Boris was working on paperwork when the clock finally chimed, indicating that it was closing time. He stood up from his desk, stretching as best as he could, before heading to close up the gym.

It was a small place, Boris would admit, but he had owned it for years, and he liked it. Tatami mats on the floors, wooden walls with shoji panels, and then a mixture of old fashioned equipment and new. A small arena that was set up to monitor the Aura of the combatants. For members willing to pay a little more, he even had a hard-light sparring room.

As he walked out of his office, he heard the thumps of somebody sparring in the other room and couldn't help but chuckle to himself. He had been open for years and rarely had people use the gym till this late in the evening. Now, every day for a full week this kid starts coming in and using the place for hours on end, taking advantage of his "one week free" pass for the gym.

He walked into the room and looked around. Sure enough, only the kid was there. In front of one of the sparring dummies at the far side of the room, giving it enough punishment that if it were real it would definitely be calling for mercy. Boris stopped and watched for a moment.

The kid was an odd one Boris decided. The way the kid was dressed, and how he carried himself, Boris suspected that he was either a Huntsman or a Huntsman in training. And watching as he went at the sparring dummies now, Boris could only feel that his initial thoughts were justified.

Fast. Strong. Accurate. He could even tell that the kid managed to notice him, even while sparring. This guy would be a monster out in the field.

"Oi! Greenie! I'm closing up shop. Time to kick you out." He called out.

The man turned to him with an insulted look on his face. "C'mon Gramps! I've told you to lay off on the 'Greenie' name. Just because my hair is green doesn't mean it has to become my name. That's probably the laziest way to give anybody a nickname!"

Boris smirked, "Too bad. It's also tradition for us older folk to make fun of the young ones and their hair dye choices."

'Greenie' barked out a laugh, "I've told you, this is actually my hair color, I promise!"

"Sure, sure" Boris waved him off, and then started shutting down the machinery and lights while 'Greenie' cleaned himself up. There wasn't a lot of stuff that needed to get shut down, but he was always careful with the hard-light stuff. That Dust was expensive, and he was a bit of a penny pincher in that regard.

The two of them were quiet until they started walking out of the building and into the quiet streets. "So" Boris spoke up. "Have you decided on what you're going to do?" He looked at 'Greenie' expectantly.

'Greenie' gave a shrug, looking unconcerned. "Hmmm, nope! Not yet. Still just admiring life and the freedom we have, you know?"

Boris gave him a glance. That last statement had the feeling of a hidden joke, but he wasn't sure he liked the implications it had.

"Well" Boris tried, "I'm afraid that the week is just about up. Either you'll be signing up for real, or I'm afraid I won't be seeing you there anymore." Boris fixed 'Greenie' with a glare "I refuse to put up with free-loaders. Even a dedicated customer as you are."

'Greenie' smirked, "And I wouldn't want to burden you with a free-loader!" he chuckled, turning to him with a smile. "I figure I'll just need another week to get my feet on the ground. Maybe then I'll check to see if I can get a few bounties from killing some of those Grimm."

"Oh?" Boris said "So you're a Huntsman, are ya?"

"Huh?" 'Greenie' looked confused, "What does being a Huntsman have anything to do with killing Grimm?"

The older man could only look at him with a deadpanned look. "Well, perhaps because only Huntsmen are strong enough to take on Grimm in a cavalier manner?"

"Really?" The younger man looked interested for a moment "Well, I won't know till I try, but see, I have this funny feeling that I'll be just fine."

Boris sighed "That's the attitude that's gotten quite a few men killed you know."

"Hey" 'Greenie' poked at him, "No need to get all depressed. I'll be careful and all, don't worry! But if I don't try, then I'll never know! Besides" he tried to change the subject "That's still in the future. I haven't made up my mind yet. I found this coupon for a higher class gym near the stadium that's good for another week." He held the piece of paper up with a smile. "I figure I'll go there for a bit, enjoy my, eh, vacation for a little while longer, and THEN I'll start making my life changing decisions."

