Chapter 2
The city of Atlas was a very impressive spectacle. It was the easily noticeable that it was one of the more advanced, and militaristic, places in the strange world Shirou had found himself in. He would admit that he was interested in everything so far.
Of course, Shirou had found out that he wouldn't be getting around all that easy, as he was now associated with Willow, who was a big deal. Granted, it wasn't as bad as some people back home, but there were already a few people who had taken their picture.
"S-Sorry, I know it must be a pain to have to deal with that." Willow said with some red on her cheeks from embarrassment. Shirou shot her a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry about it, it'd take a lot more than that to truly bother me. Though, if you don't mind me asking, is there a reason why you seem so popular?" He asked, though he had an idea as to why.
"Well, being the person who will likely inherit my father's company, many people want to know more about who I am. Then there's the fact that someone talked my father into advertising, needless to say, I was sometimes with my father in those advertisements. So, while I wouldn't say I was a celebrity, I'm treated as one for my family's money, connections, and business." She said with a sigh
Shirou could understand why. Willow was already quite beautiful, and if you wanted someone to be the face of your company, looks definitely helped. Though, he had a feeling that her father was just trying to prepare her for the future. He looked down at the sword on his hip.
"Judging by the way you're talking, I'm guessing that you're not a big fan of that." Shirou replied, as he knew it would be a lot to handle. If all weapons and everything else ran on dust, then he could only imagine how much pressure was on her shoulders.
"It's not that I entirely dislike it. But, sometimes I feel I'm trapped in a cage of expectations. There's still things I want to do and places I'd like to see. However, I don't really have the freedom to do all that. It can be frustrating, but I refuse to complain too much, as there are plenty of people less fortunate who wish they were in my position. In reality, I know I'm fortunate and I'm thankful for everything I have."
Shirou had a small smile on his face from her words. "You know, it's not too late to do those things. You say you don't have the freedom, but I'm sure your father would happily agree to let you take a break and go have some fun." Shirou responded, catching Willow off-guard. She looked at him with a dumbfounded expression.
Shirou couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. "I'm sure your father wants you to be happy, and if you explained it to him, I'm sure he'd be glad to accommodate your wish. Plus, I have the feeling he isn't one to say no to you." He said with a smile.
Willow's face reddened, as she knew that was true. Her father did spoil her quite a lot. Though, she couldn't imagine her father allowing her to travel like that, especially after the latest incident. 'Though, he might consider it if I had a capable bodyguard with me.' She thought to herself, smiling at the thought. She knew Shirou was more than capable of keeping her safe.
"Hey, I don't mean to get off subject, but what's all this stuff?" Shirou said, knocking Willow out of her thoughts. She then focused on what Shirou was looking at, seeing that he was looking at the decorations and advertisements for the Vytal Festival. She hummed, before deciding to tell him about it, since it was pretty important.
"Those are for the upcoming Vytal Festival. It's a sort of tournament to showcase the different huntsman academies. It's a big event across Remnant, which is why Atlas is so busy and colorful, since everyone is starting to arrive early." She said, pointing at different four person groups, each carrying weapons and wearing different uniforms or clothes.
"Supposedly, it's to foster unity between the kingdoms, but really it's only for each kingdom to show off how strong their huntsman are, or how great their city is. Though, I don't mind all the stands and fun activities that pop up because of it." She revealed with a smile, remembering the times she had fun during said festivals.
"Hmm, I see. I suppose it makes sense. I'm guessing that you won't have any participation in the event?" He asked, with Willow letting out a small laugh.
"Oh, definitely not. While I've been thinking of trying to be a huntress, I don't want to be a part of the military, since most of the huntsmen in Atlas end up there. Though, you can become a huntsman in other ways, but joining an academy is the easiest and safest. Why, are you interested in becoming one?" She asked, genuinely interested in his reply. Shirou simply smiled.
"It is interesting, but I'm not sure about being in the military either. It'd be nice to have a license to help people without my movements being restricted, but I like where I'm at now. Besides, there aren't many people who'd take in an amnesiac with no identity. Well, other than you, but I can tell you're a kind person." He said, causing her to quickly look away from him while mumbling something.
However, she quickly composed herself, before looking back towards Shirou. "Would you like to check some of the stalls? I'm sure they've set up quite a few in advance, since the students have been arriving since a week or two ago." She asked, with Shirou thinking about it for a moment, before nodding.
