Son of a Conqueror
Chapter 10 Forever Falling
4 years ago
Rain poured down the side of the castle walls in New Macedonia while Iskandar stood looking out the window looking to the courtyard. Iskandar looked down to see Jaune in the courtyard still training even in the rain while he and, as Jaune called him Bushy Brows, from the Hetairoi spared. Iskandar smiled at the sight before opening the window and calling out to Jaune.
"Jaune get out of the rain, you'll get sick at this rate!"
Iskandar shouted watching his breath steam in the cold air. He also happened to distract Jaune enough that Bushy Brows got his spear behind him and tripped him. Iskandar had to wince at this watching Jaune slam into the ground with a large splash. It was strange how much it stormed with it rained in New Macedonia. Iskandar had to always shut down the river splitting the kingdom so that was if it flooded there would be no one on the river. He also learned early on that he had to elevate all the buildings in New Macedonia so that way people's houses didn't get flooded.
Really though it was to be expected seeing as the moment rain hit a desert it was going to almost always be a storm. Iskandar watched as Jaune lifted himself out of the puddle and ran off into the castle. Iskandar turned around closing the window and flicking some rain water off himself. He turned around to look over the ledge of the floor he was on seeing Jaune run into the castle and looking up to him with a glare.
"Why did you do that? You distracted me and I lost the match!"
Jaune shouted waving a fist only to get a laugh out of Iskandar who waved a hand dismissively at him.
"Losing one sparing match is hardly that much to get angry about. Either way I rather you not get sick standing out in the rain for an hour."
Iskandar said with a smile only for Jaune to huff and cross his arms angrily.
"I wouldn't get sick from something as simple as rain!" Jaune shouted only to sneeze a second later and getting a small smug grin from his father. He grumbled something while a maid walked up to him holding a towel so he could clean himself off. Jaune apologized to the maid for making a mess only for her to wave off his apology. Jaune turned and looked back up to his father as the maid wiped his face with the towel. "So, what are you doing father I thought you and Kin were still out dealing with those bandits who attacked last month. Also did you ever figure out what that strange mana you sensed a few days ago was?"
Jaune asked while Iskandar just shrugged at him.
"I was, but those bandits move fast and we didn't follow them far before Grimm attacked. I must admit I didn't think the Grimm would be such a problematic thing when I first came here. Also it turned out the mana was nothing." Iskandar said turning and looking back out the window. He had to admit he didn't see the Grimm as a threat before, but recently the Grimm just got more and more daring with their attacks on his kingdom's walls. Especially those bandits, it really was strange how things seemed to be escalating recently. But Iskandar didn't want to get Jaune involved in matters like that just yet, he was young, older than Iskandar was when he first saw war and death but he'd rather Jaune not get pulled into such a thing. He also didn't want to concern Jaune with his worries about the strange magical energy he was feeling recently. "Either way Jaune for now why don't you and I watch one of those movies you keep telling me about?"
Iskandar asked getting a toothy smile from Jaune.
"Yeah, I would love to watch a movie with you!"
Jaune cheered quickly moving to strip out of his dirty clothes while the maid hastily stopped him. Iskandar just laughed at the sight before Jumping down to Jaune.
"Then let us get some popcorn with extra butter!"
Iskandar cheered getting a cheer from Jaune. The maid though simply grabbed Jaune and began to drag him to the baths to clean up. Jaune didn't fight it as he just waved at his father telling him to wait for him. Iskandar just smiled and waved at Jaune moving off to go and get the popcorn.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Jaune and his team came back up to the rooftop where the class was watching. Iskandar stood at the front of the class smiling at Jaune.
"Well done team JNPR!" Iskandar cheered getting a smile from Jaune. "While your team worked well together I must say relying on one person's skill alone isn't enough to win a fight. Next time Jaune don't take everything on your own. You should have had your partner stay with you when you split your team. Other than that good job!"
Iskandar cheered getting a nod from Jaune taking his critique to heart. His father was right, if he was fighting opponents who were just as if not stronger than he was than his team would have been in danger. Still taking on a large number of people even if they are weaker doesn't diminish the danger of the challenge. Jaune turned to team CRDL who were walking up behind them heads hung low. Iskandar looked ready to explain why they lost the match only to stop himself and shake his head when he saw Cardin glaring at Jaune. Jaune didn't care if Cardin was pissed about the lost, he still felt Cardin did good to last as long as he had. Really Cardin's plan wasn't bad to leave the flag and try to destroy the enemy team before they could find it.
