Second Best
By wildstraydog
Beta:
Chapter One: A Haunting Realization
Weiss practiced it many times, a step by step process of angling her finger against the air. She released a deep sigh and drew a circle, filling in the rest of the runes within the center with precise motions. The circle lit up in a sky blue fluorescent light, giving the dark practice room dimly lit by candles an ethereal glow. A flurry of clouds materialized near the ceiling and shook the chandeliers in place, raining down a flurry of snowflakes on the lacquered table in the middle of the room. The spell was complete.
It was simple to create a weather-type spell with the right conditions. Her specialty was ice-based sorcery, a trait passed down in her prestigious family for generations. The cool air in the room made thin vapors release with every pant, and a shiver ran down her lithe figure. Winter always said practice was essentially to becoming a perfect sorceress, to rise above others and be displayed in endless glory.
But it was also... lonely.
Her older sister was never present for her practice sessions, preoccupied by other missions and activities involving her years of research. Weiss usually found her mother draped across the patio in the garden, her peerless face flustered and stained in wine. Her family was a mess, and not all the money in the world could fix it.
She exited the practice room and left the pile of snow on the table and reflective tiles to her servants. It was last night in the hellhole she called home—tomorrow she would leave for Beacon Academy, a distinguished institution known for honing the abilities of sorcerers across Remnant. Weiss would be free in Vale, gone from the binding chains the Schnee name tossed about her since childhood.
Weiss ignored the rigid bows of the butlers and maids as she passed through the hall toward her quarters. Klein was to meet her at the entrance of their manor in the early morning, having already prepared her necessary belongings and vials of dust for research classes. Her expensive heels clacked against the meticulously uncluttered floor, echoing in the hallways. The various adornments and lavish paintings were burrowed deep in her subconscious after passing by them so many times.
The door was forced open and she took off her silk blue robe on the ground. She carelessly kicked off her heels with a grunt and crawled onto her bed. The white sheets crinkled under her weight; she grabbed the velvet blanket on top and wrapped herself up in a tight cocoon.
Sleep was the easiest escape from her familial problems. In her dreams she could express herself without scruples and engage in open conversations with her mother. Father was still alive, mumbling through his mustache and serenading mother with his terrible melodies. Everything was simpler, the world wasn't red and pain didn't exist.
CRACK!
A vase shattered outside her door, crumbling into thousands of pieces. A shuffling of feet from the servants sounded on the other side of the wall. Mother was drunk again, probably slumped against the door belligerently talking. The faint slurred laughter was unmistakable.
Weiss shut her crystal blue eyes tight, curling into a ball so she could ignore the whimpers and yelling. Tomorrow it would all be over. Winter was her only solace in this family, but if she wanted to impress her, she would have to climb to the top and push anyone in her path away. There was no second best, only the most talented deserved praise.
And she would get it.
The whirring of the engines from the air ship were more peaceful than the muffled shouts of last night. Weiss leaned back in her first class lounger and pressed her pale cheek on the drenched window. A mild storm stood between her and Beacon, but she enjoyed watching the rain and the droplets of water sliding against the glass. Slight turbulence from the thunder rocked her form occasionally, but she found the quiet of the room comforting on her voyage trip.
Beacon wasn't new to her, she had already gazed upon its towering spires piercing into the clouds. The institution sat on cliffs overlooking the captivating Emerald Forest, a denizen for exotic creatures and the occasional Grimm that descended from the darkness. Not too far from the school was the picturesque Forever Fall, a home for the leaves to remain in pleasant red and brown colors all year round. So many sights familiar to her from textbooks.
She peeked in the window and spotted the CCT adjacent to the school. Dots paraded on the ground to visit the marvelous tower capable of sending messages and video calls across the continents. Atlas never ceased to amaze her with their technological inventions—if only they could invent a way for the snow to let up during the winter. But Vale was different, she could visit all these locations without fear of the Grimm.
Grimm, the monsters of darkness. They were rare, but deadly, creeping in the nights waiting for unsuspecting prey. They were an unexplainable phenomena, theorized to be materialized from humanity's malice. Their numbers were few, and sorcerers usually disposed of nests when they propped up near cities. She had yet to encounter one in her life.
