Chapter 5
(Little AN: Please leave a comment. I'm still new to this so tell me what you find off putting or I need to improve on.)
His entire world focused on the scroll's screen which flashed with an incoming call screen. Everything else faded into the background as he stared unflinchingly. Jaune pondered as to why he felt so much dread all of a sudden. He had been waiting for this call for over a year. He should've been ecstatic and yet he couldn't bring himself to answer the scroll.
"Jaune, move!" He didn't get a chance to answer as he was shoved off the street. A sharp scream of pain finally snapped him out of his daze. Aria's arm was being pinned to the ground by feathers and a particularly big one was impaled through her shoulder. Her aura lay shattered around her like a halo of light. The bright red blood flowed down the black feathers and pooled below her kneeling form.
"Aria! Are you ok? Answer me. Don't go closer to the light!" Aria laughed a little before falling forward into his arms.
"Shut up and use your inner voice. I don't think it will be fatal. I just can't move right now. Grab my scroll, and look for a contact named Caelum. He will be wondering why I'm not helping them fight. Explain what happened. He'll tell you how to proceed." Her breaths grew shorter as she was visibly fighting the darkness.
"Got it, Caelum Ember. I'm calling him right now. What about you? Where do I take you? Is there someone who can take care of you?" The pauses between her responses were growing longer and longer.
"Give me a moment, yes. There is another protector of the village who has a healing semblance. He will most likely be with Caelum and the others." She went quiet again as she focused her breathing.
"Caelum, can you hear me?" Noises of sword clashes and shouts could be heard in the back much to his confusion.
"Aria? Where are you? We need you here. The damn Branwen tribe is falling on us from every side. They've brought an army of Grimm right on their heels as if they weren't bad enough. There is also a fucking Nevermore right over our heads, picking off anyone it can get. I think this might be the end of Shion. Some of us will be making a stand in the council building, please make your way there when you can."
"Wait, I'm not Aria. Listen to me." The call went dead before he could explain.
"Head to the council chambers. I will guide you. I trust in you, just remember what we have trained on." Jaune lifted her up into his arms and started to run. Making small pauses for directions, he came to know that the council chambers were somewhat near the center.
"This all possibly couldn't get any worse. The Branwen tribe are just as bad if not worse than waves of Grimm. They are the worst of humanity and should've been put down like the rabid dogs they are. It's hard enough for us living outside the kingdoms and they just add more fuel to the flame with no regard for anyone but their own warmth. Most of their members are just untrained goons with weapons, the major threats are the few well trained huntsmen among them. I really hope she didn't come personally, otherwise this might really be the end." Even through the mask, he could see the vitriol in her gaze.
"Who?" Jaune grew curious as to who was so infamous they'd inspire such hatred in a kind woman like Aria.
"Raven Branwen. The leader of the Branwen tribe. One of the deadliest huntresses on Remnant and an old classmate of mine at Beacon Academy. Powerful and skilled mixed with decades of experience in the harshest of conditions. She could very well be considered the strongest huntress on Remnant except for maybe Maria Calavera, the Grimm Reaper or Jeane Arc, the current Matriarch of the Arcs. She must be taking advantage of the reduced presence of Huntsmen. Many of them went to the upcoming regional tournament. The recent high death rate of many Huntsmen here in Mistral doesn't help either." Her eyes showed an interest and suspicion about the death rate.
"The Haven one, right?"
"Oh, so that's why you're training so hard. You were headed there to join, right?" Jaune was surprised she was choosing to talk about this right now. 'Well, it does help to stay positive.'
"Yeah, I have a pretty good semblance so why not. Good fame and it might help with… yeah I will be joining." He was sure he could edge out a win if he continued his training as it was.
"Good idea, my son is not yet strong enough to contend with the monsters who I'm sure will be joining this year. That Pyrrha girl, I've seen her previous fights. If you decide to go through with this then make sure you don't take her lightly. I'm not sure if you know but they won't just let anyone join the tournament. You have to have a recommendation from your combat school or a renowned teacher so I hope you brought that along with you." Jaune's hopes crumbled slowly.
