"Do you hate me?"
"Pyrrha…." Jaune quietly mumbled, his tired eyes scanning her resting body, one hand holding hers, the other one carefully massaging her forearm.
It's been several hours since the closure of the fierce duel. And several hours since Pyrrha had opened her eyes. She wasn't dying, of course. Jaune knew that perfectly well but even so, he was still worried sick since knight had never seen his partner this injured before. Never.
So it was rather obvious that his heartstrings were being pulled painfully every time he gazed at her severely weakened state.
"At least her breathing is stable." He would say to himself as his eyes observed how Pyrrhas chest moved up and down. It was comforting him. Yet it also proved just how reckless his partner was this time.
"You shouldn't have pushed yourself that far ya know," Jaune said, his hand pushing away a few strands of hair away from Pyrrhas peaceful face.
Peaceful. It was odd. Truth be told, if not for the obvious marks engraved all over her body proving that she is recovering from a fierce battle, one could actually believe that redhead is simply enjoying a solid sleep right now. Or maybe even having a pleasant dream. Yea, something like-
'Oh Jaune! Don't stop!'
'OH JAUNE, RIGHT THERE, YES!'
'Jaune, please take me! OH YES!'
Blonde snapped in realization, shaking his head from side to side.
"Nop, nop, no, nonononononono, not that kind of dream," He said to himself, cheeks slightly red as blondey remembered his partners wildest fantasies, or more like her mating calls to be precise. After calming down for good, his eyes returned to Pyrrhas figure. And the more Jaune looked, the all the more he drifted into the memories of just how brutal the duel really was. Though as the scenes kept passing by him, blonde started to pick up something else as the memories ran by. Something, which really piqued his interest. And heart as well.
"Both of them looked so fearless, so powerful so…..lively," He quietly said.
And to be honest, he envied that.
"I wonder, did I ever look like that too, when I was still boxing?" Jaune thought. Being free of fears, fighting for what you believed, not backing down even if the situation turned hopeless. Just giving it your all and boldly moving forward. That sort of self- belief.
Did he ever have that?
"I….I think I did." Jaune dared to say. There just might have been a time like that. But what about now? The present time?
Blondes head hanged lower. He was far from it.
Always self-conscious, terrible self-esteem, easily intimidated, giving up before doing his best or sometimes before even trying.
Lifting up his hand, Jaune made a fist. He was getting tired of the way he was. He wanted to change. Jaune wanted to be like he once used to be. Even if it would take a lot of time, trials and errors, just little by little, but blonde wanted to be different.
"So I too, could look like Pyrrha and Lilianna did." Would be one of his reasons.
Like Pyrrha and Lilianna.
Lilianna….she too looked-
Jaune suddenly twisted his neck to the right. Someone was knocking on the door.
"Come in." Blonde raised his voice a little bit more than usual.
With a strong click, doors were soon open and old pops came in, his eyes showing slight concern. Gazing at his grandsons face, old Arc immediately noticed the dark circles under his eyes. As old pops figured he would. By all means, great Arc understood his child's situation BUT, he just as well knew that Jaune had to take a break from this. If even a little one.
"El Jauney, you have been here for several hours straight."
After acknowledging his grandfather's presence, Jaune looked back to Pyrrha.
"Old pops, I know what you're trying to say, I really do. It's just…..hard to leave her alone when she looks like this."
"I truly understand, my heart would feel the same. But even so, I can't leave you alone like this. As I mentioned several times before, I have injected a medical drug in your sweetheart which will boost her aura's healing factor tremendously. Give her a couple of days to rest and she will be back on her feet strong and solid. Maybe even faster knowing how tough young love is.
Even if being rather tired, Jaune made a smile. "Aura sure is cool. With-out mine unlocked, it took me couple of months to recover from 'Golden gloves' tournament. I of course didn't wait and the rest you know."
Old Arc nodded.
"But if you have it unlocked, you can recover from similar injuries in just couple of days. That's awesome."
"True it is. And with that being said, El Jauney-" Old Arc came closer, placing his hand over his child's shoulder, "you can take a rest. Your sweetheart will be fine. I can give you my word on that." He squeezed it friendly.
Jaune ran his eyes one more time over Pyrrhas figure. With his little smile still intact, he leaned over and pressed his lips against Pyrrhas forehead. Old Arc was right. His partner was stronger than that, he knew that himself. Not only that though. Blonde actually wanted to say a few things to his grandfather as well. And right now was a perfect chance.
"Alright Old pops, let's go somewhere else," Jaune said as he lightly tapped great Arc's shoulder and went straight to the exit.
