Yeah, yeah, because someone had to make a silly story about that one meetup between Jaune and Winter. Only God can judge me, you worms!
Mallobaude demanded that I write this and I promised him I'd post it a few days ago. I'm posting it now because I'm a cheeky little so-and-so, oh yes I am. Anyway, enough squawking. This is a story about love, conflict, and money. No, it's not The Great Gatsby, shut up. Alright, just read it.
The boy looked ridiculous.
Winter never understood the concept of superheroes. What was so inspiring about dressing up in colourful tights and posing like an utter buffoon? Those types of 'heroes' belonged in the comic books they originated from. In the real world, the true heroes were the brave soldiers and hunters who dedicated their lives protecting mankind from the horrors that threatened it. And they didn't even need capes to get their point across.
She had no time for crazed boys pretending to be heroes. Truth be told, seeing him in that bizarre costume was rather insulting. It took more than playing dress-up to be a hero. It required bravery, discipline, and years of skill - three things she could already tell this boy sorely lacked. His attempts were a blatant mockery of her noble profession. The cute dog he had wasn't enough to change her mind.
Still, she didn't miss that pleading look in his eyes when he asked her if she needed help. He looked so desperate to prove himself. But what was she to do with him? He couldn't help her with her everyday tasks. Such things were beyond his capabilities. There had to be something small she could get him to do.
And then she remembered why she was out today. It wasn't just for the delicious frozen yoghurt she was holding. She had specifically gone into Vale to exchange some money, specifically change for the twenty lien bill in her wallet. Just a bit of loose change for her to go about her day. She was still a good ten minutes away from the bank. Maybe he could cut her journey short?
Trying to ignore that overly-eager smile on his face, she reached into her wallet and pulled out the money.
"Uh… can you break a twenty?" she asked him. Perhaps she was getting her hopes up. The boy looked like he couldn't even afford a decent haircut.
His eyes widened. "Oh, haha, actually my wallet's in my regular clothes," he laughed nervously. "Lemme just change back."
She resisted the urge to roll her eyes when he started twirling on the spot humming to himself. Figures he couldn't help her. This was a waste of her time. The only one who needed help was himself - medical help. She turned her back on him and started to walk off, taking her and her frozen treat somewhere else.
"Oh, wait, nevermind. Here it is," she heard him say.
Winter stopped dead in her tracks. Time slowed down for a moment. She ignored her natural instincts telling her to keep walking. To leave the boy and his pup and carry on with what she came here to do. But against all odds, against years of discipline and training, she found herself rooted to the spot.
She heard the sound of money jingling behind her. "Ah, here we are," the boy said happily. "I've got some change right here. How does two tens sound?"
The words pierced her very soul. It took what little remained of her self-control to slow down her rapidly beating heart.
What was this feeling? Her body had become infected with a most wonderful sickness. None of her military training had prepared her for something like this. She relished how weak she was feeling. She embraced it.
"Two tens?" she said slowly, looking back at him. Her voice was full of wonder. This must have been how a small child felt when they got excited. A feeling she never got to experience. Until now.
He nodded like it was no big deal. "Or four fives if you want. Which do you prefer?"
She nearly had to shield her eyes. His presence was so radiant it seemed almost blinding.
She forced her body to control itself. "The tens will be enough, thank you," she said, making sure her voice was clear. It was more than enough. It was perfect.
"Sure thing." He handed them over with a smile on his face. She gasped when his fingers brushed against hers when she handed him the twenty. Chills crashed through her with the force of an Atlesian winter. Her fingers tingled long after they parted with his.
She fumbled as she tried putting the money in her wallet. She couldn't take her eyes off him. Everything about him was breathtaking. How much money did she need to give him to make his fingers stroke her face instead?
"Thank you," she whispered. The words didn't do her gratitude justice. She'd offer him the entire world right now if she could.
He gave her a salute that was nothing short of heroic. "All in a day's work, ma'am," he stated proudly. His voice made heat creep up her face. He turned to his dog sitting loyally beside him. "Come, WonderZwei! We have work to do. HuntsMan awaaaay."
The dog barked happily and the two ran off down the street. The boy's cape flowed behind him in the wind, a tide of crimson justice that inspired hope in the eyes of the innocent, and fear in the hearts of villains. She envied the person who next got to see it.
