Hey everyone! Sorry this chapter took a bit longer this time, was struggling a bit to get it out, hopefully it's a bit better than last chapter was. I think I'll skip the review responses this time, and get straight to it!

Disclaimer: RWBY is owned by RoosterTeeth

Remnant's Greatest Loser

Chapter 15

How a Loser Fights Part Two

I was terrified, but I couldn't show it. I wanted to run away, but I moved forward instead. I was able to do so, thanks to my Semblance. Even though it wasn't fully activated, it was enough to keep those emotions from overtaking me, as the fight with my father began in earnest.

Faint whispers in my mind were all I heard from the usually firm voice in my head, directing my steps.

(...parry...dodge...shift right...deflect...)

It continued like this as I followed the more vague commands, not quite as fluid, but definitely enough to keep my dad from landing more than glancing blows to non-vital areas. It seemed I was starting to commit the simpler motions to muscle memory, which allowed me more freedom of thought as my body continued to flow from one stance to another, managing to catch my dad with a well-timed kick to the stomach, sending him back a few inches.

(I wonder If I could eventually move like this without my Semblance at all someday-)

A swipe from the Greatsword lightly grazed the Aura above my head.

(Thoughts for later, mustn't lose focus.)

I paid more attention to how my dad fought, his stance, his breathing patterns, the flow of his movements. I began to make comparisons between his style and Qrow's, and noticed a few things.

For one, where Qrow's stance was based more offensively, my father's was more defensive, only attacking with reactionary intent.

Secondly, his reaction time wasn't quite as fast as the still active Huntsman. It made sense, dad was retired, it was a time of peace, so he didn't train to keep himself sharp, especially when he had no intention of training the next generation either.

That thought made the fear I was holding back ebb just a bit more into a more... resentful emotion, putting slightly more force into my strikes. Which lead into the third observation.

I noticed he was... wavering in his intent. While he seemed to have a strong desire to stop me when this first started, as the fight dragged on... I could feel that conviction begin to falter. Not enough for any huge difference, but It was enough for me.

"What's wrong Dad?"

The question seemed to catch him off guard a little, giving me an opening in his stance, which I didn't take advantage of. Despite the situation, I wanted to fight honorably.

"What?"

I lowered my weapon, though not dismissing it, just in case.

"Is it just this situation in general... or is it more than that?"

Dad's eyes tightened slightly at the question, which I immediately noticed.

"You wouldn't understand Jaune... not yet. Even if I told you... it wouldn't be...real, unless you experience it yourself. The horrors your mother and I had to endure near the end of our careers... it was too much."

He shook his head slowly, looking up with eyes of sorrow on an almost pleading face.

"Please son... can't we just... stop this here, work on getting you a job till you can get into college? Something less dangerous, more-"

"Normal?"

He nodded at that, seeming to hope that I'd agree with him. I looked at my mother as well, seeing that hope on her face as well, unshed tears in her eyes.

"Y-you obviously are more physically fit now from what we've seen! You can make so much of yourself now, you could literally be anything else in the world. Whatever else you want to do, your father and I would support you, 100%! W-why does it have to be... this?"

I looked at them both, and as I did, the pseudo-monsters I saw them as before, gave way to who they really were, two people who were consumed by their fear of loss, just as Tai surmised.

For a fleeting moment, I considered just that, wondering if leaving behind what I worked for was the right thing to do.

(Maybe if I did... they'd reach out more often, hug me... tell me they lo-)

A memory almost unbidden came to my mind in that moment. It was the night before, while the rest of the family was occupied after dinner, I had taken a moment to go outside, sitting on the porch, watching the stars.

I wondered about a few things, like future plans, training, and what would happen at the Exam tomorrow. But one thought stuck in my head.

"What if..."

"What if what?"

I glanced to my right as Ruby plopped down beside me, already in her Beowulf pj's, bare feet swinging over the edge.

I nervously chuckled, rubbing the back of my neck at the question.

"I said that out loud huh?"

"Yup. It's ok though, I do it too, so no judgement here!"

The little reaper chirped her response with a knowing grin, lightly bumping my shoulder in reassurance.

I smiled back, but shook my head softly in return.

"I-it's nothing, you'll think it's stupid, especially now..."

Ruby lightly squeezed my hand, giving a soft smile in return.

