Faith
Supernatural
Jaune Arc / Ozpin / Salem
Jaune knew he was weak. He knew he couldn't compare to the rest of his peers, let alone his teammates and friends. Then something happened. Things had changed, and as weak as he was; he couldn't let it continue. He had to step up, regardless of his doubt and fear.
/==/
Jaune could remember when everything started to become twisted. Something had infested the dorms of Beacon, twisting his friends in to cruel mockeries of what they used to be. It had started a few days after the girls of JNPR and RWBY had a girls night in. Pyrrha and Nora started acting different. Nora more controlled, focused, and Pyrrha more outgoing and sexual. Jaune resisted her obvious advances; because he knew this was not her. She had been altered, corrupted; and he could see that same in all of RWBY. Weiss suddenly making advances at him. Like with Pyrrha; Jaune resisted. As tempting as both were, the way they were acting was not them.
Things became even worse when he walked in on Ren and Nora, with Pyrrha watching. Shock and embarrassment ran through him; freezing him in place. Pyrrha turned her head towards him and smiled, it was a seductive and sadistic look. Nora and Ren didn't even stop with Jaune standing there the door to the dorm held wide open. Pyrrha started to move towards Jaune, her body swaying in an almost hypnotic way.
"We can make room for you?" Pyrrha asked with a lustful tint to her low voice. "Would like to join them? Take out all that frustration and desire... I can smell it in you... you reek of it."
The sound of her voice and her approach caused Jaune to snap out of his frozen state; and he bolted. He could hear Pyrrha calling after him, trying to entice him; and he so much wanted to give in, but his heart knew that this wasn't her. This wasn't his beloved team. Something was happening at Beacon, and he was at a loss for what it could be. So he did the only thing his freaked and frazzled mind could thing of; he hid. For the next few days he remained away from his team, his mind a whirl of emotions and thoughts. His heart sore with regrets and worry. His only solace, his devotion to his faith.
Religion was something that much of the populace of Remnant had given up on, but there were still a few who honoured the tradition. The Arcs were among those few. But unlike the others who called upon the Brothers for aid and guidance. The Arcs followed a more esoteric path. In their family home, in a position of prominence was a shrine dedicated to the Sundered Lovers. One a servant of the light, the other of the dark. It was during those long times hidden and alone he held the emblems of each clasped in his hands, and prayed. His whispered words asking for guidance, protection and strength. Buoyed by his faith he risked discovery and ventured out.
Things had taken a turn for the worse. He could see the spread of whatever it was, and he felt his heart almost break as he saw Pyrrha and Blake of all people drag a dazed Cardin into an empty classroom. Fearing what he would hear or see, he backed away; feeling the coward he always thought he was. Sneaking through the halls he saw others acting like his friends. Twisted mockeries of themselves. Sliding into Professor Goodwitch's classroom via the back exit, he was again frozen in shock, and despair. Down in the combat ring was someone who he thought he might gain assistance from. She had Sky on his stomach, her heeled boot pressing in to his exposed back, in what Jaune assumed was a painful manner. At her other foot kneeing, and reverently licked her boot was Russel.
Again Jaune fled, moving as quietly as his meagre skills would allow. As he hid away he could hear the calls of Pyrrha searching for him. Asking him to embrace her. Jaune shivered at the seductive quality of her voice. Turning to his faith once more he used whispered words to bolster his resolve. Something had happened during that girl's night in over a week ago. His answer lay in team RWBY's room. He would need to find a way inside and search for the answers he hoped to find.
It was becoming more and more difficult to to move about unnoticed. More and more of the school population was succumbing. Some acting like Pyrrha, others obviously mind broken. Becoming nothing but mewling sycophants. Lucky for Jaune whatever was taking root in Beacon's students still followed normal biological functions. They all needed to eat and sleep. He used those times to make his rounds. Gathering what little he could to sustain himself during the times he barricaded himself with in the bowels of the academy. During one such time, he was sneaking towards RWBY's dorm, praying he could gain access. From JNPR's he heard their combined voices, and that of Cardin. His heart stilled.
"Where is he?" Pyrrha hissed her tone venomous and tinted with rage. "You and your team have one job, and that is find my beloved! Why has he not been found yet, worm?"
"Forgiveness mistress! Forgiveness!" Cardin painfully wailed.
