(A/N)
Here is the next installment! Sorry about the delay in this one, been busy with real life and all that jazz. Though I did go to A-kon this weekend and got lots of new goodies! Next up is Animefest which is around the corner I believe. Gotta look it up.
Anyways, hope you all enjoy and let me know about your thoughts thus far if you can spare the time.
Chapter Fourteen
Weiss couldn't help but reminisce about home. Pacing down the long corridor by her lonesome and deafening silence. It brought a frown to her lips in the night. Thankfully, it does not last long. Within her sight is a familiar door. The frown morphs into a scowl at the sight. It is partially open for anyone to waltz in.
Then again, what kind of person would just waltz into another person room unannounced?
Reaching upward, Weiss softly rasps upon the door in a knock. The door creaks open for her to peek through. Within the darkness, Weiss finds no one within. She takes a deep breath through her nose and pushes the door open slightly for her to stride in.
She would totally waltz into someone else's room unannounced. Technically, she already has on multiple occasions, but those are minor details. She's an heiress. Weiss always gets away with what she wants.
Yea, she's spoiled. She knows it and won't deny it.
The moonlight illuminates a small path toward the desk before she flickers on the lamp. The bulb hums quietly as Weiss glances around the empty room. The bed was obviously empty, but Ashe's slippers were still neatly placed upon the ground.
The bathroom door is cracked open and no signs of being used, so Ashe left her room. Weiss hums quietly while trailing her fingers along the back rest of the desk's chair.
Where would she go at this time of night? Weiss rolls her eyes at the thought. Knowing her, she could be anywhere. Better not to think about it too much. Assumptions will just make her thoughts a jumbled mess.
A soft glint twinkles in the corner of her eyes. Turning her head toward the bookshelf and source of the reflection, Weiss spots a familiar object.
Her curiosity begins to rise at the sight. With a new purpose within the room, Weiss quickly approaches the object and looks down at it with a neutral expression. Reaching down at the black silk, she grasps the ribbon and lifts.
A soft chime jingles into the night, Ashe's bell rings quietly in Weiss's grasp. Without a thought, Weiss casually takes a seat at the edge of Ashe's bed. The bell hangs from her grasp at eye level. "Why would she leave it here?" Whispered out Weiss in curiosity.
Not once has she ever seen Ashe without it. Even in her pajamas and going to bed, Ashe would always have the bell around her neck.
Where would she go without it?
With a tilt of her head, Weiss brings the bell in closer with a jingle. Her other hand raises and caresses the smooth metal. It was cool to the touch. Upon closer inspection, she finds it to be slightly worn, but well taken care of. A few scratches, but mostly polished and clean.
Weiss stares at it for a moment. Finding nothing of noteworthy, she leans back with a hand behind her and holding her weight upon the bed. A soft object bumps against her hand. Tilting her head back, Weiss finds Ashe's top hat upon the bed.
With a new object of interest, Weiss gently sets the bell upon the bed beside her. Top hat now in hand, Weiss sets it upon her lap. Her smooth fingertips trail along the trim and edges of the hat. It is well worn, a few scruffs along the edges here and there.
Weiss hums to herself quietly, "She's had this for a while." Absentmindedly, Weiss raises her hand and gently taps onto the top of the hat. A soft shuffle echoes out afterwards. Blinking curiously, Weiss gives it another tap, once more a light paper shuffling.
A sudden jolt of a memory springs to forth. Weiss quickly flips the hat over onto her lap. Peering inside with a growing interest, she finds a peculiar object.
Hand reaching into its depths, she grasps the object and gives it a tug. A soft tear echoes out quietly. Weiss holds the object up and finds it to be an old and weathered envelope. With an arched brow, she turns it over to find a slip of velcro on the back. Must be how she kept it attached on the inside.
Nibbling on her inner cheek, Weiss glances at the thick envelope. Should she open it? That might be considered a breach of privacy, and it might be something Ashe does not want people to see.
On the other hand.
Weiss is extremely curious and has never really be one for keeping within her own boundaries. Sure, if someone tries to cross into her space and privacy, she would wreak havoc upon the poor bastard.
With a smirk at the thought, she opens the envelope. Yea, she's spoiled and a brat. Always getting into things she is not supposed to.
She's not sorry either.
Within the envelope, Weiss finds a small stack of photographs. One was old, as the others were more recent. Starting with the new ones, Weiss couldn't help but scrunch her face in confusion. "Are those…twins?"
The first photograph was two twin girls on a seesaw at an old park. A few branches suggest it was taken from a tree nearby. It appears they are gigging and having fun. One wore a light-yellow dress, as the other had a matching light blue. Weiss could not really tell their ages, but she assumes around ten.
Give or take a few years.
Flicking the photo up, she finds the second under it. This time, she finds the picture of a woman, sitting at a bench. She doesn't look to be anything special. Casual sandals that wrap around the ankles with tan colored capris for pants. A light-yellow blouse covering her top, and her hair was neatly cut and reached down passed her shoulders.
Once more, it appears it was taken from a hidden vantage point, but the picture was slightly crooked. Like the photographer was struggling to take it. Strange.
There's something familiar about the woman.
Weiss takes a closer look at the woman with calculating eyes. There, upon her head are round and familiar mouse ears. Her breath hitches with the widening of her eyes. Flicking back to the first picture, she looks once more at the twin girls. There are two bumps on the top of their heads.
Mouse faunus.
Is this her family? Or maybe just relatives? Curiosity is reaching critical mass. With the photos in one hand, the other reaches back into the envelope and pulls out a neatly folded parchment. Expertly unraveling it with one hand, Weiss quickly scans it over.
With each read, her lips twist down into a confusing frown. "Is…is this why I couldn't find it? But…that means this is the original. There were not even copies in the records. Why would she keep this on her? No…why would she have this in the first place?"
So many questions are rampaging through her mind. But she has no answers, and she hates it. Weiss raises the photos and glances between the parchment and the pictures. Mostly at the photograph of the woman. 'This must be her…'
The door suddenly slams open with a bang. Weiss already knows who it is at this time of night. Slowly turning her head toward the source, Weiss shifts her gaze toward Ashe. All these questions storming within her head, and only one person can answer them.
