The Wrath of Atlas
Chapter 3: Silver King and Steel Blade
Hello Readers! SG Nitron here! Took quite a bit of work here and there, so I hope that I've solved most of the grammatical issues. Now as usual, I hope you enjoy the chapter!
"Seriously?!" (Silver)
No one bothered to tell him about this. If he weren't the one getting launched, he would have most likely laughed as well. He had heard their laughter while he was flying.
"Okay, landing strategy, landing strategy, landing strategy!" (Silver)
He brainstormed ideas as he flew mid-air.
"Ugh. Why haven't I been sent flying in the air before?!" (Silver)
He looked downwards. The trees and ground coming closer and closer.
He curled into a ball as quickly as possible. He focused on using his Semblance. His overcoat began to turn hard as hard as steel. He braced himself for the impact.
He crashed into the ground, creating a dust cloud around him. For a few seconds, nobody was able to see him. The next moment they saw him running faster than even Ruby's Semblance can do. They all stared in amazement
"Wow. How hard is his Aura?" (Ruby)
"That's pretty tough for Aura, considering his quick recovery." (Blake)
"Yeah but why was did he make a hard impact? He doesn't look heavy enough to create a dust cloud and crater that big." (Pyrrha)
"Ahem." (Ozpin)
They looked towards Ozpin.
"Mr. Faye has a rather unique semblance. Similar to Ms. Nikos' Semblance, however his is much more unique to himself. His Semblance revolves around the manipulation of various metals. Or you can also call it, 'Metal Manipulation'. The one you've all very well seen is what he dubs, 'Steel Skin'."
"Steel Skin? But why? Shouldn't his Aura protect him like anyone else? What's the whole point of hardening his overcoat?" Weiss asked.
"Yes. That would be the case. However, for whatever reason, Mister Faye's Aura provides little to no actual protection to his body."
"What?" (Everyone)
"In simpler terms. Let's say the average being had a protective Aura of about a hundred points. Are you following?" (Ozpin)
They nodded.
"In Mister Faye's case, his protective Aura would be around five." (Goodwitch)
"WHAT!" (Everyone)
"So then he's basically like a walking target!" Yang said
If that were the case, Yang felt even more terrible about hitting him dead on in the head. But wait, if he doesn't have that much Aura protection, then how come he seemed fine after hitting him?
"That's one way to perceive it. But there are always benefits from loss. Solutions to problems. In Mister Faye's case, his overcoat is made up of special materials that make it possible to harden it. Of course it's not as flexible whilst hardened. You could say he's like a walking turtle in this the speed." (Ozpin)
They could only be amazed at his personal situation, while Pyrrha wondered if she can learn something from him.
"But sir is that the only thing he can do with his Semblance? Seems a bit limited don't you think?" (Jaune)
"Well at first glance, it seems that this ability is inferior to others like Miss Rose's speed or Miss Schnee's glyphs. But Silver is different. He looked beyond that and created new weapons, techniques and uses for his benefit. I've heard that his style of fighting revolves mainly around his Semblance. So in a sense, while losing his own self protection, his Semblance abilities are much more potent." (Ozpin)
As they were talking, Silver had been running straight through the Emerald Forest, demolishing trees, Beowolves and Ursa that stood in his path. Anything that was in Silver's path was either punched out of the way or broke on contact with him.
"But how is he going so fast? Another use of his Semblance?" (Ren)
"Who knows? I've only met the boy. But if I recall correctly, Ironwood gives those who show promise 'special' training." (Ozpin)
They nodded in understandment.
"So anything else you want to tell us Professor Ozpin?" (Weiss)
Ozpin looked towards the white haired heiress.
"What can you possibly mean Miss Schnee?" (Ozpin)
"I know what I saw. Originating from Atlas wasn't a coincidence. He's part of the Imperial Lancers!" (Weiss)
Everybody else, besides Ruby and Jaune, was stunned by their inability to learn about this sooner.