"In case you forgot it at home, don't worry I got you this time. Just tell the man in the register that Aria Skylance has vouched for you. They know me personally, not to toot my own horn but I've helped with serious Grimm threats in the past. Yep, I am a pretty good huntress if I do say so myself." Jaune's hopes were restored as Aria, his shining beam of hope, pulled through once again.
"Thanks, I'll make sure to remember that. Maybe they should have added that on the flyer, don't you think?" This was surely something you'd think was relevant information.
Aria's face turned incredulous. "Why? These tournaments are only aimed at young trained huntsmen who have gone to school. Don't tell me, did you actually never go to a combat school?"
Jaune slapped his face before slumping his shoulders in depression. "Ding ding. I didn't actually go to school. That was why I had a nasty fight with my parents so I was kinda hoping this would go a long way to helping us reunite. Well not really a fight unless you count… whatever. I was trained by another friend of mine who was going to combat school at the same time. She is a genius by the way, Tamaguchi Sakura. I'm sure her name will be heard around the world along with those other ladies you just mentioned. Speaking of them… Jeane Arc? Who is that?!" He was sure he would've heard of another Arc and especially someone called the Matriarch of the Arcs…
"Sakura? That name does sound familiar but I can't remember why. It will come to me later. You don't know about the Jeane Arc?! The defender of Arc Cas- I hear someone crying, slow down." He wanted to hear what she was about to say but ultimately reminded himself to ask her later.
Some quiet sobbing and pleading drew their attention to a street they were passing. "Over there! I heard someone yell." The voice was revealed to be a man part of a larger group who were all covering half of their faces with bandanas.
"We'll keep moving right now. Let me just finish up with them. Raven said we could take all the spoils we wanted. She rarely lets us indulge like this, come on boss please." The quiet sobbing was coming from the mother who held onto her daughter in a protective embrace.
"Stop, you have to help them. My aura has recovered somewhat, I helped myself to the stored bowl of noodles in your backpack. I can make it to the council chambers on my own, this is my village so please help me. Use your semblance to check the streets for any who need help then we can regroup in the council building." Aria forcefully planted her feet on the ground as she began to painfully jog towards the chambers.
Jaune lamented his noodles for a moment. 'It was a good trade I guess.' "Wait, but where should I put them when I'm done? Is there a jail or do I just leave them tied up?"
Her hardened eyes bore into his. "Don't bother, they'll just escape or their goon friends will come break them out. Spare none of them."
"Uhm, you're kidding? I've never killed anyone before."
"First time for everything." She soon turned the corner and was gone from his sight.
Damn. They deserve it but he didn't think he was ready to kill someone. He was only 15 years old, killing Grimm wasn't an issue. Taking another life… The mother and daughter began screaming as they were forcefully pulled apart by the group.
Jaune's heart couldn't bear it any longer. He would at least try and incapacitate them. Break their bones or knock them out. That should be good enough for her right? The screams grew louder, letting him know it was time to make a move.
Grabbing his sword he ran forward and slammed the hilt into the unsuspecting head of the closest bandit. This worked for the first three before the other 4 began to fire at him.
"Little shit, you want to play the hero huh?. You wouldn't be the first. Boys, let's give him his prize." Jaune ignored them as he dodged where he could before closing in the gap by phasing through their bullets.
"Fast!" Jaune body-slammed him into a wall leaving a crater. 'I overdid it, this one might actually be dead.' The rest of the bandits stood in terror at the speed and realization that this kid was a huntsman who also possessed a semblance to top it all off.
"I promise, I didn't agree with what they were doing. I was just coming along because the boss ordered me to." One of the smaller men dropped his weapon and backed away.
Jaune's face was hidden as his back was turned to them. He could only barely make out the words of the bandit as he stared down at the body in the crater. It took some time but he finally saw the man's chest rise and fall slowly. "Sorry, but none of you are leaving. I can't let you all run free around the city doing this kind of stuff. Whoever can tell me anything about Raven Branwen, might be allowed to leave in one piece."
