(A/N) Chapter Three Revision complete. 2-13-2019
Chapter Three
Chapter 3
Her legs were burning and straining. Pushing to their limits and carrying her forward with all they could. Ashe was running with all her might. Her breath was hot and rapid with a heaving of the chest. It's dark, everything's so dark. Where is she going? There's no path. The road, where is it? She needs direction. Someone, tell her where to go. She's straying from the path.
A searing and burning pain ruptures across her back. Ashe cries out in a painful whimper before stumbling and tripping over her feet. She can't slow down. Ashe cannot afford to stop. She's not alone. Rolling with the momentum, she thrusts herself forward once more, fleeing from her predator. Claws dig and bury behind her with a menacing snarl. She doesn't know what it is, but the figure is a beast, running on all four limbs. It howled and snarled behind her in chase. Two crimson eyes bore and etch into her soul.
Faster.
Her lungs were on fire, set ablaze from over-work and strain. Sweat was glistening and dripping down her brows. Ashe grit her teeth and kept fleeing. The more she ran, the darker the void was becoming. There's no light. With a hurried and desperate step forward, the floor collapses from under. Crying out in shock, she finds herself being pulled under an ocean of miasma. From above, two crimson eyes stare down from the ceiling, Ashe startles and desperately tries to swim away. All she does is flail about desperate, she's not moving. Her vision begins to waver from the lack of oxygen. Raising her hands, she clenches onto her throat. The last breath of oxygen bloating out bubbles.
She's suffocating.
Someone, help.
Her back slams into an unyielding floor. The pain causes her eyes to widen and rupture out a silent whimper. Curling to her side, Ashe tightens into a ball, coughing and wheezing for succulent oxygen. Breath, just breath. Ashe concentrates on taking the reins of her breathing. Slowly, color and life return to her ghastly skin. Staggering to her knees, her vision was a blur, but something was rushing directly to her from the void. She couldn't make out the figure till it was upon her. The most obvious features were the ash colored hair, and an eye covering mask with three crimson slashes. The figure collides into Ashe with the power of a freight train, but she was only a phantom. Easily phasing through without conflict. A fog of miasma suddenly blinds Ashe from her surroundings.
She finds herself standing behind a shattered and broken stained-glass window. Something hot was bubbling within her stomach. Wrapping her arms around it, Ashe leans onto the glass, the hot emotion raging within. Her hair was becoming a fritz with her breath fogging the glass. Ashe's teeth were gritting in rage and a flicker of crimson swirling within one eye. The unbridled fury was demanding release. This sudden and relenting anger wanted to be free. Let it go. Where? Where does she release this rage?
A door swirls into existence before her, and links to the other side of the glass. Ashe consciously reaches for the handle, but her body remains frozen. The small phantom from before, whisks from her body. Two savage and crimson blades attached at the hips. The handles were black with the blades themselves being odd. They resembled mushrooms stacked upon each other, but the flicker of light showed just how sharp and deadly they were. When the figure makes her way through the door, it slams shut with a booming echo. Ashe collapses upon her knees, a hand catching herself on the stained glass. Rather, it is no longer a stained glass, just a normal window. Her breath hitches in a panic. The scene before her shifting into something familiar and buried within her memories.
The long corridor appeared to be never ending. Moonlight was illuminating the marble flooring from one end being made of thick and clean glass. The shattered moon peering and watching along with her. The glass continues to follow the phantom from behind, giving her a third-person perspective. With a gloved hand upon the glass, she weakly claws into it. Already knowing what is about to happen. There was no sound from the phantom, only silence. No unnecessary footsteps, there was no chime of her beloved bell, only focus.
And hatred.
The ghost places an ear upon a heavy set of double doors. The sound was dulled and low, but she could hear a faint sound of papers and pencil scraping. Setting a gloved hand upon a door, she gives it a soft push. The phantom glances toward the door hinges, finding them to be well-greased and not a sound being made. Like a wraith, she slithers in through the small opening. The room was well lit with candles and lamps. Richly furnishings garnered the room in luxury. The person must be a noble, aristocrat. The ghost stares toward the large and mahogany desk. A well-dressed male in a white suit with black hair. A small white streak was dyed on the side. Teeth were gritting in anger.
Nothing but a pig.
She will make it squeal.
Pouring the aura, she was trained to wield, she increases the effectiveness of her semblance. Like the phantom she is, the past of Ashe makes her way toward the figure and behind the male's leather chair. The closer she approached; Ashe couldn't help but feel the bubbling rage deep within grow. It sought revenge, demanded its tribute in blood. Ashe grabs onto her blade and unclasps it from the magnet holster. She will give it what it is rightfully owed.
Its thirst shall be quenched.
Like a beating drum of rage, her heart pounds within its cage. Crimson shines from within her eyes, all she can see is red. Stomping forward in silence, Ashe thrusts the blade through the leather chair. It slices through like a hot knife through butter. The man desperately cries out in pain, the sound of flesh being punctured and torn aside. Ashe rips the blade from behind, flicking her dagger, blood splats onto the wooden furnishing and walls. With her small and agile body, she whips around and straddles onto his lap. His once white and pristine suit were dyeing a bloody shade of crimson. Holstering her dagger, she stares into those pleading and waning eyes. She was so small compared to him, a child. The rage was boiling over, shoving out her hand, she fists onto his neatly combed hair and tugs his head down. Once more, he cries and bellows in agony.
His wound opens further at being forced to hunch to a closer level to those crimson eyes. "You took...everything from me..." Raising her free hand, Ashe tugs off the glove with her teeth. It then falls upon their laps while her clawed hand sinks into the top right corner of his face. "I...will burn...your world unto ash." Without mercy, Ashe rakes her claws across his face. Tormenting him further into a burning and bloody pain. He will bleed out, there's no saving him from his fate. Ashe watches the light slowly fade from his eyes. Raising her bare hand, it is coated in blood and flesh. Using his own clothing, she wipes it clean before putting her glove back on.
She was avenged. The death was answered in kind. There is no remorse or unease, yet...Ashe still feels so empty on the inside. A void was left in the wake and only rage and anger were quick to replace and fill the emptiness. Would she be happy to be avenged? Would she be disappointed? Ashe doesn't know...Her heart aches in pain, its wounded and crying. Curling slightly, she squeezes her eyes behind the mask. Ashe should have treated her better. Should have gotten to know her more. Now she's gone, forever.
A loud shriek awakes Ashe from her stupor. Instincts guiding her, she grabs her dagger and thrusts it toward the source. Ashe pulls the trigger under the guard, a quiet gunshot rings out, the mushroom shaped blades separating into a whip. Finding their target in a stab of the shoulder, Ashe whips her arm, the blades slicing out of the wound in a rupture of red. A loud clashing of porcelain shatters onto the ground, along with a ring of metal. The woman collapses onto the ground in terrifying agony. A pot of food spilling onto the marble with now useless plates. Approaching the woman in stride, Ashe stares her down before raising her weapon. Her lips were moving and pleading in a silent voice with tears in her eyes. The pain within her chest only grew when she lashed down and ended her misery.
A sharp pain stabs into her heart. She falters in step for a moment to stare down at the innocent woman. She, who has done no wrong and only lived her life, was ruthlessly cut down. Painfully. Staring down at the shattered porcelain, she finds broken pieces reflecting at her. Is this who she's become? A murderer and killer. Slaughtering even the innocents who have done no wrong? Ashe rips her gaze away from the broken pieces, stepping back, her heel stomps onto a thin object. Turning her gaze toward the object, Ashe leaps away like she's been burned. There on the ground was a now bent ladle. Red splotches coating the once pristine silver. Ashe swirls out of control, clenching onto her hair, she stares at the ladle like a lifeline. The man is understandable, it was for revenge. That's okay, right? Right? The woman was just a casualty, there shouldn't be a problem. It was her fault anyway. She shouldn't have been here, shouldn't have come into the room. Yes, it's their fault. Not her's.
A childish cry of fright shatters Ashe from her delusions. Whirling upward, she finds a small balcony door being slammed shut. There's no direct path from below, she will need to take the short cut. There can be no survivors. No witnesses. She is not meant to exist. No one is supposed to know of her. The throbbing of her heart only grows in distress. With a back handed fist, she slams over a lit candle and hot wax. It quickly catches the discarded paperwork aflame. Grabbing the crimson dagger, she whips it to the balcony and pulls herself up. Kicking open the door, she finds a princess themed bedroom. It was also empty.
