3.14
One never wanted to gain the reputation of being unable to change. When Weiss arrived at Beacon she believed herself perfectly prepared for what was to come. Her swordsmanship was excellent, and her control with her semblance was equally good rivaling that of her sister in nearly all areas. She did not expect to have her eyes opened up that the world of Huntresses were not quite so glamorous or clean. None the less after a heavy decision… she decided to take a leap of proverbial faith.
One of the many things she had to accept in being the first from her team to join in with the others in the early AM was that it was going to be hard. This was of course despite of the fact she had upped what she did already due to their influence. She knew Jaune and company would welcome her and even be patient as she was fitted into the mix. She hoped her moving forward would help others make the same choice. Ruby was on the fence about joining in, but she was also leaning heavily in favor of the idea. Ruby would want however to be joined by Yang and Blake, holdouts due to group size and a general hatred of mornings respectively.
Given the message from her father Taiyang and the… expected unease which came with it Weiss did not ask her Partner to join in. Instead taking the advise she was given to heart she just woke up at the provided time, dressed in her new workout clothing… and tried ever so desperately to keep up.
To her credit… she completed the session. Well… that was about all she could say on the subject in any positive light which she cared about. She knew to expect to be behind her friends in many areas. She knew how in shape they looked and how often they exercised. Yet still despite not being as in the dark as previously she was… she still was left with a sense of awe.
The group did so much more than what she expected it seemed crazy. To think they would do this multiple times a day. At least 2 times a day at minimum just… well how Pyrrha continued to dominate and how fast Jaune and Kate were picking things up seemed to make more sense now.
She knew of the stretching and Yoga to start things off. She didn't expect to be breathing heavily and sweating profusely before even the warm up was done.
They then went to weight training… she knew of that in theory. Yet she drastically underestimated the sheer number of lifts done or the reps and heavy weight they were done on. Going through the routine and the 5 sets they did was exhausting. Seeing the sheer amount of mass some of her friends could handle was… beyond eye opening for her and telling that more work from her team needed to be done. These physical advantages may go away when aura enters the mix but… hello? Jaune and Kate had a near holy entities worth of aura and Pyrrha wasn't exactly lacking in that category either. Those physical advantages would pay off down the line… of that Weiss was sure of having seen proof of that already.
When the heavy lifting was done they went through one of the routines Weiss was actually used too. Those things Katherine gave her and had been doing routinely. Of course by this point she was beyond exhausted and already heavily drawing from her aura to keep going.
The most mind boggling thing for her that entire morning was when all that was done… they still had more to do. It was that something which caused her abdomen to find the thought of moving in any manner detestable.
The fact that she had to partner up with and match against Kate… well that just made the situation that more telling.
Pyrrha, Jaune and Katherine have abdomens which tend to make anybody jealous in the extreme. Defined, strong, thick -and in just about everybody's opinion she cared about- sexy was something earned through some seriously hard work. Something Ren and Nora are starting to build as they spend time in the mornings with them. Well… what she saw that morning probably has something to do with that.
Weiss didn't even know she could lift her legs off the ground using her abdomen… well that was only part of the challenge and something she learned as their time that morning was coming to a close.
Sure some of her misfortune was probably her own stubbornness, insisting that she could handle it all… but she didn't want to get too off track.
First you take something and wrap it around your ankles. Then you take a weight band *heavier the better apparently** and attach it to that binding. Following that you match yourself against another by moving far enough apart to get tension on the band.
Then in sequence lift your legs off the ground, and bring your feet up to your torso… fighting against the pressure from the other person. 5 sets of far-to-many each direction. 5 from a central position, 5 while leaning to the right, 5 more from the left. Her stomach was sore in places she didn't realize it was possible to be sore from that alone.
Just about any workout Weiss had heard of would be done with that full routine alone.
Yet that STILL was not the end. Basically repeat the process by binding your hands together on your chest… and do sit-ups again with the binding tense the other direction. Again based off a centralized then right and left angling.
According to Katherine… they even have a module where they would do yet another set of reps holding your legs off the ground as you do sit-ups from those three angles.
Sitting where she was Weiss could not reach her scroll currently… though if she had to guess it would likely confirm her aura reserves were depleted completely at this juncture.
Her stomach hurt, her legs hurt. Basically everything hurt, and she was exhausted like nothing she had experienced previously. Sitting on the cold ground of the private locker room RWBY and JNPR had to use for themselves was about the least painful thing she could be doing right now.
Somehow the sight of her friends moving around was nauseating. Them talking and laughing like what they went through was not akin to surviving a battle was just salt in the open wound. She had no classes that day given it being a weekend... even so she had no answers for some questions. Like for example how she was going to manage actually getting into the shower and moving on with her day. Or possibly more accurate how that would happen without feeling like she let her friends down again as she was the only person who struggled to finish.
The sound of the shower running lent something to think about beyond just the soreness. Kate having already had her turn currently was dressing… a sight which gave her another distraction of a sort. Something at least Ruby would appreciate as both found the Arc woman easy on the eyes.
"I wonder what your mom has in store for Jaune?" Pyrrha asked as the water cut off just around the corner.
Kate seemed to shrug pulling on her top. "I don't know. She has private lesson plans for both of us. That much I know of… but I cannot say for sure what it is about beyond being a more complete explanation for his semblance and family history."
"Well, I guess there is no point in worrying about it. Nora already ran off and Ren is probably going to relax a bit. I guess we should just get some lunch and take it easy a bit before our evening routine?" The Spartan said happily.
