{Justin/Achilles' perspective}
Well not much has happened over the last few days. Aside from Whitely constantly accosting me. But that's nothing out of the norm.
Though when Jacque called me into his office. I was a bit skeptical, mostly due to what Aaron theorized. Trust me, I don't need any more people with anger issues like mine running around. Especially on Remnant.
Well I'm at the door, might as well humor him. I stepped in to see that Jacque and Ironwood were there. Why Ironwood was in the Schnee manor I don't think I'll ever understand.
"Good to see you up and about Achilles." Ironwood greeted.
Jacque gestured for me to take a seat. And so I did. Not like I have anything else on my plate at the moment.
"First off, I want to thank you for the bravery you displayed at Beacon-." Ironwood started.
"It wasn't bravery, it was my job." I spat.
Ironwood looked at me in shock at first. But he then nodded with understanding. "Of course. However, on behalf of the huntsmen academies, we appreciate what you have done. And we need you back out there. Fighting the good fight."
I tilted my head inquisitively "General Ironwood, as much as I would love to go back out there and be a mindless weapon, I can't. Not with the injuries I sustained."
Ironwood raised an eyebrow. "So you don't know why I'm here then?"
I shook my head silently.
He then placed a long briefcase on the coffee table in front of me "When we received your weapons, we were told by Jacque here to upgrade them to Atlesian standards. We have these as a start."
I turned the case around and hesitated to open the latches.
"Go on." Ironwood said as if he sensed my hesitation "Open it, you won't be disappointed."
I sighed and unclasped the case and opened it.
Porfyros Drakos, My blade looks to be about 4 feet now as opposed to its original 3 feet with a guard that managed to keep the wing shapes with a longer handle. The pommel looked like a dragon's head etched into it. My guns, Kronos and Rhea, look like they didn't change at all. And another item staring at me in the face. A prosthetic arm, meant for me to put on.
I looked back up to Ironwood "So you turned my arming sword into a longsword?"
"I'd say more of a bastard sword." Ironwood corrected "We know your preferable fighting style, so we went ahead and made some adjustments." He went on to explain.
I looked back down at my sword. It looks the same, with a spiffy new black sheathe instead of the one I had earlier. And what appears to be a green jem in the center of the guard. "What's the gem for?"
"Decoration." Ironwood answered.
"And my guns?" I asked.
"We went ahead and upgraded them for you. Your Kronos now has a three round burst option and your Rhea hits harder." He explained.
Jacque rolled his eyes. "Well what are you waiting for?" he insisted impatiently. "Hurry up and put the arm on."
I looked at it for a brief moment. And suddenly I felt like I was drowning. Like a wave that washed over me when I was little and carried me to shore.
Out of panic I slammed the case shut. "I'm sorry, but I can't right now. I need to rest and clear my head."
"What do you mean you can't? It's just a bloody arm!" Jacque commented. "Just put it on."
I glared at him "I will not! I'm not ready to go back into combat!"
"No one said you were." Ironwood assured.
I shook my head and grabbed the briefcase "Thanks for the upgrades, but I think my business here is done."
I then walked out to see Weiss was listening in on us.
"Oh hey Weiss." I greeted as I walked down the corridor.
"What was that all about?" She asked.
I shook my head and explained "I can't quite describe it. But I just get the feeling that once I put this arm back on, I won't be able to rest anymore. And I need all the time I can get."
She looked at the case then back to me. "Why?"
I sighed "It's… hard to explain."
She quirked an eyebrow "How exactly?"
How do I describe it without revealing myself?
"... Adam…"
She crossed her arms "What about him?"
I sighed "I don't wanna have to run the risk of running into him again. Not so soon after… My injuries."
Once we reached my room she helped me inside. "I understand being afraid." She started as I put my case on the nearby vanity. "But you can't run from your problems forever."
"Who said I was?" I asked.
"Whatever sub conscience tells you to do that." Weiss stated as-a-matter-of-factly. "You have a tendency to deflect what you fear with a joke, or a sarcastic remark. At least, if our time in Beacon told me anything. But besides that, I know what kind of a person you are, Achilles."
