{Justin/Achilles' perspective}
Y'know, when I wake up in the morning I don't exactly expect a whole lot to happen.
The most was waking up to Weiss who claimed that 'I look like I needed to be watched over.'
Besides that though, boring mostly.
So imagine my fucking surprise to see Summer again at the foot of my bed.
Normal people would scream but since my team was asleep I didn't feel like waking them up. Besides that, as previously stated I'm the only one that can see her.
If someone told me the side effects of doing a seance included being haunted by whatever ghost you contacted. I would never have suggested it.
I guess I should just pretend I don't see her? Not like that's been working lately, but it's the best I got so far with her jump scaring me every so often.
Besides that, it's Aaron and Coco's fight today. How he convinced her to take him instead of Yatsuhashi, I'll probably never know.
"Achilles?" Weiss said sleepily as she sat up. "Why are you up so early?"
I shrugged "My old job sometimes required me to be up before the sun rises. So I tend to wake up early even when I don't want to. Or maybe it's the 12 year old me jolting me awake. We'll have to see." I answered quietly "Now go back to sleep Weiss, you'll need your beauty sleep."
She rolled her eyes as she flopped back into her covers mumbling something with 'not my dad' in it.
I put my clothes on and slid my jacket on. I then headed to my locker to grab my weapons.
I guess I'll train in the meantime since I can't go back to sleep. Of course the main reason is that Summer is currently following me.
The other is that once I'm awake my mind can't produce any more melatonin or something. So with me awake, I'll go take a few practice swings at a dummy. Maybe even Cardin if he shows himself, who knows?
[Locker Room]
Good thing I can access this at all times. Now then, let's see about those practice swings. I tied my sword to my belt and hung my gun holsters on the back end.
In case any of you were curious as to how I attached them with a sword: Think of AC 3 and the way Connor stored his pistols. Or Dante from DMC3. Mostly Dante's holster style. Anyway that's besides the point. Now to go to the training hall with Summer in tow.
[Training Hall]
I took a few practice swings at the air to work my arms out with Summer sitting off to the side watching. I eventually started whacking at the practice dummy.
Eventually I rested and looked right at Summer.
I eventually worked up the nerve to ask, "Is there a reason you're haunting me?" She looked surprised at me. As if she thought I didn't even notice her, despite the few times I did acknowledge her existence. "You gonna answer? Or are you gonna ghost me?"
She looked like she tried to speak but no words came out. "Sorry I literally cannot hear you." She looked at me frustrated by my inability to hear her. She then got up and walked to me. Which was eerily silent considering the fact she's a ghost. Anyway she came right up to me.
She started talking but I only got at least a few words "... My daughter… Safe… Away from her…"
I nodded. I don't know exactly what she wanted to say, but I have a sneaking suspicion what it was. "I'll do my best Summer. But I don't know if I can. She's determined like you are. As they say; the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."
She looked at me and smiled. She then touched my cheek, which was oddly warm. I then heard my name being shouted and I darted my head to see my team leader Ruby running at me waving her arm in the air like a spaz shouting my name… my Remnant name anyway.
I looked back to where Summer was to see she vanished. Typical, like my middle school dating life.
"What are you doing here anyway? Weiss told us you woke up early." the little reaper asked.
I sighed "Just making sure my sword arm is nice and loose for my match." I answered as I sheathed my sword.
"Right…" Ruby started "Well your friend is about to start soon! Come on!"
Oh shit was I here that long? I can't miss this for the world.
{Aaron/Moon's perspective}
Well here I am, facing down Mercury and Emerald with Coco by my side. I'll tell ya it was not easy to convince her to let me into the duo matches.
I won't say what I had to do to convince her, but let's just say thank God that Justin knows a smith that is more than capable of his work. Anyway Port announced "Emerald and Mercury of Haven. Versus Coco and Moon of Beacon."
I had my arms crossed staring down Mercury.
After what Justin told me what he did to piss him off, this shouldn't be too hard. The stadium chose the same biomes as in the original show. Oh and I don't plan on letting them win here. If Coco gets knocked out, I'll have to think on my feet. But for now, I crouched down with my fists ready. And Coco is hitting on Emerald… Why? "I like her." She said to me.
