Another instance of SiM, this chapter might be a bit slow and surprising, but indeed, I'm shoving it to make sure you readers have a frame of reference.
AndreiN00B - Hahaha, indeed. One has to remember most of the fic is written from Jaune's perspective, who have the confidence of a wet tissue paper. Ironwood certainly think he's good in his own way, which is why he get in the academies without even need to cheat. Gaining more self-worth is major part of his character development in this story.
OBSERVER01 - It doesn't stop there, trust me.
TheNiemand - Glad people still enthusiastic despite all the story flaws.
Jaune woke up only for him to realize he's lying somewhere unfamiliar, and an alarm beeped right beside his head.
It's six o'clock in the morning.
...okay, NOT entirely unfamiliar. He's been here before, several times since he went to Atlas. After all, what is Jaune Arc but a burden to everyone around him. He damn know it well, but perhaps it can't be helped. The dark white ceiling adorned with a simple LED bulb of several Watts. The placement of the window means the sunlight never directly came through even though it's already morning, only the background light made insufficient effort to illuminate the curtains.
"...what the hell are you doing Jaune?" He asked himself rhetorically.
Rubbed his head as he sit down he realized he wasn't alone, he looked aside to find a half-naked girl sleeping soundly.
So much for a new life and fresh start. In the end, you couldn't even keep your principles and would gladly throw it away in favor of sinful escapades.
Soft murmur came by from luscious lips of the dark brown haired, pale skinned young woman beside him. Scent of sweat and hormone can be too tempting at times.
But he had no time to dwell on it.
"I'd just get a shower first-"
"Where are you going~?"
Seductive purr echoed within the vicinity of his ears as two small, firm hands made it's way underneath his shirt, caused him to shiver. "Umm, Garnet I have to go."
She blinked, rubbed her eyes then blinked again, her silver eyes wide open. "Oh right you're going to Atlas starting today."
"Yeah, and you have to go for work." He pointed awkwardly, "Hands off, please?"
"Bah." She pouted and slowly rose up from her bed and turn on the lights. Though she was relative short for a woman, she definitely IS a woman alright. Glistening skin clad her exposed shoulder, and semi-translucent shirt covered her well-toned body. Jaune's face bent red when he saw a set of impressive chest barely covered, the shirt really didn't hide much at all. If anything, what it did was to enhance the appeal.
And that's bad.
Not now, little bro.
"I'll get a quick shower first, then I'll fetch you a breakfast." Jaune grinned as he walked aside, like a scared crab. "I'll be quick."
The woman can't help but laughed in response. No matter how many times they did it, Jaune never seems to mature at all.
Jaune decide that, while he HATE cold shower, he need it. His heart still race as he remembered what happened few days ago. Far too many things happened in such short timeframe. Him getting accepted in Atlas, meeting new friends, stop terrorist attack and then...
Reunited with Weiss Schnee.
He didn't really know whether it's valid to consider his and her relationship as childhood friends, since he only meet her ever once, and doesn't even remember her face nor her name. That was impressionable meeting, indeed, but still... maybe he could use her own words.
Childhood acquaintances.
"Sounds right." He decided.
As soon as he's out of bathroom, the air became impressively colder. The brunette slid open her balcony door slightly to let fresh air inside, before shortly close it.
"What do you want? I'll cook you something quick." Jaune offered.
"Thirty minutes." The woman answered, "Whatever you could make in thirty minutes. Oh, and make sure you made a serving for six people."
Jaune picked up an Apron and wore it on top of his black hoodie shirt and his combat trouser, checked what's left in the fridge, he decided to pick out the marinated chicken he put in yesterday, this should do for what he could make.
Jaune never consider himself a great cook, a very good cook for sure, but half his sisters are far better cook than him. But the best of all, his mother. She could transform peasant dishes full of leftover ingredients into something absolutely, mindbogglingly delicious.
Scent of burnt tomato cream and garlic filled the kitchen as he finished his dishes in exact time, though the ventilation provides a solution for that. He brought it along with pickles and few other side dishes.
But why six people thought? He wondered. Maybe she want to store it for dinner?
When his current roommate came out of bathroom she quickly picked herself a set of gray pants, leaving her top covered in nothing but a black camisole.
...she's really beautiful.