"Take it easy being a by-word for enjoy some private time with your boyfriend?" Kate teased pulling on her typical figure hugging pants.
Why must she look so sexy in those pants!?
Rounding the corner Pyrrha's blush was very evident "Possibly. Maybe it means talk to all my friends not just boyfriend?"
Turning towards Weiss Pyrrha continued drying herself off "Alright Weiss showers all yours."
Nodding the Heiress answered "Right…. be there in a minute."
Accepting the answer Pyrrha quickly got dressed in an outfit to match her best friend.
It should be illegal to move that gracefully after what we just went through….
"Well… shall we go?" She happily suggested.
Kate gave a very deliberate look towards Weiss… before choose not to voice her concerns as she gave a nod of acceptance.
The two women walked down and around the corner.
In her mind's eye Weiss could practically see the hug between boyfriend and girlfriend as the trio reunited.
"Hey Pyr. You two took your time as always." He kidded sounding distant but in a friendly manner.
"2 boys 4 girls… there's more of a wait." Kate pointed out with an unseen but obvious grin.
Weiss tried to get back on her feet… only to get a few inches off the ground before winding up back in that same spot.
Nope, legs still aren't ready for that again…. ugh.
"Well… let's get back and get some food, sound good?" Jaune suggested.
"Sounds great. Coming Kate?" Pyrrha inquired.
There was a delay in the answer… however the sound of a couple footsteps as somebody turned around served as a an unspoken prelude.
"You two go on I will catch up."
"Going to meet up with Ren again? You just took a shower!" Pyrrha kidded.
Where did that come from I wonder? Pyrrha sounded very natural with that.
"Ooookay Pyr let's get back to our room." Jaune tugging Pyrrha along the way was not seen but was yet again assumed.
"Catch you two later." Kate said naturally in a friendly tone.
Weiss was unsure what Katherine had in mind… until the obvious presented itself. The door once again closed as footsteps advertised her approach back in the bathroom.
"You doing ok?" She inquired from the edge of the hallway.
This right here, this exact situation was precisely what the Heiress did not want. She had the small mercy of not being in the middle of a room full of people… but this scenario is exactly why she was resistant to join in.
When Weiss could only shuffle her feet Katherine moved forward to sit on the nearby bench.
"Weiss…"
The Heiress closed her eyes but still did not answer.
"Weiss… do I need to get help? I could get Jaune he could-"
"No… don't." Weiss stated sternly if softly.
Kate took a deep breath and exhaled. Obviously concerned for a friend just unsure what to do. She pulled out her scroll for a brief check before speaking on.
"Ok… I'll give Ruby a call she can help-"
"No… don't call Ruby. I don't need her to see me like this."
For a brief span a hint of frustration took its place as Katherine sighed.
Getting off the bench Kate sat next to the exhausted girl on the ground.
"Should I call Jaune? He can reinforce you." She suggested again.
Weiss shook her head "No…"
"Ok I can help rebuild your aura-"
"Kate… no… Please I do not want help right now."
She could almost hear Kate speak out 'But you NEED help.' She seemed to hold that back though.
Kate sighed again keeping a slight scowl to her features… but otherwise seemed to be in thought.
Her scroll beeped.
Checking the message 'Hey… everything ok in there? Should we come back?'
"What's that?" Weiss asked dubiously.
Typing out 'Not sure yet.' Kate answered "That is your friends being concerned for you Weiss."
Weiss closed her eyes as if she was ashamed before burying her face in her hands.
The next few moments passed in awkward silence, Weiss obviously trying not to cry… and Kate unsure what to say … or do to help.
Katherine stayed there for probably 3 minutes before standing up and speaking again "What do you want me to do if not get help?" She briefly consider the idea of just recharging her aura herself regardless of what Weiss wanted… but resisted that temptation.
Finally Weiss' eyes found Kate's looking vastly different than any look Katherine had seen from her. Openly innocent and… oddly a bit in awe she seemed to be.
"How…." She hesitated.
Sitting done once again in front of Weiss Kate just put forth a patient expression.
"… How… do you do this?"
Katherine had seen many looks and emotions from Weiss. Many different Weiss' she might say. This one she had seen one time before. That time when she shared those initial programs from a few months ago. Yet still that time her look was filled with hope. This is more… just laced with despair.
"Doooo what?" She pushed gently.
Weiss scoffed as if it was obvious.
"Do this and make it seem so easy!? What do you think? I can barely sit up straight right now and you look like you can do it all over again! How… how are we so radically different! I have done things in my life to keep in shape but I am not some… freakish athlete like you all seem to be! How is this even remotely fair?!" She could tell that Weiss did not want to whine or sound like she was complaining but… it was very evident the Heiress was frustrated. She has worked harder… yet it seemingly wasn't enough.
Something I can understand very easily…
A scowl once again threatened to take its place on her features… instead Katherine yet again shuffled her body next to the Heiress. Somehow the job fell to her to help uplift Weiss nearly akin to how Pyrrha did Jaune earlier in their careers.
"We do it the way everybody eventually does it Weiss." She stated.
Weiss chuckled humorlessly.
"Sure, just keep going one foot in front of the other like that is all there is too it. I hurt all over like I never even thought was possible! The thought I need to do it all over again tomorrow morning just scares me! How is this normal?"
