Forged Destiny [Book 3: Ch. 8]

I felt the attack falter for a second and lowered my shield in time to see the Grimm turn its head away. Fear shot through me. I couldn't fail as a tank again – not and risk another life. My eyes widened as I searched for a solution, but my legs were already moving. The shield hit the floor and my body lunged forwards.

I wasn't sure who was more surprised when I threw myself onto its head and wrapped my arms around its beak. The red eyes not even an inch away from my own certainly looked wide, however.

My vision swam as it tossed its head angrily. My legs flailed through the air, my entire weight – armour and all – hoisted off my feet. If I let go, I might have sailed off the plateau entirely, but that wasn't the plan anyway. I gripped on as hard as I could, and squashed the beak between my breastplate and hands, keeping it shut.

"Now," Pyrrha yelled. "While he has it distracted!"

Ah, Pyrrha. Always more kind than she had any right to be. I certainly didn't feel like I was in a commanding position, but I'd certainly caught the thing's attention. Breath as hot as steam burst from two nostril holes in its beak, buffeting my face with hot air. I clenched my eyes shut and struggled to breathe through it as everyone else attacked.

"Hold on, Jaune!"

"I'm holding!" I cried. "Kill it already!"

The Griffon bucked and kicked wildly. Maybe it was all the training I'd gotten in with a horse that did the same, or maybe panic and adrenaline gave me energy. Whatever the case, it was unable to fight past the raw power of my Strength Stat - my highest Statistic. Its struggles eventually began to slow, becoming ever weaker.

I didn't see who struck the final blow. My vision was obscured by red eyes filled with hatred. I certainly felt it though. The Griffon let out a strange hiss and threw its head back. Its legs buckled, body falling – and that meant my body fell as well.

—Forged Destiny [Book 3: Ch. 8]