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Jaune Arc: Bearer of the Curse
So, that sleeping thing I wanted to try out? Yeah that didn't happen. Our teams were literally across the hall from each other, and just when I got settled down, we heard a knock at our door.
Yang, being the outgoing bombshell she seemed to be, opened the door with a sing-songy 'Hello~!' and in came the banes of my sleep, Team PRWN.
Now I'd already been getting questioning looks from them, Yang, and Blake. Luckily Ren was less obvious in outwardly acknowledging about how strange I was. However, he was the first to ask a question.
"You feeling ok, partner?", that made me relax, "Dead tired, but really happy we made it.", I said with a tired yawn. I looked at the girls who looked anxious, and slightly tired, "So fire away with your questions, and I'll answer them as best I can." , I smiled.
Yang's first question came as a surprise, "So why was Blakey picked as our leader, you said you knew? Not that I'm complaining, I would have turned traitor with you leading us, jerk!".
I chuckled at that, and looked at her, "That's why right there. You let your emotions rule your action.", I stated calmly as her irises went crimson and she glared flaming daggers at me, but I continued, "As for Ren, during the beginning if initiation during a highly stressful situation and nearly snapped. Myself, I knew what to tell you to do, not HOW to tell you. Blake was chosen, because she remained calm for all of, if not all of the initiation.", I finished, earning a few looks of intrigue, I'm guessing they didn't expect this level of insight, oh well. Blake got my attention with a slight wave of her hand.
Blake decided to question my grimm intel, "Where did you learn about the Devourer?".
I pointed to my head, "Memories.". "That's not cle-",Blake said before I interrupted, "It's part of my Semblance, I think.", I said tired but focused.
"What kind of Semblance do you have, Jaune?", Pyrrha was the next to ask.
I thought about how to answer it, when the an image of a burning circle appeared in my mind. Standing up, I had looked at Pyrrha with more dead looking eyes than I had a few seconds prior. Taking off my thin white shirt, Weiss started to protest, before I showed my back, eliciting gasps from the group. "Darksign, is what my semblance is called.", my voice became the same as when I fought Grimm . Still my voice but, colder, almost emotionless.
Ren was looking at his mark intently. He cleared his throat catching everyone's attention. "Jaune, could that have been a result of what happened when we met?", he asked hesitantly.
I nodded, "Those born with the Darksign only find out upon death.", I looked coldly at team PRWN, Yang, and Blake before continuing, "The rest of my Semblance can only be discussed, with my partner, since he unlocked my Aura.".
Ruby was wide eyed, "You only just got your Aura!?", she along with the others other than Ren were shocked. "How did you survive all this time!?", they all leaned in to hear the answer.
"Yes, and the same way humans did before Aura.", I shrugged, "I fought harder than the Grimm. No sweat.". I looked up remembering when my old man saw me off in the woods dear old dad, such a sweet guy.
The elder Arc stood there crossing his arms crossed. "Boy, you ever need to come back home to'static'and we'll welcome you home, your mother and'static'sisters will miss you.", he grinned happily at me, and we hugged as I set off to Beacon. 'I sure am gonna miss this old place', I clenched my fist determined and ran off to Vale.
Weiss brought me out of my memories with her surprised question, "You've died!?".
I looked at her, then to Ren, and he nodded, "Yeah, but I got better.", this elicited a chuckle from my team and Nora, and groans from PRW.
Nora hopped in place with my flask, "Ohhh ohh what's this thingy?", I promptly grabbed it from her.
"My Estus flask, it has three uses to heal me, before I need to find a flame to refill it.", I answered my mood improved, but I yawned loudly.
Blake took charge, "Alright ladies, that's enough questions, let us get some res-", she was interrupted by a loud thud, from me slamming on to my bed. "Well, that settles that.", she smirked.
Saying their goodnights they left to get some sleep for the next day.
