Chapter 29: Raging War
The breakfast special for today was a luxurious meal of bacon, buttered toast, and eggs done sunny side up. A side dish of strawberries and milk, with tiny packets for jam and peanut butter made this an ideal breakfast. A breakfast of champions, as Monica labeled it, holding her fork skyward in triumph. Sylvia joined her, as did Sandra, while Dusk and Plum brought their hands to their faces, hiding their embarrassment.
Ever since Sherry made her intentions clear over a month ago, team Passion joined team Canvas and team Mustard for meals on a regular basis. Seraphina welcomed the extra company, but Coal felt it made her intentions of digging info easier. It gave more to talk about, anyways. Sandra had her eyes on Sylvia, determined to get a duel out of her one day. And although she almost always had her nose buried in a book, Nadine sometimes added her opinion into the conversation, as well.
Coal lifted the expertly fried egg on his fork. He stared at it with hollow eyes, as though it might have the answers he sought. Whatever Monica called it, he wasn't feeling hungry. Barely a nibble here and there while the others exploded with life and laughter. Ash, Viridian, and Azure were the quiet ones any meal of the day, but this time Coal had joined them in their collective silence. He tried to muster a smidgen of optimism, chomping on the delicious eggs. But it vanished as soon as the bland taste hit his tongue.
"You all right, Coal?"
He looked up to meet Monica's curious gaze. She smiled at him, tilting her head like a confused dog. Everyone else was still talking, just the Faunus alone focused on him. He wasn't even sure how he heard her over the lively discussion. Coal looked down at his food again, dropping the utensil with a clatter. He let out a long sigh, supporting his jaw with one arm leaning on the table. Monica tilted her head to the other side, her smile fading into a sad expression.
There's no need to be rude, Coal heard in his head. Seraphina turned to glare at him, her message continuing. You're making her worry. Haven't you burdened everyone enough? Her words stung, like salt on a fresh cut. Even though it was obvious that's what her intention was, Coal wondered if she knew how damaging it was to him.
"I'm just not hungry." Coal mumbled, pushing his platter away. He didn't dare to look the Faunus in the eye again. But after he heard the scratching of his plate on the table, Coal found himself looking up to see Sylvia pulling his discarded meal.
"So that means you won't mind if I..." Drool seeped from her mouth as her fingers danced above the delectable meal.
"Go for it." He rested his head against the tabletop, ignoring the berserker cheering. Her joy ended at a realization.
"Aww, but I won't have time for all of this!"
"You could eat it as quickly as possible." Dusk noted in a dry tone. "It's not like your manners aren't so different, so I wouldn't think less of you."
"And get the hiccups? No thanks." What was so awful about hiccups? Coal almost smiled at Sylvia's confusing personality, but he couldn't even force himself to smile at this point. He just wanted to go back to bed. At least in his sleep he didn't have to worry about anything. Maybe he should find a way to sleep forever.
(-)
"We'll start off this morning as usual," Prof. Teikoss bellowed, pacing back and forth on the arena that was his classroom. "With one on one duels. If there is anyone that wishes to challenge someone to a duel, they need only ask." The students remained mute for several moments. "Then we'll need some volunteers for the first match of the day." The titan waited, and within seconds one hand shot up from the adolescents.
"Oh! Oh oh! Me! Pick me, pick me!" He could hear Sylvia's excitement already. While Tyrian appreciated her enthusiasm, it bordered on annoying.
"Anyone else?" He asked, receiving more silence as Sylvia throttled her arm back and forth. "Anyone? No? Very well, then. Miss Vadallat, please step-"
"Woo-hoo!" The berserker leaped forward, crashing onto the raised platform and scrambling to her feet. Her breathing was already rapid and frantic. She was itching for a fight.
"Do you have any preferred opponent?" Prof. Teikoss asked her. She thought on it for almost a minute. During her indecision, Sandra was fidgeting in her seat.
"Ah! There is! Hey, Coal, c'mon up!" She howled with a grin. Tyrian searched the crowd, surprised at the mention of the young boy. He had heard of his mission and the damage he sustained. Has he really recovered so soon? His eyes caught something black, almost unnoticeable. The titan gestured for Coal to come forth. And he did, but with such lethargic motion that Tyrian was having second thoughts. Coal looked tired, among other qualities he couldn't quite describe.