Jaune admit that all things considered, her ex wasn't even remotely close to the most beautiful girl he met in his life. But she's certainly is attractive in her own way, a more tomboyish, laid back way that is.
"Is garlic chicken fillet okay with you?" He asked.
"Anything from you is better than the garbage in office cafeteria." She said frankly in response.
"You're cruel as always." He chortled as he put his apron aside and sat down.
"They should be here soon." Garnet said as she looked at the holographic clock on the wall.
"They?"
The bell rings twice, Garnet perked up and reached for the door.
"...is it really okay for me to be here?" Jaune raised his eyebrows. Not that he's embarrassed... okay, he's REALLY embarrassed. But more than that, he don't want to interfere with her personal business, whatever it is.
"Oh, it's just some family members coming for a short visit. Don't worry about it." She waved her hand dismissively as she slid the key card on the electronic lock. "They all just look like me though."
"Riiight." Jaune rolled his eyes in disbelief, "At least I don't have to see your parents, again."
"Oh c'mon my father would love for you to give a visit again." She wryly smiled.
"Bullshit." Jaune said cold.
The door slid open and show the presence of two people covered in cloak. One white, one red. Jaune rubbed his eyes to make sure he got it right. Because holy shit it felt like de javu hit him something fierce.
"...Ruby?!" Jaune squeaked.
Ruby's sets of silver eyes couldn't possibly be stretched wider than now. Her mouth agape as she tried to process the info for a moment... why is that guy here?
"Jaune?"
"Such a small world, eh?" Summer smiled curtly, and the air turned several degrees colder as she did.
"Tehe-he-he. Just old friends from Vacuo staying for a few days. C'mon, let's celebrate Ruby and Jaune's entry to Atlas together." Garnet pushed Summer and Ruby inside without care. Indeed, she's a working adult and there's no shame sharing an apartment with attractive young man, whatever their relationship is.
Wait a minute.
"...uh Garnet, could the R in your middle name means..." Jaune guessed, a little bit late perhaps.
"Garnet Rose, yes." The young brunette chuckled. "Why do you just ask now?"
"...Now I feel so stupid." Jaune whined and dropped his head on the table, how could he NOT see the striking resemblance between Summer, Ruby, and his old friend? He blamed yesterday's hectic situation, but... well, it's still dumb. Garnet and Ruby practically looks identical, hell, Garnet looks closer to Ruby than Ruby's own mother is.
They're almost like sisters.
"You can't remember people for crap." The woman smacked his shoulder casually, and then she pulled out a party popper. The cardboard cone blew up softly, spreading colored foils everywhere, "Congratulations for entering Atlas, both of you."
"Uh, okay." Ruby said awkwardly, still couldn't process what's going on. "I don't know you're er... living together."
"Oh no, he's just staying here until his dorm arrangement get sorted." Garnet said almost far too nonchalantly, it hurt Jaune something fierce. In fact, the 'now' part made him pained the most, not that he show it well. "Putting all the nighttime shenanigans aside..."
Jaune choked on his food and quickly hide his blushing face with his hands.
"I didn't need to hear this." Summer sighed, "Don't follow her example Ruby."
"I won't." Ruby said aloud, showing her disgust, "I won't."
"Need ice for that burn?" Jaune asked teasingly as Garnet just twitched in response of the implied insult from the relatives.
"But then you'll get Ice burn." Summer grinned and pointed two of her index fingers mischievously.
Ruby whined, "That was terrible one."
Breakfast was indeed more eventful than they expected, especially when they come to talk about what transpired back then in their first meeting. From when Jaune and Ruby meet, all the way to how they end up at Police Station. Indeed, Garnet is most interested with the story, since Jaune didn't tell her much aside from the fact that he was involved in the crime scene.
The fact that he participated in the pursuit was never included.
At all.
"You should have told me that you dunce." Garnet pouted, "What else did you hide from me?"
"I just don't want to make you worried okay?" Jaune responded in desperation as he wore his leather combat vest, "You know me, I'm cursed with bad luck no matter where I go."
"Valid point." Garnet said as she wore light gray jacket and then strapped a thick black vest on top of that. The words S.D.C emblazoned on her left side of the chest, and twelve-pointed glowing blue snowflake emblem on her back.