Boris glared at him for a little bit before letting out a deep breath. It wasn't any of his business what the kid did, and he gave the fool a warning at least. Up to him what he was going to do with it.

Their attention was soon grabbed by a crowd that was forming ahead. "Hmph" Boris glared at the crowd. "Let's get out of here. Unless you want to stick around?"

'Greenie' looked interested for a moment, but then shook his head with a smile "Nah, as tempting as it is to watch somebody else be uncomfortable, I'd like to avoid crowds for now."

They continued on their way. Boris attempted several more times to get more information out of 'Greenie', but all of his attempts were shot down. He sighed in frustration. The kid would find the truth of the situation eventually. Here's hoping it didn't actually kill him.

They didn't see the red headed girl eventually make her way out of the crowd, looking exhausted.

If Pyrrha Nikos had to sum up her life in a single word, it would have to be "lonely".

She realized it wasn't as bad as other people, and as far as suffering went it was hardly the worst thing that could happen to people, so she simply endured it in silence. And yet, it was still difficult for her.

When she first won the Championship, the people in Mistral had dubbed her the 'Invincible Girl' due to how quickly and seemingly effortlessly she had disposed of her opponent. She hadn't thought anything of it at the time - many tournament winners received fancy titles like that from the press. It was just something that they did, something that didn't mean anything.

But then she had won her second. And then her third. The fourth was coming up soon, and she was fairly confident that she would win this one was well.

After those victories, people had started to believe that she was different from everybody else, and they placed her on a pedestal as somebody that couldn't be beaten. And now she was unable to get off that pedestal! It created a barrier that prevented her from actually making any friends, and even her opponents would no longer put forth all of their effort, for what use was there in fighting against something that was invincible? Soon enough, everybody that she knew stopped treating her as Pyrrha, and more as a symbol.

She was forever grateful that her parents were so helpful and understanding, and she was even more grateful to them because it was often difficult for them to spend time with her due to them being busy. Ultimately, they were the only ones that really treated her as herself these days.

She was aware that when it came time to choose which Academy to go to that she would receive offers from all of them. It wasn't bragging, it was simply fact. Each of them would be overjoyed to have her. And she was stuck trying to figure out which one to choose. Atlas made her uncomfortable due to their connection to the military. She had a sneaking suspicion that if she were to go there, she would find herself in the military in some way, which she did not want. Vacao had too much anarchy for her comfort. That ultimately left Mistral and Vale.

Mistral was familiar. It also had close access to her parents, who she knew would treat her as herself. However, she was already aware that if she went here, she would remain on her 'pedestal', and the chance to make actual friendships would be slim. Therefore, Vale seemed like the best of all of her options. Hopefully if she went overseas she would be able to escape the brunt of her fame. Undoubtedly they would know of her, there was no way to avoid that. However, hopefully she would be able to go shopping without being mobbed by paparazzi.

She shuddered. She's given them interviews, gone on commercials, and yet the press and the public would still feel the need to swarm her if they saw her outside in a public location. How was that fair? They saw her often enough, why couldn't she have just a few days to be herself?

She sighed as she made her way back home, completely exhausted after having dealt with another wandering band of fans. She really hoped that things at Vale would be different for her. She wanted the opportunity to make actual friends again. To maybe meet somebody who could, if not beat her, then match her in a fight.

Surely that wasn't too much to ask for?

If 'Greenie' had to sum up the last week and a half in a single word, it would be "liberating".

His entire life he had been aware of a prophecy about himself. About his fate. If he were to become a hero, he would have a short life, as if sprinting through it at full speed. When the Trojan war broke out, his mother came to him and specifically asked him "Do you wish to live a long and peaceful life without having your name recognized by the masses? Or do you wish to live the short life of a hero with brilliant achievements in battle?" So he was well aware of his options. Unlike most that are the focus of prophecy, he actually had a choice! And in the end, he chose to be a hero.