And that was okay.
Attention all passengers, Beacon Academy is two minutes away, please prepare for docking procedures.
Weiss shuffled in her seat, flattening the hem of her skirt. She rolled her shoulders and looked out the window, admiring the swaying trees of the forest below. The wind from the storm knocked them back, filling the leaves with plenty of water. If anything, Vale was beautiful, unique in its expression of different cultures and diverse landscape.
The airship came to a halt, rocking as the landing gear was set in place at the port. A clap of thunder boomed against the noise, vibrating the ship as the wind picked up. Weiss flicked her scroll open and checked the weather, using her fingers to pass through different windows on the screen. The rain was supposed to let up near midnight, so her first day of school would be accompanied by sunny skies.
What a relief.
She caught the rotation of gears sounding below the ship, and the ramp slid down from the main hatch on the side. The lights hanging above grew brighter and a chipper sound rang through the ship. Weiss released a sigh, making her way to the hatch before the rest of the passengers rushed about to find their luggage in the cargo hold. She didn't take her hired help for granted, the servants were very helpful when it came to preparing her belongings.
The smell of rain tickled her nostrils when she found the entrance. Beacon was considerate enough to set up awnings along the main courtyard leading to the entrance. The heavy wind would kick up some rain onto her robes but it didn't matter, she only cared about her snow white hair tied into a tilted ponytail. The tiara resting on top was a late gift from Winter before she departed in the morning.
Weiss carefully walked down the ramp, making sure her feet planted on the solid surface. At the bottom one of her butlers waited diligently with the luggage, forcing a rigid bow as she reached the bottom. She could make out the steam rising from the engines of the airship against the downpour. Vale was even charming when it was consumed by rain.
"How was the trip, Ms. Schnee?"
"Adequate... I won't take up much of your time."
He followed under the awnings without complaint, his dark suit being soaked by the rain creeping along the edges. Weiss shielded herself using an umbrella, taking note of the building puddles around the entrance. Beacon's fountain was overflowing, spilling along the structure's support. She kept her eyes glued to the entrance, making out subtle figures in the distance accepting pamphlets at a table.
Beacon classes officially began tomorrow, today was only the entrance ceremony. Headmaster Ozpin, a sage worthy of praise for his keen ability to formulate complicated spells in record timing was the founder, supported by Headmistress and Professor Glynda Goodwitch. She was a master at gravity manipulation spells and time dilation. Goodwitch was one of her models, a stern and academic figurehead who stood at the top.
"Would you like a pamphlet on Beacon's facilities?" The greeter at the door asked. She was dressed in bland brown robes and flashed a toothy smile that drew attention to her spotted freckles.
"No thank you." Weiss tersely responded, heading into the ballroom with a confident stride. She made sure her heels clacked loudly for all to hear.
A girl of her stature required a proper entrance. All eyes should be centered on her, widened in awe and respect. Winter always commanded the attention of others through a strengthened posture and prideful march. When she entered the ballroom, the bright lights hanging above shone on the gathered children buzzing about in glee. Weiss could hardly think in such a cramped environment—they had no shame flouncing about and bursting into naïve bits of laughter.
Curious glances settled on her through the room, and those near here crept away from intimidation. As it should be, they needed to know their place for the best. Who needed friends when they would only weigh you down and prevent you from achieving your goals? Besides... anyone who got near sensed her cold exterior, the ice wall she exerted to be alone and not feel the pain of emotions.
"Finally joined, huh sis?" A loud and cocky voice practically shouted over her shoulder several feet away. Weiss sighed and craned her neck back.
The boisterous voice came from a tall blonde who meticulously cared for her wavy locks. She could spot the care and absent of split ends. Lilac eyes rolled as it looked down on some squeaky little girl with red tips, the immature child hiding behind a bright red hood. Weiss ignored them and drowned them out with more important thoughts. There was barely any time allotted for them to review the curriculum for tomorrow's beginning classes. How was she supposed to get ahead?