"How about you let me decide if it's stupid or not?"

I looked down, letting out a small sigh before answering.

"What if I... had decided to not be a Huntsman? Chose to... w-walk away from it all? W-what if that... ended up b-being the right thing to d-do for me? W-would I, would we... would you s-still-"

My voice cracked before I could finish, those damned tears refusing to stay in my eyes once again.

Ruby said nothing for a moment, head down, eyes covered by her fringes.

Then... she spoke the words that made me truly understand what unconditional love really meant.

She turned to me, her eyes also wet, but no tears fell.

"I-if that's what y-you really wanted... I'd respect and honor that. I-I'd feel s-sad yeah, cuz we couldn't go to B-Beacon together anymore, b-but..."

She pulled me in for a tight hug, chin resting on my shoulder.

"How we feel about you, how I feel specifically, wouldn't change. You'll always be my number one Bestie, middle brother of my family, and nothing will get in the way of that! And even if I get a partner that isn't you, you'll still be my OTP in spirit!"

I chuckled a little at that, hugging her just as tightly, nodding my head in acceptance.

"So you'd accept me for who I am, regardless of what I choose?"

"Darn right I would! Just... try not to go all Dark Side on me? I feel like being evil is pushing it!"

We both laugh at this, while I make sure to promise the same.

A small sad smile grows on my face as I refocus on the present.

"Maybe if it was 4 years ago... I would have done it for both of you... If you had asked me just like this. But not now."

I look at them with a firm level of conviction as I see their hopes shatter, steeling my heart to it.

"This is who I am now, and there's no changing it. I will be a Huntsman, Mom, Dad. Please accept that... accept me."

Dad's Aura spiked, any sign of hesitancy gone as he rushed forward suddenly, I had to summon the spear to my left hand to block his next strike, even doing that sent tremors through both arms.

"I'm sorry son... I can't... won't do that!"

when father's eyes looked at me again, they weren't really looking... at me anymore. They were seeing whatever horror was in his mind that still held him in its grip. I couldn't pay attention to my mother, but I was certain she wasn't doing much better as our battle continued.

(At least he's going all out this time... though I wish it was under better circumstances...)

While Dad's resolve to fight was showing in full force now, his strikes were still not at the same level as Qrow's, which meant at the very least, he was rusty for sure. I felt with enough time, I would outlast him in endurance, and once his Aura broke, I'd leave as the victor with no unnecessary fanfare... but I was wrong.

On the very next clash, I noticed that Crocea Mors began to glow with a golden light, that despite holding the deadlock relatively well before, it was beginning to break through my defenses far faster the brighter it got. By the third clash, it was so bright that I could barely keep my eyes on it, then...

With a roar I never heard from my father before, the golden light on his blade became an Arc of energy that blasted me off my feet.

(deflect... air...)

I immediately flipped in midair, deflecting the Arc Blast safely to the ground as I landed a few feet away.

Once I landed, more blasts of energy came my way, having to dodge, parry and deflect them as I thought to make a way forward.

(So this must be my Dad's Semblance... a form of Aura manipulation that can be used externally.)

I briefly considered using my Semblance at its fullest, ending things quickly.

Despite the situation, I quickly stole a glance at my mother, who seemed to be watching the battle intently, her own Aura beginning to spike as well.

(No... I'd better keep it as a last resort. She looks almost ready to jump in. Even if I was at full strength, and didn't do the Exam earlier... I don't think I can take them both, not by myself.)

But despite the odds, I wouldn't give up. Confronting my parents was the final hurdle before I could become a Huntsman.

(I just need to hold out a bit longer... I can do this!)

I swap out the sword in my right for the bow, preparing to do a similar strategy I used on Qrow. I continue to avoid the Arc Blasts as I prepare my shot. Once I'm ready, I use Aura to leap in the air, notching the spear like an arrow, aiming at my Dad's chest.

(It's not quite as fluid when using my full Semblance, but it should be enough.)

I release the shot, just as I notice Crocea Mors glowing once again, though it also seemed to be changing shape, my Dad's left arm coming up towards it.

(He's doing something! I'd better release the energy...Now.)

For a brief moment, I use Dire Burst in my eyes, causing them to flash, detonating the spear just as the shifting Greatsword blocked the tip of it.