She will not be able to rest easily till she gets her answers. "I have…so many questions." Weiss raises the parchment; Ashe immediately turns her attention toward it with a noticeable frown upon her lips. "Why…are you carrying your birth certificate on you? Rather, why do you have this? How did you get this? I don't even know where to begin."
Ashe's fingers claw into her door frame, "Why are you going through my things? This is a serious breach of privacy, Weiss."
Weiss blinks before sarcastically reeling back, "A breach of privacy? Please, that is the least of my worries right now. How do I even know if Ashe is your real name right now? For all I know, you could be someone else that stole this birth certificate and assuming their identity. I need answers."
The door closes with a click of the lock. Ashe prowls toward the other bed silently, both staring at one another. Weiss never tears her gaze away. "Weiss, you should not have gone through my personal belongings, this is a breach of trust—"
"Trust?!" Weiss scoffs and holds out both hands, "You want to talk about trust? How about you? Why don't you trust to tell everyone that you're a faunus? Why don't you trust to tell us more about yourself? Why didn't you trust us, and ask for our help or advice before running off trying to kill someone? Instead, you just ditched us."
Ashe flinches back slightly with her hands grasping onto the guest bed. Weiss's eyes were cold and piercing, but she was not done just yet. "I have kept your secrets, like you asked me to, but this is too much. Ashe…why don't you trust me?"
Turning her gaze away, Ashe raises a hand and rubs over her mouth. Anxiety beginning to flow through her veins and mind. "I-I don't trust easy, Weiss."
Weiss nods once and sarcastically, "I gathered that."
Placing her hands upon her knees, Ashe rubs them while rocking back and forth upon the bed. "I have trusted before, and it always ends badly."
With a scowl, Weiss stands to her feet and peers down toward Ashe, who looks up in a startle. "Do not lump me with others. I am Weiss Schnee, and a Schnee does not abuse the trust they are honored with. If I give you my word, then honor dictates that I uphold it."
"And it's because you're a Schnee, that I struggle to trust you." With a clench of her fists, Ashe looks up toward Weiss, "You are not ignorant Weiss. You know perfectly well, what people whisper about the Schnee name."
Weiss's lips pucker like she swallowed a lemon, turning away, she nods once. "You are…correct. I am not ignorant. I'm aware of how the Schnee name is being smeared through the mud." With a deep and calming breath, Weiss straightens her back. "I will change that. I will bring honor back to the Schnee name. I am the heiress, and it is my duty to remove the tarnish to our name."
Ashe stares up toward Weiss. Those icy orbs a beautiful shade of blue. For being dressed in pajamas, she looked every bit of royalty that she is. With a blink, the woman before her changes, into a young girl in a white dress.
"Is this who you are? You are not an imposter and lied to us, have you?" Questioned Weiss.
Lie?
Clenching her eyes closed, Ashe wills the illusion away before turning toward Weiss once more. "No, we were taught to be Faunus of action. Lies do not become us." Honey eyes stare into a piercing light blue.
A silent stare off ensures between the two. Weiss staring down at Ashe, who doesn't break the gaze. With a huff, Weiss points down toward her with the photos still in hand, "You do not lie, but you keep secrets."
A soft tug of the lips into a frown is all Ashe responds with. "Is that so wrong? Doesn't everyone have secrets they want to keep?"
Flickering her light blue eyes out of habit, Weiss looks away with a soft nod. "No, I suppose it isn't. Even I have things I rather people not know. I would be a hypocrite if I said yes. I'll be damned if anyone ever calls me a hypocrite. That's an insult to my pride."
"Mm."
The pregnant pause is calming, yet awkward that follows. Weiss looks down at the photos in hand before shuffling forward. Ashe feels a dip in the bed as Weiss takes the spot next to her. The warmth emitting from her body against her side. "So, who are they? If you do not mind me asking."
Weiss holds out the first photo of the twin girls toward Ashe. She gives it a quick glance while raising her leg on the bed and hugging her knee to chest. "My younger sisters, apparently."
"Apparently?" Questioned Weiss in confusion. Why would you say that? Unless…
A shrug of the shoulders confirms her suspicions, "I've never met them."
Okay, that's even more confusing. How could she have not met her own sisters? Weiss's family is far from picture perfect, and even she knows of her own siblings. Unless her mother and father split. That could be an explanation. "How have you never met them before?"
Ashe gently rests her cheek against her own knee, staring toward Weiss for a moment. Contemplating whether to tell her or not. Nibbling on her inner cheek, her gaze turns toward the window to the shattered moon. "I was orphaned, when I was really young."
"Orphaned?" How does that make any sense? Weiss looks down at the photos, they look recent. The pictures do not seem to be that worn from age. Obviously, her mother is alive, at least during her younger years.
Wait, she might be jumping the gun here. She never confirmed if this was her mother. She just assumed it. Weiss looks at the woman before turning back to Ashe. "Then…who is this woman? This photo looks fairly recent, and the resemblance is there."
Ashe slowly turns toward Weiss. Her breath hitches slightly at the sight of Ashe. Those eyes are so empty and sad. Weiss hates that look on her face. It does not belong. It is the same when she looks at her family portrait.
Slowly, a shaky hand reaches out and gently strokes the photo. "She's…my mother."
"Your…mother?" Her first assessment was correct then. Still, this isn't making much sense. Pieces of the puzzle are still missing from the whole. "Did she abandon you? How were you an orphan, if she was still around? It is not adding up."
With a negative shake of her head, Ashe pulls back her hand and looks down to her lap. "She did not abandon me. It wasn't her fault. The fault lies with me."
Looking back at the photo, Weiss studies it more closely with a keener eye. She's not sure why, but she finds herself becoming angry at the woman for some reason. Even though she has never met the lady, let alone known of her existence. "What happened?"
Silence makes itself known once more within the dorm room. A soft bump upon her shoulder makes Weiss tilt her head to the side. Her sight is met with ash colored hair and mouse ears flickering out of instinct at her warmth.
"Can…Can we talk about it some other time? I don't really want to talk about it anymore." Her voice was so soft and shaky, Weiss could barely pick up on it.
Lowering the photos to her lap, Weiss turns her head away toward the window. Silently allowing Ashe to rest against her shoulder. A dark blue slowly begins to illuminate in the vast distance. Perhaps she is correct.
