Remnants of the last Dragonborn- Chapter 8, For it is in Passing…
…
To everyone reading I just wanted to speak on the character of the stories from 'No White Knights' and 'Last Dragonborn' so… Here it is Sole/Jaune when he eventually returns to Remnant seeks to make a difference and survivor that the character's motivation in that story whilst Dovah/Jaune seeks to return home as swiftly as possible but since he cannot he chooses a lifestyle that ensures his skills stay sharp whilst also being the most convenient for him.
Dovah seeks a comfortable lifestyle.
Sole seeks to change.
I want both my characters to be safe but vastly different in terms of how they approach issues.
Sole will act like an anti-hero. Willing to use fear and questionable methods to achieve what he desires.
Dovah will act as a lawful Huntsman until he's needed to go against it to assure his safety.
…
The Kingdom of Vale, Central district
House of Laws, Courtroom.
"I demand a trial by combat, on behalf of Team JNPR and RWBY," Gaining shocked gasps from the courtroom and quizzical gazes from those who didn't understand at the moment. "Do you Jaune Arc, accept my challenge!"
Determination burned in those emerald eyes as they looked into the calm cobalt of the challenged opponent.
The Champion staring down a Dragon…
Then finally the Dragon spoke, "I…" Jaune began.
Yet before he could continue the voice of his father growled at the champion, bringing all attention back to him.
"You dare! Do you seriously think after everything you have done, that you can just fight your way out of the problems in which-!?" However, David Arc's raised voice was interrupted by the sound of three loud consecutive hits from the judge's gavel.
"ENOUGH! This is my courtroom, I demand silence or the next person who utters one syllable will be charged with contempt of court!" The entirety of the court began its descent into silence as the judge directed her steely cold gaze at David. "Now Mr. Arc I understand your frustration, however despite this development, I must abide by the laws put in place by Vales courts. As of this moment, the court recognizes the challenge placed by Pyrrha Nikos representing team JNPR members, herself, Lie Ren, and Nora Valkyrie-"
"Woooh! Go Pyrrha! Break his legs!" Nora interrupted, managing to shake Ren's grip to stand up and yell her support for the Champion. But whimpered under the stare which the judge gave the young woman.
"- and by your request of this Challenge you fully know and acknowledge that you as a team alongside those of team RWBY, have committed the crimes which brought you here before me?" Asked needing verbal confirmation to proceed.
Whilst this occurred three members of RWBY began to discuss what was happening.
"Weiss, what's a 'trial by combat'?" Ruby asked her partner innocently unaware of how thick tension was rising.
"After the Great War, tensions were high between the Kingdoms despite the end of the fighting, however especially in Vacuo, Vale and Mistral infighting and murder were at an all-time high so the Kingdoms in accordance with the Vytal treaty created 'A trial by Combat'. The accused party can admit to the crimes at any point during the trial held by the Kingdoms head of law, after the confirmation of their crimes they can demand this right to a trial by combat. In a trial by combat the accused may represent themselves in combat or, if unable, may ask for a 'champion' to represent them." Weiss spoke clearly and precisely, remembering what few lessons about current laws among Kingdoms.
"Oh yeah, didn't Professor Port say he once ended up in one of those or something?" Said the Y of RWBY to her fellow team members after remaining remarkably silent during the trial despite her tendencies… of explosive anger.
"Yes, he did. Apparently, a close friend got into a fight with a man who had an unstable heart condition, the man was close to being thrown into prison wherein a brief moment of panic asked for a trial by combat. That's where his friend, Professor Port, volunteered to be his champion." Weiss remembered researching that on the net, after the lesson being skeptical of the story's legitimacy.
"So, it's like, whoever wins is either convicted or let off with a slap on the wrist?" Ruby summarised. "Well that's great, isn't it! When Pyrrha wins we can forget this ever happened and go back to being awesome Butt-Kicking Huntresses again!" Ruby exclaimed with confidence that Pyrrha will get them out of this.
"No, you dolt! We don't know if Pyrrha can win, also it's only until one of them yields meaning if a person is particularly stubborn they can be killed and no one will bat an eye about it." The Heiress harshly whispered to the sister duo.
Yang looked towards the confidant Pyrrha keeping eye contact with the judge, not backing down from her choice, then she remembered what she said. "Wait so, that means if Pyrrha is the 'champion' she could die and if she does die we all die!?"
Weiss placed a hand on Yang's shoulder to calm the brawler.