Sadly Cardin hadn't taken into account the attacking team having a scout or even their decision to split to get the flag once they knew what he was doing. Still Cardin had reacted properly by sending his team to return to the flag once he knew what was happening. Shame he and his team aren't as skilled as Jaune's. Cardin and his team moved off to the back of the students as if to hide from everyone else while Iskandar just turned and went on to choose the next teams to fight. The class ended quickly with 4 more matches of capture the flag going on. When class had ended Iskandar told them that he would be changing the field every other week to give them all different terrains to fight in. Most of the class was excited about that all chatting about how they couldn't wait for the next time they came in.
Afterwards though the next few weeks of school went by like the first three with only minor changes. Like how strategy class at the end of the first month of school having to be taught by Peter Port, seeing as Iskandar still had kingly work to attend to back in New Macedonia. The class was disappointed in this but they let it slide when Peter told them Iskandar would return soon. After everything that happen the time everyone spent together was interesting. The weeks passed with Jaune and Nora getting into all kinds of trouble while Ren and Pyrrha tried to rein them in. They got scolded a few times by Glynda but nothing too bad.
As time went on team JNPR had gotten along pretty well with their sister team, team RWBY. They got along pretty well with Yang always telling the best jokes. Jaune just didn't understand why no one else laughed at them. He liked her humor and she seemed really happy about him liking it. Ruby was a little ball of energy like Nora but less destructive, so that left Jaune sad when she would turn down his ideas of pranking Yang into thinking they cut her hair. Ruby was just no fun. Then there was Blake, she was interesting and the more time Jaune spent with her the more he noticed some familiarity about her.
He wasn't sure why but he felt he saw her somewhere once before. He also noticed that Blake was a Faunus. It was interesting really; Blake was able to hide it with her cute bow. Jaune wondered why she was hiding her heritage but he didn't feel like asking her. He also felt he shouldn't say anything about it either. Then there was Weiss who always loved to follow the rules. Though she was a little stuck up at times Jaune liked her. He did feel Weiss could work on her personality a little, but he didn't feel she was a bad person. To him Weiss was just someone who didn't really know how to speak with people.
Jaune could understand that he used to have trouble thinking of the right words he wanted to say to people when he was younger. Other than that the first two months of school went by quickly. However there were some problems that came up involving Cardin. Cardin had tried to mess with Jaune a few times over the weeks only for it to fail with him getting left alone and ignored. After that though Cardin had gone off to pick on other students. He specifically liked picking on this one random rabbit Faunus girl. Jaune had aimed to stop Cardin but the bully had taken to keeping bullying out of Jaune's sight. He confronted him about it only for Cardin to deny it.
Jaune didn't believe him, but unless he had proof he couldn't get the teachers involved to stop it. Truth be told Jaune wanted to deal with Cardin himself, so he chooses to keep the teachers out of the matter. He felt getting the teachers involved would be pointless so he figured he would handle it himself. At least once he was able to confront Cardin properly about his bullying. After that it turned out that before first semester ended they would get to go on a field trip into Forever Fall forest. The class wasn't as excited for that as they wanted to be but Jaune was raring to go.
"This sounds like fun, I mean having class in a forest just sounds awesome!"
Jaune cheered only to get a laugh from Nora who hung off his shoulders.
"Yeah, I heard we're collecting tree sap that can be used to make syrup!"
Nora cheered humming happily about syrup as she did. Pyrrha just laughed at Jaune and Nora's behavior enjoying the partners display. Nora hung off Jaune happily humming about syrup while Jaune just went on about possibly fighting some Grimm in the forest when they got there.
"Well I rather not have to fight tomorrow if I can help it."
Ren said only for Jaune to wave a hand at him dismissively.
"Please Ren where's your sense of adventure, don't you want to slay a mighty beast that has run amuck for too long and claim its head as your own?!"
Jaune asked joyously only to feel Nora's hands tighten on his shoulders for a second as Ren frowned looking to the ground. Jaune wasn't sure what that was about but he figured it had something to do with Ren and Nora's past.
"Enough on the topic, I just feel it's better not to fight if we don't have to."
Ren said only for Pyrrha to speak up.
"Ren is right, there's no need for us to start fighting when we go to Forever Fall tomorrow."
Pyrrha said reassuring having also noticed the tension that came up with Jaune's question. He simply coughed into his hand before smiling at his team.
"You're right, constantly fighting isn't good. Tomorrow should be a simple quiet day."
