Glynda stepped forward, her keen eyes assessing the injured team. "Tell me everything," she said. The team of Huntsmen and Huntresses began recounting their harrowing encounter with the Hound, their voices trembling as they described the creature's unnatural abilities and how it looked.
"It attacked us out of nowhere," one Huntress said. "At first, it looked like a Beowolf, but then it changed. It grew wings and claws, and it was smarter than any Grimm we've faced before."
"It seemed to anticipate our moves too," another Huntsman added. "It was like it was toying with us."
Glynda's mind raced. A Grimm that could change form and exhibit intelligence? This was something entirely new and far more dangerous. She glanced over at Jaune, who was tirelessly healing the injured Huntsmen, his face a mask of concentration.
Jaune worked methodically, his Semblance casting a soft golden glow as he mended wounds and eased pain. The Huntresses nearby watched him with a mix of awe and admiration. Glynda couldn't help but notice their infatuation and felt a pang of annoyance. She fixed them with a glare that spoke volumes of what she was feeling. The Huntresses quickly retreated, intimidated by Glynda's fierce demeanor.
Jaune looked up, puzzled by their sudden fear. "It's okay," he assured them, his voice gentle with a charming smile. "You're safe now."
The Huntresses blushed, but a sharp look from Glynda still sent them scurrying away. Jaune raised an eyebrow in confusion. "What's gotten into them?"
Glynda rolled her eyes, her annoyance still clear. "Some people just don't know how to act around someone."
Jaune looked confused.
Glynda turned her attention back to the Huntsmen. "Where did the attack come from?"
"It ambushed us near the eastern cliffs," one of the Huntsmen said. "We were investigating some strange activity in the area when it struck."
"Did it have any weaknesses?" Glynda asked.
The Huntsmen exchanged uncertain glances. "It seemed vulnerable to concentrated attacks, but its speed and agility made it hard to pin down," another Huntsman explained. "And its wings... it used them to create gusts of wind that threw us off balance."
Glynda nodded, absorbing the information. "Thank you. Rest now. We'll try to take it."
"You sure?" a huntress said. "You two look strong, but it's not exactly something you'd fight with just the two of you."
"We'll be fine. We won't overextend ourselves," Jaune said.
After ensuring the injured were taken care off, Glynda and Jaune made their way to a small inn on the island. The innkeeper, an elderly woman with kind eyes, welcomed them warmly and showed them to their rooms.
Glynda couldn't resist a sarcastic remark and a grin as she thought of the huntresses fawning over Jaune a while ago. "Quite the charmer, aren't you, Jaune? What was it again? Short, sweet, and the ladies love it?"
"Do they?" Jaune chuckled, but there was a hint of cynicism in his voice. "Despite that, I never really got anyone... well, there was one, but it didn't work out."
"Really?" she leaned forward.
"Yeah," Jaune said with a long face. "Honestly, I can't even remember what she looked and sounded like… maybe in a few years I'll remember again. It's been too long..."
Glynda's curiosity was piqued, but she saw the pain in Jaune's eyes and knew he wouldn't elaborate. It was a story he seemed determined to carry to his grave.
Settling into their room, they turned their attention back to the immediate threat. "This Grimm is different," Glynda said. "It's more than just a monster. It's sentient."
Jaune nodded. "If it's as dangerous as they say, no team is going to help us again. But if we can ambush it, we might be able to kill it."
Glynda leaned forward, intrigued by how rather casual Jaune was at facing a threat like this. Had he met something like this before?
"What's your plan?"
Jaune outlined his strategy. "We'll need to draw it out into the open. I'll use my Semblance to boost your Aura and Semblance, giving you enough power to use your telekinesis to create a drill made of rocks just like what you did when I saw you fight that horde. You'll launch it at the Hound, piercing through its defenses."
Glynda considered the plan. It was risky, but it might work. "It's a viable tactic," she agreed.
Jaune's eyes met hers, determination etched into his features. "Then we have a plan. Let's rest for now. Tomorrow, we hunt."
