The forest continued to glow with the warm colors of the setting sun as Jaune and Yang made their way deeper into it. Jaune couldn't help but feel the weight of Yang's gaze as she questioned his presence there. He had hoped to avoid probing questions, but Yang seemed naturally curious.
"So you train with a huntsman instead of a combat school? It seems strange; wouldn't a combat school be a bit safer?"
Yang's easygoing demeanor made Jaune's nervousness grow. He knew he had to be cautious with his answers. "Yeah, but combat school can be expensive, and I come from a large family, too," Jaune replied, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible. "But I've always had this dream of becoming a huntsman. It's in my blood, you know? My family has a long line of hunters and huntresses, and I wanted to carry on the tradition."
Yang raised an eyebrow, seemingly intrigued by Jaune's response. "That's pretty cool," she said with a hint of a smile. "But I can't help but wonder, why are you out here all alone? It's not exactly safe in these woods, especially with all the Grimm activity lately."
Jaune hesitated momentarily, his eyes darting around as if searching for an excuse. "I guess I just wanted to get some practice in on my own," he finally said, not entirely convinced by his words. "Work on my skills before heading to a real combat school. Besides, my mentor heard this place was a good training ground."
Yang continued to study him, her lavender eyes seemingly able to see through his half-truths. "Well, you better be careful," she warned. "These woods can be tricky. You never know what you might run into."
As Jaune and Yang continued their hike up the steep hill, Jaune's curiosity improved, and he decided to steer the conversation away from his own secrets.
"So why were you all alone? Shouldn't you have been in a group?" Jaune inquired, genuinely interested in Yang's story.
Yang looked a bit sheepish as she began to explain. "I kinda got thrown by a demonic Harambe," she admitted.
Jaune turned his head to look at her, confusion evident on his face. "Demonic Harambe?"
"Yeah," Yang continued, "Look, I don't know what it's called; it just looked like a gorilla on steroids. It caught my punch and threw me in the air. I accidentally fired a round and flew further into the forest, and that's when I landed in the Grimm pack you found me in."
Jaune couldn't help but chuckle at Yang's description of her encounter. "Demonic Harambe, huh? That's a pretty creative name for a giant Grimm gorilla on steroids," he remarked.
"Oh, like you'd come up with a better name for it." Yang retorted, rolling her eyes a little.
Jaune glanced at the hill. It seemed steep enough that he could get a good enough head start to lose Yang. A tumble down a slope was nothing when you had Aura. But it seemed like such a jerk move. He didn't see any other way to lose her, though. At this rate, she was going to follow him back to Alex. If Chris saw him, they'd be able to find out where Ryozanpaku was, and poof, there goes his chance of ever being a huntsman.
As Jaune contemplated making a hasty escape down the steep hill to shake off Yang, she threw him a curveball with an unexpected question.
"Hey, what's your last name?" Yang asked, breaking the silence.
Jaune's mind raced for a split second, and he blurted out the first name that came to mind, "Ma."
"Your name is Jaune Ma? Ma Jaune... Did your parents name you after Mahjong?" Yang raised an eyebrow, a curious smile playing on her lips.
Jaune couldn't help but chuckle nervously at the absurdity of the situation. "Yes, my dad's from Mistral," he explained, "they thought it was hilarious."
Yang burst into laughter, finding the name quite amusing. "Well, Jaune Ma, I've got to say, that's one of the most unique names I've heard. It's catchy, I'll give you that."
As Yang continued to walk alongside Jaune, her suspicion continued to grow. Something about his behavior didn't add up, and she couldn't shake the feeling that he was hiding something important.
Pulling out her scroll, Yang reached out to her uncle, Qrow, who had been looking for someone. She quickly typed out a message: Uncle Qrow, what's the name of that kid you're looking for?
It didn't take long for Qrow to respond, Jaune Arc, why do you ask kiddo?
Yang sent a selfie she had taken with Jaune earlier, her heart racing as she awaited his response. Is this him?
Qrow's reply came almost instantly: Yes! Don't let him out of your sight! Where are you!?
Yang felt a mixture of excitement and concern wash over her. She glanced at Jaune, realizing that her suspicions were likely well-founded. Jaune Arc seemed to be more than he appeared to be, and her uncle was on to something. She had to figure out how to keep Jaune with her while discreetly contacting her uncle. This was turning into a much bigger adventure than she had bargained for.