Old Arc could feel how the burden on his shoulders became lighter. "Let's go," He would say and soon too, went for the exit.
"…..and that's how Pyrrha and I became partners." Jaune giggled as he told the story of how he and redhead met in the 'Forever Fall' forest. Yep, the one where he was stuck in a tree and had to be rescued.
Old Arcs chest moved back and forth as well in laughter "H-h-ha ha ha ha ha ha, that's a gold coin worth story you have there, ha ha ha, eh, oh, oh dear, oooh dear." He wiped the little tears in the corners of the eyes. "Seems like, heh, the fate decided to reverse your roles ha ha. Usually, in the tales it would be the other way around."
Jaunes grin grew wider "I know right?" He agreed, turning his gaze to the nights beautiful sky which he could perfectly see from the open balcony. Leaning his chest over the handrail, blonde continued "Yet as silly as it is, that was the day from which right to the present time, Pyrrha has been by my side. Helping me whenever I needed to, be it armed combat, studies, life advices or anything else. She has always been there for me." Jaune's smile beamed brighter "Honestly, if not for her I'm not sure if I would still be studying at Beacon." He chuckled "I think I would most likely be a farmer by now. We have a garden after all. Mind as well use it to earn some profit right?"
Old pops chuckled as well "Truth be told, I never thought of it that way. Smart thinking."
"Ha ha ha, yep, I'm smart. Or at least so I'm being told," Jaune said "But seriously, Pyrrha she's….she's truly amazing."
Old Arc, he couldn't help but to smile while his son talked about the young love. His expression, genuine and bright, it spoke volumes of how dear the girl was to him. Not just his face though. So did the whole posture seeing just how relaxed and comfortable he looked while talking about her. Put it simply, Jaunes body already told what needed to be said before the words were even formed.
And since it was just that evident, old pops wanted to question something really, really simple. To see how honest Jaune would be about it.
"El Jauney, there is something I would like to ask."
"Go ahead," Jaune said, still gazing at the stars, enjoying the soft, rather warm breeze playing with his hair.
"Your sweetheart, Pyrrha….what is it what your heart truly feels for her?" Old Arc questioned, patiently waiting for his son to answer.
First few moments passed quietly. Seems that Jaune was thinking. But then, with his look still locked on the night's sky he answered "Old pops, I think you know that yourself."
Truth be told, this surprised the elder man very little.
"So it is truth. It is sweet love you feel for the girl."
"Yea." Surprisingly enough, Jaune wasn't shy to admit.
Old Arc lowered his look a little. Keeping his mouth shut, he wondered if this should be pushed any further. Normally, he wouldn't get himself involved in other people love affairs. The only reason why old Arc wanted to make this an exception was of concern as to what reasons Jaune could have for not confessing his feelings to young love yet. At least not mutually. Great Arc had a suspicion that his son's reasons were connected with the persona Jaune was right now. And if that was truth then great Arc wanted to-
"Old pops." Blonde's voice suddenly snapped grandfather out of his thoughts.
"What is it my boy?"
"I know what you're thinking about right now."
"You do?"
"Well, it's only a guess but you're probably wondering why I haven't confessed to Pyrrha yet. I think."
Good intuition.
"Indeed. I truly am wondering about the reasons as to why you haven't. And, wouldn't mind hearing."
"The reason is very simple." Jaune moved his body to face grandfather "It's the difference between us. As I said before, Pyrrha is almost perfect in everything she does. And even if she sometimes isn't, it doesn't bother her much as she will simply move forward. She's amazing. I, on the other hand…I'm just…something."
Nothing more, nothing less. Just something.
Old Arc pushed a frustrated sigh out. (So I was true.) His concerns proved to be right. But at least, since he already predicted this, elder man already knew what to say back.
"El Jauney, you do realize that young love holds the same, dear feelings to you as you to her?"
Blonde slightly paused, but then nodded a yes.
"And why do you think that is?"
"Old pops, I know what you're trying to-"
"Shut it!" Old Arc demanded, his voice rougher in tone.
Being slightly startled, blonde settled with a simple 'okay'.
"If you would truly understand, we wouldn't hold this conversation right now," Great Arc roughly said, but then calmed down "My boy, young love wouldn't offer you her heart and soul if she wouldn't believe that you are something else in your own right. You are simply blinded by your low self-esteem and belief. So please, do try to realize that you are worth her affections. I can give you my word on that." Old Arc placed his hand on Jaune's shoulder "Or, if you don't believe my word, ask young love herself." He squeezed it reassuringly "And only then decide if you are only 'something' as you claim to be, or a lot more than that after all.
Jaune's look went even lower, dark shadows casting over his face, one hand made in a menacing fist, the other one harshly gripped around the handrail.
