What's up everyone! I've only had this story out for a couple of days, but not only do I have over 10 favs and follows, but an actual reviewer! Thank you Essiter1987 for being the first reviewer to my first story! Your name will go down in history for this, mark my words! Anyway, a response to your reviews!
Chapter 1: Yeah, I figured I'd try my hand at a nice little sneak into what's coming for our Huntsman hopeful. I actually got the idea from listening to the song 'The Electro Suite' from TAS2 soundtrack! I imagined the situation and ensuing fight as Jaune comes into his own in a crucial moment!
Chapter 2: Yeah, comes with the territory of an audience stand-in character I guess? But hey, hindsight is 20-20 right? And that's why people like us exist, to try our hand at it with what we know now.
Ok, without further ado, onto chapter 4!
Disclaimer: RWBY is owned by RoosterTeeth
Remnant's Greatest Loser
Chapter 4
Loser's Bet Part Three
Jaune's POV
As soon as I heard screams I jumped out of my meditation and onto my feet. My first thought was to immediately take the steel short sword hanging on the wall and dash out towards the scream, but I held myself back. Instead, I reached for my scroll and swiped till I saw the Emergency Huntsman Hotline, noticing it was around midnight. I grabbed the sword just in case and went outside to the front porch, scanning the tree line, straining my ears to hear another noise, in case it was a false alarm.
Another shriek rang out, this time accompanied by a couple other voices and an almost unearthly sounding growl. (Yep, calling now.) I tapped the contact and put the phone on speaker. I focused on my breathing to calm myself as the dial tone rang once, twice, then...
A groggy male voice picked up on the other end.
"Hello? This better not be you damn brats again."
Of course some stupid kids would pull the 'cry wolf' routine! Thinking quickly, I did my best impression of a combination of my mother's and sister's voices, guess it's a good thing mine's about the same pitch as theirs. Playing up the situation a bit, I sounded a bit frantic and hysterical. "W-what? No sir please, my babies, the screams woke me up, they got out into the forest and OHMYGODIHEARGROWLSPLEASEHELP-"
"Miss, please calm down, it's gonna be alright, just breathe a moment, deep breaths... good. Now tell me, where are you located?
I sniffled a bit to further sell the act as my breathing slowed. I shakily gave him the coordinates to the cabin I was staying at, and where the tree line to the forest was from there. He said he'd be on his way soon, but 10 minutes was far too long for just one person to be saved, let alone more. I quickly hung up when the huntsman tried to make a video call to 'Keep me calm and stay on the line till he got there.'
Even though I had no aura, and minimal practical experience with combat, it was better than nothing as I sprinted towards the tree line, seeing figures running into the clearing. Three kids came sprawling into view, looking to be about my age. Two girls and one boy by the looks of it. The boy was a Faunus, having a pair of black dog ears on his head, with black spiky hair and green eyes. He was in the middle of the group holding the girls hands before they fell, looking scared out of his mind.
The girl on the right had bright blond hair and brown eyes, looking just as frantic as the boy next to her, immediately crawling backwards as she stopped tumbling from the fall. The girl on the left, who appeared to be the oldest, remained standing as the others fell, having brown hair and blue eyes, said eyes fixed on what was still hidden in the forest, save for two glowing red eyes.
Growling menacingly, the creature came into view, stalking forward on all fours, fur as black as pitch, sharp clawed feet pawing at the ground, hackles raised as drool dripped out of its fanged mouth.
A Beowulf. A wolf type Grimm that was quick on its feet and the most common to encounter in towns like ours, though we don't usually get Grimm very often, which means that it's here attracted by a powerful aura, negative emotions, or it's simply a scout. The first not as likely, but the other two...
Shaking my head slightly, I dash the rest of the way to the 3 kids , keeping my eye on the Grimm as it turned to regard me and more specifically, my weapon. "Are you three hurt? "
Snapping out of the creature's gaze, the brown haired girl turned her head slightly to regard me. " I'm fine, and so is Noel, but Jimmy is..."
I spared a quick glance at the boy, noticing that he was slightly sweating and there was a small cut in his shirt on the left side, near his rib cage. There was a little blood around the area, but not enough to suggest it was deep, for now at least.
"Okay, what's your name?"
"Jaime."
"Alright Jaime, I need you to take Noel and Jimmy to the cabin just up the road from here, the door is unlocked and there should be a first aid kit on the wall to your immediate right. Do you know how to apply first aid?" It was something that was taught to kids around our age, in case emergencies like this happen.