Now it was my turn to quirk an eyebrow at her. "What kind of a person I am? Do tell, because these days I'm not so sure myself."
She sat down as I did. "You're a kind hearted person, who seeks to right wrongs. You always put others before yourself. You would rather give people a reason to smile than let them stay down."
I'll admit, when people praise me I don't really know how to react. "Well… Mostly because of the way I was raised."
"Not the point." Weiss deadpanned.
"Then what is the point?" I asked.
"I'll get to it. Just hold on."
She then scooted herself closer. "You have a darkness that you would rather hide from the world then let it be known. You're afraid of what people will think if you show any sign of weakness. But what you don't understand is that you are strong. Not in the literal sense of being able to lift objects or plow through hordes of grimm. But being able to care for others just as much as yourself."
She placed a hand on my chest and explained "You wear your heart on your sleeve. And I will admit, when we first met, I was jealous of you."
I took her hand off my chest and asked "You were? Funny."
She gave me a nod and a smile "Silly I know, but I never got to grow up like that. Being the heiress to the Schnee Dust Company makes it very difficult to keep friends." She stared out the window. "Most of them, that I thought were friends, ended up just wanting something out of me. Eventually I just thought the safest place was alone. That I can't trust anyone. Then you and team RWBY came into my life and taught me that I can make real friends."
I smiled at her "Well Weiss, my mother has always taught me to treat others the way I want to be treated. And to always help those who need it most. Rose was one such example."
Weiss turned her attention back towards me "How so? You two seemed like the perfect couple."
I chuckled "Please, when we were younger we were a lot more… argumentative. She wanted to do one thing, I wanted to do something else. She wanted me to wear specific clothing, I wanted to wear what I wanted. She was impulsive and afraid of people trying to take me away from her, I thought she was paranoid." I explained.
She stayed silent to let me tell my story.
"The arguments were all childish. I yelled at her for not eating with us. Then again, it was a hot day so it was getting to my head. We had a few others, but none compared to this one in particular." I continued.
"What happened?" She asked.
I sighed. "It was about my parents."
[5 years ago]
Jocelyn was upset about something… again. Seriously what is up with her? It seems like she has some sort of mental breakdown from anywhere between hours or days. I just can't get a break!
Maybe just leave her hanging. It said.
"Just shut up and let me handle this." I mumbled.
Well she wanted to meet me by the abandoned venue at our school so this had better be worth it.
And there she was, with that look on her face again.
I held my arms out to the side with a sigh "So what is it you wanted to talk about this time?"
She didn't respond.
"... Well? Your text made it seem urgent. What is it?"
She looked like she was still gathering her words.
I sighed out of exasperation "You know what, my mom is waiting. Call me when you can gather your words."
She suddenly grabbed my hand as I was about to depart. "Do you always do as your parents say?" She asked.
I turned to her in confusion "yeah, because they know better than I do."
She gave me an angry look "You don't always have to do as they say when they say it you know."
I yanked my arm out from her grasp "Well she's kinda my only ride home. And she will start calling any moment and yelling at me to get in the car so I need to go."
She tried to reach for my arm again but I jumped back. She then pleaded "Please don't go just yet! Let's stay here and keep eachother company!"
I shook my head "I need to go home."
"Then let me come with you!" She demanded.
"No! Last time we did, you mom threatened to call the cops on us! I don't want that to fucking happen again!" I yelled.
"She's crazy Justin! I don't want to deal with her today! Please just do this one thing for me!"
I glared at her "You know damn well that's a promise I can't keep."
I then took a step at her "In case you weren't immediately aware, we're just teenagers."
I took another step "We cannot legally make decisions for ourselves."
I took a third step "We are too young in the eyes of the law to do anything by ourselves."
I took a fourth "So the fact you think that you can manipulate me into bringing me and my family into your sort of messed up family drama then YOU, girl, need to seriously re-think your decisions."
I took a final step "And know this, you said you don't want to be anything like your mother when you grow up? Well guess what? The apple doesn't fall far from the fucking tree."