"Schnee Dust Company huh." Summer thoughtfully muttered.
"Yeah, working in the security department is pretty easy if you can kick sufficient amount of assess." Garnet excitedly said as she fastened her black boots. "The pay is good too."
"But isn't that a little risky? SDC Security Force works in the place where there's not much in the way of natural defense. Did your parents know?" Summer asked, concerned.
"Yeah, My mom are against it but, well, I've been in militia already so why not? Might as well put my combat experience to use."
"Well, putting them aside..." Jaune turned his attention to Ruby as they left the apartment room and walked side by side. "Your mother changed her mind huh."
"Yeah, I don't know what happened but seems like someone talked her out of it." Ruby giddily smiled, "And now I'm officially a huntress-in-training! We might even be classmates!"
"You still have to survive Initiation first." Summer said strongly, "While I have confidence with your combat technique as your mother and as your mentor, I'm still worried because you tend to rush ahead without thinking. Initiation is not a test of personal skill alone, but your ability to work with your fellow students. Keep that in mind, and don't get blindsided. You might die."
"I promise I won't. Trust me, Mom." Ruby begged and clasped her hands as she run around the red-haired woman, "Please?"
"Well, let's see about that later." Summer defiantly ignored her plea.
I might die huh. Jaune closed his eyes for a second.
Jaune watched as Ruby waved her hands shortly before jumped into the taxi Summer just chartered. The much younger girl looks really excited, indeed, unlike him, she doesn't seems to have specific end goal or ambition. For Ruby Rose, becoming a huntress is a means to an end. To save people and fight crime.
It's hard to call her innocent, but Jaune well understood that, Ruby Rose is an idealist girl who saw this world in much brighter light than he did.
"She's really childish huh." Garnet softened her eyes, "And yet, she would floor both of us in a fight."
"Yeah, hard to admit but I'm really envious." Jaune crossed clenched his fists, "It's kind of strange. I've met so many students, each of them are different, yet they all of them were vastly more powerful than I am."
"Well, what else do you think? People spent years to prepare, you? Less than a year, and now... the gap between us grew so big. Perhaps leaving you wasn't a mistake after all. I'm always been the one holding you back..." Garnet leaned on the apartment pillar and looked aside, to the roads where the traffic began to catch up as the sun rose higher and higher. Not even the perpetual snow in the city of Atlas can stop them.
Jaune let his gaze on her with saddened eyes, but he swallowed his mental tears inside and strapped his bags on the backseat of his bike. Starting today, he will be students of Atlas. He'll meet new people, a lot more new people than he did yesterday.
"That's a lie and you know it, Garnet." He said in refusal of her statement, "I wouldn't be here without you."
There will be more chances to mend such pesky little problem as broken heart, right?
Right?
Jaune kicked the pedal and his bike roared lowly. It's suppressed diesel engine rattled rather quietly thanks to the huge, modified muffler to his side.
"It's rather cold and lonely here." Garnet winked, faint blush tread across her cheek. "Come to visit me again sometime."
"I will." Jaune lied and feigned his trademarked idiot smile. There's no way they split again with bitter note. "Unless you got a boyfriend by then."
"Come anyway, and bring your girlfriend here." Garnet yelled aloud, uncaring of the pedestrian who reacted to her voice. "You can cook for four of us."
That was what it means to be friends... right?
[SHINE IN MEDIOCRITY]
The Story of Atlas Hunter Academy
By
ZeroXSEED
Chapter 05 - Fresh Start
Marble white walls formed the bulk of the mansion, reflected the bright lights that came from the windows and the artificial lightning in the interior space. Three shades of blue spread across the floor in form of seamless tiles and carpet stretched as far as eye can see. With golden-plated ornaments occasionally breaking the pattern in the most symmetrical and artificial method possible.
Only Schnee household can make such scenic brilliance look depressing, because the huge mansion is mostly devoid of life. Occasionally, there would be pearly white cleaning robots or automated machines roaming around to keep things tidy, but otherwise, the whole mansion is quiet and empty. Such silence that footsteps of people would've heard from the other side of the corridor.
Such is the monochrome prison that held young Weiss in her seventeen years of her life. It might just be half a joke to say that Weiss don't know color other that white, blue, gold and silver exist.
