Sound of clashing steel echoed through the room, and with powerful blow to his shield, Jaune Arc was pushed back few meters, breathing heavily.
- That's all you got? - Cardin gave him an unamused look. - I never thought it would be THAT disappointing.
Jaune again tried to stab his opponent, but with little effort, Cardin jumped away from this clumsy attack, and in a single move smashed Jaune's shield with his hammer, sending it flying away, and before Arc could recover his shield, Cardin was already upon him, and soon, their weapons were locked in stalemate.
- This is the part where you lose. - Winchester said with a mocking grin, loud enough for everyone to hear.
- Over my dead... - Jaune tried to boldly reply, but knee to the gut took away his breath and sent him to the ground.
- That can be arranged. - Cardin whispered to him with a cruel smile, then raised the Executioner...
But before he could finish the act, the buzzer rings went out, lights returned, and Professor Goodwitch stepped in.
- Cardin, that's enough! - And Cardin left an annoyed grunt, but he stepped away from the loser.
- Your lucky day, Jauney boy. - Cardin whispered to him and walked away.
- Students, as you can see, Mr. Arc's Aura has now dropped into the red. - Professor said while tapping her scroll, showing all gathered students Jaune's nearly empty bar of aura while Cardin's didn't even move. - In a tournament-styled duel, this would indicate that Jaune is no longer fit for battle, and that the official may call the match.
Still laying on the floor, Jaune looked at his scroll, and sighed heavily seeing his nearly empty bar of aura. Yet again, another defeat. As he watched at the displays of his teammates, he could feel embarrassment caused by their team leader's, yet another, failure.
- Mr Arc. - Jaune suddenly heard from Professor - It's been weeks now. Please try to refer to your scroll during combat. Gauging your Aura will help you decide when it's appropriate to attack, or when it is better to move to a more... defensive strategy. We wouldn't want you to be gobbled up by a Beowolf now, would we?
He could hear the mocking laughter from Cardin's team, and turned to look at his own group.
Ren seemingly looked not interested at all, but Jaune could notice a glimmer of pity. Nora, with eyes burning out of anger, nearly jumped from her seat and started a brawl with three of Cardin teammates but Ren's arm hold her in place. And Pyrrha...
He looked into her green eyes, full of sadness and genuine care, and for some reason, he started to feel even worse.
He hated making anyone sad, and yet, he never failed in that regard.
- ...It won't be long before students from the other kingdoms start arriving in Vale, so keep practicing! - Jaune heard only that part of Glynda speech, because whirlwind of thoughts defend him for everything else. - Those who choose to compete in the combat tournament will be representing all of Vale!
After she said that, the bell rang, and students started to leave the combat class, and Cardin walked past him.
- Wolfmeat. - He whispered, and then laughed out loud, his team joining it as they were leaving. Jaune tried to ignore it, but he couldn't.
He hanged his head in shame while the class slowly started to empty itself.
He is an Arc, a descendent of a heroes. Why is he so weak?
- Mr. Arc - Glynda said after a few seconds. - Your class has ended, you may leave the stage.
- Ah yes, sorry! - The sudden comment drew him out from his thoughts. He stood up and run away after his team, but before he left the classroom, he looked back at the Professor Goodwitch, and from her cold stare he got a hidden message.
"What are you even doing here?"
'
A finishing touch on the crystal, a final piece in place…
Annatar rose the tiny spoon with rock crystal at the end, examined it thoroughly and with satisfied smile he put it into the box.
He lifted the box and approached the woman sitting on the armchair in the middle of the forge. He put the box before her.
- Milady, you asked for a set of cutlery for your entire family. - He showed the contents of the box. There were forks, knives, spoons of all sizes, each reflecting the sunlight. - A cutlery that would both please the eye and fulfill its purpose.
Woman took a spoon and looked closely at the it.
- Is this Silver?
- I assure you, it's just stainless steel. - Annatar said.
- But It shines like silver.
- And will continue for the rest of time.