Another time might be best, the day will begin after a while. They still have classes for the rest of the week. "Saturday."
"Mm?" Quietly squeaked out Ashe.
Weiss continues to stare out the window at the majestic rise of the Sun. "Go on a date with me this Saturday. I want to know more about you. In return, I'll tell you a bit about my family."
The weight upon her shoulder increases ever so much, a slurred response is given out, "Kay~"
"One more thing." Even though Ashe doesn't respond to Weiss, she gets a feeling that Ashe is still listening. Though she is not sure how she knows that. "I apologize." Weiss tilts her head toward Ashe, being mindful not to disturb her. "For going through your belongings without your permission, I'm sorry."
She was not expecting a response, nor was she given one. But if one was to look under the bangs covering Ashe's face. Her eyes were cracked open ever so slightly, and a bright glow was illuminating them.
A second longer, the eyes close with Weiss being none-the-wiser. The mouse faunus fully slumps against Weiss who takes it in stride.
Weiss isn't sure how much time passes. The sky turning a shade of orange and yellow in the sun's glow. Shuffling around, Weiss gently lays Ashe on the guest bed before putting the photos and parchment back in the envelope.
There was another, but Weiss decides to ignore it for now. She has invaded Ashe's privacy enough as it is. Weiss neatly places the envelope onto the top of her hat. Silently leaving the room afterwards to return to her dorm to prepare for the day.
She may as well get an early start. The bathroom becomes a battleground with four girls.
Before long, the ring of her scroll alarm ruptures through out her dorm. Ashe groggily wakes up and begins to dress for the day. Thankfully, the day mostly goes by quickly with her dazed state. Nora was able to pick up on Ashe's crankiness and didn't drown her in energy.
Now, Ashe finds herself in her combat attire and standing with team JNPR in the spectator's section for Professor Goodwitch's class.
Ashe was both excited and grumpy from her lack of sleep. Quite an amazing feat if she was to say so herself.
Until a familiar weight plops onto her back and shoulders. Nora appearing with her chin resting upon her shoulder and arms dangling over her chest. She doesn't say anything, but just hums quietly and snuggles up in warmth.
Ashe will never personally say it out loud, but the warmth is nice and comforting. At least when Nora isn't excitedly yelling within her ear.
"I see you are joining us today, excited?" Questioned Ren from beside Nora. Jaune and Pyrrha flanking closely from behind.
"Mm, kinda. Mostly tired though. I could use a good nap."
Jaune awkwardly chuckles to the side, "Heh, yea, tell me about it. Not really looking forward to these spars lately."
"Oh, come now, Jaune. You just need some practice is all. I'm sure you'll do fine in no time." Pyrrha gives Jaune a soft pat on the shoulder with her pep-talk.
He groans in response, "Yea, sure. Lemme know when that happens."
"Why do you put yourself down so much?" Spoke out Ashe, turning their gazes toward her. "You'll never improve with that attitude."
"Easy for you to say." Jaune grumbles before looking away with his arms crossed over his chest. Pyrrha couldn't help but look between Jaune and Ashe with an awkward chuckle. Though, she could not speak out against Ashe.
Ashe feels Nora give her a squeeze from around her shoulders and redirects her attention, "Look, those two bozos are done with their match. I wonder who she's gonna pick next."
"I wouldn't be surprised if she picked Ashe next. She hasn't even fought yet. So, she's likely a priority for Goodwitch." Ashe and team JNPR turn toward the approaching team RWBY being led by Weiss. "You will most likely get picked soon."
"Mm." And true to her predictions, Ashe's profile picture is displayed upon the screen. Her name being called out by Professor Goodwitch. Ashe turns toward Weiss to find her standing with a smug and know-it-all expression.
Rolling her eyes, Ashe slowly makes her way toward the stage. The outer lights dim as the stage is illuminated with spotlights. Standing in the center is Professor Goodwitch and her opponent already waiting.
Her bell chimes with her first step on the stage. Suddenly, a chill crawls up from her spine. Ashe's body shivers with her hands crossing to rub onto her arms for warmth. She can feel them. Gazing and looking down upon her.
Raising her head with clenched teeth, Ashe finds the whole class staring at her. Their eyes eager and excited, anticipating a show.
A sport.
Trudging forward, her legs weigh down, hallucinating a familiar mud pit clinging to her soles. Static clings and pulses through her mind. Reality blending with the past. Dark and cloudy skies with roaring and primal cheers along the outer walls.
They demanded blood.
Anything less would be unworthy.
With each step forward, those roars grow louder within her ears. It's not real. She knows this, but its haunting. Torturing her to insanity with that familiar figure and his maniacal expression of sadism. That scorpion tail waving over his head with glee.
"Ms. Souris, I said, are you ready?"
Ashe snaps back to reality at the call of Professor Goodwitch. The woman stares down at her with a neutral expression and scroll in hand. Impatiently rasping her fingers upon the back.
"Heh, are you sure she's ready to fight? She looks terrified." Flicking her eyes toward her competitor, she finds a thin male before with a light green mohawk. He was wearing a green hoodie with the sleeves ripped off and bracers from his wrist to elbow. A thin long-sleeved shirt under his hoodie that was a light color, but different tone from his skin. Simple matching colored pants and a spiked spaulder on his left shoulder.
He did not look like much to her.
…He had an annoying looking face too. "Sorry, Professor. I spaced out for a moment."
Glynda gives her a once over before nodding dismissively, "Noted. Now then, Ms. Souris if you are ready, Mr. Thrush shall be your opponent." With a confirmation nod from Ashe and Russel Thrush, Glynda paces off the stage. "You may begin when ready."
Ashe turns back toward her competitor with a bored expression. Russel slouched slightly while absentmindedly tossing a large blade with a similar revolver like Weiss's. "Word around the school, you also use a variation of daggers." Catching his weapon, he pulls out another from behind. Showing that he dual-wields two weapons. "Only one can be crowned king though."
Rolling her eyes, Ashe unholsters her own daggers from her belt. Her blades were much smaller than his over-compensation. "Do those even classify as daggers? Seem to be more suited as swords."
