Turbulence hitting the transport ship rocked Hector awake. He snorted as he got his bearings and relaxed when he realized where he was. Hector had gotten on the first transport out of Vale where they had given him a private first class cabin, for free despite his protests. As he looked out the window to a snow covered landscape below he figured that they must have already crossed over into Atlas' territory. It seemed that now would be as good a time as any to revisit the dossier he had been sent. Pulling out the touch computer that came with the seat he quickly accessed the information.
What a mess.
Apparently during a gala that took place after a charity concert an incident occurred where one of the attendants took offense to a comment made by an attending Minor Judge. Said offense escalated to a point where a duel had taken place between the two. For some reason the information regarding the duel was severely lacking. He did not know what occurred, how the match had ended or even the name of the Minor Judge involved. Just that the result was the near loss of the attendant's eye and an outcry across Atlas calling for justice against the offending judge. If the matter wasn't settled soon then relations with Atlas could be blasted back to square one. Hector would not let that happen.
He decided to read more about the attendant in question. A Ms. Weiss Schnee, second child to the Schnee family. Her sister, Winter, had left the family name and her place as heiress behind in order to pursue a military career. This left Weiss next in line to inherit the Schnee Dust Company, which in turn made her set to be one of the most powerful people on Remnant. Strangely enough there was plenty in her profile about her family history and her future company, but little about the girl herself.
He actually had to do some digging but what he found wasn't very useful. Prim and proper, proper and prim, it was the same wherever he looked on the CCT network. If what he read was to be believed she was a demure, well mannered, well-spoken young woman with a good head on her shoulders and the voice of an angel. That last description was the only part with any actual evidence behind it. He looked up recordings of the last charity she sang at, along with a few others, and from what he saw she was very talented. And from what he could see in her eyes, very sad.
Turbulence rocked the craft again and Hector groaned as his head began to throb. He got such headaches when traveling by flight. The pain got so bad that he could scarcely enjoy the view of the capital down below. He wished he could have gone to Atlas by land and sea but time was of the essence and as they approached the airstrip he was glad they had arrived so quickly.
As soon as he stepped of the transport he was guided off the strip and over into a tinted window limousine by some Atlas soldiers. The less time he was seen the better, apparently, since Atlas had become a hotbed of anti-Judge resentment over the course of the last week. He wished that he had brought his cloak but realized that he had left it back in the nightclub. He'd have to make do surrounded by soldiers who kept glancing over at him nervously. One though seemed bolder than the rest.
"So, you're the Judge."
Hector nodded. "I am Minor Judge Hector, yes."
"What brings you to Atlas, Minor Judge Hector," he drawled out that last part.
Hector tilted his helmet, confused. "I was informed that this group was already aware of my task here. I am here to help mediate between two parties that have come into conflict, one of which is a fellow Judge."
"So why send you?" The soldier asked. "What makes you so special? Are the strongest Judge?"
"No," Hector said shaking his head. "I believe that the strongest of us physically is Major Judge Dubh. He is currently known in our order as the Bear Judge." The men around him became less nervous and more interested.
"Why is he called that?" The bold soldier asked leaning forward.
"He wears the least armor out of anyone in the order. He is also one of the few in our Orders history to not forge their own weapon."
"What does he use to fight then?"
"His fists," Hector said. One of the others in the car whistled and the bold soldier leaned back, clearly impressed.
"Are you the smartest Judge?" Another soldier asked. "Is that why they sent you?"
"No, the most intelligent of our order all create the Supreme court. It consists of men and women who have the experience and wisdom to best lead the order."
From there the ride consisted of the soldiers asking questions and Hector answering them the best he could. Who was the fastest? Who was the most skilled? Who was the cleverest? The list went on and the men became more comfortable. By the time they reached the Schnee estate the others were speaking back and forth between him and each other amicably.