As Jaune and Yang continued their trek through the forest, Yang attempted to engage Jaune in conversation. She was determined to get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding him.
"So, how long have you been training?" Yang inquired, trying to keep the conversation casual.
Jaune took a moment to think before replying, "A few months now," all while pretending to check his map, trying to appear busy and avoid further questions about his background.
"Really? Could have fooled me with how you've been handling yourself," Yang said, and Jaune gave her an appreciative smile.
"Thanks..."
The two of them fell into an awkward silence, but it didn't last long. A sudden thudding sound in the distance drew their attention, and they both turned to see what was happening.
The colossal Beringal Grimm loomed over Jaune and Yang, a fearsome and imposing sight. Jaune quickly drew his sword and extended his shield, ready to face this monstrous adversary alongside Yang.
Yang, her gauntlets at the ready, cocked her head to glance at Jaune as he heard him muttering.
"Ooooh... that's a demonic Harambe," Jaune muttered, agreeing with Yang's earlier statement.
"See! Oh shit! dodge!" Yang yelled. Jaune and Yang sprang into action as the Beringal Grimm lunged toward them. They rolled in opposite directions just in time to avoid the devastating impact of the Grimm's colossal fist. The force of the blow left a massive crater where they had been standing.
Seizing an opportunity, the Grimm dug its finger into the loose earth and flung it at Yang, blinding her temporarily. She cried out in pain and surprise, struggling to regain her vision.
"Yang, look out!" Jaune's voice rang out in alarm as he spotted the red-eye-like pattern on the Grimm's back. He lunged forward, attempting to stab his sword into that vulnerable spot. The Grimm roared in pain before it delivered a punishing backhand slap into Jaune body.
"AHHHhhhhh!" Jaune's body flew through the air, crashing into a tree with a resounding impact. His Aura flared brightly, protecting him as the tree cracked and groaned under the force of the collision.
Still recovering from the previous impact, Jaune barely had time to react as a massive rock hurtled toward him. With a surge of adrenaline, he dove out of the way just in time, narrowly avoiding the projectile that could have easily crushed him. His back stung with pain from the earlier blows.
The Beringal Grimm, furious and relentless, continued to throw rocks, trees, and chunks of earth at Jaune. It seemed determined to crush him under the sheer force of its attacks.
Meanwhile, Yang was engaging the Grimm head-on. Her fiery blasts struck the side of the Beringal's head, drawing its attention away from Jaune. Yang danced around the colossal creature, launching punches and projectiles into its armored body. The Beringal raised its massive hands in defense, attempting to shield itself from her relentless assault.
In a surprising display of strength, the Grimm leaped in front of Yang, bringing one of its gigantic fists down in a devastating blow. Yang managed to catch the heavy strike, her feet digging into the ground as it cracked beneath her from the sheer force of the impact. The two parties clashed, becoming a strength test between the fiery huntress and the monstrous Grimm.
The Beringal Grimm's hand uncurled and gripped Jaune's arms, his sword still impaled in its hand. Jaune swore the creature smiled as it threw high into the air, his voice echoing with fear and adrenaline. Yang, however, didn't hesitate for a moment. She leaped into action, kicking off one of the Grimm's arms with incredible force as she soared upward. Her gauntlets emitted two fiery blasts that struck the Grimm's eyes, stunning the massive beast and momentarily blinding it while propelling her higher to get to Jaune's side...
As Jaune reached the peak of his ascent, he shouted to Yang, "Yang, throw me!" Yang grabbed Jaune's outstretched arm without hesitation as he retracted his shield. With a mighty scream, she spun and hurled Jaune straight at the Grimm.
Before Jaune could reach the Grimm, he heard a shotgun blast behind him. Jaune reacted quickly, pulling back his sword and steadying his breathing. Gripping his sword with both hands, he descended toward the Grimm with incredible speed.
"Water Breathing: Eighth Form. Waterfall Basin!" Jaune cried out as he swung his sword down in a flowing motion. His momentum carried him forward as his blade sliced through the arm the Grimm had raised in defense, followed by a deep gouge in the beast's neck before he began carving into the bone armer in the Grimm's chest. Black blood sprayed into the air like a guiser.