"Um, what are the Imperial Lancers?" (Jaune)
"Well Jaune, to put this simply, the Imperial Lancers are one of the most revered and dangerous groups known throughout Atlas. Perhaps the world. Their main objective it take down high level Grimm labeled, 'Hollowed' and other organizations that threaten humanity. They all serve under General Ironwood. Like a special operations force." (Pyrrha)
Ruby lost track after 'dangerous'. Does that mean that Silver was like a...superhero?
"But then why is he here? Shouldn't he be out their fighting high leveled Grimm?" (Weiss)
"Well that's something you're going to have to ask him." (Ozpin)
~In the Forest~
"Okay" Silver thought.
The Grimm in this forest were at the expected level. One solid punch from his steel hardened gloves were enough to stagger the Grimm and buy him enough time to run ahead.
Silver's goal was to simply obtain the relic and get back as quickly as possible. He was honestly a little drowsy and wanted to lay down in a bed.
Everything seemed okay. The temple was within his sights. Maybe a hundred yards away. It all seemed good until the giant shadow came over him. Silver looked up.
"Oh come on-" He was cut off when a black feather made contact.
~At the Cliffs~
They could only look in horror as a Nevermore had begun shooting down feathers from above. Silver kept himself hidden in the trees. The Nevermore's appearance was much bigger than the one they encountered. Almost twice the size.
"Okay this isn't so bad. If what everyone said is true, then one 'slightly' bigger Nevermore wouldn't be a problem, right?" (Ruby)
Okay. MAYBE 'slightly' was objective. But Silver was strong! Right? She beheaded one on her test. But only after everyone else set up for her to make her big finisher.
It was at that same moment, a screech could be heard in the distance. Two more Nevermore flew in, closing in at Silver's location.
"Oh...Me and my big mouth." (Ruby)
"We have to help him!" (Yang)
Everybody prepared their gear.
"Let's break their legs!" (Nora)
"Okay guys let's rush to Silver's location! Jaune you and team JNPR will-"
"Ruby."
Ozpin stopped her from giving orders. He gave them the sign to lay down their weapons.
"Why aren't you letting us go. He could be killed. For real this time!" Ruby said
But Ozpin simply drank his coffee.
"This is his test. Whether he fails or not is completely up to him. Just as all of you had done before him. Let us have faith in the boy."
Everyone lowered their weapons, but were still not convinced of Ozpin's reasoning. Just in case, Ruby was prepared to run out in case Silver looked like he was going to die.
~Five Minutes Later~
"Okay now this was absurd." (Silver)
He had been avoiding those feathers for a while now. Now THREE of them were raining feathers and swooping down on him. What made it worse was that those Nevermore were hovering over the temple, making it extremely difficult for him to pass.
Should he rush the temple and retrieve the relic? No. The roof of the temple had collapsed. Most likely due to weather. If he ran in there, there would be no escape. Sure 'Steel Skin' is strong. But it wouldn't be wise to carry. Unless he took them down, this would go on forever.
"Alright, let's see how this plays out."
Silver reached into his overcoat to revealed his black pistol, Arufa. The barrel was ridiculously long, about fifteen inches. Engraved on it in kanji was, 'To embrace solitude' He pointed his pistol at the Nevermore. Ruby gawked at the pistol.
He shot towards the Nevermore pack. Each time he shot, it sounded like a cannon had bullets caused miniature explosions on contact. The smaller Nevermore's were
The Nevermore began shooting their feathers at him.
In this moment, Silver reached to his cases by the belt and pulled out three small cylinders. He dropped them down to the ground.
Either the Scroll's camera was messing with them or were those cylinders heavier than they looked? The moment they hit the ground, the ground beneath it cracked under the weight.
Silver raised his arm. In an instant, the three cylinders expanded. Transforming into a wall of steel. The wall withstood the impact of the feathers. One of the feathers pierced his cloak. Unfortunately, his cloak wasn't specially made like his own clothing.