The vehicle stopped and Hector exited only to catch his breath at what he saw. The Schnee family estate was magnificent. It was almost like something out a fairy tale. A giant manor made of ivory white wood that absolutely towered over the area. The soldiers led him inside and Hector saw that there was a group ready to receive him in the foyer. A line of butlers and maids standing in a row at attention, a stout man with a full mustache in front of the line who bowed with the others as he approached.
"Welcome the Schnee Manor, Judge Hector." He rose and the others followed. But when he looked he saw that the staff seemed to be nervous. They were hiding it very well, to be sure, but the signs were there. The shaky hands, the occasional flit of the eyes over to him, and the sweat on their temples seemed to all be because of him. What was even stranger though was the leader of the staff. Who wore a smile, but his gaze was fierce, cold and filled with raw dislike. "I am Klein Sieben, the family butler and chief of staff here on the estate. If there is anything you require during your stay, simply ask."
"Thank you," Hector said sincerely with a small bow of his own, much to the surprise of the others in the room. "I am glad for your hospitality and hope to not be too much of a burden upon you and your staff. But I must ask, are any of the Schnee family members here?" Hector asked looking around the lavishly expensive room. "I must speak with them at once. I had hoped that they might be here to receive me."
Klein's gaze narrowed in suspicion as he shook his head. "I apologize, but Master Jacques is off handling business elsewhere with your fellow Judge."
"And the others, where are they?"
Klein hesitated before speaking through gritted teeth. "The mistress is in the gardens…indisposed. Master Whitley is off at boarding school. Mistress Winter is with Master Jacques." Hector waited for the final member's location but Klein seemed to be acting like that was the whole list.
"And Ms. Schnee, where is she?"
"In the gardens, as I said." The butlers face was a mask. He was clearly avoiding the topic of who Hector was here for. His actions did remind him of someone though…and then it hit him.
He turned to the guards who had escorted him there and nodded. "Thank you all for your help in getting me here, I will be fine from here on out." The group saluted and left, leaving Hector alone with the staff. When he turned back to Klein he saw that, while still a mask, the man was showing subtle signs of terror. What a mess this all was. "Mr. Sieben, I am not here to hurt anyone." The butler seemed surprised at the words. "I can assure you that Ms. Weiss Schnee is in no danger from me. I am just here to get a handle of things and try to find the most peaceful solution possible, I swear it."
The butler and the Judge locked eyes for a few moments. Before Klein looked down and away, his expression ashamed. "I-she is in the piano room."
"Not with her family?"
Klein's frown deepened as his hand clenched. "No, they had other matters to attend to."
What a terrible thing to say. She was injured and alone? "Take me to her."
Klein nodded sadly before dismissing the others and leading Hector through the halls of the manor. Every room was an opulent display of wealth and power. Paintings of all sizes and styles, statues of every type of stone, and relics from all over Remnant adorned the entire building. But what he took notice most of was the occasional family portrait. One in particular caught his eye immediately. It was of the whole family, the children young and their parents youthful. He knew which child was Weiss immediately. Her eyes were as sad as they had been in all the images he had seen. Eventually they reached a pale ivory door. Klein stopped and stood to the side a she gestured to the room.
"She is in there. I will give you your privacy. " He blinked and to Hector's surprise his brown eyes had suddenly turned a bright red. "Don't try anything." With that he walked off leaving Hector alone in the hallway.
As he absorbed the strange occurrence he heard something. It was soft but unmistakable, the gentle sound of a piano. Hector twisted the door knob and pushed the door open. It swung inward noiselessly and he walked inside. He was sure that if he looked around then he would see that the room was as high class and opulent as the rest of the estate. But he ignored it, instead focusing on the instrument in the center of the room and its player. He made sure to move slowly so that the sound of his armor didn't ruin the performance
The music was sad, so sad. His heart began to ache as he approached and the song continued. The piano seemed to emanate melancholy and loneliness, a soft hum coming from the girl seated was soft and echoed unshed tears. As the music stopped he realized that he had no idea how much time had passed. It was as if he had been possessed.