Jaune landed before the Grimm, the ground beneath his cracking and spider webbing. A shockwave slammed into the beringal as it stumbled slightly. His knees bent as his Aura flared, protecting his body from harm but not pain. Jaune groaned loudly, struggling to get back to his feet. His attack lessened the damage he received upon impact, but he must not have put enough strength into it. The beringal howled in pain, looking at its lost limb before glaring murderously at Jaune. Its staggering form raised its good arm to finish him off. However, Yang, diving down with immense speed, delivered a devastating punch to its head. The weakened neck gave way to the decisive blow, and the Grimm's head flew off its shoulders. Jaune winced as he heard the sound, like a thousand strands of wires snapping and crunching simultaneously.
The Beringal Grimm's body slumped to the ground, lifeless and defeated. On the other hand, Yang was animately trying to control her body as it made contact with the ground. she tumbled and attempted to regain her footing several times.
"Aw yeah! Wait, ack, stop! Ow, shit!" Yang cursed as she tried to regain footing, but the slope seemed relentless, sending her tumbling further. She couldn't help but yelp as she continued her bumpy descent.
Meanwhile, Jaune seized his opportunity, standing on shaky legs, and decided to escape. He knew he might not get a better chance than this, and he couldn't afford to stay any longer. Realizing how far he needed to catch up to kids his age weighed heavily on his mind.
Jaune felt a pang of guilt for leaving Yang in such a situation. Still, he also knew she was incredibly strong, capable, and durable. If anyone could make it back on her own, it was Yang. With that thought in mind, Jaune sprinted away from the area, determined to continue his journey and complete his mission.
Yang sat up, brushing twigs and leaves from her hair as she assessed her condition. Her landing hadn't been ideal, and she couldn't help but wince at the discomfort. "Ow, not my best landing strategy," she muttered.
Concern for Jaune washed over her, and she called, "Jaune, are you okay? The grimm really went ape...shit" Yang quickly got to her feet and began making her way back up the steep hill to where she had last seen him.
As she reached the top of the hill, her eyes scanned the area, expecting to find Jaune nearby.
Yang's eyes widened in disbelief as the realization hit her. "That dick ditched me!" she exclaimed, her frustration evident in her voice. Jaune had taken advantage of the chaos to escape, leaving Yang alone on the hillside. She couldn't help but feel annoyed and amused at his sudden disappearance.
Jaune's heart raced as he darted further into the darkening forest, pulling out his scroll to call his uncle. His breaths were heavy, and he could still feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins.
"Jaune, are you alright? Your Aura is in the orange, and it said you were 30 feet in the air earlier!" his uncle's voice crackled through the scroll.
"Yeah, I'm fine!" Jaune panted loudly. "Ran into a Grimm Harambe."
"A what?" his uncle asked in confusion.
"A Gorilla Grimm, I don't know what it's called," Jaune explained, his frustration evident.
"A Beringel!" his uncle shouted in recognition.
"Yeah, it's dead now, but we have a problem," Jaune continued urgently. "Chris is here! She saw another student from Signal and me. Her uncle was tracking me! We need to leave now!" Jaune's voice was filled with desperation.
His uncle went silent for a moment, processing the information. "Jaune, come straight to my position. I'll call our pilot. Avoid all other students you see unless they are in grave danger. Do you understand?"
Jaune nodded, even though his uncle couldn't see it. "I understand. I'm on my way."
As Jaune sprinted through the forest, he occasionally cast nervous glances over his shoulder to ensure he wasn't being followed. His heart pounded in his chest as he raced toward his uncle's position, determined to put as much distance as possible between himself and Chris, the other student from Signal, and her uncle.
The sound of a bullhead flying overhead sent a jolt of fear through Jaune's heart. He briefly feared that it might be coming for him, but to his relief, it landed in a clearing ahead. As he reached the clearing, Jaune spotted the bullhead, ready to go, and his uncle Alex waiting for him.
"Well, you're a bit late, but given today's events, I can't fault you," Alex remarked, offering Jaune a reassuring slap on the back as he hopped into the aircraft.