Russel snaps back as if he was just personally insulted, "What? Of course, they are daggers. Why do people keep saying that?"
"Um, they look heavy." Stated Ashe like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Daggers are meant to be light weapons." With a casual toss, she catches the blade atop her outstretched pinky by the base of the hilt and standing erect like a tower.
"Yea, but they have a sharp point and meant for stabbing and thrusting! These are totally daggers!" He was quite adamant about it; seems he is quite self-conscious about it.
"Shut up and get to the stabby-stabby part already!"
Both contenders glance up to find Nora half-way hanging off the spectator rail with a bored expression and hanging arms.
Turning back to one another, both shrug their shoulders and assume their stances. Ashe decides to play for a bit and play defensively. Russel eagerly starts off with a mad rush toward her. He holds his blades in the standard grasp with a mid-swipe. Ashe holds her blades in a reverse grip, parrying the blow with a shower of sparks.
True to his word, his sticks to swipes and stabs. His left swiping toward her hip, only to be met with her own blade. Russel smirks as the firsthand re-enters the fray with a thrust. She more than easily kicks back to safety.
Russel grins to himself and chases toward her. Swiping with his right, she parries and grinds her blade against it. His taller figure stares down toward her smaller stature. The grin on his lips widening, "Ya know, you're kinda adorable when I get a closer look at you."
Ashe suddenly panics with a widening of her eyes. Shoving forward, her leg snaps upward and forces Russell to retreat. Static wrinkles through her head, like a broken television. "Don't call me that."
His brow raises up in amusement, "Oh? What's the matter? Don't like being called adorable? That's just…so adorable." He suddenly torpedoes forward with a swirl. His blades swinging and lashing out like a tornado.
She is slow to react, panicking within her mind. Leaping away once more, the chase is on. Ashe makes sure to keep him within view. Static continues to ring through her mind.
The scene all too familiar.
Russel's laughter beginning to fade and morph into a more sadistic and maniacal laughter. Chasing and hunting her down like an animal. Her vision flickers with every parry and block. Each ringing of metal upon metal shifts the teen into another figure of the past.
"C'mon, what's the matter? You're adorable, but I'm getting bored here."
Sweat glistens along her skin, the trauma of that word rattling and shaking her to the core. Her world spins and spirals out of control. Her instincts blare like a siren, her body moves on its own. Sparks rupture through the air from her defense.
Her breathing was rapid in a panic, tripping over her feet, Ashe rolls desperately and stumbles back to her feet. The onlookers suddenly becoming more apparent in their jeers and taunts. People laughing at her trauma. Taunting her and calling her adorable.
Mocking her.
It's maddening.
Bile waves through her stomach in a storm. The itch at her throat, sizzling. Eyes snapping open, she spirals toward her right and avoids a swipe at her hip. A thrust toward her chest, parrying it away. Flicking her dagger, she pulls herself away from her opponent.
Sliding to a halt, her heels nip at the edge of the arena. The memories that cut deep, rupturing and coming to the forefront of her mind. The voices, the taunts, the insults, make them stop.
Make them stop.
'They look down on you. See you as nothing but prey.' Her eyes snap open while her dagger holding hands raise up and grasp onto her exposed hair under the top hat.
The phantom and illusion of a hunched figure in a hooded-black cloak hobbling beside her. 'You are small and weak, young. Hak-hak, but that is their misconception. Their downfall and weakness. They do not respect you. You will never have their respect. Simply because you are small.'
The illusion stands beside her and a step forward. 'So, I will teach you another method. If they do not acknowledge you. If they do not see your potential. If they do not respect you.' Slowly, the phantom turns toward her with beady black eyes and a devilish grin, blocking her sight from the front. 'Make them fear you.'
Without a warning, the phantom shatters from a blade running through. Raising a defensive blade, Ashe locks the dagger in a stalemate. Russel leans forward and looks down upon her. His taunting grin upon those lips.
"You're just the most adorable thing—" Ashe's eyes snap open. Half of his face, morphing into an older figure with a long braid. His voice distorting into a sadistic and mocking tone. The two-faced figure leaning down toward her mockingly, "like a mouse." It then laughs in madness.
Ashe snaps.
Shoving forward, she thrusts his arm up and a step back. "Don't call me that!"
"That's it! Get mad, show me what you got!" Russel thrusts with his dagger toward her neck for a deadly knock-out. With her eyes ablaze, a feral snarl growls out from her throat. The apparition of a cloaked figure in the spectator booths.
Lithe and agile, use it to your fullest. Counter where they least expect it and without mercy. That's what he taught her, and that is what she learned. Ashe is small, but quick, so she learned to use it to her advantage.
Strike fast.
With a quirk burst of speed, Ashe slips forward, and weaves passed the thrust. Her chest nearly touching the blade. In the same motion, her blade is swiping out like a viper. Russel follows it with his eyes, but like he taught her, always where they least expect it. Already he is pulling his body back, anticipating the blow toward his side.
His lips are twisting up into a grin in slow motion, but her shoulder shifts slightly, veering it upward. One of the most common mistakes that combatants make, the one appendage they mostly forget about. Ironically, it is also the most used.
Ashe's blade slices against Russel's forearm that thrusted toward her. The bracer providing little to no protection from the blade. Even though aura will save it from being sliced off, that does not mean the pain doesn't appear. You will still feel it in full force.
The Elder also taught her their reactions to discomfort and injury. Russel screams out in a pain through gritted teeth. He told her, that when someone suddenly receives an injury and extreme discomfort, their first instinct is to glance toward it. True to his word, those brown eyes of Russel shift toward his forearm.
That is the opening you seek.
Strike hard.
Already Ashe flipped her other dagger for a thrust with dexterous fingers. Slamming her shoulder into his upper chest, it brings him upright, her blade slamming into his abdomen. She can feel his saliva spitting out from the blow. The sound of a horn blares in the distance, but she's not done.
It goes ignored.
She's no longer in Beacon. Ashe is within that forsaken pit. Caked in mud and blood, like an animal. Her faunus brothers and sisters roaring and cheering for that crimson water. There was no room for weakness. Even a cornered animal would turn feral. A near dead target could still easily kill.
Never give them the chance.
Put them down.