"But it isn't just about that."
Old Arc raised an eyebrow "What do you mean?"
"I'm getting tired. So tired of the way I am now." Few mean veins popped on his skin "Old pops, remember, I said that there were more reasons than one as to why I came to visit my home."
"I do remember." Old arc acknowledged, getting intrigued as to where this was going.
"Good, because one of the major reason as to why I decided to visit my place is-" Jaunes head snapped up, his blue orbs quite literally shining in the dark shadows "I want to start over." He stated, his entire aura lit on fire as the declaration went by.
Upon hearing, great Arc's heart skipped a dangerous amount of beats. Knees trembled and breathing became deeper "El Jauney….you don't….no…you don't mean, do you?"
The spark in Jaunes eyes became brighter "Yes, Old pops. I do. I want to start over-
with boxing."
Old Arc had to gulp hard. Twice. And as unreasonable as it was, his heart was ready to accept the offer faster than a heartbeat could ring. But, with the mind it was rather different. Especially upon remembering past experiences so it needed a lot more conviction than that.
"Jaune, you do realize what you're asking right now?"
Blonde nodded a strong yes.
Just accept it!
"I wonder about that." Old pops kept his posture calm and clean. "Do you really think that starting over is that easy? That anyone can just do it?"
What are you saying? Just say yes!
It isn't that simple.
"Don't fool yourself boy." Great arc's words came as a pure threat, grimace frowned in a menacing look "With how much you had lost and suffered, starting over will prove to be even harsher than starting from nothing."
Your child wants to start over. Just give him a chance!
And what if it ends like the last time?
"It is not a decision you can just make on a wimp. Did you even think of the obstacles you will have to face again? Some of which could be even harder than before."
He decided to start over again. On his own! He is determined and you know it!
Determination is not always rewarded, and you know that too.
"And what if you will end up going through the pain similar to that of the past, or who knows, maybe even grimmer than that? Are you truly ready for such possibility? To endure it once again if you will have to?
What's with this darkness? Why do you assume the worst will happen? What happened to you?
It is not darkness, it is a possible reality. And what happened is that I had to witness how my dear child almost broke apart completely.
"Don't you dare to think lightly of this Jaune…." Old Arc took one step forward, his expression even harder than before. "You have your past experience. You know how this could end! And yet you still dare to come over to me and ask such reckless request in a mere heartbeat!?"
Can you hear your own words? It is as if you are trying to make him quit before even giving a solid chance.
If this will be enough to make him quit then so be it. Better too early than too late. Such is the lesson I learned.
"Don't you dare," Old Arc threatened, preparing to step forward again "don't you dare…DON'T YOU DARE TO TAKE YOUR REQUEST LIGH-"
Great Arc had to step back. With his heart skipping a sudden beat, he felt how his knees shook lightly.
A rather understandable reaction considering just how sudden and dangerous Jaune's jab was. The blazing speed of his punch was more than enough to leave two, burning marks on the elder man's cheek since knuckles only barely grazed it. But the intention was more than clear.
Slowly lifting his head, Jaunes blue orbs shined right over his shoulder. Intensity being the same as when he was still boxing.
"Old pops…..a simple yes or yes will do," Jaune said, retreating his fist back.
Old pops had to gulp hard again. More than twice. One thing was just how fast all of his doubts and fears shattered. But the other one was something else entirely.
He thought that his senses went wrong. Why? Because the Jaune who stood in front of him sounded, acted, looked and felt just like the one from the past. Only for few, mere moments though. But few, mere, precious moments it was.
Old Arc's grimace soon turned into a fresh smirk. He was convinced. Both mind and heart.
"A simple yes or yes you say." Old pops chuckled from the 'wide' variety of options he had.
Jaune closed his eyes for a moment. Then he lightly snickered as well, the intensity and fierceness fading away from his being. Opening his eyes he said "Yep. Those would be the options you have. So pick wisely."
"Indeed you're right." Old pops placed a finger on his chin, imitating a questioning look "Hmmm…..I suppose that this time I will choose yes. But wait…hmmm…..no, no," He shook his head "I am feeling daring today so I will choose yes after all. Yes, I will choose yes instead of yes. Yes." And old Arc chuckled again.
Jaune snickered as well but soon his chuckle grew into a bright smile "Thanks Old pops, really."
"But-"And great Arcs tone became more serious again "When I said that starting over may prove to be even harsher than starting from nothing, I truly meant it."
"I know."
"I of course could talk till sun rises over the horizon of how many, different obstacles you will have to face but since you know that better than anyone else, I will skip on that. Instead, let me ask a simple question. What is your ultimate goal for now?"