Silently stepping into the room and looking about, a soft orange glow begins to rise from beyond the balcony. Grabbing under a swirling chair, Ashe tosses it aside and finds nothing under it. They must be around here somewhere. Lashing out with her weapon, Ashe destroys the closet doors into a shatter of splinters. She only found ripped and torn clothes in her wake. Next was the dresser and vanity, lashing out with her blade, she slices it into pieces. Nothing but clothing and trinkets within the carnage. That only leaves one more place...
The bed.
Ashe turns toward the bed and slowly begins to pace toward it. Her dagger drags upon the ground behind her. A ghost of a white cloak is along the way, it's holding a small box and crouching down to a tiny, orphaned girl in a dirty gray colored dress. 'I'm sure you'll make a wonderful huntress someday.'
A throbbing headache swells within her head, closing an eye, the crimson flickers and swirls in a mix with the honey. 'No. I can never be a huntress. I'm sorry.' Lashing out in an underhanded whip, the blade splits the bed in half, forcing the inner part to collapse onto the ground. With a frightful shriek, a tiny and white object rolls out from under. Ashe quickly turns to it, the object in question scrambles and cries to huddle up against the corner of the destroyed bed and wall. The figure turns in fright to stare at Ashe. Those light blue eyes were quivering and wide in fear. The little girl was wearing a white and pretty frilly dress. Matching shiny dress shoes and white stockings. She was so scared.
Ashe was frozen on the spot. Her lips were dry, and throat was parched. A child, a little girl. Someone who is still pure and innocent in this world. Her arm quivers with her weapon, she must kill her. Just because she saw her. Ashe cannot allow her to live, but is that right? Does she deserve to die? Ashe has only killed adults, grimm, machines. None were ever innocent either, always some kind of crook or militant. Not a child. Never a child. Her foot slowly inches forward. The little girl flinches back into the wall. A heavy burden presses down upon Ashe's tiny and fragile form. Gravity pulling and wearing her down with each slow and heavy step. The conflict of honey and crimson raging within her eyes under the mask. She has to do this. She has to make father proud. He will not tolerate anything less.
With each step, her shadow grows and infests the innocent child. Those glowing and frightful light blue eyes are frozen and powerless to stop her. Ashe's body becomes on fire the closer she approaches. Heavy and ragged breathing into a fog before her. Sweat glistening and dripping to the floor in a frenzy. Her body would not stop shaking. Raising her dagger into the air, she struggles for breath. All she has to do is bring it down, a simple course of action. Kill her. End her. Complete your objective. But...she's just a child. What does she do? What is she supposed to do? Someone, please. Tell her what to do. What is the correct path to take?
Ashe suddenly feels a throb on the back of her head. Like someone just bonked her. 'Oi, das enough out'ta ya. I told you, yer meant to be more than this.'
Slowly turning and tilting her head behind her, all she finds is a vanishing ghost with a ladle in hand. That was all it took for the dam to break. Silent tears trickled down from under her mask. A soft hiccup burrows within her throat, forcing her arm to go limp and hang with weapon in hand. Her knees collapse from under and she drops onto them. Her heart aches and pains at her loss. Her head begins to sway, the tears flooding down in waves, a quivering voice slowly cries out in distress. Wrapping her own arms around to hug herself, Ashe cries out with all her heart. Releasing all the built up and bottled emotions within her heart. What has she become? What will she become? She doesn't want this anymore. This is not who she wants to be remembered as. She howls into the room with her back arched and tears cascading, a pitiful and lonely sight.
She misses her so much.
"Go...away..." Through her blurry and wet vision, Ashe finds the young girl holding a trailing and flimsy foil. It was quivering and shaking out of fear. "Get out...Get out!" Those light blue eyes turn cold and hard, but the fear remains. Slowly standing to her failing legs, she uses the wall to keep her up. Gulping down a deep breath, the white-haired girl shouts out in desperation, "WINTER!"
The wall suddenly explodes from the side, throwing debris into the ruined bedroom. A white and blue eyed Ursa bear roars into the room relentlessly. Without a moment to spare, a massive paw slams down onto Ashe's position. Weapon in hand, she retreats in a leap out of instinct. Swiping her dagger through the air, she pulls the trigger and slices through its neck with ease. The beast vanishes easily enough into particles. Two beowolves pounce through the new hole, white and with blue colored eyes as well. A third figure rushes from behind and toward the young girl. "WEISS!"
The beasts were more agile than the Ursa, but it did not take her long to dispatch them in the same manner. They were weak and fragile while also being in a confined space. But they served their purpose. A taller figure stood between her and the young girl. She protectively shielded her away with a rapier pointed toward Ashe. The look upon her face was unbridled fury. They must be related, because she also had white hair and a shade of blue eyes. Her legs were coiled, and already screaming in rage, "I'll obliterate you!" Lunging forward, the distance is instantly closed, the room was not overly large.
Her reach was much further, Ashe stumbles back, her mind and emotions still whirling within. The rapier slices into Ashe's exposed cheek, drawing blood from the sudden attack. Blindly lashing out with both daggers, she pulls their triggers and whips about randomly. The defender grinds her teeth and retreats to the little girl. Parrying and defending any and all blows. Not a single attack was able to come even close to touching her. During the distraction, Ashe rushes toward the balcony once more, but finds a raging and fiery inferno down below.
"You are not getting away!" Stabbing her blade into the ground, a white glyph forms from under the defender. Bursting forth from the glyph is a swarm of white birds that begin to fly around her. With an unspoken command, they rotate one last time before slinging forward to Ashe.
Gritting her teeth and both blades in hand, Ashe lashes out and pulls their triggers into whips. She continuously lashes out into a storm of crimson blades. Slicing and cutting down every bird upon contact. But she was still young, try as she might, Ashe was unable to completely defend herself from the relentless onslaught. A stray bird broke through her defense and slammed into her chest with a cold explosion. Ashe cries out in pain, but it doesn't stop. The explosion threw her further into the balcony and her back slams into the scorching rail. It burns against her back, till a flock of birds bombard her from the front. With the metal weakened from the heat, it shatters from the bombardment, and throws her over the edge to the inferno. With her mind in a fritz, her body in pain, Ashe couldn't help but cry in pain. The flames licked and burned against her back.
She wants to live.
With the last of her strength, she whips her blade to the chandelier. Pulling with all her might, she swings herself toward the two double doors into the office. Curling into a ball, she barrels through the door with a bang. Rolling along the ground, her body slams against the wall with a crunch. She groans quietly in a whimper. Bracing herself, Ashe weakly forces her aching body to stand. With the double doors now open, air rushes into the inferno and grows. The flames are crawling into the corridor at an alarming rate. She needs to run. If she doesn't go now, there will be no chance of escape. Shattering a large window, she stands to the side to avoid most of the shards. Only a few cuttings into her arms. Her boot crunches into the glass when she leaps out and into the cold.
She wants to be free.
Her gloved hand clenches into the snow and dirt. Ashe's eyes harden at the choice she has made. Once more, she staggers to her feet and drags them through the frozen tundra. One more obstacle stands in her way. One more wall for her to destroy. Then she can put it all behind her. She can live on her own. Be free to make her own choices and be herself. She will kill the one that turned her into this.
With another step, the world shatters and pulls present Ashe down into its ocean depths. Struggling to hold her breath, she feels something wrap around her ankle and drag her into the depths.
She gasps out for breath while throwing herself onto hands and knees. Her throat hoarse and dry, sobbing for breath. Clenching her eyes shut, Ashe claws into the ground with her fingernails and curls them into a fist. The pain, it lingers. It hurts. Pushing herself from the ground, she rolls back and slams her back against the wall with a loud thump. Instinctively, she arches her back, like something just burned her. Her bell chimes desperately, a hand raises up and clutches at her heart. No matter how much she wills it, they never stop haunting her. The nightmares torment her relentlessly. Always chasing, always clawing and biting, never giving her a moment of respite.