"Aw man"
He took out his cloak to reveal his combat clothes. He wore a white overcoat with gray cloths hanging and black trim lines around the edges. The sleeves were much bigger than an average sleeve. He wore loose gray pants with a silver belt. He was wearing a blue headband and wore white combat gloves, covering all his fingers. All of his clothing had various markings on them. His slightly tan skin and muscular body could be seen.
He took off the hood of his overcoat. His azure eyes showing no fear. What stood out the most was his snow, white hair.
"Wow, he's pretty hot" (Yang)
At this very same moment, Silver pulled out 'Memory's Key'. It began to glow yellow with electricity. Silver stabbed it into the ground. In seconds all the iron sand and other metallic minerals within a thirty foot radius rose from the ground. Silver put away his black pistol and gripped his hand. In seconds, the iron sand had turned into forty replicas of his dagger. Each dagger vibrated violently. He pulled out his pistol again. But this time, it was a white one instead. Engraved on it was, 'To not let Angels suffer'.
He pointed his dagger towards the opposing Nevermore. All forty blades instantly went straight for the three Nevermore.
The impact of the blades caused all the Nevermore to screech in pain. Many of the blades just stuck inside of each Nevermore, while a few broke on impact. The Nevermore broke apart from each other.
"Perfect"(Silver)
He pointed his pistol at the smallest Nevermore. He shot his pistol at it. Each bullet was infused with yellow dust. Each bullet that impacted created an electrical storm, utilizing the impaled iron daggers. It took only 5 shots for it to fall. The second one attempted to swoop in, but that just made him an easier target. When the Nevermore got close, Silver ran towards it. It screeched as it flew in. Before it got close, Silver quickly jumped on top of it. He stabbed its back, ensuring his safety as he flew on its back . With Silver on it, he pointed his gun towards the Nevermore.
As he pulled the trigger he thought:
"Wait. If I'm on it...won't I be electrocuted to-"
The Nevermore was electrocuted inside and out. Silver was, unfortunately, caught in it as well, much to his dismay. Silver shaked his head as the bird fell.
"Well it looks like I don't need to sleep anymore!" (Silver)
As the Nevermore began falling, Silver looked towards the last Nevermore.
"One."
Silver grinned as he stared at the biggest Nevermore. He put away his pistol and dagger.
He jumped off the descending Nevermore and threw two kunai, one from each sleeve. The kunai had wires attached to them, extending from Silver to the Nevermore. He used his Semblance to increase the force of the kunai, ensuring stronger impalement.
When the kunai hit the Nevermore's mask, it screeched in agony. The Nevermore tried to get the kunai and other daggers impaled out of itself, but to no avail.
Silver swung himself onto its back. He took out two kunai and threw them in opposite directions. Using his Semblance, the kunai wrapped around the Nevermore's wings and body. Silver manipulated the wires to bend the Nevermore's wing backwards,causing it to descend. Silver enhanced his "Steel Skin."
"Wooohooo!" (Silver)
He screamed with joy while holding onto the . The Nevermore crashed onto the forest, crushing trees and other creatures of Grimm. It eventually stopped after a hundred feet or so.
Silver shook his head, slightly dizzy from the crash. He grabbed a few of the wires in front of him. He instantly pulled the wires all the way back, ripping apart the Nevermore's bound wings. It screeched in agony. Silver knelt and patted its back. Silver pulled out his dagger, radiating yellow electricity. The iron daggers that impaled it earlier returned to dust, and formed around his dagger, forming a large, vibrating blade. Silver looked down.
"Sorry… And good game." (Silver)
He then beheaded the Nevermore. The head fell to the ground, rolling a bit around.
He cracked his neck and got off the body of the disintegrating Nevermore.
He began to walk towards the temple. As he walked his stomach grumbled.
"I should get more fries when I get back." (Silver)
His stomach grumbled once again.
"Well, all that was left to do was retrieve the relic." (Silver)
He entered the temple and saw one small object
He approached it, and realized it was a chess piece. Silver examined it, it was silver in color.
"The king, huh?"