Jaune let out a sigh of relief as he boarded the bullhead. That was too close in way too many ways. He had no idea there were Grimm that strong out there. He wasn't sure he could if he had to fight that thing alone. At least not yet.
Qrow's frustration deepened as he stared at the selfie of his niece, Yang, with Jaune. He couldn't believe that Yang, of all people, had allowed Jaune to slip through her fingers. Yang was usually reliable when it came down to it. Still, it seemed that even she had been thrown off by the bizarre circumstances of this mission.
With another swig from his flask, Qrow muttered, "Damn it, Yang. You had one job." He knew he couldn't blame her entirely, though.
Qrow sent a message to Yang, asking her to fill him in on all the details of her encounter with Jaune. He needed to know if she had any insights or leads that might shed light on the situation. As he composed the message, he couldn't shake the feeling that this mission was becoming more complicated by the minute, and his hangover was only making matters worse.
Qrow groaned as he fought off his hangover, his head pounding from the effects of the previous night's indulgence. He looked down at the selfie of a drenched Yang and Jaune in their combat gear, and his eyebrows furrowed with confusion. He knew Yang was participating in the cross-continental training program, but the presence of Jaune raised questions.
He rubbed his temples, trying to piece together what was going on. Why was Yang with Jaune? Had Jaune enrolled in one of the combat schools? Last he had heard, Jaune had been spotted in Vacuo, so was he now attending Oscuro Academy? It didnt add up. Jaune had always been smart enough to stay under the radar, so why would he suddenly enroll in a combat school?
Yang's text message brought some clarity, though only a little. Sorry, Uncle Qrow. She explained that Jaune gave me the slip after we killed a Demonic Harambe.
Qrow sighed and poured himself another drink before responsing. That's alright, kiddo. Don't take any risks, and get back to the other students. You did good, he replied, relieved that Yang was safe.
But then he added another question: Did Jaune say anything to you that sticks out?
Not much, he didn't exactly give me his life story, Yang replied. He did mention breathing styles when he fought. Ring any bells?
The mention of breathing styles piqued Qrow's curiosity, and he raised an eyebrow before taking a sip of whiskey. No, but I'll look into it. Thanks, kiddo,
Qrow downed the glass and cursed. He was a seasoned Huntsman, and finding one teenager shouldn't have been difficult. Yet, Jaune Arc had eluded them.
Qrow meticulously reviewed the information he had gathered about Jaune Arc. The puzzle pieces were starting to come together, and he couldn't ignore the nagging feeling that something about this situation was off. Jaune was just a 15-year-old boy, and the timeline of his movements seemed impossible.
Running away from home almost two months ago, the trail going cold in Gemini City, and then suddenly being spotted in Vacuo a week ago – it didn't add up. Unless Jaune had an extremely rare Semblance that allowed him to teleport, there was no plausible way for him to be in Mistral from Vacuo without being noticed. It was becoming clear that Jaune might have never been in Vacuo, which meant the focus of the search needed to shift to Mistral.
Qrow understood that Jaune was on the move and the most likely path would lead him through Gemini City. This time, he was going to be ready.
"Got you now, you damn brat," Qrow muttered under his breath before he began calling some of his contacts. With any luck, they see Jaune, whether he came on foot, by air, or by caravan. He wasn't leaving anything to chance this time around. Damn, the brat already ate through a month of his time.
In the bullhead, Jaune sat on a bench, his gaze fixed on the night sky outside. His stomach churned with mixed emotions, but he managed to keep his motion sickness in check. Across from him, his uncle Alex spoke up.
"So, Chris saw you. I'm sorry, Jaune. I had no idea she would be here," Alex said with a hint of regret.
"Yeah, we fought. She underestimated me, and I was able to wear her down... Is it weird I feel a little guilty for that?" Jaune admitted, turning to look at his uncle.
Alex sighed, crossing his arms as he considered Jaune's question. "Jaune, we'll all need family therapy after all this. But honestly, I don't know. It doesn't feel like anyone really wins right now."
Silence hung in the air briefly as Jaune stared out the window. Eventually, he spoke up again. "Will you be alright? Won't they know you helped me?"