She slowly calms her breathing as she flutters her eyes open, a soft amount of static in her vision from keeping her eyes firmly closed for so long. As her eyes re-adjust and focus, she finds the room mostly empty with a few stragglers still waking. Blake is already long gone as her spot is clean and spotless. Raising her hands, she stares down at them as they begin to shake. Red, so much red, they are stained, and it won't wash off. Shaking her head, she shakes the thoughts from her head as she rubs her hands together. The motion as if she was washing them with hand soap. It was just a nightmare, a fragment of the past.
Let it remain there.
"It's morning~ It's morning~"
Ashe startles with fright, remembering exactly where she was. That voice sounded so happy and bright. She envies the person; it must be nice. Turning to the source, she finds a girl with bright orange hair. Her hair flutters and waves at a medium length, her bangs swaying before her eyes. The back of her hair positioned like someone brushed their fingers through. She must have had some powerful coffee, because she was dancing and whirling around toward random people with a bright and beautiful smile upon her face.
The girl is strangely dressed, at least the top half. The short and pink skirt is cute, it matches the white and pink shoes. Her top half being a black collared vest, that stops under her bust, and a white sleeveless top with a heart showing off her moderate cleavage. Ashe watches the whirlwind of orange energy heading her direction with a sing-song voice. Her joyful and bright smile was kind of infectious. Maybe if she was in a better mood, she would love to watch the bundle of energy wreak havoc through the crowd. It is not like she would notice Ashe over here in the corner with her semblance.
As if she was reading her mind, the orange haired girl whirls her head toward Ashe's direction with a goofy grin upon her face. Ashe's honey clash with a soft shade of aqua. It was like peering into a neighborhood pond that's full of sparkles and life. One that draws everyone in for a happy and wonderful time of fun. The girl throws out her arms and begins to spin like a top. Well, she started out as a top. Now she is slowly making her way up toward a category three tornado. It makes a bee-line straight for her, anything in its path is mercilessly tossed aside with a vengeance. There was no time to prepare, the girl is upon her and stares her down. The girl leans forward slightly with a wondrous smile with pearly white teeth. "It's morning~!"
Ashe sputters into shock at the sudden greeting. How did she notice her? Scratch that, why did she even approach and greet her? There's no way she could have approached her so easily. That has never happened before, her mind is racing a mile per second. She double checks to find her top hat still snuggling upon her head. The girl looks even closer with a soft hum from her throat. Eagerly awaiting a response with a tilt of her head. Her eyes flutter in mirth with long lashes. Ashe softly clears her throat before finding her pillow and propping it onto her lap. She greets her back in kind, but it's more of a question considering she has never met this person. "Morning?"
The girl squeals in joy, her bangs jerk side-to-side. Clasping her hands together, she nods to herself. "Ooo~! Just look at you! You're just so cute~. I just have to show you to Ren." Without batting an eye, the bundle of joy spins around and quickly rushes off. "Ren~ Come look at what I found~."
Now's her chance. Without a delay, Ashe quickly grasps the loaned book and tucks it up against her pillow before running away. The girl ran over toward a tall and lithe male with black hair that is styled as if he just runs his hands through his hair. One side longer than the other with a bright pink strip dyed into his hair. He also has a long ponytail trailing down his back. They day has yet to begin, and already Ashe is on the verge of a heart attack. Closing her eyes in a sigh, she never notices the tall person clash into her.
Her nose clonks against something hard. Fluttering her eyes open she finds herself looking at a piece of armor. Glancing up she finds a male with an angry snarl upon his face with indigo colored eyes and short, burnt orange hair. "Watch it, pipsqueak." Her eyes ablaze into a flaming honey as he roughly shoves passed her, bumping her back with his shoulder. Her fingers claw into the palms of her hands. Ashe watches his retreating form, anger bubbling within. Of course, there are also people like that, she will need to be more vigilant next time. Thankfully the journey to the locker room held no more incidents. Back at her personal locker, she puts away the book and pillow and drags out the box. Finding what she needs, Ashe clutches them into hand and stalks toward the sinks.
Setting down her toiletries, her eyes widen at the reflection. A familiar crimson slashed mask stares at her with a knowing grin. Her right hand slams her palm against the mirror, the left covering her eyes. It's not real. It's in the past. She left it all behind. Slowly opening her eyes, Ashe finds her own reflection once more. Rinsing her face helped ease her tension. Washing away her drowsiness and chasing away some of her jitters. After brushing her pearly whites, Ashe takes a sip of mouthwash. Tilting her head up, she begins to gargle. She notices her assailant encroaching from behind with a smug grin.
A slender but strong arm quickly wraps around her lithe shoulders and roughly whirls her around. A warm and curvy body is suddenly brushing up against Ashe. Her eyes are forced into extremely wide saucers. Orange hair is easily spotted in the corner of her view, the hand is covered by a bright pink finger-less glove. Her cheeks were puffed out due to the mouthwash still within her mouth.
"Look Ren~ Isn't she just precious~ Can I keep it?" Ashe felt the girl squeeze her body for emphasizes. Her mind shut down completely and she couldn't control the situation or what happened next.
Blue mouth wash sails through the air and splats against the ground in a dull flop.
"Oooh, she spits too~"
A bright red blush shades onto her face, forcing her way out of the strong girl's clutch. Ashe clutches onto the sink for safety and struggles to control her breathing once more. This is only reinforcing her social anxiety. So many people are having a field day by tormenting her. Is it too early for her to investigate in a life insurance policy? She will have to ask Ozpin about that later. Thankfully, the girl decided to leave her alone. The male known as Ren drew her away for Ashe's mercy. How can he survive all her energy? She will never know. Neither does she want to find out. With renewed vigor, Ashe quickly finishes her morning wash and changes into her combat outfit. Holstering her daggers and bow back into position, she clutches two elastic hair bands within the palm of her hand. With a quick glance, she finds herself alone.
With the locker open, she plops down on the lower self for a seat. Ashe removes her top hat with great care and tenderness. The rest of her hair cascades down in a messy rat's nest. That's what happens when she sleeps with her hat. She huffs as she begins to glide her fingers through the mess. Two extra appendages flicker upon her head. They were both sort of round with the back side of them covered in soft fur the color of her hair. Bright pink was on the inside, they flopped down in a half wilt. They were of course, a set of mouse ears. As her fingers stroked through her hair, she occasionally pets onto her ears softly. A ghost of a smile upon her lips as they twitch at her touch. With a nod, she quickly wraps the hair gathered at the base of her head into two pigtails that flare out toward the sides in an upside down 'v'. Placing her hat back upon her head, her mouse eggs wiggle before becoming comfortable.
Ashe stands and double checks all her weaponry. A brush would have been nice to use for her hair. She would have removed all the knots instead of some. They will probably itch later. With a huff she glances toward the box only to see the handle of a brush wedged between some toiletry bottles. Irritation seeps through her soul. Her locker is slammed close with a pout. Of course, she wouldn't see the brush till after she needs it. Could this day possibly get any worse? Wait...ignore that. Every time she says that, something goes wrong. It's like a curse around here.
Her stomach growls out in hunger.
Okay, so maybe that isn't too bad. She can deal with that. At least no one was around to hear it. First order of business is to get some breakfast. With a hand resting upon her belly, she makes her way into the hallway. Finding the signs pointing to the cafeteria, she sticks to the walls in the journey. Upon approaching the doors, a wave of noise assaults her ears. Clenching her teeth, she presses forward and peeks through the opening. She sighs in annoyance at all the people still within the cafeteria. Most of them are finished eating, but they are just sitting around talking. 'Why are half of you still in here? Get out, you're done eating. Jerks.'
With a glance, it would appear the food court is an all you can eat. She perks up as her belly grumbles once more into a sheepish smile. Ashe trails along the wall and makes sure to stay out of everyone's reach. Taking a tray, she breezes through the food, she piles on a small plate of pancakes with syrup and a carton of milk. A bright and shining object forces her into a stupor. A radiant and beautiful block of cheese is left out with a knife for students to cut out. Her nose twitches happily. Thankfully not many people like to eat cheese by itself here. Chopping off a hunk of it, she plops it onto her tray. Ashe walks to an empty table with a happy swagger to her hips.