If he wasn't mistaken, the king was the most important piece in the game of Chess. But if he remembered more accurately, it was limited to moving one space at a time.
"Is this relic supposed to represent me?" (Silver)
He was a bit confused, but he grabbed it and began running back to the cliffs.
~At the Cliffs~
"Well, Silver keeps surprising us more and more. Hardly any noticeable scratches." (Ozpin)
Besides what seemed like burn marks on his overcoat, he seemed perfectly fine.
"Wow he's amazing…" (Ruby)
Yang looked over to her sister. She was staring at the screen, amazed by Silver's performance. Yang took advantage of it.
"So you got your eye on him Rubes? Wanna ask him out?" (Yang)
"Ew! That's gross Yang!" (Ruby)
She started pounding on her sister.
"Well if you're not gonna do it, I might as well ask him out?" (Yang)
"Ask me what now?"
Yang and Ruby leapt back. Silver stood there holding his relic.
"Did I miss something important?" (Silver)
Ruby interjected.
"Wow, you were amazing!" (Ruby)
"How'd you do all that crazy jumping and magnetic stuff?!" (Nora)
"I'll tell you guys later. Right now, I just want to head to my room and rest."
His was looking forward to trying out his new bed. If he was away from a comfy mattress for more than twenty-four hours, he would go berserk.
As he was about to leave, the white haired girl from earlier appeared in front of him.
"I don't believe we've actually had the time to introduce ourselves to each other, Mister Faye? I'm Weiss Schnee."
"Wait Schnee as in, Weiss Schnee? The heiress to the Schnee Dust Company?"
She nodded.
"So you're Miss Winter's little sister?!" (Silver)
How could Silver not recognize the similarity. Honestly, the white hair and the hair style should've given it away.
Weiss was taken aback. Silver knew her sister? But that should be expected. He was part of the Imperial Lancers after all. But still. Winter talked about her to Silver.
It seemed that everyone else seemed pretty interested in the conversation as well.
"H-How do you know my s-sister? (Weiss)
"Ah. You see I had to act as her bodyguard for awhile. But since Atlesian Knights did most of the work, we had quite a bit of idle time." (Silver)
"I-Is that so? So...what did she say about me?"
Weiss had rarely, if ever, had any time to 'hang' out with her sister.
"Well...if I had to sum things up, from my point of view, she has very high expectations for you. Also, though she was vague about it, something about you and your father-"
"Stop! That's good enough." (Weiss)
Silver and everyone was taken aback.
Weiss was conflicted on the inside. On one hand, her sister had high expectations for her. On the other hand, she was still trying to make Weiss and her father come back together.
Silver realized that he brought up a sore topic for Weiss. Maybe he should've left the topic about her father alone.
I guess this is why he isn't trusted with confidential information.
Silver bent down. "I'm really sorry for bringing this up Miss Schnee."
Silver quickly knelt onto the floor.
"There is no need for your to act like a servant Silver! We're all students here at Beacon. So stop being apologetic all the time!"
He blinked. This was...different from his experience with Winter. Then again, they are two different people. Though he expected them to have some similar traits despite appearance.
"Wow, you're very different from what I heard."(Silver)
"Heard? Heard from where?" (Weiss)
Silver stood up.
"Well actually, Ruby told me that her white haired teammate was a stuck up, know it all princess who bosses everyone around. She told me to call you 'Ice Queen'." (Silver)
"Ruby!" (Weiss)
"What? Come on Weiss, we all call you that and you don't mind." (Ruby)
"I do mind!" (Weiss)
"Well, you are certainly living up to your name." (Yang)
"B-Be Quiet Yang!"(Weiss)
"What, are you interested in Silver too now?" (Yang)
"No I am not!" (Weiss)
"Want to ask him out?" (Yang)
"No! There was no way I would be interested in that guy!" (Weiss)
She pointed to a confused Silver.
Silver was both amused and confused at the scene before him. What was all this talk about 'asking him out'?
Silver remembered when he first heard the term and thought it was a term for eating out. But Cromwell explained that it was a term for a person and their significant other.
