A/N: Another Monday, another awesome battle scene chapter... Hope y'all enjoy :)
Guest: THANK YOU!
There were a lot of things that Jaune was scared of.
Grimm, the dark, standing up for himself, and probably every girl he's talked to. But there was one thing that trumps all of his fears.
Airpships.
The wretched airships hummed in front of him, waiting to entrap him as he stepped onto the vehicle, ready to let loose it's horrors. Jaune looked defiantly at the inanimate object, muttering under his breath.
"I am better than the ship, I can do this. Lots of people have motion sickness, it's not an uncommon thing to deal with." Jaune chanted almost religiously. In the background Vedrahgol could only look away shamefully, horrified that the body his soul was inhabiting was afraid to take flight into the air.
How far I have fallen. Vedrahgol thought sadly to himself.
Jaune's mantra was interrupted by a gentle pat on the shoulder. Turning, Jaune was met with a concerned Pyrrha, who had a small smile on her face.
"How're you feeling?" Pyrrha asked, knowing that he wasn't a big fan of riding in or on anything. Jaune smiled in thanks to Pyrrha, glad that she was trying to help get his mind off of the impending trip.
"I'll be fine. This isn't going to be the worst thing that'll happen to us." Jaune said. Pyrrha chuckled, agreeing with him.
"Knowing our luck, after a few days, you'll wish that you were back on the Airship." Pyrrha joked.
"Don't count on it," Jaune cautioned, jabbing Pyrrha playfully in the side. As the two of them looked at the Airship again, filling with students, the mood turned a little more serious as they readied themselves for the fight ahead of them.
"This is going to be big, isn't it?" Pyrrha asked softly, remembering the simple volume of Grimm that had engulfed the kingdom of Vacuo. Jaune simply nodded, not really wanting to say a word, not sure how anything would bring them comfort. The best they could do was fortify themselves for a fight against someone so powerful that he had taken over a kingdom without even breaking a sweat.
Jaune shivered a little at the thought of facing someone so powerful.
Do not worry child. When I am through with you, facing Imaar will be like a dovah fighting a newborn child. Vedrahgol said, confident in his abilities. After all, Imaar might have learned practiced and honed his Voice for years, but he does not have a dovah to teach him the true secrets behind the power of the Voice.
Jaune's shoulders fell a little in relief, before Jaune came to an obvious question.
When're you going to be teaching me this? Jaune asked Vedrahgol. Going into war, Jaune wasn't sure if he would have any time besides fighting to really learn something as complicated as a power that bent reality to his will. However, Vedrahgol wasn't worried.
We will be practicing in your mindscape while you are resting. This way my teachings will not be interrupted by frivolous distractions.
Jaune raised an eyebrow, incredulous at Vedrahgol's phrasing. Fighting a war is a frivolous distraction?
Vedrahgol scoffed. Human wars are nothing to care for. Now, if you want to see a real war, I need to show you when dovah fight amongst themselves. Our power splits the earth and sky, raining rock and lightning. Our power tears everything standing in our way, and sends everything sentient hiding between their legs. Vedrahgol sighed in happiness, remembering a day where he was free and eager to battle.
Vedrahgol described a war that he was in several years ago, detailing a warrior called the Dovahkiin, someone like Jaune, who faced the king of dragons, Alduin. As he was doing that, Jaune and his team, as well as Team RWBY were grouped together and herded into a Airship. Jaune kept his focus on Vedrahgol's story, hoping that it would be enough to at least reduce his motion sickness. For a second he thought it was going to work, as his stomach stayed dormant while the Airship powered up.
"Oh sweet Oum save me from this." Jaune gasped out, grabbing Pyrrha's hand tightly as the Airship lurched a little to the side. Pyrrha held onto his hand, disguising her amusement with a small look of support. Yang on the other hand, who was sitting nearby as well, simply laughed.
"Y'know that was only a small bump right?" Yang asked, before being elbowed by her partner and her sister. Jaune just groaned, already knowing that this was going to be a rough ride. Vedrahgol also fell silent, knowing that his story would go unappreciated while Jaune was focused on his misery.
Maybe you should join with the sun girl once more, Vedrahgol suggested wanting to finish his story. At least she will appreciate my strength and grace. Also, I am disgusted by the noises that your body is making right now.
Please… don't talk about my body. Jaune thought slowly in his mind as he tried not to throw up so early in the trip.
A side of the Airship lit up as a screen turned on, revealing Professor Goodwitch standing there.