"Fuck you kid, the Branwen tribe isn't scared of some brat!" One of them pulled out a grenade launcher strapped to his back and took aim. The man's crazed smile widened as the explosions reduced everything in that general vicinity to ash. 'Click Click'
"And ladies, that is what happens to heroes." All of them laughed as their previous fear was replaced by relief.
"You just killed your own teammate. He was injured but you could've helped him." The bandits saw the signature blond hair first before his entire body walked out of the fire unharmed. 'Click Click' The bandit looked down at his empty launcher. It was the last thing he saw before a fist materialized right in front of his face. 'Lights out'
"With friends like you all, who even needs the Grimm around. I'll make the offer again, whoever knows the most about Raven Branwen. Might be allowed to leave in one piece." The bandits talked over each other hurriedly as they tried to save their own skin.
"The boss lady promised she would join in after she dealt with the huntsmen protecting the village."
"Yes Yes, I heard this myself as well. She is picking them off and helped bring the Nevermore so we could loot in peace without the huntsmen bearing down on us. He didn't tell you that, I did."
"No No, I know more. She is also planning to completely ravage the village before we take off." The information only lost value from one person to the next. Either way, he still couldn't allow them to leave. An echoing caw resounded through the street, causing all of them to look skyward. The Nevermore blocked the sun as it swooped down towards them.
'The launcher's explosion must have drawn its attention. At the speed it's going, everyone here besides me is about to become Grimm chow.' Jaune observed the situation, wondering if he should save any of the bandits or just the innocent pair.
'It would be the same as murdering them if I just let them get eaten despite knowing I can save them.' He quickly made up his mind and decided to save the family and the first two informants who gave him the most information. Anything else and he was risking the safety of the town and himself. 'What if my semblance decides to act up as I try to save the rest? Yeah, Yeah I am not responsible for their deaths or lives.' Jaune reasoned.
With his semblance in full swing, he grabs the mother and daughter followed by the helpful bandits who he makes sure to tie up. Time seemingly resumes as screams fill the air. All of them stop as the Nevermore flies through the street and back up into the sky. Only the little girl continues to cry while the rest sit in shock and relief.
"You all helped me so count yourselves lucky. If you didn't give me good information then know that I will be coming back for a chat." They both again spoke over each other, giving him thanks and praising his good nature.
"Sorry about that back there. I shouldn't have allowed it to go on for so long. I almost got you all killed. You must not think I'm a very good huntsman, right?" Jaune sheepishly approached the, probably traumatized, mother and daughter.
"It's okay . It was our fault for not heading to the village's shelters when it was first announced. We were too busy trying to save as much as we could in case our home was destroyed." The mother lowered her head in shame and began to cry.
"No No, please don't cry. I'm no good with crying women or anyone really. Let's just say it was both of us, we both messed up. How about that? Here take this." Jaune reached into his bag and pulled out a snowglobe from his time in Arrowhead. A gift shop had one on sale and he thought it looked nice. It contained a replica of the floating city, Atlas, that when shook caused it to spin around inside the globe. The little girl reached out for it and giggled as she watched it move around.
"Find some shelter and wait this thing out. I will be back when this whole thing is over and hopefully with some aid. Avoid any bandits, they are pretty easy to spot. Gun-toting idiots with more ammo than brains."
"Hey, we heard that." He shot them a quick glare which shut them up immediately.
"Thank you, . We are forever in your debt. Thankfully there was a good man like you around to help. With people like you in the world, the grimm and scum like them don't stand a chance." In her eyes, Jaune was a man. Cowards like the bandits weren't men.
"I have to go now. There are others who need my help. Please hide and I'll make sure it all blows over."
Without another word, Jaune sped off towards the city hall guided by Aria's parting directions. On the way, he made sure to tie up any bandits he saw along with rescuing any villagers he came across. 'Raven Branwen is here. I don't care who you are, I will not let you hurt innocents.' He grasped his sword tighter as he finished tending to an injured villager who was caught under rubble.