He spoke without thinking. "You play marvelously."
The girl gasped as she turned and stood. She was as he saw in the recordings. Pale, with hair as white snow. But that hair had been changed from what he had seen. It now fell over her face, as she moved he saw that it hid a patch underneath covering her left eye. What had they done to her?
"I did not mean to startle you," he said raising his hands to show he meant no harm.
"You didn't- I just didn't hear you come in." She looked him over, her chin raised and eye fiery like she was about to give him the tongue lashing of the century. But suddenly that fire dimmed. She took a deep breath and clasped her hands before addressing him. The one eye he could see was now devoid of emotion. "I have done a poor job as a hostess already. I have missed your arrival, and not offered you any food or refreshment."
"Stop that." His response was involuntary. This was…wrong. It was robotic, it was controlled and constrained. It was like he was speaking to a doll, she seemed so fragile that he was almost frightened she'd shatter apart right in front of him. But it was a lie. He had seen the truth. There had been rage in her eyes.
She seemed startled, and to his satisfaction a little annoyed, before retuning her expression to the cool mask. "I am sorry, have I said something wrong?"
"Formality and decorum is a highly valued trait here. I understand this. But in my experience, sad as it is, a huntress' first response to a Judge is not simple acceptance." It was usually fear, anger, loathing or all three.
Her mask flickered. He saw glimpses of confusion and sadness. "I am not a huntress."
"No? How strange," Hector said as he walked over and took a seat at a nearby table.
Weiss tracked his movements. The only hint to her curiosity was the slight twitch of her eyebrows. "Why is that strange? Hunting Grimm is not proper for a future heiress to such a fortuitous life. I have everything I could ever want." The monotonous way she said the words almost physically hurt Hector.
"Ah, so unlocking ones aura and combat training is simply another step to preparing for your future as a CEO, yes?"
She flinched before quickly returning to her emotionless stance. "I-that is simply a precaution. With the White Fang increasing their attacks, one can never be too careful."
"Which is why if I were to meet them I'd see the rest of your family with their aura's unlocked as well, or am I wrong?" She started looking extremely uncomfortable. The mask she put up was degrading by the moment. When she didn't seem to be able to produce and answer Hector held back a sigh. "Ms. Schnee, I am not your enemy." Why did he have to remind everyone of that fact?
That one surprised her. She blinked at him a few times before the words seemed to process. "Of course not, you're-"
"I am someone who just wants to hear all sides of the story." He gestured for her to sit beside him. "Please, sit."
She hesitated, fear clearly in her eyes. Before she swallowed and walked over to take the seat. Hector took out his tome and began the process. "Now, tell me everything."
She was hesitant, and had to correct herself every few moments, but soon Hector had a good idea of what had happened. After a charity concert hosted by the Schnee family there had been a gala. That much he already knew. The argument between the Judge and Ms. Schnee though seemed to have occurred when the Judge had made a comment about her future career path.
"You mean your wish to be a huntress?"
"I-," she seemed to be thinking about lying. A decision she had to think twice about. "Yes."
"What did he say?"
"He said that I should leave the hunting to those with real world experience. That ivory towers rarely build the character that the real world does."
"That was rude of him to say."
A ghost of a smile flickered across her face. Hector blinked and it was back to the mask. "I took offense to his words. I said…I said that I am as combat worthy as anyone he's ever fought. He took that as a challenge and asked for a private duel." What? "To see if there was any merit to my words." Hector had to stop writing. It was insane. This was insane. A judge fighting a child, the ridiculousness of it was staggering.
He took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly. No one was helped if he lost control now. "What happened next?"
"I received…this," she said gesturing to the path over her eye. "My father was…" Furious, horrified, he must have been completely seething the Order for what they had done to his daughter. "He was mortified, at my behavior."