Plopping down onto the table by herself, she swings her legs under the chair like a swing. Her body shimmies happily while nibbling onto the block of cheese. The smooth texture and cool touch is wondrous on her tongue. 'Best. Day. Ever.' She decides to save the rest of it for the end of breakfast. With fork and knife in hand, she quietly begins to eat into her pancakes. The soft and warm fluffiness bringing joy to her belly. Taking a big bite, her cheeks puff out in a chew. Once more, Ashe finds her attention focused on the task before her. Didn't tell herself to be more vigilant? She should have learned from a while ago.
"Oh my god~ Look, Ren! She even eats pancakes! I must have her! She's just so precious!" A sudden weight is once more thrown onto her back, two slender arms wrap around her neck and press down upon her. The sudden warmth flooding over her body, Ashe feels a soft and smooth cheek smothering up against hers. She was at least somewhat prepared to be surprised this time. Instead of spitting out her food like an imbecile, she lodges it into her throat and begins to choke. In a frenzy, Ashe raises her fist and bangs it against her chest before she turns blue.
"Please~, Please~, Please~"
Don't ignore her! She's dying over here and it's all your fault! Who the hell even are you?!
The two arms around her neck lower down near her solar plexus and roughly squeeze her tiny body. The food dislodges from her throat allowing her to breath once more. No matter what anyone says, no matter the evidence or the witnesses that were here this day. She will never admit that she made a high-pitched squeak like that of a chew toy. She will violently put anyone down that says otherwise. Fight her.
Ashe wheezes and coughs in a flush of fresh oxygen. The slight blue hue beginning to fade from her face. A soft sigh is heard after the near-death experience. The orange haired girl rests her chin upon her shoulder and affectionately nuzzles into her cheek. Her honey eyes are met by a pale shade of pink and she noticed that they hold a hint of exasperation. She watches him shuffle into a seat directly across from her with his own plate of food. His eyes flicker with emotion, understanding Ashe's plight.
She can feel the girl upon her hop up in joy and squeeze her once more, forcing out another squeak from her lips. "Whoop, whoop~ I got a new spitting and pancake eating munchkin~ Best. Day. Ever~" Ashe sighs in relief as the girl finally releases her. Slamming down her tray, she plops down next to Ashe and grins toward her with a bright set of pearly white teeth. They all hear a bellowing loud grumble as the orange haired girl's stomach growls hungrily. "Um…excuse me one moment." She wraps a napkin around her neck and grasps her utensils. The two watch in fascination. She makes a motion to cut into the fluffy goodness, but when she flings the fork and knife away, Ashe perks a brow. A random cry of someone being stabbed yells out in agony before she slams her face into the syrupy, fluffy goodness of pancakes. Ashe leans back in disgust; the girl is literally vacuuming the pancakes into her mouth.
"Is…Is she always this eccentric?"
Her eyes flicker between the boy known as Ren and the orange haired girl that is currently massacring her pancakes to the last crumb. Ren huffs quietly as he takes a soft bite out of his own pile of pancakes with a fork and knife. She notices he was quite feminine in that he had a lithe and agile type of body. He was also quite tall. His pale pink eyes shift toward the girl beside Ashe, placing his elbow on the table and pointing his fork toward the pancake-eater casually. "No. She can be much, much worse."
"Hey, hey, I found her first, she's mine~ Back off buster." A sudden weight is thrust upon her shoulder once more. Apparently, this girl is really grabby and touchy. A strong approach to hands-on. She doesn't really seem to understand what personal space is. Or maybe it's just with her? She hasn't exactly seen her shower anyone else with affection. Why is she attracting all the weird ones? ...Okay, so that's the pot calling the kettle black. A familiar warm and soft cheek rubs against her own. Wait, familiar? Is she already becoming accustomed to this? These are unauthorized snuggles here. "By the way, the name's Nora Valkyrie! Slayer of Grimm, Professional Pancake Connoisseur, and all around complete Awesome Sauce." With a sudden jerk and quick movement of her arm, Nora smothers Ashe against her affectionately. Nora points a finger gun directly toward Ren with a playfully closed eye to take aim. "And that right there is my partner in crime. The Bonnie to my Clyde. My best buddy, ol pal, Lie Ren. He makes the best pancakes."
Ren crunches his brow in thought, he quickly swallows his bite before glancing toward Nora, "Wait, isn't Bonnie the woman of the duo?"
Nora snorts out, waving her hand dismissively. "Oh no~ No, no, nah." Nora leans back and covers her mouth from Ren, whispering toward Ashe while sneaking a glance at Ren. Though she still spoke loud enough for him to hear. "Pst, I lied. He is quite feminine, isn't he? He would make a great wife one day. I have to beat all the male consorts away with my hammer." Nora blinks repeatedly at a random enlightenment. Spinning Ashe around, Nora places her hands upon Ashe's cheeks to hold her gaze seriously, "Wait, what's your name? Ren needs something to call you."
Ashe stares at her in disbelief. Her eyes blink repeatedly in silence. Nora just now noticed? She has been woman-handling her the whole time and rubbing all up on her. And she never even bothered to ask for her name till now? How does her mind work? What is going through her head? That might be a scary thought, maybe she doesn't want to know what is going through her head. Reaching up, she tilts her hat back on straight, "Ashe Souris."
Nora stares at her in contemplation and hums out in thought loudly. "Yea…No. That won't do. I'll figure out a cute nickname for you later." Nora's eyes flicker down and notice Ashe's barely eaten pancakes with syrup. Her belly growls out once more, both Ashe and Ren stare at Nora in exasperation. A slight red hue crosses over her nose, coughing into her pink glove before pointing it down at the plate of pancakes. "Are…are you gonna finish that?"
Ashe rolls her eyes and motions to slide the plate over, "You can ha-" She never got to even touch the plate or finish her sentence.
"Gimme that!"
Ren watches Ashe flinch away in shock and disgust as Nora snatches the plate away. The pancakes didn't even last a minute under her frightful gluttony. Ashe sighs while taking hold of her milk. She finds a cartoon printed cow staring back at her with googly eyes. Taunting and mocking her endlessly. It dares to keep it's power and blessing away from her. Ashe rips it open in a spite of rage. Snarling out, she places a hand upon her hip and throws her head back to chug down the milky goodness. She did not let a single drop escape.
"Whoop, whoop~ that's how you do it Mousy, chug it down like a champ~ Momma Nora didn't raise no chumps!"
Ashe slams the empty carton of milk onto the table and squeezes it into a crumpled mess. Her gloved hand raises up and wipes at her mouth and flings the droplets down onto the ground. The first victim of her genocide has been laid waste. Many more will fall before her. She throws the carcass upon the plate of demolished pancakes. Ashe politely rises from her seat as Nora and Ren turn their gaze and watch her. "I am heading off. It was nice to meet you. Good luck."
Ren raises his fork up in a wave, "Thanks, it was a pleasure to meet you as well. I wish you good fortune."
Nora waves a napkin, imitating a teary-eyed damsel, "Good-bye, Mousy~ I'll miss you."
Ashe offers a tiny wave of her own before leaving the cafeteria. With a deep inhale she holds it in before quietly exhaling. That was one of the most intense experiences that she has ever had. Nora has so much energy, she is like a living power plant. Has she never heard of restraint? Ashe highly doubts it. Not to mention, Nora is totally the touchy and feel-y type of person. Ashe thumps her head against the wall, apparently her body adapted and grown used to it. She hasn't even known her for a day. That must be the power of Nora, but she will never know how Nora could feel her out of the crowd. Did she have bright neon lights pointing right at her or something?
She liked Ren, he was quiet and didn't speak out needlessly. But he was also kind and would play along with any of Nora's whims. She wouldn't mind getting to know him a little better. He kind of reminds her of Blake. Except less sultry and not much of a book worm…Also doesn't try to pounce and wrestle a book from her possession. Well, she is almost home free now, all she has left to do is make her way to the exam area. But before that, she has one more important thing she must do. It is of the highest priority.
Ashe cups both of her hands, raising the block of cheese up she's saved for now. To her it is a most holy of relics. She never got to eat much of it back in the jungle. Once more, Ashe happily shimmies in a joyful dance. A soft nibble of the succulent cheese sends her into pure bliss. "Mm~ Its so good~" Her bell happily chimes with each of skip in her merry jaunt. Ashe was nibbling and munching onto her treat while making way to the staging area. Her mood and energy filling back up at a quick rate.
