Hey everyone! Here's part 2 of Loser's Bet. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: RWBY is owned by RoosterTeeth.
Remnant's Greatest Loser
Chapter 3:Loser's Bet Part 2
2 days after the heated discussion concerning Jaune's future, his parents acted like they usually did, the picture perfect family charade. This suited Jaune and Saphron just fine, the latter already writing her parents off, deciding to work harder to establish herself in school so she can leave their stifling town. The former worked to come up with ideas on what type of weapon he'd want when he became a huntsman.
Which is how the idea of a weapon with multiple forms came to mind, and Saphron's assurances that she believed in him no matter how outlandish his brainchild seemed, someone had to if their parents couldn't, so it would be up to her. Which gave her an idea. "I actually know someone in Atlas who's training to be a Huntress right now. She got her aura unlocked in her combat school recently in fact." Jaune's eyes lit up in wonder and excitement. "Really Big Sis?" Her heart soared seeing him smile after the last few days. "Of course! Her name's Terra Cotta, she's my best friend and the reason I want to move to Atlas after I graduate! I'll ask her for information on Hunter stuff, aura unlocking, all that jazz!"
"Awesome!" Jaune cheered, hugging his dear sister tight. "Your the bestest Big Sis ever!"
"I'm your only Big Sis ever, but I'll still take it Jaybird," she smirked, hugging him back, then pulling back to kiss him on the forehead. "You promise to work hard? Be diligent, all that stuff you said to... them," she almost growled out the last part, still angry that they called her brother those horrible things just to 'scare him straight' or whatever.
She thought back to 2 days before after Jaune's dream was crushed and he closed his door. She stood by him, saying she'd believe in him even if they didn't.
"You think I enjoyed saying those things to him?!" Tamara sobbed, letting herself go after her son was out of earshot. " You saw how determined he was, he got that fire from me! This was the only way I could smother that flame before it burned out of control!"
"Nothing less would have sunk in sweetheart."
Sad blue eyes from Johan looked at his daughter, hoping she could see reason. "You both got your diligence from me, and I know he would probably destroy himself to see that dream come true. Believing in his dream would only ruin him if he's allowed to pursue it."
Not convinced, Saphron asked the burning question on her mind. "And if he grows up to resent you? Hate you? What then?"
Both parents wore grief stricken faces, but held firm once again. " If it keeps him alive and safe, then so be it. We believe he'll understand when he gets older."
Shaking her head in disgust, she looked down on her beloved brother. (I know he won't destroy himself, he'll find a way to work smarter, not harder. All he needs is someone to believe in him and show him the right way to achieve his dream. I know he won't die a pointless death.) Despite being almost 12, she wasn't naive to the dark side of being a Hunter. She knew a bit about how bad things could get, stemming from the stories of her parents and what Terra told her.
Still, she believed Jaune deserved the right to at least try before letting his dream die. And she'd give him that chance, no matter what!
Six years passed from this point, Jaune was now 12, and Saphron was 17, both had come far in their respective studies. Saphron had already gone to a medical college in Atlas, skipping one grade ahead due to her studious nature and drive to succeed. Jaune was very proud of her, and emulated her example, already one grade ahead in middle school as well, excelling in mathematics and languages the most. Their parents were exceedingly proud of their children of course, thinking the whole incident 6 years ago was water under the bridge at this point. Of course, the siblings forgave, but never forgot.
They both understood their reasons behind what they said, but still harbored a little resentment for how it went. Except, in Jaune's case, he used a little of what they said in a very different way than intended. He embraced the 'loser' moniker his father gave him, and used it as motivation to study as a Huntsman in secret. He knew his parents would never let him go to a combat school so he didn't bother asking. Instead, he spent the last 6 years living a double life of sorts.
By day, he was the studious overachiever, big brain on campus so to speak, but kept a low profile, not wanting to draw too much attention to himself. So he implored his teaches to take his assignments without showing too much outward participation in front of the other students beyond what was required. He never cared for recognition from his peers. The teachers found this... unorthodox, but acquiesced to his request, thinking he was an extreme introvert, maybe some kind of overzealous humility?