Heavy but considerate footfalls broke her out of the stupor. A gray-haired man draped in flowing myrtle robes strode on the stage. The robes clung over his wide shoulders, covering the black tunic he wore. On the edge of the robes was a black diamond pattern near the golden tassels. A smooth black cane with a knuckle guard supported his weight and thudded against the wood. She recognized the cool thin brown eyes in his gaze, shielded by dark spectacles hanging on the ridge of his nose.
Not far behind Professor Goodwitch followed closely, balancing her grooved riding crop that doubled as a wand. She wore ovular glasses to cover her brilliant stern green eyes. The professor's lithe frame was supported by a wide black overskirt dotted with golden buttons. A loose white shawl covered her gray vest and hung down close to her knees. A majestic and bright purple cape fluttered with her timed steps and the clacking of her black boots.
"Settle down." She commanded with a thunderous tone.
The ballroom was reduced to hushed whispers and giggling, and the microphone situated on the stage hummed to life. Ozpin coughed and saddled up to the device, adjusting it so it reached his even voice.
"Our future is held by a few bright individuals eagerly awaiting for my speech to end. I know you are all impatient, driven by hormonal urges and unsated with anticipation to put your skills to the test," Ozpin's dreary speech began. "Beacon is here to harness that power and drive home the moral boundaries and gray lines you will inevitably come across in the real world." A harrowing speech for a headmaster to deliver.
Weiss scoffed at the confused looks most of the students exhibited. Did they not understand the implications of what he was teaching? Of course they didn't, most of them were becoming sorcerers and sorceresses for the thrill of adventure. It was pathetic.
"My hope... is for you all to grow," Ozpin almost mumbled. "That being said, before I whisk you away to socialize and become familiar with your surroundings, it is customary at Beacon Academy to honor the top three first-year applicants with the highest honor marks." Ozpin motioned for Goodwitch to begin with a brief nod of his head.
She pulled out a tablet from her robes and fiddled with the screen with her slender fingers. A flat white screen lowered from the ceiling of the ballroom, attached to metal support beams tied with the mechanism. The screen stopped and trembled in the air, until a computer display flashed onto the surface, revealing three empty slots.
Weiss's thin lips tugged into a smirk. She clenched her fist in excitement and quickly checked the mirror on her scroll to be certain she looked appropriate. Soon everyone would know of her magnificent achievements and gaze upon her visage when the headmaster inevitably called her up.
"In third place, with a score of 4,789 points, is Pyrrha Nikos." Ozpin declared over the microphone. The student body erupted in applause, and for good reason.
Pyrrha Nikos was one of the top sorceresses in Remnant, having competed and won in the annual Mistral Fall Seasonal Magic Tournament four years in a row. She was an exceptional and ingenious fighter. However her craftsmanship and precision in spells needed some fine tuning based on the matches she watched at home. Weiss expected her to be in the top three, maybe even second place.
But not first, not with her attending.
The vision of beauty walked up to the stage to stand beside Ozpin, cheerfully waving to the crowd after years of practice. Her emerald eyes sparkled against the lights along with her brown armor pieces donned on her legs and elbows. Pyrrha wore a tight vermillion corset that showed of her well-proportioned body, and a metal plated black skirt. The corset was fastened by a pink ribbon made of fine translucent silk. What attracted Weiss the most was her amazing flowing red hair, not hindered by elaborate jewelry or buns.
"You should be proud, Miss Nikos." Pyrrha blushed, returning an honorable bow.
There were a few second rank candidates Weiss could think of, but last she heard, Ciel Soleil was remaining in Atlas. Maybe someone from Vale?
"Second place, with an astounding score of 4,985 points, is Weiss Schnee!" Ozpin's exclamation fell silent to the heiress' ears.
Second... second place?
It was impossible, there was no way, perhaps a mistake on the headmaster's part? She looked about to see if anyone would correct the obvious error. Only the ruckus cheering directed at her was brought forward, leaving her with an expression of terror and stupidity. The faces weren't applauding, it was all a lie, they were mocking her, grinning at the look of expectation she held during the ceremony.
She failed...