Moving an arm behind Weiss' back she pulled the smaller girl against her shoulder "Well. Look some people will have a physical advantage over you no matter what you do. I do not deny that Jaune, Pyrrha and I probably have an advantage in that sense. But… it comes down to yes. You take it one step at a time, no matter how long of a step it seems to be. If you fall or stumble you get back up and you keep trying. Even if you need to step out for a few minutes and catch your breath you come right back and give it everything you have a few moments later. Getting tired, sweating, pushing yourself to the point you struggle to walk is nothing to be ashamed about. You need to accept that as normal. If for no other reason cause it's the truth. Everybody Pyrrha included runs into places where she struggles and needs to overcome them."
Weiss scoffed "Oh please, name me one thing you are better at physically than her."
Kate nodded "I am more flexible. I confess I have no desire to prove it… but ask her yourself if you like. She is stronger than me sure… but I am more flexible."
Finally burning through some of that latent emotion Weiss just took a deep breath and lowered her head into her hands again.
"How am I going to do this? You all are so far ahead of me. All the training with weapons and glyphs I had at home just did not prepare me for this at all! Nobody told me this was part of the job! If they did I might have prepared but… this is so much to take in at once."
Kate made a sad face… and resisted the temptation to repeat herself with earlier advice. Instead… she pulled out her scroll.
"Kate I already said I don't want you to call anybody! It is depressing enough for me right now I don't need Ruby in here too!"
Kate shook her head. "I might get back to that point… but I am not calling anybody as of yet. I want to show you something."
Turning slightly to face her Weiss asked "Show me what?" She knew Katherine was multiples higher than her in the workout programs Weiss used… no that didn't seem right in this case.
Kate came to a picture on her scroll, one she evidently had saved previously.
"I did not start this well off either Weiss. I told you that my father wanted me to be a model. Taking advantage of my looks?"
Weiss nodded slowly if unsure.
Kate handed her scroll over with the picture preloaded. "It isn't like I didn't understand his logic for making that claim… I had to work hard, very hard to get where I am Weiss. Every day was a challenge… yet if you do not make those steps however hard they are or impossible they seem… you never can succeed."
It took Weiss nearly a minute before her mind even contemplated the image being displayed. The image had a girl… an absolutely gorgeous girl. She stood tall near 6 feet tall, very hyper thin and compact with long flowing black hair in a bikini standing on a beach. The girl was young, yet even so…so… This CANT be Kate?!
The raven haired girl… was this thin mesh of skin and bone. Very little definition or muscle was to be found. She was blessed in height, even in this early age she was tall. Weiss had seen many pretty girls in her time. Hell even in the service of the Schnee dust company she oversaw some fashion models. This girl before her easily blew any of them away. It was all too much this woman and the girl sitting next to her could NOT be the same person!
Swapping her gaze off the scroll to the woman next to her Weiss did a double take. Those strong and shapely legs which were so desirable by just about anybody looked so natural on the body Kate had crafted for herself over years. Weiss always assumed Katherine was just blessed with those sexy curves… a butt that was so perfectly shaped and perfect thighs that equally bled power and agile grace. She always assumed they were just given to her despite the fact that Kate herself told her how hard she had to work to earn them. Seeing the before and after… put pay to those objections to some degree.
Setting a hand on her thigh she gave a brief squeeze just to ensure her eyes weren't lying to her.
Thigh shapely and in such superb shape… the woman next to her rivaled Pyrrha in her level of physical fitness. Sure she lost out in terms of upper body compared to the Spartan. But even her arms and shoulders were filled out and infinitely stronger than the woman in this picture. Her legs… those things which drew the attention of man and women alike had to be 3 or 4 times the thickness of the thin barely noticeable limbs she had not just a few years ago.
"I can't believe this is you…This CANT be you!"
Kate just held her gaze without flinching, eyes burning with belief and conviction.
Shifting between the image and her friend Weiss asked "How old were you?"
"13… I grew up quick." She answered with a wry grin.
Weiss just closed her eyes in awe… Kate said previously all these things just, why they were assumed fabrications Weiss couldn't say.
"You could have been a super model easily for sure. No doubt about it." She stated truthfully still slightly in awe.
Kate shook her head "No… not easily."
Weiss scowled at her friend "Katherine I am in fashion believe me you would have had no difficulties what so ever in finding an agency to sponsor you on this picture alone."
Kate shook her head again "I accept that as true, I know that. However that isn't what I mean."
Weiss just met her gaze tearing her eyes off the picture or Kate's legs… however alluring it was to stare.
"Whatever do you mean then?"
Kate took a deep breath. "Could I have done it? I suppose I could have. But I would have utterly hated every minute of my life I wasted doing something I did not want to do. I WANT to be a Huntress Weiss, I WANT to be a force for good in this world. Not sit in my castle trying on clothing while others slobber over themselves contemplating how pretty I am or how much money they could make as others do the same thing."
Weiss just stared at her unsure of what to say.
"Weiss… I started probably further behind than you are now. It was not easy for me. I had to get a ton of help over the years. You sometimes struggle to walk? That was my reality every day. But I kept pushing cause I wanted too. That is how I did it. I did it cause I wanted to push myself I wanted to make up for not going to combat school. You have a natural balance and grace to yourself but if you just want everything to come as easily as your swordplay or semblance you are going to be disappointed. Life is not easy, anybody who tells you differently is selling something."
Kate took a breath not losing any of that fire to her eyes.
"But… you can find meaning to the challenges it throws your way if you do what you want to do in life. If you want to be the best Huntress you can… you will need to accept the work that goes with it."
Taking another deep breath…
"You Arc's have a way of calming me down." She stated with a slight smile.
