*Yang

My aura spikes past my max as the Nuckelavee charges at me. I glance at the white and black gauntlets on my hands and run toward the Grimm. I feel a rush of adrenaline as I face the Nuckelavee, the monstrous Grimm that almost killed two kids. I don't have my Ember Celica with me, but I have something else. They fit me like a glove, and they seem to glow with a faint light as I wear them.

The Nuckelavee roars as it sees me coming. It lowers its head and tries to gore me but I dodge to the side and jump over its horse-like body.

I land behind the Nuckelavee and turn to face it. The rider on its back swings its arm at me, trying to claw me with its nails. I block with my left gauntlet and counter with a right uppercut to its face. I feel a shockwave as my fist shatters its bone mask, splitting it in half. The rider screams in pain and fury, and then... it vanishes into a black and red orb of energy.

What the hell?

I don't have time to think about what just happened, as the Nuckelavee bucks and kicks me with its rear legs. I fly back several yards and hit the ground hard. I groan as I feel my ribs crack and my aura flicker.

That hurt.

It stands on its hind legs and shrieks again in rage.

I get up and stare at the beast. It's still huge and terrifying, even without its rider. But I'm not afraid. I clench my fists and feel a surge of energy from the gauntlets. They start to shake and heat up, spitting out sparks of fire.

Without thinking, I smash one gauntlet into the other, creating a loud clang that rings through the air. I feel a sudden drain on my aura that makes me wince, but also a boost of power that makes me smile.

The gauntlets are now visibly shaking and burning, literally.

I grin and lock eyes with the Nuckelavee. It looks angry and maybe scared.Well, it should be.

I sprint at it again, feeling faster and stronger than ever before. I reach the Nuckelavee and leap into the air, aiming for its chest. It opens its mouth to bite me, but I'm faster. I hear voices in my head. I can almost hear the two kids screaming as I get closer. I feel it burst out of me. I scream as my fist hits the Nuckelavee.

Boom

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

There is a massive explosion of fire that consumes us both. The force of the blast sends me flying back violently. I hit the ground hard and roll several times before coming to a stop.

I'm dizzy and sore, but I'm alive.

I stagger to my feet and look at the crater where it looks like a bomb went off. I look at the crater where the Nuckelavee used to be. There is nothing left of it, except for another floating orb. I don't know what they are, or what they mean. But I don't care.

I won.

I feel a wave of relief and joy wash over me. I also feel a wave of exhaustion and pain. I'm low on aura, and I have several injuries that need attention. But I'm okay. I'll be okay.

Feeling lighter, I notice the gauntlets are gone and look around only to find the two kids unconscious a few feet behind me. Quickly checking to make sure they're breathing, I start to panic. I don't know what to do right now. Should I leave them in case of neck injuries?

They're hunters in training but the damage they took means their aura broke and first aid is supposed to…supposed to… As my eyes start to water, I hear tires screeching as my dad's car comes speeding around the corner. Before I even get up, a red blur jumps out the window and crosses the distance as red petals trail behind her.

"Yang are you ok we saw the explosion"

Ruby hugs me and checks me for any injuries before noticing the two kids that look old enough to be her classmates on the floor.

As my dad and uncle finally reach us, my dad checks me over before helping Ruby with the kids. As he checks to make sure it's safe to move them, Uncle Qrow just stares at the hole before looking back at me.

"Firecracker, where did you get military-grade dust explosives?" Uncle Qrow asked me, his eyes wide as he stared at the huge hole in the ground.

I opened my mouth to answer, but before I could say anything, Ruby came running over, followed by my dad. "Wow, Yang, that's amazing!" Ruby exclaimed, her silver eyes sparkling with excitement. "That must have been at least two pounds of fire dust to blast a hole that big! How did you do it? Where did you find it? How much did it cost? Why didn't you tell me-"

Qrow put a hand over Ruby's mouth to silence her and looked back at the hole. He saw my dad carrying the last of the unconscious children inside. He nodded at him and then gestured for me to follow them. He sent Ruby away to watch over our new house guests and then led me to the living room. Dad hugged me tightly and Qrow studied me with a serious expression.

"My little dragon, are you okay?" Dad asked me, his voice full of concern.

I felt a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. I couldn't hold it in anymore. I told them everything: how they had forgotten to pick me up again, how no one had asked me out for the dance, how I had faced the Nuckelavee alone and unarmed, how I had been terrified and angry and desperate. How I had wanted to prove myself, to be brave, to not be a coward like my mom. When I finished, I felt exhausted and drained. Dad stroked my hair and Qrow sighed. He looked at me with a mix of pity and pride.

"You're not a coward, Firecracker," he said softly."

You're too brave for your own good "

He gave me a small smile and then got up. He said he would go check on our guest and left me alone with Dad. Dad told me he loved me and that everything would be okay. Starting the waterworks again. When I finally calmed down I found myself being tucked into my bed by Ruby. Quickly falling asleep.