Jaune's eyes turned sharper "'Golden gloves' tournament."
Aiming for the highest right from the get go, just like he used to.
Truth be told, old Arc felt electric but pleasant sensation running over his skin. Yet down his spine it was an unnerving chill creeping by.
"Telling that with your blessed experience you could just aim for the pros is rather pointless, is it not?"
"Sorry…."
"No need to. But I will however, give you one, last warning. In those two and a half years that you have been absent from the boxing scene, your weight class in particular has changed greatly. The level of the competition even at lower layers has increased a fair cut above. But that wouldn't be our concern. It is the man who is absolutely dominating the light heavy-weight class we should be worried about. He was prominent before but it is in those last two and a half years that his divine boxing capabilities truly shined."
Jaunes fists tickled "Last years 'Golden gloves' champion, the 'White fang'"
"So you know."
"It would be hard to miss him."
"If so, then the rest I will keep short." Old man's grimace turned sharper "Jaune, he is just like you. An extremely rare breed of talent. Make no mistake that his could rival even yours.
'White fang' is just that dangerous."
"Old pops, I have seen his fights so I know."
"Good, if so, let me ask when do you plan to participate in the tournament?"
"This year would be too early. No matter how much I would train."
"Then-"
"Next year."
Old Arc silently calculated "So it would be year and a half. The time for you to get ready for it. Hold your ear for me, I am not entirely sure about the next year but this one, 'White fang' will take part in it. Though I have heard the rumors that his trainer has stated that they plan to win three times in a row. Absolute truth or not, I am not sure. But, the chances that you two will meet in the ring are high regardless. You know what I am trying to say."
A light chill rand down Jaunes spine but the face showed a daring smile "I know, I know. But to be honest, even if I am nervous or even scared" Blondes fists clenched tight "I want to meet him. I want to challenge him, no matter what." And his gaze did not lie.
Old Arc smirked, plenty of memories flickering past him. It felt so nostalgic. But even more than that, it felt missing. This precious sensation he felt every time before Jaune and him would dare to challenge new, uncharted territories. And even if this wasn't something completely new, the rush of overwhelming feelings it gave were as fresh and strong as ever. And old Arc couldn't get enough of that.
"Then that would be everything I need to know El Jauney." And Old pops raised his shaking fist "Let's give this everything and anything we have. Just like we used to."
For reasons Jaune probably knew, but his skin was covered in goosebumps. But regardless, he raised his shaking fist as well.
"Our everything and anything," They both said as a new promise was made the moment their fists bumped together.
The tales of a boy who was once known to be 'Jaune, the dancing Arc angel'. They were ready to get a new continuation.
Right after they separated their fists, both of them gave out a relieved sigh, on hand on the chest.
"You know, for some reason I felt really nervous." Knight was the first one to admit.
After a nervous laughter himself, old pops agreed "I can second on that."
And to cool his mind off, elder man turned to the alluring night's sky. Soon after, Jaune did the same and thus a relaxing, rather comfortable silence found its way in.
The soothing, dark ocean above their heads was just that extra beautiful tonight. Not only that, but pleasantly peaceful as well. The infinite amount of mesmerizing lights swimming through it obviously only continued to enchant the delicate beauty. And as Jaune kept gazing at the stars, his mind wandered back to his beautiful goddess. Somehow, the bright stars above his head reminded him of her. Blonde didn't really knew why but he felt that stars were perfectly compatible with the redhead. (Maybe because she shined so brightly despite everything.) Was the most logical conclusion he could find. After all, no matter how grim the situation got for her during the whole duel with Lilianna, Pyrrha never seemed to fade away. Instead, she kept it together and continued to exchange knee shaking blows with the older woman.
(Yea, she just kept trading blows with her…..with….Lilianna.) Upon remembering his partner, Jaune just couldn't help but to think of Lilianna as well. Through-out most of the fight, she didn't seem very bright if that made any sense at all. But by the end of it, when her and Pyrrha were seemingly just staring at each other, she too…..Lilianna too resembled a beautiful star. At least blonde thought so.
"She…..she too was really injured." Jaune quietly mumbled.
And no matter what, knight couldn't help but to worry about her. He had never seen her that injured, even more so than Pyrrha.
And he didn't like that.
"I hope she's okay," He quietly said, the grip around the wooden handrail tightening, eyes reflecting his worries and pain.
"Your sweetheart will be okay, I can give you my word on that." Old pops reassured, hearing his last sentence.
Jaune shifted nervously "I…I was talking about Lilianna."