"You pathetic, and worthless! I should cast you out, toss you into the forest a feast for the grimm!" Pyrrha's voice was almost that of a snarl, as Jaune slowly moved, sliding past the closed door of JNPR's dorm. "I am so fortunate that I saved my purity for my Jaune. You broke so easily to the pain of Blake's heels upon your chest. To even have thought I might or any of my sisters might have had to sully ourselves for you... find him... that is all you are to do. Locate my Jaune!"
Still hugging the wall Jaune tested the door to RWBY's dorm, and luckily found it unlocked. Cracking it open just enough to squeeze through he slowly closed it. Letting out the breath he was holding, he looked about the fairly disorganized room. Hoping to find some answers he started a careful and quiet search. Keeping his ears open to the sound of anyone approaching the door. Muffled through the walls he could hear the pained wails of the rest of CRDL being punished for failing to locate him. Finding nothing in the open Jaune stared to look under the beds.
Under Weiss' and Ruby's bunks was almost scarily clean. He saw no clutter, no dust, it was empty and barren. Yang and Blake's however was a much different story. Slowly he began to pull things out, stopping often to listen, or check what he had in his hands. Most of it was just nothing. Just clothes that should have been in the clothes hamper. There was also a couple of books; but then his eyes spied them. Some crumpled up balls of what looked like torn paper. Pulling it out he slowly opened one of them. Inside he found a portion of something he couldn't understand. He had never seen anything like it before. But as he held it he could feel something pushing against his aura. It made a shiver travel up his spine, and unwilling to ignore it, he used what little of the aura manipulation training had given him to focus aura into his hands.
Hearing a noise outside the door, Jaune panicked. Shoving everything under Blake and Yang's bunk, he scooped up the other two pieces of crumpled paper and rolled under Weiss and Ruby's bunk. Jaune closed his eyes and slowed his breathing. In his mind he prayed. Reaching out to the Sundered Lovers to wrap him in their protective embrace; to gird him from discovery. He could tell by the voices that it was Yang and Weiss who had entered the room.
"He was here, recently." Weiss hissed, "I can smell him."
"Maybe he sneaked in to sniff your panties Weiss-cream?" Yang chuckled.
"I wish he would." Weiss responded, almost making Jaune choke, "It would be so much easier to track him if he was aroused instead of afraid."
"We'll find him." Yang spoke as Jaune heard a bed creak. "Pyrrha desires him. So we will do what she has tasked us with."
"Her desires cloud her judgment, and do not assist us in the task!" Weiss almost snarled. "We should consolidate our hold on the school. With everyone under her sway, he wouldn't be able to hide."
"I agree, but until she has her Jaune, she will not change her plans."
"We need to make her see reason." Weiss sighed. "If we got our sisters on side, she would listen to us all."
"It's worth a try." Jaune heard the bed creak a second time. "I'll speak with Nora and her consort. Ruby is yours."
"And Blake?"
"She's hunting our blond knight, so we'll speak with her after the others." Jaune shivered at the thought of Blake actively searching for him. "I can still smell him..."
"As can I." Jaune held his breath and squeezed his eyes closed tighter. His mind continually praying for protections from the Sundered Lovers. "We'll tell Pyrrha of this as well. If he is sneaking into our rooms..."
"We could trap him."
"That we could." Jaune silently and ever so slowly let out the breath he had been struggling to hold in; once he heard the door close. He remained hidden under the bed, calming his thudding heart and waiting in case the pair again returned. After several minutes had passed he risked lifting the bed skirt and looked out into the room. Seeing no one, he squirmed and rolled out from under the bed. As soon as he got to his knees a feeling of dread filled him. Looking up he fell backwards onto his ass. Staring right at him with a wicked grin was Blake, perched on the top bunk ready to pounce.
"We knew you were here, Jaune." Jaune could swear if she had a tail it would be lashing back and forth behind her at that moment. "In the school your scent is so weak, but in a closed room... come quietly. Our queen wishes for her mate, and I don't want to hurt what is precious to her, if I can help it."
Jaune's heart crashed against his ribs. His breath coming in rapid gasps. He felt paralyzed by Blake's amber eyes. He was prey to her predator, and the flight or fight response kicked into high gear. Jaune knew he couldn't best her even on her worst day, with both her hands tied behind her back. So he had one option. Throwing himself forward he scrambled to his feet as Blake leapt down, landing just where he had been.