Glynda nodded, feeling a mix of apprehension and resolve. This Hound was unlike any Grimm she had faced before, but she's not worried. There was no enemy she hadn't felled with her Semblance yet.
As Glynda lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Her thoughts swirled with the day's events and the task ahead. The Hound, whatever it was, was going to formidable foe, but she had faith in Jaune's plan and their combined abilities. Despite her initial annoyance at the Huntresses' infatuation with Jaune, she couldn't deny his skill and dedication.
She glanced over at Jaune, who was already asleep in the next bed. His face was relaxed, but even in slumber, there was a hint of worry. Glynda wondered about the "one" he had mentioned earlier. What kind of person had captured Jaune Arc's heart? And why had it not worked out?
With a sigh, she turned over and closed her eyes, willing herself to sleep. They would need all their strength for the battle to come. It was not time to act like some schoolgirl with a crush.
The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Glynda stretched and got out of bed, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. She glanced at Jaune, who was already awake and preparing his gear.
"Ready for today?" she asked.
Jaune nodded. "As ready as I'll ever be. Let's go over the plan one more time."
They sat down and reviewed Jaune's strategy. The key was to lure the Hound into an open area where Glynda could use her telekinesis to launch a powerful attack. Jaune would boost her aura with his Semblance, giving her the extra strength needed to pierce the Hound's defenses.
"We'll need to be quick and precise," Glynda said. "Any mistakes could be fatal."
Jaune agreed. "We'll have to be in sync. Trust each other completely."
Glynda looked into Jaune's eyes and saw the determination there.
She knew she could trust him with her life.
Well, if she didn't, then she wouldn't be here with him instead of Beacon.
"Let's do this."
They left the inn and made their way to the eastern cliffs, where the Huntsmen had encountered the Hound. The journey was tense, with both of them scanning their surroundings for any sign of the Grimm. The forest was eerily quiet, adding a sense of foreboding.
When they reached the cliffs, they found evidence of the previous battle — scorched earth, broken trees, and bloodstains. Glynda's heart pounded in her chest as they moved cautiously through the area.
"Stay alert," Jaune whispered. "It could be anywhere."
Suddenly, a shadow passed overhead. Glynda looked up and saw the Hound descending from the sky, its wings outstretched and claws glinting in the sunlight. The creature let out a bone-chilling roar as it landed in front of them.
The Hound wasted no time, lunging at them with incredible speed. Glynda dodged to the side, her reflexes honed from years of training. Jaune activated his Semblance, a golden light surrounding him as he boosted Glynda's aura and then bashed the Hound in front, activating the gravity dust on his shield to send it back.
"Now!" Jaune shouted.
Glynda focused on her telekinesis, lifting a massive boulder from the ground and shaping it into a drill-like formation. She aimed at the Hound and launched it with all her strength. The rock drill hurtled towards the creature, but the Hound was quick. It dodged to the side, avoiding the attack.
"Again!" Jaune urged, maintaining the boost in Glynda's aura while standing in front of the Hound.
Glynda gritted her teeth and lifted another boulder. This time, she waited for the Hound to make its move. The creature circled them, its eyes gleaming with intelligence. It was waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
"Come on," Glynda muttered. "Just a little closer..."
The Hound lunged again, and Glynda seized the opportunity. She launched the rock drill with precise timing, catching the Hound mid-air. The drill pierced through the creature's wing, causing it to shriek in pain and crash to the ground.
"We got it!" Jaune exclaimed, but still posed with his sword and shield.
The Hound wasn't defeated yet. It struggled to its feet, its wing damaged but not destroyed. With a furious roar, it unleashed a gust of wind that knocked Glynda and Jaune off their feet. Glynda's head hit the ground hard, aura shimmering, dazing her from the impact.
When she came to, she saw Jaune standing protectively over her, his sword drawn. The Hound was circling them again, its eyes filled with malice.
"We can't let it recover," Jaune said, helping Glynda to her feet. "We need to finish this."
Glynda nodded, shaking off the dizziness. "Let's end this."
Drawing on the last reserves of her strength, Glynda prepared one final attack. She gathered all the loose rocks and debris in the area, forming them into a massive projectile. Jaune's aura boost flowed into her, amplifying her power.