Kate grinned. "It seems to be a talent we have I suppose."
Shaking her head Weiss stated "That doesn't make anything easy Kate."
Nodding in agreement "No… not easy. But you do have the choice… keep doing what you want. Or, stop and give up."
She stood up and offered a hand.
"What do you choose?"
Weiss stared at the hand for a moment in contemplation.
Do what I WANT to do huh? Ok Kate let's see how you react to this…
Accepting the helping hand she slowly… agonizingly slowly got to her feet wobbly legs and all.
"I will try to do what I want… I want to be there for Ruby and everybody else depending on me."
Nodding with approval Kate smiled "Good… I will give you some privacy."
She waited for Weiss to successfully take a step before spinning around to show herself out…
… only to stop when a playful if obviously deliberate spank found its mark on her butt followed by a click of appreciation.
"Yup… absolutely perfect. I have wanted to do that for a very long time. Hope you won't hold it against me... doing what I want and all." At that with an unseen but obvious grin Weiss struggled out of her drenched clothing on her way towards the shower stall… maybe not even getting out of her clothes before the water kicked on.
With a wry smile Kate continued on her way out brushing off the friendly actions. "I hope you enjoy cold showers… Pyrrha, Nora and I used up pretty much all of the good stuff."
"Wait what YIIPPPPPEE!" She squealed in objection.
Opening and closing the women's door and finding herself in the lower circular area of their joint area Kate couldn't help but chuckle at the words:
"Katherine Arc from now on I want first shower!"
She might have ranted more… but as she walked away grinning Katherine couldn't hear anything further.
She isn't the first person to do that and probably won't be the last… but maybe I can tease Ren about Weiss getting a grip on my ass before he did. Might just get a scowl out of him.
***Later in the JNPR Dorm room***
Kate really did not find Weiss' actions offensive… many individuals have done that to her over the years and besides it was the women's locker room. What happens in there basically stays in there. At least that's what she told her closest friends when the questions about where she was inevitably cropped up. As normal Nora's near limitless energy had her leading an expedition of friends into the forever fall forest for syrup farming that left the joint living area rather vacant.
When she arrived back in upper floor she noted the joint living area was empty and assumed -correctly- her brother and girlfriend was in their teams private area just down the hall. Jaune sitting up in his bed with Pyrrha pressing her back against his chest as she observed him come up with various sketches. Something she seemed to enjoy when in leisure time between exercising stints.
"Sounds like you handled that situation well." Pyrrha advised once she finished the explanation.
Jaune set aside his picture book to focus in on the conversation wrapping his hands around Pyrrha's midsection.
"Weiss is a proud girl but… I think given time to adjust she will do ok." He put forth neutrally.
Kate sat down on her bed off to the side before replying "She will be fine in time yes but… I think we need to give more time in between exercises for her. Be a little proactive. She is new to the level we tend to push at."
Pyrrha shook her head initially "That … well I guess we did the same when Nora and Ren joined in. I … I guess we can do that but it would potentially imbalance our tempo which is a good portion of the point. Keeping your heart rate up and all."
She seemed to think about it "But I guess it wouldn't be hard to build in some points in between poses to let people get a drink and catch their breaths. Would make it easier on anybody who joins in I suppose."
Kate nodded wanting to go into it a bit further… but Jaune spoke first "I wonder if we should invite the rest of RWBY to join in? Surely if the entire team was getting up it would be much easier for Weiss in that regard."
Kate and Pyrrha both nodded "That might be a good suggestion. Though Jaune…" He looked at her.
"You need to start offering to reinforce her, at least at the midway point."
He narrowed his gaze on her "Why? She has not asked me about it before."
She shook her head narrowly before saying "She… is too proud to ask for it. Too proud or too stubborn take your pick. Offer it yourself maybe even frame it like she would be helping you by letting you practice."
Pyrrha felt him pull slightly tighter like Kate was dancing around something which was hard for her to talk about… something Jaune might be hesitant to encroach on.
"This is what you spoke about?" He stated vaguely.
She nodded slowly "She finds us all intimidating Jaune. We should make it as easy on her as we can while not letting her cut any corners. It won't even affect the workouts we do so we have little reason not to."
Jaune pulled back in a way that Pyrrha almost didn't notice, but picked up what he figured what she was trying to do and why this was so important to her. Beyond at least helping a friend and trying to be a good one.
Jaune turned towards a clock in the room before giving Pyrrha a kiss on the neck and breaking off from their embrace.
"Mom's private lecture is going to start up soon. I should head out now."
Pyrrha expected him to move towards his case where his armor and weapons were stored… yet he didn't.
"You don't need your gear?" She asked.
He shook his head "No… she said like last year this is more about training the mind and spirit. I confess I do not know what exactly to expect but… whatever it is she indicated weapons were not needed."
"Nice of her to schedule her private lesson stuff in the middle of the day so we can keep to our 2 a day schedule." Pyrrha claimed with a happy smile.
"Naturally she would want us to keep with our system that works… we all need to work physically and neither Jaune or I can ever get enough weapons practice in."
Pyrrha nodded in agreement… though that time she had predicted was approaching quickly. The twins were learning at a rapid pace. They each possessed a natural gift for battle and it was only a matter of time until they had the experience to catch up with their friends. Already they were more than most anybody else in the year could handle without some serious effort and yet still… more potential remains untapped.
"She does mean the best for her students I give her that. Want anybody to go with you Jaune?" Pyrrha inquired.