"Come now Jaune. She loves you. She wants you. She desires you. You and no one else." Blake slowly sashayed her way towards him, the grin never leaving her face. "You can't keep running... be a good boy and come with me. Meet your Queen, be her mate."
As he attempted to keep some semblance of distance between himself and Blake, Jaune shoved the balls of paper into his belt pouch, closing it by feel alone. When the wall touched his back, he knew the reality of the situation. He was trapped in a closed room with someone who so far outclasses him, he might as well had been an infant for all he could do against her. Fear did things to people, and in Jaune's case it made him desperate, and a desperate person would do the most illogical of things.
"Jaune!" Blake screeched in anger and fear as Jaune darted to the side and jumped. Curling himself up he hit the window side on; smashing it out and starting a three story free fall to beacon's grounds. Blake reached the shattered window and leaned out. Her eyes tracking Jaune's fall, "JAUNE!"
Jaune knew what he did was stupid, and insane, but he had committed himself to the action. Using what little he knew of aura manipulation he pushed everything he could into the right side of his body. He could hear Blake howling his name in panic above him; and then his body met the hard ground. Pain exploded throughout his body, and he knew he had broken something, but he was flush with adrenaline; and pushed himself to his feet. He was sure Blake would be following him shortly once she knew he was still able to move. Hacking and coughing, he limped into the deepening night. Behind him he heard Weiss' and Yang's voices joining Blake's screaming for him.
/=/
"What happened?" Weiss shrieked at her faunus sister. "It should have been easy!"
"He panicked, and jumped out the window!" Blake screamed back.
"Why didn't you follow him?" Weiss shouted.
"In this body?" Blake asked. "None of us would survive that fall as we are!"
"He's heading for the Emerald Forest... unarmed." Yang cut in. "Weiss call Ruby. She can run him down even without her semblance; make sure she knows to protect him from himself. Blake and I will inform her of this development, in person."
Weiss nodded and pulled out her scroll, while Blake's ears fell flat on her head. She knew their queen would be displeased with her, and rightfully so. She had failed in capturing the one Pyrrha so desired. She had also failed in keeping him from harm. She knew he was hurt, as did Yang and Weiss. Just by how he was moving; though it did amaze them that he was able to survive such a fall; which was good for them. If he were to perish because of their action or inaction. She shivered at the thought.
/=/
Jaune's body was on fire. His right arm and shoulder were numb. Pain flared up his right leg with every step, and his chest burned, making it hard to breath; but still he pushed himself. He knew it was fear that drove him on. Fear of whatever was happening to his friends, to his peers and his school. He doubted he could help them, but he was damned if he wouldn't try, and part of that attempt was not becoming like them. He tripped and stumbled crashing into the ground, causing his body to light up in agony. He hacked and coughed, the taste of iron filling his mouth. Using his good arm, he pushed himself up, and attempted to get his good leg underneath him; while spitting to clear the taste out of his mouth.
He had no plan, jumping out the window was a desperate gamble, and he was surprised that Blake or the others had made the jump. They could have easily tanked the landing, he was just in such bad shape because of his poor aura control and the fact he landed in a heap instead of on his feet. To him it didn't make sense, but then he was not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. Their hesitation was his advantage. He needed to rest, to let his aura heal him, but this was not the place. He was too exposed out here near the cliffs. He had two choices before him. Crawl back into Beacon and hide in the basement levels, or the Emerald Forest. Both had dangers he knew he was ill equipped to face.
The sound of booted feet behind him, caused him to seize up. Giving a look over his shoulder his blue eyes grew wide, as he saw the rapidly approaching form of his first friend from Beacon. His mind took note that she was just running after him, and not using her semblance, but still she was gaining ground at a surprising rate.
"Jaune!" she yelled her voice almost sounding musical, "I found you! Pyrrha will be so happy!"
"No." Jaune grunted, as he through sheer force of will started to limp away.
"Don't Jaune! You'll hurt yourself even worse! Stop, I can help you! We'll help you!" by the sound of her feet and the volume of her voice he knew she was catching up. She would be on him soon, and Jaune even in the best of condition was a poor match to Ruby. "Jaune, Pyrrha NEEDS you! Please!"