"Hello again~"
Ashe comes to a stop at the familiar soft and warm voice. With a few bites remaining, Ashe quickly gobbles it down. She finds a familiar red head peeking around the corner from a crossing hallway. Her long hair cascading down to the ground with a bright smile upon her face. "I finally found you~ You are quite difficult to find, Ashe." Pyrrha disappears back around the corner. Immediately after, Pyrrha's long leg slides into view, bronze armor trails up to her thighs. Her heel clicks against the ground with a soft clack before stepping into view. Pyrrha Nikos stands before Ashe in all wondrous glory. She truly was beautiful. Her hands were elegantly clasped before her thighs and she wore an A-line mini skirt with a long red sash wrapped around her waist that fluttered down to her calves.
Ashe pats her hands clean of crumbs against her pants before tilting her hat back straight. Well, shit. She was trying to avoid her. But with everything that has happened within the past twenty-four hours has her mind frazzled. She completely forgot all about Pyrrha Nikos, hopefully she won't ask any questions regarding her past. "Ah, I'm sorry. I have been rather occupied. Pyrrha Nikos, was it?" Hopefully she remembered the name correctly. Pyrrha remembered hers, it would be awkward and rude if she couldn't remember hers. It seems she is already earning a reputation of being, 'that' girl. She clicks her tongue against her teeth. She is going to have to do something about that soon. If its not already too late. Then again, how many people know she is here? She could probably count them on one hand. She is thinking too much into it.
She didn't know that it was humanly possible, but here Pyrrha was. Her smile shone like the sun, bright. It was radiating pure happiness, her long lashes fluttering in joy. Ashe notices Pyrrha rocking onto her toes and then back onto her heels in excitement. How could one possibly be so pure? Its blinding. "Yes!" Her hands raise up and softly clap once. "I am happy that you remembered. I was hoping we could talk some more." Ashe tilts her head to the side in thought, well she doesn't see why not. She is extremely friendly, and she did go out of her way to look for her. She at least deserves a chance. Ashe nods her head toward Pyrrha, "Mm. Sure."
"Pyrrha, who are you talking to?"
A head of white bobbles around the corner with casual clicks of heels. Ashe's breath hitches into a panic, she frightfully takes a step back. A small girl stands before her. Her beautiful light blue eyes so pure and innocent. It's like they are piercing through her. It hurts, don't look at her. That cute, white, and frilly dress. It sways to-and-fro from each step making her look so energetic and playful. Everything that she was denied in childhood. No! Nononono. Please. Static bursts within her head. Her body was quaking and shivering in the coming cold. It was becoming increasingly difficult to breath and stand. 'Why is she here? It's not fair.' Sweat pours down her temples, she can feel her mind failing, splashing into a pool of darkness. A hand clenches onto her beating heart, a scorching flame burning and licking onto her back. The little girl's face suddenly becomes increasingly frightful and terrified, it hurts. Stop looking at her like that. Bile begins to pool and swell within her stomach. Someone. Anyone.
Please.
"Ashe, are you alright?" A soft hand lands upon her quaking shoulder.
The darkness recedes into a corner of her mind from the warm touch. The flames licking at her back vanish. The pain fading away into nothingness. After all, they were never there to begin with. Hot breath escapes from her lips, she stared into a concerned and beautiful shade of green. They become the focus of her sight; the world was spinning like a carousal. Raising her gloved hand from her chest, she covers it over her mouth. Taking slow and deep breaths. Ashe begins to rein in her emotions. Slowly her world begins to normalize. Forcing her mouth closed with the click of her teeth, she begins to breathe through her nose. The bile successfully repressed to where it belongs. 'It's not real. That was a long time ago. It's not real. It's all in the past now. It's not real.' Fluttering her eyes open, she finds herself staring into a pair of worried jade green eyes. She flutters her eyes once in a slow and hard blink. Tilting her head to the side, Ashe timidly looks around Pyrrha once more.
The girl of pure innocence in her white dress vanishes.
But another takes her place.
The same light blue eyes stare toward her. They are still so pure, so beautiful. But the innocence is lost. Ashe's heart wails in pain. She is the one who murdered that innocence. Now they look at her with content, annoyance…and…a small hint of worry? Why, why would there be a small amount of worry? Doesn't she know who she is, can't she recognize her?
"What are you looking at?"
The warm hand squeezes onto her shoulder. Was she really staring that much? Of course, she was. Even she could tell her honey coated eyes couldn't rip away from those pure eyes. Her long and beautiful white hair gracefully flutters down toward the ground with an asymmetrical ponytail. It was well groomed and had a beautiful, healthy shine to it. Even from this distance, she could tell it was soft and smooth. Her shiny but pale pink lips thinned into a neutral line. She was surveying Ashe out of annoyance and curiosity. Her outfit was very eye catching as well for someone of her nobility. A one-piece, strapless dress that fades from white in the center to a light blue around the edges with a light blue ribbon tied around her waist like a belt. She also wore a bell-sleeved bolero that flutters with every movement of her arms, a soft cloth sound that soothes into the air. She was a beautiful young woman. The twinkle of her eyes reminds her of the night sky. When Ashe would peer up onto their twinkling star light.
The white-haired girl shifts her weight upon one leg and taps her foot in annoyance, "Seriously, what's the matter with y–"
"Stardust." Was all that Ashe could blurt out in instinct.
Both Weiss and Pyrrha rattle their upper bodies back at the sudden one-word sentence. Pyrrha hums softly in confusion, glancing between Ashe and Weiss. Her hand giving another comforting squeeze. The first friend she made on the bullhead was certainly strange, but she can easily tell that Ashe is just socially awkward. After all, she has her own social anxieties that she puts on a false bravado for. So, it's not that difficult to spot within another. Except, hers appears to be on an entirely different world.
Weiss blinks her eyes slowly in confusion. Her long lashes fluttering softly with her eye lids, a faded scar trailing over her left eye and onto her cheek. Her lips gently twist into a soft frown. She was short, taller than Ashe, but much shorter than Pyrrha. Who does this girl think she is? This is the second time Weiss noticed her staring. First, in the plaza after that embarrassing display with that Ruby girl. Next, Weiss tried to introduce herself here since Pyrrha knows her, and she begins a freak-out. Like she has seen a ghost! Then she stares. Again! She doesn't know how to feel. Usually people either treat her like a pompous and spoiled brat since she is a Schnee. Which…she doesn't ultimately deny in secret. Or they suck up to her, thinking they will claw their way into her family's grace. "Stardust? Are you calling me Stardust?"
Ashe blinks softly at the question. Did…did she say that out loud? Oh god, she didn't mean to say it out loud. It was only a thought that crossed her mind. That's so embarrassing. Her hands raise up and cover her face. Her bell chimes out quietly. Calm down, think rationally. She doesn't know that it was directed at her just yet. There is a simple solution to this awkward situation. Just say she reminds you of someone from your past, they won't know you're lying. Or maybe you could say her dress is cute, and it reminds you of a star? If you're feeling really desperate, just say you're prone to shout out stupid words and then throw yourself on the ground like a bumbling baboon. Sure, they may never want to speak to you again, but that may be a good thing. But then again, word will probably spread around the school and now you'll be that girl that has mental issues. With a nod of her head, she steels her resolve as she finds the best and optimal solution. Ashe stares back into those beautiful and pure light blue eyes. Her soft and pale skin looks so smooth. She is-
"Beautiful like Stardust."
…
You had one job.
One job.
Ashe blinks before her mind can comprehend what her mouth spouted off. Why, why does her mouth always vomit out embarrassing words that make her want to dig herself into a ditch? A blush heats up onto her face. Ashe raises her hands and tightly tugs her hat down to shadow her face. She also hid with Pyrrha's armored corset. She can feel the warmth of the warrior upon her face, or maybe that's just her embarrassment. Ashe continuously smacks her forehead into the bronze corset of Pyrrha as she whispers out quietly that only Pyrrha could hear, "Kill me now." Pyrrha snorts in amusement at the situation, even she finds this quite comical. Her hand raises and gently pats onto Ashe's back awkwardly with a sheepish chuckle.