I woke up confused, then looked around and saw Yang in her sleep wear, sprawled on her bed, snoring loudly. Blake was curled up, almost like a cat. Then I looked to Ren, who was not in his bed. I looked down and saw what had woken me up. Ren came to the wrong bed, I slowly stroked his hair, which seemed to relax him even more….if that were even physically possible.
'Well this is nice, but, is it right? I need to see how he feels about, guys before.' , mid thought I passed out.
I looked around, for a second in my black dreamscape. Sighing I sat down to wait it out.
"Have fun out there Jaune?", Ren asked coyly.
I was shocked, I looked to Ren. "But, you are….how?", I was so confused.
Ren chuckled, "Oh Jaune…" he, smiled as he caressed my cheek.
He was, so…so. The world around us was surrounded by fire. This Ren, he was on fire! Burning, like any body would, it made me gag. Yet I couldn't move. That's when I awoke with a start.
Panting and sweating bullets, I looked to Team BJYR and sighed in relief. 'Safe, sound, and separate.', I counted my blessings that that was all a dream. Getting up I noticed the time, five, then looked at Yang and Blake….. 'Shit!', rushing I grabbed my shower materials, and got my school uniform ready and rushed to get to the shower first. 'I dodged a train derailment this morning', I turned on the shower, and didn't notice it was the cold setting and just began washing up.
When I stepped out in a pair of boxers and t shirt, I was met by an angry crimson and amber glare by my two female teammates, and simply stated , "Growing up with-", shaking my head, 'How many?', I decided it was not important, "sisters, taught me to be the first in there by waking up really early.".
Yang seemed shocked to hear I had sisters, as she calmed down, she nodded. "Well Blakey, you heard him, I'm going first!", she said much too chipper in the morning. Then she went in the bathroom.
Blake shrugged, I walked over and got dressed quickly, noticing Ren there and dressed. Quirking my eyebrow, I asked, "Not going to take a shower?".
Ren shook his head, "No took one last night.", he looked distracted. 'I could be your dis-' , I audibly and quickly punched my own gut, 'Owwww! But, no bad thoughts Jaune, that's not why you became a hunter!'. Nodding, I looked to him, "Breakfast?", he nodded and we started to leave before Blake stopped us.
"And where do you think you two are going?", her eyes were gleaming and glaring through us.
"Breakfast, sorry but I'm not having us stick around while girls bathe and change, I'm above having myself castrated for something trivial.", I said, which surprised her to no end, and we walked by, closing the door behind.
Ren checked his scroll and sighed, " We will have to remind them when class starts.", it was already 7. We enjoyed breakfast, and messaged a reminder to them on their scrolls and off to class we went.
Peter Port, was many things. Large? Yes. Old? Definitely. Experienced? Beyond anyone in this school save the Headmaster. Interesting?HELL NO! I sat in his class, wishing that the Devourer had done it's namesake and devoured me. At least it sounded like he was wrapping up, then he asked who among us think we have the qualities of true huntsman, when this big dude behind me, kicked the back of my head, I reached my hand up to rub my head which sealed my fate and…. "Jolly good Mr. Arc, I thought you were bored, but you just wanted to get the old heart pumping! Grab your gear and get down here lad!", he commanded sounding quite pleased.
When I got pack it was in my acid dissolved hoody, jeans, and mostly gone shoes. The armor was fine though so a plus, the class however, erupted in raucous laughter. Professor Port was about to say something, but I got his attention. "It's fine sir, I have to shop in Vale this weekend for new clothes. Devourer acid, ya know?", I said with my normal happy tone, feeling good, I drew Crocea Mors and my shield.
Port smiled, "Very well young man.", he hefted his Blunderbuss….IS THAT THING AN AXE? Seriously? Why does everything have to be a gun!? He slammed the axe and shattered releasing the door of the cage and out came a Boarbatusk, rolling out at me.