Winter stood spellbound as he disappeared from sight. Her eyes were fixed on the street where he had run down. She stood there for who knows how long. Her mind replayed the memory of the wonderful encounter that had just taken place.
Then she blinked.
As if awoken from a blissful dream, she was aware of her surroundings again. People walked past her giving her confused stares. The frozen yoghurt was now melting in her hand.
She paid little attention to the inconsequential citizens or the treat dripping onto her priceless boots. All she could focus on was the feeling of rapture that was surging through her. Her spirits pierced the heavens from how they high they were being lifted.
Her mind still couldn't fully comprehend what had just happened. What even was this feeling, and why did this boy bring it out in her? All he had done was help her out slightly. But he had looked so mighty when he had done it. She could trust him with her life.
Was this how normal people felt when someone saved them? Was this how most citizens perceived soldiers and hunters to be?
Had she just been… rescued?
A squeal of joy that was unbecoming of her erupted from her. She cared little for who had to hear it. She had never felt this way before. It was intoxicating and she craved it more than a certain alcoholic who wore a dirty tattered capecraved booze. She had changed her mind - that boy was a hero. Only a real hero could make someone feel this wonderful.
She skipped her way back to her workstation. Her fellow soldiers stared at her as she passed by them, no doubt confused by her sudden good spirits. They'd have to get used to it, for this was a feeling that wasn't going to leave her anytime soon.
What did that boy say his name was? The HuntsMan?
She tested the name. It was short, sweet, rolled off her tongue, and she adored it. Her body shivered at the mere mention of it. She wasn't going to forget it anytime soon.
[/]
It was an unspoken agreement amongst the men that Specialist Schnee was in a really good mood lately.
In all her years of service under him, James had never seen her act so chipper. At first it wasn't too unusual. No doubt the woman was pleased to see her younger sister again. He was very aware of how close the two of them were. Growing up in a place like the Schnee household, the two sisters were the only true family they could rely on.
Their meetup must have been amazing because Winter was still acting strangely happy. Her stern demeanour was all but gone. One of the men even swore he heard the woman humming as he passed her. Humming. The soldier then immediately checked himself in for a psych evaluation. He didn't want to think he was going crazy.
Winter's good mood was a mystery for another time though. The Vytal Festival was here and they had a lot of work to do. In fact, he had a meeting with the specialist right about-
Knock knock.
"Enter," James called out.
The door to his office opened and Winter walked in with a folder tucked under her arm. He noticed the small skip in her step as she moved. It seemed she was still feeling cheerful after all this time.
Winter gave him a salute as she entered. Despite her professionalism, he could see her lips threatening to curl into a smile.
"At ease, Specialist," he said. Winter happily complied.
"Sir, I have the report you requested," she said, gesturing to the folder under her arm.
"Ah, very good." He took the folder off her and quickly inspected the contents.
He liked what he saw as his eyes skimmed the pages. The information was clear and arranged in an orderly fashion. It was good to see Winter's mood hadn't affected the quality of her work. But then again, that attitude was what earned her her rank after all.
"I'll read this fully tonight," he said, still looking at the contents inside. "Excellent work, Schnee."
Was that a giggle he just heard? When he looked up, Winter was covering her mouth with her hand. Not even Ozpin's fables had sounded as bizarre as that noise.
"You're in a good mood today, Specialist," he noted. Now was a good time to bring it up as ever.
She hummed. "I suppose I am, sir," she agreed. "It's been an eventful few days."
"I can imagine so. It must be nice seeing your sister again after so long."
She paused and gave him a confused look like she didn't know what he was talking about.
"Weiss," he gently reminded her.
"Hm? Oh yes, her." She spoke as if she had forgotten her own sister's name. Good thing the younger Schnee wasn't around to hear that. "Our meeting was delightful, but no, that's not what has me feeling so well lately."
Now that had his attention. Winter adored her younger sister. If it wasn't her that was making her feel like this, then what was it?
"Do you mind me asking what it is then?" he asked. If it was a private matter, then he wouldn't press. But knowing would at least shed some light on the unusual situation.