Upon hearing, old pops face twisted in a surprised look. He definitely didn't expect that. Though it also moved his heart in such ways as almost never before. (So my boy can't help it but to worry about her.) Old Arc smiled warmly. Not that he thought that Jaune would be completely emotionless about his mother's pain or grief, but the concern in his sons eyes reflected that of a genuine worry and care, and not a simple obligation to feel that way since Lilianna was his mother. And for elder man, it was truly heartwarming. Though upon quick thinking, old Arc thought that this maybe could be used as a chance to move it just a little bit further. He wouldn't force it by any means, but a light push wouldn't do any harm.
"Usually, I could just say that my sweet girl is tougher than that and it would be the end of it. But this time even she is struggling to cope with the damage."
Jaune weakly nodded, his blue orbs slightly more hurt.
"That of course isn't to say that it is life endangering. My sweet girl is tougher than that. But, a good grease and a few painkillers would be of most useful to her right now. And on that note, I have exactly that in my night table, right next to my bed. You could easily find them and bring to my daughter so….." And old pops stopped. He knew it was an obvious bait, but that was the point. If Jaune didn't feel like seeing his mother on his own will, then forcing it wouldn't do any good. Unfortunately, it seemed that the light push elder man offered wouldn't bring any result as blonde didn't seem to display any interest in paying a visit to his mother.
Then it couldn't be helped.
"And that of course reminds me that I have to-"
"I'll go," Jaune suddenly said.
"You will?" Arc questioned, just to make sure.
Facing his grandfather, blonde repeated it loud and clear. "I'll go."
And again, old pops eyes narrowed kindly and a warm smile decorated his lips. "Then please do," He said, his heart again being moved in that odd but very pleasant way. He of course knew how very little, if at all this could change their relationship. But he still couldn't help but to hold great hope that it would be a right step in the brighter future for them. Even if a very little one.
"Okay," Jaune said and turned on his heel after waving a 'good bye' to his grandfather. Soon after, leaving the balcony.
Jaune took a frustrated breath. For good, five minutes was he already standing right in front of Lilianna's room. The grease and painkillers nervously shifting in his hands. Yet the more blonde stood there, the more embarrassed he got.
"You're simply pathetic you know that?" He cursed under the breath. Of course, barely exchanging a word with her for almost two years didn't help much. The rest of the solid excuses as well but blonde was a bit too sensitive none the less. And he knew. So after mustering enough courage in his gut, Jaune finally tapped the doors surface.
Silence.
Oh well, she's not there so-
Don't you fucking dare.
Jaunes hand raised again. And as blonde was about to knock, he suddenly stopped as he heard a voice calmly calling out "Please, come in!"
No excuses, got it?
…..Got it.
Slowly wrapping his fingers around the doorknob, he pulled it down and moved the doors out of his way. With a slightly unnerving chill running down his spine, Jaune stepped in and as soon as he did, blonde saw her.
She was sitting on the side of her bed, wearing a lot more casual clothing. Her look turned to the open window, her beautiful hair waving from the soft breeze. "What did you need fath-er?" She stumbled on the word as for her surprise it was Jaune who stood at the entrance.
"Jaune?" She questioned, not knowing what else to say.
At first, blonde looked sideways. But after cursing something under his breath, Jaune turned his gaze to Lilianna's side.
"Hi." He almost whispered.
Lilianna herself was awkwardly quiet first few moments, her thoughts racing at incredible speed. Though amidst that she did note that Jaune had greeted her yet she hadn't said anything back.
"Hi Jaune," Lilianna said and again was left silent as she didn't know what to say, what to do or how to react. And like that, awkward silence continued as blonde's look went to the floor, his hands shifting the items around, not saying anything neither. And as Lilianna kept gazing at Jaunes uncomfortable posture, she started to question why he even bothered to visit. Though upon closer inspection, she noticed the items in Jaune's hands.
(Is that….yes, it's medicine.) She realized. And as she did, Lilianna felt a pleasant sensation around her heart (So he was worried about me.) She thought. But, the more Lilianna gazed at Jaune's restless expression, his slightly lowered lips, the uncomfortable posture, the nervous shifting and everything else, the more something seemed wrong to her. And it soon clicked. Her son, he wasn't here at his own will. It must have been her father's doing. From that point it made perfect sense.
(Don't be so naïve.) She reminded herself, her lips a thin line. And in such case, older woman didn't want to keep her son here any longer. It was evident that he wanted to leave so she mind as well let him. It would be for the best. Besides, they barely had anything to talk about anyway, just barely. Like to strangers who met on the street. It just so happened that they shared the same blood is all.
"Jaune, you can just leave the medicine on the bed and leave." She tried to sound as neutral as possible.