"Sure, I'll follow your lead. Do they have food stalls?" He asked, holding a hand up to his chin. Willow raised a brow at his question.
"Um, I'm pretty sure they do. I didn't take you for a food lover." She said with a giggle, though Shirou simply smiled and shook his head.
"Food lover is a bit much, but I do enjoy cooking food, I know that much. I like to find new ideas whenever I can." He said, surprising her.
"Wait, you can actually cook?" He nodded. "Well, when we return home, could I maybe try some of your food? I'd like to see what kind of food you remember how to make." She asked in a slightly embarrassed voice, seeing answer with a smile and another nod. Honestly, she just wanted to know more about him, and the fact she learned this detail was a big deal to her.
She was able to pick up a few things since meeting him, but learning more things without seeming like a prying woman was pretty hard. She was initially against this outing, but it was turning out to be quite fun. She also wouldn't lie about enjoying seeing Shirou dressed in her family's colors and style. She knew that there would be a lot of misunderstandings in the news, but she didn't care.
She noticed that Shirou did seem to enjoy looking around Atlas. She was able to see him react to a few different things, such as the different modes of transportation and scrolls. It was quite interesting, which only furthered Willow's thoughts that Shirou was an enigma. She was starting to think that he was like a character from those books, making her believe that there was definitely more about him.
Then there was the fact that Shirou's eyes had been scanning everyone since the moment they were alone. It was almost like he was on edge at all times, yet, he was relaxed and calm on the surface. 'I doubt anyone would be able to harm me, even if they thought they ambushed us. It makes me wonder what life he lived to have eyes like that.'
Shirou was quite happy with what he was seeing so far. Despite the shadow creatures he fought being a problem in his mind, the flying kingdom was safe. It was nice to see a place like this where people were pretty carefree and able to live their lives freely. Another good thing, was that he didn't notice any bounded fields or smell mana. Though, it was a bit odd, since he saw Willow use a familiar.
Admittedly, he was worried about other dangerous things being around. Though, he had a feeling that the huntsmen and military could manage if such a thing happened. He doubted a dead apostle was in the world, considering their origins. Though, he was confident in dealing with it if one showed up. 'Then again, I did almost die when I first arrived here.'
He let out a small sigh, hoping he didn't have anything to worry about like his old world. While he was planning on finding a way back home, if possible, he wanted to try and help people here while he could. Then, he remembered why he was there in the first place. The only conclusion he could come to, was that Jeanne made a wish before she returned to the Throne of Heroes.
'If that's the case, then what was the wish she made? Why am I here?' He thought, before looking at Willow's face lighting up as they inspected some stalls that were set up. He couldn't help but smile at the sight, wondering if Jeanne wanted him to live the life she never had. The life both gave up to save others in service of the church, or rather, for God.
He was interested in finding out more about the other kingdoms, as well as the shadow monsters, with Willow mentioning grimm, which he figured was what they called them. He wasn't a mage, but figuring out what they were was something he was interested in. Then there was the strange power he kept noticing around the huntsmen, as well as Willow. Needless to say, he had a lot on his plate.
He noticed Willow looking at some jewelry, earrings to be specific, that looked like blue diamonds. He let out a hum, before she continued on. She hadn't been interested in anything else, so he shrugged and handed a card to the cat eared vendor and motioned towards Willow discreetly, getting a small nod and smile in reply. He had done similar things back home, so he was glad that this new world wasn't that different, allowing him to get a gift discreetly.
"Shirou?" Willow asked, turning as Shirou placed his gift in his jacket pocket. He answered with a hum, "What did you used to do before you saved me?" She asked, though Shirou could tell she felt uncomfortable doing so. 'She's the exact opposite of Caren.' He thought with a small smile.
"I suppose that's easy enough to answer. The easiest way to explain it, is that I was a part of a group similar to your huntsmen, called Executors. We were in charge of hunting monsters, searching for relics, and other things like that." He said, choosing to leave out a few other things, such as hunting down mages and other heretics. He didn't hunt mages that often, but he did do it a few times. It was mostly just dead apostles and demons.
