They had been travelling for hours. The solitude is only broken by the rustle of leaves and Jaune's steps.
He has been walking since early morning. When the sunlight began to show itself through the clouds a long while ago it felt more like late afternoon. His feet hurt from the cold, and his body was sore from the lack of food. The sky was blackened with storm clouds which promised more rain in the coming days.
It was not that he didn't want to stop, he really wanted to. After all, he did have a goal, or well, several goals. There was nothing wrong with being tired from hiking though. At least they were able to rest up once his companion allowed him to rest up. He should be happy about that at the very least. Jaune thought as he took one more step forward, then another.
Just as he took another step, his gaze caught something in the dirt. A jagged print etched into the earth, much larger than the previous animal tracks he'd seen. Clawed impressions dug into the soil, betraying the sheer weight of the creature that had passed through.
Grimm, he thought instinctively, recognizing the peculiar print after encountering similar tracks before.
He and Suesor had faced Beowolves and Nevermores since they'd set out, and he had recently managed to defeat a Lancer on his own. But the tracks tell about a new Grimm.
It has five toes, each humanoid but elongated, and the 'palm' is oval than his. It's almost like a big monkey had made this.
"These look… fresh." He whispered, barely aware that he had spoken aloud. His fingers twitched over his sword hilt.
"How can you tell?" Sauelsuesor's voice brought him back.
"It has sharp edges around the uhh... diameter. If it's old, it should be rounded off."
Sauelsuesor nodded, observing the direction of his gaze, but lingered briefly on him. She had learned of these Soulless Creatures, the Grimm, drawn to the energies of human fear and pain. Each time Jaune fought them, he began to grow, physically and mentally, though she knew the trauma ran deep. He often hid it behind a brave face, but she could sense the remnants of fear beneath.
She knew what those moments of weakness cost him in their intensity, and she also knew that they caused her human companion to withdraw further into himself. She would never allow such a thing to go on. Ever.
She just hoped he would share some of his pain.
"In light of the presence of a Grimm in proximity, what measures shall you take?" She asks him, eyes pointing towards the sky where nimbostratus clouds are approaching, indicating rain in half an hour.
June didn't disappoint her.
"That way." He indicated the direction of where the Grimm most likely be.
The path they choose is relatively short, with only a few small trees lining their side. Jaune takes advantage of using large fallen logs to get better vision as they walk. There was a thin layer of fog covering most of the ground, which was eerie to his eyes.
But, whatever it may be, there are less trees here. Just grass, bushes, and occasional blossoms. A thick layer of moss covers everything.
When they finally reached their destination, Jaune noticed how empty this area seemed. There must be at least 100 meters between their current position to the next location. He would have liked to explore a little bit longer, but his companion was staring at him intensely and gesturing with her head.
A shadow reappeared, revealing itself among the trees. A massive figure, hulking and black with long, muscular limbs. Muscles rippled beneath its dark fur, and the familiar bone-white mask of the Grimm stood out starkly against its dark form. An ape-like Grimm.
Its red eyes locked onto them, and he felt a surge of dark energy pulse in the creature's direction. It was like a rush of anger that didn't belong to his, which asserts the Grimm's existence as a mockery.
He almost faltered for a moment, taking a deep breath and grounding his thoughts. He was in control. He had to be. The Grimm let out a guttural snarl, slamming its fists into the ground as a clear display of dominance, the earth cracking slightly beneath it, charging toward him, but Jaune knew what he had to do. Gripping his sword, he set his stance, bracing for the clash that was his fight.
It lunged, and his instincts kicked in, bringing his sword up just in time to deflect the creature's massive arm. The force of the impact jolted through his body, almost knocking the wind out of him off his planted feet.
The Grimm roared in response, swinging its other arm down, but Jaune blocked with his sword again. Once again he felt a surge of power run through him when it collided. He was surprised at how efficiently he was able to block the blow, despite the force that was coming from the monster directly. As it raised its fist to strike at him again, he swung his sword horizontally, catching the beast across its jaw, and it staggered back.
Adrenaline pumps through his veins. He thrust his sword forward, stabbing at its exposed neck, hoping to sever its spine before he pulled it back. To his surprise, the Grimm moved its head away instead, and he found himself suddenly trapped within its grasp. Its huge arms pressed against him tightly, making it impossible to pull his blade free.
He struggled to keep it at bay, trying to use his sword to cut its throat, but the beast wouldn't relent, holding firm even as he tried to break it with brute strength alone. The boy grunted, the pressure on his chest increasing exponentially, the air knocked out of his lungs. He couldn't breathe.