"I-I'm not very good at it, but Noel is."
The Beowulf started coming closer, hoping to catch us off guard while we talked, but i immediately brandished my sword at it, letting it know I was still alert. It paused for a moment, seeming unsure of my threat level as it eyed me and my weapon wearily. I know it wouldn't last for long though, so I spoke to the girl beside me with a bit more urgency.
" That works. Ok, you and Noel and Jimmy make a run for the cabin, one of you can call the Emergency Huntsman Hotline and-"
"They w-wouldn't believe us," Jimmy cried, getting to his feet and pulling Noel with him with a slight wince.
"We prank called them a few times and-"
"Jimmy shut up!" Jaime hissed at him to be quiet, but the damage was done.
Anger flared up inside me for a brief moment, which the Beowulf picked up on, seeming to make up its mind to start its attack on me first. It's what I wanted anyway, so I guess it was a good thing.
It lunged forward, claw swiping at a speed that was almost too fast to see, but thankfully I was able to hold it back with my blade, though my arms shook with the effort.
"Doesn't matter, I already called them anyway, should be here soon," I grunted, struggling to keep my stance.
"I'll hold it here till help comes, now hurry, get outta here!"
"But-"
"RUN! NOW!"
Getting the hint, the 3 kids ran off to the cabin at last. Seeing the movement, the Grimm turned in their direction, preparing to springboard off me to go after them, specifically the injured boy in the middle I was guessing. I wouldn't allow that.
I jumped back from it, strafing around till my back was to the forest, letting my fury resurface at those damn brats for making those prank calls in the first place. The negativity coming from me was enough to get the creature to face me once again, it's fury seeming to match my own at me distracting it for a third time. I back pedaled as best as I could, making sure to keep my eyes on the Beowulf as my back hit a tree trunk behind me.
( Good, I have a little cover if I need it. As long as it's just this one, maybe I can pull this off.)
The beast growled at my silent challenge, and bounded forward, this time lunging with its jaws wide, hoping to end me in one swift chomp. I remembered some of Terra's video lessons she made when it came to dealing with agile opponents. Time seemed to slow as I tensed my muscles in my legs and back.
" Once an earthbound opponent commits to an action, especially when their body leaves the ground, they're usually unable to change their direction once momentum begins. A Beowulf is one such opponent. If you manage to dodge at just the right moment, you can counter them mid-action when they're at their most vulnerable."
As the Beowulf got closer mid lunge, I had already lowered my body to avoid the hit, while bring the tip of my blade upwards, cutting into the Grimm's soft underbelly. It crashed into the tree head first as I rolled to the side. I immediately got back into my stance, knees bent, sword pointed diagonally across my chest, center of gravity low. I did my best to control my breathing, my chest feeling tight and my body already starting to ache from the exertion.
The creature yelped from the surprise pain in its head and stomach, rolling back on the ground, shaking its head to clear it, blood dripping underneath its haunches.
Any excitement I felt from my first encounter with a Grimm going so well was ruthlessly crushed when I reminded myself I was fighting with no aura. One hit and I was done for, I needed to keep a level head.
I noticed the skull like mask on its head was cracked from running into the tree, a weakness I could exploit to take it down. It was more cautious of me now, crawling lower to the ground to protect its stomach from further injury. ( I guess hoping it would bleed out or just run away would be wishful thinking wouldn't it?) I shook my head ruefully, thinking on how to proceed. Keeping low, it starting lashing out at me with its front legs, testing my defenses.
I continued to only deflect or block just before the claws hit, keeping excess energy from leaking out of my already sore body. Even so, it was only a matter of time before I slowed down just enough to leave an opening, and it would all be over. We circled each other slowly, continuing our little exchange, hoping for just one slip up, one mistake to end our stalemate.
That's when it hit me. This would be the perfect time to try unlocking my aura! I briefly remembered the requirements for it, coming from a desire fueled by necessity, and no better situation was there than a life or death struggle. I focused on my intent. To protect the kids behind ahead of me. I focused on the necessity, stopping this monster from ending my life, keeping me from my intent. And as I continued to search for the opening I desperately needed, I remembered the aria to invoke the change, and began to mentally say the words.
(For it is in wisdom that I achieve ascension)
A claw swipes at my face that I dodge by a hairs breadth, leaving the Grimm to slightly overextend its reach. Sensing my moment, I surge forward.