"Hello students of Beacon. To save some time once we arrive on the borders of Atlas, I will be briefing you all about your tasks. I've uploaded the details of your specific missions onto your scolls, and as of right now, I will explain the general details and answer any questions before we touchdown. Anything to say before we move along?" Glynda asked, waiting a second to see if any student from the dozen-or-so Airships would have anything to say. As she answered a few questions, everybody else looked at their scrolls, reading up on their assigned duties.
"Now, remember everyone, Atlas this time of year is cold, so make sure to keep warm through heavier clothing," Professor Goodwitch explained. "When we arrive there, we will be meeting up with the teams from Mistral, who will be helping us harass and fight the back lines of the Grimm forces. The Atlas Kingdom will be sending a few of their rear troops over as well, but don't expect much, as they'll be preoccupied with fending off the frontal attack of hundreds and thousands of Grimm."
"Even though there are many Grimm, everyone remember that as long as we fight as a team, Beacon as a whole will be able to take on tens of thousands of Grimm. As long as we stick to the plans laid out in front of you, and rotate forces properly, we will mow through—"
"Grimm!" Someone shouted, pointing out through the windows of the Airship. As the groups turned to look outside, there were thousands of Nevermore approaching the fleet, some already close enough to attack some of the ships. Leading the attack force was a lone dragon, which was staring at Jaune's airship with an emotion that almost felt like malice.
The Nevermore landed on the Airships, pecking and clawing at the metal and windows, trying to find purchase to anything they could get to. The sheer amount that was attacking the airships was enough to swerve them off course, and pilots were struggling to try and right the ships up again. Some ships crashed into each other, sending two or three careening down into the forest below. Another few that had been caught unawares by the flock early on were falling as well, unable to fend off the Nevermore in time and allowing them to tear the engines apart and weigh the Airships down.
Luckily for the group of teenagers in this Airship, they were in the back of the formation, which gave them plenty of time to fight back. Team RWBY and another team opened up the hatches and started to fire their guns at the flocks approaching their Airships, trying to keep as many of them away as possible.
Jaune had also stood up, the adrenaline finally enough to overpower the need to throw up. Jaune ran to the side of the Airship as well, eager to find a way to help the other students out.
Vedrahgol! Anything that you have that could stop these Grimm?
Who do you think I am, boy? Of course I have something that can stop these Grimm! Vedrahgol said in an almost offended tone.
With a quick relay of information, as well as a demand from Vedrahgol for Jaune to repeat the words in his mind enough times until Vedrahgol was confident with Jaune's wording, Jaune readied himself, thinking about the meaning of the words and what he desired to do once he said them. With the guidance and willpower of the dragon soul inside of him, Jaune let loose a Thu'um.
Wind.
Unleash.
Strike.
"Ven… Gaar Nos!" Jaune screamed out, letting the power of the Voice stream out and coalesce into a powerful form. A more powerful variant of the first shout that he had learned, Cyclone created a whirlwind that was even larger than before. The winds were also much more violent, tearing Grimm and sending them smashing against each other so powerfully that they disintegrated almost instantly upon impact. The students cheered at the sight before Jaune fell to one knee, gasping for air.
Jaune's lungs felt so tight, and while before it seemed as if he couldn't say another shout, right now it seemed as if he couldn't say anything at all.
"Jaune!" Pyrrha yelled in concern. Yang also turned, frowning at the downed form behind her.
"I'm alright," Jaune gasped out, waving away the Pyrrha's hands. Rising unsteadily, Jaune took a deep breath, his lungs expanding gratefully once more, allowing Jaune to clear his mind and focus on the skies ahead.
The dragon that was leading the Nevermore hovered alongside the Airship, looking intently at Jaune.
Without another word, the Dragon dove at the Airship, its teeth clamping on the hull and tearing the metal like sheets of paper. With a shake of its neck, the Airship broke into pieces, causing many of the students to fall to the ground.
We cannot let it go, Maldovah! Vedrahgol said, insistent. You are the only one that can kill it, and if you do not, then everyone here will not make it when the sun sets.
How am I going to do that? I can't even reach him! Jaune exclaimed, looking at the dragon. The enormous Grimm had let go of the pieces of the airship, which swayed unsteadily in the air for a second before it started its decent towards the trees.
Let me use you! Vedrahgol said, desperate. Please, trust me!
As Jaune fell down, he turned to see his friends trying to stay alive, finding ways to keep themselves from falling too fast and not get hit by flying pieces of metal. Looking back up, he saw the Dragon staring back at him. Jaune didn't know if he was imagining it or not, but it looked as if the Dragon had a smug look on its face.