Alex chuckled softly. "Jaune, I'm more careful than that. I used a false identity when I requested access. As for the bullhead, our pilot is an old friend of mine. He always gives discounted rides for Huntsmen and hasn't seen you, so he has good deniability. I'll cover for you as much as I can, Jaune. But you do know you'll eventually have to face your family. It might not be on your terms."
Jaune nodded. That fact always hung like a heavy fog that refused to go away. Every day, he could worry less about that threat. but today only showed that any time/ any place, someone would recognize him.
The bullhead carrying Jaune and his uncle had touched down in Gemini City for a night's rest before continuing their journey. They had booked two separate rooms, allowing Jaune some time to unwind. Sitting on the couch, still wearing his gear. he didn't have the strength or will to leave the sofa once he settled into its soft cushions. Jaune couldn't help but look at his new scroll. It displayed his aura level, but he also noticed he had a full signal.
Jaune hummed before he typed in a scroll number he knew by heart. He hoped she wouldn't mind if he woke her up early. He listened to the dial tone before a groggy groan of protest greeted him.
"Hello?" a sleepy voice answered the call. Jaune couldn't help but chuckle inwardly, imagining the expression on Malon's face as she slowly woke up.
"Hey, Malon. Sorry for waking you," Jaune said, his voice warm.
There was a brief pause as if Malon was trying to process whose voice she was hearing. Then, he heard her sit up suddenly.
"Jaune!? Is that you? It's so good to hear your voice!" Malon exclaimed, her excitement evident even through the grogginess of waking up. "Tell me everything that's happened since you left.
"I will. Firstly, did Epona get back alright?" Jaune asked, his voice filled with concern for the faunus mare.
"Yeah, she got back just fine," Malon reassured him. "But she's been a little depressed without you around, though. She really bonded with you, you know."
Jaune nodded, relieved to hear that Epona was doing well but saddened by her apparent melancholy. "I miss her too," he admitted softly.
"Hang on, let me just turn my camera on." Jaune watched as her image popped up on his scroll. Her red hair was a wild mess, complete of knots and sticking out in all directions. She wore a gray gym shirt with her school's logo on it. Malon quickly rubbed the sleep from her eyes and smiled at Jaune as she looked him over. "You look good, Jaune."
Jaune couldn't help but chuckle. "You looked like you lost a fight with the pillow monster," he teased.
An offended gasp escaped Malon's lips. "I was asleep, you ass."
Malon's laughter was music to Jaune's ears. "How have you been, Jaune?" she asked again.
"Great," Jaune replied, his smile widening. "I have some amazing teachers, and I'm making incredible progress. I've been getting into fights... but I've been winning those fights."
Malon's curiosity was piqued as she asked, "What do you mean by getting into fights, Jaune?"
Jaune scratched the back of his neck, a sheepish expression crossing his face. "I might have accidentally picked a fight with a martial arts gang at the school I'm going to," he admitted. "Most of the gang members they've sent have been my age or around it, so it's not like I'm picking fights with the mafia or anything, just some punk kids."
Malon chuckled, a hint of worry in her voice. "You've always had a knack for finding trouble, Jaune."
He let out a groan and set his bag aside. "Yeah, tell me about it. But it's all part of the journey, right?"
Concern laced Malon's voice as she asked, "You sure you're okay?"
Jaune hesitated momentarily before he replied, "Yeah, I'm fine. Just got banged up by some Grimm today. Went hunting for the first time... and ran into Chris. We fought... like actually fought."
Malon listened attentively to Jaune's account of his fight with Chris, a sense of concern evident in her voice. Chris was still her friend, and she cared about both of them.
"Is everything alright with you two?" she asked, her tone gentle.
"Honestly? I don't know," Jaune admitted, his uncertainty clear. "Sure, we've fought before, but... not like this. We never really hurt each other before, and... I don't know, I feel guilty. If I lost, I would be on an express ticket home. But a part of me wonders if I should have just tried disarming her instead of knocking the Aura out of her like that."
Malon fell silent momentarily, her previous smile replaced by a thoughtful expression. "That sounds awful, Jaune," she finally replied. "I feel like you had a right to defend yourself, but... she's your family, Jaune. I know things aren't great with your family, but Chris always tried to help you when she could."
Bruises. "Yeah, I know she didn't have much say in how things went... But I guess I was hurt more than I realized."