- Mira... Klein... Alexander... You named each after us? - She looked at her family, eating cake and drinking coffee, and in case of children tea.
- Only made sure that during dinner, nobody will mistake your favorite fork or spoon, and each member of your family have a spoon, fork and knife. But that's not all. - He grabbed the bucket full of water, then took one of the spoons. - During dinner or supper, things tend to fall from the spoon directly on the table. - In one swift move, he filled the spoon with water as much as he could, to the point that some of it should fell from it. Yet, it didn't.
- My spoons will not drop anything, - He said while swinging the spoon back and forth, to the sides or up and down, each time faster and faster. - Unless the user wish them to do so. - He turned the spoon and all its contents fell back into the bucket.
- This could be the trick, you know? - Woman said with suspicion, but Annatar only chuckled and put the spoon back into the box.
- Each possess the same ability, so please, pick one of your liking and test it. - He turned to one of his subordinates. - Grisha, bring me coffee, oil and this brown, sweet substance.
- Hot Chocolate, Sir?
- Indeed. Bring it swiftly. - Grisha run to the back of the forge, while Sauron allowed himself to get a good look at the gathered crowd eating cakes, ice creams or just drinking coffee and even this "soda"*
He made necessary improvements, such as adding tables, chairs and benches for humans to sit comfortably and watch his work, which he thought will give his little "business" much needed attention. But he never thought about simultaneously opening a "Cafe", not realizing what kind of profits it will bring. But one day, one of Junior's bodyguards, the one called "Militiades", came and observed his work for few hours to report it to her Master. At least, that's what he thought, because after the work day, she approached him and pointed several ways of improvement, including starting a "cafe".
- There are many cafe's in Vale, but there is no Forge with a Cafe in town. - She argued.
He took this advice, revalued it and gave it a try. At first he had to pay for additional expenses, considering he had to bring all ingredients and make necessary space, but he never cared about expenses if they meant progress in his plans. However Militiades proved yet again to be more than useful - because of her, he found in Junior's gang people who had talent and were passionate about bakery and coffee making, yet couldn't spread their wings due to Junior's total disinterest.
He cursed this fool and his ignorance many times already, yet it was never enough. And the success of this Cafe was a proof.
- Order to table Seven! - His goon shouted from behind the counter, and handed two plates with some cakes to a "waiter", who carried the order to the said table.
It was baffling that this "cafe" actually worked out. He just needs to supervise if his men are maintaining the quality, but other than that, he didn't even need to lift a finger. Who would have thought that people will pay for some water with beans boiled on his Smelter? Of course when he use it, none will dare to boil anything without his permission.
Forge is top priority, not the other way around.
His attention returned back to a woman, who tested each spoon with different liquids, yet not a single drop fell to the ground, no matter how hard she swung it.
- It's...
- Do not praise it yet. - Annatar said. - There are still forks and knives. And speaking of which... - He picked up the knife and put its blade against his hand. - It is able to cut through any food, from the boar's meat to soft fruits, however against human skin...
He sliced it, making his customer gasp in shock, but with a proud smile, he showed that his hand is unharmed.
- ... It won't even leave a scratch. - He gave her the knife, and she reluctantly took it and put her finger on the sharp edge
- It's like a touching feather, yet colder... - Woman said after touching the edge with curiosity. - How are you doing this?
- It's just masterfully done. - He reached to the box. - And about the forks...
- What is that? - She took a smaller spoon with crystal at the end from the box.
- That is my favorite. - Annatar touched his creation with pride. – Unlike others, it's special in other way.
- Which is?
- Look at the crystal. – And when she did, something seemed to shine inside. A short text:
"The Family is at its warmest at the dinner table."
- Wow... - She said, staring at the crystal and its message. - And you did that all in one hour?
- Of course not. - He disagreed. - I made at least four in that time.
She blinked, dumbfounded at that statement, and her family also was left speechless.
- Are you satisfied? - Annatar waved for one of the goons to come.