Pointing up towards the Grimm in the sky, "I will deal with you later." The Nevermore coincidentally screeched as if responding to his threat.
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Somewhere far away...
Two women both of different ages stared at each other. One with a stern, disappointed look and the other with a nervous one.
"Oh my dear nephew, why don't you visit more? Could it be that you don't love your aunt? Where are you sisters? Did they also decide spending time with their aunt is no longer worth their time?" A woman in full knight armor approached a younger woman who quickly looked away from her playful but intense gaze. The gleaming and polished armor only added onto her ferocious aura. It was clearly masterfully crafted and a closer look revealed a myriad of secrets that hinted at hidden functionalities. The darkened steel was intricately engraved with many odd symbols and carvings. All of which led towards the center of her chest, connecting to a symbol many recognized as the one belonging to the Arc clan.
"How could you ever say such a thing, Auntie. We are all just busy with Huntsmen duties, we just don't have the free time we did as children. I'll make sure to talk to my sisters next time I call them. We can throw one of those many banquets you liked throwing for us when we were kids. I can assure you, we all miss those times and can't wait for the next one." The young blonde woman nervously assured her aunt.
"Ah so you are all too busy for simple family love now huh? Big girl huntress business is too important for your old boring aunt. What did that dumb brother of mine do to my little girls… and what about your mother? Has she also grown tired of me? Kara, don't lie to me." Kara Arc shivered at the drawn out mirthful words that hid the dangerous tone underneath.
"No, No Auntie Jeane. It's just that we've all been so caught up on that imbecile brother of mine. He ran off some time ago and we are all looking for him to make sure he doesn't get himself killed somewhere." Kara finally relaxed as her Aunt's powerful oppressive aura dispersed.
Jeane Arc threw her head and laughed. "Ah yes, Jaune was it. Did he run off in the night, is Olivia not a good tracker? I taught her a few things myself so I don't see why this is such an issue. Jaune isn't even trained, what is actually the reason? Kara, I'll give you one more chance."
"I swear Auntie. He somehow ran off and defeated Olivia in a fight. Well not really defeated but details. I can assure you, we didn't let her live it down after she told us. He slipped an ice dust bomb into her pouch during the fight and ran off when she was caught in the ice. Where he got it from, probably from whoever has been training him." Jeane silently contemplated as her nephew awaited judgment.
"Oh relax, you know I'm just teasing you." Kara laughed along while inwardly feeling relief. She never forgot her time training under her aunt. 'You might be joking but that aura is so potent'
Jeane motioned for Kara to follow. They both walked through down the hallways lined with artwork depicting various fellow blonde warriors in different battlefields. Some valiantly laid down their lives for allies while others achieved glorious triumph over their foes. The bloody but long history marked the deep and rich history of the Arcs on Remnant. Their servitude towards humanity was undeniable.
Passing the artwork they made their way into an extravagant guest room clearly meant for her. Kara remembered visiting and getting her own room for the first time. She always voiced her desire to stay every time their visit came to an end, much to the delight and laughter of her aunt. She intimately touched the walls and desk as fond memories arose from this very same room. This was her escape from the boring village she grew up in, she briefly felt pity for her younger brother. She would've gone crazy if she was confined and expected to live her life out in that dump.
"So any progress on your brother?" Jeane smiled warmly at her nephew. She could see the nostalgia in her eyes and actions.
"No, by this point he could be anywhere really. Dead? Hopefully not. Mom and Dad would never let us hear the end of it. I can already hear them. But yeah, nooo. This was why I came here today, Dad was asking for your help. Maybe keep an ear out for him causing trouble somewhere. Maybe check in on Beacon, he is an Arc after all. He has some training if he was able to outsmart Olivia so it's not impossible for him to pass one of the schools' entrance exams. Olivia has already checked Haven Academy but there's no report of him anywhere. Please help us Auntie." Kara gave her the puppy look she knew would work. She used it to great effect as a child.