The Grimm leaned in close and roared at his face. He could smell it - a mixture of blood, sweat, and rotting flesh - as it drew closer, its breath hot on his face. The scent was so strong, it burned his nose even without contact. It was revolting, and he fought the urge to gag. He focused instead on keeping his breathing steady, his heartbeat steady, as it neared.
It was close. Closer than he remembered it ever before, already uncomfortably close. He couldn't hear anything beyond the sounds of his own pounding heart, and even then, he wouldn't be able to distinguish any sounds if he wanted to. Everything was muffled. It was almost like he was underwater, except he was still conscious, and his vision blurred as his vision swam.
In his mind's eye, he saw a single flash of white light and a soundless explosion that shook the world around him. Then, his vision went blank.
For a few seconds, there wasn't any sensation. Only the silence. Then something started buzzing, and he blinked a few times in an attempt to adjust to the light.
Slowly, the world came back to him. The buzzing became clearer. It was loud, and it hurt his ears, but he could still hear his heartbeat.
As soon as he heard the Grimm roar in fury, his consciousness snapped back completely. His surroundings were blurry, but he could make out a few things. He was lying on the forest floor, and the trees were moving violently in response to the loud booming noise. They bent, swayed, then straightened. Then his vision cleared enough for him to see his opponent.
The Grimm stood upright, shaking its head angrily as it glared in his direction, its torso was pierced by his sword — his glowing sword. With a start, Jaune then realized that the monster pulled back its fist.
He focused, dodging the swipe from the Grimm.
But he knew he couldn't keep this up. Its strength is tough, although it lacks foresight. He might use that to his advantage. He'll just have to find an opening first.
He let the creature attack, focusing on dodging, weaving, and letting it tire itself out. When he saw the slightest delay in its stance, he lunged forward, bringing his knife down with all his strength, aiming for a weak point in its armour-like fur.
The blade struck true, and the Grimm let out a howl, staggering back off-balance.
With a quick slash and the clang of metal on bone, he quite literally disarms the Grimm, slicing through its limbs. It stumbled back in confusion for a second, and Jaune charged in. A slash from his right hand and the Grimm fell limp to the ground with a thud. Another swing and the Grimm was reduced to ashes, leaving behind a smouldering corpse.
Jaune stood there panting heavily, feeling the adrenaline flow out of his system. He looked at the dissolving pile of ash and bones with contempt.
He leaned against a nearby tree, sweat dripping down his brow, and his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath.
"Jaune. You are unharmed?"
He nodded weakly. "Yeah… fine."
"Reckless. Yet not without merit. Your instincts guided you well yet your execution was unrefined." She stopped a few steps away.
Jaune managed a weak chuckle, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "That's a polite way of saying I was flailing around like an idiot."
She tilted her head slightly, a ghost of a smile playing on her lips. "You underestimate yourself. There was a moment, a critical moment, when you harnessed something beyond your usual capabilities. Tell me, what did you feel?"
Jaune hesitated. What had he felt, really? What had he actually experienced?
He doesn't know. It was like his body didn't respond normally. He was aware, but not really fully awake at the same time. Like he was asleep, but at the same time awake. And, when the Grimm attacked him he felt it. Something inside was pushing him to move, to attack.
"It was strange. I was scared, sure, but then it was like something inside me… snapped. No, more like it lit up. I could feel a burst of energy... It was doing something more."
Sauelsuesor didn't respond immediately. Instead, her gaze shifted to his blade. "Your soul reacted."
"What?" Jaune asked.
She gestured toward his weapon. "When you struck the creature, there was a ripple of energy, tied directly to your essence. Your soul responded in a way like it was containing Immortigon again."
"And I am not referring solely to the illumination of your sword, not just that." She said thoughtfully. "It amplified your strength, your resolve, resonating with your intent. Your very essence flowed into the weapon and burned through that creature like fire consuming dry wood."
He looked down at his blade, now dull and ordinary, and he frowned "I just thought I needed more. I didn't know what I was doing, but I had to stop it."
She nodded. "The necessity to protect yourself and survive awakened some sort of hidden potential. It is not merely physical strength or skill; it is your soul adapting to danger, a semblance of the soul. Remarkable."
He had been desperate, and in that desperation, he'd felt something surge within him, something raw and powerful. Something he wasn't even familiar with, but somehow, it called out to him instinctively. It had given him control over what happened, but it also made his actions instinctual, which only caused him to struggle against the impulse. "You're saying that came from my soul?"
"Undoubtedly. Your soul is more than a simple essence—it is a tool, a weapon, if properly understood and cultivated. This ability, this reaction, is proof of that."
Jaune frowned. "But I don't even know what it is. Or how to use it."