"And, judging by what I've seen from the huntsmen I've seen so far, they are similar in that we had many different types of people who were Executors." He added, remembering all the different Executors he had met. None were normal, as being an executor wasn't meant for those who were normal. To be an executor, you were considered to be a deadly killer. The beliefs of each Executor was different, but they were agents of the church.
"Though, we were all united by our beliefs, most of the time. There were other branches, of course, but we all focused on protecting mankind." He finished as the two were walking around. Willow seemed perplexed, but he figured it was because she had no hints as to where he came from. He didn't mind telling her, but thought he'd wait for a bit. He may have been a bit more trusting than his colleagues, but he wasn't a fool.
The moment the wrong person found out, they'd likely detain him and do who knows what to him, before trying to find a way to get to his world. He wasn't going to allow that to happen. He didn't want a war to start because he was careless. Besides, he was fairly sure that others didn't have magic circuits in this world. So, he needed to be careful with his magecraft, and hopefully pass it off as whatever these people used. He didn't want some fool trying to mess with his soul to get to his circuits.
Besides, the more he analyzed dust, he began to realize that it was basically just crystallized magical energy in the form of different elements. It intrigued him, much like the monsters. There were too many questions, and not enough answers. However, that was why he was intrigued about the watching the Vytal Festival, since he could watch what these huntsmen were capable of, while also getting to spend time with Willow, which he was starting enjoy.
"It sounds like you miss it." She said to him, causing him to chuckle a bit.
"I enjoy this peaceful atmosphere more than I miss it. I definitely don't miss the danger of it, but my comrades, I'll miss them. But, I'm here, and I don't mind making new friends and helping others who are in need here. Besides, spending time with you has gotten my mind off it, so I don't mind too much." He replied, before he noticed someone approaching. He could tell Willow was lost in her thoughts at the moment, so he gently grabbed her hand and pulled her a bit closer towards him.
"W-what are you d-doing?" She stuttered, looking up towards him. He motioned with his eyes to look in front of her, and when she did, she stilled for a moment. He sighed, knowing that she likely knew the approaching person.
Though, he also noticed something else out of the corner of his eyes. It was a small glint, but he caught it. 'Someone's watching us. Should I take care of it?' He thought, before shaking his head. 'No, her father entrusted her to me, so I'll stay by her side. Besides, I feel no malicious intent.'
Willow wasn't feeling too good at the moment. The person in front of her wasn't supposed to be in Atlas for a few more days. She planned on being somewhere with Shirou when she arrived, for the sole reason of trying to keep him a secret. She could already tell Shirou was special, so it wouldn't be hard for others to do the same.
It wasn't that she didn't like the girl, she did. She would even say that they were friends. But, Willow did know about Beacon's headmaster. He once tried to talk her into joining his school, but she felt like the man was analyzing her every word and movement. It was unsettling, but she also knew he liked to try and get new people to join his school all the time.
So, she knew he was likely in Atlas as well. She decided she'd deal with him when the time came. She smiled and waved a hand, deciding to get back at Shirou at the same time by wrapping her arm around his and pressing her body against him. She felt him flinch a bit, peeking up and seeing his face slightly redden.
She was pleased with the result, even if it was slightly embarrassing for her. "Hello, Summer. What a surprise it is to see you here so early." She said in a happy tone, she looked at Shirou out of the corner of her eye, seeing him looking at Summer for a moment. It didn't bother her, since she was pretty sure that she outclassed Summer in looks, since Summer wasn't exactly as developed as she was.
Sure, she was still growing up, but that'd be years away. Not that she cared, mind you. It was simply an observation. 'Yeah, that's what it is.' She told herself, before she realized that she didn't actually know Shirou's preference. Summer was pretty, with short dark red hair, silver eyes, and a bright smile, along with a personality that most would find cute. She remembered why she didn't want Shirou to meet her.
"Willow! We were able to come a bit earlier after we bugged the headmaster a bit. You have no idea how easy it was!" She said, shooting forward with incredible speed, however, Willow could feel the exact moment Shirou moved away, as if he could see what was happening. The moment he did, Willow was wrapped up in a hug and almost fell to the ground, if it wasn't for Shirou propping her up with his hand.
'Jerk, he knew that was going to happen.' She thought with a pout. She'd get him back for it later. She let out a weak laugh. "Well, considering what I know about you, I'm sure he had no choice but to acquiesce to your prodding." She said, as Summer let go and smiled at her. "It is nice to see you again, Summer." She added, as Summer was one of her only real friends.
