I found a patch of even ground clear of trees and bushes, the perfect spot to practice. My hands instinctively went to my sword and shield, and I started running through combinations, swinging and blocking in a steady rhythm. The whole time, my mind buzzed with the lingering excitement from my Aura awakening. It was incredible like unlocking a part of myself I hadn't known existed.
Pyrrha sat nearby on the trunk of a fallen tree, her eyes fixed on me with quiet intensity. I half expected her to question my sudden need to stop and practice, but she simply nodded when I asked.
"You're a really skilled swordsman, Jaune," she said as I finished my routine and slid my sword back into its sheath.
I turned toward her, smiling despite myself.
"Thanks for sticking around, Pyrrha. I really appreciate it."
She brushed a stray strand of hair away from her forehead and stood, stepping off the tree trunk.
"Oh, come on. Where would I find a better partner?"
I let out a chuckle, but deep down, a nagging voice whispered that she could easily find someone better. I pushed the thought aside and adjusted my shield.
"We should get moving."
Pyrrha nodded, falling in step behind me as I took the lead. I don't know what made me think I should be in front—probably a mix of adrenaline and overconfidence from my earlier practice session. She didn’t protest, though, just trailed behind a few steps, calm and composed as always.
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We made our way through the forest, the air thick with tension and the faint sounds of rustling leaves. I should've been more vigilant, but my focus was scattered. When Pyrrha suddenly shouted a warning, I froze like a deer caught in headlights.
"Jaune, watch out!"
Instead of taking a defensive stance or preparing for an attack, I made the worst mistake I could: I turned toward her, wide-eyed and clueless.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the shadow of something charging toward me. Before I could react, Pyrrha was a blur of motion. She dashed forward with her spear, unleashing a flurry of precise, lightning-fast thrusts that stopped the Grimm in its tracks. She finished with a fluid spin, positioning herself between me and the creature with her shield raised high.
The Grimm snarled and lunged, but Pyrrha met its attack with unshakable determination. Her movements were so precise, so graceful it was like watching a master artist at work. In a matter of seconds, the Grimm disintegrated into ash, leaving nothing but silence in its wake.
Pyrrha lowered her shield and turned to face me, her expression soft but serious.
"Are you all right?"
I stared at her, my chest heaving, my brain still trying to process what had just happened. Finally, I managed to stammer out,
"Y-yeah. I'm good. Thanks."
In truth, I wasn’t okay. Not really. I was stunned, embarrassed, and, above all, angry at myself. I should’ve been the one protecting her. Instead, she had to save me while I stood there like an idiot. I clenched my fists, trying to push down the frustration bubbling up inside me.
Pyrrha didn’t press me further. She simply smiled and patted me on the shoulder.
"Let’s keep moving," she said gently, as though nothing had happened.
I nodded, swallowing hard.
She’s amazing, I thought, following her lead this time. And I have a lot of catching up to do.