"No, if Pyrrha or whoever our champion is, falls in combat, we'll most likely be thrown in prison, not execution." Yang looked to protest at Weiss's statement but then she saw her slight scowl towards the spartan. "Despite all the incriminating evidence, despite the testimonies we gave I thought we might have a chance to get out of this but no, Pyrrha decides to risk all our futures for a barbaric form of trial, it's completely asinine."
Ruby looked towards Yang cocking her head to the side in confusion, as her sister sighed then spoke. "In our terms Ruby, she means its complete bullshit." Ruby simply responded with a nod still somewhat perplexed.
Just as the three Huntresses finished conversing amongst themselves, the judge directed her attention to Team RWBY.
"Team RWBY do you agree with Miss Nikos' statement that you willingly admit to being guilty of all crimes you have been accused of?" This caused the Team to thoroughly think through their answer.
They all could see the benefits of agreeing to this Combat Trial it would be the most assured way of getting out of this situation, it wouldn't get them back into Beacon since the Headmaster was very insistent that no matter what the result of the trial was to be they would be expelled.
It was a bitter pill to swallow but it had and is acknowledged by the Huntresses.
Standing up with as much composure she could muster Ruby spoke. "If we agree to this, do we get a secondary champion," That caused the courtroom to erupt in mutters, causing the young Reaper to falter? "I-I j-just mean, l-like Pyrrha was yo-you know th-the one to ask for the trial thingy and since we-were on different Teams so, s-shouldn't that means we get our own Champion…?"
Silence echoed in the room as the Judge began to discuss a few details with some special advisors for this exact instance.
"Indeed Miss Rose, Team RWBY are allowed the choice of your own Champion, but that is only if you accept the opportunity." Weiss seemed hesitant but nodded to Ruby, Yang nodded immediately once knowing they could increase the odds of their chances however Blake didn't agree with this choice or respond in any way just seeming very distant.
"As the leader of Team RWBY, we admit to our guilt and request to also have a trial by combat," Ruby said before hastily adding. "Y-your Honour, Um Ma'am?" Bowing awkwardly not knowing how to address her.
Giving a slight 'Hmm' to the Rose she stood from her seat causing everyone to rise alongside her in the court. "Do you, Jaune Arc agree to the terms of this Trial?"
All eyes were on the secret Dragonborn, it was time for a decision either a solution which he was familiar with in Skyrim or the method which may be slower but would still ensure justice was carried out.
"I, Jaune Arc, agree to the trial of Combat," The two teams all had varying reactions to Jaune's willingness to this but the main emotion going across their faces was relief at the notion that they could get out of this horrible situation.
Jaune's father, David, seemed mildly irritated that his son would allow this to occur but David was confident Jaune would choose him as the Champion to ensure victory. Despite his retirement into the business from Huntsman's life, David by no means was 'rusty', always being vigilant in case he needed to protect his family.
Taiyang was however very nervous at the moment, guessing similar thoughts of David thinking that the Arc patriarch would be chosen to fight, dread pooled in his gut if David-fucking-Arc was asked to be the champion for the Jaune kid.
Tai in no way considered what happened to the kid was deserved and felt absolutely devastated knowing it was his own daughters that tried to kill him however he regretfully knows where it stemmed from in terms of Ruby taking her late mother's teaching to heart.
But like every good father, the man will stand by his children until death comes knocking.
Qrow in comparison was scared shitless, having been the only one having experienced what Jaune Arc was capable of, and knowing his Semblance this Dragonborn would be choosing the only person worthy of representing him… himself. 'Whoever the unlucky bastard that has to face him is… fucked… Oh, shit!? That unlucky bastard would be him, wouldn't it!? My nieces will probably choose me after all my boasting about being the best, Fuck!' Panicked the secret Bird-man.
And Ozpin… took a sip from his apparent never-ending mug and watched everything take place without himself ever raising a finger. Seriously what the hell!?
"As the law states the challenge will take place immediately if convenient," Gaining nods from the audience. "Then Mister Arc would you please select your champion…".
All eyes fell upon Jaune as everyone held their breath, some already having drawn a personal conclusion to who he would select, others unsure and intimidated after the news coverage of the young man's abilities that took down an entire entourage of bandits.
"Myself." He said simply, no arrogance, no cockiness just a simple response while underneath the blood of Hircine and Akatosh roared in trepidation for the battle to come.