That knowledge always remained in his mind, and it showed in his life and legend. He knew he would live a short life, so what was the point in having regrets? He wished to live life to the fullest, and experience as much as he could while he could, "for those who revel shall be saved". Sure, he had made mistakes, but he refused to let himself be dragged down by such things. Remember those mistakes, learn from them, and move on forward.

But now the unexpected has happened. He was summoned here, without a master. No master to obey, no foolish 'kings' to swear fealty to, and the prophecy predicting his death was already fulfilled, and could no longer affect him!

For the first time in his life, he was actually free. No obligations. No strings.

He didn't regret how his life went, despite how short it was, but that prophecy had always been over his head. So for it to be gone? It was a unique experience for him.

Now, he had no doubt that he'd be out there fighting those corrupted creatures in no time. His love for combat would not be satisfied with anything less. But as he told Boris, he wanted to take advantage of this 'vacation' for a little while longer, in addition to getting his bearings. Originally getting summoned into this world in an illegal fighting ring wasn't the best of introductions. Add in that there was fight going on at the time? Yeah, once he finished teaching them what an actual fight was, he felt he deserved a few days to figure things out.

With the coupon for this new gym in hand, he went inside and got signed up.

His first impression of the place was that it was much fancier than Boris's place. Larger, more 'modern' amenities, numerous exercise machines lining the walls, and he could see a pool in the back. He smiled to himself. He liked the atmosphere of Boris's place, but this place definitely had it's perks.

His attention was soon grabbed by a small crowd of people surrounding a sparring ring. Curious, he walked over to see the fight.

Once he got close enough, he saw the combatants.

The first contender he saw made him snort in derision. Wearing only a vest on top, with black pants on bottom. The vest was open, making sure to show off his 'amazing' physique. Black hair slicked back, and a cleanshaven face. His weapons looked like twin axes with a chain connecting them. They probably had a gun function like everybody else's weapons, but he wasn't sure. Overall, not a bad sort, if one were going just by looks. Unfortunately, getting his butt kicked kinda ruined that image.

What is up with this place and their lack of armor? He thought to himself incredulously. I mean, even I have armor! And my skin is unbreakable!

The person he was fighting was much different. Wearing Spartan armor - Finally! One person with actual armor! - a girl with long red hair was beating him with a spear and shield, and doing it well enough that he couldn't help but nod in approval. She wasn't nearly at his level, but it was still something to admire, if for a small time at least.

Normally he wouldn't have stayed to watch the combat for long. They weren't at his level, and watching such fights tended to get dull since he had no stake in them. But for some reason, he felt a kinship with the girl. At first he thought that it was seeing somebody in familiar armor, using a spear and shield like he did. It was only after watching for a time that he noticed it.

It wasn't anything about her. At least, not at first. Instead, it was her opponent, and the crowd. The way the contender fought, and the expressions of the crowd.

They were the same moves that his sparring partners had. The same expressions of the people who watched him spar.

Once his fame had grown in the Achaean Army, people started claiming that he was invincible. That with him on their side, victory was certain. Once that started happening, his sparring partners would give up hope of ever defeating him, and the crowd would always assume that victory would be his. Victories of that nature were so disappointing that he never would count them. It made going back into actual combat more satisfying, because he could truly let loose against people that were ACTUALLY trying!

Now that he noticed this, he looked back at the red headed girl, and could see her movements. The slightly robotic way she parried, the choreographed flip. The poor gal was bored! It was pretty well hidden, but to him? The Hero of Troy? It was easily spotted after watching her for a little bit.

With that thought, he grinned, and started to make a plan.

Sparta and Achaea used to be allies after all.

Pyrrha hid a sigh as she disarmed her opponent. She could barely remember his name. Gareth? He had seemed talented, and so she asked to spar with him. Unfortunately, he turned out like the rest of her spars. He fought with reduced energy, and she could already tell that he had accepted defeat. She put a smile on her face and bowed to him, thanking him for the fight.