A dreamy look appeared on Winter's face. "Not at all, although you probably won't believe me when I tell you. You really had to be there to experience it."
"Try me."
A blissful sigh escaped her. "I was… rescued."
She was right. He didn't believe her.
"Pardon me, Schnee, did you say you were rescued?" He needed to hear it a second time. Winter Schnee was a fierce fighter and one of their best. It was her that did the rescuing, not the other way round.
And rescued from what? The White Fang? She hadn't mentioned any sights of them in the city. Winter was very thorough with her reports, even when she was feeling this whimsical.
She nodded, confirming what he heard was true. "It was wonderful," she beamed. "I found myself in a dire situation on my walk through Vale. Then before I even knew what was happening, he came to my aid and resolved my crisis with little effort." She shuddered for a moment. "Goodness me, I still get chills thinking about it."
"Interesting," he murmured. "This man was one of our own, I assume?"
She shook her head. "No, he wasn't a soldier. I would've recognised him among our ranks."
"A hunter then?"
"I don't believe so. He didn't look the part. I'm certain he wasn't an emergency service member either, even though he wasted no time saving me."
"Surely you don't mean a civilian then?" he gasped. A high ranking soldier requesting the help of a normal citizen? Ridiculous. They had trained her better than that.
"I hesitate to call him that either," she said. That didn't exactly put his worries at rest. Her face became dazed with happiness again. "He was something more than that. His entire presence radiated order and justice. His smile could make even the most cold-hearted man gaze up at the sky with hope. He was… a hero."
Winter trailed off with a goofy smile on her face. Her eyes were lost in the memory of her 'encounter' as he had chosen to call it.
"A hero?" He questioned. He didn't try to hide the doubt in his voice.
"Indeed. There's no other way to describe him. I remember his presence being much like a fleet of airships - awe-inspiring and slightly frightening to look at, but something that gives you a feeling of security as you gaze upon their majesty. He was almost inhuman from the way he carried himself. A god amongst men. And then as soon as he arrived, he was gone. He had saved me and hadn't asked for anything in return. His humbleness knows no bounds."
And just like that, she was off in dreamland again. Meanwhile, James was struggling to put together the pieces of this strange reality.
Winter had never lied to him before. She had no reason to and was a loyal soldier to him and the rest of her peers. He also knew she had never succumbed to the influence of drugs and alcohol. Because of this, he believed every word she said. Which is why what she was saying had to be true. At least, it was the truth she saw.
But the way she was describing what happened... he had his suspicions, to say the least.
"Forgive me, Specialist, but you're not making any sense," he said. "I don't know what took place between you two, but I think you're exaggerating the situation."
That was putting it mildly. The way she was describing him was like he came out of a comic book. He doubted the woman even knew what a comic book was.
She blinked and her smile was gone. "Forgive me, General," she said with a small bow. "My mind is still reeling from all of this."
"I'll say. He must have done something pretty spectacular to get this reaction from you."
Another shiver washed over her. "Oh, he did. He really did…" She quickly got control of herself before she zoned out again. "Alas, I should probably stop talking about it now. I do not wish to lose control in your presence, sir."
"Very well. I believe I've gotten everything I need to know for now anyway." He'd question her more about the encounter later when she was in a better frame of mind. "Well, at least what happened has left a positive impact on you. I take it you hope to see him again, yes?"
Her cheeks took on a faint shade of pink. "What makes you say that, sir?" she said in a suspicious but controlled voice.
"You should listen to yourself, Specialist. I don't think you've ever spoken so highly of someone before, aside from your sister. You must really admire this man."
Her eyes widened and she coughed into her hand. That colour on her cheeks was spreading through her face and taking on a shade of red. "I admit, I hold him in high regard after what happened," she stammered. "Strictly on a professional basis, of course. I admire him no more than I do the rest of my brothers and sisters in arms. My loyalty shall always remain with Atlas, sir."
"Just as long as you have your priorities straight," he chuckled. He could rely on Winter to remain focused on her duty. To think he almost thought she might be obsessed with this mysterious person.
He flicked through the folder she had given him once again. As before, everything seemed to be in order. It would be a long but productive read to study the full contents of her research. She never was one to leave out the smaller details.