However, despite the young Arc's announcement, it didn't-!
"What in the hell and Oum's name! Are! You! Doing!?" Shouted a very angry and worried father.
...Sit well with a few select individuals.
Taken aback by the choice the judgment coughed inside her fist before addressing him. "I-is that your final decision?"
"Yes-"
"The Hell it is!? Can I request a five-minute break to smack some sense into my foolish son!?" Roared the Arc father of eight.
"I'm afraid that since I have received verbal confirmation from the wronged individual I have by law to take it as the official choice," The Arc gritted his teeth dangerously and mumbled about very creative punishments once this is all over when Jaune is safe at home.
"Team JNPR please choose your champion…" The judge could clearly see the supposed Invincible Girl ready to throw her gauntlet into the ring, theoretically of course. Yet a timely intervention by Lie Ren stopped her from responding.
"I believe your Honour that cooler heads shall prevail in this situation, despite Jaun- Mister Arcs selection, I would prefer if the remaining members of my team can select a possible choice, would that be alright?" Came his naturally neutral tone whilst holding back the second fiery redhead he knew.
Silence again with the judge holding the young man's gaze before looking over the courtroom.
"A recess of ten minutes will take place, I expect both teams to have champions selected by the time it's up, dismissed." With the gavel hitting oak, the majority of occupants exited but none faster than Weiss Schnee and Ruby Rose the two who found the closest garbage bins and let loose everything they had.
The Schnee due to the tension over the last few hours which was about to be labeled 'the great fall of Weiss' knowing fully without the timely intervention of Pyrrha, despite the absolute underhandedness hatred she felt towards this barbaric plan because chances are she would've been shipped back to Atlas followed by her bastard of a father claiming he was owed greatly for her folly if nothing had happened.
The Rose was relieving her breakfast because of the pressure and anxiety the court gave every minute she sat or stood in that place. Above all however was the disappointment in Uncle Qrow and Dad's eyes, but looking back now that she thought about it Uncle Qrow made this weird strangling sound when Jaune said he would fight.
The two however weren't alone for long, because hot on their heels was Blake and Yang followed by their lawyers/ remaining family members.
"Aight kids listen up, I mean it Ruby, Yang, DO NOT under any circumstances select yourselves to fight," Ruby simply replied with a pained groan as for her sister seeming to be taken aback by her uncle's clearly troubled voice. "That goes for you to Ice Queen junior and the Scaredy Cat, no one fights him unless it's a fully trained Huntsman, is that understood?"
"Excuse me, ugh, but who do you think you are to order-" Weiss was interrupted when Qrow flashed his Huntsman license showing Ss rank and other details.
"Qrow Branwen, an Ss rank Huntsman, graduated Beacon more than 20 years ago and the blondie and redheads Uncle. So right here, right now. I am 'giving orders' because I outrank and have the experience to back my claim, so zip it!" Hissed the man before directing his attention back to the group.
'OH man, that felt good! Finally, an Ice Queen that can't go running to a General about how I talk or do things, what's it called cathartic- Ugh whatever I'm not a teacher!... Oh, wait yes I am.'
"Qrow the hells with you? I get this isn't a laughing matter and by the end of the day someones going down… but what's with you thinking this kid is so dangerous?" Tai almost sounded demanding to the bird-themed Huntsman, where the man merely scoffed in reply.
"Let's just say the News vastly downplayed what the kid's capable of and that's all I'm at liberty to say." That is until Qrow pulled his inlaw closer before whispering. "This kid single-handedly wiped out Raven's entire tribe and crippled her for life. We've got him to agree not to use some of what he's got… but I don't know how long that'll last in this situation!"
Taiyang understood his teammate on a very fundamental level, so the man understood the dire situation Qrow was painting.
"Then what's the plan, Mr. Branwen?" To everyone present, they noticed the shade of green Weiss' cheeks had become when she spoke.
"It doesn't take a genius Schnee, I'll be the champion simple as that," Qrow held up his hand to the protest the young adults were about to spit out. "This is serious, no heroics especially from any of you, Ruby this is your fault and I get you'll try to take responsibility but if you do it'll lead to your death."
The way which her favorite/only Uncle spoke to her speaking saying that she'll get herself killed and the admittance this was all on her was tearing her apart inside. She merely nodded in acceptance no longer wanting to fight back.
"Wait, what about team JNPR? They need a champion still. Who are they going to get?" Asked a confused Yang whilst wrapping around her sister to comfort her.