With a weak nod, blonde stepped forward.
'It is never too late to do that.' Lilianna remembered Pyrrhas words. (Is it though, never too late?) She questioned, especially witnessing her son's unwillingness to even look into her eyes. As much as Lilianna wanted to fix or build a new bond, if Jaune wasn't even remotely interested in that, did she really have any hopes at all? (Chances are grim at the best.) Lilianna calculated the cold, hard truth.
And as she was being kept preoccupied with her thoughts, Lilianna didn't even notice right away that Jaune, strangely enough, didn't drop the medicine on the bed and left. He instead, albeit a bit awkwardly, moved along the furniture and came closer to her side. With her gaze slightly confused now, Lilianna followed her son's trail right till he stopped next to her. Right after he did, Jaune finally pulled his eyes off the ground so he could have a better look on his mother. As old pops said, she didn't look critically bad but still, Jaune didn't like the sight of her injuries either way. Lots of bruises, some light, some heavy, the cuts over eyes still visible. Her left eye looked especially damaged since it had several blood vessels torn apart, making her red eye color even darker and more unnerving. And even if Jaune couldn't see her stomach, he knew better that it looked terrible and grossly painful to bear, dark blue spots covering it being the proof.
Blonde moved his hands forward, offering the grease and tube of painkillers. Lifting her hands, Lilianna wanted to take them but right before she could, Jaune closed his palms.
"Are you okay?"
Older woman had a pause.
"Hmm?" She didn't quite catch it.
Knight locked his eyes in hers "Are you okay?" He repeated himself with utmost genuine and care.
"I…..yes Jaune, I'm okay." Lilianna answered, feeling flustered.
Her son's eyes ran over her body again.
"Are you sure?" He pressed on, face twisted in a concerned frown.
"Yes, yes I'm sure." She answered, this time with more conviction.
After one more examination, Jaune did hand over the medicine to his mother.
"Thank you."
"Mmm." He nodded.
Right after, blonde turned on his heel and reached for the exit, Lilianna's eyes glued to his fading back. With-out a word spoken, he left with a soft creak.
Lilianna pushed a breath out. Slightly unnerving would be how she would describe the experience. But, as she gazed at the items in hands, which she actually already had, even if their communication was clunky and awkward, it was pleasant none the less. At least for her. With her lips now being decorated with a barely visible smile, Lilianna slid her thumb over-
*BAM*
Older woman almost jumped off her bed from the sudden, loud noise. Quickly turning her head, she realized that it was Jaune standing there as he slammed the doors open. His cheeks slightly red, her son looked rather flustered yet also determined?
"Jaauune?" Lilianna took her time to say his word, puzzled as one could be.
With-out a word spoken, blonde entered the room as if he was a challenger approaching a championship fight, steps as bold as they get. After a few, knight planted his feet hard, hands firm by his side, chin bravely tugged up. His sparkling eyes daringly locked in his mothers, blonde challenger took a deep breath for good luck and measure and then let his heroic declaration be heard.
"You stupid, useless hag!"
….
….
….
"….Yes…..?"
"Listen, and listen well because I won't repeat myself!"
….
….
….
"Okay?"
"I will start boxing again!"
….
….
….
"Okay?"
"Whenever you like it or not!"
….
….
….
"Okay?"
"I will win. Win, win and then win some more. I will keep winning until I will reach 'Golden gloves' tournament. And then I will win that one too."
….
….
….
"Okay?"
Jaune struck his finger out like an action star. The grand finale.
"And when I will accomplish all that you…you….you stupid, useless hag will have to admit that I am frikkin awesome, you got that?!"
….
….
….
?
….
….
"…Okay?..."
Right after his courageous declaration though, knight snapped in a sudden realization. His brave act crumbling into dozens of pieces, Jaune scratched his head nervously. "Somehow, in my head it sounded quite cool." He laughed nervously "But after actually saying that, it just sounds awkward and random." His cheeks blushed in darker red.
"Pff…hm…h-hhehe…hm…." Lilianna covered her mouth, barely holding herself together. (Oh Jaune, you have grown to be quite amusing.) She thought. Then, after really calming down, she adjusted herself and took a more serious posture.
"Jaune, you maybe have grown to be older now but you should still watch your mouth with me. Calling me a stupid, useless hag." Her eyebrow twitched.
Even if blonde was nervous now, he decided to retaliate none the less. "I have called you a stupid, useless hag many times before." He took a brave pose.
Lilianna flashed a warm smile, her eyes kindly narrowed, gaze turned sideways for a moment. "Yea, you used to do that." She quietly mumbled. Then, as she gazed back to Jaune her already beautiful and warm smile turned to something pure and angelic. A divine blessing perhaps.
