Six years ago...
A brief flash of metal flung through the air as Imperium was swung to meet the uppercut strike of Arc D'or; the two colliding in mid-motion and creating a loud, clanking noise that rang through the school courtyard mist causing a large disturbance on what was a calm and brisk, early Fall evening. The two warriors wielding the impressive weapons were flung apart and landed as gracefully as each other taking a few moments to breath and assess their next potential moves. The sparring match had been in session for some time now with both combatants depleted on energy. A young girl watched on in awe so very eager for them not to stop; enthralled by the skills on display. Imperium was raised above the head of the helmeted combatant, who in doing so switched to a defensive stance raising his shield Invictus, and angled towards a female who bore a black beret, sunglasses and a flowing, long black coat. A smirk emerged on the face of this woman who's sword-like weapon was sharply transformed into its regular form of a beautifully crafted bow. Picking out three red dust infused arrows from the quiver down by her right hip she then proceeded to nock the lot of them taking care to angle her ranged masterpiece with a slight left slant in order to cover any sudden movement from the opponent she faced. The young girl was awash with excitement but was soon to be mildly disappointed.
Scypio relaxed and let down his guard taking to his left hip in order to sheath Imperium and placing Invictus in a more compact state on his back. Helmet removed, his eyes glistened from the light of the sinking sun though he looked visibly worn out.
"I think that's all for today, Aera. Great job out there though; we're going to ace the tournament for sure!"
Aera's smirk only grew wider as she removed the three arrows from Arc D'or's string and proceeded to put them back in the quiver they had only just been removed from. She strolled towards her best friend running the weapon along her left arm and resting it on her shoulder.
"If that had been anyone else in my family you'd been facing that pretty face of yours would have been flat on the floor!" The teenage girl laughed and continued to speak with a warm tone. "Us Apolliniens don't tend to show much mercy even in test matches such as this."
A cheeky smile broke out across the face of the young male. "Good thing you're a weird Apollinien then isn't it?"
That retort earned Scypio a firm punch in the shoulder though the two laughed it off and headed towards the young girl on the wall. She didn't remain on it for long as she jumped off and ran towards the two with a slightly discontent face; her long, red hair fluttering behind her as a crisp breeze caught it. Stopping in front of the two friends her face looked upwards towards Scypio with equally vivid, green eyes.
"Why did you two stop?"
The tone in which Pyrrha asked this question was more associated with a scenario like her brother pretending to forget buying her a birthday gift for the year. It seemed illogical that the fight ended where it did. Scypio just ruffled his sister's hair and replied with a phrase she heard all too often these days.
"We do need rest eventually, Pyrr. How could we compete well in two weeks time if we went all out every day?"
The dissatisfied, first year student at Sanctum folded her arms and followed the two as they continued out of the courtyard and back towards their cafeteria. The school ran rather uniquely in the context of others across Remnant since it acted as both a regular and boarding school. In the second half of the year all students remained on site to not only study but prepare for the annual Mistral Regional Tournament. First and second years, such as Pyrrha, were not allowed to compete as they were still in the process of making their first weapons. For third years like Scypio and Aera however this would be their first taste of competitive battles. The two had become close in what was coming up to three years of training and studying with both dreaming of travelling to Beacon Academy in Vale after they graduated where they could eventually form a fully fledged team. Even their combat styles and weaponry choices complimented each other to perfection. Two fighters made to cover each other's weaknesses.
Pyrrha looked on as the two talked and laughed together like old friends meeting in a tavern for the first time in years. She idolized her brother and his friendships even more than his fighting style which with a stubborn mind was something that the Huntress in-the-making was going to replicate and master. Maybe it was the devotion to her craft and her brother that ultimately led to her not making many friends. Everybody was more focused on her incredible potential than the girl herself. It's why she couldn't afford to stray too far from Scypio; he was the only one who truly cared for Pyrrha, not one of the most promising young talents in Sanctum's long history. Lost in thought she was quite surprised to walk straight into the back of Aera as the two had stopped to re-evaluate their plans for the evening.
"Steady on there, Red!" Aera cheerfully exclaimed. The nickname was more of a comfort for the archer than fun for Pyrrha. With no siblings to call her own Aera felt like one of the family with the Nikos' and fit in well thankfully. She continued conversing with Scypio. "So you're not hungry?"
"Nah. Besides I should really spend some time with Pyrr. Left her studying all day today which Mother and Father would not approve of."
"Alright then! Goodnight!"