He had been embarrassed. The man had been embarrassed that his daughter had acted out. Rather than concerned that she had nearly lost an eye. The whole scenario was almost too much for Hector. Too cold, too cruel, it was too absolutely abhorrent. But something nagged at the back of his mind.
"Ms. Schnee, you skipped over the fight itself, what happened?"
She straightened up and the mask was back in full force. "We fought, and I was injured."
"How though, even a huntress in training should have been able to put up some sort of fight. How did your injury occur?"
"He punched me," she almost snarled before whipping her head away, "before I-." She hesitated before coughing. "Before the end of the match and the fight was over."
What was with this hesitation, why was the match so secretive? She was being quiet, there was no quote from the judge, and there were no witnesses either. It was like everyone had just assumed-.
Oh.
A chill had run up Hector's spine and he had to put the pen down. His train of thought sped through what he knew and the fear continued to spread. He knew what he needed to ask, but the answer could be absolutely monumental. He had to know.
"Ms. Schnee, did you…win the fight?"
Her widened eye told him everything and the shock reverberated throughout his body. This…was unprecedented. She shifted uncomfortably as she kept her eye on him. "I-"
"That is amazing, absolutely amazing." She blinked at him a few times, her mouth falling open. He couldn't believe this. A huntress in training had beaten a Judge. It was incredible, the amount of skill and strategy needed to do so…he couldn't even begin to imagine.
She seemed to still be in shock over his words. "I'm sorry?"
"Ms. Schnee, you beat a Judge. Someone who had dedicated their life to countering and defeating aura users like yourself, you must be incredibly skilled."
"I-I have seen a lot of training. From many tutors over the years, and my sister, the specialist, as well." He could see the pride cracking through the shock. Her features became warmer, less constrained as she preened.
This was an amazing find. A girl who could defeat a Judge would make for an amazing huntress. He had to know more. Her style, her plan, and how she had done it. But still, things did not add up. "Ms. Schnee why was you victory-"
"Well, well, well, look who's here," a very familiar voice called from the doorway. Hector turned to see someone he hadn't expected to meet again for a long time. Minor Judge Ciaran strolled towards him. He wore the Judges signature black armor, with a steel kilt wrapped around his waist and a massive claymore attached to his back. It took Hector a few moments to process who it was before he realized that everything made sense now.
Ciaran was Hector's oath brother, a Judge who had taken his pledge to justice the same time he had. With how rare it was for someone to actually become a certified Judge, let alone two at the same time, oath brothers were often made closer by the bond made during the process. Ciaran though had actually taken affront to having to share his ceremony with the young upstart of the Order. He felt that it robbed his moment of importance. Hector had come to know Ciaran as a Judge of great strength, intelligence, and extreme pride. The last of which he often let get to his head during fights.
"Nice to see you finally show up," Ciaran said snidely. "I thought I'd be stuck in this ice hole forever."
Hector noticed the way Weiss' seemed intent to glare a hole through the man. He coughed awkwardly and rose to meet his brother. "Ciaran, it has been awhile."
"Less than a month and already stuck together again. A bit late getting to Atlas though, always a step behind me, huh Hex?" He seemed to notice the state of Hector's armor and placed his hands on is waist. "Geez, look at the state of you." Hector realized that is armor must looked been quite different from Ciaran's.
His brother's armor was pristine and shined, while Hector's was dull and covered in burn marks and scratches. He had seen quite a lot of combat and travel in the time since he had left the tower. He would have like to have returned to do some much needed cleaning and repairs but there just hadn't been any opportunity too.
"You look like you've been through the ringer. I thought you'd have trouble dealing with big bad Remnant but a few fights and you already look like this?" Before Hector could respond Ciaran had already turned around and was headed out the door. "Come on, they want us all in the dining room." With that Hector and Weiss were left alone again.
There was a few moments of awkward silence before she spoke. "That was…does he usually talk to you like that?"
"Yes."
"And you let him?"
