Real Steel: Remnant League
Chap 4
"Hey, Jaune!" Archie shouted as we walked up to him as he was fixing the brackets for the undercard fights.
"Hey, Archie. How was the show?" I asked him.
"Great. You always manage to get the crowd's blood pumping every time you fight here." He answered before taking out an envelope from his back pocket and giving it to me. "Here's your pay. Have a good night, man."
"Thanks, Archie. Same to you." I told him as I quickly counted the lien before putting it in my pocket.
'That's a lot of lien.' Neo signed with wide eyes.
"How much do you normally get paid?" Militia asked.
"That depends on several factors. Mainly where you are fighting it. But to give you three a rough average, I would say I receive around ten thousand lien each fight, plus three to five thousand extra to repair the damages the bots receive from the matches." I answered.
"Damn." The twins said in shock and surprise.
'Are you rich?' Neo asked, curious.
"In a sense, you could say so. However, if you mean filthy rich, then no." I answered before lightly chuckling when I heard the stomachs of the twins and Neo growl a bit. "Alright. Let me fix up Atom before we head back to the truck. Then we can head to Tallet's gym where I can cook up something for you three."
They nodded with a light blush covering their faces. Heading back to the area where the bots get repaired, I started to make the repairs that Atom needed. As I was repairing Atom, I noticed that while he did not suffer any severe damage, a few parts required replacing as they were pretty worn down. Although, it was a bit hard to put my entire focus on Atom as Neo and the twins either kept asking questions about Real Steel or teased me. Luckily, I didn't miss anything after giving Atom a quick look over. Satisfied, I put away my tools before moving to switch Atom back to the controller setting. Picking up the remote, we then made our way to the truck. Getting there, I opened up the back of the truck before allowing the lift to bring us up. Moving to the back, I made space before having Atom sit so, I could turn him off.
"You did good, Atom. As always. Now have a quick nap." I told him as I hooked him to the charging station.
"Do you always talk to your bots?" Miltia asked, curious.
"Yes. While others not part of Real Steel might think that our bots are nothing more than bolts and steel, we handlers see them as part of the family. Although I will admit that whenever I am alone, I sometimes feel that Atom is sentient." I answered. Turning back to them, I saw that my answer only confused them further.
"You mean as in alive?" Melanie asked.
"It's tough to explain, but when I'm with Atom, I would occasionally talk to him. Yet, as I talk with him, I feel like he is listening to me. From time to time, I can swear that he is also speaking back." I answered.
"Wow, you sure do care for your bots a lot if you think one of them can speak back." Miltia remarked, bored.
"We'll be in the front." Melanie added before she and Miltia exited the truck.
'I believe you.' Neo signed after tapping my shoulder to get my attention.
"You do?" I asked, surprised.
'I always had a feeling that Atom was special in more ways than one.' She answered before heading to the front of the truck.
"You hear that Atom." I said, turning to face him. Despite him not on, I still felt like he was listening to me. "Everyone thinks your special. Good night."
Exiting the truck, I closed the back before heading to the front. Getting in, I turned on the truck before pulling out of the parking lot and heading to the exit.
"How long until we get to your place?" Miltia asked.
"Roughly two hours. A bit more if the traffic is heavy, but it's night, so it should be even quicker." I answered as I pulled onto the road. "Take a nap if you want. I'll wake you all up when we get there."
"Thanks." Miltia said before closing her eyes.
"Better not try anything." Melanie warned.
"I won't." I assured them.
"Good." She said before closing her eyes as well.
'Don't worry. They may seem like bitches, but they're not so bad when you get to know them.' Neo signed.
"I believe you. Anyway, you can take a nap as well." I told her. She seemed to think this over before giving me a mischievous smirk.
'I think I will stay up and enjoy this peaceful night with my date.' She teased before laying her head on my arm. I blushed hard at this yet rolled my eyes while smiling.
One Hour Fifty Minutes Later
'Tallet's gym. Been a while.' I thought as I backed up into the side alleyway of the gym. Turning to the Twins and Neo, I saw that they were all fast asleep. Though, I did blush a bit when I felt Neo snuggle up to me a bit. Turning off the truck, I moved a bit so I could wake them up.