My eye twtched, "Really?", I asked aloud, as I rolled to the right causing it to miss as it came to a halt, it turned to me, and was me with the 'Alpha Beowolf Special', I bashed it's face with my shield, breaking off one of its tusks, and delivered a swift kick to its side, over turning the pig like grimm easily, before plunging my blade through the underside of its head ending its life.
Port and the rest of the students, minus the meathead who got me into this mess, cheered. "Bravo! Bravo! We are indeed in the presence of a true Hunter-in-training!", the bell rang, "That'll be all today class, remember. Stay Vigilant!".
After checking my schedule, I shrugged. 'Lunch, then combat class seems legit.', changed back into my uniform. When I closed my locker, I was greeted to the sight of Ren, he walked with me to the lunch room.
Sitting down with our friends was pretty uneventful, Nora told us about a dream, where her an Weiss were grimm taxidermists, it was entertaining, until we all heard a girl say, "That hurts!". We turned to witness Team CRDL, bullying a poor faunus girl. My friend each had something to say ranging from, "Disgusting", "Atrocious", and the like. I looked to my leader, with a look to receive approval for action. Blake didn't seem to expect that and hesitated, but grew a stern face and nodded. I nodded back.
When I got up, it surprised the others, except my leader and partner. When I began my approach I heard them trying to dissuade me. Cardin was still pulling on the girl's bunny ears before I grabbed his wrist, hard…and hot? Apparently I must have lightly seared his skin, he backed off holding his wrist. "What the hell Jauney-boy, you an animal lover?", he said with a confidrnt smirk, the burn must have subsided.
I moved the girl behind me, before my expression became serious. "Winchester, it's very rude to put your hands on a lady. What would your mother say? Oh, she'd probably support your actions, I'm sorry you were raised so poorly.", I shook my head in condolence. This was met by a giant fist to my face, which made a loud crack, as my skull caved slightly, but I stood my ground.
"MR. WINCHESTER, WHAT ON REMNANT ARE YOU DOING!?", Professor Goodwitch came in furious splitting the two up. I drank the last of my Estus quickly, fixing my face. Miss Goodwitch looked me over, " What happened here Mr. Arc?", she demanded.
I sighed, the pain fully subsided, "Just palling around with Cardin mam, I didn't foresee it going this far.", I finished spitting out a tooth which was broken and replaced by the the Estus. This shocked her, my friends, and the faunus girl.
"I see. Well….", she looked between us both. "When you get to combat class, you'll both do well to be in gear. You will be our first bout.", she stated, "Am I clear?".
Cardin huffed and nodded. I smiled with something that must have been akin to a sadist, because it made CRDL flinch, "Crystal professor. We'll settle our differences there, right pal?". Cardin grinned smugly back, "You have NO idea, Jauney-boy."
With that, Miss Goodwitch left at the bell. Velvet, I learned her name, thanked me, but I could only nod as I went to retrieve my gear. My face had went from smiling, to serious.
In the ring, I stood in my tattered gear, sword and shield out. Cardin stood across one handing his mace. The area was dark to me, I could only see Cardin, and Goodwitch. Then she commenced the match. Now all I saw was a dead man.
Rushing forward he swung his mace with surprising speed and strength, my shield took the brunt of the force, and I spun landing a glance on his uncovered waist, but I did not expect his free hand punch to my gut, followed up by a combo cross smash, on my face with the mace. Which hit pretty hard, and sent me flying back with a sickening crack.
My body fell limp. They were about to call the match, but I rose to my feet. Cardin was mortified, Goodwitch was as well, and everyone else was feeling sick if their faces were anything to go by. "Always come back stronger, never to fall, never to waver.", I whispered to him cryptically before I ran and kicked Cardin's chest, knocking him on his ass, and shield bashed his face. This knocked him out cold. I turned returning my shield to sheathe form putting Crocea Mors on my hip. "May I be excused, Miss Goodwitch?", she blankly nodded and I began to walk out.
