Whoa and update!? I know I know it has been forever since I last gave you all some material, and for that I am truly sorry. I took a break from writing to give myself some time to think up how I want to write out this story. I was planning with a follower (You know who you are ;) and I was given somethings to think about. Next time I go on a little break I will make sure to tell you all. Plus I was just being lazy and putting it off...
Back to the planning, I have thought up multiple ways this story could go, and after A LOT of thinking, that was fun and exhausting, I think I came up with something that is somewhat enjoyable. I sorta mashed everything together and planned it out in my head. I thought of an ending but threw it out the window because, lets be honest, I don't want to end this anytime soon. Too much fun to write!
I'm a little excited to get these next few chapters out. Mainly because I want to hear the feedback of my readers and my little helper. Good or bad comments are appreciated, even if it is only a few of you I still read them all! Just because I don't reply doesn't mean I didn't see it! I get a little happy inside seeing that someone reviewed the story, I should probably stop rambling...
Another thing that came to mind was that if some parts of the story seem a little...Rushed or have less detail it might be because I suck at writing transition parts of a chapter, it just is hard to explain everything that is happening that doesn't really need to be put there. Or if (for example) Jaune is just doing normal things in life it feels repetitive typing out ever little action.
I don't know, it might just be me but what ever. I had a little fun figuring these things out, it feels like forever till I get to write the fun juicy stuff, but chapters like these are needed to move the story along and dammit I won't let it slow me down! (Writers block might...)
Chapter 8: The Ravine
My eyes slowly opened as the first few sun rays of the day fell upon them. I sat up with a groan, regretting not taking off my armor before going to sleep. I twisted my back releasing a few loud pops and cracks followed by a satisfied sigh. I looked around the room with a sense of nostalgia. It felt as if everything that had happened in the last two years never happened. I looked towards the hatch as it opened. For a moment I expected Isaac to crawl through with supplies he gathered like he did every morning. A small smile came to my face when a gloved hand reached up grasped the wood. The smile soon disappeared after Reagan pulled himself up and looked to me. "What? Did I do something wrong?" He sounded slightly annoyed, the expression on his face helped that.
I shook my head and looked down to Ember laying at my side. It had been so long since any of these thoughts had come to mind. I was too focused on getting revenge that I never reflected on his teachings. A certain memory surfaced as I closed my eyes. I remember the day like it was yesterday, it was the day after I had tried to fight Isaac out of the blue, because I was feeling extra confident. That confidence only brought me bruises and cuts, and another loss under my belt.
I watched as he entered my room and pulled a chair over. As he sat down next to me he pulled out a pair of dog tags that were untouched. He held them up in front of me and dangled them. "These will be yours, after you become strong enough to defeat an Ursa on your own, and when I'm not lazy enough to actually engrave them." His words earned a small but rare chuckle from his. He stared at the dog tags for a moment before sliding them onto my desk with a sigh. He turned back to me and stared right into my eyes. "Jaune you must listen and remember this lesson because it will get you through life. Choose your battles carefully, if you rush in to a fight without preparations, then it could mean the end for you."
He stood up and looked over to my now broken sword and cracked shield. "Another thing, know when you are beaten. A man's pride is his most valued weapon yes, but if you are fighting a opponent that is too strong, always have a escape plan. Its better to live to fight another day than die with no purpose." He walked towards me and flicked my forehead. "You are lucky I'm merciful." I giggled and rubbed the spot where he flicked me.
I opened my eyes as a smile spread across my face. I slid Ember from its sheathe to see my own smiling reflection. It had been so long since I had seen a genuine smile on my face. Not a forced one used on strangers or to show that I am okay, it was actual happiness. I slid Ember back into its home and walked towards Isaac's old room. I pushed the door open with a low creak. My eyes flicked around the room until they landed on a something shining in the sun light. I walked over and slowly pulled the old dog tags up to my eyes. They slowly spun to reveal that nothing had been carved into them yet.
I let out a sigh and slid them into my pocket. "Even after all that time, he still didn't carve them..." I walked out of the room and slowly closed the door. As I went to leave the handle broke off in my hand. I looked to the handle and then to the door with a annoyed expression. I looked around the room and spotted Pyrrha giggling into her hands. I tossed the handle away and folded my arms. "Well what did you expect from a house that hasn't been looked after for two years huh?" She giggled again and brought a finger up to her chin in thought. "Well, I expected just what I saw you do. I'm just glad it wasn't me." She put on a bright smile and stared at me. I couldn't help but shake my head and smile back.