Weiss on the other hand, snaps back up with a ramrod back. Her eyes flutter rapidly trying to comprehend what she just heard. She motions one hand from her hips and points to herself. Leaning forward slightly with her legs straight, "Me? Beautiful like Stardust?" All she receives in response is a tiny nod. A soft red tint rushes onto her pale face, she snaps back up and straight. Her slender and feminine hand covers over her lower face. Weiss glances off toward the side. She hasn't been called beautiful before in such a soft and warm voice before. Generally, compliments are given with an ulterior meaning. It was nice. "W-well, I thank you." She coughs into her hand before clearing her throat, she clasps her fingers together and rests them upon her combat skirt. "I suppose, that is much better than Snow Angel. My name is Weiss Schnee though." She won't admit it out loud, but she likes the name Stardust. After all, her grandmother Nana Schnee would often refer to her as her little Stardust. She is rather fond of the nickname.
Ashe feels another warm hand press onto her opposite shoulder, before she is whirled around and facing Weiss once more. Both hands steadily and gently hold her into place as Pyrrha stands behind her with a smile. Why does she feel like she is being used as a meat shield? If anyone was to look at her right now, she would be quite horrified. Pyrrha is quite tall, and she gets the feeling they look like a mother trying to make her shy daughter introduce herself and make friends. She inwardly scowls at the thought. One day, she will grow into a respectable height. She hasn't given up hope yet. The red upon her cheeks slowly fades into just a faded hue as she reaches up and tilts her hat on straight before taking a deep breath. "Ashe Souris."
Weiss nods once, politely with a neutral expression, her blush fading from pale skin. "A pleasure." Curt and short, to the point. Her light blue eyes flutter upward to Pyrrha. Ashe could feel the woman tense, her hands squeezing onto her shoulders. She doesn't seem to be so comfortable. "So, Pyrrha, about our earlier conversation about the matter of us becoming teammates. I find it would be in our best interest to combine our powers together. Considering your excellent physical prowess and tactics with my own skills and intellect. We would make a formidable team and easily overcome any obstacle the academy puts before us." Ah, she can see it now. They would be the idols of the academy. Known throughout all the years as their talents make them renown and the envy of all. They would be the most popular huntresses in the world. And with their looks, they would be the most beautiful of them all.
"Stardust."
The blush slightly returns at the sudden reminder. Why did she remember that just now? She scowls and huffs for the blush to fade, but a faint warmth remains upon her cold skin.
Ashe could feel the reverberating chuckle from Pyrrha as she pulls her closer. Ashe tilts her head at an angle to glance up at Pyrrha. She looks incredibly awkward, like they have had this conversation before. "Y-yes, I am sure we would be, quite the duo. And that we would be such wonderful teammates, but like I said before. I am going to let pieces lie where they may." Her shoulders shrug gently, "I will just let the die be cast and land where it may. I am not too picky on who my partner would be. Pyrrha smiles as she glances down happily, "Why, I wouldn't mind having a partner like Ashe. That would also be wonderful."
Ashe blinks and stares at Pyrrha, "Me?"
Pyrrha smiles brightly and nods. "Mhm!"
Weiss looks her up and down in disbelief. "Her? But isn't she kind of...small?"
Oh.
No, she did not. Weiss did not just call her a tiny amoeba.
Ashe snaps her head to glare at Weiss. Her lips form into a thin line of annoyance. Weiss has a finger pointed toward Ashe with a look of disbelief to Pyrrha. "I mean, I am sure she is a wonderful person, but would she be able to keep up with you and not hold you back? You are already being hailed as one of the strongest students throughout all the academies, and you haven't even officially begun yet. I mean, just look. The top of her head is under your bust." Weiss wags her finger up between said bust and her head.
Ashe snarls out with an angry tick upon her head. "Who are you calling a micro sized half-pint that didn't grow up because she didn't drink milk when she was younger?"
Weiss and Pyrrha widen their eyes into sauces with arched brows. Pyrrha mumbles out a questioning grunt as Weiss gapes her mouth slightly, "What? I didn't say that."
Ashe scowls with narrowed eyes before she huffs and slams backwards into Pyrrha's body and digs herself into the warmth, before rocking back and forth between her heels and toes. "Just because you're beautiful, doesn't mean you can go and insult people about their height! You're just jealous that Pyrrha has a bust that I can rub my head against." Ashe rubs the back of her head against said bust.
Both girls turn a various shade of red. A small blush squirms its way upon Pyrrha's cheeks. She doesn't know whether to feel insulted or complimented. She has mixed feelings about this moment, but for the sake of the situation, she will await before passing her judgement. This is a first for her, no one has ever mentioned anything about her bust before. As embarrassing as it is, it's kind of exciting. She really is an interesting friend.
Weiss on the other hand, blushes a bright and noticeable red for two different reasons. Her brows crunch toward the middle in anger, arms covering over her own bust. "Sh-shut up! Y-you!" How dare she insult her like that. She's proud of her chest, sure it may not be that big and maybe a little below normal. But she is built for speed and agility. She is rather proud of her lithe figure! Her arms snap down with fists before stomping her foot into the ground. But she is much too embarrassed to admit such a thing, and she gets a feeling it would only make the situation worse for her. "I'll remember this!" Swirling around, she straightens her back with a loud huff. Her ponytail whips around in a semi-circle. Weiss struts away angrily with a click of her heels. Finding herself a short distance away, her lithe fingers raise and gently play with the tip of her long side-tail. "Beautiful, huh?"
Ashe blows a puff of air from the corner of her lips. Her hands rest upon her hips while she watches Weiss disappear down the hallway. A hearty chuckle from Pyrrha draws her attention. The corner of her lips gently curls up into a soft smile, "Was it something I said?"
Pyrrha shakes her head before she walks around Ashe and stands before her. Her long red hair flowing behind her quietly. "Oh, no. That was wonderful." She had such a warm smile. "I really needed that laugh; I have been quite frustrated lately. All anyone has been asking me today is if I wanted to be their partner. I believe that was the third time she asked me since morning. It is quite nice to finally have some peace of mind."
Tilting her head to the side, Ashe hums out in thought. "Mm…Why would everyone want you to be their partner? Why is everyone looking for a partner? I don't understand what you two were even talking about to be honest." And she didn't. Did she miss a memo this morning? Because there was no mention about needing or finding a partner. If so, then she is going to be so screwed. Maybe if she begs really hard, she won't need a partner. She will need to swipe some eye drops later.
"Oh! I'm sorry. It's nothing to really be worried about. It is just a rumor going around between the applicants." Oh, thank goodness. She dodged the bullet on that one. Then again, she didn't even see the bullet. They just missed. Horrible marksmanship. "But ever since that rumor began, people have been pestering me about being their partner."
Ashe hums softly as she crosses her leg behind the other while shifting toward her left with her hands behind her head in thought. "Oh, why would everyone want you to be their partner? I mean, sure you're one of the nicest people here. But why would that make everyone aim for you?"
Pyrrha flutters her eyes in a half-lid, she shuffles her weight onto one leg. One had crossing over the rub the other's elbow, "Well, I mean. Do you…not know who I am? I mean, almost everyone here does. Well, there was that one blond guy, but he didn't seem too interested in me."
"Nn…" Ashe shrugs before she stretches her arms up into the air with a soft pop and chime from her bell. "I don't really know anything about that. I am sorry if that troubles you. But I only know you as Pyrrha Nikos. The gentle and kind girl who is warm and friendly." Ashe's bell softly chimes when she stands next to Pyrrha. "Who also has a beautiful smile." Ashe then turns and walks away toward their next destination. Her fingertips trailing along the wall out of habit. It is about time she made her way toward the staging area. It would be awful to be disqualified for just being late. That would be humiliating.
A presence makes itself known with a soft click of heels. Tilting her head to the side, she finds Pyrrha beside her with that smile and warm eyes. The rest of the trip was made in peace and silence. They simply enjoyed the other's presence. Ashe notices Pyrrha slowing her steps to keep an even pace with Ashe. Curse her short legs. They soon find their way outside into an open field, a large crowd huddle up on a hill. "Hey, Ashe?" Ashe hums softly in question, "Thank you."
She couldn't hold the peeked curiosity from her voice. "Mm, for what?"