Jaune said getting a nod from his teammates before sending them off to get sleep.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The next day came quickly as Jaune woke early to get his morning training in. The morning went by quickly with little happening save for Jaune seeing his father talking with Peter. The conversation looked important so Jaune didn't interrupt them. He went on with his morning quickly finishing up his training before returning to his room to meet with his team. They went about the morning quickly before heading off to their dust class to head for Forever Fall. The class went off following Glynda and Iskandar who was a last minute add on to the class. Jaune was surprised by this not really sure why his father was tagging along. Till Iskandar pulled Jaune to the side before he boarded the airship.
"Jaune, can I have a minute?"
Iskandar asked getting a nod from Jaune as he waved his team to go ahead of him.
"Something wrong father?"
Iskandar just turned looking into Forever Fall, his eyes sharp as if expecting something to happen. Jaune wasn't sure what was going on but he could feel the tension his father had around him.
"I sensed some unusual Mana coming from the forest earlier. I might just be wrong but I feel like something is going to happen." Iskandar said turning back to Jaune eyes hardening. "I want you to keep an eye on your friends and anyone else around you. If anything happens make sure you protect them."
Jaune nodded at his father before looking out into the forest. 'If father is concerned than there really is something off down there. I better keep my team close to team RWBY.' Jaune thought before he and his father finally boarded the airship. Jaune moved off to sit next to his team while they waited for the airship to take off. His team had asked what his father wanted and he just told them he was telling him to be careful. It wasn't a lie so Jaune didn't feel bad about telling them that. Even if he left out some information. 'It's better than putting them on edge.' Jaune thought before turning to look out of the airships window to watch the land move below them. It took only a few minutes for the airship to reach the forest and land.
When the class disembarked, they were met with the bright red like autumn landscape that was Forever Fall. Many of the students were staring around in amazement at the sight chatting amongst themselves before Glynda spoke up and telling the class what they had to do. Glynda explained how they were supposed to collect a jar of sap for each team member. She went on to explain that this was a request from their dust teacher Ms. Peach who no one had seen. It seems that the Professor had wanted the tree sap for some kind of experiment. Jaune wasn't sure what it was for but it didn't matter as he simply moved off with his team to collect the sap. They stuck close to team RWBY on Jaune's orders as they collected the sap. Jaune stayed on guard though watching everything closely.
He laughed when he noticed Nora going about eating all the tree sap that Ren had collected. Jaune wanted to give it a try but figured it didn't matter. He turned around to see Ruby swing her scythe over head cutting several branches from the tree she was at making sap spill out. She quickly vanished in a flash of rose pedals before reappearing with several jars and catching the sap quickly. Jaune was impressed with that. He felt is she didn't become a Huntress she would make an amazing street performer. Jaune's attention though was quickly taken away when he heard the sound of bushes rustling. He spun on his heels looking around the area.
He looked over everything around him closely before looking up a small hill just a few yards away. He noticed movement at the top of the hill before seeing something flying off it. He wasn't sure what it was but he quickly side stepped the object as it came right for him. Just as it passed him he saw it was a simple jar of sap. The jar hit the ground shattering on the ground loudly drawing some attention while Jaune's team turned to him in confusion while team RWBY did as well. He just shrugged at them before hearing a scream echo out from the hill. Jaune spun just in time to see one of Cardin's teammates falling. Jaune moved quickly shooting off as fast as he could quickly catching one Dove Bronzewing. Jaune looked to Dove who just stared in shock before pushing himself out of Jaune's arms.
"What is going on, why did you get knocked from the hill?"
Jaune asked wondering if he had thrown that Jar of sap at him. Dove though just looked back up the heel fearfully.
"There was something up there!" Dove shouted pointing up the hill. Jaune turned and looked up the heel just in time to see an explosion that had too of come from Cardin's mace. "I don't know what it was but there is some freaky ass thing up there that attacked me and my team!"
Dove shouted before turning to run away. Jaune just looked back up the hill hearing fighting. 'Father was right!' Jaune thought just as Pyrrha ran up to him.
"Jaune what's going on, is it Grimm?"
Pyrrha asked only for Jaune to turn and see Dove sprinting away in fear. He clicked his teeth in frustration.
"Pyrrha, you and everyone else need to go and get Ms. Goodwitch and my father I will go and try to help the rest of team CRDL!"
Jaune ordered just as Ruby ran up to him with Yang and Weiss.
"We'll go with you."
Ruby said only for Jaune to shake his head at her.
"No you all need to go!"