For they will not hesitate to put you down.
With the hand that swiped at his forearm with a reverse grip, her fingers tighten and pulls it back. Honey colored eyes glowing a shade darker. Staring at his exposed jugular and stabbing toward it.
'No Mercy!'
Ashe's body is violently pulled back by an unseen force before she could deal the blow. Her boots slide along the hard floor with a skid. The purple aura flashes away, heels quickly and angrily stomping toward them.
"That's enough!" The lights quickly flare to life and illuminate the area. "Mr. Winchester take him to the infirmary, immediately. I need to have a word with Ms. Souris." The burnt orange haired teen drags off his teammate, tossing a murderous look over his shoulder toward Ashe.
A hand roughly clasps onto Ashe's shoulders, "Ozpin's office, now." Ashe quietly allows herself to be led out of the room with a hand upon her shoulder. Glynda looks over her shoulder for a moment, "Class dismissed. I expect a half page essay about proper sparring etiquette from all of you tomorrow." Disappearing out the door, it slams shut angrily.
"That…was…awesome!" Team RWBY and JNPR all turn toward Nora who has her hands thrown up in the air, "She actually stabbed the guy!" She then brings her hands down and waves a hand dismissively, "Granted, I don't even know the guy, but he totally looks like a jerk, right?"
"Uh…" Ren had no words and just awkwardly stared toward Nora.
Ruby slowly turns toward the rest of the group, "I mean…maybe that was a bit, excessive?" She then turns toward Nora awkwardly, "But…It was kinda cool."
"Right?!~"
Yang shrugs her shoulders, "I unno', I mean, I've watched some of the older tournament recordings. There are almost always life-threatening injuries, and even a few deaths."
Pyrrha affirms her comment with a nod, "Well, that is correct. The tournaments can be deadly, but they are rarer now days. Serious injuries are still present though. Even then, excessive force is highly frowned upon."
Jaune steps forward with his own input, "Yea, but that's the tournament. These are spars, in the academy. There's no need for that, right?"
Leaving them to their own devices, Weiss approaches toward Blake. She was standing off toward the side in a deep thought by her lonesome. "Something on your mind?" Weiss perks a brow at the lack of a response, "Blake?"
"Hm?" Blake startles quietly and looks up toward Weiss, "Oh, sorry. Did you say something?"
Shifting her weight to one leg, Weiss crosses her arms haughtily toward Blake, "Yes, I asked if something was on your mind. Considering you are over here by yourself and look like you're thinking about something."
"Sorry." Shuffling her feet, Blake nods toward Weiss and looks away. "I was just thinking about something that someone told me long ago."
With her curiosity rising, Weiss approaches Blake more closely and stands in her view, "Oh, and what did they tell you? Looks like its related to what we saw just now."
Blake pauses and shakes her head, "It's nothing, just an old memory." Weiss could only watch as Blake turns and sashay's away quietly. It was an old memory, she's not lying. Taking a once-treaded path, she finds herself outside in a familiar setting.
Sitting upon the bench, Blake crosses her left leg over the right and leans against the backrest. Her mind wanders back into the past of distant memories, trying to piece certain things back together. The fragments are there, but they are mostly forgotten.
Before long, the bench shifts in weight as another figure plops down near her. Turning toward her neighbor, Blake finds a mane of gold and lilac staring toward her.
Yang is beside her with arms stretched out lazily along the back rest, "Lien for your thoughts?"
Slowly blinking, Blake shakes her head once more, "Seriously? I already had Weiss ask the same thing. Is it so weird for me to think to myself?"
Barking out a short laughter, Yang crosses a leg over the other. "Kinda, because usually you are nose deep in a book when you are off by yourself. You hardly actually look like you're in deep thought. You generally have more of a look like you're aggressively judging everyone to yourself."
Blake couldn't decide if she should feel insulted, affronted, or annoyed. Does she really look like that to everyone?
"Just like that." She couldn't help but scowl slightly at Yang's remark. Said teenager leans forward and rests her elbows upon her knees with them spread. "Look, I'm still new at this whole partner thing, and I don't know if I'm doing this right. But shouldn't we at least be able to trust each other and talk to one another?"
Shuffling her legs, Blake crosses her arms and looks up toward the sky. Well, Yang's not wrong, that is the normal and correct thing to do. They are going to be partners for the rest of their time here. Sure, she can keep secrets, but if it isn't that personal, then maybe sharing a detail or two isn't so bad.
It will at least make her time here more comfortable if they get along better.
"Honestly, it's nothing." Started off Blake, "I used to have a mentor growing up. He taught me how to fight and other useful things. But sometimes…he would talk about a sister."
Yang blinks and shifts her weight onto the arm closer toward Blake and leans toward her, "What's so strange about that?"
"I just remember fragments of when he would talk about her. That she was his father's little monster, pet. Small and ruthless. Now that I think more of it, it almost sounded like he was jealous." Spoke out Blake.
Yang perks a brow at it while nibbling her inner cheek, "Okay…So what does that have to do with anything? Did you just randomly start thinking about it suddenly?"
Black locks of hair wave quietly in a shake, "No, back when we were training one day, I asked him how she fought." Yang remains silent in her pause, deciding not to interrupt. "He did not say much, but he said she used daggers, specialized in counters, and assassination techniques."
It slowly begins to dawn onto Yang, she snaps her finger and points a finger gun toward Blake, "And you think it's Ashe, don't you?"
With narrowed lips, Blake neither confirms nor denies the accusation, but that's not why she's been in deep thought. "That's the thing though…I also asked him if it was possible to meet her one day." Slowly turning toward Yang, her face scrunches with uncertainty. "He said she's dead."
Stretching back, Yang drums her fingers upon her thighs, "Well~, did he mention how she died or something?"
"No, just that she was left behind in an accident or something, and she did not make it out." Denied Blake. "I told you, it wasn't anything to worry about. It just jogged those memories again."
With a shrug, Yang stands to her feet and stretches her arms up. "Maybe you're right, but like I said. We are partners, and friends. I care about my friends, so I care about you too."
A small smile makes its way upon Blake's lips, "Thanks, Yang." Standing to her feet, both girls slowly walk side-by-side back toward the Academy.