He shrugged stopping at the door. "You can come… but really it would probably be boring. I expect most conversations to be done via our semblance."
Pyrrha considered… spend more time with her boyfriend… or spend more time with her best friend.
"Alright… well we can wait for you here. If you need us just call though ok?" Pyrrha stood giving him a brief hug and kiss before he opened the door and went on his way.
Turning back to Katherine Pyrrha asked "You are really concerned about Weiss?"
Kate looked up at her for a moment as if gathering her thoughts before answering "I've been in her shoes before Pyrrha. Surrounded by people with more training and advantages over me at home. I guess I can relate and…"
"You know what worked for you?" Pyrrha suggested.
Contemplating it a moment she admitted "Well… yes but I don't necessarily think it will work for her. In any case I am just trying to make it easier for her."
Letting the subject drop… and indulging in some of that curiosity Pyrrha occasionally had…. she moved and sat on her bed next to Katherine's.
"Kate… could I ask you something?"
Swiveling her feet up to lay down flat Kate responded "Sure what's up?"
Looking oddly vulnerable but still trusting Pyrrha took a deep breath then made eye contact.
"Can I ask you about your first time?"
Kate blinked "You want to know about my first time? What brought this on?"
Now looking embarrassed in an absurdly cute manner Pyrrha none the less continued.
"I just… I'm curious. I mean you aren't likely to get embarrassed about the question, you aren't as likely to tease me about it later like say Yang. Well… I guess I just trust you and want to know more about you. Over the summer I've thought more about growing up and… I guess I am nervous."
Pyrrha the great 4 time Champion of Mistral was nervous when it came to sex? Never would have taken her to lack for confidence before meeting her. Can't judge a book by its cover I suppose.
Kate smiled sitting up to partially resting on her hands behind her body "You do understand that my first time was with a woman… right?"
Pyrrha's blush only magnified as she responded "I… remember yes."
"You still want to hear about it?" It was nearly impossible to smile at the cute but embarrassed warrior before her… trying as she might to not giggle.
The Spartan nodded excitedly if still shyly about it.
Taking a deep breath and organizing her thoughts Kate laid flat again before starting up.
"Well… I was 15 at the time that much you probably remember. I had made a habit of sneaking out of my room at night. Not every night of course but as often as I could."
"Why?" Pyrrha asked relaxing a bit in posture.
Kate seemed hesitant to fully go into the story… but with another deep breath she continued.
"I do not want to sound like I am complaining… I know even living in a manner I hated… I was privileged compared to many. But… you must understand. This was in the time when Mom was almost always gone and Dad was the guy in charge. I was not allowed to pursue combat school or becoming a Huntress like I wanted. Not until later when… well mom agreed to take me on."
"Your…. dad expected you get into fashion right?"
Kate nodded "Yes. Instead of working out and being taught how to fight… I was expected to learn how to walk and pose. How to be a model. I guess those things came very easy to me as regardless of the fact I made my displeasure known several times many agencies were interested in getting me into a contract."
Pyrrha nodded not expecting this sidetracking… but listened eager to hear more about her friend anyway.
"Jaune was ill almost every day, Lissette was a thorn in my side and I always had people measuring me. Either double checking my bust, my waist, my hips or anything else that gets looked at frequently. None of that touches getting my picture taken in various outfits following those constant measuring… trying to find the best angle for me I guess. I hated that life. My brother was extremely unhappy and I was no less so at home albeit in a slightly different way."
"So you tried to find entertainment elsewhere?" Pyrrha guessed.
Kate nodded "I was always unique amongst my family in that I had black hair. Barely anybody knew that outside the family however as I always had it dyed blonde when in view of others."
Pyrrha frowned at that memory… hopefully the unhappy memories pass soon for her best friend.
She might have interrupted her… but Katherine continued.
"I was always very rebellious I guess. I would sneak out at night. I'd wash out the dye from my hair and try to enjoy myself however I could. I can walk without a sound without even trying, if I had to I could use my semblance to just be invisible or move through walls. Basically if I did not want to remain confined to a room it was impossible to keep me there. Nobody knew I was an Arc as I was sneaking about unless they were already the people I wanted to avoid. Those people kept to very predictable patterns and stayed in the upper levels of home. I could almost be a normal girl in the lower levels or if I wished… go out to the city beyond the mountain halls."
Pyrrha smiled… yeah that sounded like her friend.
"I did not start out that daring though. I started when I was 14. Normally it was just to talk to people and try to get some entertainment. If I saw somebody who caught my eye I would try to encourage them in certain ways I guess."
Pyrrha nodded again. Makes a certain amount of sense. This incredibly attractive young girl wants to talk to you. Who could probably pass for an adult if she wanted would be hard to turn aside.
"So how did your first time happen?"
Kate smiled as if the memory was a happy one.
"Well it was one of the few times I was seduced."
Pyrrha blinked sure she heard that wrong.
"Wait wait somebody beat you at your own game?"
Kate grinned making eye contact as she answered "Like I said I was young. Moreover… I guess it just happened so fast. Kind of like Jaune and his first experience. It just happened before I could think about it. Sure I wanted it… but I guess I was not thinking."
Wanting to hear more Pyrrha nodded still excited for more.
"I saw her and… I was just enthralled I guess. She was everything I wanted to be myself."
Cocking her head to the side Pyrrha asked "What do you mean? Tell me about her."
Kate looked down briefly before aiming up at the ceiling again "She was a warrior. Everything I wanted to become. She was strong, so incredibly fit and she had this confidence that just came off her in waves."