- I am. I really am.
- Gunther, lead the lady to the counter, she will pay the amount we agreed upon. – Sauron followed her with his stare, satisfied about his creation. Even now he felt that some of the gathered humans will order him the same thing, and, just like he said, he prepared more than one set.
He tried to justify it with "using human jealousy", but, truth to be told, during his work he often let himself get… carried away. Working on his anvil, melting the metal, shaping the stone – He does that with passion, and give himself to joy of creation, for he didn't felt it for thousands of years.
Because during his service to Morgoth and then attempts of unifying Middle-Earth, he, regretfully, never had time for his calling. He spent centuries scheming, commanding armies and attempting to bring down the West under his heel.
In fact, he had time for one thing he was both most proud and ashamed off. His Magnum Opus.
He turned to the crowd, all awaiting their turn.
He know what he has to do here, but he will indulge in this moment for as long as possible.
- NEXT!
'
- So! There we were, in the middle of the night... - Nora started to passionately tell the story.
- It was day. - Ren quickly corrected, much to gathered group amusement. Well, most of it.
Jaune wasn't listening to the story, too focused on his own thoughts to hear it. As he mashed the potato into puiree, he thought about his first three weeks of studies at Beacon - three weeks of being the worst in most of the subjects.
Combat classes? No win. History of Remnant? He could barely name single Atlesian general from the Great War. Huntsman regulation? It actually went better, but being mediocre isn't an achievement. He actually felt like a deadweight, carried by the rest.
- Dozens of them! - Nora jumped on the table, her story reaching some interesting climax, but Ren slightly shook his head and grabbed the cup of coffee.
- Two of 'em.
They can take on two Ursai, while I barely survived the landing. Great. - Jaune thought in sour mood without realizing that Ruby's and Pyrrha's attention turned to him.
- Jaune? Are you okay? - Pyrrha asked, snapping him out of his thoughts.
- Oh, yeah? Why?
- It's just that you seem a little... - Ruby thought for a moment, thinking how to say in polite way. - ...Not okay.
- Guys I'm fine! - He said after attention around the table shifted entirely to him. He never wanted to trouble them, so he tried to continue this facade. - Seriously! Look! - He laughed nervously while holding his thumb up, but from their faces he knew that his bluff didn't work. However, before he could continue, he heard a commotion near the table of the Cardin's team, and looked over.
There saw how Cardin and his teammates abuse another student, a Faunus girl with rabbit ears. His blood boiled seeing how they mock her, how they call her a freak, and although his body told him yes, his mind held him in place. Because what could he do? If he tries to do something, Cardin will simply shift his focus to him, and he has no chance against the bully, not to mention his gang. The best he would do is spit on Cardin's shoe.
Yet again, a coward.
- Jaune, Cardin's been picking up on you since the first week of school. - Pyrrha said, clenching her fists at the mere memory of that.
- Who? Cardin? Nah... - Juane raised his hands in a defensive gesture. - He just likes to mess around! You know, practical jokes!
- And yet nobody is laughing. - Ren pointed out, staring at the student in question, probably thinking about finally allowing Nora to go wild.
- He is a bully. - Ruby said with contempt, not only angered about his behavior, but also because, in her eyes, Cardin acts like a villain, yet aims to become a hero.
- Oh please! - Jaune scoffed. - Name one time he's "bullied" me.
- He stole your books and threw them into a fountain. - Blake immediately said, still furious about such loss.
- It was an accident!
- He then shoved you into the said fountain. - Yang added.
- I needed to clean my uniform anyway.
- He put a slimy frog in your hood. - Ruby said, clenching her fists, remembering how he pulled this prank twice first on Jaune, then on her. - Nobody touches the hood.
- It wasn't really that bad!
- He pushed you into the locker and sent you flying away from the Academy. - Pyrrha said to finally prove the point, but Jaune just tried to laugh of the matter.
- I didn't land far from the school!