Well, it wouldn't be there for long.
Tear it to pieces. Jaune thought to Vedrahgol, a lot of vindictiveness coating his words. Jaune closed his eyes briefly, and his mind was shoved into the back of his head, the dragon soul that had been sealed inside of him finally able to take the reins.
When Jaune opened his eyes, they were stark yellow, his pupils narrowing into a thin vertical line. He smiled and flexed his fingers.
"The body is frailer and not as… great as my old body," Dragon-Jaune said, "But it will do to take down the likes of an imposter like you, Nidovah."
And with that, Jaune bent his knees and shouted.
"Wuld… Nah Kest!" and flew towards the Grimm Dragon, his figure blurring as he sped along almost as fast as Ruby when she used her semblance. The distance was eaten up in seconds, and Jaune floated in the air for a second face to face with the shocked dragon.
Jaune gave a smug grin before drawing out Dawnbreaker.
"Heel, Dragon." He hissed, before stabbing it right in the mouth. It reared back in pain, throwing Jaune backwards. Twisting to orient himself to face the dragon's backside, he drew in another breath.
"Yol… Tor Shuul!" And fire streamed out, coating the dragon and making it scream in pain. The dragon dove away, trying to avoid Jaune, but he wasn't going to let that happen.
With another shout, Jaune blasted lighting, striking the dragon in one of its wings, sending it careening downwards. In a last ditch attempt, the Dragon turned and opened its mouth, spewing darkness to try and engulf the also falling Jaune.
"Feim… Zii Gron!" And with that shout, Jaune become a soul without a body, every bit of that black blast passing through him harmlessly. Along with that, as the Dragon smashed into the ground, Jaune floated down onto his feet, ready to face the dragon who was fearing for its life.
With a practiced twirl of Dawnbreaker, Jaune gave a grin that was more dragon than human.
"Now it is time for you to die, little one." Jaune whispered, before shouting his last shout.
"Su… Grah Dun!" And with that, Jaune charged, his being lighter than air, his arms swinging his sword so fast that all that could be seen was a blur. Several slashes later and the Dragon was bleeding everywhere, trying to find a route of retreat. Jaune was merciless however, and simply jumped, grabbing the snout and pulling himself onto the head, before raising Dawnbreaker and slamming it down through the skull.
Jaune grinned as he felt the Dragon Grimm shudder its last breath and collapse under him.
"Now, return to a true Dovah." Jaune growled out, touching the Grimm with his hand. In a burst of light, the Grimm flaked apart and flowed into Jaune. As the body disintegrated, Jaune dropped through and landed on his feet, inhaling as the rush of power flowed through him.
I can feel myself getting stronger. Jaune noted idly, able to tell the difference from just moments before. Now that he wasn't unconscious while the process was happening, he was able to see how the power was helping him become something stronger.
Thanks Vedrahgol. Can I have my body back now?
Dragon-Jaune kept his grin razor sharp. "What if I don't want to give back your body?"
For a second, Jaune's heart seized up in fright, thinking that he had overlooked a crucial hidden depth of Vedrahgol. After all, he had been shown as a being predisposed to superiority.
All of this was ruined when Dragon-Jaune doubled over laughing.
"Oh, I could just imagine the look on your face right now." Jaune chortled, sending the real Jaune into a fit of confusion.
"Oh trust me lad, I really don't want to stay in a body like this. It is just too… weak for me." Dragon-Jaune said in disgust, looking at his noodle-y arms.
Hey! Jaune thought indignantly. Ignoring this, Dragon-Jaune slowly drifted back into the back of Jaune's mind, shoving Jaune's consciousness back to the forefront.
And besides, using your body for too long breaks it down. Vedrahgol said in amusement.
"What do you mean—" Jaune said, before kneeling over, groaning at the intense pain that racked his body. His throat felt like someone stuffed it with sandpaper, and body felt like he ran a marathon full sprint without stopping to take a breath. He was dizzy, nauseous, and pretty sure that if this feeling didn't subside in the next few seconds, he was going to take Crocea Mors and stab himself in the stomach, just to relieve himself of living with this kind of ache any longer.
"Jaune! Are you alright?" A voice shouted, footsteps echoing as the person ran closer to the kneeling Jaune.
"Yearble." Jaune said, trying to reassure the person next to him, but only making a half strangled choking noise instead. A pair of hands grabbed Jaune's shoulders and pulled him up, revealing the concerned figure to be Yang.