"How so?"
"Well… I mean she moved around with basically a corset top and skirt even in a Cadian winter with only a bear cloak for warmth. She carried this heavy shield and sword around as easily as I might a broom. She… just walked with a purpose I lacked myself."
"Describe her I am curious." Pyrrha inquired.
"Well… She had probably the most gorgeous brown hair I have ever seen. She was around 5'8 maybe a bit shorter. But a build… maybe about what I am now but more balanced less… lower body heavy I suppose. She had these high cheekbones and dominating look to her eyes that just compelled belief… she was stunning for me back then."
"An Atlas Shield-Maiden of a sorts from how you make her sound. She had to be a bit older than you though, right?"
Considering for a moment before making an agreeable face Katherine continued "Well I guess that is fair to assume. I never got her age and I never gave my own… but she was probably in her early 20's."
"So what happened?"
"Well… she had some strong fingers and a cleaver tongue let me tell you what… Though I gave as good as I got." Voiced in her normal never embarrassed self.
Pyrrha giggled "Not what I meant… what happened after you meet her? What was her name?" Pyrrha had not forgotten about her primary goal but… well at this point she was just curious.
Kate chuckled right back "Well… She walked up to me and we hit it off straight away. I learned her name as Astrid. She was a visitor from Atlas intent on migrating toward Cadia as a citizen. It was not uncommon for such people to stay in the lower levels of our home as their citizenry was finalized. She led us back to her room and… well one thing led to another. I ended up staying the night."
Pyrrha began to understand why this probably isn't a happy memory.
"I get the feeling it turns bad soon?"
Kate shrugged "Not necessarily bad. Fairly predictable actually. Anyway we were uh… busy throughout the night if you get my meaning. I woke up the next day and the castle was up in arms about one of the Arcs missing. Fearing a kidnapping the guard had ordered a search for me."
Pyrrha nodded "She didn't know you were… you though."
Kate nodded back "No… she did not. I guess I looked nervous as I got dressed said some hastily put together goodbye and quickly ran out of the room. I took the time to avoid guards though trying to get back without being seen. She might have figured out I was that girl as I never saw her again."
"Why not?"
Shaking her head Kate took another deep breath "I didn't want to get her in trouble… so I didn't go back the next night. It was a week before I tried again. Though she had left at that point. I assume she got her paperwork and took off to settle down."
"You assume?"
Kate brought her hands behind her head before answering "Well naturally I do not know for sure. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that she would have been terrified of getting in trouble with her new home after sleeping with an underage daughter of a noble house. That just isn't the type of attention she likely wanted I assume. But there you go… that was my first time."
Pyrrha nodded… not really getting the exact information she wanted but… was happy to learn more about Katherine just the same.
"You and Jaune really were unhappy at home… I guess I am learning just how unhappy now." She admitted a bit sad.
Kate shook her head "When people are forced to do what they do not want to do… I guess that is the natural reaction. I'm happier now that I… we are getting our chance. Ultimately what happened got me here and here I am happy doing what I want to do."
Making a happy face Pyrrha concluded "Well I will continue my interrogation later…"
Kate looked at her amused at her turn of phrase.
"… For now I would like a happier subject."
She thought about it a brief moment before lighting up brightly "How about we dig through one of Jaune's art books? It feels like ages sense I last did that." Pyrrha suggested eagerly.
Kate smiled back "Maybe later… for now I feel like taking a nap. Feel free to look to your heart's content."
Pyrrha frowned briefly… but none the less moved to the appropriate bookshelf and hunted for the most appealing selection.
"If by-the-way you were looking for my advise on your first time with a man? Get plenty of foreplay, take your time and just do what feels natural. Not what may or may not happen in a Ninja's of Love book." Katherine advised before closing her eyes… though her smile concealed a more nefarious purpose.
Pyrrha scowled briefly looking back at the speaker… before smiling into the next wave of images Jaune had prepared.
***Debs Quarters***
One thing Jaune learned early on in his education regarding his family semblance… is basically everything he thought would be obvious normally turned out to be wrong. He expected a physically stressing ordeal if not a mentally taxing affair.
That turns out to not at all be what he got.
Upon entering he was reminded never to try and predict his mothers lessons.
"Were you expecting something else?" She asked amused at his confused expression.
Stepping into the room he nodded in a smile "I confess I rather expected to meet here and go somewhere. That has been the formula of late."
She grinned "Well… we have a few things to talk about today. In the future you can and should expect a variety of things but… well I am trying not to overload you with what you will need to learn."
She led the way to a small but cozy living area in her room taking a seat in a chair. When it was obvious he could sit wherever he wanted he choose a nearby sofa.
"So… what do we need to talk about?" He inquired noting her weapon nearby behind the chair she sat down on.
She got comfortable before speaking on.
"Jaune… This has been a long time coming and I am sure you realized that a great deal of this was in store in the future."
He angled his head to the side… "So… these sessions won't be about my semblance?"
She shook her head "No… not exclusively. Jaune to repeat.. you are a Duke now. One of the youngest family heads to ever exist. As you are no doubt aware… you were not groomed for that role."
He nodded thinking he got the point "So… this is to help me fill in the gaps in my education?"
She kind of nodded in a non-committal way "Yes and no. Most of what I intend to tell you is about our family history of which our semblance remains a topic of discussion."
"I must repeat myself I thought I had earned my title? What more is there to learn?" He asked.
