AU: Hey guys n' gals, looks like I'm still alive. Finally got the chapter done after schoolwork and everything that's been going on. I'd like to apologize (yet again) for the time it took to get this out. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy the newest chapter.
Also, feel free to drop a review or PM me with anything that concerns/interests you. All is welcome.
Jaune awoke in a haze, everything was fuzzy.
'Where am I? The hotel? How did I get here, I thought…'
He could barely remember what had happened prior to his mysterious location change. Last thing he knew, he was in the middle of town, on his way to scout the town and surrounding forests for roaming Grimm when… He passed out?
"No, that doesn't sound right..." Jaune thought aloud.
Not long after his statement Jaune heard the door to the room open accompanied by a gasp.
"Jaune?! You're awake?" It was Pyrrha. She dropped a tray with what seemed to be food and water on it, running over to him.
Suddenly, Jaune's nightmarish dream started returning to him in the forms of flashbacks. Jaune screamed and shielded his face from Pyrrha, making her pause and switch her expression to one of shock and hurt.
"J-Jaune…? It's just me, you don't have to be scared…" Pyrrha choked out, tears threatening to drop from her eyes as she slowly got closer.
Jaune moved his arms away and looked at Pyrrha, seeing her in the state that she was in broke his heart.
"Pyrrha, I'm sorry. I didn't mean t-" He was cut off by her hugging him. This hug was different than the ones she had given him recently. This one was comforting and strong.
"I was so scared Jaune, you were screaming so much in your sleep. I was afraid that you might not wake up again…" Pyrrha said as she sniffed, finally letting her emotions out on Jaune's shoulder.
"Whatever it is, you can rely on me, just know that I'm always here for you"
"I know Pyrrha, and thank you" Jaune said, returning the hug. It was a beautiful moment, all things considered, until…
"Ah! I see the early nevermore gets the Wurm!" Tanpopo boasted as he entered the room with heavy steps.
Both the teens groaned as they separated, not wanting the warmth and comfort to leave.
"Yeah, seems like it. Wait, early? Did I sleep all night?" Jaune inquired.
"All night, and the next day, and the next…" He continued on.
"You've been out for five days Jaune…" Pyrrha whispered into his ear.
"Five days?! What about the mission?!" Jaune exclaimed, pushing himself out of the bed.
"Everything's fine my boy, your partne-" He was halted by Pyrrha's glare.
"Your team took care of our problem while you were out" Tanpopo adjusted.
Jaune stopped in his tracks.
"A-all of them?" Jaune stuttered out.
"Why yes, was quite the spectacle to see"
"That's uh… That's great…" Jaune said, downtrodden. For he was hoping to grow as a warrior.. As a hunter while they were on this journey. He already screwed up the first mission, and for what? He fell asleep, the fact beat into him harder every second he thought about it. Making him worry more and more for the future of his team.
Tanpopo noticed Jaune's new attitude and thought it was about time to share his news.
"Miss, may I have a word with the lad? Alone" At this, Pyrrha glared at the man with distrust. To which he returned with full gusto, surprising Pyrrha, startling her as to why this jolly man went so serious. She then left the room without another word.
"Now, I can tell that you didn't just come to help us out of the kindness of your heart. Granted, that was mainly the case, but you had personal gain from this excursion didn't you?" The seriousness in his tone catching Jaune off guard.
"Heh, I guess so. I just wanted to be stronger, to be able to protect those dear to me" Jaune stated, looking towards the door that Pyrrha had just exited.
"Don't worry my boy, it's not the muscle of a man that makes him a hero. It's the strength of his heart that matters at the end of the day" Tanpopo said, making a fist and lightly tapping Jaune's chest where his heart lies.
"But…" Jaune stuttered out, taken aback by the wise words of the otherwise laid back man.
"The heart is a strong thing, believe enough and do the right thing. That's what matters at the end of the day" He said with a smug smile on his face.
The moment was interrupted by a muffled scroll ringing.
"Sorry, gotta' get this" Tanpopo said as he answered the scroll, slightly flustered.
"Heya… No, I haven't told him yet.." He started, stealing a glance at Jaune before turning his gaze away right afterwards.
"Well excuuuusseee meee! I was just giving him advice that he obviously needed!" He continued arguing on the scroll for what seemed like a millennia to Jaune, causing him to sigh and sit back down on the bed, contemplating jumping out of the window for escape from this awkward situation.
"Alright, alright. I'm doin' it, calm down Oz" Jaune perked up at that nickname, knowing who Tanpopo was speaking to now.
"You're talking to Ozpin?" Jaune finally inquired.
"More like BOREpin amiright?" He stated with a chuckle, causing Jaune to groan inwardly.
"Anywho, amazing jokes aside, I have something to tell you…" He stated, gaining back his serious expression and tone.
"W-what is it…?" At this point, Jaune was worried about what the man might have planned along with Ozpin.
"Looks like you've got yourself a Semblance now my boy!" Tanpopo exclaimed, patting the boy on his back roughly, laughing haughtily.
Jaune was in disbelief, was it true? Had his Semblance truly been discovered?
"It's something we like to call "The General".
So there it is! Next chapter be ready for explanations and maybe even a fight? Stay tuned. As always, any and all feedback is appreciated immensely so don't be afraid.