{Justin/Achilles' perspective}

Welp, had decent sleep for once. Summer wasn't here to ghost me again so progress?

Well anyway, today is mine and Weiss' duo match. I better go work out. I got up and put my shirt and jacket on and proceeded out the door.

But not before looking back at my sleeping teammates with a smile. They look so adorable like this, before it all went to shit. I just hope to change things. I then proceeded to the locker room and then the training hall.


[Training hall]

I gave the practice dummy a few good hits before I lit my sword on fire and slashed. As the dummy was engulfed by flames I breathed heavily.

It's been quite some time since I pushed my body to this extreme. But I cannot falter now, not with so much on the line.

"Ah good morning Mr Vermilion." Greeted a voice behind me.

I darted my head to meet the voice, and who would I expect other than Ozpin. "Good morning Professor Ozpin." I greeted back.

He studied me for a time before speaking "Tell me, why are you up so early? Surely you should be resting before your match." He asked.

I shrugged "Ever since I worked at a grocery store I just can't sleep past 6 am for some reason." I explained. "Besides that, 'the early bird gets the worm.' Right?"

He nodded and sat down on a nearby chair "You are correct, practice does make perfect. But do not just use the practice dummies here. A real opponent won't let you wail on them like that."

I nodded "Yes I am aware of that professor, thank you for the advice."

He chuckled "You remind me of my younger self. Always looking for ways to improve himself."

Wait, is he referring to his 1000 year old young self or his current form younger self? Eh I better go with the flow. "You know what they say professor, youth is wasted on the young."

"And wisdom is wasted on the old." He finished. He then stood up "You seem to be quite smart. Tell me, Mr. Vermilion. Can you recall any childhood memories of your hometown? You mentioned it was Fortuna la Porte." He asked as he paced around me.

Crap… I'll have to dig something from memory "Well… there was the first time I asked Rose out. We went to a pizza parlor because I was still a teenager and had to ask for money from my parents. Another time I went camping with my parents to a secluded lake that only we knew about. Other than that are a lot of personal memories."

Oz nodded "I see, I apologize for asking something so personal. A colleague of mine is extremely… curious about you."

I tilted my head at him in confusion. "Me? Why?"

He shook his head as he headed for the door "I will answer that at a later time. For now, you have a tournament to win."

Oh yeah, I need to be at the colosseum. "Right I better get going." I said as I sheathed my sword "Weiss will nag my ear off if I show up late."

I thought I heard him chuckle as he exited.

Now then, I need to hurry up to the colosseum. I don't need Weiss to nag at me today.


[Afternoon, Amity Coliseum]

Ruby and Penny had a small conversation between the two of them after the previous round ended.

After that Port announced, "Our next match will begin in 15 minutes!" which reminded Ruby about the upcoming matchup between Achilles and Weiss vs some team from Atlas.

Though no one was expecting what was coming up.

{Justin/Achilles' perspective}

Welp, guess it's time to get my stretches in. Can't go pulling a leg muscle especially now. If we're facing who I think we're facing that is. "Now it's our turn to shine. Don't be upset if they start cheering for me more." I said smugly to Weiss.

Weiss glared at me. Probably still mad about how I bullied her the other night. "Just remember to keep proper form." She reminded. "We represent Beacon Academy."

I shrugged "Whatevs. So you're from Atlas, what kind of tactics should we expect?" I asked.

Weiss thought out loud for a moment "Well seeing as their kingdom, academy, and armed forces are all merged as one. I expect strict, militant fighters with advanced technology, and carefully rehearsed strategies." At that point I expected to hear a woosh from Neon, instead it was replaced by the sound of my gasp "Fox?" I asked.

There they were, Keoth and Flint right before us.

Keoth with his weapon Justice being carried like a service rifle… I mean in World War II that was the case but I'm sure you get my point.

"Hey," Flint said, snapping me out of my confusion "You're Weiss Schnee right? The Heiress." he said with obvious malice

"I am." Weiss replied with a smile, still freaks me out for some reason.