The Hound charged at them, but this time, Glynda was ready. She launched the projectile with all her might, aiming straight for the creature's heart. The Hound tried to dodge, but its injured wing slowed it down.
The projectile hit its mark, piercing through the Hound's chest and then landed face-first on the ground.
Glynda and Jaune hurried over the body of the Hound, feeling a wave of relief wash over them. But the victory was short-lived. A low, guttural growl emanated from the Hound's throat, causing them both to tense up. Glynda's eyes widened in shock as she saw the creature's wounds begin to close, its body regenerating at an alarming rate.
"No," she whispered, her voice tinged with disbelief. "It's regenerating!"
The Hound's eyes snapped open, glowing with a sinister light. With a sudden burst of energy, it pushed itself off the ground and transformed. Its once-beastly form shifted, growing more humanoid. One of its arms morphed into a blade, gleaming menacingly in the dim light.
Before Glynda could react, the Hound lunged at Jaune.
Jaune raised his shield just in time to block the Hound's attack. The force of the blow sent him stumbling backward, but he quickly regained his footing and countered with a slash of his sword. The Hound parried the strike with its blade-arm, the two weapons clashing with a metallic ring that reverberated through the forest, sending shockwaves.
Jaune's muscles strained as he pushed back against the Hound's relentless assault. Each strike from the creature was precise, its blade-arm slicing through the air with deadly accuracy. Jaune moved with a dancer's grace, his shield and sword a blur as he parried and countered each attack. The Hound's newfound agility and strength made it a formidable opponent, but Jaune held his ground, determined not to let it gain the upper hand.
Sweat dripped from Jaune's brow, his breath coming in ragged gasps. His arms ached from the constant strain, but he pushed the pain aside, focusing solely on the battle at hand. He could feel the Hound's feral intelligence, each of its moves calculated to exploit any weakness. But Jaune met each of the creature's attacks with skill and precision. No big movements, just practical swings and blocks.
The Hound growled, its eyes glowing with malevolent intent. It feinted to the left, then swung its blade-arm in a wide arc, aiming for Jaune's exposed side. Jaune reacted instantly, raising his shield to block the blow. The force and impact sent a jolt of pain through his arm, but he gritted his teeth and held firm.
With a grunt of effort, Jaune pushed the Hound back, using the momentum to launch a counterattack. His sword flashed in the dim light, aimed at the creature's torso. The Hound twisted its body, narrowly avoiding the strike, and retaliated with a vicious swipe of its blade-arm. Jaune ducked, the blade whistling over his head, and drove his shield into the Hound's midsection, forcing it to stumble backward, which was then followed by a kick to the side that bent the Hound's side, leaving it growling.
Glynda watched the battle unfold, her heart pounding in her chest. She could see the strain on Jaune's face, the sweat glistening on his brow. He was holding his own, but the Hound was relentless, its attacks unending, and Jaune's stamina was not infinite.
With a determined expression, Glynda raised her hand and focused on her telekinesis. Trying to pin down the Hound with her Semblance and yet found the Hound resisting it somehow. Clicking her tongue, she pointed her Disciplinarian, unleashing a powerful blast of force, hitting the Hound square in the chest and sending it staggering backward. The creature snarled in frustration, its glowing eyes locking onto Glynda.
The Hound disengaged from Jaune and turned its attention to her, its blade-arm raised threateningly. Glynda stood her ground, her eyes fixed on the creature as she cartwheeled backward and hit its jaw with her right boot.
She could feel the raw power emanating from it, a force of nature bent on destruction.
But it made a mistake.
"Jaune, now!" Glynda shouted, readying herself for another attack.
Jaune didn't need to be told twice. He surged forward, his shield raised to protect Glynda while also landing an aura-infused slashed at the bony armor protecting its chest, shattering it.
The Hound hesitated for a moment, torn between its two adversaries. That moment of indecision was all Jaune needed. He brought his sword down in a powerful arc, aiming for the Hound's blade-arm.