As usual, the crowd was clapping and cheering. So far, just another normal day -

"BOOOOO! I PROTEST!"

The crowd jerked and stopped their applause, looking at certain person in the crowd. Pyrrha found herself being startled as well. That was certainly new...

Everybody parted, and she saw the person that was booing. He smirked at her, and then proceeded to shout some more. "C'MON, you call that a fight?! I'm insulted! You!" he pointed towards her opponent, "The amount of effort you were putting into that fight was pathetic! And you!" He pointed at Pyrrha, "You didn't even give your opponent your full attention! How disgraceful!"

By now the entire crowd started grumbling darkly at the man that dared insult Pyrrha, while Pyrrha flushed in embarrassment. I mean, he wasn't wrong... Before she could turn to her opponent and apologize, the man jumped into the ring and pulled out his spear, pointing it right at her with a grin on his face, and giving her a good look at him.

The man would definitely qualify as good looking. His eyes were sharp and bold, and his entire presence seeming to exude an aura of strength. He had green, spiky hair, with a single bang hanging down the left side of his face. He also wore what appeared to be sturdy armor, with a orange cloth wound across his chest, similar to her own red cloth she wore around her waist. She couldn't exactly guess his age, but if she had to choose, she would say that he was the age of a young Huntsman.

With his spear pointed at her and with a eager smile, he stated "I, Achilles, challenge you to a fight here and now!"

The crowd erupted in anger, and from what she could pick out the main protest was the way he was speaking to THE Pyrrha Nikos. From the side, she could see the referee start to come over with a frown, and she quickly spoke up before he could get closer,

"I accept!"

Eventually the crowds quieted down, though they still gave Achilles foul looks. Not that he cared about it, from the look of his smirking.

The referee came over once more, giving her a brief scowl. Not that he could do anything to change this, now that she had accepted the duel.

"Excuse me sir, but could you place your Scroll into the machine over here? We need to do that before we begin."

"Hmmm? Oh, I don't have one." Achilles replied with a lazy grin. That set off another wave of grumbling amongst the crowd, and the referee gave him another scowl, his eye twitching. But before he could say anything,

"I figure we'll fight until my little sister hits me. One hit, and I lose."

She couldn't help but look at him in shock at that. Even if he was an experienced hunter, to say that he could win without being hit against was insane! Of course, the crowd was indignant as well, but for a different reason.

"How dare you call Pyrrha Nikos your sister!"

"You moron! You don't deserve her as family!"

She sighed in frustration, but kept quiet otherwise.

Achilles spoke up again, "What are you guys complaining about? One hit and I'm out. If it's that easy, then lets get this fight going so she can show me my place!" he ended with a grin.

A few more minutes pass and the referee eventually allows it. Going to the edge of the ring, he starts counting down.

For the first time in a long time, she started feeling excitement and anticipation for a spar.

She prayed he wouldn't disappoint.

Achilles held onto his spear and leaned forward eagerly as the referee started counting down.

He knew that it would be hypocritical, but he wasn't going to go all out on the poor girl. Even weakened as he was, he was still quite a bit better than her.

The way she acted, the familiarity that her armor invoked in him, brought him a certain nostalgia. He wanted to help this girl, and giving her an actual fight is something that he would have loved when he was in the army at Troy looking for a worthy opponent. Ultimately, it just felt right to call her his little sis. That, and everybody's reactions were priceless, hah!

Three seconds to go, and he got in position with a grin.

He would make her work for this.

The first moments of combat took Pyrrha completely by surprise. This guy was fast. Almost immediately, he had become a blur, and only her reflexes allowed her to instinctively bring up her shield to protect her side. The kick pushed her back several feet, and she immediately retaliated by throwing her shield at him, followed by shifting her spear into a gun, and shooting at him.

He jumped over the shield, and then ducked under the bullets, ending with a spin with his spear out, which would have resulted in a dangerous blow, so she jumped back, shifting her gun back into a spear, while using her Semblance to subtly push his own spear.