Pyrrha places her hands behind her back, giving a soft hip bump against Ashe. "Nothing."
Ashe turns her head toward Pyrrha, "Mm? Well, you're welcome, I guess?" Pyrrha turns to her afterwards, they stare at one another for a second before they erupt into a soft laughter. Their laughter is soon interrupted as a mob of students' bum rush toward the duo. Or single person from their point of view. One instance they are laughing together, and the next Pyrrha is being carried off by a mob. She cries out toward Ashe before disappearing.
"I'm sorry~"
Ashe stands there with a shocked expression, a gust of wind bellows through. A tumble weed rolls on by near her feet as she looks at the empty spot. She raises her hands outwards with her fingers extended. "What just happened?" Silence is the only answer that is given to her. Grumbling to herself, she kicks at the ground before striding over toward the back of the crowd. She notices square and metal platforms littering the ground in rows. Her brow arches as she finds each one is also covered by an applicant standing directly on top of them. That's strange. Deciding to go with the flow, she shrugs and takes the long route toward the end row. Finding the last platform, Ashe nods before softly hoping onto it with a soft chime of her bell.
"Ack!" She whirls her head to the side to find a tall blond male clutching at his chest. "Where did you come from? I didn't even hear you, jeeze."
Her cheeks puff out in annoyance, what is it with everyone today? Did they all wake up on the wrong side of the bed? The only normal person she has met today is Pyrrha. Maybe Ren too, but they didn't directly talk that much. It was mostly Nora dictating everything she wanted. Her eyes squint in a stare. He looks familiar. His blue eyes stare toward her as he fidgets upon his feet awkwardly. A simple outfit of blue jeans, a black hoodie, with a small breast plate and shoulder pads. Yea, he really does look familiar, but she can't quite put her tongue on it. Leaning forward, she raises a hand and cups at her chin. He awkwardly shuffles back with a suspicious gaze. It finally clicks, she raises her gloved hand and snaps her fingers before pointing toward him with a finger gun. "Vomit boy?"
"Oh god, no! Not you too! Nope, I'm putting an end to that, right here, right now." He swipes his arm across his chest before standing up boisterously as he slams his thumb against his breast plate with his other arm upon his hip. "Jaune Arc, that's my name. Remember it. Use it." She smirks when he winches and then grasps at his thumb after jamming it against his breastplate, "Too hard, bad idea. Just please call me Jaune, I don't need more people calling me Vomit boy than I already have."
Ashe shakes her head softly with a jingle. "Mm, Jaune it is." She turns herself back around and faces forward upon her platform. She begins to do some light arm stretches. Ashe can easily feel his curious gaze upon her.
Jaune awkwardly coughs out, making her turn in his direction. He then shrugs his shoulders; he does some strange gestures with his hands while rolling his head around before looking back toward her. "Isn't this the part…where…ya know…you introduce yourself? Considering I told you my name…and all that. Isn't that how this works?"
Placing her hands behind her lower back she pushes and stretches upward a tad, and onto her toes. Why is he asking her? It's not like she is the expert on social interactions. She is the very last person upon this planet that he should ask for social cues. Besides, even if it's generally the norm to give your name after someone introduces themselves. It is not like she's mandated to do it. Besides, he seems like the fun type to tease. "Mm...I suppose you would be right. Normally when someone introduces themselves, then the other person gives their name as well. I think. I'm not good at social interactions." With a soft moan of a sigh from her stretches, she relaxes her arms by her sides. She then casually waits upon the platform with a tap of her toes quietly thudding against the metal. She doesn't even need to look. She can feel Jaune fidgeting, unsure of what to do next. She was right, he seems to be the easily teased type.
Finally having enough of the silence, Jaune speaks out toward her. "Well, wha-"
"Ashe Souris. It is rude to interrupt someone when they are introducing themselves." The grin upon her lips was tiny, but it was there.
Jaune sputters in shock before he whirls and steps toward her, "Hey, what are you talking about? You were the one that was giving me the silent treatment after I introduced myself. I just simply wanted to know your name in the chance that we become partners or something. You've heard the rumors, right?" He receives a soft hum of acknowledgement before crossing his arms. "Well, hopefully we will get to choose or something. There are some people I wouldn't mind partnering up with, and a few I wouldn't want to." Ashe's brow arches as she watches him throw his head back and groans out in annoyance, "Knowing my luck, it will be with someone that I hate. I have been having terrible luck ever since I arrived."
She snorts in amusement as a quiet silence reign between the two. She is once more drawn out of her peaceful quiet as he calls out toward her. "Hey, do you happen to know who this belongs to? I have been asking around and nobody knows anything about it. I'm starting to give up hope and think a divine angel was watching over me and gave me this as a gift." Ashe huffs in his direction. There was a familiar white handkerchief neatly folded into a diamond in his hand. "I woke up earlier than usual to wash it, but no one knows who it belongs to." Jaune pulls it in and snuggles it up to his chest. "Ah, I can imagine it now. It was probably some wonderful and beautiful angel that was looking out for me. She saw that I was suffering and floated down from the heavens!" He sighs wishfully with a dreamy expression. "I bet she is totally beautiful, with soft skin, long luscious hair, a curvy body, and a nice good height to snuggle up with. My dream girl."
An angry tick mark appears upon her temple as he continues to talk. She's getting pissed. An angel from the heavens? Beautiful with soft skin, long hair, a curvy body, and a good height? Well then asshole, that is literally everything that she is not. She cracks her knuckles into a fist as she turns her body toward him. She then approaches him with a few steps. He barely notices her approach while fantasizing about his angelic and curvy dream girl. That goofy grin pisses her off more. "I know who it belongs to." The rage within was building.
Jaune lights up like a solar flare. His eyes sparkle with glee as he squeals out in delight. "What?! Really, wh-Ouf"
Ashe sucker punches him into his exposed gut.
"Oh god, why?!"
That felt so good. All that pent-up stress she has been accumulating lately just dwindled a little bit. She watches him double over; she didn't punch him that hard anyways. She quickly swipes the handkerchief from his hand. With a twirl, Ashe returns to her platform. "Thanks for washing it." She quickly pockets it into the back of her pants.
Jaune cries out to her retreating form. "G-give her back!"
Ashe perks a curious brow toward Jaune. "What?" What nonsense is he spouting out now?
"Give her back! My dream girl!" Jaune drops to his knees, banging his fist upon the metal platform. "I dreamt about her all night! My lovely and beautiful angel that came to my aid." His palms slam onto the platform as he looks up toward her with a look of anguish. "Give her back!"
Ashe flinches away as she raises her hands caution. "Sorry, but I was the one that gave it to you, it's mine."
Jaune then leaps to his feet before pointing toward her accusingly, "How dare you play with my fragile maiden's heart!"
"I have no idea what you are talking about." Fragile maiden's heart? What nonsense is he talking about?
Jaune hunches over with his arms hanging down in a limp. With a deep and dispassionate sigh, he raises back up and shrugs his shoulders. "Oh well, I am glad I found who it belongs to though. Thanks, by the way. It really helped me out of a bind. At least I didn't have to worry about a messy face during the assembly yesterday." His hand raises as he strokes his thumb over his nose once with a large grin. "I mean it, thank you."
She shrugs her shoulders while gazing forward and out over the cliff into the canopies of trees. Nothing but green leaves in view below the cliffs. "You're welcome and don't worry about it. I am just glad you washed it at least. I don't think I would have taken it back if you didn't." She wouldn't have. More than likely, she'd have denied any ownership over it. Maybe she should have anyways? Then he would still be lost in his own little world, fantasizing about that dream girl of his. He's kinda goofy. But she doesn't mind that.
"So…friends?" Jaune extended out his friendship.
She huffs, "Maybe..."
"Agh!" Jaune groans out in frustration as he raises both hands up ruffles through his blond locks of hair. He then stomps his sneakers against the metal before thrusting out a finger toward her accusingly. "You know what, fine. I'll take what I can get! We are friends now, and you're gonna like it! I am totally gonna smother you in friendship. You won't know what to do with it." He crosses his arms over his chest with a half frown, half goofy grin. Ashe tilts her head toward him with a soft chime.
A familiar voice coughed out to get their attention. "Ahem."