The Hound roared in pain as Jaune's Crocea Mors bit into its arm, severing the blade. The creature staggered backward, its eyes blazing with fury. Glynda seized the opportunity, unleashing another telekinetic blast that sent the Hound crashing into a tree.
The Hound then let out a deafening roar and bolted into the forest, its movements swift and fluid despite its injuries. Glynda and Jaune exchanged a quick glance before sprinting after it. The dense forest was a maze of trees and undergrowth, but they navigated it with practiced ease, leaping over fallen logs and dodging branches.
The Hound moved with unnatural speed, but Glynda and Jaune were determined to keep up and moved with superhuman effort as well. They pushed themselves to their limits, their breaths coming in ragged gasps as they raced through the forest. The creature's glowing eyes were a constant beacon, guiding them through the darkness.
The Hound, realizing it was being pursued, began to hurl obstacles in their path. Trees were uprooted and flung at them, and rocks were sent tumbling down slopes. Glynda used her telekinesis to deflect the debris, while Jaune's shield protected them from the worst of the onslaught by simply ramming through them.
The chase was a blur of motion and adrenaline. They vaulted over boulders, slid down steep inclines, and swung from tree branches. The forest was alive with the sounds of their pursuit—panting breaths, the rustle of leaves, and the thunderous crashes of the Hound's attacks.
Despite their best efforts, the Hound was gradually pulling ahead. Glynda could feel her energy waning, her aura flickering like a dying flame. She pushed herself harder, refusing to let the creature escape.
As they neared the edge of the forest, the Hound suddenly disappeared from sight. Glynda and Jaune skidded to a halt, scanning the area for any sign of the creature. The forest was eerily silent, the only sound their heavy breathing.
"We're losing it," Glynda panted, frustration and exhaustion clear in her voice.
Jaune placed a hand on her sweaty shoulder, his expression serious. "Glynda, stop. We can't go any further."
Glynda turned to face him, ready to argue, but the look in his eyes stopped her. The usual Jaune was gone, replaced by a serious one that was charming in its own right. She liked both sides and she could see the concern etched on his face, and she realized he was right. Her aura was dangerously low, and continuing the chase would be reckless.
She felt foolish and unprofessional, but then again, this was the first time she had fought something like that.
"We'll get another chance," Jaune said firmly. "But we need to be smart about this. We can't fight it when we're exhausted and low on aura."
Glynda nodded reluctantly, understanding the wisdom in his words. They had pushed themselves to the brink, but they needed to be at full strength to face the Hound again.
With a final glance at the forest, she turned and followed Jaune back towards the port town.
The journey back to the port town was a somber one. The adrenaline from the chase had worn off, leaving Glynda and Jaune feeling the full weight of their exhaustion. They moved at a slower pace, conserving what little energy they had left.
As they emerged from the forest, the sight of the town brought a sense of relief. The familiar buildings and friendly faces of the townsfolk were a welcome sight after the chaos of the hunt. Glynda and Jaune were greeted with concern and curiosity, the townsfolk eager to hear what had happened.
"We had the Hound, but it got away," Glynda explained, her voice heavy with disappointment. "It regenerated before we could land the killing blow.. We need to regroup and come up with a new plan."
The townspeople nodded, their expressions a mix of fear and determination. They had seen firsthand the danger the Hound posed and didn't criticize them for their failure.
Back at the inn, Glynda and Jaune sat across from each other, the remnants of their hastily eaten meal between them. The quiet of the room was a stark contrast to the chaos they had just faced. Glynda leaned back in her chair, her mind racing through the details of the battle. They knew they needed an alternative approach if they were going to defeat the Hound once and for all.
"We need to find a way to stop its regeneration," Glynda said, her mind racing with possibilities. "There has to be a weakness we can exploit."
Jaune nodded, deep in thought. "If we can find a way to keep it from healing, we can finish it off."
Glynda crossed her arms.
Jaune then leaned forward, his blue eyes staring at the map of Vytal Island and then back to some of the food. "The Huntsmen and Huntresses who fought the Hound before might have more information. We should talk to them again and see if they noticed anything we missed."