By night, He studied under Terra, who'd become something of an older sister/mentor when it came to all things Hunter related, especially since she and Saphron started dating! Another family member believing in him more than made up for his parent's lack of faith. Jaune would go to a little cottage Saphron and Terra used when they came to visit close to the outskirts of town.
He was able to buy a scroll he saved up for from his allowances to communicate with them and study. He quickly learned as much as he could, about different Grimm types, weaknesses, dust, history, unarmed combat and the basics of different weapon types.
Now that he had the basics down well enough, Terra felt he was ready to get his aura unlocked. The only reasons they waited so long were twofold: 1, his parents were retired Hunters and would immediately suspect if Jaune came back with unlocked aura without properly concealing it, and even that would be risky. 2, Jaune's physical body still lacked in strength and stamina. While he no longer needed an inhaler(not eating dairy helped in that regard for some reason go figure), he was still lacking in physical fitness for children in his age group.
Not for lack of trying mind you, it just seemed his body wasn't great at breaking down nutrients to properly build his muscles. Despite this setback, Jaune refused to give up. To him, being a loser meant he could learn from every loss. And be a bit better each time. So he took it in stride, and asked Terra a question one night. "What if I unlocked my own aura?" Terra raised a skeptical eyebrow at his question. "You serious Jaune? Was that really a serious question?"
Jaune nodded. "It can be done right? I've seen examples of people doing it and-" "And it has a 65% success rate of fully unlocking, 50% of it only partially unlocking, and any lower leads to coma or death."
Jaune knew this of course, but it still hurt a little knowing that despite his efforts so far, he still wasn't anywhere near where he needed to be. Terra saw it on his face, and her stern gaze softened. "Look, I get it alright? You've been working hard these past 6 years, hell, if you were physically capable, you'd definitely be good for one of those huntsmen apprenticeships in a few years if Beacon doesn't work out!"
"I know, and if that doesn't work then-"
"Then you'll come live with us and go to Alsius Academy here in Atlas riiiiiiight?"
Saphron's face suddenly took up part of the screen next to Terra, a big teasing grin shining through. Terra spluttered next to her in surprise as Saphron was only wrapped in a towel, and Jaune rolled his eyes in response, used to this routine by now. "Only as a last resort Big Sis, it's too cold up there! Uh, no offense Terra." Terra shrugged in agreement. "No you're right, I don't blame ya. But hey, I wouldn't mind havin ya live here either! You'd be a great buffer between me and ur sister when she gets too clingy, know what I mean?"
"Hey, you take that back, I am NOT clingy!"
"You're literally rubbing your cheek on my shoulder right now."
"Shaddap!"
Jaune laughed at the display, glad to see they were so comfortable in their relationship.
"Don't worry Terra, I won't try to do it on my own, I know better than to take a risk for no reason." Jaune really wanted to try, but he didn't wanna push his already precarious situation off the deep end and throw away all their efforts. Then, he'd just prove his parents right in the worst way.
"Good, that means I taught you right kid." Terra gave him a small smile, while Saphron blew him a kiss. "We haven't let you down yet have we my little Jaybird? I know it's been hard on you, but just hold on a little longer ok? We'll get this whole aura thing sorted out soon and you'll be free to be the best Huntsman evvvvvaaaarrrrr!"
"Ok babe I think you had a little too much to drink, we gotta go Jaune, call us if you need anything ok?"
"Alright Terra, thank you, and good night Saph, love you both!"
"Love you more little Jaybird! You should just come up here already so Big Sis can take care of y-" "Babe THE TOWEL!" And the call ended there.
Jaune chuckled while shaking his head, tossed the scroll on the table in the living room, and closed his eyes, choosing to meditate for a few hours, preparing himself as much as possible. His parents were both on vacation in Vacuo for the summer, so he didn't need to worry about being bothered by either of them. Considering how well he took care of school and chores around the house, they went with a hands off approach with raising him after Saphron left the nest. As long as he wasn't doing 'Huntsman nonsense' they let him do as he pleased.
(Retiring in your 40's after investing in the SDC stocks before the company went big has its benefits I guess.)
He could do a few more years of this, he didn't have to rush. Not like anything big was going on-
And that's the moment when the screaming started.
guess this'll be a three parter after all, man I didn't realize how much ground I would need to cover for world building till now. Next chapter will be my first fight scene! Can't wait to see how it flows! R ! Peace!