(Through this I become a beacon of hope & inspiration to shelter all in thine arms)
Sword at the ready, right arm swinging in a wide arc for its eyes, slicing through both in one slash, blood and and bone fragments flying in all directions-
(Infinite in scale & unbound by time & space)
a stray claw digs into my left side as I pass the creature mid action, wincing but holding strong, crouching to finish my momentum forward.
(I release mine soul & by thine heart, empower thus.)
I finish the aria and the attack nearly at once as the Beowulf fell to the ground, blinded and dying in tandem. I walked slowly back to its writhing form, an almost pitiful whine escaping its throat as I saw the telltale signs of its body crumbling to dust.
I almost felt bad for the thing, only doing what it was created to do, no more, no less. It lets out one last baleful howl as I raise my blade, piercing its throat, silencing it forevermore.
Now that the threat was gone, I focused on what came after, the aria, and my wound.
(It does hurt a little, bleeding too, but it shouldn't be a problem if my aura's unlocked now right? Wonder what it feels like when it activates? Is it like a tingling or a-ow, it hurts to move already, guess I'll be feeling more than my side in the morning. I'll head back to the cabin now, check on the kids. Maybe the Huntsmen came and-)
The only warning I got was a rustle of leaves and a slight gust of wind. On instinct, I brought up my sword to parry, which probably saved my life. A black and white blur clipped my left side in a glancing blow, causing me to spin once in the air before hitting the ground on my stomach, almost losing my sword in the process. Adrenaline still pumping, I almost immediately got back up, only to get clipped on the right side this time, spinning me in the opposite direction. My sword did go flying out of my grip on the second hit, landing a few feet above me and to my right. I got back up again, a bit more gingerly this time, eyes wide looking for the source, when what I saw made my blood run cold.
Three more Beowulves were in front of me. One on my right and left side each, roughly the same size as the one I killed, but the middle one had my full attention. It was easily twice the size of the others, probably 7 feet tall if it stood upright, bones protruding from its back like an exoskeleton, it's claws the size of daggers, it's fangs almost the length of my short sword.
I realized that the howl the dying Grimm wasn't to lament its death, but to call the pack to its location!
( I should have killed it immediately! That was so stupid! )
As if sensing my mounting fear, the two smaller monsters circled me on both sides, just outside my peripheral but close enough to know they were still on either side of me, discouraging any thought of escape.
The bigger one's mouth widened, showing even more teeth than I thought possible, almost like it was grinning at me. Getting a twisted pleasure from my predicament, savoring the moment it would avenge its packmate.
(Is this one an ... Alpha? Oh god, I'm in way over my head here, I need to get outta here, but how do I-)
As if sensing my fear, my body immediately tensed up, pain pulsing through it like a heart pumping too much blood for the veins to handle.
( What... what's happening to me? Why is my body... no, the rebound from the aria? My... aura never-)
My center of gravity immediately shifted as my legs were swept under me, the Alpha's tail being the culprit. It lazily walked up to me, forearms landing on each side of the space between my chest and arms. It leered down at me, seeming to know I couldn't defend myself, even if I wanted to, drool from its open maw dripping on my horrified face.
(Maybe the rebound happened because... I was afraid? Because I had given up on fighting, lost my nerve against a true test of my will to protect ... no, no! I can't give up yet, I can't die here! Not like this!)
I found I could move my arms again, even if weakly, and tried to push back the Beowulf, hoping to get some kind of boost in this moment of crisis, but none came. The monster simply batted my hands aside, holding them down with its forearms, claws digging into my palms.
I screamed, louder than I ever have in my life, more from desperation than from the pain, thrashing my broken body as much as I could, knowing the futility of it, but what else could I do? The situation was hopeless, no one was coming to save me, the foolish boy who thought it was a good idea to play hero for a cause he didn't truly understand, and now it was time to pay for such foolishness.
Time began to slow as the Alpha's claws dug deeper, piercing skin as blood began to flow, It's mouth beginning to open wider, ready to claim its prize at last.
I knew then, that I was going to die.
I stopped struggling, screaming, moving altogether. I felt hot wet tears streaming down my face. I was scared, I didn't know what death meant, and finding out against my will added to that fear. But what scared me even more, was leaving those I cared for behind, without being able to apologize, to tell them how I loved them, appreciated them for all they did for me.
Images and sounds began to flash in front of me as I thought this, memories of my entire life up to now.
(So this is a near-death experience? It really is your life's greatest hits on a film reel. Huh, imagine that.)