She took the question in stride "I had not planned on starting on this subject this quickly… but very well. Jaune in your estimation how much time has somebody given to the instruction of the use of your semblance?"
He contemplated the question for a short span then answered "I assume Pyrrha's time with me doesn't count… on that assumption probably about 2 weeks or so."
"Those 2 weeks mostly from last year?" She stated pressing the point.
"Well… yes naturally."
She met his gaze before growing slightly more serious "Jaune. The study of our semblance is a year's long topic. The nuances of its use, the multiple things it can do. It takes years of instruction to fully explain and decades of practice to master. You passed the test to define yourself a minimum level of competence. That is true. However, what you probably do not realize is the lessons to get you there were handpicked to specifically give you the knowledge you need to pass said test. That does not mean you have a complete understanding."
Jaune… could follow along and understand the point easily enough.
Mom evidently had more to say "In the case of a blacksmiths understudy I taught you how to swing a hammer successfully in the proper manner. There is far than just the hammer stroke to being a blacksmith. Regulating the heat of the metal, the types of metals you can forge, how the metals are layered for various properties the list goes on and on. I need to fill in those gaps with your semblance and help you get up to speed on some of the topics you will need to at least be familiar with to successfully, realistically, serve as the nation's leader."
Jaune smiled inwardly… yes he knew this would happen at some point. No doubt he would have to rely on his friends -like always- to pick all these topics up. There's the study of law theory… mathematics… science… the list is nearly endless.
Joy, at least some of those topics should be interesting and useful.
"Well… alright. What do you have in mind for today?"
Mom smiled before standing up and moving away only to return with her weapon before setting it on the table between them.
He of course knew of her weapon previously but has had very few opportunities to study it up close. Caladbolg was a long and elegant 2 handed sword. Starting with a pointed tip traveling back towards the handle growing thicker all the way. Upon reaching the very elaborate cross guard it broke off in a curve back towards the tip with a very stylized design fitting the weapon. A large hilt topped the weapon off leaving more than enough room for 2 hands to wield in a number of various grips.
As if the weapon knew it was being examined it seemed to shine under the lights preening itself. Its silver and white star-metal color took on the majority of the metal work. Dormant blue glyphs traveled the length of the weapon before ending with a slightly darker handle. All in all a gorgeous work of art by any standard and one of the deadliest weapons ever made.
"Today we have some family history. Some of this I am sure you know, some of this you have guessed at. However given your rather… unique training thus far we have not been able to abide by tradition. Once a warrior passed their test to earn their title they would be given this information. I am sorry but with you things have gone too quickly for the proper instruction on this more so than I am other topics of study. In time other subjects can be learned… but there are few opportunities to hear more of our history as a family."
Jaune gave her his full focus oddly eager for what she has to say.
As if she had given this lesson several times Mom started off the topic with casual ease "There are many things in this world which defy all known logic and reasons. The existence of the Grimm for example has yet to be quantified. They reproduce, they seem oddly intelligent yet they seem only interested in destruction. There are the floating crystals of Vacuo. No effort to change their trajectory or alter their pattern has been found nor has it been explained how they remain in the air. More locally the Forest of Forever Fall here in Vale. Trees never age despite the seasons changing… the maples of the forest stay exactly as they are. Many such locations exist in the world. No explanations are given and despite being studied for centuries answers have not been forthcoming."
Jaune nodded … familiar with some of those subjects at least. Forever Falls leaves never changing colors with the seasons being an often talked about mystery of the student body.
Nodding towards her weapon "This sword is one such mystery. It is a Weapon which is beyond our understanding to remake or reproduce… as such despite our technology it is considered a wonder by the world in general." She claimed plainly.
"How so?" He inquired curiously.
She seemed to think about it "There is what I know having seen it firsthand… and what I have been told to pass on only to those who succeed me as Duke or Duchess of the territory. Both of which I will tell you today."
Narrowing his vision Jaune nodded for her to continue "You are somewhat familiar with this weapon I assume?"
He nodded back "Yes it is traditionally passed to each Arc Heir but has not always been the case. Occasionally if the eldest sibling did not want to claim it a younger one could have. The weapon will take the form most beneficial to whomever it considers master."
She nodded in return pleased at having a common ground to start from "That much I can attest as factual. When I went to claim it, it was but a puddle of liquid metal only taking its form after it accepted me. What you do not know… is how that weapon came to be. Or that it can only ever accept 1 master… while that one master is alive no other can wield it. You can attempt to pick it up now if you like… it will not move for you regardless of how hard you try."
Jaune grinned and couldn't resist temptation. His hand found the hilt easily enough and after giving it one sure tug… it stubbornly remained where she placed it.
"Well that is something you don't see every day." He confessed slightly amused.
Mom nodded "That much I can attest to as fact. The rest are things which has been passed down for untold years and generations. I only pass it on out of respect for those who came before… I cannot claim these last points to be true." She looked a bit suspicious but none the less determined to continue.
"What are those bits of info I wonder?" He voiced.
She smiled sadly.
"This weapon traces its time to the origin of the Arc family back in Humanities Darkest days. Even back then Cadia had a reputation as the best armor and weapon smiths in Remnant. A reputation we carry to this day. However… much of what we once knew was lost."
"Lost due to time?" Jaune guessed.
She shook her head "No, you see after the Grimm war… the rest of the world declared war on our nation. According the history our ancestors gave in to them in order to avoid a war they could not win."
He nodded "Yes I know that much."