"Well, I'm glad I could see you so soon, it was really boring on the ride over here, you know? I thought maybe there'd be some grimm or some kind of excitement, but nothing. Even when we stopped, everything was peaceful and they didn't need any huntsmen." She said, before her voice lost its upbeat tone. "There are towns and people that need our help, I don't see why we couldn't stop there on our way."
'Ah, yes.' Willow had almost forgot how proactive Summer could be when it came to helping people. She really was a busy body. She had a bad feeling about that habit of hers, and she hoped the academy would be able to knock some sense into her, before she ended up getting herself killed due to her beliefs. For some reason, she couldn't shake the feeling that Shirou was similar to her, or at least, used to be.
It seemed that Summer had just noticed Shirou, as her eyes widened and her face lit up. "Oh, who's this?! Is he your boyfriend?" She asked, though Willow quickly shook her head and raised her hands up trying to make Summer stop talking.
"N-no, this is my new friend. His name's Shirou, and he actually saved me a few days ago." She said, unintentionally trying to hype up Shirou to her , honestly, she thought that feat was worthy of being shared. She still remembered everything he did that day. He dismantled the group trying to kidnap her. It was impressive and heroic.
"Shirou, huh? I don't think I've heard a name like that before. Wait? What do you mean he saved you? Were you in trouble or something?" She asked, tilting her head to the side, which caused Willow to giggle a little bit. She noticed Shirou smile a bit as well.
"Something like that, but Shirou jumped in and protected me before they were able to hurt me." She said, though she left out the part about her guards, as she still felt guilty about their deaths. "He was pretty sick and suffering from some other ailments, so he recuperated at my home."
Summer paused, looking at Shirou closely for a moment. "He sort of looks like he could be a member of your family, except for the red streak." She said, with Willow bristling a bit. She did notice that, but Shirou's features didn't exactly match up with her family's. The fact his skin was slightly tanned was a big indicator of that. "Well, Shirou, it's nice to meet you." She said, holding a hand out, with Shirou shaking her hand in response.
"Likewise, Summer." He answered with a small smile, "Um, if you don't mind me asking, how did you two become friends?" He asked, though Willow knew he'd be curious. Before either of them could reply, a red tear appeared next to them, with Shirou even reflexively putting a hand on his sword. Out of the tear, a woman wearing the same uniform as Summer appeared, but she had long, wild, black hair with a red ribbon and blood red eyes.
The moment Willow saw her, she felt her senses telling her that the girl was dangerous. She didn't know what it was, but she calmed when she noticed Shirou's grip loosen and let go. "Raven, what's going on?" She asked, obviously a bit confused as well. However, Raven seemed to ignore her for a moment, staring at Shirou for a moment, before looking him up and done, which bothered Willow a bit more than she cared to admit.
Her eyes narrowed, before she looked towards Summer. "We were following you, but I got curious and jumped ahead." She answered nonchalantly with a shrug. Her attention went back towards Shirou, who was admittedly trying to do his best to ignore the girl's gaze. She hummed for a moment, "You're not a huntsman." She stated, with him raising a brow. Willow didn't understand why she said that either, being a bit perplexed.
"Oh, you're not a huntsman? You aren't even going to an academy?" Summer asked. 'Oh no, I don't like where this is going.'
"I'm not. I'm just a guy with a sword." He said with a shrug. Though, that was the wrong answer.
"That's a lie. You're strong, I can tell from your eyes." Raven interjected, with Shirou looking at her as well. "You aren't just some guy. You're nothing like those other people at the academy." She said with a grin. Willow wasn't too sure about this anymore.
"Wow, you must be something else then. Raven doesn't usually say that about anyone. Wait, if you're really strong, then why aren't you a huntsman?" She asked while tilting her head to the side again, causing Shirou to have to stifle a small smile. However, Willow could tell that Shirou seemed a bit less enthusiastic to answer. She wondered why, but figured it was likely a personal reason.
"At the moment, I've lost some rather important memories. So, until I fully recover from that and my other injuries, I plan on trying to take it easy. I'd probably get in trouble with Willow if I didn't, so there's that too." He said while rubbing the back of his head. Willow couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed, but also noticed the frown on Raven's face.