One moment, I saw my mother's face for the first time, tired and sweating, but with pure joy on her face. Next I saw my father, arms outstretched to catch me as I tried walking to him, nearly falling over before he scooped me up in his arms.
(Mom, Dad... is this... my punishment for not listening to you? When you warned me this could happen?)
Next I saw Big Sis Saphron, arms around me protectively when we were outside on the playground, bullies picking on me because I was scrawny and breathed funny.
(Big Sis, you were always looking out for me, even back then, weren't you? I'm ... such a failure as a little brother...)
Another moment flashed , and I saw Terra's face, glasses similar to mine, we met in person for the first time, Big Sis Saphron introducing us. I was so shy, and she was so pretty, I blushed and hid behind my sisters's legs, curiously asking: "Will you really help me become a Hunter like you?" Her eyes widened in surprise for a moment, then softened as a big smile grew across her face. "How can I say no to an earnest face like that?"
(I let you down Terra, I broke my promise about not trying to unlock my aura alone. I just wanted... to be like you, I wanted to help those kids, save them, I just... I guess it doesn't matter anymore does it? My dream of being a Huntsman, going to Beacon, being free to live the way I wanted to, making friends... being happy... well, at least those kids are safe, I'm sure that huntsman will save them, maybe this'll tech then not to prank call the hotline anymore...)
(Maybe my parents were right after all, maybe I would be a loser, a burden... a failure to any team I ended up on... maybe it really was a worthless dream...)
"NO!"
A cacophony of voices suddenly assaulted my senses. Voices I've never heard before, but oddly familiar all the same. Suddenly, a face appeared in front of me, blurred enough to not make out any definite features, but I could tell it was a girl's face. Light skin, with neck length bright red hair.
"Jaune-Jaune... before you and Fearless Leader and ..e..y, I was always alone. No friends, no family, no one wanted me around because I was too much y'know? But now I have new friends, new family that accept me for who I am no matter what. This team is that for me Jaune... so please, don't leave, you can't... I won't let you... I'll, I'll even break your legs to make you stay so please!"
I could just make out tears pouring down her blurry face, but for the life of me I didn't know who she was or why she felt so...
Then her face vanished, and a new one took its place, this one looked vaguely male, with long black hair and a pink striped fringe in the front.
"Jaune... Normally I'm not very good at expressing my emotions, without N...a at my side, I probably would have been a deadpan husk by now. But ever since you and R..y came into our lives... into my life, I've learned what it is to feel like I did since... my parents were still... I see you as a brother Jaune. One I have grown quite fond of, and I want to help, what can I do to help keep you with us? Please, tell me!"
A few tears streamed down this man's unclear face, another face I didn't know but felt, something for. Who were these people, and how did they know me, I'd never seen them before in my life, so them knowing me didn't make sense. Just when I thought things couldn't get any weirder, one more face appeared before me, just as blurred as the others, but with even paler skin, and dark ear length hair with red tips, bangs slightly hanging over one side of her face.
"Jaune? Jaune please... look at me. I... I know you've been going through a lot recently, and it's been hurting you. I can see the pain in your eyes, how you try to hide it behind a big smile... You can't hide it from me cuz... cuz I do it too! You all know why... you and R...n and ..o..a. You encouraged me to open up more, talk to you and confide in you and... And I just can't do that with anyone else right now, not even with Y...g and she's my s...! I'm rambling but my point is... This team, this... family of ours, It's like a well oiled mechashift weapon y'know? It doesn't work right without you in it! I don't work right without you in it.. you're my partner after all. So please... don't give up... don't leave us... don't leave... me.. not like my...
Something was happening, something was pulsing again but this time, it wasn't painful it was... warm, like a heated blanket, or a hug from my sis or ...
Standing with my friends at Beacon...
(Wait wha-)
The warm feeling grew brighter, stronger, more vibrant, and as it did the voices from these people grew stronger, louder, more insistent.
The aria I spoke before came back to me, only this time I spoke it aloud, my eyes regaining focus and clarity, my hands gripping the alpha's forearms more tightly.
"For it is in wisdom I achieve ascension."
"We've got your back Jaune-Jaune!"
A golden glow began to surround my body as I began to push against the Alpha even harder, slightly lifting my arms off the ground. The creature on top of me snapped it's jaws shut in surprise, tilting its head in confusion. The other two, confused but not frightened, ran forward to try and pin me down again for their pack leader. As if on cue, A bright pulse of light burst forth, strong enough to push the two lesser Grimm back a few yards in both directions, as I began to rise off my back. The Alpha, not wanting to lose in a battle of dominance, bushed back against me with equal fervor, not willing to concede in a battle of wills.