"That regeneration," Glynda began, her voice thoughtful. "I've never seen anything like it. It's not just healing — it's complete cellular regeneration."
Jaune nodded, his brow furrowed in concentration. "It was like the Hound was adapting in real-time, becoming stronger with each encounter. We need to understand how it's doing that if we want to defeat it."
Glynda took a deep breath, her frustration clear. "I thought we had it. The way it just stood up, almost mockingly, after we thought it was down for good... we need to find a way to stop it from regenerating."
They spent the next hour dissecting the fight, discussing every move, every tactic the Hound used. Glynda's mind, paired with Jaune's combat experience, made for a thorough review.
"It shifted from beast to humanoid so quickly," Glynda noted. "And its blade-arm—did you notice how it seemed to change composition? Like it was adapting to counter your weapon."
Jaune nodded. "It felt like it was studying me. Each time I thought I had an opening, it would counter with something new. Almost as if it was learning my moves… it's different from what I know."
"You fought something like that?"
"Not exactly," Jaune said. "It's similar… but not like this."
Glynda shivered at the thought. "A sentient Grimm... if that's truly what we're dealing with, it could be a game-changer. And not in a good way."
Jaune's face darkened. "It was like fighting a human, but with the instincts and ferocity of a Grimm. Still, we need to find a way to neutralize its regeneration, or we'll never be able to take it down for good. Shit, I heard Rub- she, used her eyes on it... but this is.""
They lapsed into silence, each lost in their thoughts. Glynda's mind raced through possible strategies, trying to think of any advantage they could exploit. Her eyes fell on the fire, Dust crystals scattered on the table.
"Fire might work, at least temporarily," Glynda said, picking up a crystal and rolling it between her fingers. "It might disrupt its regeneration, cauterize the wound, but not enough to finish it off."
Jaune leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "Then we need to increase the intensity. If we can hit it with a concentrated fire attack, something it can't easily adapt to, it might stop the regeneration long enough for us to deliver a killing blow."
Glynda nodded slowly, considering the implications. "It's worth a try. We could combine our efforts—my Semblance enhance with fire Dust, and your aura boost to amplify the effect."
Jaune's expression brightened. "And we can rig some traps in the forest. Force it into a confined space where it can't escape easily. If we can control the battlefield, we'll have a better chance."
Glynda leaned back, a plan beginning to form in her mind. "We'll need help. The other Huntsmen and Huntresses who fought the Hound before—they might have seen something we missed. We need to gather everyone and share information."
"I'll talk to some of them. They might feel in debt with the treatment I gave them with my Semblance, but I doubt they'd agree to fight the Hound," Jaune agreed. "We can set up a perimeter in the forest, keep watch for any signs of the Hound. If it's regenerating, it's probably still in the area. We can't let it catch us off guard again. Maybe they'd help with that instead?"
They then spent the next few hours reaching out to the other Huntsmen and Huntresses in the village, gathering everyone at the inn to share their findings. The mood was tense but hopeful as Glynda and Jaune outlined their plan. They were rather hesitant, but Jaune looked them in the eyes and persuaded, standing before the gathered Huntsmen with an expression serious yet determined. He took a deep breath and addressed the crowd.
"Hey everyone, can I have your attention for a moment?" Jaune began, his voice steady. "I know this isn't the ideal time or place, but I need to lay something out for all of you."
He paused, gauging the room, then continued, "We're facing a serious threat—one that's not just any Grimm. The Hound we're dealing with isn't like the usual monsters we encounter. It's resilient, it's cunning, and it has a regenerative ability that makes it incredibly dangerous. Our previous encounters with it have shown that conventional methods aren't enough. We need a new strategy, and we need all the help we can get to pull this off."
Jaune shifted his stance, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "Here's the situation. We've come up with a plan that involves using concentrated fire to disrupt its regeneration. Glynda's going to use her telekinesis enhance with the fire Dust, and I'll be boosting the effect with my aura to stop its abilities. But we know that just having a powerful attack isn't enough. We need to control the battlefield, and that's where you guys hopefully would come in."