"That's right! We weren't supposed to be out too long, since Shirou's supposed to rest and we've been out for awhile." She said, moving closer towards him. She noticed that Shirou's gaze moved once again, focusing on something she couldn't see. His eyes slightly narrowed, before he looked back towards her with a small smile. She felt like something was up, but knew he likely wouldn't tell her what.
"Oh! If you're going home, could we come with? I want to say hi to your dad, since he gave me a special discount card for dust last time I was hear, so I want to thank him." Summer said excitedly, with Willow's eye slightly twitching. 'He hadn't told me about that.' Though, she already knew he did things like that. She wouldn't have been surprised if he had given Shirou lien for saving her.
"Don't you have to get permission from your professor, or headmaster?" Willow asked, tilting her head slightly. She didn't mind Summer, but was more than a bit hesitant to allow Raven and whoever the other two were into her home. "I mean, I'm sure you can't just bail on where you're staying, right?" Summer scrunched up her face for a moment, before it brightened up again.
"Oh, then I can have Tai and Qrow go back and handle all that, and Raven can just use her semblance to teleport them to us when they're ready! That way, I can spend more time with my best friend who I don't get to see all that much." Willow couldn't help but smile at her words. She looked towards Raven, who was still looking at Shirou, almost as if she was analyzing him.
She let out a sigh, before smiling at her friend. "Alright, that's fine. Is that alright with you, Shirou?" She asked, not wanting to make Shirou feel out of place, though he simply maintained a small smile and nodded his head. Then again, she wasn't sure how he was feeling at the moment. Most of his wounds were healed, but that didn't mean he was fully back to normal just yet, at least she didn't think so. "Alright, let's head back then."
Shirou couldn't shake the feeling of something troublesome on the horizon with whoever was observing them. He was able to infer a few things from what he saw. The first, whoever it was, they most likely worked as a private investigator or something. It wasn't an assassin stalking its prey, he knew that from the small little tells he gave off to try and see if it was.
Second, they were more focused on him than Willow. He was happy with that, but it also confused him. There were only a few people who knew about him. Considering he highly doubted that Nicholas would send someone to spy on him specifically, he was out. Willow was by his side the whole time, so she was out. The only other people he dealt with were maids. Which suggested a third player. 'I'll talk to Nicholas about it later.
He wondered if it had anything to do with Willow's ambush. He had been wondering about it, as the faunus he had seen lately all seemed to like Willow. He needed to know a bit more to draw a definite conclusion, but he was beginning to think that the whole thing was a setup. 'If I could find someone tied to that protest group, it'd make my life a whole lot easier. Then again, they'll likely show themselves soon, with the news of the incident about to spread.'
Nicholas had been able to halt that story from being spread, but it wouldn't stay that way forever. He could already see that humans outnumbered the faunus in Atlas, and he had even seen the looks they had to endure because of it. So, whoever was in that group would likely make a statement or try to resolve the issue. 'That is, if they weren't the cause. If they were, they'll stay quiet, or they'll announce it themselves.'
The least he could do for Willow is figure out whoever was trying to harm her. He'd be able to make sure she was safe if he did so. Though, he would like to visit Mantle and ask around. He let out a small hum, before shaking his head. He looked in front of him and saw Willow and Summer talking and laughing together. Every once in awhile, he could see Summer glance back towards him, before focusing back on Summer.
He didn't mind, but he did mind the girl next to him who was eyeing him the whole time they were walking. "Can I help you with something?" He asked, getting a bit annoyed at her constant staring. She smirked at him.
"I was wondering what someone like you is doing with a Schnee?" He raised a brow at Raven's words. "Or does the princess not know she's been on a date with a killer?" She asked, causing him to click his tongue in frustration.
"Willow knows perfectly well what I'm capable of. At least, partially. Though, I could ask you the same. What's a bandit doing at a huntsman academy?" He asked, seeing the girl's eyes widen in surprise for a moment, before she stifled a laugh.
"The reason is quite complicated, I'm afraid. Though, I do enjoy fighting strong people. Sadly, there aren't many of those in that Academy, but whatever. There's still time, plus, I get stronger the more I stay there. I see no real downsides." She answered, surprising him with an actual answer.