The blast caused Aura infused smoke to obscure my view, landing on my feet , quickly shifting to the Bo Staff in preparation for what's next.

After a brief moment, an Aura enhanced sword slash tore through the smoke, revealing Crocea Mors... a bit smaller and... a Shield in the offhand.

(W-what?! I never knew the family sword could Mechashift!)

Dad was breathing a bit heavier now, sweat dripping down his face. His eyes showed frustration, fear... and a hint of...

" I guess I need to say it... at this point. You... have grown... strong son."

My eyes widened at this, almost dropping my weapon in the process.

"D-dad... w.. what did you just..."

A small, sad smile began to grow on his face, probably in spite of himself.

"I... I've never... told you that before... have I? And I don't mean your body, Jaune. Your drive, your character... your conviction. Even if I don't agree with what you're using it towards, I can't deny... how far it's taken you. Despite everything Jaune... I'm p-"

"Don't... you dare... finish that word Johan."

We both snapped our heads to the Arc Matriarch, her head down, body shaking, hands gripping... two Sai?!

"This... has gone... far enough! Do not let yourself be taken in by this... this ungrateful child!"

My mother looked up at me, her eyes filled with tears, but hardened with a determination that gave me pause.

"It seems... that you think besting your father alone in single combat will be enough to prove your ready... is that it? Despite the fact that he's been retired for two decades?! How would that, be a good enough show of skill on its own? I propose, that we fight you together, as one, to give you an idea of how ruthless the Hunter world can really be."

Mom moved to stand by her husband's side, her Aura flaring, before putting a hand on his arm, which appeared to... refresh him?!

Johan glanced to his wife in surprise.

"Tamara, what are you-"

"We tried it your way... and it only worked to embolden his spirit. My way..."

Her Aura flared again, getting into a stance, her eyes focused on me, is if I were an enemy... a threat... an obstacle.

"Will be sure to crush it."

Dad paled at this declaration. Glancing at his wife with concern and slight irritation.

"Tamara... this isn't-"

"It's ok Dad, Mom. I'll do it."

Both of them looked to me. Dad was horrified, while Mom had what seemed to be a flicker of pain and sorrow on her face, before it went to grim determination.

"Jaune... you..."

"It's ok. I... figured things would go like this. If this is the only way to get through to both of you then... I'll do it."

I allowed what remained of my Semblance to fully manifest, the familiar feelings of power, enhanced perception and emotional dimming as I got into a stance with my Bo Staff at the ready.

"I will do what I must to fulfill my dream. And you will do what you must to 'save' me from it. No matter the result... I..."

My eyes reverted to grey for a brief moment, a sad smile once again forming on my lips.

"Will love and accept you no matter what... even if you... won't do the same."

My parent's both gasped at this, gritting their teeth, not able to look me in the eyes for a moment, before they steeled themselves, and moved as one to rush me.

The ensuing fight was... torturous. There was not enough time for me to properly analyze both of their stances as they fought, as they both covered for each other's weaknesses and boosted each other's strengths. I was managing to keep ahead of them somewhat, both of them being rusty certainly helped matters... that is until my mom used her Semblance.

She would throw one Sai towards me, then teleport to it, catching me off guard and landing a strike to my gut.

While in my Dire state, the reaction to getting the wind knocked out of me was a bit less intense, allowing me to get some distance after the hit, but I was still breathing heavily.

I couldn't rest for long since Dad was already on me, forcing me to try deflecting his sword and shield as he used both to attack in tandem. Realizing the Bo Staff wouldn't be suited for this, I switched to the sword in my right, and the axe on my left, which quickly got occupied with my mother on the other side, having to fend one person off with each hand.

My Aura was dwindling quickly, feeling the strain from needing to move my arms twice as quickly to stay ahead of their attacks.

(Create an opening by flaring your Aura with as much force as possible. Then, divide and conquer.)

I felt uncomfortable with the idea, but it was the only way I could get out of this.

Once I felt them both use more force on my arms, I momentarily weakened my resistance, causing them both to overextend slightly, allowing me to blast my Aura outwards, blinding them for a moment.

I went for my mother first, hoping to strike her on the back of her neck to knock her out, but it was not to be.