Somehow, maybe will power, Weiss marched up to the stage and ignored the words of congratulations from her idol. Goodwitch noticed but showed no reaction, directing her to stand by Pyrrha on the stage. The champion waved and whispered another encouragement falling on deaf ears. And Ozpin's stare—for a moment his smile was gone, until it returned so he could read who beat her.
Weiss grit her teeth and furrowed her brows at the crowd while maintaining a perfect smile. She wanted, no she needed to know who overcame her. Which individual trashed her dreams of being number one? Against the shining lights of the stage which produced a measurable heat, sweat pooled across her slender nape. She watched as Ozpin tapped his finger on the microphone to settle down the crowd.
"And first place, with an unbelievable score of 4,996 points," Ozpin paused for dramatic effect. "Jaune Arc." Again the students broke out in applause.
The world froze and each footstep and clap was muffled. She reiterated the name again in her thoughts to make sure she wasn't dreaming.
Arc... Arc as in the famous clan of sorcerers?! Who in Atlas didn't know of the prestigious lineage responsible for victory in the Elemental Wars? But why was he here, in Vale of all places? Did the Arc patriarch ship him away to dominate another piece of Remnant or. It didn't matter, she failed to claim the top spot at Beacon, humiliated by another family expected to rule over all classes of nobility.
There were even rumors of arranged weddings between their two families...
Jaune chuckled lightly, rubbing the back of his neck and blushing at the gratifying praise directed his way. His tousled locks and sun bright blonde hair crumbled Weiss's perceived image of the number one student.
Arc held a goofy expression on his rugged but handsome features. His deep ocean blue eyes lacked the courage most in his position would carry, darting across the ballroom in fright. Jaune wore a purple tunic and the high collars shielded his neck and donned gold lining on the outside. A loose crimson shawl hung from his shoulders and he donned a brown overskirt trailing to his black boots.
The bumbling idiot tripped halfway on the stairs leading up to the stage. His antics earned laughter mixed in the cheers as he was helped up by a sighing Goodwitch. He took his nervous self by Weiss and briefly waved, chuckling like an innocent child who earned the acknowledgement of others. It made her furious, biting her lips in frustration at how such a buffoon could outpace her in the rankings.
He was no Arc, just a lucky nobody!
"In Beacon's tradition, the top ranking freshmen at the beginning of the year are bestowed insignias to wear on their breasts proudly." Professor Goodwitch set the tablet down on a chair in the far corner and picked up a small worn brown case with a golden lock.
She undid the latch and held up the case for the students in the crowd to see. Three finely polished golden pins rested on a fine red silk. They were fashioned to resembled stars, and within the center were carved numbers holding red outlines. The professor gently attached the pins to their respective owners and closed the case.
"I now present to you, the three silver-ranked sorcerers of Beacon's freshmen class." Again, the crowd erupted in applause, murmuring about the lavish ceremony. Weiss could only glare at Jaune's lackadaisical attitude as he fiddled with the pin in dumb awe.
She wouldn't back down, the rankings were different each semester at Beacon. Weiss would prove to all that some idiotic stooge could not remain number one... she deserved it, to hear Winter's praise and break her mother out of the long gestating addiction abating her depression. Jaune Arc didn't need this praise, it needed to be stolen.
She wouldn't be second best.
World of Remnant
Wand: A loose term for modern weaponry sorcerers and sorceresses use. A sword or scythe is coined a wand if it is capable of producing magic circles and casting spells. The same is applied to firearms, although regular assault rifles and swords still exist and are exempt from this category.
Elemental Wars: A fifty year war taking place across all of Remnant, involving a clash of political ideals and how to handle distribution of Dust, a substance capable of aiding spells and powering machinery. Atlas and Mistral battled for years with Vale and Vacuo, taking over domains and raiding dust mines. A tug of war ended on Armistice Day on the island of Vytal, with its key negotiators involving the Arc clan.
Faunus: a common subspecies of humans that populate Remnant. They are seen as equals in Vale and Vacuo, and have amassed a steady trade route from Menagerie, a neutral nation to the south of other continents.
The White Fang: Special Forces group from Menagerie in charge of protecting high profile figures and carrying out preemptive measures that could lead the nation into an unwanted war.