"That is a matter of time and training. It is clear that you possess a rare strength, child. Few can manipulate their soul in such a way, even unconsciously."
"So you best do not dismiss it so quickly," she chided him gently.
"It was a reflection of one's soul. An ability with great potential. The implications of this power are far-reaching."
"Is that what it is?"
"How you use this power will determine its true value. Amplifying your soul may allow you to strike harder or defend longer, but it could also be a tool for precision and endurance. Its versatility will depend on your mastery."
Jaune let out a long breath. He was beginning to realise the magnitude of his situation, the enormity of his responsibility. But now this? He wasn't sure he even wanted to try anymore.
"Another thing I have to figure out. As if fighting Grimm and finding my family wasn't hard enough already."
Ssuesor's expression softened, and she placed a hand on his shoulder. "Do not let discouragement overtake you, Jaune. Every stride you undertake, regardless of how small, brings you toward your aspirations. Today's confrontation constituted progress. You confronted a formidable adversary and triumphed—not due to luck, but owing to your steadfast determination."
She offered him a hand. "And that is why we will focus on control, discipline, and precision."
Jaune took her hand, rising shakily to his feet. He could feel the bruises forming on his throat, the soreness in his muscles, he nodded. "What if it happens again? What if I mess up?"
"You will mess up, Jaune. That is inevitable. It is each failure that will make you stronger, and with each step, you will understand your soul more deeply."
Her words managed to bolster his resolve. Looking back at the fading smoke where the Beringel had fallen, he sheathed his sword.
With a lifted heart, he turned to face the woman before him. She smiled encouragingly.
He followed her, walking silently through the dark forest, trying to block the image of the Grimm's close-up face from his mind. After that happened today, he needed to concentrate on getting stronger. He needs to find what's wrong with him as well, those deep scars of trauma that would have probably broken his if not for his companion. For him, Suesor has been a beacon of hope.
He wondered what had become of him. Is he the same boy his parents raised?
"Focus," he thought.
Jaune walked forward.
The chill of the midnight air prickled his skin. It did nothing to ease the cold that was settling into his bones, in fact, it only added fuel to the flame that raged in his chest and mind, a fire fueled by frustration and nuisance and the need to do something about it.
His mind wandered deep and he hardly noticed the cold. He became too focused on the faint hum of energy pulsing within him.
His companion positioned herself a short distance away, her otherworldly presence seemingly illuminated by the moonlight. While her serene disposition remained constant, this evening, there was a discernible intensity to her gaze, signifying a resolute determination.
The darkness around them did little to diminish the light in her eyes. Her face bore an ethereal glow as if the night itself possessed a spirit that shone through her features like a beacon for all those who looked upon her. The light that had previously been muted now seemed even brighter than before, burning its way through whatever shadows lingered in the forest around them.
"Instinct is not enough. If you wish to survive, you must learn to harness your soul at will."
Jaune swallowed. "And you're sure I can do this?"
"I would not waste time if I thought otherwise," she said bluntly, though there was no malice in her tone. "However, it shall not be facile. This endeavour will necessitate concentration."
He straightened himself. For years, his life had been governed by a set of rules, the ones he'd been following ever since his birth. His mother had taught him this. She had taught him how to survive—to find a place, a home where there were always people willing to help, a family willing to accept him as their child. In his childhood, the only time his father had allowed him out of the house was when he was sent off to school. When he returned, it was either immediately after school or not at all until dinnertime. And if he got caught, it usually meant he'd have to stay indoors for the next day. All of this is because he got caught wielding their family sword heirloom.
In school, he was well aware of his classmates' quirks. The girl behind him talked more than anyone he'd ever met. The boy behind him wore glasses and could never seem to start talking. When they were paired together, they tended to talk over each other in an effort to prove whose conversation was better, and which side of the argument won or lost. They argued with their parents constantly about these things.
That was okay. It made his own life easier, and when he was in grade school and going through his teenage changes—which was happening faster than ever, he noted distantly—he'd found friends among his peers. Even without being a popular person, he felt like he had some kind of social connection because of them. But they soon fell out of touch as the year progressed, and their conversations had dwindled to almost nothing. And they didn't contact each other again.
His parents, of course, never understood why he hadn't made any friends during that time.
Everyone expected him to act maturely, and his father's advice came second to none. He needed to understand how to handle the expectations of others.
He'd gotten used to the idea that one day he would be free. As he turned twelve, one of his sisters told him that when she left home, his freedom would begin. She told him it would be soon. She was an aspiring Huntress-to-be who applied at Beacon, someone he looked up to, someone he admired more than the respect his parents ever received from him.