"Good luck then," She said.
….
….
….
"What?" Jaune thought he heard wrong.
"Good luck." She repeated herself.
"That's it?"
Lilianna raised her eyebrow "What do you mean by 'That's it?'
"Exactly that. I told you my plans and everything yet 'Good luck' is all you have to say?"
Lilianna's nerve tickled "Jaune, I will not become your private cheerleader just so you know. You have Pyrrha to fill in those duties. And since I'm still not fond of you boxing, I think wishing you luck is-"
"That's exactly it!" Jaune raised his voice "You're not fond of me boxing yet you still….wished me luck."
Older woman's eyes flashed in pain.
"Is there something wrong for a mother to wish her son luck on something he has decided to work hard for, even if she's not fond of it?"
Something in Jaune snapped. He quickly turned around, shoulders tensed, fists clenched tight.
"Don't talk as if you were ever a type to wish me luck on anything besides your own ambitions of turning me into a huntsman."
To that, older woman had nothing to say. She only kept staring and her son's back.
Since Lilianna was silent, Jaune started to form steps and retreated to the exit. Soon, his hand reached the doorknob and he was ready to leave only to be stopped as he heard Lilianna's voice.
"Jaune, can I ask you something." She said, more than asked since she seemed to know the answer. But Lilianna wanted to hear him say it. Why? She couldn't phantom. Not when fully well knowing that it would only discourage her even more to try and build a healthy bond.
Blonde didn't say anything, only kept standing still in a place. Lilianna took it as a yes.
Time to place the final nail in the coffin of their bond. And maybe it was for the best.
"Jaune…..do you hate me?"
Blonde started to remember things.
'like it or not, but you will be a huntsman someday.'
'Jaune….Arcs don't have dreams of their own.'
'IF SO THEN YOU'RE ABSOLUTELY USELESS!'
'Should have just went for the huntsman's path as I always told you to.'
'Honestly, it was so pathetic that I couldn't bear to watch it till the end.'
'Such shame you have brought on me Jaune. You're honestly just a….just….you're a disgrace not only to the Arc's but me as well.'
Cold, lacking in sympathy, barely acknowledging him, harsh, never praising him for anything.
And all that against few smiles, even rarer chuckles, that one night and a 'Good luck.'
It was evident how Jaune felt.
"Isn't it obvious?" He asked coldly back.
Lilianna lowered her look. This was it then.
"Of course I do." Jaune reassured with-out any hesitance.
And as he did, Lilianna had to turn her head in a hurry. She felt tears. Though as she checked, the corners of her eyes were dry. Odd considering that she definitely felt them. Though it soon clicked to her. (So it's my soul who's crying.) Lilianna figured it out. But she wouldn't complain. Couldn't dare to nor had any right. (I knew the answer, I knew it.) She thought to herself, her hand harshly gripping around the cloth covering her chest. Yet as much as she was aware of it, hearing Jaune say those words hurt her more than she could have ever anticipated to. Nothing but a mere sentence, but more than enough to rip her heartstrings to countless shreds.
In the end, there was no future ahead of-
"Or so I thought," Jaune said out of the blue.
Lilianna's frame froze "What?"
"I was wrong."
"Wrong?"
Jaune closed his eyes. He started to remember things.
Few smiles, even rarer chuckles, that one night and a 'Good luck.' ,few smiles, even rarer chuckles, that one night and a 'Good luck.', few smiles, even rarer chuckles, that one night and a 'Good luck.' over, over and over 's right. This was the whole magnitude of good memories blonde teen had shared with his mother. No more, no less, just few, good memories. But few, good, overwhelmingly precious, dear memories.
Ones which he wouldn't trade for anything this world could offer.
Jaune opened his eyes. The smile which decorated his lips now being very much like the one Lilianna offered before wishing him luck. The only difference was the light change of meaning behind it. Meaning which he perfectly laid out with his words.
"I don't hate you," He said with utmost sincerity and soon after, Jaune left.
Slowly, Lilianna turned her head to the open window, her face being almost indifferent. Not because she didn't feel anything as it was completely the opposite. Lilianna had so many different emotions rushing through her that it was difficult to cope with them. So much to the point that she needed to let them out. And she knew how. A dear activity older woman hadn't done in quite some time. Not at least in her house.
Closing her eyes, Arc woman took deep, relaxing breaths and then slowly exhaled them. Doing this a couple of times in a row and she felt her lungs were ready. A sign she could start. Soon, her lips started to move. At first with a bit of uncertainty but the one which quickly faded away. Gracefully, accordingly to the one of the many songs she knew, her vocal cords started to produce a sound. She wasn't singing loud but just enough so she could hear herself. And let the lyrics to free her emotions.