Surprisingly, Achilles leapt away after that, looking at his spear in confusion. He then looked at her with a smile, "Was that your Semblance right there?"

Everybody murmured in confusion. They hadn't seen anything 'abnormal', and were confused. Pyrrha was surprised that he had caught on that quickly.

Achilles chuckled and proceeded to charge at her, doing his best to keep her busy.

The fight continued for several minutes, and Pyrrha was loving it. She had yet to be able to land a hit on the 'blur' that he had become, but she was actually fighting a competent opponent that was relatively close to her age. Somebody that actually pushed her. The crowd could only gasp at the scene in unbelief. Somebody was actually matching THE Pyrrha Nikos. People had brought out their scrolls and were recording it, and even the referee was entranced.

They danced back and forth like this, until eventually -

*CLANG!*

"Ah dang it, looks like you hit me!" Achilles said with an embarrassed smile.

Looking down, it was clear to see her spear and the large scratch it left on his armor.

Despite her having one, the crowd was stunned into silence for a long while, until one person started clapping. After that, the dams broke, and everybody cheered even louder than before.

Achilles clapped his hand on her shoulders briefly, giving her a smile. "Good job Little Sis! You did better than I thought you would. Maybe we'll see each other around!" And he quickly jumped out of the ring, the crowd parting before him.

Pyrrha could only look on in surprise for a second before she started after him, getting a little angry for the first time in a while.

Right before her spear had connected, he had winked.

The first challenge she had in a long time, and he threw the battle.

And he said that she was not honoring her opponent?

She continued after him after he left the gym. She definitely had words for him.

Achilles chuckled as he left the building. The looks on everybody's faces were amazing. Sure, he probably brought a lot of attention on himself, but he just couldn't resist. Of course, he never really bothered trying to resist.

After a short while, he heard running footsteps, and he turned back to see Pyrrha running after him.

He raised an eyebrow, "Hey Sis! Don't tell me that you missed me already?"

She glared at him, which surprised him. He hadn't thought that she would get angry easily.

"Why did you throw that match?" She demanded.

He chuckled, "Oh, you noticed that?

Her eyes narrowed. "You winked at me right before you allowed my spear to hit you. Was I NOT supposed to get it?"

"Well, many people wouldn't, if I were being honest" he said with a small wince.

She stayed like that for a while. "I want a rematch." She winced, and looked a bit more contrite, her more polite personality reasserting itself. "Please" she added.

"Oh?" He said curiously? "And why would you want to do that?"

She shrugged, "You're the first actual challenge that I've had for a while. Fighting you is the best way that I can actually improve." She blushed a little bit and bowed at him. "Please spar with me again."

He thought about it before giving her a smile. "Sure, I guess I can do that sis. I don't think I have anything going on this weekend. Does that work for you?"

She gave a dazzling smile at him, "That would be grand!"

Achilles chuckled, and then looked around. Several people had stopped walking by and were staring at them, muttering to each other.

"Well, I think we've just about worn out our welcome here." he stated. "I'll meet you at the gym this weekend then!" and he walked off.

Pyrrha watched him walk away and couldn't help a smile start to form.

Maybe the months leading up to Beacon wouldn't be so dreadful after all.

Authors Notes:

A lot of people guessed either Achilles or Leonidas, and those were my top two choices as well :). To be honest, the main reason why I wanted to choose Achilles is because I really see him as an older brother figure. He is the relaxed older brother personality to Pyrrha's rule abiding and polite personality. Once I thought it, it seemed to match really well.

For those interested in guessing the next servants:
This time, there will be two - though their legends are different.
Both are seafaring heroes - one male, one female
The male is not a summonable Servant (that is, he does not appear on any wiki page as a Servant), though he is the protagonist in his legend and is known by several Servants who can be summoned.

Thanks once more to my sister, who was willing to beta read this chapter for me :)

Hopefully everybody enjoyed this chapter, and I'll talk to you later!