"Welcome back, Mr. Basklef." Prof. Teikoss said. "I'm pleased to see you back on your feet. Although... Are you sure you want to go through with this? If you're not up for-"
"I'm fine." Coal snapped. "Everything's fine. I'll fight her."
"Awesome!" Sylvia chimed, holding her beloved battle axe. "This is thanks for letting me have your breakfast! Good luck!"
This was a bad idea. Tyrian knew it in his gut. Something was off about Coal right now, and even though he was performing a battle stance, that feeling in his stomach wouldn't leave. Sylvia's eyes darted between Coal and the professor, anxious and giddy to begin. Left with no other choice, Tyrian started the duel.
(-)
A relieved gasp, and Lily lowered her coffee, returning to her work. The General's schedule was filled to the brim. The secretary felt annoyed that it made her own job that much harder, but the pay was worth it. Plus, it was exactly what Sorrell needed; to know the General's every move. It came as a surprise to her that he cancelled one of his appointments in order to bring an army to Mr. Schnee's front door.
But, everything had returned back to normal, his meetings and calls and interviews resumed on schedule. It wouldn't come as a surprise to anyone, but Lily craved order. When everything was organized and tidy, it set her mind at ease. Nothing out of place, nothing unprecedented. Well, almost nothing. Another shocking development was that Miss Aveerus now came alone. Though she never personally cared, the secretary often wondered where Mr. Basklef had gone. If anything, his lack of presence made Miss Aveerus less bothersome, which was fine by-
"Mrow." The sudden noise startled Lily. She peeked over her desk, eying a cat, purring and watching her. The calico meowed again, scratching at his ear. There was an envelope tied to his back.
"Ugh..." Lily groaned, pushing her chair away. She grabbed the cat, not even bothering with the envelope, and headed for the door. The sliding door opened with a whooshing sound. The secretary stepped through, turned on her heel, and found Prof. Vidal leaning to the side. One hand on his hip, with the other arm against the wall. He smiled wide at her arrival.
"Why, Lily, what a surprise! I was just thinking about you. It must be fate that drew us together again."
"We both know it was your cat." Lily answered coldly, shoving the cat in his face. Shisko mewled at his owner, showing no resistance.
"So that's where Shisko went!" The artist held Shisko like an infant, rocking him back and forth, looking uncomfortable. "Ah, but there's a letter? Could it be from your secret admirer? You must feel so-"
"Please stop sending in your cat." Lily hissed, drawing a hand to her forehead. "Communication through him is only to be used for dire emergencies, such as when Miss Aveerus is out of commission. Not. For love letters."
"So then you read it?" Zafiro asked with glee. The secretary rolled her eyes at his persistence. "What did you think? Do I not have a way with words? Truly, a tongue as magnificent as... as... an anteater."
"Professor Vidal-"
"Please, call me Zaf."
"Professor Vi-"
"Or darling. Or my love. Anything that brims with passion and-"
"Professor!" Lily shouted over his rambling. She straightened her posture, brushing hair away from her eyes. "If you have nothing better to do than waste time, I must insist that you leave immediately. My work demands uninterrupted focus, and is too important to ignore for long. If you understand this, then be on your way." She expected, she hoped, that the artist would take a hint and leave her alone. But when she saw him staring dreamily at her, the secretary sighed again.
"Forget about me, you're the one with a silver tongue. Such a golden voice..."
"Ugh..." She turned and left him behind as she entered her office again. The door slid shut, and she locked it with swift speed. Lily straightened her hair again, but the sound of a poof made her arms fall to her side.
"How cold of you, Lily." Zafiro said with a smile, having teleported into the office. "You're lucky I have a skeleton key on me."
"Lucky is not how I feel."
The artist gasped, gripping her hand. "Is it love? Has my devotion been answer-"
"Will you just ask what you came here for, so I can reject you and you can be on your way?" She growled.
"Ahh, Lily... So direct. I didn't know you were like that." He said sweetly. Zafiro then cleared his throat, bowing his head while clutching the secretary's right hand. "My dear Lily, will you go on a date-"
"No." She turned and approached her desk, eager to return to her work. "Take care, and good day."