- Jaune, you know if you ever need help, you can just ask. - Pyrrha said, giving him a reassuring smile, while Nora rose up from her seat and cracked her knuckles.
- We'll break his legs!
- Count me in. - Yang nodded in agreement.
- Guys, really, it's fine!
- Can you stop? - Weiss finally had enough, and when everyone looked at her, she rolled her eyes. - You are embarrassing Pyrrha, us, and the entire Academy with your incompetence. From the first day you showed nothing noteworthy.
Jaune looked at his dinner, trying to hide how these affect him, but Schnee didn't stop here
- She graciously offers you help, and you push it away? It's pathetic.
- Sheesh, such icy thing to say, Ice Queen. Give him a break. – Yang interjected, trying to shut her up.
- Stop calling me that!
Faunus girl run away from Cardin with tears in her eyes, making the Winchester laugh even louder.
- Despicable. - Pyrrha said with clenched fist. - I just can't stand him.
- You are not the only one. - Blake added.
- Oh please, don't tell me you buy this act. - Weiss commented seemingly uninterested about everything except her launch.
- And what do you mean by "act"? - Blake asked with such cold that even Yang looked at her with surprise. However, Weiss didn't pick up the hidden threat and pressed on the matter.
- Simple, she acts all defenseless to cause pity, that we will all come to cheer her up and "help" her.
- I don't think she acted... - Ruby wanted to say, but Weiss only scoffed after hearing this.
- She enrolled to the Academy, right? Passed the initiation? This means she has some skills and could defend herself.
- Maybe she choose not to? Not everyone like to throw hands. - Pyrrha said, but Weiss shook her head in disagreement.
- Or maybe she just plays victim because it's beneficial? - Weiss countered. - White Fang use this tactic all the time to get what they want, to show how "bad" we are and how they are "oppressed". Only to later put their Grimm masks and terrorize, set on fire or even kill in your sleep.
- Not every Faunus is "acting". - Blake said with seemingly calm voice. - There are many who truly suffer mistreatment because of their differences and can't defend themselves.
- And how to differ them from the Fangs? - Weiss asked in turn. - You never know who is behind the mask. Or who use their real face as one.
Blake clenched under the table, and Yang rose her eyebrow seeing that, while Weiss, not hearing a response, smiled in victory.
- So it's better to not give them benefit of the doubt. You never know what they will do with it.
Blake slammed her plate against the table and stormed off
- Blake wait! - Ruby rose from her seat, but Yang put her hand on her shoulder.
- I will talk with her, you keep our Ice Queen in check. - She said, raising from her seat to catch up with her partner, while attention of the table turned to Weiss.
- What?
- What you said... - Pyrrha said. - Was wrong on so many levels.
- "Wrong" is an understatement. - said Ren, while Nora shook her head in disapproval.
- If you had my experience, you would agree with me. - Weiss said, continuing her meal like nothing happened.
Pyrrha wanted to argue more, but then she realized that in a meantime Jaune quietly left the table and was already near the door.
- Jaune? - She rose from her seat and wanted to run after him, but she felt Ren's hand on her shoulder.
- Give him time. – He said. – Maybe He just wants to be alone for now. He will rethink and come back.
- And we will be here for him! - Nora confirmed, while also sending grinning Cardin a death glare.
Pyrrha however, wasn't convinced. Jaune clearly has a problem and she don't want to leave him alone with this, but how can she help him if he doesn't want it?
She brushed off Ren's hand and wanted run after Jaune, much to Cardin's delight.
- Running after her knight in the shining armor!? Really!? – He said out loud, and Pyrrha stopped, mood in the cafeteria shifted. – Why does she even care about such loser!? – Carding turned to his teammates looking for their approval, and although at first unconvinced, they started to laugh as well after he slammed the table. - Big Baby needs a Babysitter, that's wh…
With loud thud, a metal plate stuck itself deep in the bench, right between the Cardin's legs. He blinked a few times, staring at still shaking metal mere inches from his groin.