Thanks to her, he still believed his dream was within reach, but lately, as the months ticked by, as he texted her 'how are you doing', 'what's it like over there', 'can you teach when you get back', it was becoming increasingly clear that she was so busy to even give her little brother a single response. Soon enough, everything he wanted wouldn't be possible anymore. His sister would be like their parents. A girl that would disprove his dream. She would try to stop him. There would be no more family members to support him. Nothing he'd ever dreamed of would come true. Everything would change.
It wasn't fair. She was only seventeen. What right did she have to be the only one who had to go through something he wanted yet denied himself?
He wondered if he should call her. Tell her it wasn't fair. Tell her to reconsider what was happening. Tell her not to trust his parents. At that time, he was just barely hanging onto the last vestiges of strength. One wrong word—one wrong move–would send him tumbling into oblivion.
So, one morning, he decided what to do instead. He packed his belongings, stuffed them in the bottom of his backpack, and went after his family on a trip, intending to leave amidst it without saying goodbye. He just couldn't stand having his dreams crushed like that, especially not by his blood relatives.
It was beyond idiotic. The result of his fate was getting eaten alive by creatures of darkness.
He can still feel the frostiness from mere memories alone.
It was cold, but...
Even with the cold, despite what was currently going on in his head, he felt himself grow more confident. His companion had faith in him, but still insisted he give it a try. That gave him confidence, and bolstered his resolve. He will try his best.
"Alright. What do I do?"
Suesor motioned for him to stand in the centre of a small clearing, the moonlight filtering down like a spotlight. "First, we must understand the source. Close your eyes and focus inward. Feel the core of your being—the fundamental quality that characterizes you."
Jaune hesitated but followed her instruction, closing his eyes.
He closed his eyes and attempted to concentrate on breathing properly. The wind whistled past his ears, brushing across his cheeks.
He forced himself to remain calm. He tried to regulate his breathing and to listen to Suesor instructs him on the nature of his power. He could hear him muttering to himself, trying to remember everything she'd taught him about meditation, focusing his attention on the sound of the leaves rustling above him. He let them wash over him, taking in the sweet smell of nocturnal nature. The feeling of the cold freezing his skin. The sounds of wildlife.
He imagined himself falling asleep in the open grasses of the forest, his body warm and comfortable under the comforting rays of sunlight and the soft sway of branches. Then, finally, his lips parted, and, oh. So much oxygen. So much life. So much vitality, he could feel it. It was overwhelming. It was overwhelming in a good way. It was...it was beautiful.
Suesor stood in front of him, a hand extended towards the ground. The earth responded to her presence with a slight tremble.
She continued. "Now think only on that source. See it. Feel it. Feel its essence. It is the origin of your own existence, is it not? Its essence flows throughout you, flowing from your very nature, your very heart, coursing throughout your body and radiating outward."
The night felt heavier around him as he tried to concentrate, tuning out the rustling leaves and distant sounds of nocturnal creatures.
"Breathe. Steady your mind. Your soul is not a thing entity to be seized. It is a presence within you, ever flowing, ever connected."
As Jaune focused, he began to feel it. A faint warmth radiated from his chest, a pulse that grew stronger with each breath. It was faint at first, like a flickering ember, but it was undeniably there.
It felt like an extension of him. Like it wasn't just residing within him, it was somehow inside his very self. He can't correctly explain it. It took on shape, became solidified, and then exploded outward.
His eyes widened when he saw it.
His vision intensified, but instead of seeing things that existed outside of the human world, he saw the world within. He saw the very essence of his being that he was sure no one had ever shared his experience before. He was overwhelmed with emotion; his hands reached out to grasp something he couldn't see.
"What is it?" he asked, his eyes still closed. His voice was quiet and hoarse, the words slurred slightly due to the lack of moisture. "Can you tell me?"
A gentle smile spread across her face. A tenderness he hadn't heard before enveloped her gaze.
She didn't answer, but Jaune felt already knew it, absorbing this new revelation with a newfound sense of awe. He was no longer the same boy who cried and screamed at the injustice in his life. No longer simply the son of his family's patriarch.
But then...
"I feel… something," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
There was a sharp tug on his consciousness, pulling him deeper into this world as it expanded.
A moment later, the sensations dissipated, and he opened his eyes. He was standing beneath a canopy of stars. Trees surrounded him on all sides. He took a few tentative steps forward; it was dark, but there was enough light to distinguish the surrounding forest.
Jaune didn't know what just happened, he simply—
A yellow reptilian eye opened behind his mortal figure.
"Good. That is your soul." Suesor said, ignorant of Jaune's situation twisting in the wrong direction.