"Foiled again. The raging war of love goes on! But, another day. Farewell, Lily. Stay pretty." Zafiro gestured to her with finger guns, what seemed to be his trademark, before disappearing in a puff of smoke. Lily felt relieved with his departure. She had survived another day of his hounding. Lily considered filing for workplace harassment, or even a restraining order. But such things take valuable time, and Lily was not willing to put up with those headaches.
"He's so persistent. I wish he'd-" She froze once she turned around, eyes taking in a gorgeous bouquet in a decorative vase. The secretary studied the multiple flowers, the lilies mixed in with white roses. Lily dared a sniff, and the aroma of the flowers was soothing and luxurious. She decided the white of the flowers and blue of the vase was a welcome change to the gray and steel walls and surroundings. "The General should really lower his salary."
(-)
A couple of things Coal had forgotten about Sylvia. One was her frantic speed despite how heavy her weapon must be. Another was her sheer tenacity. Coupled with her grin, it made the berserker terrifying. She wrapped her hands around her battle axe, slouching low as the head of the axe touched the ground. The professor looked between the two and shouted.
"Begin!"
No sooner had the words reached his ears, Coal watched as Sylvia vanished from his sight. Her axe smashed against his stomach the next moment. Coal jumped back, lowering to one knee with one hand wrapped around his gut. He braced himself for another strike, but when it didn't come, he looked up in confusion. Sylvia was back to her battle stance, but her entire body was quivering, as though her energy were boundless. She inched closer, crazed looking eyes focused on the metal at Coal's waist. She was waiting for him to draw his weapon.
Whether out of fear or apathy, Coal wasn't sure what it was that made him slip his fingers into his claws. Sylvia responded with great happiness at Coal's compliance, and she charged at him again. His claws held back the axe, his hold shaking as it inched closer to his face. Coal pushed the axe aside, but as the berserker fell with it, she spun and swung her weapon with tremendous power. It struck across his face and knocked him back. Recovering, Coal discovered Sylvia slowly approaching, giggling like a lunatic.
She dashed forward, body leaned low for a sweeping attack. Coal jumped, bottom of his boot clipped by the blade of her axe. Although he ended up flipping in the air, he managed to land on his feet. And just in time to block Sylvia's downward strike. The grinding of the two metals sent sparks flying around them. But when Coal thought he was in control, she kicked him from below, his jaw rattling from the impact.
His mind was swirling with the same thought again and again. She's too dangerous to let her go on the offensive all the time. If Coal wanted a chance to survive this, then he'll have to attack back. But is that what I want? The toxic thought froze his movements enough for Sylvia to bat him away like a fly. Coal skidded across the ground, gritting his teeth as he searched for the motivation to rise up.
Gotta empty my mind, he reminded himself. Taking a deep breath, Coal watched with clear eyes as Sylvia inched closer again. The berserker smirked, and rushed at him. He saw the glimmer of her axe coming in from his left, and swiftly raised one shield to parry it back. Sylvia looked surprised, yelping as she stumbled back. But he knew she would be back with redoubled effort. She jumped at him, and Coal sidestepped out of the axe's path of destruction. It tore a new hole into the ground, shaking the platform.
Sylvia followed up her assault with a spinning back kick, followed by another downward strike using the momentum from her movements. Coal pushed her foot away, bringing both shields up and blocking the axe. But what he didn't expect was for Sylvia to pull her weapon back and jab him in the face with the tip. It was a light blow, but it allowed her to follow up with more hacking away. During her ruthless barrage, Coal managed to grab the hilt of her battle axe, and thus began their tugging war.
Coal could feel Sylvia's battle hunger, could see the mist created from her breathing. The look in her eyes was daunting, but he held his ground. After he validated the berserker would not release her grip on her axe, Coal gathered all of his strength to pull her axe back and over his head, roping her in for the ride. He threw her down onto the ground after his arms felt like jelly. But Sylvia was crafty for a savage fighter. She didn't land on her back or her rear, but rather on her own two feet.