Along the way, Yang suddenly speaks out to her, "You know, we need a codename for us."
Blake's brow perks curiously, "A codename? What do you mean?"
"Well, we are a group of two people in a group of four, so maybe we should start giving some group names? This way we aren't shouting out our names and taking forever." It has been something Ruby and Yang have been discussing lately, and it did seem like a good idea. She's not sure where Ruby gets ideas like this, but they are sometimes good.
A roll of Blake's eyes was her response with a slight smile, "Sure, pick whatever you want, just don't make it something weird."
Yang adopts a thinking pose with her arms crossed. The rest of the trip is made in silence. Grasping onto the door handle for Blake, Yang pries it open for her to walk through. Suddenly a black and yellow bee lazily buzzes on by, pollen stuck to its tiny legs.
"Ah!" Yang startles back in slight shock as Blake looks toward her in amusement, "Bumblebee."
"Bumblebee?" Blake tests it out quietly before nodding her head with a smirk, "Sure, that will work. Good thinking."
"Huh?" Yang watches her from behind. What does she mean? Did she think Bumblebee was what she meant for their two-woman cell? "Wait! No, I had more ideas! What about the Yang-gang?"
"No."
"Hazard?"
"Please, no."
"Caution tape!"
"Wha—"
"Moldy Bananas!"
"Are you just listing off black and yellow objects that come to mind?"
Yang narrows her eyes and looks toward Blake suspiciously, "Maybe…" A brow arches from Blake, "Okay fine…What about the Blakesters?"
"Yang." Spoke out an annoyed Blake.
"Yes?"
"Stop talking." Yang snorts in amusement with her fingers interlocked behind her head. The short trip back to their dorm was made in peaceful silence. Upon entering, they find Ruby and Weiss within.
Ruby was currently in her top bunk, reading a weapons magazine and snacking on cookies. Weiss, was at their desk, working away at the essay dutifully.
While Blake sashays toward her bed, Yang strides over and peeks at Weiss's work. "Look at you, almost done with your essay and its barely been any time."
Weiss haughtily flicks her hair away dramatically, "Of course, I am the model student after all. I don't procrastinate like some other people, Ruby."
Said girl rolls her eyes and waves a cookie absentmindedly, "Yea, yea, I heard you like the first fifty times already. I'll do it later, mom. I promise, jeeze." Ruby grumbles under her breath while munching a cookie, "Nag, nag, nag."
With a snort of amusement, Yang leaps up onto her top bunk and lays upon her side toward the room. "So, elephant in the room, thought's on Ashe stabbing that guy and then almost killing him? Honestly, I'm kinda excited about fighting her."
Blake buries herself into a book, "For me, I don't really care. That's what these spars are for, right? Excessive maybe, but I doubt a Grimm or criminal would follow sparring etiquette."
"I think it was excessive." Yang turns her gaze toward Weiss, who was working away at the assignment. "A spar is a spar, there is no need for such violence. It is uncivilized."
"What are you talking about? Uncivilized? In case you haven't noticed, our world is crawling with monsters that want to tear us apart. There is also a major problem with criminals and bandits. What part of what we do is civilized?" Questioned Yang with an arched brow.
"While that is true, that does not mean we can act like wild beas—" Weiss suddenly clamps her mouth closed. Taking a deep breath, she returns to work, "people. Spars are meant to help and polish our skills, not injure or kill. That's counter-productive."
"But that's why we spar and train in the first place. I mean we've seen and fought against the other people in class. Most of them are not really taking the training and battles seriously." Yang raises up onto her elbow, "What do you think will happen when they finally go out into the field on their own. I mean, have you ever fought wild Grimm out in the world? The ones in Emerald Forest were tamer than the others."
Weiss remains silent, she has never truly fought 'wild' Grimm till coming to Beacon. Most of her training consisted of battling against androids and a few mentors. The mentors hardly fought back, and only corrected her abilities. Of course, there was Winter's Beowolves, but those were not true Grimm. Her first true battle would be the Arma Gigas.
"What do you think, baby sis?" Rang out Yang.
All eyes turn toward Ruby, minus Blake who just continues to read with an ear out in the conversation. Ruby awkwardly chuckles and hides behind her magazine, "Ah-haha, well…Honestly, I don't really have much of an opinion about it. I mean, I've already sparred with her and—"
"What?! You've already fought her?" Shouted out Yang in shock, sitting up on her top bunk. "When? She didn't stab you either did she?"
Weiss's brow perks, waiting for Ruby to answer in curiosity, "Ah, yea. A few days ago. No, she did not stab me. Else I would have leaked out my spare cookies. All she did was throw me on my butt." Ruby pouts toward the side, "Totally not my proudest moment, but she did give me some advice afterwards."
"Wait, really? Is that why you've been fighting differently these past few days? I mean, you're not 'as' reckless at least." Amused out Yang, she did notice a slight difference from watching and their small training spars after classes. After all, she's been beside Ruby's side since she was born.
Ruby perks and peers over toward Yang from the top of her magazine, "Really? You noticed that? I didn't think you would honestly. Heh, you do know me best." Que big sis puffing out her chest in pride. "But yea, I am trying out her advice and it seems interesting to say the least. That's why I asked her to train me."
Blake perks up and peeks out the corner of her eyes, "You asked her to train you?"
A nod is given, "Well, yea. I figured, why not? Not like I have anything to lose and all to gain, right? Well, till she like, went all stabby, but I'll asked her about that later. Then I'll make an opinion on the matter."
"When are you going to train together?" Demanded out Weiss with a stern look upon her soft features.
"Uh…" Ruby awkwardly looks up in thought, "I haven't exactly worked that out yet. I need to ask her that. Oh, I'll just send a scroll message."
Finishing her assignment, Weiss stands and places the chair back under the desk politely. "I have finished my assignment. The desk is available for whoever wants to use it next. I am going out for a bit."
Blake lazily waves a hand without a glance, Ruby mumbling out while texting away. Weiss slowly walks out of the dorm, but only makes it toward the entrance before a voice knowingly calls out to her in a singsong. "Say 'Hi' to Ashe for us, Princess."
Peeking over her shoulder toward Yang, she finds her with a smug look. The back of her hand under chin with her fingers waving all-knowingly.