Gazing toward the source she catches a glimpse of those calculating brown eyes with a knowing look. Was he watching her the whole time? She's not sure how she should feel about that. Flattered or creeped out? "For years you have trained to become warriors. Today, your abilities will be evaluated in the Emerald Forest." Taking a sip of his drink, Ozpin allows Glynda forward with a scroll device within her hand. Wait, what? That's it? That's his speech? What the hell was that, it was only two sentences! No way, he's not honestly a lazy person, is he? At least attempt to pump up the students or something. Some of them are sweating down a river. It's disgusting.
Glynda's right hand shifts up and gently adjusts her glasses over her green and strict eyes. "Now, I'm sure many of you have heard rumors about the assignment of teams. Well, allow us to put an end to your confusion. Each of you will be given teammates, today." She cringes on the inside, apparently the rumors were true then. This is something she is not looking forward to. Working alone is hard enough, she doesn't want someone else around. What if they are an annoying pest? Or what if her social anxiety causes major issues and they just end up having a falling out?
Apparently, she isn't the only one that doesn't like the news of having a partner. Her hat twitches at the sound of a soft whine from down the row. Her thoughts are quickly brought to heel as Ozpin's voice drowns out her thoughts. Hey, he's back. Okay, so maybe he isn't that lazy and just doesn't want to do all the work? She knew he was reliable. Honestly. "These teammates will be with you for the rest of your time here at Beacon. So, it is in your best interest to be paired with someone with whom you can work well."
Wait, what? What the hell is that shit? You mean, they are to be partnered with someone and they are forced to be joined at the hip? That could be for years. How long does it take to graduate from this place? She never bothered to ask or look up the answer. She's going in blind here. She can feel her breathing begin to rattle against her chest. Okay, calm down. There is an easy solution to this. There are at least three people that she could be partners with. She will just need to find Pyrrha, Blake, or Jaune if she can't find the other two. They are at least friendly. Weiss if no other options are available. It is better to have an enemy you know, than one you don't know. She pumps her fist quietly by her side. Great plan.
Her mouse ears twitch under her hat once more at the sound of a dying hamster or was that a girl crying out in despair? It is okay fellow anti-social person. She understands your plight, but there is nothing they can do about this situation. Just roll with the punches and find those that she knows. Easy-pease. Nothing could go wrong. "That being said, the first person you make eye contact with after landing will be your partner, for the next four years."
"What?!" There's her fellow social anxiety person, whoever that is. That's right shout out for the both of them. Because that is complete bullshit.
Ashe is also going through her own mid-life crisis. Could it be considered a mid-life crisis? She doesn't know how long she could live for anyways, so it technically could be. 'Fuuuck.' Her hand reaches up and massages at her temples. She can feel her heart rampaging within. The vertigo was swirling within her head with glee. This is bad, this is bad. There is no telling who she could end up partnered with, and it might even be completely out of her control. Her mind continues to work up a solution to her dilemma, but she can't find any. It is completely all up to chance. Raising and arching her back straight, she wraps her fingers around her bright silver bell. 'It will be alright. Just...give it my best.'
She does have an urge to kick Ozpin's ass. Again. The urge at least, she highly doubts she can kick his ass. It's the thought that counts. She can mentally kick his ass.
"After you've partnered up, make your way to the northern end of the forest. You will meet opposition along the way. Do not hesitate to destroy everything in your path, or you will die."
A soft whimper escapes from her neighbor. Jaune is visibly shaking, she notices that he was slammed by a truck load of jitters. Then it reversed and ran over him again for good measure. If only if she was driving that truck. She could really use the venting. "You will be monitored and graded for the duration of your initiation. But our instructors will not intervene."
She inhales a deep breath; it refuses to exhale. They are being watched. Of course, they would be watched throughout this exercise. They are taking an exam after all. How else would they be graded? Her hands raise up and firmly grasp onto the hem of her top hat. She tugs it down firmly with a deep and noticeable frown. This day is going from bad, to horrible, and then to shit-fest. She is going to need to be extremely cautious if she doesn't want her secret of being a faunus to get out. So far only Ozpin knows, and she would love to keep it that way. But then a sudden realization comes to her, 'If they won't intervene…does that mean people will die if they get in over their heads? Well, that is a harsh lesson to teach, considering it is how many have been known to die. But isn't it too soon? It's only the entrance exam.'
"You will find an abandoned temple at the end of the path containing several relics. Each pair must choose one and return to the top of the cliff. We will regard that item, as well as your standing, and grade you appropriately. Are there any questions."
"Um, yea, si-"
"Good! Now, take your positions."
Ashe startles into shock, a student is suddenly catapulted from the platform beneath him. His cry of panic and disbelief shouting out into the air as it begins to fade into the background. Her eyes widen into saucers before looking down. Ashe hops up and down upon the platform. Alright then, that explains what these devilish devices are for. This will be fun. Hopefully she times it right, she really doesn't want to become a red smear upon the forest floor. "Mm…" She notices a large dandelion next to her platform. "Uh, sir? I've got a question..." She doesn't even have to look away to know that is the voice of Jaune, and he sounds nervous as all hell. "So, this landing strategy thing, uh, w-what is it? You're like dropping us off or something?"
Ozpin took a casual sip from his mug, "No, you will be falling."
"Oh, I see. So, like, did you hand out parachutes for us?" Jaune was grasping for any aid he could find, but he was failing horribly.
"No, you will be using your own landing strategy." Ashe flickers her eyes up toward Ozpin for a moment. He is totally enjoying this. This must be something he lives for, hell she doesn't blame him. If she had the power to catapult students into the air at random and listen to their cries of disbelief. She would totally do it and find pleasure in it. He has a sick sense of humor, but then again so does she. So, she at least understands. Doesn't mean that he isn't a prick for doing it.
"Uh...yeah..." Ashe bends over quickly and plucks the dandelion from the ground with a snap before she brings it toward her chest. With a quick whirl around, she turns toward Jaune. "Here." Jaune turns in her direction with a confused expression. Ashe holds it out for him.
Jaune arches his brow and tilts his head as he awkwardly plucks it from her delicate fingers. "Um, thanks? What is this for, Ashe?"
She tilts her head to the side; her fingers clasp together and position above her thighs. Drawing a bright and beaming smile to her face as best she can. She wants to make the cutest and most innocent pose she can. "To mark your grave of course, silly."
His eyes widen in complete shock as he opens his mouth to speak, before he is instantly catapulted into the air without delay. "AshEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE~!" Well what do you know, he didn't drop the dandelion. He clutched it to his chest like a lifeline. Maybe he really thinks he's gonna die? Bummer. She kinda liked him.
Ashe chuckles quietly to herself before crouching down with the weight shifted to her toes. One hand rest down upon the platform, the other rests atop her hat and firmly holds it down. She really doesn't want to let it fall off when she is vaulted through the air. That would be completely depressing and probably make her run away in the forest without completing the exam. The soft sound of someone sipping from a mug draws her attention. There, she finds Ozpin sipping from his white coffee mug. His lips crease up into a smirk as he winks toward her knowingly. Like he knew exactly what she was thinking. 'Oh yes, he's completely enjoying this, quite the sadist.' Like she is one to talk. The next train of thought is derailed when she is suddenly vaulting through the air. Wind whips against her smooth face in glee. Her bangs slapping against her temples and cheeks as her pigtails rub against the nap of her neck.
Ozpin slowly turns to face the students careening through the air. The smirk never leaving his lips, Glynda approaches him from behind with a scroll in hand. He lets out a soft sigh of happiness while he casually sips from his coffee mug. No matter how many times they do this each year, he never tires of it. Watching the view, of humans being flung out into the open from a launching pad. Their startled expresses that morph into complete fear as the sail through the air, and their cries of desperation. "Beautiful, isn't it? I never get tired of this, no matter how many times we do it."
Glynda nods her head once, re-adjusting her glasses with a quick movement of her hand, "Quite, but I'm curious, Sir. By you letting that girl in, we have an uneven number of people. How are teams going to work?"
Ozpin glances back toward her with a grin hidden under his cup, Glynda moves the scroll up and into her own bosom as she glares at him, "I know that look, I'm not going to like this, am I?"
Without a response, he gazes back out toward the flying students, taking a long drawn out sip of his cup. That damn smug look upon his face never wavering.