Hector shrugged as he rose. "Words are just that, words. We are all free to speak our minds and voice our opinions. The freedom to do so is our right." He held out a hand and after eyeing it warily Weiss took it. He helped her up and together they walked to the dining room.
"That sounds nice, "Weiss said wistfully. Hector realized that she was talking about the freedom.
"Are you not allowed to speak freely? Do you not like it here?"
She froze before continuing to walk, her expression stilted. "Being a Schnee is an honor and a privilege others do not have." There was that mechanical voice again.
Something occurred to him. "What's to stop you from being a huntress? Those who choose the craft must become used to failure, has your injury deterred you from the path?"
"No, but-," she hesitated before reaching up and touching the patch. "Father won't even humor the notion of me going to an academy now. If I could only have another chance, I know I could show everyone what I can do." The last part was said with passion, the fire from earlier had returned as she clenched her fist with an expression of fury and pride. She quickly realized how she must look and the coolness washed over her features again. "But what's done is done. I don't believe I'll have another chance like that again. So be it." The way she said it, the loss of hope was always heartbreaking to see. This place was toxic, smothering such a fire. Something would have to change.
They spent the rest of the walk in silence. When they arrived Hector saw that his arrival had been prepared for extravagantly. The dishes were set out and the table had been polished and cleaned as well as covered in expensive looking tableware. At the head of the table was Jacques Schnee. A man who shared Weiss' pale complexion and white hair, with some grey mixed in, but with blue eyes that seemed cold, too cold. He was head of the Schnee Dust Company and one of the most powerful men in Remnant. To his left was a woman Hector recognized as military specialist Winter Schnee, she looked like an older version of Weiss. To Jacques right was Ciaran. They all regarded the two as they entered.
"Ah, hello Judge Hector," Jacques said as they entered. "I am glad you could join us. I hope my daughter didn't keep you too long."
Hector didn't miss the way Weiss straightened up or how Winter eyed him with cold hate. He separated from Weiss and she walked over to sit next to Winter while he sat next to Ciaran. "She was a fine hostess," he said as he pushed forward on the seat. "She couldn't possibly waste my time, she's the reason I am here after all."
"Quite right," Jacques said off-handedly as he gestured for the servants lead by Klein to bring the food. The Schnee's were served as the two Judges waved the servants away, their plates left empty. "Will you not be eating? How do Judges eat with those helmets on anyway?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
Hector and Ciaran shared a quick look. "Privately," they said in unison.
For a few minutes the air was awkward as the Schnee's ate. Hector felt the need to break the silence. "Mr. Schnee, I have to apologize for everything that has happened. This situation should not have occurred in the first place."
"I fully agree," Jacques said dabbing his mustache with a napkin. "The girl spoke out of place and now the whole continent is up in arms about a small spat. This could cause problems for both sides."
"That wasn't exactly what I-"
"I assure you though that this will all blow over soon enough. General Ironwood and I agree that the Judges have their place in Atlas. We've been working to nullify all the negative perception that my daughter's mistake has caused."
Hector noticed the way that Weiss' head lowered with every word. As well as how Winter's hold over her glass chalice caused a spider web of cracks up stem. "The General," she said through gritted teeth, "has also said that while needed, he will not tolerate any abuse of power by anyone, Judge or not."
"I was not abusing my power, the girl challenged me and I answered simple as that." Ciaran said crossing his arms and raising his armored chin in challenge at Winter. She only shot him a murderous glare before her father hummed annoyed.
"Yes, we can all agree that Weiss should not have spoken out in such a way. But thankfully we can get over the past and work on what comes next." What comes next? What was this becoming about? "Judge Hector, I wasn't allowed to before but I must thank you for your performance on that train job."
Hector could practically feel Ciaran's burning glare through their helmets as he shifted in his seat. "I was happy to help, I am just glad all the men made it safely."