- What was that for!? – Weiss said, dumbfounded after Pyrrha unceremoniously grabbed her dinner and threw it at Cardin, but Pyrrha's stare was entirely focused on the bully, who at first was ready to fight, but he quickly recognized that he is outmatched.
Pyrrha stared at him with unspoken challenge for a minute, and when Cardin decided to not pick the metaphorical glove, she turned and walked away. Cardin's angry gaze followed her, hatred raising inside of him like fire.
- Chicken. Kwa kwa. – Nora said to Ren and mimicked the bird wings with her arms, and Cardin could hear the silent laughter not only from Ren, but from the rest of students in the cafeteria. He turned to give them all a hateful glare, and they quickly went silent and returned back to their dinners. All of them saw what she did, without a doubt. This humiliation. How she challenged his reputation, and he couldn't do anything about it.
He took this deep into his heart, promising that he will bring the "Invincible girl" low for this. With the idea in mind, he started to formulate the plan.
And he has a perfect candidate for the task.
'
- Blake! - She heard Yang from behind, but didn't slow down. Only when Yang grabbed her arm she stopped.
- Never thought that you care that much about Ice Queen's opinion.
- I really don't.
- Then, what's the matter?
- What's the matter? I tell what's "the matter". - Blake finally turned to her partner, her fists clenched. - There are many people like her, keep saying the same thing. When Faunus are not standing for themselves, they are called cowards or are accused of "acting for benefits", and when they finally decide to fight back, they are called terrorists and criminals! - She left a deep sigh. – I'm just sick and tired of that.
Yang remained silent, wanting to give Blake way to speak freely.
- I thought here, at Beacon, things will be different. - Blake admitted. - But after seeing Cardin being... well, himself, and when Weiss... - She shook her head in disappointment.
- It must be hard being a Faunus. - Yang said her thoughts out loud, and Blake looked at her feet.
- You worry too much about wrong people's opinion. - Yang said, much to Blake's surprise, and after seeing her expression, Blonde girl smiled.
- I don't know how much about Faunus is true, but when I go to party in town, I rarely meet people who are like Cardin or Weiss. Believe me, most genuinely don't give a damn about who you are, or where you are from, as long as you are fun.
- I don't think that's... - Blake wanted to argue, but much taller girl took her under her arm, much to her shock.
- Any plans for tonight? - Yang suddenly changed the topic while Blake tried her best to not use her semblance and jump away.
- Studying for tomorrow. - Blake stated the obvious, and Yang groaned hearing this.
- Really? That's it? Nothing exciting?
Blake looked sideways, not wanting to tell that, in reality, the book she read reached its climax.
- Because, now I'm going to the party tonight. - She declared, and brought Blake closer. - And you are going with me.
- What?
- You heard me right! We are gonna have some fun tonight!
- But... - Yang brought her closer.
- Listen, we are partners and barely know each other, all our topics are basically "study" and "more study". It's frustrating!
- I'm… not really into parties. - Blake responded, hoping that it will cut the discussion.
- It will be fun I promise! - Yang started to lead her partner to the landing pad. - Besides, it will be better than spending time with Weiss, right?
- I mean... - Seeing her still unsure, Yang thought for a moment and decided to reveal her trump card.
- How about this - You give it a shot, and I will get you a book from the series you read.
- Which one?
- About some Ninja if I recall... - Blake's face turned pale, but Yang didn't stop there. - Friend send me the cover, gimme a sec... - She reached for her scroll, but before she could pull it out from her pocket, she noticed that Blake is already gone.
- We don't want be late, we gotta go! - Blake run towards the transport, and at first Yang was dumbfounded, but then shrugged her arms and run after her.
'
Annatar was sitting on the armchair, listening to the history that an old man was telling him.
- My grandkids visit me less often than before, they have school and all, but when they do, I fear they… - Old man lowered his head. – I fear they don't like spending time with me anymore.
- They stopped loving you?