"Are you alright?" Yang repeated slowly, trying to see if there was anything wrong with Jaune. Instead of talking this time, Jaune nodded, allowing Yang to sigh in relief.
"Aw man, that was so cool up there." Yang said, grinning at Jaune. "I saw the whole thing. Who knew you could take down a dragon all by yourself like that? You have got to show me those moves."
Jaune smiled weakly, wanting to say something, but wincing in pain when he opened his mouth. It felt as if his throat was cracking when it expanded too widely.
"Water." Jaune croaked out, trying to ignore the immense pain that it caused him just to say that much. Luckily Yang heard and nodded at him, wrapping her arm around his shoulder and helping him move.
"Don't worry Jaune, I think I've got someone that might be able to help." Yang said, before yelling out loudly, making Jaune rear back in an attempt to try and save his ear drums.
"Weiss!"
With a shuffle, Weiss appeared from behind a few trees, an irritable expression on her face.
"Yang, stop screeching before you attract all the Grimm!" She scolded, not really having much of an effect as Yang simply just ignored her.
"Jaune here needs some water!" Yang said, making Weiss cross her arms in disbelief.
"Really now? As concerning as that is, I'm not that well prepared. How do you think I'm going to make water? Summon it out of thin air?" Weiss said, waving her arms around. Yang frowned for a moment, before having an idea.
"I can't believe we're doing this." Weiss said in exasperation, keeping her arms crossed as she looked at the sight before her.
Having summoned an ice shard with Weiss's Dust, Yang grabbed it and concentrated on her semblance, heating herself and the air around her enough to get the ice to melt. And so, Jaune ended up sitting on the ground, head raised to the sky with his mouth open as Yang unfroze the ice and dripped the water into his parched throat.
Weiss just stood there, wondering what went wrong with her life to be standing here and spectating such a scene.
"Thanks Yang, you're a life saver." Jaune said gratefully, before turning to the Ice Princess. "You too, Weiss." He said.
Weiss simply turned to the side.
"Well, it would be a shame not to pay you back for killing that horrendous beast earlier. You saved us quite the effort in doing so." She said haughtily.
"Yeah. It was quite the effort." Jaune said, rubbing his throat. Yang jumped in, slinging her arm around Jaune's shoulder, making him lean forward to take on her weight.
"Well, glad that everyone here's alright, now it's time to find everyone else!" Yang declared. Weiss nodded in agreement, turning to Jaune to explain.
"We got separated when the Grimm tore apart the Airship. Luckily, our scrolls still work, so we've arranged a rendezvous." Weiss said. Jaune nodded. Now that he had a little bit of water in him, he was fit for walking.
Just hopefully, nothing more than that.
"Lead the way." Jaune said.
Omake
"Wazz goin' on?" Qrow slurred, blinking hazily as he sat up from under his sheets.
Last night had been unbelievably amazing for him, as he had finally met a drinking buddy that could hold his own with some nice, hard liquor. The man even had his own stock, something that was so strong that it felt like Yang had activated her semblance inside his throat when he chugged it down. The both of them felt like having a drinking contest, but the drink was so strong that his drinking buddy had stopped after the fourth or fifth drink, which obviously only meant that Qrow, being the amazing Hunter that he was, had to take another drink to show him up.
That wasn't all that great of a good idea however, as Qrow seemed to have immediately blacked out right afterwards.
"Urrgh. A good drink always come with a price." Qrow groaned, clutching his head. The drink was so strong that he still felt the buzz, but was already having a hangover as well. It was probably one of the weirdest feelings Qrow had ever experienced, and that was coming from someone who's been all over Remnant.
The things he did would make his nieces blanch in shock and horror.
And those were only the stories that involved him wooing women.
A shifting besides him made Qrow jump a little in surprise. Who had snuck into his bed? Normally, being the Hunter that he was, Qrow would have immediately been on edge at that point, ready to fight back at any threat.
But with a nasty hangover, as well as still being just a tad tipsy, Qrow instead noticed something else.
"Wait a second. I don't have blue bed sheets." Qrow said, eyebrows creasing in confusion, before morphing into horror as pale legs stretched out in front of him, and a figure rose off the mattress.
"Well, that was definitely a night I'm willing to forget." Winter said, blinking the sleepiness out of her eyes, before turning to look at Qrow.
"You know, for all your posturing, you aren't all that great in bed as you say you are." Winter said calmly, not even bothering to cover herself up.
Qrow just stared a little longer, before breaking down completely.
"What… the fuck."