"We're here, everyone." I said as I gently shook Neo and Miltia.
"Already?" Miltia asked through a yawn before waking up Melanie.
'When did I doze off?' Neo asked while rubbing her eyes.
"About a half-hour after you teased me and laid your head on my arm." I answered as I unbuckled myself.
"Lucky." I heard Miltia mutter under her breath only to glare when Neo sent a smirk her way.
I just ignored them as we got out of the truck. Going around, I opened the back before heading in and powering Atom back up. Grabbing the controller, I had him follow me as we exited the truck before locking it up. Once done, I took out my keys before walking over to the side door of the gym and opening the entrance.
"Welcome to Tallet's gym." I said as we entered the building. Looking around, we saw the various equipment I have for training the bots.
"Not what we were expecting. But certainly, has a homey feeling." Miltia commented.
"This is just where I train the bots or allow other handlers to train their bots." I explained as I turned on the rest of the lights before leading everyone to the other side of the room. On the wall were five giant metal boxes I used to store the bots when I knew I would be away for a while.
"Where do you sleep then?" Melanie asked.
"On the second floor." I answered.
'Can we see the other bots?' Neo asked.
"Are you sure you want to see the bots?" I asked, smiling.
"YES!" They answered, shouting. Well, the twins shouted while Neo nodded excitedly.
Chuckling, I turned around and started flipping a few switches on the wall. The metal boxes emitting a hissing sound as the doors opened. A second later, and all the bots I have stepped out of their respective boxes toward us. They looked around for a moment in what seemed like confusion before turning to face me.
"Everyone. Meet my bots. Atom, Zeus, Noisy Boy, and Ambush." I introduced.
"Awesome." The twins said simultaneously as they and Neo moved closed and began to look over each of the bots. Although, it seems that their attention was mostly on Noisy Boy. Smiling, I grabbed Noisy Boy's remote from the nearby table.
"I see you three like Noisy Boy. Care to take a picture with him?" I asked. They nodded immediately before moving to stand in front of him.
Chuckling, I grabbed their scrolls and took pictures of them in various poses with all of my bots. Although, admittedly, the best one was when I had Zeus pick them up and place them on his shoulders while posing. However, our stomachs growling reminded us that none of us had eaten yet.
"Guess that's my cue to make us something. Is there anything you three feel like eating?" I asked as I had Zeus put them down. They discuss it for a moment before answering.
"Think you can make something that involves tacos?" Miltia asked.
"Sure. Before I do so, I need to know if there is anything you three can't have. As in allergies." I told them.
"Well, Neo can't have walnuts while Miltia and I aren't allergic to any food." Melanie answered.
"Okay, I can work with that. Give me about fifteen minutes, and the food will be ready." I told them.
'Mind if we help?' Neo asked.
"Of course. The more, the merrier." I answered. They smiled before following me into the kitchen.
Half an Hour Later
'Wow, that was exhausting. Yet really fun.' I thought as I sat down at the table.
Typically, the dish we made, fish chicken tacos with spicy salsa, would have taken longer to prepare. Yet, thanks to Neo and the Twin's help, the food was ready in only half an hour. And judging by their faces and sounds of delight they were making; I could tell they loved the food. Although we would have finished sooner had Miltia and Neo not teased me so much.
"When is the next available fight?" Melanie asked.
"There won't be any fights for a while. Mainly because at specific points in the year, all arenas will be closed for cleaning and maintenance." I answered.
"Damn. And here we wanted to see more fights. Especially with your other bots." Miltia pouted. Though, this reminded me of something I learned earlier.
"I just remembered that there is going to be another tournament coming up." I told them.
'I thought you said that the arenas are closed?' Neo signed.
"Yes. However, I just recalled that Ozpin has organized a tournament at Beacon." I explained.
"How does that help us?" Melanie asked, confused.
"Well, Ozpin made this tournament as a show for the students of Beacon since he and the other headmaster brought bots for the students. Technically, while I'm not part of the tournament, a close friend is responsible for the setup. I can give him a call so he can pull a few strings and get us in." I explained.