"Yes, yes," Jacques said dismissively. "But aside from that your presence has had another side effect. It seems like White Fang attacks have decreased, from what my experts tell me, by about five percent. Apparently your presence is causing those animals to think twice about their little raids." The numbers had lowered by five percent? For one of the biggest business' on Remnant that meant millions had been saved.
"Just five percent," Ciaran scoffed," it's a shame you didn't have me on that train. They would have stopped completely."
Jacques regarded him with new interest but Hector decided he needed to know something. "While that is good to hear, I do not understand what it has to do with the current situation."
That brought Jacques attention back to him and he smiled as he swirled the wine in his glass. "Such results are impressive. They could mark the beginning of an incredibly beneficial alliance. Imagine it, the Sable Judges and Schnee's, together working to mend relations between the Order and Atlas."
He made it sound like a marketing pitch. But Hector couldn't help but imagine the possibilities. Generations of hurt and frustration could be mended in his lifetime. It was an amazing opportunity.
Ciaran huffed out an annoyed breath. "So what, you want us to be your guard dogs for your stock. We are Sable Judges, not your low born rent-a-cops."
"For now," Winter said into her glass. Ciaran looked at her, his body tensing.
"Care to repeat that?"
She put down the glass and raised her chin while putting on her most defiant expression. "Your Order has been on the decline for years. With the Atlesian militaries latest technology advances we might not even need Judges anymore."
The statement fascinated Hector. It did the opposite for Ciaran, he just snorted derisively. "As though some high class toaster can even hope to match the might of a Judge, let alone replace one. A fun little fantasy you live in, Winter."
The casual use of her name brought a grimace to her face. "If a single huntress in training can defeat a Judge then the gap in power cannot be that insurmountable."
Ciaran tensed as though he had been struck. He looked like he had a retort ready but Jacques had already slammed a hand on the table startling everyone in the room. "Winter! What have I said about breathing life into that ridiculous claim?"
"But-"
"Enough," Jacques voice was cold and firm, his eyes hard as ice. "Honestly, it was you who put the idea the idea of becoming a huntress in that girls head to begin with. Look where that got her." He had a small victorious grin as Winter turned away, shame and pain flickering across her face. "Exactly, she trains for something she cannot be and ends up paying for it. But she hasn't even stopped there. She now has the audacity to cover up her failures by lying. Who in their right minds would actually believe that she could defeat a Sable Judge of all people?"
"I would."
While everyone had been focused on Jacques and his tirade against his daughters Hectors words brought all eyes on him. The Schnee sisters looked quizzical while Jacques only narrowed his eyes, Ciaran was practically radiating anger. "What was that, Brother?" He spat the word out like a curse.
"I think that she could beat a Judge."
It took a few moments before anyone could speak. Jacques was the first to compose himself. "While your faith in my daughter is…appreciated, I have to insist that you shouldn't believe the wild statements she had been throwing around. It is simply too unbelievable."
"Exactly," Ciaran said nodding, he sounded he was talking through gritted teeth.
"Why don't we see?"
Another few moments of silence, Jacques once again was the first to recover. "What do you suggest, another spar?"
Hector noticed how the words caused Winter to straighten up in fear. Weiss though just eyed him curiously. "Not with each other again, no, I would not wish to add any more injuries to either side." This was more to save the pride of both sides from going through the whole ordeal all over again. "I was kore thinking about Specialist Schnee's words earlier." His gestured to Winter whose fear turned into focused confusion. "About how Atlesian military tech has been advancing so quickly, I assume you have security robots?"
"The most advanced on Remnant." Jacques said preening, he seemed curious as to where this was going as well.
"Would you agree to a wager?"
He seemed to think it over, eyeing Hector intensely. "I may be open to one, what did you have in mind."
"If we may borrow a few, your daughter and Judge Ciaran can see who can defeat the most within an allotted time." He looked over at Weiss who looked back with blatant disbelief. "Of course this is if they both wish it. They are free to decline on their own behalf."