A murmur ran through the crowd as they processed his words. Jaune raised his hand to quiet them, his voice growing more resolute. "I know some of you might be hesitant. You've been through a lot already. You've fought this monster before, and you might be feeling overwhelmed or even defeated. But I want to remind you why we're here. We're Huntsmen and Huntresses. Our job is to protect the people of Remnant and to face threats head-on, no matter how daunting they may seem."
He paused for emphasis, letting his words sink in. "Think about it: if we let this Hound continue to roam unchecked, it's not just a threat to us—it's a threat to everyone who lives near these woods, to every town and village that might become its next target. If we let it win, if we give up now, then we're failing in our duty. We're letting fear dictate our actions instead of courage."
Jaune's eyes scanned the faces before him, his sincerity clear. "You've fought bravely already, and you've shown what you're capable of. I'm asking you to channel that same bravery again. I'm asking you to join us in this fight — not because you owe us, but because you believe in defeating monsters. Because you believe in standing up against the Grimm, no matter how fierce it is. We have a chance to stop this creature, to end the threat it poses once and for all. But that chance won't come if we don't act together."
The room was silent, the gravity of Jaune's words clearly. "We need your experience, your skills, and your resolve. We need to come together as a group and execute this plan with precision. You've seen the devastation this Hound can cause and if we don't stop it now, one way or another, we'll just ending up fighting this monster anyway when the people demand us to do so or the Headmasters says it's a priority."
Jaune took a step forward, his voice strong and filled with conviction. "So, I'm asking you as a fellow Huntsman: join us in this effort. Let's take the fight to this monster and show it that no matter how powerful it is, it shouldn't have fucked with Huntsmen like us."
Jaune finished his speech, letting the weight of his words hang heavily in the air. The room was quiet, the gravity of their situation settling over the Huntsmen.
Glynda stepped forward, her gaze sweeping over the assembled group with a steely determination. "We need to be prepared for anything," she said firmly. "This Hound is unlike any Grimm we've faced before. But if we work together, we can defeat it." Her eyes flashed with a hint of challenge as she added, "And what exactly are you so afraid of? We're offering you the best deal possible—prepare the traps and secure the perimeter, and we'll handle the fighting."
Her taunting tone ignited a spark of defiance among the Huntsmen, stirring their fighting spirit.
An older Huntsman, sitting with his team, rose to his feet with a broad grin. "Alright then," he said, his voice tinged with determination. "We'll give it another shot. Can't let this beast get away with slashing my friend's face. He's already ugly as sin, and I wouldn't be much of a friend if I didn't make this monster pay for that."
Jaune's face lit up with a grin. "Welcome to the hunt, Huntsman." He then turned to address the rest of the team, his tone rallying and encouraging. "So, how about the rest of you? Are you in?"
The room erupted in a roar of agreement, the Huntsmen's voices merging into a unified cheer. The energy in the room shifted from hesitant uncertainty to determined resolve.
With the decision made, they prepared to face the Hound together.
Glynda and Jaune found themselves alone once more. The weight of the day's events was starting to catch up with them, exhaustion pulling at their limbs.
"We should get some rest," Jaune said, his voice weary but resolute. "We'll need all our strength for what's coming."
"Yeah, we should," Glynda nodded, though sleep seemed a distant prospect. Her mind was still buzzing with possibilities and contingencies.
"I'll stay up for a while," he said. "You should get some sleep."
"Wake me if anything happens."
"Rest well."
As Glynda lay down, her thoughts drifted back to the fight. The Hound's eerie intelligence, its terrifying adaptability, and its relentless pursuit painted a grim picture. Yet, despite the fear, she felt a spark of determination and also… excitement..
This is what a huntress should be, Glynda thought. This isn't something you can have while teaching.
The sounds of the night filtered through the open window, a stark contrast to the chaos of the day. Glynda closed her eyes, allowing herself to relax.
Meanwhile, Jaune stood at the window, his gaze fixed on the dark forest beyond the port town. He glanced back at Glynda, her form still and quiet in the dim light as he then turned his attention back to the broken moon in the sky, searching for stars that he couldn't see.