I took a step towards my bag only for the piece of wood below me to snap causing me to sink slightly into the floor. Again I heard Pyrrha giggle at my misfortune. I fixed a serious glare her way but it held no anger. With a grunt I pulled my foot free and walked to my bag and weapons. As I slid my bag and shield onto my back the trap door opened. Reagan's head popped up followed by a sigh. "When are we going to leave? Its boring standing around out here." I clipped Ember to my waist and turned to him. "I'm ready when everyone else is." He looked to Pyrrha who nodded. "Well let's go then." I looked to Pyrrha to receive shrug.
As I climbed down the tree I noticed that all of the black like puddles had disappeared from the night before. I could have sworn it was there, unless sleep deprivation was playing tricks on my mind. When I got to the bottom I circled the tree to see if it had any marks or signs that something had been sitting on it. After a few revolutions around I came to the conclusion that it was just my imagination. It looked real though, almost as if it was alive. Before I could dwell on the mater further I was called over by Reagan.
When I reached the tree line I slowed down and looked back to the tree house. I made sure to remember what it looked like this time, the next time I come here it might not be recognizable. With a sigh I turned from the house and followed the group. My scroll buzzed as Nora started another one of her "Exciting" adventures. I pulled out the device and swiped open the lock. To my surprise the message was from Ozpin regarding the next part of our mission. I started to chew on my lip as I read through the information.
From what it sounded like, this Grimm was something for more experienced huntsman. In the few sightings of the beast, it was stated that it had destroyed multiple towns and traveling merchants. I scrolled down to see a picture of the beast during a attack. It must have stood at least two stories high, that or the buildings were just really small. From what I could tell, the beast looked like a giant fox that stood on its hind legs. Its hands had five fingers and long sharp white claws. It had matching white teeth accompanied by glowing green eyes. Its fur was tinted slightly orange with hints of red streaks. From the few pictures I was given I could see that it had long tails. Not just one, but the number seemed to increase with each time it was spotted.
As I read through the reports on the beast I became more and more surprised at how strong it sounded. A few soldiers reported that it seemed to be leading nearby Beowolves and calculating different attacks. All most like it had planned on how the people would react. Another report stated that each time it fled, it would take wounded soldiers with it. But when they followed the beast to its hide out, traces of the bodies was never found. They just concluded that it had eaten them whole. I cringed slightly thinking about that. A Grimm that takes humans and eats them whole, a very bad thought especially since we are to be looking for this thing.
More reports stated that it would destroy villages with other Grimm in tow, then disperse them as soon as it was finished. It seemed as if they were under some kind of control. Then when it didn't need them anymore it just let them go free. I read further to see that the beast was called the tailed beast, or demon fox. I sighed when I read the names, I could definitely tell how it got the name.
Another message popped up, this time regarding the area of the mission. It said that the ground had recently become unstable in some areas from earthquakes and could collapse under too much weight. It also stated that our mission is to observe the area and to not attack the beast directly. I sighed in relief, I was hoping we wouldn't have to fight this monster by our selves.
As I was about to close the scroll ANOTHER message came through. This time it was directed towards me and was a voice message. I started the message and held it up to my ear. At first it sounded like static until the sound of a someone walking on glass came through. "Jaune, I just wanted to inform you about the white fang base. I would have typed this out, but it is easier to just tell you. Recently the base has had troubles with Grimm in the area so their defenses are at high alert and could be very dangerous if you get close. If you do end up going there, be aware that Hayden is a very skilled assassin, do not engage alone. Even with your full team he might still be too strong."
I slowly lowered my scroll as a scowl came across my face. I hadn't even thought about getting into the base. It was going to be much more difficult if they were being attacked by Grimm. But maybe that could be an advantage. If I were to use the Grimm to distract them, then I could slip in and take out Hayden. A smile spread across my face as I thought about that. I had my chance at revenge, and I wasn't going to let that slip away. I felt the pang of something in the back of my head, but I ignored it. Could just be a headache or something.
"So, have you guys heard about that white fang base that got taken out a few days ago by Atlas?" I looked up to see Reagan looking towards Pyrrha with a smile on his face. "Apparently, they have a special task force made from skilled huntsman that is tasked with taking out the fang across the kingdoms. I heard that they have almost completely cleared out every faction surrounding Vale!" Reagan shook his head and chuckled. "I heard that it was being led by John Arc, the one from the legendary Arc family. Apparently he had never be touched by an opponent. Sounds like he is invincible." I scowled slightly at the mention of my father. I had saved a special place in my heart for that man.