"*Sigh* The gladiator over there seems too determined to face her team leader and I can't exactly be chosen twice," Shrugging sharply in Pyrrha's direction. "And to be honest I don't care, she chose this, she can suffer every step of the way thanks to her choices." Waving his hand dismissively before heading back into the court.
RW(B)Y looked at each other concerned at the way Qrow just shrugged off JNPR, whilst the entire time Blake Belladonna stood in the shadow of a wall watching everything proceed knowing fully if she wanted a word in it wouldn't truly be heard.
While RWBY conversed with one another before the inevitable in a private room the only two male Arc's were in a verbal battle.
"-In all the years I raised you, where did you even develop such a lack of thought before speaking! Jaune we lost months ago when you ran off in the middle of the night to learn that you went to Beacon, got in. Then you were attacked by not only your own team but a sister team too, Jaune I love you I really do, but the love can go only so far especially when you do something like this!"
"This is my problem, my choice. I am sorry I didn't leave a note or by the Nine tell any of you, it was something I regret." Standing firm and a face of determination etched in his body language. "But right here I can do this, you never trained me like the others and I'll admit I was beyond angry when you shut my dream away. So for once in your life have faith in me."
Looking at his son dead in the eye David could see the confidence however he couldn't help but notice his arrogance.
"You survived a harrowing experience Jaune, but victory over some bandits doesn't fill me with relief because once those teams get a chance to choose their champions, you won't be fighting some untrained backwater bandit but A. Fully. Trained. Huntsman." Reminding his son of what is to come.
'Why can't you just believe in me, for once…' Internally sighed the Dragonborn.
'Why won't you let me help you…' Plead the Patriarch trying to just take a glance inside that head.
After a further argument of going back and forth, it was time to face the music, Arc's walking side by side. All stood as the judge once more took to the center of the metaphorical stage. "By the power invested in me by the Kingdom of Vale, I ask who serves to be champions of the guilty?"
Taking a large gulp of air, Ruby Rose stepped forward awkwardly pulling at the edge of her skirt. "Team RWBY chooses my uncl- Huntsman Qrow Branwen as our champion, y-your honor." Getting a nod from the judge she turns to stare down what remained of JNPR.
The judge looked to Qrow with a rather impressive stare before nodding.
Pyrrha then stepped features neutral but eyes filled with determination. "Team JNPR selects Pyrrha Nikos as our champion, your honor." Spoken similarly to Ruby but more composed due to the supposed easy victory she thought was about to happen.
'Pyrrha I expected. Qrow on the other hand is slightly unexpected especially after what he witnessed with my magic and Thu'um. It does seem odd, true I did expect him to protect his nieces but why not ask for Ozpin or Goodwitch to step in, he's probably owed a few favors?'
Jaune took a glance towards the lightweight, in his Nordic opinion anyway, known as Qrow the man had seemed impressive and the fact that the Dovahkiin had yet to see how he fought was concerning but despite the handicap of being only able to use Conjuration magic, that area of magic was his specialty but the lack of access to the other schools was a worry.
Time seemed to blur for the next hour of events, the judge going over numerous necessities of long speeches and such, Beacon staff members requesting Pyrrha's weapons and combat gear to be delivered to the courthouse, Qrow sobering up quickly as possible knowing he'd need a clear head for this and the Arc's arguing or more specifically Jaune's father yelling as he stood still listening.
As the clock ticked away everyone soon found themselves escorted towards an underground arena, those confused as to why such a place existed underneath the courthouse was informed that such construction took place 5 years after the trial by combat was first introduced.
According to records the Valeon monarchy at the time requested it as a way for outside interference to not take place whilst keeping such battles under wraps to make sure Grimm could not truly sense the negative emotion that was felt by combatants and those attending.
At the current moment, Pyrrha was just finishing the final touches on her battle attire but before she could enter the arena, a familiar gruff voice spoke from the corner of the changing station.
"Hey 'Miss Celebrity', when we're out there don't give that guy any room to breathe, I'm not sure what he was like before you tried to gut him like a fish," Pyrrha grimaced at the image but kept her features neutral as possible. "But now I'd say he's more like a one-man army."
Only remember a few highlight moments from the news interview about Jaune's capture she raised a well-manicured brow at the Huntsman. "Is that due to his semblance of transforming dust into living entities, I only remember a little from his demonstration on the news?" Instead of receiving a nod of an agreement the Huntsman merely snorted.