"Envision it flowing through your body. It is not static. It moves, reacts, and can be guided."
The boy's face furrowed his brow, his breathing steady as he visualized the warmth spreading through him. Slowly, he felt the sensation extend to his limbs, like a gentle current of energy coursing through his veins.
With every inch, the warmth grew larger, until eventually it enveloped his entire body and made him aware of a sensation that wasn't his own. A new feeling that was foreign yet familiar. It was his inner light. This was his power, this was his aura.
The Immortigon's growl reverberated in the soul.
"Focus that energy into a purpose. Channel it into your weapon, as you did before. But this time, do so with intent."
Opening his eyes, Jaune stared down at his sword. He tightened his grip, concentrating on the flow of energy within him. The warmth in his chest grew hotter, and he imagined it surging into the blade, filling it with power.
At first, nothing happened. The blade remained unchanged in his grasp, its bright colour remaining untouched. Then, slowly, a faint glow began to emanate from the blade's edge, growing brighter with each passing second. The intensity of the glow increased to an unbearable point.
Then, suddenly, a flash of white erupted from the blade, emanating through the entire length of its blade. In an instant, the entire area around him turned blinding white, illuminating his surroundings, and turning the world into a dazzling array of colours.
Everything fell into place, just as suddenly as it had begun to change.
This power. This is his power.
He clenched his fists in anticipation. He raised his sword up high and brought it down in one fluid movement.
His sword sliced through the air, carving a clean arc through the sky. He held the hilt tightly, his heart beating rapidly in excitement.
"I… I did it," Jaune said in awe.
"You are beginning to understand," Suesor said with approval in her voice. "But this constitutes merely the initial step. Henceforth, you must learn to amplify it further."
"Amplify it?" He asked, the glow on his sword flickering slightly as his concentration wavered.
She is stepping closer. "Your ability—your 'special use,' as you might call it—is tied to amplification. Your soul can magnify its power, turning even a simple action into something extraordinary. Think about your power. Think of where it should go. Where does your potency originate from? If you have access to power that is greater than others, why limit yourself? Expand your powers further if you can."
Jaune nodded. He adjusted his stance, focusing once more. The glow returned, steadier this time, and he felt the energy intensify as he pushed harder. The blade pulsed with light, humming faintly as the amplification grew.
"You have the potential to harness that strength to do incredible things. You may become either a source of devastation or a ray of hope for others. That power belongs to you. You are capable of channelling such power with commendable ease. With practice, you'll have the power to save countless lives."
"That's it," Sauelsuesor said, observing carefully. "Feel the balance. Too much, and you will burn yourself out. Too little, and it will falter. Find the equilibrium."
It felt like holding back a tidal wave, the power threatening to overwhelm him. Jaune gritted his teeth, sweat forming on his brow as he struggled to maintain the energy. He didn't let go, forcing himself to adapt.
It was hard to keep it contained in his chest, like water in a bottle. And then, as his control broke, everything around him seemed to move in slow motion.
A massive blast shot from his sword, striking an unsuspecting squirrel in the tree in front of him. The animal was instantly vaporised from the impact.
"Focus!" She yelled, and it took a second for him to regain his composure. The glowing energy returned, pulsing in time with his heartbeat.
To keep control of the power. He focused again, trying to push the excess energy back into itself, pushing against the flow of power, trying to push it away. But it was too strong. It wouldn't budge. And with every ounce of force he put forth, it felt like trying to fight off a powerful storm.
His arms shook with exertion, trembling beneath the strain of keeping the power contained, waiting patiently to be released.
He couldn't hold this much longer. Soon, he would fall prey to exhaustion and collapse on the ground in utter defeat.
Minutes passed, and finally, Suesor raised her hand. "Enough."
Jaune released the energy, the glow fading from his sword as he collapsed to his knees, panting heavily. His entire body felt drained, as he panted between breaths.
"Intense..."
"And necessary," Sauelsuesor kneeled beside him. "You have taken your first steps toward mastery. And this is only the beginning. Your soul holds immense potential, Jaune. It will be up to you to unlock it fully."
Exhaustion was now threatening to pull him under, and he managed a small smile. "Thanks… for teaching me."
Her expression softened, and she placed a hand on his shoulder. "You have much to learn, but you are capable. Rest now. We will continue tomorrow."
Jaune gave a slight nod and rested his head against the nearest trunk, staring up at the night sky in admiration. For the first time since everything had fallen apart, he felt like he was beginning to find himself again.
Suesor watched as his breathing evened out completely, and she smiled. She was pleased with his progress; however, she was certain that the next several nights would prove challenging.
However, that didn't matter to her.
After all, the end result was worth anything.