Not a place of love, but a place of hate for what he had done to me. But I must admit, without him I would have never become this strong. Even if he had to basically kick me from the Arc name. Names don't matter though, actions speak louder than words.
As Reagan continued to boast I caught the sight of Pyrrha. She had a look of worry on her features. After a moment of eye contact, she looked away towards the path. It felt weird to have someone looking out for you like she did, not out pity or anything. It seemed like she genuinely cared for me. I guess I wasn't used to it after all, it had been years since I had a conversation like the one we had the night before. Maybe I was finally breaking out of my lonely shell.
As we approached the ravine I could feel how soft the ground was. It was almost like sand that felt as if it would collapse at any moment. Unfortunately, not good ground to fight on if needed. I peered over the edge to see that a few ledges stuck out from the face of the wall, some big enough to hold a Deathstalker. I also noticed a few boarbatusk's pacing around at the bottom. I felt a light tap on my shoulder as Pyrrha came into view. I slowly met her gaze. "I think one of us should stay up here just in case we need to signal for help or to warn the other if more Grimm are coming." I stood up and nodded before taking my bag and shield off and laying them against a nearby tree.
"I got a message from Ozpin saying that the ground here is unstable and could collapse at any moment if hit with enough weight." All eyes went to Nora who had a innocent smile on her face. Ren let out a sigh and looked towards the ravine. "I will stay back up here with Nora just in case, I will try to find a way up if you guys can't." I nodded and slid my shield into place on my arm before walking towards the edge again. After a few seconds of surveying I noticed a small ledge nearby that lead down into the crevasse.
I nodded towards Pyrrha and Reagan then slowly started to slide down the small ledge. I was praying that the Grimm didn't notice the small pebbles raining down from above. I peered over the edge to see Boarbatusk's crawl out of their little holes as well as a few Beowolves. One of the Beo's looked up and sniffed at the air. I quickly leaned back against the wall and looked to the other two. I brought my finger up to my lips and slowly continued down the ledge. Going down the small ledge was hard enough, but now it started to get slimmer and slimmer with each step.
After a few minutes of crawling/walking down the large slope, we made it to a out cropping of rock that was about half way down. I walked over to the edge and peered over. Luckily most of the Grimm had left, leaving the bottom floor somewhat clear. Reagan walked up next to me and kicked a few rocks off. I bit back and groan when some of the rocks landed right on a Beowolf. I glared him as he shrugged like it was no problem.
Pyrrha walked over and folded her arms while looking around the cavern. "What are we looking for, unless it is just the normal Grimm." I pulled out my scroll and brought up the picture of the fox like Grimm. Her eyes went wide when she saw the picture. "I heard stories about how strong this particular Grimm is. I hope we won't have to fight it." I nodded in response while Reagan snorted and put on a cocky Grin. "Nah, we could take it. We got a world champion, a master swords man, and a..." He looked at me for a second before shrugging. "...What ever you can do."
If it was a different time then I probably would have killed him on the spot, but hopefully I wouldn't have to ever do that. "You shouldn't take this thing lightly, it is very strong and capable of destroying towns in minutes." His grin only grew as I spoke. He pulled out his sword and slowly dragged it across the floor. "Nothing my blade can't take care of." I let out a sigh and put my scroll away. Of course he was cocky, most huntsman are. A low growl sounded from over the edge, followed by a large black claw grasping it. More growls sounded from behind us, as I turned I pulled Ember from its sheathe and extended the blade.
A beowolf jumped down from a nearby hole causing the ledge to shake slightly. I blocked its initial strike with my shield and quickly slid Ember into the beasts throat. "Jaune, we have a problem..." I ripped Ember from the wolf and peered over the edge to see multiple more Beowolves climbing up the cliff face. I looked over to Pyrrha and Reagan and quickly backed up from the edge. "Don't let too many of them onto the platform, too much weight will cause it to collapse." Both of them nodded in unison as the first row of Grimm jumped up.
Before I could jump into the action I felt the ground below my feet crack and start to give way. I turned to see and Ursa start to stand on its hind legs near the wall of the cliff. With each step it took it caused the ground to feel less and less secure. I turned to tell Pyrrha and Reagan but by the time I opened my mouth the ledge had already crumbled away. I spun in the air and slammed Ember into the cliff face in hope of slowing my decent. I watched as bodies of Beowolves and the Ursa passed by and slammed into the floor of the ravine.