"Hang on, give me a second," Jaune requested, his sore body begging for relief. He began to remove his armor, and immediately, his body felt grateful for losing weight. He inspected himself, covered in filthy bruises and bearing the marks of battle. If it weren't for his Aura, he was almost sure he'd have a few broken bones and fractures. Jaune knew he'd need a thorough examination when he returned to his mentors, Akisame and Master Ma.
Malon observed him silently as he pulled on a clean shirt. She could see the progress he had been making and she wasn't going to lie she enjoyed the sight. "Sorry about that," Jaune apologized, hinting at embarrassment.
Malon smirked playfully. "Don't be. I see you've been doing well with your training... Were all those cuts from Chris?"
Jaune nodded, running a finger over one of the pink-healed cuts. His Aura had already worked to mend the wounds, and in a few days, they would fade away.
Malon's curiosity was insatiable as she prodded Jaune for details about his encounters with Grimm and the forest. Jaune winced slightly as he rolled his sore shoulders, thankful she hadn't glimpsed the massive bruise on his back from the tree collision.
"Yeah, Beowolves mostly," Jaune began. "There was a huge pack of them. Other students were hunting in the forest, stirring the Grimm, forming a horde. I bumped into a student from Signal named Yang. She was nice, and we fought our way to a river, swimming across to avoid the horde. After a while, we ran into a Beringal. It's like a giant, demonic Harambe—this big, pissed-off gorilla Grimm. It threw me straight through a tree. We worked together to kill it, but Yang slid down the hill, and I slipped away before she got back to the top... I feel bad for ditching her, but I couldn't risk sticking around. Besides, most of the Grimm were on the other side of the river, so I'm sure she got back fine. She... honestly, she was so much stronger than me. I really have a lot of catching up to do."
Malon listened intently, her interest never wavering as Jaune recounted his experiences in the forest. When he finished, she hummed thoughtfully.
"I'm glad you came out alright there," Malon said with genuine relief. "I'll look her up and see what I can find out... Jaune, it was great hearing from you again. Call me anytime to talk; I've missed you."
Jaune smiled warmly, grateful for the chance to talk with Malon again. "I've missed you too, Malon. Take care, and hopefully, we'll talk again soon."
Jaune couldn't help but feel renewed strength as they said their goodbyes. Groaning, he got to his feet and ended the call. He hobbled over to the bathroom, showering to wipe away the grime of two days of hunting. It was no hot springs, but a hot shower was just as heavenly to his muscles after everything he experienced. Jaune chuged the rest of the water left in his canteen as he walked over to his bed, crashing into the soft mattress. The bed was soft, the sheets were cool, and his aching body began to throb less and less as he drifted to sleep.
Jaune had overslept, a rare occurrence for him, and he woke up later than usual. It was already 5:43 a.m., and he groggily sat up, his body needing rest. Swinging his legs out of bed, he checked his scroll to confirm the time and realized he had missed his usual early wake-up hour. However, given the previous day's events, he probably needed the extra rest.
Jaune began getting ready, packing his armor and sword into a unique carry-on bag his uncle had provided. Afterward, he dressed in clean jeans and threw on a shirt and his favorite hoodie. Feeling hungry, he checked the hotel's offerings and saw a complimentary buffet. The thought of food sounded terrific, so he texted his uncle to let him know he would get breakfast before leaving his room.
As he waited for the elevator, Jaune thought about the challenges he had faced recently and how his life had taken unexpected turns. The elevator door opened, and he stepped inside, not expecting anything out of the ordinary. However, he soon noticed a man standing in the elevator, appearing to be around the same age as his parents. The man had graying black hair, faded red eyes, and slight stubble along his jawline and was draped in a red, tattered cloak. He wore a gray dress shirt with a long tail, black pants, and black shoes.
The man seemed to reek of alcohol and was leaning against one of the elevator walls, seemingly engrossed in something on his scroll. Jaune decided to greet him politely, saying, "Morning."
The man responded with a tired yawn and a hand rubbing his temple. "Yeah, same to you, kid..." He paused, his gaze drifting to Jaune. Jaune couldn't help but notice the man's peculiar appearance but didn't dwell on it for long. Sometimes, having a bad luck Semblance meant bad luck for others, and Qrow was very lucky today.