They all needed him. They needed him to save them from whatever this was; and he couldn't do that if they caught him. If they turned him, or converted, or corrupted him. Whatever was the method, or term he couldn't let it happen. He had to escape, to remain free so he could figure this all out. The crack of a rifle sounded seconds after a thudding pain exploded against the back of his damaged right shoulder. He tried to compensate for the sudden hit, and stamped down with his right leg. Instantly he screamed in agony as the leg crumpled beneath him. It felt like molten hot knives were shoved into his very bones. Crashing into the ground on his damage shoulder and arm his cried out again, before falling into a fit of hack, coughing and choking as the impact to the ground set his chest a fire.
"It's okay Jaune." Ruby tried to sooth him as she dropped Crescent Rose and fell to her knees beside him. "It was a bean bag."
Jaune wasn't hearing her. His body was breaking, tearing itself apart. Everything was burning and throbbing. His lungs struggled to clear themselves. Pain, was all he knew. Each attempted breath. Each movement no matter how small was a shard of ice driven into his brain. Ruby tried to assist him. To roll him onto his side to help him breath, but her gentle touch sent him shrieking bloody murder. His world was nowt just a fog of pain. His mind growing numb. In a single moment of clarity he saw Ruby on her scroll. In that instant he knew he had to do something. Anything or he would fail his friends. So he did the only thing his fracturing mind could visualize, and lashed out with his left hand.
Ruby dropped her scroll due to shock when Jaune's hand suddenly grabbed her by the face. He felt something cold and dark push against his hand, much like how he felt when handling those pieces of paper. So he reacted now as he did then, but just more violently. Grabbing whatever aura he could muster with his shattered focus he thrust it into his hand. Ruby had grabbed hold of his arm, and it was only due to Jaune's panic fuelled strength that she had yet to manage pulling his hand free. Then the pulse of golden light burst from his hand, and she literally seized. Her body going ramrod straight. Her arms releasing their hold on Jaune's forearm and snapping out to her sides. Whomever Ruby had called was screaming at her over the dropped scroll. Jaune for a moment could almost swear he saw a black haze starting to be pushed from her body. He instinctively knew it was not natural, that it was something that should not be. That he should be afraid of it. He also understood he wasn't strong enough at that moment to truly drive it out of his friend. He was too tired, too injured, too weak.
Ruby convulsed as the haze suddenly reentered her body, to only then fall to her side limp. Her chest rising shallowly. It all happened when Jaune's hand fell away from her face. Gritting his teeth he forced himself to roll over on to his chest, and even as his body struggled to breath, he used his good leg and arm to drag him across the ground. The other would without a doubt be on their way. He had no doubt that Ruby had told them with her first words where she had found him. His body was failing him, he couldn't as he was evade them. They would take him, and change him. He was going to fail them, like he did most things in his life. Reaching up to his neck he grabbed the thin silver chain and yanked. Snapping the clasp. Twisting his wrist he roughly coiled the chain in between his fingers.
They would be here soon, he was sure of it. So with no physical strength left, and his will fading, he fell to the only piece of himself he had left. His faith. Kissing the pair of emblems he held them to his heart and breathless began to speak as he closed his eyes.
"King of the light. The protector. I beg you to grant me a boon. Gird me with your light, grant me the shield of your mercy. Be I the least of your children, I beg of you to aide me; help me to endure my tribulations. Provide me with salvation worthy of your judgment." His breathing was becoming weaker, and in the distance he could hear the crunch of boots against the ground. "Queen of the dark. The avenger. I beseech you! Give me the strength to face my tormentors. This I ask, the least of your children; upon my knees in supplication to your greatness. Forgive my trespasses, forgive my weakness. Provide me with you salvation worthy of your judgment."
/=/
Ozpin trapped in his office, felt the pull. He closed his eyes, wishing he could put a stop to the anarchy that was consuming his school. The madness that preyed upon his students. Whatever it was that had taken hold, had also driven its cruel talons into some of his staff. The others mounting what defence they could to protect the unaffected. He had the inner strength to best those afflicted; to affect an escape, and raise the forces he would need to mount a rescue; but he held back. He couldn't abandon everything he built. He couldn't run; not when there was a chance for him to discover the source and put an end to the insanity.
