSSIBLE! IF THEY RUN OUT OF AURA, OR IF THEY NEED THE INTERVENTION OF ONE OF THE HUNTSMEN AROUND, THEY ARE OUT!"
The second round was a fight against the Grimm. Jaune guessed that was fitting since a Huntsman doesn't fight only human opponents, but their main enemy are the creatures of Grimm that roam the face of Remnant. The first of the 25 students came out and then multiple cages were brought out, releasing 3 beowolves and one Ursa Minor. Weak Grimm, easily handled by trainees. Jaune watched closely as the student took out his weapon and made quick work of them, albeit abusing their semblance a bit more. Still, that earned him a score of 67/100. Not a bad score overall. The second round was pretty much like that all the way, except during some times when a few of the students failed the round by either running out of Aura or needing to be saved. By the time only 5 students had to take on the Grimm, 8 had already been eliminated and the other 12 knew they might not make it with their scores. But Jaune noticed something.
The order in which they were being sent out was not alphabetical, but by standing. The worst to the best student based on both academic and practical results most likely, which mostly explained some of their performances with some of them being better used to fighting humans than Grimm, a fact which earned them the pass in the previous round. The next 4 were impressive from all stands of view, and 3 of them earned scores above 80, with only one of them being eliminated when the Ursa knocked him in the side in a moment of reckless lack of attention.
This brings the question of where they were keeping so many Grimm. Did some teachers have a personal collection or something or are they using Grimm to educate students? Surely, there is no man or woman crazy enough to do that, right?
But then came Pyrrha and Jaune's attention was focused on her own round. The Grimm were released from their cages and Pyrrha got her weapons out. When the doors were down and the Grimm in sight, she didn't even let them come out of the cages. Her rifle found a Beowolf and shot it down back into its cage with the use of gravity dust rounds. Big recoil, but she was able to take it well. She effectively kept the beowolves at bay with it, but the Ursa was more robust and charged right at her. Pyrrha saw right through its charge and shifted her rifle into its javelin form, then waited for the Ursa to get close enough. She dodged to the left, letting the Grimm pass her. The Beowolves were down for the count, only leaving the Ursa to fight. Pyrrha brought her javelin up as the Grimm turned around, just in time to throw it into its eye socket, delivering a fatal blow to the Grimm.
She walked to the fallen Ursa as it turned to smoke, picking up Milo from its skull. The score was then displayed, offering her 94/100. The highest score yet.
"MARVELOUS PERFORMANCES BY OUR STUDENTS! WHILE SOME HAVE LEFT TO BE DESIRED, FEAR NOT! THEY WILL HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO LEARN AND PERFECT THEMSELVES! NOW, ONLY THE TOP TEN SCORES WILL ADVANTAGE IN THE NEXT ROUND! THE POINTS HAVE ALL BEEN CALCULATED, AND THE LIST MADE!" Multiple names were then displayed on holo screens in front of the viewers, showing the standings. Pyrrha, obviously, was the first in the rankings.
"Looks like that Nikos girl is doing well for herself" Beel commented. "Wouldn't you agree so, Jaune?"
"Yeah. To be honest, I am a bit surprised she didn't mention this last night" He said, earning the curious looks of the girls. Seeing their eyes on him he felt a bit awkward, but he replied in a lower tone, assuming that mentioning Pyrrha's name might attract more attention. "We met last night when I went for a stroll through the town. I didn't know she was, well, the top student"
"I see…" Beel replied. "The things you get up to when we are not keeping an eye on you, Jaune." She had a strange smile on her lips.
"Did you two talk about anything in particular?" Judgement asked in curiosity. She was intrigued by Pyrrha's level of skill and wanted to see what Jaune was able to learn.
"Nothing, really. It was a pretty casual talk." He said, not giving any special detail away. But then he remembered something. "Oh! We did exchange scroll numbers and she did ask if we could spar. I said that we could, but honestly? Now that I see her in action I am somewhat nervous and afraid I will get my ass handed to me."
"Jaune, I am saying this in all honesty…" Lucifer began. "She will hand it to you hands down." The boy sighed and placed his face in his hands, running them over his skin then leaning back. "Still, good job getting close to someone like her. She could be useful for your training."
"Actually, can we not take advantage of her?" He asked. "Don't get me wrong, I see the opportunity here as well, but it just seems...wrong, to take advantage of her like this. I'd rather have it be something more casual than anything."
Lucifer scoffed. "Very well. If you fail to get into Beacon you will still make for a good slave anyway."
"Don't worry…" He replied with a small smile on his lips. "With your help and Pyrrha's, I am confident I can pull through.
DAMN! LONG CHAPTER! Sorry if this seems sudden guys, but this chapter was going to get in the 10K mark had I not stopped now. I decided to leave the rest for the next chapter. I am also very sorry about the VERY slow update. I have been mighty busy with school as I had exams, but now I am on break, meaning I should be able to write more now and put in more effort. Thanks for being patient everyone.
Also, 1k Followers! Thanks, guys, you are great!