"Oh stop it with that. I'll go check in on Ozpin whenever I can. He would be the kind to harbor and hide your brother from us. That man is too sentimental sometimes. You say Olivia has checked Haven Academy?" Jeane's eyes narrowed in thought.
"Yes, she hasn't checked the others yet but there's no way Jaune has gone that far already. We think he might still be in Mistral or atleast on his way out. With you helping us though, he'll be back home in no time." Jeane sighed before ruffling her nephew's hair with a smile.
"Sure, I'll go check with some of my contacts. I'll have to talk with that sister of yours, losing to her untrained little brother after all I taught her. Perhaps it's because I wasn't strict enough during our training. Maybe all of you will get some remedial courses so we can make sure it doesn't happen again. What if someone besides your brother caught her in such a position? We'll have to do something about that." Jeane smiled with nostalgia and excitement at the thought of training her little girls all over again.
"No, no. We are doing fine, Auntie. Please think of our, no, my pride as a huntress. I wasn't the one who lost. Please Auntie." Kara begged with fake tears in her eyes as she clutched Jeane's thigh.
"Fine, just Olivia. Tell her to report for remedial training on the tenth of next month. This is a command and be sure to let her know that I will go personally retrieve her. Screaming and kicking if necessary." Kara smiled with relief before pitying her brother Jaune some more. 'Olivia is going to murder you after this is all over'.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Jaune ran with determination as the council building came into view. His semblance helped save the village from the bandits who had sneaked their way past the huntsmen. 'Cowards' Now was the time to regroup in the council and draw up a plan to deal with the Grimm. They were the more pressing threat in his opinion.
Jaune slowed down as he almost slipped running up the stairs while trying to keep an eye on the Nevermore flying above. As he approached the open door of the building he was hit by the smell of blood. A dense and stomach revolting stench of blood filled the air around the building causing him to freeze in his tracks. Only then did he finally notice the blood spilling down the stairs in a scene straight out of a cheesy horror movie. The large double doors were visibly damaged and caved inward from someone's attack.
"Please don't let it be too late. They are only bandits." Jaune remembered the caution Aria gave to the name Raven Branwen. 'It's just a single woman, they can deal with her and a couple bandits.' He could hear a painful moan echoing from somewhere in the building before growing silent. 'Creepy but it's nothing for the Valiant Knight, Jaune. Keep moving Jaune'
He drew up his courage and continued forward into the lobby. The stench became nearly unbearable. Upon entering he recognized a familiar figure leaning against the wall on the far side of the room. He unknowingly zoomed his way right next to them as everything else once again faded away into the background from his tunnel vision.
"Oh no. Aria are you okay? Please, remember what I said. Don't go towards the light." This time no remarks came out of her mouth. He pulled her away from the wall into his arms as he tried to shake her awake. He reached for her mask and pulled it away to reveal her open empty eyes staring at him. He jumped back in disbelief and terror.
He looked down at his hands to find them soaked in blood that wasn't his. He got up and finally observed her entirely to find a gash in her clothing and chest from which blood still slowly seeped out from.
Jaune kept backing away in a daze with her mask still in his hands. "Aria, you're going to be okay. That man with the healing semblance must be around here somewhere. Then I'll have the Old Man cook up as much ramen as you want. In fact, I think you didn't finish everything I had in my bag. I'll give you some right now." Jaune placed her mask on his face temporarily while he tried to look through his bag with two hands for the ramen. He could hear footsteps getting closer but he didn't care.
"No, it seems like you finished it all. You really were hungry after all that intense training. No worries, I did owe it to you." The footsteps finally stopped a couple feet behind him.
"She's dead. No healing semblance or noodles is going to bring her back. I don't even think a semblance that powerful can even exist. Or noodles…" A female voice called out from behind him. He could hear laughter and taunting voices coming closer as well.
"It's just that you haven't had some yet. Believe me, the Old Man's noodles are just magical." The red-eyed woman gave him an odd look before laughing.
"Magical? That does sound appetizing. Could one also say, 'they are to die for'?"