"I take it you're pretty good with Dust then?" He asked.

She nodded "I try my best." She said, trying to sound humble.

Flint nodded with a smile "yeah… my dad was good too. Owned a little dust shop of his own… 'till your father's company ran him out of business."

Weiss dropped her smile for an apologetic look "I'm sorry to hear that."

"Sure you are." Flint said with a hint of sarcasm. "And you must be Achilles Vermilion." He greeted me.

I waved. "Yeah yeah, hello. Hi. Salutations. Etc etc. Keoth, why didn't you tell me who your team was?" I asked.

He shrugged at me "Well you would have planned around it if I had told you in advance. So yeah, I kept it a bit of a surprise." He answered as the field roulette started to spin.

It seems the field was the same as the show so I don't think I need to describe it other than those ruins hold something of mine.

Yeah I snuck in here in the early morning to stash something. Since I knew this was going to be the field.

Port began his countdown as Weiss and I drew our blades.

I smirked at him "Don't be surprised when your ass is grass."

He chuckled "Says the guy who couldn't beat me in any games we played."

I then whispered to Weiss "You fight Racist Minecraft Joke, I'll deal with my friend."

She looked at me confused as I dashed towards Keoth once the countdown ended.

I then jumped and slashed overhead in which he parried using his maul side of his weapon.

Flint then blasted his horn at us which sent us flying.

I stabbed the ground beneath me to try to get better footing.

With Weiss making a glyph under her and only her.

Bitch. Anyway Keoth slammed his weapon into my abdomen. Which under normal circumstances would have had some lasting effects.

Since Aura tends to make sure I don't break any bones during a fight.

I at least was able to recover quickly and jump off to the side just as he was about to slam his weapon against my body again.

He tried to swing again and he missed.

He swung again and at this point I felt like I needed to taunt him. "I'm running circles around you dude!" I said as I stood behind him.

He swung again and I dodged again. "Come on! Stop trying to hit me and hit me!"

Keoth rolled his eyes at me "It's only funny when Moon does it!" He yelled as he swung his weapon again.

I slid under his attack and flipped my sword into the mordhau grip and proceeded to get a few hits in.

We clashed and I smirked at him "Come on man, you're better than this. Normally by now I'd be on the ground by now. What changed?"

"Mcscuse me?" He sad as his eyes turned from grey to blue. Is that what I look like when my eyes change color?

We backed off eachother as it seems like his aura was flickering around him like blue flames.

Just then I heard the buzzer go off and I looked at the aura board.

Flynt has one more hit on him before he's out.

Weiss has a big red X on her picture.

Great, just what I need right now. "Dammnit Weiss you had one job" I mumbled under my breath.

Which Keoth took advantage of and tripped me and slammed his weapon against my chest again into a decrepit building.

I heard Port say something like "Did team FNKI take the win here?"

followed by Oobleck pointing out "His aura is still active which means that he's still in the game."

At that point I found the weapon I stashed.

A guitar and an axe rolled into a package that would only be described as a bard multiclassing into barbarian.

I picked it up and headed for the roof. As soon as I got up there I pointed to the sky.

I then promptly yelled "This party's getting crazy! Let's rock!" I then strummed the guitar as Flynt seemed to look at me confused.

I then jumped down from the building I was on and continued to strum and match the sheer force of Flynt's attacks.

I used the axe part whenever I got close enough, problem is he's rather slick.

He launched me through the stadium and I stabbed the ground with the axe head to keep me from launching out of the arena.

Keoth tried to charge at me, so I strummed the guitar as fast as I could so that the electricity would surround me, making it harder to get close to.

During that, I looked at the aura levels on the board.

From the looks like keoth's semblance drains his aura faster than other semblances.

Maybe I can knock him out with just this.

Keoth went in for another swing as Flynt blasted me.

I had to dodge Flynt's attack as Keoth slammed me with Justice.

I landed on a rock and strummed my guitar more.

Keoth went in for another swing.

This time I dodged that and got hit by Flynt's attack.