Weiss quickly shook the confusion off and turned to her father. Fire lit in her good eye. "I accept. I can do this father." That led to all eyes turning to Ciaran who fidgeted in his seat.
His pride won over his caution in the end. "I accept as well. It will be a quick match, and I could use the workout."
Jacques regarded the two coldly before turning to Hector. "You would bet against another Judge?"
"My wager is that they are of equal strength and value on the battlefield."
Jacques regarded the words. "And I win if she loses, so what is it I have to gain from this?"
"I wager my personal services in guarding Schnee Dust Company cargo for a year."
The statement brought a wild gleam into Jacques eyes, Hector was almost certain that he would start drooling at some point. But his greedy expression was replaced almost immediately by a cautious one. "And if you win?"
"Does it matter?"
Jacques swirled the wine in his glass, taking a look at Ciaran before chuckling. "No, I don't think it does. When shall we have this little exhibition match take place?"
"I was thinking tomorrow, at dawn?"
"That is fine. We are in agreement then." He rose from his seat, Hector followed suit and they shook hands. The rest of the meal was uneventful and soon everyone began t retire to their rooms. Winter and Weiss passed Hector who sent a small nod her way. She nodded back and as Jacques left to go handle some business that left Hector and Ciaran as the only two left in the dining hall. When he turned to his brother he saw that he was only a few inches away.
"What in the Brothers name do you think you're doing?"
Hector ignored his brother's indignation. "You lied." The words were simple and spoken calmly, but the steel behind them was unmistakable. "Do you understand what you've done?"
"Don't you-"
"Do you really think your pride is worth all the damage you've caused? The life your about to ruin? Can you truly be at peace with this farce you've replaced the truth with?"
"I didn't lie!" Ciaran snarled before leaning back and looking around to make sure the servants weren't in earshot. "I just didn't say anything and played along when everyone assumed who the winner of the match was. People want to believe in Judge, Hector. Do you know what people would think of m-of the Order if they know that they can be beaten? We'd lose all of our respect over night!"
Hector resisted the urge to berate him more. He knew where Ciaran was coming from. One of the few things the two could actually agree on was the idea that Judges ought to be working on their positive image. But while Hector worked tirelessly to earn peoples trust, Ciaran found it rewarding enough to bask in their love. But to go this far, what was he thinking?
His tone suddenly became frosty. "Ciaran, to a Judge violence is a last resort option. Anything less and we are no better than the Grimm. The mistakes you have made here-"
"Save your preaching," Ciaran snarled. "Judges do not make mistakes or have acid-" Ciaran suddenly cut himself off and the words sent Hector's mind spinning.
Something occurred to him that he hadn't even considered. He felt like the world's biggest fool for not seeing it. "Ciaran, was Ms. Schnee's injury…an accident?"
"I taught the girl her place, nothing more." He said the words harshly, but he turned his head away. It appeared that guilt had eaten more at his brother than he realized.
Hector felt awful. He had come to Atlas and rather than help his brother, automatically made him the enemy in the situation like everyone else had. Well, maybe not Jacques, but that was an odd exception. Ciaran's pride though was running rampant and hurting everybody, even himself.
"Ciaran, apologize to her. I am sure she will forgive you. She doesn't seem to type to succumb to hate."
"Forgive?" Ciaran let out a short bitter laugh before turning and walking away. "No one forgives a Judge."
Hector just watched him leave and hoped his brother would understand how wrong he was. But for now, he had to make a call.
The next morning Hector was guided by some servants to the stone courtyard. The sun had yet to rise leaving everything in shadow. Weiss and Ciaran were standing on opposite sides of the area, stretching and checking their weapons. Winter was sitting at a table the servants had set up for the watchers. She was sipping tea as she eyed Weiss worriedly. Jacques was nowhere to be seen.
Hector approached the table. "May I sit?"