The two hugged and split off in either direction at the split of the hall with Pyrrha in pursuit of Scypio. The two quickly arrived at their quaint room featuring posters of mythical legends of history scattered across the wall and a bunk bed pushed away into the corner. Books were scattered across their desk covering multiple topics from the creatures of Grimm to weapon design. Invictus and then Imperium were laid up against the wall before the door was closed behind the two. A now evidently shattered Scypio trudged towards the lower bunk and slumped down on it before turning lazily onto his back. He gazed into the wooden plank above which supported his sister's bunk. Pyrrha was concerned and walked up beside him.
"You're not okay, are you?"
Her brother hesitated slightly before responding. "What if I don't win?"
This response surprised Pyrrha. Scypio had never been the type to doubt his own abilities.
"Then that's okay."
"But is it really? I know how much our parents expect of me. How much you expect of me. If I don't win the tournament I will have let everyone down."
He really was silly sometimes. Despite being such a nice guy, despite being such an accomplished fighter there was still a dark, nagging thought in the back of his mind. What if Scypio Nikos failed his family and friends? Nobody needed to explain why nothing would happen again so Pyrrha simply got on the bed beside her brother and cuddled up to him. Often finding herself enthralled in studies of the world of Remnant, myths, legends and everything rooted in fact, Scypio was the only person who truly understood her and so she felt determined to make sure that kindness was reciprocated. At the very least she knew how to make him happy.
"Yup. It would be so bad I'd have to not call you my brother any more!"
A smile broke out along Scypio's face and he cuddled Pyrrha close.
"I knew it!" He played along and tried and to push any lingering thoughts away. "So, have you made any more progress on your end of year project?"
"Oh I have!" Pyrrha had been eager to share this news for a few hours now. "I think I want to have a shield just like you but with a spear or something as my weapon! I've even got names for them! Akoúo̱ and Miló!"
Scypio chuckled. "Oh? And how did you manage to come up with those two silly names?" He knew in truth but loved to tease her.
"You know! Speak and Listen. Mom taught some of the ancient languages to us back at home and those were two of the words I remembered today."
Scypio hummed in acknowledgement before ushering his sister away to get ready for sleep. He loved learning about her day but she was right that he shouldn't be worried about anything. Before he could even consider a thought of such he fell asleep into calmness.
Two weeks pass...
"Oh and Aera Apollinien bows out of the competition after that mighty knock-out blow from Lance Galahad!"
The tournament had been slightly tarnished by the announcer's horrendous commentary all week but to Scypio the loss of Aera facing him in the grand final was a real blow. The two had worked so hard to be on top of their game but in the end it still hadn't been enough. Aera picked herself up off the floor and walked back towards Lance heavily disappointed. The two shook hands before she looked towards Scypio and Pyrrha in the audience, barely mustering a smile and waving, before solemnly heading towards the exit.
"This is it, Scyp! All you have to do is beat that guy and you've won the entire tournament!"
Pyrrha was incredibly excited about the prospect of her brother winning the whole thing. Her belief had shot up more now after the penultimate bout before the match that would close out the school year. Aera was a hugely accomplished fighter in her own right now out of contention and she had seen weaknesses to Lance's game plan that Scypio could easily exploit with his more close-range fighting style. The young man looked much more concerned about his friend however than the upcoming bout.
"I hope Aera is okay." He muttered. "This is going to be a big mental hurdle to get over."
"She'll be fine!" Pyrrha was determined to keep her brother upbeat. "We'll just all go out for food later or something! Besides, you've got to get ready yourself. Final match is so soon!"
Despite the worry for Aera, Scypio conceded that his sister was absolutely right for not the first time in the tournament. Following his opening round victory, Pyrrha had taken the time to analyse every fighter he would come up against next and had discussed strategies with him on how to beat them. The ease of each victory up until this point was in large part down to her. With the girl who he knew better than anyone and Lance the only possible remaining combatants left to face him prior to the second semi-final he already knew the plans that could earn him a place in the history books as the youngest competitor ever to win the Mistral Regional Tournament. He just had to believe in himself and go for it.
Bidding farewell for now to his sister, who responded with a big hug and well wishes, Scypio traveled down to preparation room. He strolled in front of his locker and punched in his code opening up the storage unit to take out Imperium and Invictus. Bearing the two felt right, as if he was meant to do this for a living. A deep breath. A clalm mind. Scypio Nikos' time was now. Before his time however he needed to comfort his friend. Aera sat a short distance away and looked more miserable the closer he got to her. Almost instantly after sitting down on the bench the girl who displayed such bravado so often broke down in tears compelling the Huntsman-in-training to be a friend very briefly before battle. He didn't say a word as he hugged her. She didn't need reassurance that everything was going to be okay, just that he understood what was happening now. Breaking away, Scypio looked into her sore eyes.
"I'll win this for both of us. That's a promise."