But see... I was planning on that.

I used his attack to move me away from him to make sure he's one shot from being below the minimum requirement for a knockout.

I charged at Keoth, using the part of my double headed axe that was blunt to trip him up.

I then slammed into his chest which sent him flying into the geysers. I then strummed all of the cords to shoot lightning at him which knocked him out.

Flint activated his semblance, Killer Quartet, and tried to blast me back. But I had a contingency for this.

If anyone has played Planetside 2 and remember the Max units on the TR side have a pair of boots that turn them into a turret, anchoring them in place.

Well I have something similar. I just press the buttons on my heels together and I'm anchored into the ground.

I strummed as hard as I could but the wind from Flint's trumpet managed to keep the lightning back somehow.

Port over the announcements said "This may have just turned into a battle of the one man bands."

Honestly I'm not gonna argue with the two instrument type weapons pushing against one another.

Eventually I strummed my guitar enough to the point that the lightning built up enough to bypass Flint's attack and knock him on his butt.

I then fell onto my knees and yelled "Thank you! And good night!" With the crowd cheering around me.

I'll admit, I've never been one for being the center of attention. But right now, this feels rather good.

But with that said, I will not be doing that again. Hopefully someone recorded it.

I then suddenly remembered Weiss and ran to her. I then propped her up onto my knee. "You okay?" I asked as I put my weapon on my back.

She coughed and weakly replied "I don't think I'll be singing for a while."

I then chuckled "You know, I don't think that was proper form." I said sheepishly.

"Oh haha." Weiss said sarcastically before coughing once more.

Ruby, Blake, and Yang soon joined us. "You two did amazing out there." Ruby commented.

"Achilles I didn't think you had it in you to be that much of a show off." Yang then said right after.

I chuckled and scratched the back of my head. "Well… I don't, but for a moment I kind of just forgot the crowd was even there."

I then helped Weiss to her feet and walked her out of the arena.

Once we were out Weiss asked me "When did you hide that weapon there? And how did you know that was going to be the environments they would use?"

I shrugged "Lucky guess I suppose. I stashed it there a couple days ago." Of course, you at home or presumably at home know I'm lying when I say this because up to this point, everything in the show has happened just as expected.

However, I'm still uncertain about the fall of Beacon. But that will wait for another day. For now I will celebrate my W with a bit of the bubbly.

Aaron would be proud of that joke. I should invite him. Oh hey, a cute wabbit otherwise known as Velvet is here.

"You and Weiss did wonderfully Achilles." She stated.

I smiled at her. "Thank you, but if it weren't for Weiss' sacrificial move I probably would have received an L."

She, and the rest of my team, looked at me confused.

I corrected myself "I mean I would have lost. Sorry, gamer talk is kind of mixed in with my normal vocabulary." I said apologetically.

Velvet sighed and replied "It's fine, but can I speak with you Achilles? It's about your friend."

I turned to my teammates with a shit eating grin before turning back to her. "Sure, Yang you think you can carry Ice Queen to the infirmary?" I asked.

Yang nodded as Weiss rolled her eyes at me.

I then handed her off to Yang in which they got on board a craft with Yang yelling something about meeting them at the restaurant that I keep forgetting the name of.

Velvet and I took a separate one and once on the grounds she began to speak "So… you and Moon have been friends for a while right?" she asked.

I nodded "Yeah you could say that." I answered. "Did he do something incredibly stupid? Because that's normally my thing."

She looked at me concerned at first but then shook her head "It's something else. I don't know how to tell Coco so I wanted your advice. Besides everyone at school has come up to you for advice lately, and they seem to be happy." She stated as a couple that I unintentionally got together, walked by us.

Honestly I kind of forgot that happened, all of these side characters all kind of blend with one another.

Not only because of the same-face-syndrome that Sword Art Online has, but because I am forgetful. "Well, young love is beautiful. It can also be dangerous depending on the person. But I get the feeling you weren't coming to talk to me on the philosophy of love." I said with a shrug.