"Yeah because of a Semblance some untrained kid managed to unlock in a week allowed him to escape and take out almost every bandit tribe known to Remnant," He said with dry sarcasm. "Suuure and I'm 100% sober right now. Get real Miss Celebrity that guy out there isn't anywhere close to what he was bef-ore… nevermind, just expect everything and anything to happen when we fight."
Not allowing any more words to be conversed the bird-themed Huntsman walked out into the arena shortly followed by the Champion. The two clearly noted Jaune's appearance had changed back into his heavily enchanted Daedric armor lacking its iconic helm; upon the sight, Qrow cursed violently about it is ironic that he wore the same armor to fight Raven.
The arena used was incredibly reminiscent of what Pyrrha was used to in Beacon, stands for watchers, wide-open space with no altered terrain, and spotlights above illuminating the area.
Sitting in the stands were all those who had attended the trial many of whom were incredibly tense for what might transpire during this fight. On one side is an Ss-Class Huntsman and the 'Invincible Girl of Mistral' whilst the opposing was a Huntsman in training with a newly required semblance.
The odds were very clearly not in favor of one side.
That's what the crowd thought at least.
"The following battle of Jaune Arc versus Qrow Branwen and Pyrrha Nikos shall begin in 10…" With the sudden announcement the archway entrance began to slowly ascend upward not allowing any escape.
"9…" Jaune gave one defiant look at his opponents before it was covered by his helm. 'Talos watch over me, guide my magic alongside my blades and Sheogorath do enjoy the show.' Casting a prayer to his preferred deities.
"8…" Qrow crouched low with Harbinger in its broadsword form before deploying its gun configuration facing away from Jaune but rather behind himself. 'If I live I am sooo getting vacation days because this shit was not in that stupid brochure Ozpin gave me, Save the World, Travel, be the Hero… just my luck.'
"7…" Pyrrha got into her familiar stance of Akouo raised high enough that only just above the bridge of her nose could be seen whilst Milo was configured into its standard Xiphos mode grip slightly lose to ensure if it needed to be dexterously thrown or changed into the rifle function.
"6…" Coincidentally as Pyrrha focused increasingly on surroundings, equipment, opponents' distance, and what his first move would be she also discreetly flexed her aura into reaching towards the armor ready to throw it off balance or fling him closer into a pincer maneuver for herself and Qrow.
"5…" Unfortunately, that wasn't happening. 'T-that's not right, it's like the very armor is rejecting me but that shouldn't be happening it's clearly made of some form of metal!? Shit!' Cursed inward conjuring whatever plausible excuse as to why she couldn't manipulate the Daedric ores used to forge such a monstrosity.
"4…" Channeling the Magicka inside him, Jaune allowed the familiar presence of Oblivion to hover in his palms in the form of an indigo blaze visible to all. The last Dragonborn of the distant lands of Skyrim hardened his gaze further as he allowed the blood of his bestial side to flow freely but not allowing it to overcome him.
"3…" As time seemingly slowed to a crawl where a very tense group of teenagers watched one of their own fights against an opponent they were never meant to face but by the whims of three brother demigods that wasn't the case.
"2…" All the while in anticipation for the song of steel to begin anew said, three brothers, watched the show comfortably as they monitored other worlds in similar such scenarios.
"...1!"
BANG! The announcement to begin fell on dead ears as the feathered themed Huntsman unloaded two shells without hesitation launching him forward barreling faster than anticipated for the Dragonborn. As he momentarily flew forward only to begin descending quickly but momentum drove him faster, pressing the switch of his weapon gears swiftly turning as designed transforming into a very deadly looking scythe.
In another timeline, Qrow would have reached Jaune in time to stop what would transpire however it was not the case.
Within the three seconds for this to progress Jaune, with hands now becoming an inferno slammed them into the concrete floor causing a portal roughly 3.5 meters tall and 7 wide, all the while he grinned hungrily in satisfaction after all he gave His Word, that he would stick solely to conjuration but… no one said how many he could or couldn't conjure.
Qrow's eyes widened in shock at the display of the purple gateway having a very unlucky feeling of what was about to go down. Yet that did not stop him from bringing a shoulder slash arc from his scythe time slowed once again…
Ruby cheered her Uncle on… until she saw what was coming very fast out of the portal.
Yang's eye's widened in awareness at her Uncle's speed and skill… before she gasped his name in horror at what was about to happen.
