NF48

Desperate, out of options, Jaune pressed his hand to her chest and grit his teeth. "For it is in passing that we achieve immortality. Through this, we become a paragon of virtue and glory to rise above all. Infinite in distance and unbound by deat-argh!"

Something seemed to stretch and snap inside of him. His chant cut off, followed by a started whine as pain ran through him. It was a familiar hurt… the same sensation one felt when their aura was empty. Why? His wasn't empty. He knew that. It wasn't even working at all.

There was no spark from Sapphire either. No flare of sensation of her aura being unlocked. In a panic, he checked her pulse, but she still lived. The chant hadn't worked. He wasn't able to unlock her aura. Was there something wrong with him? Did he need aura to unlock hers?

"For it is in passing that we achieve immortal-" The pain hit again, harder this time.

Was it the chant he used? That was Pyrrha's manta, and something specific to her. Dad's was different and personalised to him. Is it not working because Pyrrha and I are so different? Talk of the release of souls and infinite distance unbound by death certainly hit a little close to home, but didn't represent him. They didn't represent his thoughts and feelings.

Pyrrha's mantra reflected what she believed the life of a huntress was… honour and glory to protect others. Nicholas' had reflected his, a tale of martyrdom and sacrifice – of brave lives given so that others could sleep on in blissful ignorance. Each one reflected their personal view on what it meant to fight – but neither of those were his.

Jaune took a deep breath and concentrated. Please, he whispered. I know you've not been working recently, but if you're still in there, I need you now. Please don't let me down. Not this time. Sweat beaded on his brow. He took a deep breath, and slowly began to whisper.

"For it is in failure that we achieve immortality. Through this, we are bound to our task, an endless quest without pause or rest. Cursed by duty and unbound by time, I release your soul, and by my hand… condemn thee."

A tiny flame flickered to life inside of him. It was small… nothing like what he was used to, and he felt it tug and flicker, as if it would be blown out entirely. If it could just last to save her, that would be enough. A thin sheen of light surrounded Sapphire's form. Nicholas saw it first, and gasped. That brought everyone else's attention back, and they slowly silenced as they saw the colour come back to the girl's cheeks. Her eyes fluttered weakly and opened.

"I… feel tired…"

"Then sleep," he whispered. "Things will look better in the morning."

"Did I do good…?"

"Yeah. You did good."

"I'm… glad…" Her eyes closed, her breathing evening.

Sable stepped forward. Her face aghast. "Is she…?"

"Alive," he said. His back creaked as he stood, and it was Jade and Hazel both who caught him so he wouldn't fall. "She's alive and well. She just needs sleep… and to be seen by a professional when this thing lands. Tell them she needs blood transfusions and aura boosters. They'll know what to do next."

"You saved her…"

"I unlocked her aura and closed her wound. It'll give her the energy to last until she can get better treatment. She saved herself – and you lot. She's strong."