And now, even though she's not entirely satisfied with her destination, she's going to leave this wretched prison.
That alone is more than enough to keep her mind focused. Focused away from her failure.
Failure that costed her four years of freedom, away from this frozen wasteland of a continent.
No more.
Her winter coat buttoned up, and though her old scarf are missing, a white fur hat perched on top of her head, blending with the color of her coat and the rest of the wall, yet obscuring the sight of her signature silvery white hair, which tied a little loose on the length of her neck.
Despite the huge Schnee symbol on her back and silver emblem on her hat, she's practically impossible to recognize with a glance.
Who knows a simple hat and hair adjustment could change someone so much. She smiled inwardly. She will make sure to thanks Jaune later.
"Good morning, sister." A nasal male voice greeted, "Your new school year starts today?"
Hesitantly, she tried not to scowl in response, instead, she deliver a weak smile.
"Good morning, Whitley." She said, "Are you going to combat school as usual?"
She's well aware that he really, really hate going there. Indeed, the silver-haired young man in navy blue vest looks like he frowned for a fraction of second, but then he regained his composure quicker than she did.
"Yes, Alsius spare nothing for the betterment of it's student, isn't it?" He nodded.
Weiss had been there done that, and yes, as much as she hated the school for being a chain that bind her to this continent in the past four years, she was thankful that it still considered something of a profound experience. No instructor can match the teaching quality of a properly managed combat school, especially one as elite as Alsius. A properly cultivated competitive environment can do wonders to a student's development.
The Combat School, though entirely different level of education than Atlas Academy, share the same area complex. Despite that, meeting between students is unlikely unless done deliberately, due to the vast size of the area involved.
As such, Weiss is unlikely to meet him often either.
Though part of her more rational and caring mind felt guilty, the darker part of her was glad about it.
Whitley Schnee, her brother, always been the goody-two-shoes dearest son of a tyrannical father, the father she resented. The resentment does extend to the brother, indeed, though to much smaller extent.
Speaking of the devil.
"Good morning, father." Whitley bowed gracefully.
Weiss, being the rebellious daughter she is, just bowed quietly without saying anything.
"Did you forget your manners overnight?" The tall man in white suit asked rather unfriendly, his
Weiss clicked her tongue soundlessly, so the one said without even bother replying to his favorite child. Jacquess Schnee has zero sense of irony and is a gigantic hypocrite.
"Good morning, father." Weiss smiled brightly in the most peppy way possible, which completely out of character for her.
But anything to annoy her father, she will do it.
And seeing how his thick mustache and eyebrows twitched simultaneously, it seems to be working.
"...you defeated the Automaton Knight." He decided to switch the topic of conversation, "Even though it has been upgraded."
Jacques still remembered it, the stolen possessed Knight that he used to test her daughter had been there, confiscated by the police force as part of equipment used by White Fang. When Jacques personally went there out of concern for his company's image, it was crystal clear that the damage inflicted is consistent with what his daughter can dish out.
And it concerned him, Jacques Schnee, just like most members of the family, dislike surprises. Surprises mean out of context problem, and he dislike problem.
"Not on my own, no." Weiss walked past him, "With the help of an acquaintance."
"An acquaintance, how quaint." He snorted, "The same acquaintance who dared to defile the Schnee name by giving such a garbage that you proudly wear?"
Weiss froze for a moment, and as much as she want to lash out, she couldn't.
Her father had her by the leash.
Again.
Whether he actually knew what happened, or just fishing for reaction, she didn't really know.
Its frightening, to be honest, on how perceptive he could be whenever it would benefit him.
"So many girls would KILL to get the same privilege as you did, all the most outlandishly expensive brand in Remnant you can acquire, and you would wear such imitation with a smile. Have you lost your mind, Weiss Schnee?"
"It is a gift." Weiss said in hoarse voice, "It's most polite to treat them with utmost respect, isn't it?"
"Yes, but not brandishing them for all the worlds to see and laugh at." Jacques snorted and walked away, "After all, I never said anything about that wool rag you call a scarf, just keep it in a box or something will you?"
Weiss bit her lips angrily. Her father couldn't be possibly more rude without throwing expletives, and yet... and yet everything he said is right.
Everything Weiss did, everything Weiss said and wore, everything about Weiss reflect the name of Schnee.