Port started the countdown. So I'll taunt him now. "Hey Mercury, looking forward to beating your ass." I said with a smirk.
He chuckled "Oh? I'm afraid you're mistaken. I will be the one beating YOUR ass." He replied.
It seems Emerald was trying to get his attention.
Better distract him more. "You wanna go?" I asked
He shrugged "Sure, if it means wiping that smirk off your face."
I then walked up to him. "Come on then, why don't we settle things once and for all?"
He got into a ready stance as Emerald backed into the tall grass.
"Y'know," I started "I've been looking forward to this for a long time."
Mercury then balled his fists. "Oh don't worry, so have I."
I then smirked at Mercury "You wanna go bro?"
Mercury smirked back "Yeah I wanna go!"
{Justin/Achilles' perspective}
Alright, Keoth managed to save me a seat. What is that asshole doing? I mean aside from the obvious which is to rile Mercury up. As Port ended the countdown Aaron put his hands in his pockets and tapped his robotic leg. Mercury looked down at his leg then up at Aaron. "Are you serious?"
tap
Mercury looked down and right back at Aaron again. "… am I a joke to you?"
tap
Mercury in confusion asked "What are you-?"
tap
Mercury eventually joined in the tapping to the confusion of the audience.
Aside from me and Keoth trying and failing to not to laugh our asses off.
"What's going on here?" Velvet asked me.
Oh yeah, she's right next to me. I should probably answer her. "He's imitating one of his favorite wrestlers." I told her, holding back my laughter, as Mercury and Aaron continued their tapping.
I think Coco is getting her ass handed to her. I can only see the aura levels dropping.
Emerald must be laying it on her.
Anyway though, Aaron backed up and said "Super tap." And tapped Mercury's leg.
Mercury looked unamused "Ya done?" he asked Aaron.
Aaron chuckled "yeah yeah I'm done. I'll let you have the first hit." He said.
Mercury seemed to take that opportunity and go directly to the face.
And Aaron teleported just before his boot made contact "Come on, I said hit me." He said nonchalantly.
Mercury, recovering from the confusion, went in for another hit.
And missed due to teleportation by Aaron "Come one hit me!" Aaron taunted.
At this point I could barely contain my laughter to my team's kicked again only for Aaron to use his semblance again "Dude you suck." Aaron taunted "Alright alright, I won't use my semblance."
Mercury must have thought he would have the upperhand at that point. Mercury went in for a punch and Aaron dodged it flawlessly.
"Come on! Just hit me already!" Aaron taunted.
Mercury then did a roundhouse kick which Aaron dodged by jumping backwards
"Quit trying to hit me and hit me!" Aaron taunted once more.
I could almost hear Mercury bursting a blood vessel from here.
I then heard the buzzer go off "Oh it looks like Ms Adel has been knocked out." Port announced.
Oh god, that means it's two vs one. Aaron I hope you planned for this.
Mercury then did his breakdance attack that I honestly forgot the name of and sent them to Aaron, who just looked at them bored.
The rockets connected as Emerald joined Mercury's side "We were supposed to stick to the plan." I heard Emerald say.
Good to know that this arena amplifies even a whisper. I'll have to keep that in mind.
{Aaron/Moon's perspective}
Well I made sure to catch Coco first since she was my leader and placed her somewhere safe. I then went back to where Mercury tried to attack me.
I overheard Emerald and Mercury discussing something. But I think she retreated back into that forest area. Perfect opportunity to finish Mercury off.
I simply walked through the smoke and as soon as I knew I was close enough. I then said "You know what's funny Mercury?"
He looked up at me with a glare. Guess that wore him out enough. "What?" He asked agitatedly.
I smirked at him "I could end this any time I wanted."
He laughed "So do it then."
I shrugged "ok, you asked for it." I then pulled the V trigger on him, for those who don't know what that is: It's basically a flying knee to the face.
Which when mine contacted Mercury's face knocked his aura down enough to consider him out.