Weiss slams the door shut and walks down the hallway with annoyance. She suddenly stomps her foot in a princess pout with arms down her sides. 'That face of hers is totally annoying.' Grumbled Weiss to herself before continuing her path.
Finding herself at a familiar door, she finds it open. Letting herself in once more, she finds the room void of life. Weiss casually sits upon Ashe's bed with a soft plop. With the door closed and sunlight peeking through, the warmth of the room begins to override her senses.
Her eyes grow heavy with each passing moment, a soft yawn was inevitable. The lack of sleep finally beginning to catch up to her. 'Suppose, I'll close my eyes for just a moment.' Monologued Weiss to herself.
Her head plops against the soft pillow, laying upon the warm bed. Her nose twitches slightly, it smelled strangely earthly. It was a nice scent, not too strong nor bizarre.
Soothing to say the least. Weiss did not stand a chance, not even a minute later, and she was fast asleep. There was no dream for her short nap.
Before long, a soft, rhythmic tapping makes Weiss stir from her slumber. A slender hand raises and rubs onto her weary eye in a yawn. The weight of a blanket forces her to look down at the warm cloth covering her.
The sun has all but disappeared in the horizon out the window. Looking back inside, Weiss finds Ashe sitting at her desk with her mouse ears exposed. Face resting upon a propped hand with a pen rasping against the edge.
A yawn escapes her lips with a stretch, "Mm, what time is it?"
"Hm?" Ashe hums softly and stops her tapping, "I believe it is around nine. I didn't wake you, did I?" Ashe turns to glance over toward Weiss.
Shaking her head, Weiss pulls her legs under herself with the blanket covering her lap. "No, it was about time I woke up. This way I can get a proper night sleep." Silence bristles between the two for a moment. "So, what happened?"
Weiss stares toward Ashe who looks at the desk for a moment. A bell chimes softly as the faunus stands to her feet slowly.
A moment longer, and Ashe sits upon the bed with Weiss. She suddenly falls to her side and plops her head upon Weiss's lap. A delicate eyebrow perks up while a mouse ear twitches and flickers. "Excuse you?"
"Saturday." Blurted out Ashe.
Weiss repeated out in question, "Saturday?"
Her lap suddenly feels heavier as the faunus relaxes into the warmth. "You said we have a date on Saturday…Can I tell you what happened then? I'm just…tired right now." Her voice was soft and growing heavy with each word.
Staring down at her, Weiss breathes out a heavy sigh. Leaning back, she rests against the headboard of the bed. A cold hand absentmindedly brushes back Ashe's bangs from her face and tucks it behind her human ear.
With eyes closed, Ashe allows herself a moment of rest. Her breath evening out quietly. Her mind begins to play back the most recent event. Her shoulder still has a lingering shadow of an iron grip.
It did not take long at all. Everything passed by in a raging blur. The one constant was the fingers digging into her shoulder blade and rhythmic clicking of heels.
Then within a matter of seconds, Ashe was before Ozpin's desk and for once, that look of amusement was washed from his face. "Professor Goodwitch, Ms. Souris, to what do I owe the pleasure? If I recall, classes are still in session at this time."
Ashe is suddenly shoved forward roughly toward Ozpin's desk. Glynda towers behind her with a deep scowl. "She tried to kill her sparring partner if I had not intervened."
Ozpin stares toward Glynda for a moment, his eyes then shift toward Ashe. Fingers interlocking with a slow hunch forward, "Oh? That is a serious accusation. Is this true, Ms. Souris?"
Nibbling her lower lip, her eyes flicker away toward the ground for a moment in thought. There is no use in lying or trying to find an excuse. She let her emotions get the best of her.
Own up to it.
After all, she was taught to be a faunus of action. Lies do not become her.
Turning back toward Ozpin, Ashe straightens her back and nods her head once. "He kept taunting me and said something that triggered an unpleasant memory. So, I lashed out."
A huff sounds from behind, "Hmph, at least you don't deny it."
Ozpin ignores Glynda's comment while staring toward Ashe, "I see, and what exactly was it that he said?"
Clenching her hands into fists, Ashe squashes all memories before they could surface. "He kept calling me 'adorable'. Let's just say, that word brings up painful and violent memories."
With a hum, Ozpin ponders to himself quietly. With a passing second, he shrugs a shoulder and dismissively waves a hand, "Tell me, have you sparred and trained with people before?"
A tilt of her head and a chime rings out, "Yes, since I was young." Strange question to ask.
Ozpin continues calmly, "And what were those spars like?"
Ashe glances toward Professor Goodwitch, all she finds her staring down at her with a frown. Ashe isn't sure what she was expecting, but she was hoping to find something. She turns back toward Ozpin, "Violent, to say the least."
"How violent?" This time, it was Glynda who spoke from beside her.
Ashe doesn't even bother to look toward her this time. "Let's just say, death was hardly accidental."
Ozpin rests the crook over his nose against his interweaved fingers. Staring toward Ashe from behind his spectacles. "How old were you when you started?"
A ghost of a sad smile twines within her lips. There, a dim glow shimmers from behind her eyes. "I don't know the exact age, but around five years old."
"Barbaric." Spat out Glynda with distaste. Her heels click loudly as she angrily paces toward the window and stares out in silence.
With a shrug of her shoulders, Ashe quietly shifts her gaze up toward Ozpin with a fragile smile. "No more questions, please." The plea was soft and quiet, timid. "Just, give me my punishment." She does not want to talk about her past.
Not to them.
The memories cut deep.
But…maybe to someone else. Someone that is not in a seat of power like Ozpin, she does not know Glynda well-enough to confide in her. A flicker of a familiar snow-haired beauty flutters through her mind. Maybe…
"On the contrary, I rather not punish you." Ashe snaps her head up and shatters the thought. Glynda slowly turns toward Ozpin with a curious brow. "In fact, I rather use this. So, I'll be honest with you. I want you to continue your spars in such a manner."
Glynda's face looks affronted like someone just slapped her silly. "Ozpin—" A raised hand silences her before she could speak further. Her teeth click shut in a grit.