As if sensing this, she threw her Sai upwards, vanishing from the ground and appearing above me, her vision already restored.

"I won't fall to my own son," She said sharply, causing me to block her from above, then she threw the Sai again.

I had to use the axe to protect the back of my neck from the strike I knew was coming, then she threw it again.

She was attacking from my right flank, then from my left, then swiping low, and it continued in faster intervals, my eyes and reflexes starting to tire from the constant attacks from all directions.

Once I thought I could strike at an opening, I immediately received a Shield bash in the stomach, this time unable to suppress my body's reaction, spit flying from my mouth as I slammed into a nearby tree.

I fell to the ground in a heap, but got back up almost instantly, my breaths haggard, my Semblance beginning to fade in and out. Still, I knew I couldn't fall, not yet.

"Tamara... I think... we should stop this... here," My Dad rasped, taking in deep breaths from the exertion of a fight he probably never wanted to have in the first place.

My mother, who was only slightly winded, spared him a brief glance before looking towards me.

"We only stop when he stops Johan. He needs to understand we won't budge on this. United front remember?"

I saw my father wince at that as I stood back to my full height, fighting to keep what little remained of my Aura intact, breathing heavily.

"I...I'm not giving up on my...dream. I... will be a Huntsman."

My mother sook her head frantically, eyes shut as If she wanted to deny the very existence of this situation.

"S-stop saying that Jaune! You think you want this life, but you really don't! You don't want the anguish, the heartache, the suffering..."

It hurt my heart to see her like that, a small part of me wanted to console her even, despite the tension we still had. But what could I do... besides letting my dream die?

And even if it was naive, foolish, selfish, or whatever reason that fit, I refused to let that go.Sensing a lull in the fight, I worked on circulating the few whisps of Aura remaining to recover just a bit more as I spoke up.

"No offense, but I've been feeling those very things you talk about when I was still hiding my training."

"That's, t-that's not...," My father tried to say, but couldn't quite get the words out.

I figured what he meant though.

"You meant to say it's not the same right? Maybe you're right. I don't know what you went through back then, because you've never talked about it, helped us understand-"

"You never NEEDED TO UNDERSTAND," Mom shrieked, her eyes open wide, an almost hysterical look on her face.

"That was the whole point! This is a time of peace son! You don't need to-"

"You're right, I don't need to, but it's what I want to do Mom, and it's already done! I've been accepted by Beacon!" Despite trying to stay calm, I felt my own voice beginning to rise along with hers.

"You're still only 16! There's no way they would have accepted you so early!"

"One of my friends is 15, and she was accepted just as I was!"

Dad finally spoke up at this.

"That girl with you on the news... she's only..."

I nodded in response.

At this, whatever fight was left in him began to fade away, defeat radiating from his very being.

"I'm... I'm done with this. The boy's made up his mind sweetheart. If he wishes to live that life despite our warnings, then he's more than proven his right to do so."

My mother looked to my father, tears beginning to fall from her eyes.

"J-Johan... no... y-you, you can't be serious?!"

Dad looked at her, a sad grimace on his face.

"We can't break his spirit honey. We tried, and we failed. Maybe... maybe this is for the best? Maybe now... things won't be as bad in times of peace compared to back then."

He tried to reach for her, maybe to embrace her, help her calm down. But she shrank back, eyes going from hurt and betrayal... to unbridled fury.

"Maybe you failed Johan... but I won't."

Without even glancing in my direction, my mother threw a Sai directly at my head, My Semblance flaring back up to prepare for what I knew was coming... or at least, that's what I thought before I simply blocked the weapon with my Gauntlets. I watched it bounce off with slight confusion before I heard the slight woosh of the other being thrown... then a sharp pain in my jaw as I was kicked upwards, the misdirect being too fast for even my Semblance to keep up with!

I saw sky for a moment, my thought process halted for a moment, before I saw my mother's fist in my face.

(do.e... de..ec...)

Though my Semblance was barely there, I knew what to do, tilting my head to the side so it slid by my cheek, then deflecting her body away from mine as I landed a bit roughly on the ground, managing to keep my footing.

It was hard to think straight as she vanished once again from view, trying to let my body react to any minute changes in my vicinity. I managed to block or avoid the more serious strikes, but even the minor scratches and scrapes on my arms, legs and chest that I felt, told me one thing.