"I see. I'm surprised you actually answered. You don't seem like the kind of person who just talks to strangers." He replied, keeping his eyes focused on the surroundings.
"I'm not. However, you feel familiar and I feel like you're a lot like me." Shirou shivered a bit. "Plus, you're strong, and I like strong people." She answered, looking at him intensely. 'Yeah, no.' The girl was a beauty, there was no doubt about that. However, there was something about her that bugged him. He guessed it had something to do with her beliefs. 'Maybe if she cleans up her act, she'll be someone I don't mind befriending.'
"The blood on my hands isn't the same as the blood on yours, bandit princess." He said, casually waving his hand, though he noticed her look away for a moment, before she turned back towards him with a slight glare. He let out an amused huff. "I don't deny that I'm a killer. However, I've only killed those who were a danger to humanity. I've stained my hands red to protect the innocent. You're the opposite. I won't begrudge you for that, considering your circumstances, as well as because of what you're doing now."
"It's never too late to right the wrongs of the past and to be reborn anew. And, I have a feeling that you're rather tired of running. Tired of feeling weak and having to prove yourself, don't you?" He asked, though he already knew the answer. Her face went through a few emotions, before settling on annoyance.
"Whatever, quit talking to me as if you know me. Geez, you sound like Summer. What makes you think I actually feel any of that?" She asked him out of curiosity. Shirou simply smirked.
"To help people with their problems, as well as the problems they'd rather not share, you must first learn how to read and connect with people. Not to manipulate them, but to try and understand. I had a side job, and that's the one where I was able to truly save people. And you, I understand you a lot more than you may like, considering we share some similarities, as you said yourself." He replied, seeing her eyes narrow.
"I'm not some princess like the Schnee that needs saving from you. I may have said that earlier, but I'm starting to think I was wrong about that statement. You might be strong, but your views and beliefs make you weak." She replied with a scoff. However, Shirou could only let out a small chuckle at her words.
"Whatever you say, bandit princess." He replied, with Raven glaring at him, putting a hand on her sword.
"Don't call me that." She said with gritted teeth, causing Shirou to smirk.
"Of course, whatever you say milady." He noticed her let out a small growl, but just before she could do or say anything else. Willow and Summer interrupted them by calling out to the two, having reached their ride.
"I'll kill you later." She said with a huff, before walking forward. However, Shirou couldn't help but smile a bit. Despite her saying that, her words lacked any real bite to them. He would admit to finding her a bit interesting. Not as interesting as Willow, at least to him, but she was interesting. Especially her ability to create portals. That intrigued Shirou a lot.
'Summer called it a "Semblance". I wonder if it's a unique ability?' He then remembered Willow's familiar. 'Semblances, huh. I'll have to look into them when I get back to the mansion.' He thought to himself, before remembering he promised to make something for Willow when they returned. He also had a few others who would be joining them too. He smiled to himself, as he was rather looking forward to it. 'Not like anything troublesome will happen at the mansion anyways.'
And done! Finished up this chapter and had a bit of trouble at first, but finally the groove. I'm releasing this since it's taking a bit longer for a few of the other chapters, but I'm hoping to release a few chapters all at once, or consecutively, soon. This will include the Reading of Lost Hero of Chaldea story, I may release that one tomorrow actually. Anyways, his was mainly just a slice of life chapter, as well as an introduction chapter for Summer and Raven. I'm working on fleshing out their characters a bit, so bare with me. I also wanted to introduce some other things going on, like the attempt on Willow. Someone mentioned that they weren't called White Fang, but I looked it up and it's kind of vague with when they were made. So, I decided to go with they are a newly formed group who's been around for a few years with Ghira leading them. He'll be a few years older than Shirou, so that's why. Of course, if you know the lore, you'll know that they have no business going after Willow since the Schnee's aren't run by a unethical, racist A-hole. There's more to it, as Shirou is starting to suspect. Next chapter will include some fun bits, like a fight and other introductions, as well as Shirou's first meeting with Jacques. So, that'll be really fun. Shirou will also be headed to Mistral, where we may see some familiar faces. So, look forward to it. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed the chapter, thanks for the all the feedback and reviews, it really helps out a bunch. feel free to ask questions, I usually answer them. I appreciate the support, thanks for reading and, as usual, until next time.