"Well that's sure to hurt in the morning" Oobleck announced.
I then looked at the forest area and used my semblance to find Emerald before she could find me.
Fortunately for me she was on the very first tree I teleported to. More specifically on the branche above her.
Gives me the perfect opportunity to do this. If not me then Justin would have done it anyway. I got down onto the branch she was on and said "Omae wa mou shindeiru."
To which her response was "What?" I then managed to use the V trigger on her too which sent her flying.
While in mid air, I grabbed her head by the neck, and once we landed, it knocked her aura completely out.
"RKO out of nowhere!" Port announced excitedly.
"And like that Coco and Moon win!" Oobleck announced.
"Seriously though, are they going to be alright?" Port asked."
{Justin/Achilles' perspective}
Well I think Cinder is pissed. She grabbed the back of my seat and used her semblance and charred it enough that I'm convinced she would have murdered me then and there if she knew who I was.
I then heard her walk away angrily.
I'm sorry for what Em and Merc and possibly Jocelyn will have to deal with. "Hey where's Weiss? She missed out on everything."
Yang leaned forward to talk to me. "She said something about talking to her sister. She said she'd be back before dark"
I sighed, of course she's having that conversation with Winter. Wonder how that's going… "Welp I'll be preparing for our round tomorrow. If you'll excuse me." I said as I stood up and walked to the exit.
[Around the same time in the school's garden]
{Weiss' perspective}
Winter and I had a pleasant conversation, she updated me about what was happening back home and I informed her of my studies. When she brought up summoning I tried to tell her that I can barely do it.
She told me to practice and work it like a muscle. So I... well… I tried to summon, and managed to get half of the Arma Gigis before Winter cut me off "I think I know what is holding you back." She said as my summon vanished to dust.
I turned around to meet her eyes. "What do you mean?" I asked.
Winter paced back and forth "Last time you and I worked on your summoning you only managed to get the glyph to appear. Now that you're here, you have at least managed to summon half of one."
I couldn't help but chuckle nervously "Well… I suppose I have to thank Achilles for that. He..." How do I describe it?
He taunted me and insulted me enough to where I summoned it out of anger. Since then I've only managed to get this much and not much more.
Winter nodded "I see, so your friend helped you. Is that it?" She asked
I nodded slowly. "You could say that." I answered looking away.
Those taunts did help but it also hurt with what he said.
Winter looked deep in thought before asking me "Weiss, do you trust him?"
Why wouldn't I? He's done nothing but help us since he joined us. He respects us enough to let us have privacy when needed. So again, why wouldn't I? "Of course I do Winter. After all, he has been nothing but respectful and kind to all of us."
Winter held her chin as if contemplating something. "Is something wrong?" I asked
Winter sighed and placed her hands behind her back. "I'll tell you more on a later date. For now I must depart."
I can't believe it, she's leaving again. "You're leaving so soon? But you won't get to see my match."
She simply shook her head and replied "If what I saw here today was any indication, I have a feeling I know exactly how that match will go."
I sighed. Just great, she leaves with a lecture. "On a lighter note, it sounds to me like you have two choices in front of you. Either call him, beg for his money and explain once more why you chose Beacon over Atlas." She started "Or... you could continue to explore Remnant. Discovering more about the world, and honestly, more about yourself." She said as she held both of my shoulders "It's time for me to go." She then hugged me.
I hugged back with a smile before one of her personnel came running "Specialist Schnee! We have a situation!" he reported.
Winter, looking rather annoyed, asked "What is the situation?"
The man held his finger up to catch his breath for a moment before speaking "Some device has been attached to your ship, it's caused all of our instruments and other system failures."
She looked at him coldly "So remove it." She ordered.
"We've tried ma'am." Reported the soldier, "But it's stuck with some sort of strong adhesive or magnetic thing. None of our tools have been able to pry it off so far. It may delay our departure."
"For how long?" She asked.
He scratched the back of his head "From the looks of the damages, as well as having a look at the wiring, about 3 maybe 4 weeks." He guessed.
… Wait, that means she can see my match and the rest of the tournament too! I'll admit it was hard to contain my excitement.