"However, I will limit you. I want you to fight them without your daggers. At least till deemed otherwise. The use of your bow is permitted. Allow me to fill you both in with my thoughts for this outcome before you ask." Swiveling his chair to the side, Ozpin crosses a leg over the other and leans back calmly.
"Over the years, I have noticed a change in the huntsman lately. We have been living in a wonderful time of moderate peace. Which I must add, is a good thing." With a sigh, Ozpin swivels once more and stares out toward his back window. "However, it also brings its own faults. The people become…lax. The Grimm are constantly banging on our doors, yet some of the newly appointed huntsman are still too green behind the ears."
Shuffling her weight upon one leg, Glynda begins to comprehend the direction that Ozpin is heading in, but she remains quiet and listens. "I would like for you to…toughen them up so to speak. I have noticed a few of the new students are a bit too…arrogant and fool-hardy." Ozpin quietly spins back around and stares toward Ashe with a calm expression, a glint within his spectacles. "Humble them."
Clenching her teeth, Ashe keeps a firm stare off with Ozpin. A deep frown mare her expression. He wants to use her. But at least he told her up front and his reasoning. The job is easy, and the reason is nothing extreme. Good even. She is okay with this; it would give her an excuse in case she snaps again.
However…
"Do you…understand what you are asking of me?" Ashe leans forward and rests her hands upon the desk to peer toward Ozpin. "The way I sparred and trained…Ozpin, they will bleed, bones will break, they…" Her breath shutters with the clawing of her fingers, "They will hate me." Already, she can imagine all their looks of hate. Disgusted and afraid of her. Spiteful and revenge-seeking.
It will be just like back then.
"I understand what I am asking of you, and I know the toll will be high. But I rather they bleed and break bones here. Instead of a report coming in with a bright red stamp of deceased or missing-in-action on my desk."
Ashe spoke up quietly, "You're asking me to—"
"I know, and I apologize. I understand the way they will react and the burden you will bear, but that will only be temporary. I assure you, later in life, they will thank you and appreciate what you will do for them and their growth." Stated Ozpin with a soft smile upon his lips. Glynda stands off to his side with a neutral expression and decides to remain silent.
"No…" Shaking her head, Ashe looks toward Ozpin with a haunted expression. His eyes widen a fraction, the frown more prominent and sorrowful. "No, they won't. I know that better than anyone." Clawing her hands off the desk, she briskly turns, walks away, and out of the office without a response.
With a deep sigh, Ozpin leans back into his chair and sinks into it. A soft click of heels echo through out the room, Glynda appearing before his desk with a soft frown. "Is this really a good idea?"
"No, it isn't." Grumbled out Ozpin, "But it needs to be done. I am assuming you were also noticing the decline in quality of huntsman lately. This is only a band aid till we find a solution."
Professor Goodwitch stares down Ozpin with an unpleased expression, "But why her? I brought her here because she almost murdered a classmate during a spar. How could you possibly trust her with this? She said it herself, death was hardly accidental in her training."
"Yes, I am aware, but call it a hunch if you will. I get the feeling; this will work out in the end." Commented out Ozpin.
"For your sake, it better." He could only watch as she stalks off in anger. Glynda storms out of his office with a most displeased aura about her. Students and professors a-like quickly part a path for her. Passing by a window, she never notices Ashe sitting on a stone bench, over-looking a water fountain.
Ashe sat quietly by herself, letting the sound of the water soothe her senses. If one was the glimpse toward her, they would assume she was taking a nap.
But that was far from the truth.
Standing within that familiar void, she was staring down her smaller counterpart. The figure was staring up toward her with an unamused scowl. "He's using us." She was not wrong either.
"I know, but there's not much I can do. I rather not think of all the consequences if we do not." Stated Ashe with a tight grip on her bicep. "At least he was honest and up front about it."
The younger counterpart scoffs toward the side with a cocked hip, "Oh? That makes it all better doesn't it? Silly me, what could possibly go wrong?" She growls into a frown. "I do not approve."
"Whether you approve or not is irrelevant, I am in control." Lashed out Ashe in anger.
The figure stares toward her with a blank expression. Slowly, her small hands raise up, Ashe finds herself unable to move. The cold and small hands cup onto her cheeks, pulling her gaze down to stare into those glowing eyes.
Pain ruptures through her mind, a storm violently thundering through the void. The figure calmly speaks in a quiet whisper, never breaking eye contact from Ashe. "Do not forget your place. We both know, who really is in control."
Ashe is suddenly thrown from her mind, gasping for breath, she falls onto her knees back in the real world. Choking for breath, Ashe slowly crawls to the fountain and splashes water onto her face. The water ripples and makes her reflection unnoticeable. A sob chokes out before she leans against the cool marble.
She does not know how long she stayed there for and she did not care. Whether someone saw her or not, she finally stabilizes and collects her barring once more. Wobbling to her feet, Ashe rubs onto her eyes quietly.
Life is so unfair.
Why is she doing all this again? Right, because she can't let go of that promise from so long ago. If only she could let it go, but it is too interwoven in her being now. If she gave up now, all her suffering would be for naught.
She won't give up this tiny spark of hope.
The path back to her dorm was peaceful. A few students traveling to-and-fro, but none paid her any mind. Before long, she opens the door to her room and quietly shuffles in without a sound. Closing the door with a soft click, a quiet sound echoes out with a timid and sleepy moan.
Glancing toward her bed, she finds Weiss asleep and on the covers. With a twitch of her nose, Ashe quietly walks over and looks down at the sleeping princess. She notices Weiss is curled up slightly, to warm herself up.
Turning toward the other bed, Ashe quickly takes the quilt and sprawls it out over Weiss. The sleeping princess snuggles into the quilt, Ashe could swore she heard Weiss mumble out a thanks for a Klein.
Whoever that is.
Staring down at the sleeping beauty, Ashe relapses the conversation from before with Ozpin and Glynda. A dull throb clenches at her heart at the sudden reminder. Reaching out, Ashe's hand brushes back Weiss's bangs from her face gently.
Weiss too will grow to hate her.
A weight burdens upon Ashe's shoulders, making her slow to walk away and back to her desk. With a deep breath, she removes her hat and places it upon the hard top. Pulling out her studies, she goes about her work. Her left arm raises and wipes away at her eyes in silence.
Her hand was shaking.