I then started to walk away and said "I'll call you later tonight."
[Present]
"When I got in the car, I stayed silent for the entire time. At that point I thought about breaking up with her. She was making my life so difficult." I told Weiss.
She looked at me with confusion. "So why are you still with her?"
With one shoulder rising and falling I answered "Because I saw potential to fix her. I figured something in her past must have made her as broken as she was. So I decided to help her out. Starting with getting her to focus in school so she could have a good career. Of course sacrificing my own grades in the process."
Weiss nodded along to my words "You really were the thing she needed then."
I shrugged "Yeah, and in turn, she finally saw that it was no longer just about her and what she wanted. It was about what we wanted."
"So what you're saying is she was selfish before. And now she's back at it again?" She asked.
"Well… she has been misguided before. Due to her always wanting to be the popular kid of school." I stood up and stretched "But that is a story for another time."
Weiss nodded "Agreed. I would offer to go shop for a new jacket for you and something for me, but Father won't let me leave the manor."
"Unless you have company." Jacque said from the doorway.
Which made both of us jump.
"How long were you there for?" I asked.
"I just got here. And I believe Weiss is right here. It's cold here in Atlas, and your old jacket was burnt at Beacon if memory serves." He replied.
I grunted with annoyance. It's not enough I was dealt a bad hand, but now I have to listen to his condescending voice.
…
But I do want a new jacket anyway so… "Fine, But I don't have a whole lot of money."
"Oh don't worry about that. I just finished transferring 15000 lien into your account. Should be enough to get a decent coat. And maybe something extra." He said as he shrugged with one shoulder.
Ok… What is he playing here? If I know him, he never does anything nice unless it benefits him. "What's the catch?" I asked.
"I beg your pardon?" He asked.
"You don't do nice things just because. So what do I owe you in return?" I asked.
"Hm…" He started to stroke his mustache. "Well since you offered…" He fixed his gaze on the case that I placed on the vanity.
"Except that. I'm not ready yet." I clarified.
He shrugged "Then I'll tell you when I need your assistance." He then walked away. But not before saying "And I want her back before the sun sets. Understood?"
I sighed "Yes…"
I gave Weiss a look.
"Let's just go. At least I'll be able to get some fresh air." She said coldly.
Well now here we are once again in the limo. I could get used to this if it weren't for the fact it was from Jacque Schnee.
Other than that, nothing much happened on the ride to whatever mall or shopping center we were going but one thing is for sure. Jacque is definitely trying to set me up here. Or worse.
Well we arrived. It seems to be some sort of mall. What a familiar feeling I have over me.
"Let's go." Weiss said to me as we entered.
All around I heard whispers. Little gossips and most likely rumors.
Stuff like "Isn't that the Vermilion?"
"Yeah that's the guy who lost his arm to that White Fang leader."
I think Weiss could sense my anxiety.
She whispered "It's better to ignore them. The upper class always spreads rumors."
She then brought me to a store. She assured me it had some stuff for men. And as I was waiting on her to go around the store. I spotted something that caught my eye. I picked it up and inspected it. A crimson windbreaker with a simple dragon head logo on the back.
"Ah that's one of our best sellers to huntsmen such as yourself." Said a clerk that managed to sneak up on me.
But considering all of the hell I went through, it didn't really startle me. "How much is it?"
She seemed to have studied me first before answering "For the hero of Beacon, we can offer a 10% discount at the counter."
Well… 10% is a good discount. All things considered. "Sure, I'll be up there in a moment."
As the clerk left, Weiss joined my side. "What did you get?"
"Just a windbreaker jacket." I answered.
It matched my size so there's even more reason to get it. Besides my Guess jacket is in tatters somewhere in Beacon so this will have to do as far as replacements. With home so far away I don't believe I can order replacements.
After we paid I put the jacket on. And I'll be honest, I felt a little powerful.
I quickly shook that feeling off and continued to follow Weiss. I guess she decided she didn't want to shop for long because we didn't bother to stop at any other stores.