I hear what you say
Jaune leaned against the wall with his shoulder.
There's the tinniest hope
One hand covered his face, the other one placed over his strongly beating heart.
You can change yourself
Jaune was thankful that no one could see him. It would have been an odd sight. His face covered with hot, streaming tears yet the lips were curved in a bright, joyful smile.
If you want to
He again remembered his mother's words. And her smile. Now being alone knight was finally free to appreciate them with-out any restrictions. Just an honest 'Good luck' followed with a beautiful smile, that's it. And yet it was enough to bring such overwhelming happiness that Jaune could barely hold himself together. The tears and his smile just growing bigger as he was being pulled in to the emotions.
Then you find the door.
"How could I hate you….." Jaune barely said through the tears as his voice cracked into pieces. How could he? When Lilianna with such seemingly bare minimum of effort not only could make him forgive her things she had done, but also created feelings he haven't felt towards her in a….in a…feelings he just maybe had never felt. Rather unfair considering how easy it was for her. But he didn't hate that nor her for being able to do it. Instead, it made Jaune to form a thought he never had before. Something, which he hoped could be done.
We can walk from the past
Was the wish he….no, both of them hoped could be achieved, no matter how hard it would be.
Authors notes: Well look at that. Not even a month has passed yet here I am with a new upload. I'm awesome, I know.
Okay, stupid jokes aside I'll just start with answering your reviews since I don't have anything else to say. Though I will admit that I am surprised that there are 4 reviews to be answered. Didn't expect that but it's a pleasant surprise. Anyways, here it goes-
Mo Eazy- First of all, big thank you for leaving such content rich comment. It always pumps my blood harder when I see one of those. Anyways, now onto your review itself. First of all, I am really glad that you liked Jaune's backstory. It is a real confidence booster to hear that it gave our favorite blondey a much needed depth. So thanks for that.
As for your honest thoughts about the chap 7 and finding it stupid, I can wholeheartedly respect that. Not only that but I can also partially agree on the points you brought up. Which lets discuss in short-
Why the fist fight? Well, to be honest I don't have any rock solid reason for that. For me it just felt more right that way. Barely anything more than that.
Moving onto them punching each other and having a heated argument. So for you it seemed that it didn't go well together and just distracted from the more important points. Well, I can't really blame you. This whole point could just boil down to the fact that I didn't write that part as well as I should have. Or maybe in writing format that sort of scene could never work to begin with. It's a bit tricky to tell. But still, appreciate your honesty.
As for the chapter not helping to present Jaune in a better light, for that I can only say that it wasn't meant to begin with. And I will leave this at that.
The rest I will keep really short. I totally understand your points and problems with the 7th chapter. Yes, it indeed didn't focus much on Jaune but as I said, it wasn't meant to. It was more meant to build up drive in him so he could do what he did in this chapter, the 8th one. Sorry if I don't make enough sense but I just don't want to write a whole essay just so I could respond more properly:D But either ways, huge thanks from me for giving me an in depth thoughts of yours about the chapter. I truly appreciate that and hope that you will be just as honest in your next reviews, if you will leave them that is.
And I will keep in mind the points you made to better the next chapters so really, thanks ;)
Jkdelta38-Heh, thanks man. Had a huge grin reading your comment. Really glad that you thought that the fight was epic. As for his weapons as I said, it's still an idea to be made into something more. But glad that you approve of him getting different weapons.
And again, thanks.
Exu Cavera-Wow, truly wow. I didn't think that someone would praise me for creating a well written character. At least not yet. But truly, it brought such joy to me reading your short but honest thoughts of Lilianna as a character. I really do try to make my characters interesting and well developed. I even like to experiment with the canon characters as you maybe could tell. But either ways, really, so frikkin pumped to know that Lilianna seemed as a solid character in your eyes. As for her being pushed in the back ground, for better or for worst but no, she won't be. Lilianna will be quite prominent through-out the whole story. Not as much as in the last chapters I think but still, her role will be important none the less.
But again, thanks!
Guest-Yes, this will continue. Sorry but there is still quite a lot to tell but I still appreciate knowing that you enjoyed what I had written up to this point. And hope that you will continue to enjoy it, if even slightly.
And that's all. Also, wanted to tell that just in case you have some questions you want to be answered sooner than later, just pm me. Feel free to do so;)
Anyways, thanks for the reviews and everything else guys. And hope that you did enjoy this chapter as well.
And with all that out of the way, as always guys-
Have a nice one;)