He had felt this pull before, at odd times throughout his many lives. As always he had was taken by surprise. To know there was at least a single person who still held him in such esteem. Whose faith in his strength was so strong that it could bridge any distance. This call was close. Taking a slow breath he let his own power flow through the shaky connection. He would answer the cry for assistance. If he couldn't suppress what was seizing his school, he would at least help whomever was reaching out to him; and share his strength.
/=/
Seated upon her throne, contemplating the next moves she would make against the kingdoms of Remnant; Salem suddenly sat up straight. The words were faint, but she could hear them with in her mind. It happened every so often; though it had been near a decade since the last occurrence. Someone was seeking her blessing. Requesting her assistance. It was a rare occurrence; and each time it happened she felt strange. Even with all the rage and wrath with in her breast, the words that reached her pulled at something else with in her. Mercy.
Closing her eyes, she traced the flow of the plea for her assistance. It was a pinprick of life, near the forests surrounding Beacon. She could feel the strength of devotion. It was unlike that of Tyrian. It was neither corrupted, nor fanatical. It was honest, pure. Taking a deep breath, she let it out slowly, opening her mind and allowing her essence to flow through the conduit; while also reaching out to one of her greater children.
/=/
Jaune gagged and gasped as two very different feelings flowed into him. One soft and warm, the other hard and cold. He could feel his body reacting. His fatigue and fear ebbing away. His pain dulling. He knew he wasn't healed, but the energies flowing into him girded his battered body, allowing him to stiffly sit-up. He could see them approaching, and he knew without a doubt who was in the front.
"Pyrrha." he whispered.
"Jaune!" she called out to him in a frantic voice, confirming what he already knew. He let out a chocking cough, as he watched his failure close upon him. He slowly closed his eyes, tears slowly rolling down his cheeks at his own weakness, and uselessness. Any moment now they would be upon him, and he would end up a twisted mockery like the others. He heard the sound of great wings, and felt something close about him; at the same time as Pyrrha howled in rage and fear.
Suddenly he felt weightless. Wind rushed past him, cooling his burning body. He didn't open his eyes. He had failed his friends. He wasn't strong enough, so whatever was happening to him was his just reward for being so weak.
/=/
Ruby whimpered on her knees as Pyrrha raged. Blake scratched at Pyrrha's arm as she was hoisted by the neck from the floor, clutched in Pyrrha's iron grip. The others stood back heads bowed. They had failed their queen. She was the mightiest of the sisters; destined to rule over them and their subjects.
"You had one duty, whore." Pyrrha snarled as her emerald eyes glowed with lust fuelled rage. "To capture him, UNHARMED, and you failed! Not only did your not capture my beloved, you allowed him to come to harm!"
"F... f... for... gi... ve... me!" Blake choked, her eyes rolling backwards as her face began to grow a shade of blue.
"You're," Pyrrha released her grip, dropping Blake to crumple limply at her feet. "lucky we are sisters. Failure like that is unacceptable. Unforgivable to any but family."
"He's been taken from Beacon, my queen." Weiss spoke up her tone soft and soothing, "Shall we find anot..."
"There IS NO OTHER!" Pyrrha roared causing all of them to flinch as if they had been physically struck, before hissing. "There is only Jaune. He IS my mate. My king. He will rule at my side."
"He was taken by a great grimm." Ren spoke up calmly. "Most likely towards the mountains. We could affect a rescue; however..."
"What is it my sister's consort?"
"We do not have the numbers to do so... yet." Ren bowed his head towards Pyrrha, "These bodies are too frail without aura, and as you know without our king to open the portal we have no access to our true strength."
"Who would have thought twisting their souls, would lock away this aura that made them so desirable to us in the first place."
"It was an oversight on my part, my queen." Yang spoke up, "I should have studied, tested them more before suggesting we take action."
"Nothing can be done about it now." Pyrrha snorted.
"We have a dozen teams that have been broken to serve." Ren spoke again, "If we made moves to consolidate our hold here at Beacon we would have the numbers needed to find and save your mate."
"But if we truly convert them, they will be auraless like us." Yang added.
"CRDL was broken through pain. They submitted without conversion. They still have aura, as do the other teams Glynda has broken for us. They all have aura." Ren informed the gathered figures. "We convert a few of the stronger ones, those worthy of true service; and break the rest."