Winter looked back at me and I regained my composure. She sighed "I suppose there's not much to do. Show me this device." She demanded. She then looked back at me "I guess I will talk more with you later Weiss." She said before walking off.
There I was by myself… again… I'll admit, it's a lot to process. Winter is delayed from departure. Which excites and worries me. With the fact that someone managed to slip by the atlesian military and get away undetected.
On the other hand, she may be able to watch the rest of the tournament. Well I better go back and see how my team… My friends are fairing.
Just before I got to my team's dorm building, I received a call from my father… I was about to answer but then I decided against it.
As I approached the door I took a deep breath in and out. I then walked in to see my team in their sleepwear.
Achilles was watching something on his scroll. I tapped his head "Hey Achilles." I greeted.
He looked up at me and paused what he was watching. "Oh hey Weiss, what's up?"
I shrugged as I walked to get my nightgown "Well my sister will be staying for an extra few weeks due to some device that was attached to her ship." I explained
"Really?" Yang asked "So did they catch the person responsible or are they going out on a limb?"
I shrugged "I'm not sure. I didn't stick around long enough to learn."
Achilles then sat up "Oh well. They'll catch the guy eventually." He said as he put his scroll away. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to shower before Goldie Locks over there does. I'm in no mood to be unclogging the drain today." He said as he made his way to our bathroom.
"Watch it..." Yang cautioned.
{Justin/Achilles' perspective}
I pulled my scroll out one last time to check the text I sent to Aaron.
He responded: ARE YOU FUCKING INSANE MAN?! THERE WERE PROBABLY CAMERAS ALL AROUND HER SHIP!
I shrugged and texted back Since when? The ship normally goes forward. There's no need to really look back or anything. Besides, I ditched my jacket and put on a ski mask, and gloves. If they have any DNA scanners there won't be anything left behind. Remember, I also watched a lot of crime shows. I then set it down and got ready to shower. While I have you here I might as well tell you how it went.
[Much much earlier after Justin left the colosseum]
Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't be doing this.
But seeing as the Fall of Beacon is going to take place we need all the backup we can get.
I ditched my red jacket and put on gloves and a ski mask just to make it difficult for people to know who I am.
Not like Cinder 'no one will recognize my face even though my hair color is clearly visible' Fall.
Anywho besides that. I managed to get around the guards and even managed to slip by two who were inspecting the ship. They were talking about one of their wives and something about 'leaving the cap off the toothpaste.' whatever that means.
Anyway I pulled the device I hid in my back pocket, peeled off the protective layer that I put on it so it didn't stick to my pants. Then placed it on the ship, a few button presses and activating the magnet I built into it, the ship shorted out with a very audible static noise.
Of course I ran even. The weirdest part? No one noticed me on the way out. I mean I know I'm naturally light footed when I'm not wearing those heavy armored boots, but SOMEONE had to have seen me.
[Present]
Which brings me to now, Winter and her crew are probably investigating the device I placed. But I'm not about to tell my team that, they won't trust me anymore if I told them I EMP'd Winter's ship. Welp I'm done with my shower. Time to go and prepare for bed and subsequently mine and Weiss' match. I checked my scroll one last time after I dried myself off and put my clothes back on. Aaron sent me another message Dude you are hella lucky no one caught you.
I rolled my eyes and texted back Luck had nothing to do with it. Playing enough Assassin's Creed and a couple other stealth games taught me the basics of stealth. I pretty much went off of that.
He texted back almost immediately. That doesn't even make any sense! I still don't see the reason you did that!
I then responded Backup, for when that happens. He didn't respond after that.
So I shrugged and put my scroll in my pocket. I'll explain it to him in person later. Probably after my match. If I don't forget.
Which I honestly might. Hell I'd forget my own head if they weren't attached to me.
"Bathroom's free" I announced to my team as I exited the shower. I then went immediately to bed.
Author's note
I've been recently binging on OSP's trope talk to get better ideas on writing in between writing and watching volume 3 again. Pyrrha's voice gives me nothing but pain now...