Sniffling, Aera smirked and nodded before getting up and heading to the stands to take Scypio's place alongside Pyrrha. She wanted to be there to see Lance annihilated.
Just a short while later the two finalists stood side by side on stage. Scypio peered over at his silver-armor clad opponent studying in particular his weapon. The lengthy, sharp, spear-like creation guarded his wielding hand well. As its alternate form was a high pressure sniper rifle the more close-quarter specialized combatant knew full well that if he was to get in close that it was his fight to lose.
The gong sounded. Heartbeats slowed. Faces met. Quiet.
Scypio startled Lance by charging straight at him with shield raised; for a generally defensive-minded fighter this was completely out of the ordinary. The knight raised his weapon in a shocked response trying to piece together in his mind how he should reflect this assault. Before even getting a chance however Invictus was under his spearhead and pushing it to the side as Imperium swung upwards delivering a solid strike onto his chest plate knocking the stunned finalist aback. There was no chance to breathe as Scypio's attack was relentless. Lance raised his weapon to become a makeshift barrier as with a gladiatorial savagery the centurion twisted and turned and swung his sword from any and all directions. The onslaught progressed further and further towards the edge of the arena before Lance's patience snapped and broke his guard long enough to re-establish a position of safety some distance away from Scypio. Breathing heavier it was painfully obvious that without the help of his semblance there would be no victory, no glory. He stored away onto his back the only apparent source of attack the knight held much to the confusion of the audience though his reasoning for doing so became very clear. Lance's body began to glow with a scarlet aura.
"Come on then, where's all the aggression gone?" Teased the knight.
Scypio smiled. All was falling into place exactly as predicted.
"I was just wondering the same about your weapon! I'm a little tired though, maybe you could attack me next rather than I doing all the work?"
Teeth ground together and Lance lunged towards Scypio. If there was one thing guys with big egos couldn't refuse it was a challenge. It was one the promising talent was now destined to lose. Scypio began dodging the punches of Lance and almost felt a sense of pity as he could see his opponent tiring at an alarming rate. The bright scarlet aura suggested that his semblance of 'Stand Fast' had activated effectively making him invulnerable. The 'stand' bit was important to note however as any movement would begin to put a huge strain on his body. Lance was a good fighter there was no doubting that; but a smart fighter he was not. The once confident tournament favorite slowed. And slowed. And slowed. Clocking their position on the arena Scypio simply walked around the beaten man and clean kicked him outside of the boundaries.
Silence. The manner of the victory was underwhelming as much as it was startling.
Present day...
"Don't get me wrong the stadium soon erupted and the rest of the evening flashed by as I received my rewards, enjoyed the spotlight with Aera and Pyrrha; something changed that day in me though."
Jason sat back in his chair attempting to piece together everything he had just heard and form some sort of response.
"Well it sounds like you loved your sister dearly, it sounds like Aera and you went further back than I first imagined and it sounds like you were a worthy winner of that tournament. What could have affected you that much?"
"Pyrrha."
"Pyrrha? She helped you out is all? Like any excellent sibling would!"
"That's the point though. Any ordinary sibling wouldn't have thought twice about it. Everyone was applauding me yet I could only look towards her and try to speculate just how much of that success was down to her research." Scypio got up and walked over to the window. He gazed out into the darkness seeing his solemn face reflecting back at him. "I've been praised so much over the years. Scypio, you're a great leader. Scypio, you're such a good friend. Scypio, you're the best brother anyone can hope for. At the end of it all though, in this job which I had dedicated my life to, the one thing you wanted to hear is that you were an incredible Huntsman. That you looked like one of the best. As I took in all of my thoughts on that arena floor the niggling feeling not showing any sign of disappearing was that my sister was going to become one of the greats and I wasn't."
Jason got up and strolled alongside his former student looking down at him from the right.
"You mean to tell me you were jealous?"
"In a sense, yes. After that I felt myself piling further pressure onto each and every one of my training sessions looking to keep ahead of her before she caught up. We definitely started to become a little more individual after that. I had to learn to stomach my pride for the first time in my life and that made for a slightly difficult following year."
Jason was somewhat surprised by this admission. For all of Scypio's positive attributes his ability to admit to mistakes had always been somewhat lacking during his time at Beacon. This reflection was a sign of just how far he had come.
"So you became more independent? I get that. Didn't you win the tournament the following year though?"
"I did."
"Surely that was a success based on your own merit then?
"Indeed. I retained my crown without any help."
"So why do you sound as if your sister fully overcame you then? Like you're not worthy enough to step out of her shadow?"
"She did when she got the chance, Jason. In our third year of studying together; that's when Pyrrha Nikos became a star."