"What they do not tell you is that result is something we brought upon ourselves… if this story is to be believed."
Jaune absolutely did not expect that.
"We did something to warrant the other nations attention like that?"
She halfway nodded "What is passed on through Arc rulers is that in our desperation to defeat and drive back the Grimm more and more weapons technology was invented. Many of it was considered highly unethical for its time and… well it would be very damning now if that type of research continued. It was not long before living weapons were not just stuff of legend but things that were fundamentally possible. To save the spirit of a fallen warrior their aura could have been moved into a sword for example. A way to preserve the knowledge and wisdom of that individual. Such is supposedly what happened to each Arc ruler as they wielded this weapon. A piece of themselves would remain inside it."
She took a breath before continuing.
"The next part I can at least confirm as true in part. When I claimed the weapon you do so by extending some of your aura into it. It then will form a hilt for you to grasp. Once you grip the hilt and pull it takes that shape which it will carry for the duration of the life of that individual. This is the weapon of the first Arc's, the very first Arcs and remains no less deadly to this day. Supposedly their presence remains in the weapon still. It was made to be a Bane of Grimm… such was their mortal enemy at that time."
He shook his head "That sounds like a fantasy."
She nodded back "That is what I rather believe too. I know when Robert became head of the house he choose not to wield this weapon preferring something he could have forged for him to meet his own needs. Ergo he never actually used this and I claimed it. However to finish the tale this weapon before you is supposedly the only such living weapon to ever successfully be made. The smith who forged it is believed to have perished in the Grimm wars. While it remains one of the most deadly instruments of destruction I have come across. Its more mystical properties I have never experienced. I have not for example felt the presence of any other inside the sword despite running my aura through it searching for another's presence on multiple occasions."
He nodded… "Might as well finish the story, I am curious what else the legend claims."
She smiled "Well… again I cannot claim this to be true. But supposedly those with strong bonds to a previous wielder can awaken the weapon. I have no idea what awaken would mean or what it would bring on. In this case it has never been explained to me beyond the rather meager tale I just passed on. To me it is a superb sword I have been lucky to claim as my own."
Given her finishing he took the time to ask something of a curiosity "Why is that only passed on to Arc rulers? I fail to see the need for secrecy."
She nodded sadly.
"Mostly because it is a tradition… how it has always been done. However… The world still looks down heavily on the study of aura manipulation. The fear of that become prevalent was enough to make Cadia the worlds enemy in ancient times. That fear could potentially be reignited if the creation of these weapons were more common place… at least in theory. Again … I remain a healthy skeptic of those tales. They have been passed on over and over threw millennia after all its meaning can easily have been twisted or gotten wrong at some point in history. But… it is my duty to pass that on to you and thus I have. Take it for what it is worth."
He smiled "If nothing else it is an interesting tale."
She grinned "True enough." She looked at a clock.
"Well that passed remarkable quick. So… before you take off out at a sprint make sure you pick up those books." She pointed to a nearby table.
"Read them over the course of your free time. You don't need to binge read them but they are competent enough I think at getting you up to speed on the first few topics you will need to study."
Jaune stood moving towards the given objects "You don't need them read by a specific date?"
Mom shook her head "No, these lessons are more… private I suppose not an official class. I do not intend to test you or your sister. But I do have a responsibility to ensure you have a solid a foundation as I can. In light of that remember, Weiss is at least knowledgeable on many of those subjects. If you need to consult her, feel free."
Jaune nodded… true enough much of this would have been taught to him previously had he not been sick as a child. Arcs were expected to learn how to sing… dance… draw. To be a student of the arts as well as a skilled combatant. Such was to be a well balanced person not merely an instrument or weapon.
"Alright… we will be meeting every few days I suppose?" He inquired picking up the books provided in a sack.
She stood and moved towards him in a hug. "Yeah… run along now don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions. Love you son. Next time we will work on your semblance."
"Love you mom."
Smiling as he left he couldn't help but wonder… how much of that story truly was fantasy and how much was based in fact? Mom was the expert on the matter and she hardly seem convinced much of it was real. Oh well, there is still some time left to relax before tonight's session. Might as well get familiar with these books… she may well add to the pile as the year goes on. Maybe Kate and I could read them together… I see no reason not to give her the opportunity.
Before he knew it the day was done… another practice session was behind him… and his lovely girlfriend couldn't help utilizing his chest as a pillow. A job he would happily perform each and every day she desired it.
A/N
Well… Thank you again for reading. I have had numerous people asking me my take on RT's new policy for posting videos. Well… just how do you think I would feel about it? I have not been high on them for awhile now and a new policy which only tries to pressure people into buying a subscription lest they have a much higher chance of dealing with spoilers or making it harder for non subs to voice their opinions of course I would not be happy with such a decision.
Some people are upset with me for having such standard for RT, I support RT… sometimes that is forgotten. Citing that it isn't that expensive of a service and due to that I shouldn't call them out for doing shady things. Well here's the thing about that. Those same people call me lazy for not having large chapters or for posting more frequently than I can…. and I am doing this for free. This is literally a free service… and some people get pissed at me for going about it in the best manner I can not the underperforming paid service which only gets use from RWBY fans 4 months out of the year.
Think about that for a moment. I will happily talk about this with people in private but enough people have asked me my thoughts… well there they are.
Trying not to make an entire chapter of the note I will simply say thank you again for reading. Feedback is valuable please like/fav/follow/kudos/review/IM/ email me your thoughts.
As ever I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and I will see you next time.
-Sean