Then he saw something at the back. A piece of paper sticking out in an otherwise orderly folder. He wouldn't have noticed it if it weren't for the fact the rest of the files were so neatly presented.
He pulled it out and Winter's eyes suddenly went wide. "A-Actually, General, may I have the folder back?" she spluttered in a panicked voice. "There are a few things I may have left out."
"In a moment," he murmured, inspecting the paper. Something was wrong here.
On the paper was a crudely drawn picture of two people holding hands and kissing. It was done in crayon and whoever had drawn it seemed to have been in a hurry to get it done. One was a man with blond hair and a red cape. The other was a woman with white hair done in a bun wearing a military uniform. They were both pathetically drawn, but even he could recognise that the woman was meant to be Winter.
If that wasn't an obvious clue for him, then the giant heart surrounding them with the words HuntsMan x Winter forever was.
The paper and the folder disappeared from his hand when Winter snatched it off him. He barely had time to process what he had just seen.
"Y-Yes, I see it now," Winter chuckled like a madwoman. Her face was redder than ever. "There's definitely something missing. I-I better fix it now. Permission to be dismissed now, sir? Really? Thank you. Bye."
And then she bolted out the door, using her semblance to give her speed. She knocked over several people on her way down the hallway. They all looked up groaning in pain and wondering what had happened.
James stood in the doorway looking down the hallway she had sprinted down. He was at a loss for words. One of his finest soldiers had ran from him like a frightened animal. It was the first time she had ever retreated from something. In times of conflict, she always ran towards the enemy.
What could have happened to change her so drastically? And what was with that picture, and why had she reacted to him seeing it like that. It wasn't like she had drawn it herself.
Surely not.
Surely…
"Salutations, General Ironwood," came the voice of Penny Polendina.
He turned to the right and saw her standing by his side. The ever-cheerful girl smiled at him, ignoring his dumbfounded expression.
"I saw Specialist Schnee running down the hallway just now. Why did she look so distressed?"
That was an excellent question, one that not even he had the answer to. He was just as confused as she was. There might have been one explanation for this though…
"I believe Specialist Schnee is experiencing something that we call a 'phase'," he murmured.
Penny looked thoughtful and scratched her chin. "A phase," she repeated. "I have heard of these before. What exactly are they, may I ask?"
Another excellent question. Why was the world full of questions? Not even Ozpin probably knew the answer to this one.
"Hmm, how to describe it," he began. "Let's just say it's a time in someone's life where they begin to act oddly. Like they stop being themselves for a while. They act differently from how they normally behave."
"Oh, so it's like a mental illness then?"
"I wouldn't put it quite like that," he chuckled. "Although in Winter's case, I suppose anything is possible."
"I see," the curious girl hummed. "Could I ever one day contract one of these 'phases'?"
Not if the good doctor who created her was merciful. Doctor Polendina was a little eccentric, but he wasn't that mad.
He rubbed her head. "I don't think you have to worry about anything like that," he told her. After all, why give the girl all the difficult parts of being human?
She giggled under his touch and beamed. "Very well. I shall make it my sworn duty to see that Specialist Schnee overcomes this 'phase'," she announced. "I'll provide her with constant medical attention until she's officially 'un-phased'. You can count on me, General."
"I know I can," he said, smiling at the girl. She gave him a salute and skipped off down the hallway. He sighed when she was out of sight.
In hindsight, he should've seen something like this coming. The woman barely had a childhood, and so had to repress some of her more innocent desires. It was only natural that they would one day come out - in this case in the form of hero worship.
But that didn't change the fact he still wanted to put as much distance between him and herself as possible. He'd have to make an announcement to the men to steer clear of her if she got up to any… antics.
He just hoped that whatever this was, it would pass in time.
What can you expect from this story? Nothing. I'm making the best out of a bad situation here, folks. But maybe if we all hold hands and pray together, a miracle will happen. Anyone got a bonfire we can stand around?
In all seriousness, this is gonna be a very very short story. It's just silly situations created from one small scene. Hopefully, it will get a good few giggles out of you all. See you in the next update which will be whenever. I dunno, I have no schedule for this one. Or any for that matter, but if I did, this one would not be getting one.