Suddenly she found interest in the floor, with her face as red as my worn out jacket. Oh… OH hoho this will be fun. "Do you like him?" I asked abruptly.

She jumped as if I had spooked her. She then mumbled and fidgeted.

Yep, totally in love. "Well he does have a girlfriend. But I think you can convince him to… open up the relationship." I said with a smile.

Velvet looked rather worried. "But…" She started before I shushed her.

"It's very simple, Here's what you will do: …"


[Meanwhile with Cinder and Co]

Cinder got done adjusting things on her scroll "It's lucky that we managed to pull some strings, otherwise Rose here won't get her chance to do what we agreed upon." She stated angrily.

Mercury sat on the chair with his arms crossed "I thought I already said that we're sorry. I didn't think ok?"

Cinder ignored Mercury "Well with the final combatants announced, we'll make some slight… alterations." She said as she paced the room "Rose, if your plan fails, we'll move to the backup plan. Understood?" Cinder barked.

Rose rolled her eyes "Sure, sure. Whatever. Don't worry, Beacon will fall. One way or another."

Cinder glared at Rose "Listen, the only reason I let this happen is because you insist he needs to be silenced. If what you tell me is true."

Rose nodded "Trust me. It's true. He knows as much as I. That Salem wants destruction. And he will refuse to see our side of things." She said with her arms crossed.

Cinder rolled her eyes. "Well, if it gets rid of a loose end then I'll allow it. But if it fails this time, we fall to the backup plan. Understood?" Cinder stated as she got up to Rose.

Rose, not flinching in the slightest, nodded "Yes, now who's team am I representing?"

Cinder smiled at her. As she walked back to her bed, Cinder explained "A team on one of Haven Academy's students has suddenly fallen ill. They asked you to represent them. How very fortunate for you."

Rose nodded and exited. Once out of the room, Emerald expressed her concern "So she and her fiance are both physics who saw all of the events break out. And at first he wanted her to spy on us. But then switched sides? Doesn't that seem kind of fishy?"

Cinder gave Emerald a glare "Emerald, what have I said about questioning my decisions."

Emerald backed down but Mercury wasn't "Hey she was asking a fair question. One that has also been on the back of my head for a while too."

Cinder turned her attention to Mercury "Well, there may be more to our world than we realized. Besides, one less person to try to stop us the better. Now go to your rooms."

Emerald and Mercury nodded as Cinder looked back down at her scroll "It's time we make final preparations."


[Cafe de Soleil, 6:45 pm]

{Justin/Achilles' perspective}

Welp here I am. Now where's my team?

Oh there's Yang waving to me, that must be where they are.

"Hey guys, you didn't order without me right?" I asked.

Blake answered "We had to, but we know your usual."

I smiled back at her "Thanks Kitty Cat." I said as I rubbed her head.

Her ears pointed back with an angered expression rolling across her face.

"Ok we'll work on nicknames later." I said as I reeled my hand away.

Honestly I should know better given the cats I have back home… God I miss them. "Anyway, so what'd I miss?"

Yang shrugged "Oh just girl talk. You wouldn't be interested." She explained.

I nodded "I see, well at least you guys had some time for girl talk. With me around it's probably impossible." I said with a slight chuckle.

Weiss held her chin as she replied "A little, but with how long you tend to be gone for it's not as much of an issue."

Ruby then put her hand on my shoulder "Yeah, and the best part is; we finally came up with a team name while you were talking with Velvet."

They did? Hm... interesting "So what is it?"

Ruby stood up and cleared her throat "From this day forward, we will be team RAWBY!" She said trying to imitate Ozpin, which was adorable.


[Meanwhile in Ozpin's office]

"Glynda?" Ozpin asked.

"Yes Professor Ozpin?" Glynda replied.

Ozpin turned around in his chair to stare out the window "Do you ever get the feeling someone is imitating you somewhere?"

Glynda shook her head "No sir, I don't think I do."

Oz stared out to Vale with inquisitive interest. "I see."