The others were watching behind with an amused look on their faces. He didn't like the attention. So, while they were arguing, Silver took this as an opportunity to escape.
"Oh no you don't! After him!" (Weiss)
Weiss started charging after him, laying out glyphs on the others followed suit.
"See Weiss! You do want him!" (Yang)
"Shut up you dunce!" (Weiss)
Ozpin and Goodwitch watched them from a distance.
"Reminds me of our school days." (Ozpin)
Ozpin sipped his coffee.
"Right, Glynda?" (Ozpin)
She fixed her glasses.
"Well, I do say it does bear some resemblance. But these days won't last forever. And you know that." (Goodwitch)
Ozpin looked at his Scroll. On it were reports of violent attacks by the White Fang and rising tensions between Kingdoms. The screen then switched to a variety of files and pictures. Ozpin then scrolled around the screen, leading him to a locked file. After entering the password, the emblem of the Imperial Lancers. It was labeled, 'Absalon'.
~Silver's Room~
"Okay" (Silver)
He was able to outrun them at top speed. Ruby was the trickiest. No matter what he did, she was able to match his speed. He was only able to lose her when he used the nearby restroom.
He proceeded to remove all of his combat clothes. As he took off his overcoat, his tail was revealed and went left and right turning puffy. The tail was always concealed in his overcoat. He put away all of his kunai, wires, cases, and his dagger. He had miraculously found his locker as he escaped, leaving Arufa to Omega. He took a nice long shower and changed into a black t-shirt and gray sweatpants. Silver looked at his Scroll on the desk, but when he opened it up, it was spammed with several messages from his teammates in Atlas. He sat on his bed, looking at the messages from Valentina, Lila, Rin and Cromwell. Most related to asking why he left and where he was. Plus a few threats from the girls, if he didn't say anything.
Silver sighed. It would take time, but he would make it up to them once they have arrived in Vale. Besides, he was horrifically scared of his female squadmates. Silver had enough to look at on his Scroll. He went out of his room, taking a copy of, 'The Hero's Stride' with him and wandered the halls for a bit. As he walked, he heard someone else's footsteps. After waiting in the shadows, it turned out that Goodwitch was walking around, patrolling the area with a flashlight.
When she passed him, Silver found himself quite anxious.
"This school really enforces curfew. I'd hate to be given her punishment."
Silver eventually stumbled upon a balcony to read his book on.
As he walked out, he found a seat on a railing. As he began reading, he heard the sound of swords clashing on one of the balconies.
"At this time? What's going on?" (Silver)
Considering the time and place...was someone being attacked.
Silver went to investigate the sound of the noise. He eventually found the source of the noise. saw a blond haired knight and red haired amazoness.
"Weren't those two Ruby's companions?" (Silver)
Silver remembered the blonde knight. If his memory was right, he was the guy that was interested in Weiss. But wait, isn't the red haired amazoness with him?
Silver had seen this case once before. Well to be exact, he read about it on the web. When Cromwell told him to research what 'love' was, he stumbled upon a certain article. He read that in some situations, a guy would be interested in a girl, while neglecting the attention of another.
Silver was probably overthinking this.
He shrugged and silently returned to where he came from, trying not to bother the two.
However, he couldn't read calmly. He honestly felt like Ms. Goodwitch would surprise him or something. After about twenty minutes, he silently crept back to his dorm.
After safely navigating the halls, he found his dorm room and leapt into bed.
"I wonder what liking a girl is like?" (Silver)
Silver shrugged pushing the topic out of his mind. He took one last look at his Scroll, seeing if there was anything that stood out to him.
"Principal Ozpin?" (Silver)
It seemed that Ozpin had sent him a message with a few attachments. One was a news article, showing a tan skinned teen, wielding a reverse grip khopesh on top of a Major Ursa. The other was about a successful elimination of a crime syndicate forcing Faunus trafficking. On the picture showed a hooded teen in armor next to a similar looking girl wielding double daggers.
On the bottom of the message, was a request.