Weiss was silently analyzing everything in rapt attention… yet seeing her partner's Uncle move with such grace and skill was overshadowed by the appearance of a large limb… fully made of ice.
A club-like arm came out in a thrusting motion hitting the veteran Hunter between the shoulder and collar bone launching him across the field tumbling all the way to Pyrrha who made progress across the arena but vastly slower in comparison to Qrow.
Letting out something between an agitated growl and pained gasp he expertly recovered by sticking his legs out before rolling his hips spinning partially before shooting upward into a regular stance configuring Harbinger back into its sword form.
"NIKOS! Focus fire on any and all of those-" Just as Qrow acknowledged his forced upon 'partner' did the goliath known as a Frost Atronach stepped out of the portal and in further disappointment it wasn't alone.
As the Ice golem towered over the kneeling Dragonborn it was accompanied by a further six of its kind, all approximately the same height as the first. However that wasn't the only breed of conjured creature to stumble out of the gate, a dozen Flame atronachs hovering defensively around their Master.
Now despite having almost twenty summoned creatures Jaune Arc would be content however that wasn't the case instead he decided to truly flaunt his status as a Master Conjurer by summoning not one but thirty Spectral wolves all of the different variations some were the regular breed while the others consisted of fire, ice and the very least in number lightning… and they all looked hungry.
On any other day, such a move would have cost Jaune over three-quarters of his Magicka supply but when getting changed for the match he had downed two high-grade Conjurer potions turning the lengthy spell of conjuring a personalized sized Oblivion gate into only costing a quarter.
Getting up from his position Jaune looked across his assembled army with satisfaction before returning to look forward, moving his right arm almost looking as if he was grasping the air in front of himself before swinging his arm down swiftly causing for his preferred Conjured Daedric battle-ax realized itself into existence.
The crowd was buzzing with chatter alongside the surrounding sound of ice creaking, flames dancing, and ominous growls circling around the arena but all the noise dropped once Jaune opened his mouth, his words as sharp and piercing like a bullet truly beginning this conflict.
"Sic'em!" All the while enhanced by his enchantments to really throw off his opponents and crowd.
No hesitation was made as to the request, the arena floor mildly shook as the golems charged forward with the velocity of an avalanche, the ladies of flames focused their innate fire before releasing it into a barrage of fireballs all the while as the wolves began their hunt.
Qrow fending off the pack as best he could whilst keeping track of the golems quickly closing in on his position, knowing all too well being in his fair share of Grimm hordes he broke to the left getting space to unleash his scythe again without risk of friendly fire, taking the occasional potshot at a couple of the regular wolves closely following.
As the veteran swiftly maneuvered around his opponents, Pyrrha wasn't fairing anywhere close to Qrows level as she got distracted by a wolf trying to tear her throat out causing the golem right behind the wolf, unnoticed due to the immediate danger that the wolves posed, before it pulled back its appendage delivering a powerful thrust killing its fellow conjured as it slammed her across the arena however by mere instincts alone she managed to raise the circular shield to tank some, but not all, damage.
Recovering swiftly dodging in roll to avoid several fireballs that came from the atronachs stationed in the rear of the small militia of conjured creatures. Pyrrha involuntarily sweated at the uncomfortable amount of heat that was thrown her way, Aura protected against the natural cold and hot climates of Remnant however they still felt such phenomena just less risky towards one's health.
Yet the overwhelming heat was the least of Pyrrha's problems as the pack of wolves growled prowling around her, eyes frantic moving from each beast with varied paranoia… today truly wasn't one of the Champions best.
Back to Qrow, who had impressively bisected two golems before being blindsided by the pommel of an ax directly into his left rib cage severely bruising if the Huntsman self-diagnoses was correct. Turning to the direction of the attack was the wrong choice to make in that instance because as he looked for the attack obviously delivered by the Dragonborn before he noticed a looming shadow behind him instead of the abandoned area.
Firing an explosive shell without hesitation behind him staggering his attacker and additionally throwing him forward, enduring the pain and heat encumbered by the desperate attempt to not be chopped in half. Getting up, he had to place his sword in a crossguard as Harbinger clashed with the shaft of the conjured weapon.
Empty pits of darkness stared into red, unlocking themselves jumping back to provide distance the two warriors then began to pace around in a circle. As this happened Jaune abruptly stopped due to a hit from an unintentional round, causing his helm to come forward slightly, from Pyrrha shooting scarcely to prevent the hoard of wolves from gaining distance.