As the elevator descended toward the first floor, Jaune was taken aback when the man beside him suddenly wrapped an arm tightly around his shoulder. Jaune felt a mixture of surprise and discomfort as the man spoke.
"Well then, Jaune, you got to Gemini much quicker than expected. Your parents are worried about you, kiddo. So why don't we behave and call mommy dearest," the man, whom Jaune now recognized as Qrow, said.
Jaune's good mood was instantly ruined by Qrow's words. He turned to face the older man, his expression tense. "I'm sorry, I think you've got me confused with someone else," Jaune attempted to protest. Still, his denial was swiftly met with a picture of himself and Yang from the selfie they had taken earlier.
Qrow's statement left no room for doubt. Jaune's heart pounded as the elevator approached the first floor. He knew he had to think fast, and when the elevator doors finally dinged open, he made his move.
Jaune pivoted while still in Qrow's grasp and quickly struck, aiming a precise blow just below Qrow's chin. Simultaneously, his other hand came up to press against his elbow, amplifying the force of the impact. Qrow's head snapped back, his Aura flaring from the power behind the strike. Stumbling backward, he released Jaune from his grip.
Jaune wasted no time. He immediately hit the top floor button and mashed the closed door button, ensuring that the doors slid shut. Then, he dashed out of the elevator and sprinted down the hallway, determined to put as much distance between himself and Qrow as possible. Jaune was in full flight mode, his adrenaline pumping as he navigated through the hotel's maze-like hallways. He spotted an "employee only" hallway propped open and didn't hesitate to sprint through it. As he darted past a housekeeper pushing her cleaning cart, she said he wasn't supposed to be there. Jaune responded with a hurried apology.
His heart raced, but Jaune knew he had a bit of a head start before Qrow could catch up to him. The hotel had ten floors, and he intended to use every moment to his advantage. He turned a corner, spotted the back exit, and pulled his hoodie to cover his blond hair. Bursting out of the exit, he deftly leaped over a trash bin into the alleyway.
The chilly morning air filled Jaune's lungs as he ran down the narrow alleyway. He knew he needed to distance himself and Qrow as much as possible. Jaune quickly texted his uncle, explaining the situation and urging him to grab his belongings from the hotel room.
Huntsmensawmeintheelevatorandpunchedhimintothewall. Running now. Grab my stuff in my room!, Jaune's text read.
As he jogged along the sidewalk, Jaune tried to blend in with the early morning joggers, hoping to disappear into the crowd and evade Qrow's pursuit. He knew he had to stay on the move and out of sight until he figured out his next move.
Qrow wasted no time in recovering from Jaune's punch. He hurriedly pressed the button for the fourth floor in the elevator and made his way out once it reached its destination. His pursuit was relentless as he entered the stairwell and, with a mighty leap, descended several flights of stairs before landing gracefully on his feet. He pushed open the stairwell door and scanned the area, spotting a housekeeper grumbling about something as they emerged from the employee-only area.
Ignoring the housekeeper's complaints, Qrow darted past her, determined to catch up to Jaune. He couldn't help but wonder why the kid was resisting so fiercely. Did returning home hold that much dread for him?
Qrow continued his chase down the hallway, his eyes fixed on the exit sign at the far end. He ran full tilt toward the exit, but as he reached it, he couldn't stop himself and ended up tumbling headfirst into a dumpster.
"Gah! Come on!" Qrow grumbled as he crawled out of the slimy container, shaking off the unpleasant content. He wasn't about to lose Jaune at this point and was willing to go to great lengths to ensure he didn't get away again.
Without further hesitation, Qrow transformed into a crow, taking to the air. It could be an overuse of his abilities. Maybe, but he was not about to let some teenage run away slip out of his fingers like this. Glinda and Winter would never let him hear the end of it.
Alright and here you all are. The Hunt is on! Ive been having a lot of fun with this arc.
This took a little longer to update then expected I just kept writing and re wrtining the entire thing because i wanted this just right. overall I'm happy with the end result and hope you all enjoyed it. ill be looking forward to the next chapter wich will be ending this little misadventure between Jaune and Alex. for better or for worse.
Well, until next time
~Later Days~
-Wiseotaku.