"Really?" The twins creepily asked at the same time.
"Yes. Before I head to bed, I can give him a call to set everything up." I answered.
"Speaking of which, do you mind if we stay here for the night?" Miltia asked.
"Fine by me. I have a few guest bedrooms on the second floor ready that you can all use. Although, since it's a nice night, you can use the terrace I have as well. Just be careful not to lock yourselves out." I answered.
"We'll take the terrace. Don't try anything funny, though." Melanie warned.
"I won't. Anyway, it's getting late. I better-" I began but stopped when I felt my scroll vibrate. "Excuse me."
'Who is it?' Neo signed as I took out my scroll.
"Just my friends from Beacon. They only just noticed that I was gone and are messaging me to see where I went and If I'm okay." I answered while sending a message back to my friends.
"They only just noticed your absence?" Miltia asked, sounding shocked.
"Yeah, but it's mainly because some handlers were most likely training them." I explained while putting away my scroll. "Well, it's late, so I'm off to bed. If any of you need anything, my room is at the end of the hall. Night."
"Night." The twins simultaneously said while Neo nodded her head.
Exiting the kitchen, I went over to where the ring was. Moving to where the bots still were, I picked up their controllers and had them walk back into their storage boxes. Once done, I headed to the stairs to go up to the second floor. Walking down the hall, I went to my room before going into my bathroom to take a shower. Stepping out a few minutes later, I went to my dresser and changed into my pajamas before going to bed. But not before sending a message to Finn to ask if he could get me into the tournament.
"Today was fun." I said before falling asleep.
Next Day
'So damn good to be able to sleep in my bed again.' I thought while rubbing my eyes and letting out a massive yawn.
However, as I tried to get up, I felt a strange weight on my chest. Looking down, I saw something I was not expecting at all. Neo, on my chest, smiling at me. Although, that smile changed to a smirk as she reached down to grab her shirt. Eyes widening, I was about to say something but couldn't when Neo suddenly shatter like glass.
'What the-Oh, right, her semblance.' I thought, remembering that Neo can create illusions.
Shrugging it off, I got out of bed before changing out of my pajamas and into some casual clothes. Grabbing my scroll, I saw that I had a message from Finn. Opening it, I noticed that he got my message last night and managed to secure me a spot in Ozpin's tournament. Smiling, I sent him a message back thanking him before putting my scroll away. Turning around, I grabbed my keys before exiting my room and heading downstairs. Looking around, I saw that Neo and the twins were already awake. However, what caught my attention was the giant box they were inspecting, which could fit a bot.
"Morning." I greeted, walking over to them.
"Morning." The twins said simultaneously.
'Enjoyed my little show?' Neo teased which I rolled my eyes while smiling.
"Who delivered the box?" I asked.
"Not sure. The people at the door said they wanted to deliver this to you. We told them that you were still asleep." Miltia answered.
"They then groaned before bringing the box inside and leaving." Melanie added.
'Do you have any idea what's in there?' Neo asked as I checked the postages stamps on the box. Noticing a letter, I picked it up and began to read it.
"A surprise that you three will like." I answered before moving to open the box.
"Can you be a bit more specific?" Melanie asked, annoyed. Smirking, I unhooked the last strap holding the box together.
"Sure. Ladies, meet Twin Cities." I answered as I opened the box to reveal the well-known bot with two heads. Grabbing the controller, I turned Twin Cities on before having him walk out the box.
"Woah." The twins said in shock while stepping back.
'Wasn't Twin Cities that first bot you faced with Atom in the professional league?' Neo signed.
"He sure was. He gave Atom and me a tough as hell fight, but we still won in the end." I answered as I had Twin Cities follow me to where I kept my other bots.
"Can we pilot him?" Miltia asked.
"Another time, maybe. Right now, I have to head back to Beacon before my team starts a search and rescue. Well, to be frank, it would be more of a search and destroy, to be honest." I answered before asking. "Don't you two have to work as well?"