- No! It's not that. They just… grew up and there are just many more interesting things than their old grandpa. We played soccer, catch, tag, all kinds of stuff when I was younger. But I slowed down, time wasn't generous for me, and I can't keep up with them.
- I see. – Annatar scratched his chin - So your wish is something which will spark interest of your family yet again, and give you a company at the time of their absence?
- Yes! Could you do something like this?
- Of course. – Annatar rose from the armchair. – Just sit and wait friend, it will be done soon.
He approached his set off tools near the wall, all categorized by its sizes, uses and frequency of use. Annatar took one of the small hammers, a one for the jewelry.
I could make a pedant that would make him stronger. – Annatar thought, but after few seconds of consideration, Sauron put away that thought. - He is old and frail, he won't live for long, making something that powerful for him would be a waste. – He put the hammer back, and looked at the old man.
- Your Grandchildren are men or women? – He asked.
- Three boys. – Old man smiled at the memory. – How quickly they grew up. Do you want to see the picture?
- No need, but tell me, did you play chess with them?
- We played a lot, but they said it is too repetitive? – Hearing that Annatar chuckled.
- I will make sure it won't be anymore. - With new idea in mind, Annatar walked to the section of his forge where he store wood.
- Three men, who most likely imagine themselves as heroes fighting against evil. – Annatar thought after picking up hammer, nails, oak wood and a saw. He started to envision something simple, yet with a twist. A way for their imagination to let loose.
First, I have to made a chess board, why one though? I will make three at the same time! This oak plank will be perfect for it. – Thinking that Annatar put it to dry, and thenhe accelerated the process using his abilities. - After ten minutes I will carve checkerboard, but now for the pieces. Standard design is so boring, I will make it a little more exciting, maybe the white pawns will be Gondor soldiers? Black pawns should be uruks, I had two towers in Middle Earth, so Barad-dûr for one and Minas Morgul for second…
Annatar, piece by piece created the figures, and when the time came for the board, he made not only enough for commissioned work, but also for three more sets. Then from the oak plank he then carved the board, careful to make all the angles perfect. Only after he was satisfied with that, he varnished the wood.
For next three minutes his hand was a blur, chess squares were being colored according to rules, while old man just blankly stared at the whole process, trying to comprehend what is going on. Not later than half of an hour later he stopped working, whole chess set was ready. With satisfied smile, he looked at his creation, then took it and approached his "client".
- I think this will satisfy your needs. – He presented the chess board with all pieces on it, and before his client could respond, all pieces bowed to him.
- What the hell? – He said seeing the chess piece moving, not to mention saluting him.
- Don't worry, they merely mimic being alive. – Annatar reassured. – But as long as they are on the board, they will act accordingly.
- Are they tiny robots?
- Of course not! They are just masterfully made*. Just take one and look.
Curios, old man picked up the Black Queen, in this case a black crowned figure with a sword and mace, lifted it and carefully, it was just a very detailed wooden figure, however, when he put it back on the board, it rose it's mace cried a challenge.
- They are… unusual, to say the least. – He said, wondering why Black figures instead of knights on horses got war elephants, or why the White queen is a Wizard on the Horse.
- This chess board will ensure that each play is immersive, and engaging. – Annatar took two pawns and put them right next to each other, and both started to exchange blows, not strong enough to shatter themselves, but powerful enough to make clash of their sword believable and realistic. – But if you don't like it, you can switch it off with a single push of the button here. – Annatar pressed first of the three buttons, and figures became motionless.
- What the other two do? – Human asked, his eyes sparking with curiosity.
- I am glad you asked. – Annatar pointed at the button in the middle. – This is record button, and for it to work properly, you need a pen. - Sauron took one of the pens he made. - And a sheet of paper. – He snap his fingers, and Gunther quickly arrived with some paper. He put the paper beside the board, then put the pen on it and press the button on the side. – And from now on, each game will be transformed into self-contained story.
- Wait, what?