"He drove me out." Ruby whimpered, drawing everyone's attention to her kneeling form. She looked small and pathetic, hugging herself.
"Ruby?" Ren asked. "Did you say he drove you out?"
"His aura is too pure... it burned and forced me out of my host."
"Then how?" Yang asked.
"He was too weak to fully drive her out." Weiss surmised. "This is not good my queen. If he has that type of strength when injured..."
"He is a true threat when hale and healthy." Pyrrha completed her sister's thought. "It matters not. He is my mate. He will be our king."
"If his aura is that pure..."
"Even the most pure can be tainted." Pyrrha snarled a seductive and cruel grin crossing her features.
/=/
Jaune awoke, sore, stiff, cold and hurting. He shivered and wrapped his arms around him against the morning chill. Forcing himself to rise from the rocky ground, he found the pain in his leg and arm almost gone, or at least to the point of being negligible. His arm seemed fine, but his leg was a different story. He now had a pronounced limp. Taking a deep breath he was nearly doubled over with the burning and sharp pain that wrapped around his lungs. He hacked, and coughed before spitting clearing the slimy iron tasting mass of mucus and phlegm from his mouth. His stomach growled, and his throat was parched.
"Where?" he asked himself as he let his eyes scan his surroundings. He stumbled backwards at the sight of a pair of alpha Beowulf stalking back and forth a good ten metres away from him. He watched his eyes wide with fear. He had no way defend himself from such monstrosities. They both looked at him, their red eyes feeling as if they were boring through him, only to snort and continue their pacing. "That is not possible."
"It is entirely possible and it is a reality." came a voice from behind him, that caused him to shiver. Slowly he turned noticing the hazy image of a stunning woman. Her pale almost porcelain looking skin marred with black vein like lines. Her eyes black and red. Her snow white hair twisted into a complicated bun, held there with an elaborate head piece. Her form was draped in a flowing black robe. "Who are you? How are you able to call to me from such distance?"
"Your highness." Jaune responded dropping to his knees ignoring the pain of his knees striking the rocky ground. A raspy breath escaping his lips as be bent forward placing his hands flat on the ground and pressing his forehead to the barren earth.
"Isn't it obvious, Salem?" came a voice Jaune knew. However he denied himself to look up from his position of supplication.
"Ozama, how are you?"
"He called to me, just as he had you. I kept the connection open, and using a trick I had almost forgotten..."
"You manifested an image of yourself, much as I have."
"Correct." Ozpin's hazy form confirmed while crossing his arms over an almost see through chest. "He is one of my students, his name is Jaune Arc...and I believe his family still honours us. Isn't that true Jaune?"
"It is your majesty." Jaune replied, never looking up from the ground, "The Sundered Lovers are who we hold in esteem. They... you are who we reach out to for guidance, strength and protection."
"Sundered Lovers? Interesting title for us." Salem commented. Why did you... call to us?"
"There is a corruption infesting my school." Ozpin replied for Jaune. "He is one of the few that have resisted it, and from I have seen through Beacon's security system... the centre is teams RWBY and JNPR; and they have a particular interest in capturing Mr. Arc."
"Then this is a problem for you to solve. If your school falls the better for me." Salem remarked.
"Yet to saved this poor young man; and don't deny it. I saw the Nevermore."
"I had a momentary bout of mercy, nothing more."
"You and mercy? Must have been a bout of temporary insanity." Ozpin commented, a hint of amusement in his tone.
"Believe what you want. I have no need to explain myself to you."
"My majesties, I beg for guidance. Please aid this unworthy soul." Jaune asked with complete reverence in his voice.
""What is it Jaune?" Ozpin asked. He and Salem then watched as Jaune fished out three balls of paper from on of his pouches; both also noticing the set of emblems he was clutching tightly in his left hand. Slowly Jaune still upon his knees worked to smooth out the balls of paper.
"I found this in RWBY's dorm. When I touch it, I feel something trying to enter me, but I can force it away from my aura." Jaune informed the pair of ethereal looking beings. "It's some sort of circle."
"Don't" Salem tried to warn the young blond but it was too late. As he pulled the pieces together completing the image.