She hated this family and yet... she can't help but brandish it with pride, that's why she replaced the emblem on the hat.
It's a prison she inflict upon herself.
Is true freedom even exist? Probably not, not as long as she carry her family name in stride.
She clenched the hat, part of her want to yank it and throw it away.
But then, a slim, almost feminine hands gripped her wrist.
She looked aside to see mischievous face of her brother.
"It suits you well." He earnestly said, "Please keep wearing it."
Weiss' eyes widened in response, such small, yet firm display of kindness..
Perhaps they really are brother and sister after all.
"Thank you, Whitley."
"Would you like to ride the limo with me?" He asked.
"It's alright. I'll just bring Kirin with me." Weiss refused almost instantly, besides, she really need to being her robot horse for school purpose. Weiss can just see how sadness began to crept into his smiling face, however.
"...or maybe you want to ride it with me?" Weiss said mischievously, "Just for today."
He looked around to make sure no one listened, "Can I?" he asked with a whisper.
"Well, if father got angry it's not my problem." Weiss shrugged, pretend not to care.
Whitley raised his finger and said, "Let me get my coat." And then shortly disappear from her sight leaving an air of unrestrained excitement. Weiss could only sigh in response, after all, Whitley still fifteen, and thus, as mature as he tried to be, still pretty much a child in her eyes.
And no matter how resentful Weiss can be, she can't bear to hate him.
Dear little brother.
...
Cold air rushed through the Schnee brother and sister as they rode on top of the mechanical horse, the pearly white robot stood out even in the snow thanks to it's reflective coat. At speed that would make most motorbike blush, the machine galloped through the snowy road without care.
However, roaring knock of a certain diesel bike soon followed.
"You're here." Weiss greeted excitedly.
"Morning." Jaune raised his own blue hat, "Also I think he fainted."
"He's my-wait, fainted?" Weiss's smile turned upside down, only to realize that her brother had been clinging to her while unconscious, "Oh for God's sake, Whitley, are you even a man?"
"Did you upgrade Kirin's legs or something?" Whitley woke up and asked, "I don't remember it being THIS fast!"
"...seriously?" Jaune gleefully laughed, "Funny guy."
"Yes I just upgraded it recently, but really, just how wimpy can you be?" Weiss yelled in disbelief and then pulled the reins a little, "Slow down!"
The horse skid a little before shortly accelerating again into much more stable trotting.
"Well it's not normal to have a horse moving at over a hundred klicks per hour." Jaune grinned as he slowed down his bike as well.
Weiss chuckled shortly before she noticed the giant bags tied all over his bike, and even one on his back. Just what exactly Jaune brought with him? Can't he just deliver it via cargo service like she did with her own luggage?
"So, did you find your replacement ammo? I'm sorry I can't help much." Weiss asked.
"You'll see later." Jaune winked, "But yes, I managed to get replacement parts from Ordnance Market, thanks to you."
Oh well, Weiss doesn't like surprises... but... maybe she'll give him a chance.
"So, while we're at it, the name is Jaune Arc. Sweet, short, tolls on the tongu-" Jaune introduced himself proudly, only for his rambling to be cut off by a huge road bump that destabilized his bike and threw him away. "EEEE!"
"Don't follow his example, Whitley." Weiss mocked a frown before bursting into laugh. "He always been like that with everyone."
"Even so, you seems happy with it." Whitley said, "I thought you'd dislike that kind of guy?"
"It's not like I'm attracted to him or anything." Weiss denied hastily, though she failed to hide her amusement. "Actually don't even joke about it."
"That response only made me even more curious." The little brother whistled teasingly.
"Who left a fallen timber on the road like that?!" Jaune complained as he caught up with the ride of Schnee siblings again, "So. where are we again?"
"Whitley Schnee." Weiss answered firmly, "My little brother, he's a third year student in Alsius."
"Hello again." The brother in question raised his hand.
"I see, well, it's nice to know you, Whitley." Jaune raised his thumb, "Anyway we're here."
Both the mechanical horse and diesel bike stopped abruptly as they passed through the gate area of the education complex. Tower half a klick high become the center of everything, that is, the most important piece of global communication in Remnant, CCT Tower, become the centerpiece of the school area.