Jaune shouted only for Yang and Ruby to stare at him shocked before Weiss spoke up.
"We aren't going to let you go on your own."
Weiss said getting a nod from Pyrrha who drew her weapons. Jaune quickly shot everyone a glare.
"None of you will be following me!" Jaune shouted his voice echoing out loudly bringing both his team and team RWBY to a stop. "We don't know what is going on up there so I will not bring you along. I fight better alone!"
Jaune shouted before drawing his sword and slashing into the air with a loud crack of lightning. Bucephalus came forth from the lightning while Jaune easily jumped onto the giant steed. He turned back to his friends his eyes sharp.
"Get going now! Get my father and Goodwitch!"
Jaune ordered this time no one argued only for Nora and Pyrrha to shoot him worriedly glances before he nodded at them. They quickly ran off towards where Glynda and Iskandar where while Jaune snapped the reins on Bucephalus and rode up the side of the hill. It was quick as Jaune came to the top of the hill in a matter of seconds just in time to watch Cardin get sent flying into a tree with a heavy crash. Jaune looked around the small clearing to see the other two members of team CRDL sprawled out across the ground with their weapons broken. Jaune wasn't sure what had happened but what he saw in the center of the clearing made Jaune's eyes widen. Bucephalus landed on the ground its hooves digging up the dirt and leaves that were scattered around. Before Jaune stood a strange looking man with pitch black skin.
The man held two spears in hand, one long and red, the other short and gold. In the man's chest was a black hole like vortex spilling black slug down him with thick black veins running along it. The man's face was distorted into a thick grimace as he barred his teeth at Jaune his eyes think empty pits of hate. The man's clothing was a mix of black and green jumpsuit like pants and armor leg guards. Really had the man not looked so pained Jaune would have thought him handsome? Jaune quickly dismounted Bucephalus letting his steed vanish while he held his sword at the ready. 'It can't be! A corrupted Heroic spirit.' Jaune thought in shock having not expected to see another corrupted heroic spirit again.
Jaune looked over the spearman hearing a growl from the man before hearing Cardin groan in pain off to the side. Jaune spared him a look before looking back to the strange spearman before him. Cardin looked worse for wear but nothing to bad seeing as he was able to lift himself back to his feet.
"Cardin collect your teammates and get out of here!"
Jaune shouted only for Cardin to turn to him in shock before glaring at him.
"Why the hell should I listen to you?!" Cardin shouted at Jaune swinging his hand to the side before turning and glaring t the spear man. "You can't tell me what to do! I'll fight this freak on my own, stay out of this!"
Cardin shouted making Jaune click his teeth in frustration just as Cardin moved to charge the spearman. That wasn't smart as the spearman quickly snapped his head in Cardin's direction before raising his spear and shooting towards him like a bullet. Jaune quickly intercepted the two of them parrying the long red spear just as he turned his body dodging the shorted gold one while he kicked Cardin out of the way. Jaune winced feeling the gold spear clip him in the side having not been able to fully dodge it.
"I told you to leave!" Jaune shouted just slashing out at the spearman who easily dodged each slash before flipping back landing 20 feet away with ease. "If your teammates are hurt you need to get them help! You can't expect to fight in your condition all you will do is get yourself killed!"
Jaune shouted at Cardin who just grit his teeth in frustration before turning and running over to his downed teammates.
"Don't think this means anything you bastard! I don't care if you saved us or not, it doesn't make us buddies!"
Cardin shouted only for Jaune to smirk before readying his sword as he stared down the corrupted Heroic spirit.
"I didn't do this to be your friend. I did it because you're a Huntsman in training like me. I can't let someone who has the potential to protect the world die."
Jaune said calmly shocking Cardin before he grits his teeth and turned away from him.
"Say what you want!"
Cardin shouted quickly grabbing his teammates and carrying them out of the clearing. The spearman went to intercept them only for Jaune to step before him.
"No you don't. I'm your opponent so don't take your eyes off me."
Jaune said hoping he could buy enough time for his father to get to him. 'The last time I fought a corrupt heroic spirit I almost died, let's hope my aura gives me the edge I need to win this.' Jaune thought while the spearman just shifted both spears in hand moving into a readied stance to fight Jaune. The two stared each other down ready to go.
End
AN/ hurray I did another chapter for you happy little reader people to read! Yep a bit longer wait then expected but hey I did a chapter that is all that matters.
So leave me a review so I know what you happy reader people brains think so far of the story.
Also fav and follow if you wish.