I jumped off the wall and landed in a roll next to all the dead Grimm. I brought my shield up and knocked a Boarbatusk to the side then quickly stabbed its stomach with Ember. Pyrrha landed next to me and let out a sigh. Blood trickled from her forehead and dripped onto the floor. Her bright emerald eyes met mine, now they held a look of determination and pain. "Are you alright?" She nodded slowly and shifted her sword into its rifle form. "What about you?" I shrugged and stood up to see Reagan slice through a beowolf. "I've been better, but he might need some help."
We both rushed off into the mini horde of black coming at us. I ran forward and blocked a strike heading for Reagan's unprotected back. The wolf snout slowly peered over the tip of my shield. It let out a low growl revealing its sharp white teeth. I closed my eyes and activated instinct. When I did I felt something in the back of my mind click like a light. Then it disappeared just as it appeared. I quickly knocked the wolf back then followed up by sliding Ember into its throat. The beasts grumbled then slid off the tip of my blade.
I spun Ember in my hands into a reverse grip and ran through the crowd of Grimm with my shield blocking the uncoordinated attacks. As I sliced through the different Grimm I started to feel a dark presence creep into the back of my mind. At first I thought it was the small voice again but this was different. Then it disappeared again like it was nothing. I let out a groan as one of the beowolves claws cut through my arm. I quickly sliced through the beasts throat and let out a sigh while holding my arm. The entire battle came to a stand still when a huge roar echoed through the ravine.
I turned to see a giant red blur slam into my side sending me flying into the cliff face wall. I slowly slid down to my knees and coughed up blood onto the rocky floor. I blinked my eyes a few times trying to get my bearings. I looked up just in time to see another red blur come flying at me. I rolled to the side as the red appendage crashed into the cliff face sending rock and debris everywhere. Another roar echoed through the ravine as the fox Grimm rose from the shadows it was hiding behind. It looked just as it did in the picture, except now it had at least seven tails.
I looked over and saw Pyrrha and Reagan still fighting off the Grimm. Each chance she got Pyrrha tried to get over to me but was stopped by more Grimm. Each time the Fox took a step it caused the ground to shake, causing small rocks to vibrate next to me. It crouched down onto all fours and growled at me. I slowly pulled my pistol and fired at its face. Most of the bullets missed, except one struck it in the eye causing it to go into a rage. I watched as it held its eyes and slammed into the rock face with its body. It let loose a violent roar then collapsed, sending dust out in every direction.
I took the small break and sprinted towards the other two. By now they had finished off the last of the Grimm and were watching the fox. I slid to a stop next to them and sheathed Ember. "Okay, we got the information we need. I think we should leave." Both nodded, Reagan didn't have the same cocky grin he had earlier. I let out a sigh, thanking what ever god above that he didn't want to fight it.
My eyes went wide as one of the fox's tails rose up and started to come flying towards us. I pushed Pyrrha out of the way and held up my shield while pumping aura into my legs, hoping that I would be able to hold its force. As the tail connected with my shield I felt the ground below my feet crack and splinter. I opened one eye to see the cracks spread out towards and under the fox. It watched with one eye as I tried to push against its much stronger tail. I grit my teeth as I slowly fell to one knee against the pressure.
The floor let out one final crack before crumbling away. As I fell into the dark pit I sensed the feeling in the back of my head again. The farther I fell the more intense it felt until it was like a brick slamming against my skull. I felt one final pulse until my eyes started to slowly close against my will. I couldn't even feel my shied arm anymore, almost as if it went completely numb. The last thing I remember hearing was Pyrrha calling my name. After that, I felt my eyes finally close.
Chapter end
Oh my lord I'm sorry for the long wait. I have been so lazy you have no idea, that and I've been hit by writers block each time I went to write this. I am so incredibly sorry if this chapter felt rushed, I couldn't think of how some things went and it was a struggle just to get some parts to make sense. I apologize for how boring it seemed too, It was like taking a math test on calculus, that is how it felt no lie! XD
But next chapter will definitely not be as boring, plus I think I'm bad at writing people fighting Grimm because there is no special characteristic's, but fighting people is a whole other ball park. Another thing is at the end I finally started to get into the groove of writing again, so the end felt better than the middle. Again, sorry for taking nearly a month to write this, and for how bad it might be. Ugh I am like super stressed about how people will feel about this omg XD
Next chapter hopefully wont take a month to write, plus I actually planned it out so I know how most of it will go and that should make it better... Hopefully. Please leave a review so I can know how it is from a readers perspective, it might cut down my anxiety hopefully.
Yukas, out