Sylvia knelt low, and sprung up with greater force overtop of Coal, who's claws still clutched the axe. She pulled him into her arc, and sent him sky high as she landed safely. Coal flew higher and higher, breathless and appalled. He underestimated Sylvia, something he was already confident was near impossible. As he stopped midair and began his descent, he panicked. The berserker was awaiting his arrival. She was going to pulverize him the moment he would land.
His time was growing short as the ground grew closer. Impending doom awaited him in the form of a girl with silver hair and insatiable bloodlust. What can I even do? If I manage to block it, the force behind it will still send me flying over the edge. Instant disqualification. But then another thought plagued his mind. Why am I trying to win? I can't beat her. The match was decided before it even started.
No, he still had to put up some resistance. He had to show the others that everything was fine, even though it's not. There was one trick up his sleeve he could use. But something like that needed perfect timing. Coal wasn't sure if he could pull it off. But as he began to make out Sylvia's chest expanding and contracting on his way down, he realized he was out of time. It was all in or not. He would only need to activate it for less than a second. No one would notice.
The berserker's foot skidded back as she prepared her vicious attack. She pulled back her terrifying axe, charging her energy to devastate her opponent. This was going to be painful if it landed. Coal clenched his fists, straightening himself midair. He braced himself as Sylvia began to swing her battle axe. Time slowed to a crawl to Coal. For what seemed like an eternity, he could see the axe's arch, even Sylvia's toothy grin. Before the weapon could touch him, Coal phased out of existence, his body becoming a cyan, ethereal blur.
The axe flew on by, having missed the target completely. The inertia behind it almost toppled the flabbergasted berserker. Coal landed on the ground, crouching as his legs shook from recoil. He then swept his leg under Sylvia, who crashed to the ground alongside her weapon. Coal attacked again, bringing his claws up from below, slashing the fallen berserker. It didn't take long for her to be back on her feet, laughing like a child.
"No way!" Sylvia exclaimed. "How did you do that?" Coal choked on his tongue, unable to answer. His attack didn't even faze her, yet his own Aura was almost depleted. He wanted to continue attacking, to struggle before she finished him off, but his limbs felt heavy. To keep standing was a battle Coal was losing, but it wasn't from fatigue.
Sylvia crouched on all fours, as if prowling like a beast. She gave a hearty laugh before lunging at him. Coal couldn't react, legs locked in place. The axe bashed against his arm, pushing him back several feet, but still standing. When Sylvia appeared at his side with her axe raised, he wished he had fallen. Her blow landed true, and this time Coal bounced across the ground like a rag doll.
"Match set!" The professor announced. Relief began to wash over him, but it was overpowered by a strange and empty feeling within. What was even the point of this? "The victor is Miss Vadallat of team-"
Coal never heard him finish, the sound of Sylvia's weapon striking his back sending a shudder through his body. Gasps erupted from the crowd and even Prof. Teikoss stopped. The berserker's foot collided with his face, and after Coal finally stopped tumbling, his eyes bulged open. Sylvia stepped towards him with a terrifying smile, her eyes wide and crazed. Her walk became a full sprint as Coal clamored to his feet.
"Miss Vadallat, the match is-"
The titan was cut off by Sylvia's cackling, her axe swinging low. Coal managed to dodge it by a thread, tripping as he retreated. She stabbed into his hand with the bottom part of the hilt, before bringing it up to smack his jaw. Her right hand grabbed Coal's shirt and threw him behind her. Coal scrambled to his feet, eyes watching the crazed berserker's every movement.
She made a sound of delight, rushing at him, dragging her axe behind her with both hands clutching the hilt. Coal raised his shields up to brace for the inevitable impact, wondering why Sylvia was acting so ruthless. Does she want revenge for when I first beat her? That was by pure luck and I'd take it back if I could! And just like that, the haze in his mind parted like curtains. His mind cleared of all thoughts but one.
Maybe I can take it all back.
"STOP!" Tyrian screamed, reaching out, but it was too late. Coal's arms sagged to his sides, but his mind was clear and calm. The battle axe smashed against his faltering Aura, and he sailed like a rock through the air. Sylvia snapped out of her daze, blinking repeatedly. Her smile faded at the realization of her actions. Coal stared into her confused eyes as he fell over the edge.