"Winner…. Jaune Arc…someone bring Mr. Winchester to the infirmary, Mr. lie, please check on your partner.", Glynd ordered. Ren got up immediately to run after me.
I sat at the edge of the school once more. Students confused by my ragged appearance. Then came Ren, he sat right next to me.
"You worried a lot of us in there Jaune.", Ren stated, his hand on my shoulder.
"I know.", was all I could say. Remembering what I said to Ren last night. "Ren, are you willing to help me with my Semblance?", I inquired, worried he may say no.
Ren turned me to face him, "Of course, partner.". I turned my back to him, removing my armor and lifting my hoody. "Then please, place your hand on my Darksign, and let your aura flow.". He did so, hesitantly, but I felt it. My vision became dark, my Darksign became alight with flame, but Ren did not falter. I felt the power of my collected souls, and focused the power into my Strength and my ability to take damage. I felt my souls spent and awoke, feeling amazing!
I turned and hugged Ren with my new found strength, "Thank you so much Ren.".
Ren surprised at first, eased into the hug acceptingly, "No problem Jaune.".
I hopped up and offered him my hand, "Lets go back, I'm sure that I have some splainin to do.". I chuckled heartily, as Ren took my hand and we head on our way. 'Soon, I'll be the hero! I just know it! Then my family will be…my…family?'. I tried to recall them, did I have one? Of course I did! R-right? I'll ask Ren later.
Deep in the Grimm infested wastelands of Remnant.
A dark armored figure rises, broken and battered he lets out guttural growls, then that witch's voice crawls into his mind once more,"Arise, Abysswalker. A new Dark soul is born. Bring him to salvation, my knight.", with an accepting growl. The broken knight, begins a long trek, to find this new dark soul his greatsword in hand ready to save him or her.
Ozpin stares in the distance out of his office window. 'So you've placed your knight on the board.', he turns to the video of Jaune and Ren, 'I hope you are prepared Jaune Arc. This hand fate dealt to you, is not an easy win.'. He sighed and sipped his coffee, going over reports of grimm in the area. 'I can at least, do this much.'. He grinned, and began to contact some old friend.
Omake: Bullshit Messages
It was late in day and Jaune had discovered a new part of his semblance. Messages would appear with advice from time to time in his scroll. Fortunately, only he could read it. Because of the BULLSHIT it read. Like when was talking with Yang, it vibrated and read 'Amazing Chest Ahead'. Or when he was looking over the edge. 'Try jumping'. His brain nearly fried when he was helping Ren stretch and it read, 'Try backstabs, then combustion'. "GAHHHH WHO IS SENDING THESE!", he yelled, causing the others to look at him questioningly.
Meanwhile, in Beacon tower, the Triumvirate of Dicks, or TOD as we prefer, were passing around my personal scroll, just fuckin with Jaune. It was Skullman's turn, he saw Glynda approach Jaune and sent his message, 'Try no armor and thrust'. We wete snickering like idiots at his blushing yet angry face. Ozpin looked up, "Nexus why do we torment Mr. Arc so?".
I gained my serious face..."It's all part of the plan, all part of the plan". Skully chimed in, "Its really just because its fucking fun and you know it.".
I looked at him still serious, "Quite".
A/N: Annnnd that's a wrap. No real summary here, just gonna put up the stat list from what he was to what he became.
Sl:1= 15
Str:7= 18
Aur:25= 25
Vit:6= 6
Vig:12= 16
Aut:1= 1
Int:6= 6
Fth:6= 6
Dex:10= 10
Adp:9= 9
Needed Souls: 500= 1000
Souls: 10000 = 0
Essentially every ten levels the soul cost will double. Aura replaces endurance, and while he can alter his strength and speed with it, his aura no longer shields him, it can only bring him back from the dead. Annnd that last bit will make a Dark Soul 1 player giddy…I know it did for me.
-Nexus out till next time