- Observe. – Annatar pushed the button, then took the white riders from G1 and moved it to F3, and when he did so, pen twitched, started floating and write on paper:
At command of the king of the West, Riders of the Riddermark started rode past the line of their allies, wanting to test the resolve of their foe…
These "pens" were one of his first creations, able to write what you say, or like in this case, could be linked to other items like this chess board. Although you still need to fill with ink from time to time, and those cost more than normal for obvious reasons, it's worth for a masterfully made tool, which never make spelling mistakes and is far more convenient than normal one**. As for Annatar – those pens were easy and cheap to make, so he made thousands of them due to the growing demand.
The real downside is that it can't replicate your handwriting, and although he could make them do it, he decided against it – Dealing with perfect copies of someone's handwriting on official documents would be more problematic than useful. It didn't stop people from buying them en masse though.
Who would have thought that his most successful creation in this world will be a PEN.
- And the last one is for those lonely days. – Annatar pressed the third button. – When you press it, You can play with the board itself.
Human blinked a few times.
- It must be a robot.
- It made purely from fine oak wood, without additional mechanisms.
- It's hard to believe that…
- You saw the whole process, unless you don't believe your own sight.
- Your hands moved too fast!
- That's what a lifetime of practice makes you. – Annatar looked at Gunther. – Play a practice game with our guest, to make sure he is satisfied.
- Of course boss. – His helper picked the board and walked with Annatar's "guest" to the empty table, Annatar turned his attention back to additional figures he made.
Modelling those figures after his past brought back some memories of course. About ungrateful elves and misguided humans. About treacherous wizards.
He picked up the figure of the white wizard and examined it with his fingers. No matter where he went, this one was always thwarting his plans, and inspired humans to oppose him on every turn, and yet, after all this time, Sauron never understood what gave him this strength, this courage. He saw greater men than him brought low, succumbing to temptations, even the greatest of Istari betrayed his kind. But no matter how hard he tried, this one's resolve never faltered.
He looked at this perfect representation of his greatest foe, and, to his surprise, Annatar finally realized that for some reason, every single model has a pipe in its mouth.
- No matter. – He thought and put the figure back. – He belongs to the past, just like the rest of them. I left those ignorant and foolish behind.
He looked at the crowd with a smile.
- But those people here are not like them. They are more than willing to watch his work. Listen to his words. Admire his craft.
- Next!
Sometime later
- You done kid? – Postman tried to sound politely, but he grew increasingly annoyed. His shift should end quarter an hour ago, yet thanks to this teenager he had to stay overtime.
- Just a moment! – Jaune said while he finished a letter to his family, and when he did finish it, he sealed it and gave it to the postman. – Sorry.
- That's fine kid. – Worker read the address and rose his eyebrow. – That's far away, it will take some time before this letter reach it.
- No problem at all. – Jaune said with his tired voice, trying to hide both physical and mental exhaustion as best as he could. That's why he preferred letters over video calls – His Mother and Sisters would in no time see through this facade.
- I see. – Postman put a stamp on it. – Alright, I'm gonna grab some coffee. – He said to himself and went into the post office, and Arc wanted to leave as well, however he heard inside that someone is furiously writing something, and yet he couldn't see anyone else. Slightly curious, he peaked inside and it was just a floating pen.
He turned around, approached the door and opened them, only to finally realize something. He rushed back to the counter and yes, it was still a floating pen.
It wrote on the documents, finished paperwork, corrected addresses on the letters, all with great speed. Jaune blinked few times, trying to understand what is going on with this thing. It was just like the first time when he sparred Ruby and her team, when she suddenly burst into cloud of petals and kicked him out of the arena. She explained that it was her semblance, and sure, it made sense, everyone (except him for some reason) in Beacon had one which made them cool. – Yang burst into flames, Weiss has glyphs, Nora can take a lightning and gain power boost from it. But pens don't have a semblance from what he knew. Unless he overslept that lesson too.
- You like it kid? – Postman returned with a cup of coffee.
- Nice semblance. – Jaune said, and worker laughed.