The CCT Tower is surrounded by buildings in the shape of simple yet menacing blocks around it. Indeed, in the effort to improve comfort and serviceability, Atlas Academy was built in the style of military fortress, which made it somewhat more compact in appearance compared to three other academies. But outside appearance can be tricky, as within the fortress-like buildings, vast array of rooms are arranged to achieve maximum volume efficiency.
Jaune had been there, so he would know.
"It's really cold here." Whitley said as he jumped off the horse's back, "Thanks for the ride, dear sister."
Weiss nodded, "Be careful, don't catch a cold."
"Oh, what a rare sight of Schnee siblings being so intimate." A tall woman clad in black bodysuit approached them as she took pictures with her scroll, her glasses gleamed ominously. "A bit nostalgic because big sister going to stay at dorm?"
Jaune noticed how the siblings looks suddenly uncomfortable with her appearance. Indeed, Jaune somewhat know about this already. Weiss Schnee isn't that close with her own mother. he didn't expect the brother shared the same feeling thought.
Jaune wanted to ask but... maybe later. It's not really his business to interfere with her family matters.
"Good morning, mother Cereza." Whitley greeted politely, "You look beautiful as always."
"Thank you for the compliment." The woman smiled, "And Weiss, ready for your trial by fire?"
"Yes, mother." Weiss said hesitantly, but not because what she said, but rather, because it's her. "I'm ready."
"Saying you are is good and all but don't repeat your mistakes again." The woman raised her voluptuous chest as she pointed backward with her thumb, "Go to assembly hall, Ironwood will brief you of the details. Oh, and don't fool around with your boyfriend, your father wouldn't like it."
"Me? You must be mistaken." Jaune nonchalantly said, while the Schnee heiress just slapped her own face and yelled, "He's not my boyfriend, not even remotely close!"
"Oh my, I must be wrong then. Well, either way, see you latter in the classes." The woman sway her hips exaggeratedly as she turn her back against her children, her long black hair tied into high ponytail and yet they still reached way below her waist.
Jaune noticed four small pistol-like objects holstered around her waist.
"Oh, so you're into older woman, Jaune?" Weiss chided.
"That came out wrong." Jaune said in defense, "I'm just curious with her weapons."
"Her weapons? Really?" Weiss sharpened her eyes in disbelief.
Whitley left with a smile as Jaune and Weiss constantly bicker on their way to the underground parking lot of the academy, while he himself walk on the direction of Alsius Combat School, which located some 300 meter away from the gate.
Looks like his sister is in a good company, at least.
"WHOA! WHOAAA!"
Whitley Schnee didn't have time to react when he saw a blur of red crashed right into him, the force of which threw his relative slender body like a ragdoll. He flinched as he felt the pain even thought his aura protected him from actual damage.
But when he regained his focus, he realized the presence of a beautiful young girl clad in red cloak over black dress.
Straddling right over his lap.
"...are you okay, Miss?" He tried to ask as calmly as he could, but he couldn't deny that the close encounter made his heart race. He always put his guard around girls, so this accident was a new experience for him.
"Err...sorry, I'll get up." The girl stood and pulled the cloak over her head and patted the snow away from her skirt, revealing a reddish black hair cut short at cheek length. Her silver eyes stared at him full of guilt, "It's kind of slippery around here so..."
"It's alright." Whitley assured her, "If I'm hurt by such small accident I wouldn't really be here wouldn't I?"
"Umm... yeah but still, anyway, are you student of Atlas too?" She asked, "Where are the new students supposed to gather?"
"No, I went to Alsius over there." He pointed the separate school complex, then bowed gracefully and presented the Atlas buildings behind him. "New Atlas student supposed to gather in the assembly hall in the Atlas School Building, I believe."
"Ah, so the big buildings over there, got it." The girl hurriedly ran toward the Atlas School complex, "Thank you!"
"Wait, your name is-"
Before Whitley could ask, she jumped away with tremendous velocity, leaving a trail of red rose petals in her wake. Whitley moved his hand to catch them, but they all disappeared into warm red light as soon as they fell.
A semblance?
"...Rose." He muttered as he clenched his palm. For some reason, it piqued his interest greatly.
Little he knew, it wouldn't be their last meeting.
つづく