Jaune then raised his left arm up causing all the beasts to converge on Qrow's position to stop before he then pointed towards the champion, follow their master's order they changed their target before unleashing fireballs, earthshaking charges, and vicious barks in her direction.
"Do you disapprove?" Came Jaune's voice since the beginning of the fight in its demonic overlay from the enchantments.
"Heh, yah means fewer beasties for me, I guess." He shrugged still heavily on guard. "Didn't expect the portal, neat trick."
Jaune just shrugged back. "Had to even the playing field, it's been truly a long time since I utilized this spe- technique… It is astounding seeing your prowess, your sister, I admit, wasn't much of a challenge due to the nature of her abilities and that ego of hers could topple mountains in its size." Throwing a compliment and insult at the man. Qrow instead just chuckled.
"Have to agree with yah on that, kid. Any chance you might let me win?" Jaune just shook his head. "Figured, just do me a f'vour maybe not kill me, I've got a life despite what my brother-in-law says."
Jaune tilted his head in thought before nodding.
Knowing that their little break was over the warriors growled before launching forward colliding with a gust picking up as greatsword met war-ax.
Going for an onslaught of a swift overhead strike, Jaune countered strike for strike shifting each hit, mildly scratching against his armor. Thinking fast, due the overwhelming hits began to cause Jaune's arms to tremble thanks to Aura greatly increasing the strength of Qrow's attacks.
Thankfully when Qrow changed his attack pattern to quick thrusts, then followed by wide arc slashes was what inevitably caused this battle to end far faster than it should have, the Huntsman had regrettably timed when to strike because Jaune timed it perfectly stepping back before delivering a mighty sweep from his ax causing Qrow to fall to the floor.
Not allowing any area for recovery Jaune allowed the beast inside to provide far greater strength than before, bringing the war-ax high swinging it down with accuracy and finality like an executioner right into Qrows chest. This caused Qrow to scream bloody murder as ironic as it was since he spat out some blood, that attack alone caused what remaining Aura he had left to protect as much as it could before it gave out.
Leaning heavily onto his ax panting in an attempt to catch what remaining strength he had to stand up. Steadying himself he then proceeded to slide Harbinger lazily away from its user before resting his blade underneath the heavily injured man's chin.
"Cough-cough got me, good kid. Can't exactly complain about my performance, fighting what essentially is cough-cough a demi-god." Jaune couldn't exactly find it in himself to deny that statement despite not using, metaphorically speaking, what was half of his real abilities.
"Yield."
"Yeah, yeah in a sec. Just promise me that whatever happens my nieces will still be able to live their lives…"
"I shall see, now yield." Qrow huffed hoping he could trick the Arc into one of their fabled oaths of honor but he'll take what he can get, even if things were to take a turn for the worse he knew Ozpin would at least help in getting his nieces out of dodge.
"I yield! Now get me fuck outta here!" Raising his voice loud enough for the gathered to hear him, which was followed by the same announcement where instead of sending in someone to the battlefield that was the arena. Lowering his ax, two drones came from above grabbing Qrow Branwen bringing him to the safety of the stands as three individuals panicking about his injuries by Taiyang and his daughters. Who had tears in their eyes from the obvious fight they just witnessed?
Tuning the happenings of the stands out Jaune clenched his fists to momentarily stop the trembling before he locked onto the sound of one of the remaining Frost Atronachs exploding into a small localized blizzard hitting the champion causing a shuddering yelp to escape her lungs.
Pyrrha Nikos was bruised covered head to toe in a layer of ice and minor burns, the aura was most definitely below thirty percent as his horde still attacked her relentlessly.
Deciding it was over, Jaune walked through the crowd of the conjured holding a fist up causing all attacks to falter. Having transformed her weapon to its javelin counterpart breathing erratically sweeping her polearm in every direction to stave off the pack.
"It's time we ended this, partner." Speaking down at her as if she was nothing more than insignificant. Allowing his hold on his weapon to slip sending it back to Oblivion he then replaced it with two transparent swords.
All she could do was stare defiantly readying herself for what came next.
…
…
… To be continued in: Chapter 9, …We achieve immortality.
.Dun. Cliff hanger my dudes, man what a long time since I updated this stuff.
Anyway just want to say a massive shout out to all of you for the continued support for all of my stories and I don't plan to stop any time soon.