Until she stopped right in front of this store that sold necklaces and other jewelry.
"Wait here a moment Achilles." Weiss told me as she entered the store.
Minutes pass and she came back out with a small box.
"What'd you get?" I asked.
"Something for me and you." She answered as she opened it with her back turned to me.
I'll admit, I was puzzled to say the least. And I swear I saw some sort of camera flash go off out of the corner of my eye. But when I scanned the area I thought I saw it in, there was nothing but people gossiping, looking at me, probably making fun of me.
How about we teach one of them a lesson? It asked.
No, now shut up. I demanded in my head.
"Here you are." Weiss then said as she held up a necklace to me.
The design was that of a small cross in the center with flames spewing out the back end of it which formed a bigger cross. I had one similar back on Earth but I lost it.
"Here let me put it on you." Weiss offered as she stretched her arms around my neck to clasp the necklace on.
I noticed another flash and this time I managed to see where it came from. A potted plant not three feet away.
"There you go. I figured it'd look good on you." Weiss said proudly.
I took a look at it and smiled "I lost something like this when I was younger. Thank you Weiss." I then looked towards where I saw the flash come from. "Now if you'll excuse me…" I started to march towards where the plant was. I first looked behind it. Then around it. Then I grabbed the guy by the collar and lifted him out of the plant.
"Um… Hi?" Said the paparazzi guy.
"This gets out to the public and I will make sure to set your pubes on fire." I threatened. Which in hindsight, wasn't a good idea.
As soon as I put him back down he fled.
No doubt there's more just waiting around. I sighed with agitation. "Let's just go Weiss. My introvert energy is starting to run low."
She nodded and I followed her back to our limo to go back to the Schnee manor.
Once we got there, who should greet us but Jacque. Who greeted us with open arms.
"Should I be suspicious?" I asked Weiss in a whisper.
"Just follow my lead." Weiss answered.
As we walked up to the door Weiss greeted "Hello father." as she walked by him.
"Mr. Schnee." I greeted.
I then started to head to my room in the manor. Not like it's an easy task, this place is like a maze.
Eventually I found it and I flopped onto my bed face first. I then crawled my way onto my pillow and hid myself under the covers.
And as I was wallowing in self pity, something crashes through my window. And as I gathered my thoughts, on top of me was my fiance, Jocelyn Rose with a psychotic smile.
"Hello dear." She greeted.
"Here to finish the job?" I asked.
"Why would I when we're on the same side." She retorted as she slid off of me.
"I see you had a change in wardrobe." I noted. Now she seems to be wearing a black top that has weird clasp buttons going through the center, definitely highlighting her cleavage. Her pants are now black jeans and she wore fingerless gloves. She still wore her pink and gold jacket from volume 1-3. And had Rose Thorns clasped onto her belt.
I couldn't help but chuckle "So what brings you here dear?" I asked quietly.
"Oh I just felt like breaking Jacques' shit. And I spotted you. So now it's my turn to ask you the same thing." She replied with her arms crossed in front of her ample chest.
Just then there was a knock at the door. Klein's voice came through "Excuse me sir? Is everything alright?"
I quickly brought Jocelyn down as he opened the door. "Yepeverything'sfinethere' ."
Klein looked at me confused "... Right… I will let Mr Schnee know." He then shut the door on his way out.
Jocelyn got back up and gave me that look again. The look she gives whenever I lie out of my ass.
"Well what would you have said?" I asked her.
"The same thing but with a breath in between." She retorted.
I dropped my head with a sigh. "So what happened to you?" I asked."You were MIA after the Fall."
"Funny story actually…" She started.
Author's note
So… I'm not sure if you guys are aware but I went back through and made a lot of changes to my story thanks to the advice of R26 and others. I also changed the Blazblue arc to be a .5 chapter in case some future readers want to skip it. I've also added a few new details into the story and made it easier to read so that there's no dreaded wall of text. Though with that said, I am very much an amature writer. So any improvement is welcome.
Reviewer session:
Monster King: Glad you enjoyed this one too man!