I wouldn't last much longer, and we both knew it.

Dad ran towards her, trying to diffuse the situation.

"Tamara! Stop this, this has gone far enough! He-"

"He what Johan?! Learned his lesson, has had enough? Look at him! He's still standing with that determined, defiant look on his face! Just like... like my brother... before he..."

She stopped herself, shaking for a moment as if she'd break down right there.

Dad tried once again to reach for her, but she backed away again, breathing deeply before turning her determined gaze toward me.

"This is... this is the only way... to stop him... save him... you... from yourself."

I blinked, and she was already in my face, a kick aimed for my midsection. Her speed was almost as fast as Ruby's even without her Semblance.

I barely blocked the hit with my Gauntlets before the force pushed me off my feet once again, vision blurring from the inertia.

I put everything I had left into simply reacting to her unpredictable attacks, though my success rate was rapidly declining.(above, behind, below, left, pain, right, diagonal, pain, horizontal, pain, pain, pain!)

For a brief moment my Semblance sputtered forth and I caught the next strike aimed for my chest, a slight satisfaction at the surprise in my mother's eyes.

I managed to keep my footing and stop our momentum, though that took the last of the fight out of me, feeling my Semblance fade completely, my Aura shattering a moment after.

"l... will.. b-be... a... H-Huntsman... M-mother... p-please... l-let me ... go..."

I could see the edges of my vision blackening, knowing this was it, but I found strength in my mother's wavering expression, tears streaming down her face once again as I let go of her arm, hearing her Sai drop and feeling my Gauntlets fading back into my pendant.

"My... my baby... I... y-you... w-why can't you just... give up..?"

I looked at her with a small smile, reaching a shaking hand out to wipe away her tears.

"Because... I'm... a loser... not a f-failure... only... failures... g..."

I no longer had the strength to stand, feeling myself fall backwards, oblivion seeking to claim me against my will, then...

I felt two somethings grab my arms, two different hands supporting my back... and I thought I saw a flurry of rose petals, along with flickering golden flames...

Two very familiar voices spoke in my stead.

"I think we can take it from here. What he wanted to say was, I'm a loser, not a failure..."

"And only failures give up. Did we get it right... Jaune?"

I fought harder to stay conscious, my hands reaching out to my friends... my... family.

"R-ruby... Y-yang... you... you came..."

I was so tired, but I couldn't fall asleep, not yet.

The sisters turned to me, eyes shining with unshed tears, giving me their small, genuine smiles.

"C'mon loser... you know us better than that. Makin us worry about you, then you go all brave and solo outta nowhere... No way I was missing that!"

Ruby chuckled softly after Yang's larger than life comment.

"You really were amazing y'know... we saw how hard you fought to reach them... though we wanted to rush in soooo bad... we held back because we believed in you... and you did it... you won."

I felt tears sting my eyes at that, no strength left to hold them in.

"i... i'm sorry i went on my own... i had... i had to... to..."

Yang put a finger to my lips, giving me a warm look of understanding.

"You had to try Jaune, we know... we get it, believe me."

Ruby wiped the tears from my eyes, her voice soft like it was on the couch, which seemed so long ago now.

"We're so proud of you for it."

I felt myself break down once again, sobbing softly as they held me close to them, arms wrapping tightly around me as everything that happened up to now caught up to me.

My mother watched the scene in front of her, seeing me being held by two girls, one of them being the same one who was with me on the news. She slightly relaxed as she felt my Dad wrap his arms around her from behind.

"Johan... he... he's not..."

"He's nothing like Jawhar... he's not alone... like he was, at the end. Do you truly see him now... Tammy?"

My mother nodded... beginning to weep in understanding.

"W-what have I... what have w-we done to our... c-children?"

The Arc matriarch cried into her husband's arms, he too shedding a few tears of his own.

"Is... is it too late for us?"

Another familiar voice called out in response.

"From where we're standing... not just yet."

Startled, my parents turned to the voice, and their eyes widened, recognizing the newcomers. My dad spoke first.

"Qrow Branwen and... Taiyang Xiao-Long?"

And that's it! Phew! I am sooo glad that's over with! Now onto the fun stuff, like last minute training and BEACON! Anyways, thanks for stopping by, Read and Review, and see ya next time!