Winter looked up at him, her face wearing the same emotionless mask Weiss also used. Only she seemed to have perfected it, she gave no indication of what she was thinking at all. She just nodded and gestured to the seat across from her. Hector took a seat and together they watched the two contestants continue to prepare.
"I train Weiss here," Winter suddenly said. "Whenever I visit, we both work for hours on her form and her skills." Hector looked over and she continued. "We were both so invested in her future, and we were both devastated when that future was marred." He had a feeling that she was speaking about more than her sister's future.
"She is not done yet. Her future is still bright."
"Is it? After the last few days I could have sworn that my little sister has had to endure humiliation, assault and heartache in front of entire audiences, tarnishing her reputation. I must have been mistaken."
"She will heal, and she will prosper." He said the words with calm assurance. Winter only narrowed her eyes at him.
"Why are you so invested in her? Why risk so much? We both know that if you spend a year guarding Schnee transports your reputation may ever recover." This place, everyone was always so concerned with reputations, how they looked and how to stay ahead of everyone else. No wonder Ciaran liked it so much. But Winter did have a point. His reputation may not survive the loss of a year to guard duty.
"My name may not see not see positive benefit, but the reputation of the Judges might. People will be able to see that we aren't above the grunt work. They might see that we are all in this together, Judges, Huntsmen, and the civilians in between. That needs to be seen." It was a win-win bet if he ever saw one.
"Is that why you're helping my sister," Winter said sipping her tea, "a charity case to show the Sable Judges goodwill?"
Hector shook his head. "No, I am doing this because I believe that she would make for an amazing huntress. If she can beat a Judge, imagine what she can do to Grimm."
"So you do believe her claim then?" Winter's voice was guarded but he could detect the skepticism in her voice.
"Yes."
"Why, wouldn't that work against your Order?"
"Maybe," he said simply. The image of the Order might be weakened by such a revelation. But the truth needed to be exposed somehow, someday. It was something Hector was slowly seeing the longer her explored Remnant.
The world was out of balance.
The Judges had long been seen, even to themselves, as the unstoppable breaker of the aura unlocked criminals. But over the centuries the truth had been swayed to make room for legend. People now believed that Judges were invincible, invulnerable defenders of truth and justice. They had emancipated the faunas slaves during the Great War, held the line during the Mountain Glenn Uprisings, and had defended them for as long as many could remember. But the myths had caused a divide.
People were beginning to forget the need for Huntsmen, and the true enemies that lurked in the shadows of all the Kingdoms. So now civilian's feared huntsmen, huntsmen feared Judges, and Judges feared for civilians, but everyone seemed to fear the Grimm less and less. The balance had been traded for a hierarchy, and Hector was worried of what that could do to Remnant and its people.
Winter's eyes suddenly narrowed. "What is it you hope to ask for if my sister wins for you?"
Before he could answer her someone spoke up, they looked to see that Klein had begun to explain the rules of the wager. About twenty security bots stood in a line behind him. The time limit had been set for ten minutes and they would all be activated at once. The person who could disable the most machines before the time limit was over would be the winner. Both parties agreed to the terms and took their stances. As the sun rose in the horizon, they began.
Fun Fact: Ciaran and Hector were given the choice between the train job and the diplomatic mission in Atlas. Ciaran demanded the diplomatic mission and being the kind of guy he is Hector was fine with train guarding duty.
An action less chapter but one I needed. At first this was going to be one chapter but after a ton of rewrites the whole Weiss Arc happening here seemed better set as two. It may seem like Weiss is getting a lot more attention than the others but that's just because this part of the story is setting up a lot of plot threads. Introducing another Judge, the Atlas situation, Weiss' story, and Hector's own growing realization that the Judges have a dire problem in need of being fixed. I tried to make Ciaran as rounded as possible, while still making him come off as the jerk he is. Hopefully the chapter doesn't come off as too exposition heavy before we finish dealing with this little Atlas part.
Thank you everyone again for the favorites, follows and reviews. As always, they're appreciated.