"Not for the rest of the week. Junior called and said that the club is closed for the next couple of days to repair the damages some drunks did." Melanie answered.
"How about you, Neo?" I asked, turning to her.
'I'm on vacation. Don't have to work for the rest of the week.' She answered.
"Before I forget, did you message your friend about the tournament?" Melanie asked.
"Yes, I message him." I answered.
"What did he say?" Miltia asked.
"He got me in the tournament. But that's not all. I asked if there were any available bots for purchase. Luckily, there were a couple of bots up for purchase." I answered.
"And?" They asked. Pure excitement was evident in their eyes.
"I got each of you a bot. They should be here in a couple of days." I answered.
"YES! THANK YOU!" The twins cheered in excitement while Neo wore a shocked expression.
"You're welcome. Anyway, mind helping me load Noisy Boy into the truck. I'm planning on using him in the tournament." I asked.
"Sure." They answered.
Smiling, I tossed them the keys to the truck. Catching it, they then exited the gym. Although, only the twins left as Neo stayed behind and followed me to the other side of the gym. Opening up Noisy Boy's container, I turned him on before grabbing his remote. Flicking it on, I had Noisy boy follow us out of the gym to the truck where the twins were waiting for us. Steeping on the lift, we let it bring us up before moving to the back of the truck. I then had Noisy Boy sit down before powering him off and connecting him to the charging station. Once done, I exited the truck.
"Alright, thanks for the help. Now let's get going." I said before going around getting in the front of the truck.
"Mind if we get some breakfast first, though?" Miltia asked as she and the others got in as well.
"Of course." I answered as I started up the truck. "And I know just the place."
Two Hours Later
"When is the tournament?" Miltia asked while eating a breakfast sandwich.
"Tomorrow evening. Everything is ready. We only need to wait for the rest of the handlers to arrive." I answered.
"You're going to bring us, right?" Melanie asked in a tone that told me I better bring them, or else.
'Oh, I didn't think you would take me on another date so soon.' Neo teased.
"Maybe we can consider this a date. What you say?" Miltia asked.
Although, from the corner of my eye, I saw her glaring at Neo, who just smirked at her. I just rolled my eyes while continuing to focus on the road. Though, I briefly wondered if she was actually asking that or only teasing me. Seeing the garage coming up, I pulled up before giving my I.D. to the guard. A moment later, he gave it back before moving to open the gate. Driving towards the back, I quickly found a free spot. Parking there, I turned off the truck before getting out.
'Well, that was fun.' Neo signed,
"Sure was. And we get to see some more carnage tomorrow." Melanie added.
"When and where should we meet up?" Miltia asked.
"Maybe around noon." I suggested.
"That works. See you tomorrow." The twins said before leaving. Turning to Neo, I saw that she had a big smirk.
'See you tomorrow, cutie. Also, I added my number to your scroll when you weren't looking. Bye.' She signed before quickly leaving.
Chuckling, I went back to the front of the truck to grab the bag that I had brought with me. Slinging it over my shoulder, I made my way out of the gym before heading to the airstrip. Getting there, I noticed that the airstrip was clear of any building material, which told me that the arena at Beacon was complete. Seeing a Bullhead about to take off, I quickly hurried to get on and find a seat. Luckily, there was one nearby. Sitting down, I grabbed some motion sickness pills as the bullhead closed its doors and ascended into the air.
Half an Hour Later
'Finally.' I thought as the bullhead landed back at Beacon. Getting up, I waited for the bullhead to open its doors so I could get off. However, as soon as I did, I quickly moved to the side as a handler, and his bot came rushing by.
"Sorry." The handler shouted over his shoulder.
"It's fine." I shouted back before moving away from the bullhead. However, that's when I noticed my teammates and friends running towards me. And they don't look too happy that I disappeared on them.
'This is going to be a long day.' I thought as they reached me. 'But it was worth it. Especially now that I'm the handler of Twin Cities.'
Note:
Next Chapter will have the tournament and lots of fighting.
Still deciding on how everyone will learn about Jaune being the handler of the champion bots. Any ideas?
Should there be a pairing for Jaune or no?