Jaune fell backwards as a black mist like form pulsed upwards from the completed image. His foot shot out from under him scattering the papers, but not before the misty form attack him. It flowed into his body causing him to arch his back and open his mouth in a silent scream. He could feel the twisted foulness of whatever it was flowing into him seeking out his heart and invading his mind. Wicked, inhumane and sadistic images filled his thoughts. A sense of pleasure at the thoughts flowing through him.
"Pulse your aura!" Salem shouted at the struggling young man.
Whatever fragment of Jaune's mind that was still him did as he was ordered. Grabbing at the spark within him he forced what remained of his will into it. In a burst of golden light, the mist was forced from his body. Suddenly his mind was his again. The pair of alphas had closed sensing the alarm from their mistress. Before either Ozpin or Salem could speak, the mist latched on to the nearest of the beasts. Red eyes suddenly turned completely black; it's solid form suddenly taking on a ooze or slime like quality. The second Alpha feeling the change in its companion launched itself at it. Ripping into it with jaws and claws.
Tendrils sprouted from the stricken creature, and impaled the second Alpha. It howled in agony, as if something was being forced into it. It began to shiver and shake its eyes clouding over black. Its form become slick and wet looking. It was then a hidden King Taijitu burst from its concealment. It's four metre length quickly coiling about the pair of once twisted grimm; holding them fast and slowly constricting them. The trio watched as the tendrils slipped off the greater grimm's scales and armour plates. Unable to penetrate.
"Jaune, push all your aura into your hands and touch them!" Ozpin shouted. Nodding Jaune did as he was bid, pushing everything he had into his hands. Limping forward he grabbed the pair of struggling beasts by the snouts. "Force it into them!"
Concentrating harder than he ever had, Jaune once again followed the directions of his better. Golden light pulses and flowed from his hands, encompassing the pair of twisted creatures. All the while the King Taijitu tighten its coils. The black mist began to rise from the once grimm, the light of Jaune's aura following it; mixing with it. Jaune was feeling the strain, but he pushed harder; shoving everything he could into the writhing forms. Jaune felt more than heard unnatural howl of anguish as the mist twisted into the air and burst into a shower of golden specks of light. Falling backwards exhausted, Jaune watched and the greater grim finished crushing the pair of Alphas; causing them to dissipate into the air.
"It seems that whatever is affecting my school can also infest your grimm." Ozpin pointed out.
"Apparently so." Salem begrudgingly agreed, "But this boy is able to destroy it. Though he is weak, and will no doubt succumb as he is right now. He needs training."
"I agree." Ozpin commented as he watched Jaune fall to his back, and then rolling to his side as he coughed and choked. "He also needs to heal."
"That he does."
/==/
Okay so another first chapter, mainly so I can post this note. I have replaced two stories with new ones. 03 "Wraith" which was an abysmal piece of work, is now "2am", which 14"Secrets-Chp3" is now "Field Test". I am going to keep possibilities to only two chapters of any idea. If I go past two then the story deserves its own entry as a stand alone.
Okay I did ask, for what you my readers wanted to see with at least a second chapter. In order of preference, and in the order I will post them:
Blindside (3 votes)
Holding Back (2 Votes)
Bound / Family / Shadowed Dance / Arisen (1 Vote each)
I want to do another "Blindside" BUT the premise is terrible, as has been pointed out in a review and in a couple private messages. So I need to tweak it, to make it a better story. There is a really good one on AO3 "Flailing Cardin" which is way beyond what the normal Pyrrha/Cardin stories are. I would like to do something similar, but people are right. If Cardin tried to blackmail Pyrrha she would just curb stomp him. So my options are limited to: Jaune attending Beacon after Pyrrha falls under Cardin's influence, or something changes Pyrrha to make her willing to entertain being around Cardin. One suggestion was the Aura Transfer failing. I could also use a supernatural reason, but I really over do that. So suggestions and advice is welcome.
Also thinking of posting some of my works to AO3, and I would like advice on which you my readers feel are worthy of a cross post.
As for "Monster" and "Secrets (Revamp)" they are being worked on. I want the stories to succeed so I'll be taking more time towards putting out hopefully good chapters. It has been suggested that "Secrets (Revamp)" is moving a little fast, and a slow down with more world building would be a good continuation. "Monster" is slow because I want to follow up the battle in a decent fashion, while also moving some minor plot-threads towards completion.
Anyway that's my ramble. Hope you enjoyed, and as always comments, critiques, and suggestions are more than welcome.