"Through this, I become a beacon of hope & inspiration to shelter all in thine arms."
"I will stand with you Jaune, no matter the adversity."
More strength surged in my body as I continued to push back the Beowulf, now pushing up with my legs against the increasingly lighter weight.
Having had enough, the Alpha decided to bring its jaws down to end me then and there, when an even stronger burst of light hit its eyes, temporarily blinding it, roaring in pain and frustration.
"Infinite in scale & unbound by time and space."
"Let's do this together Jaune!"
I was almost there, almost where I needed to be, as the smaller Grimm came back into view, leaping towards me in a desperate attempt to stop what was happening-
I saw the face of my sister, smiling bright as the sun.
"I love you more, little Jaybird."
"I RELEASE THINE SOUL & BY THINE HEART, EMPOWER THUS!"
An explosion of light knocked all 3 Beowolves back with equal force, finally free of their hold on me physically and mentally. I saw them as they were, obstacles to be removed.
(Sword first. Up three feet and to my right.)
My body reacted instantly to my thoughts, almost as if I warped to my sword and it flew to my hand. I Analyzed the situation in front of me with calm, clear focus.
(Alpha is momentarily downed due to my partial awakening, prioritize lesser Grimm in the meantime.)
I immediately go for the Beowulf on my right, which is slightly closer than the one on my left. I'm in front of it almost instantly. It tries to swipe at me, probably expecting me to jump back or block, but I have no time for that. I simply parry its forearm to my left, leaving it open to an aura infused throat slash, decapitating it.
( Second lesser Grimm has changed position. Aura Sense places it above and behind me, leaping for my neck. Avoidance with minimal movement would be optimal.)
I oblige. I slightly lower my head, just enough for the creature to overshoot its trajectory and crash straight into the ground, momentarily stunned by the impact.
(Capitalize on failed attempt.)
I do so, my aura infused blade going straight through the second Beowulf's skull, ending it instantly.
(Next, end final threat before limited aura runs out.)
I look at my short sword, noticing how quickly it degraded.
(Aura Infusion is too intensive on untreated Valean steel. One use left before it crumbles to dust. Make it count.)
I look up to see the Alpha Beowulf had recovered somewhat and is eyeing me warily.
(Capitalize on warranted hesitation.)
I put a bit more aura into my legs to give me a boost of speed to get me behind my target. My eyes narrow at the intended target.
(Now focus aura on strength enhancement and slight mental limiter release, only enough to flip the Grimm on its back.)
I do so, sheathing my sword to the sheath strapped on my belt to lift the tail with just enough leverage to flip the rest of the body, putting the Grimm on its back.
(Rinse and repeat.)
I immediately jump on top of the monster, unsheathe my sword, infuse it, and thrust right under the dazed Alpha's chin, where the protective skull didn't reach.
( All threats neutralized.)
Almost immediately afterwards, my sword broke into useless silver shavings, leaving only the hilt. I also knew that my aura would leave me soon, and with it, my consciousness. So I used the time I had left to sprint towards the cabin, or at the very least, out of the forest, so the Huntsman that was called by the hotline would be able to reach me and possibly get any injuries treated. My partial awakening healed the wounds on my hands and side, but not the muscle strain on my still underdeveloped body. I could feel the pain of that strain beginning to flare up, but I ignored it, reaching safety before I was comatose held precedence.
My body started to give out just as I reached the clearing, and I saw the three kids I saved, along with the assumed Huntsman in tow. As I fell to my knees, the man ran to me with aura enhanced speed, and caught me before I hit the dirt. "Young man, are you alright? Where are the Grimm?" With a shaky arm I pointed at the clearing I came from. "Bodies... fading ."
" You... you stopped them? How?!"
"Partial.. awakening."
The man looked slightly skeptical, but at least seemed receptive to my words, which I was grateful for, since I didn't have much left.
" The kids... are they... safe?"
I strained my heavy neck to look at them, making sure they're alright.
" They are my boy, and with that look in your eyes, you just confirmed what I needed to know. Truly remarkable."
My eyes almost closed, I strained my ears to hear as I asked one last question.
"Who... are you?"
His voice sounded far away as I heard him speak before the darkness took me.
"Gepetto Polendina, at your service."
Phew, that was my longest chapter yet! R , let me know what you think! The final part of Loser's bet will be coming soon! Peace!