- Semblance? Only you Hunters have it.
- Then how you do this?
- Simple, I bought it.
- What?
The man chuckled. – You heard me right, I bought from the Dream Smith.
- Who?
- A Dream Smith! Annatar, if I recall.
- Never heard of him.
- No wonder, he arrived some time ago and opened a Forge in Downtown. But the stuff he makes… - Postman shook his head. – Unbelievable.
- A forge? – Jaune said, little uncertain what to think about it.
- That's what I said! – the man laughed, and realized something. – Oh, I almost forgot. – He reached for his pocket and pulled out something. – I never wanted to sound rude, but you have a face of a beaten dog. You had a though day, didn't you?
- No! I'm fine. Really.
- Mhm sure. Anyway, this is for you.
Jaune took what appeared to be business card with Forge on the picture, and title "ERIAGON" written in golden letters, with a quate.
- "Fulfilling your dreams takes just one step…" – He read out loud, and turned the card – "…Or a bus ride."
- There is a ticket attached to it. – Postman confirmed. – And bus station is just nearby.
- That's awfully convenient.
- Yeah man, I think I broke it out. – He widely gestured. – He somehow made a deal with public transport, and bought tickets in bulk. Then he gave me and my colleagues those cards as advertisement, and we, in return, got discounts. I don't know about you, but for me it was absolute win, just look! – He pointed at floating pen. – I basically got for half the price!
- And unlike most pliers, who lay forgotten because we lack time, people are tempted to visit just because of the free ticket.
- He is smart, but a nice guy. – Worker said. – And you should visit him boy. Maybe he can help you with your problem. If you have one of course.
Jaune stared at the card, and with each passing second he felt the urge to check it out grow. He will just go and watch, nothing wrong about that? He will not buy anything so it should be fine, right?
He opened his scroll and wrote short message to Pyrrha:
- I will arrive a little late, don't worry.
'
* For us humans, it is magic, but for a maia it is a norm.
** Annatar didn't know at the time, but one of the companies producing pens, particulary annoyed by sudden competition, sent one of their employees, bought one of those pens, disaasembled it to the tiniest pieces and tried to put it into mass production. However, each copied pen didn't work as they intended, which resulted in a failure.
Capitalism: 0, Sauron: 1
Authors note:
Necessary disclaimer: I don't own RWBY or LoTR,
You probably ask: "Why Jaunedice"? Well, it's because in this episode we see one of the characters actually vulnerable. The kind of people who Sauron like. And I have plans for our "Knight".
After all, The fellowship has to naturally get into contact with Sauron, aren't they?
And you probably wonder: "why you only mad a half of it?" Well, during writing I realized that this chapter would get way too long. I am writing a fic, not a book! So, after a little bit of editing, I will make stop right here.
And, to answer the reviews (And Oh boy, there are way more than I expected):
ArcronDk: Probably somewhere near it, maybe a little bit higher. But we have too also add that he is far more experianced than any maiden would be, so he would probably win 8/10 fights.
pdena23: I know my Grammar needs work. I am no native English speaker as you correctly deduced, and although I try my best, but in my langauge there are no articles, and sometimes I forget about them.
EXCUBITORE: "Will Sauron be hostile?" I could answer that, but it would so massive spoiler, so I won't do it, sorry.
But for the second part: Qrow is very good Hunter, so he will get some insights.
GoodguysRoverated & Greer123: He is after the shapeshifting beast, isn't he? I don't think if Sauron ever appears on the TV he will notice him right away, but when they meet...
Ltbutterfly287: Ah yes, Redemption. When former villian joins forces with the good guys and fights against evil. However, for it to happen Sauron should realize that he is in the wrong. Also, there must be something for him to finally change. Or someone.
As Morgoth's goal: Partially true. At first yes, he searched for the Flame, but when he descended on Arda he realized that he won't have only for himself. And, in my interpreattion, decided that "If he can' have it, nobody can".
That's all for today folks, See you later