[Back at Cafe de Soleil]

{Justin/Achilles' perspective}

"Team RAW-be?" I asked with a fist propping my head up.

Ruby nodded "Yep, and no I will not take any constructive criticism." she answered with her arms crossed.

I dropped my head with a sigh and a chuckle "Of course Ruby."

It was then a few familiar voices came from behind me "Hey room for three more?" Said one of them.

I turned to meet the voices. The one who asked was my friend Aaron with Keoth (pronounced KEY-oth) and Jocelyn in tow.

"Of course, always room for my friends and fiance." I stated with open arms.

Jocelyn sat next to me with Aaron sitting at the end with Keoth next to him. "So, Rose" Aaron started "You and Achilles are facing each other in the semi-finals?"

Joce and I looked at each other with her saying "That's right, You better not go easy on me dear."

I laughed and then smirked at her "I don't plan to, dear."

She gave me a smirk back.

Aaron cleared his throat "If I wanted the sexual tension, I would have ordered it." he said with his arms crossed.

I looked back at him confused "You just got here though?"

He pulled his scroll out and explained "you can order online. Funny how that works."

Even here, the internet has a lot of uses. "I see. Good to know I could have done that."

Our food then arrived.

Mine and Jocelyn's plate was placed right next to each other followed by everyone else.

Man I missed this back home. Joce and I and our friends hanging out. Just before we left to visit our friend in Taiwan I showed them the diner in my hometown. God I missed those days.

But being here with my newfound family, makes me happy. I grabbed my cup and raised it "In my family, it is tradition we raise a glass before a big event. Like the one for tomorrow evening. So let us raise a glass." I said as everyone else raised theirs. "To those who couldn't be here with us today, to those who are here, and most importantly, to the events that will happen tomorrow. I'll make sure to win it for Beacon. Cheers!"

We all clinked our glasses together with the others repeating "Cheers!" I then took a sip and continued to eat my meal.

I kept an eye on the tournament playing out on the screen behind Yang.

She noticed and turned around "Wanna know who'll be in the singles?" She asked me.

I nodded "It's always good to know your enemy. After all; 'If you know your enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a thousand battles'." I answered.

She turned back to me with a smile "Hey why don't you and I get some hand-to-hand training after this? You look like you kinda need it."

Ouch. "Thanks Yang. I've actually been working on a new weapon, a pair of gauntlets that increase my striking power."

She perked up when I said that "Ooooh, Where'd you keep them?" she asked.

I couldn't help but chuckle at her enthusiasm.

"Here." I held up my left hand and the gauntlets activated curling around my arm and stopping just in front of my knuckles on my fist. "This way if I'm ever disarmed, I can still fight and not worry about damaging my hands. Best part is that it also allows me to use my hand without having to deactivate it."

She nodded "Similar to my Ember Celica?" She asked resting her chin on her laced fingers.

I nodded "Except for the shotgun part." I answered.

Her eyes lit up with excitement "Oh this will be good." She said with a smile.

I put my gauntlet into its compact form and replied "For you probably. I only know the basics of hand-to-hand. Moon over there knows a lot more and would definitely knock me into next week."

Yang turned her attention to Aaron "Really? Is that so?"

Aaron nodded "Yeah, you know what an RKO is?"

She tilted her head "The thing you did to Emerald during the duo rounds?"

They talked a long time about various hand-to-hand and wrestling techniques. I honestly zoned out after they started talking.

Jocelyn laced her hand with mine, I turned to look at her. She was smiling "May the best one of us win." She said as she got up.

I chuckled "Thanks, I'll be sure to." She then walked out. I stood up and wiped the ketchup off of my lips "I'll meet you at the training hall Yang." I told her as I left.

As much as I want to hang out with them, I don't wanna ruin something by accidentally letting things slip. Tomorrow is the fall of Beacon, I just hope I can change some things to make sure the CCT doesn't fall and sever global communication.

...

I looked up at the sky once more before heading into the airship.

My home is somewhere out there, I can feel it. And yet… it feels so far away. I entered the airship and headed to Beacon.