A/N: It is quite unfortunate what Akira is going through. It's not easy being a Faunus in the World of Remnant, where Humans are the "superior beings" and Faunus are the "lesser species". Honestly, I sometimes wonder what the Gods of Light and Dark were to think if they saw the world as it is now, even without Salem's interference.
Anyways, the time has come for Akira's challenge. She has been training hard and endured so much to come this far. All she has is her training and the support of her team.
Chapter 19: Human vs Faunus
The next day comes, all 16 of the Kendo Club members gather in the courtyard, warming up. beacon Students begin to take their seats. Akira is among the crowd of members training, only she's not doing anything. She appears healthier than she was the other day, getting some sleep and eating regularly once more helped her out, thanks to her teammates.
"You're going to do just fine, Akira. You're a skilled warrior." Selena says.
"And we'll be cheering you on," Marlene says.
"Thanks, I...appreciate it." Akira sounds hesitant. Patrick notices one of her hands is shaking, barely noticeable but not to him. Akira grabs it with her other hand. "I-I should be getting ready. I'm on the first match."
"Okay, we should be taking our seats," Marlene says.
Marlene and Selena make their leave, leaving Patrick and Akira alone. They don't say anything until Akira breaks the silence. "You can see it right through me, can you?"
Patrick knows what she is talking about. Her nervousness. Her fear. "Look. I may not be good at motivational speeches, but I can tell you this: While it is understandable to be afraid; on the battlefield, you mustn't forget that Fear can be your greatest enemy or a reliable ally."
"I understand the enemy part, but what do you mean by Ally?" Akira asks.
"Well, uh...You'll understand it when the time is right." Patrick says. "Just whatever you do, don't let him get into your head."
"Honestly, after everything that's happened, I'm not sure if I can. But I will give my best." Akira says.
Patrick goes to take his seat. All of the Kendo members form up in the ring. Student Council President Rin and Kendo Captain Sakura stands in front of them all. Rin steps forward. "I welcome you all here to the Kendo Match Tournament. As you all know, the Vytal Festival will be arriving. Among several events of the festival lays the Kendo Tournament. Captain Sakura shell speak."
Rin stands aside and Sakura takes the announcement. "This Tournament is to determine who will take part in the Vytal Matches against the other schools. Alongside the Team Captain, there will be two members, a Semi-finalist, and a Finalist. The Semifinalist will be determined by their skill and strategy and the finalist will be the victor of this tournament." The audience mutters at each other about the victors, some even questions about the Semifinalist joining instead of both Finalists. "All of you know the rules, this will be a one-on-one match with no real weapons. There will also be no exceptions of using your body such as hands and feet, no dust, no Semblance, and no enhancement devices. Any attempts of doing such things will result in immediate disqualification. Let's begin."
The Tournament begins, with Akira facing a Kendo Member known as Opal. They both position themselves to fight, and the match begins. Opal makes the first strike, Akira stands in a defensive position and blocks the attack. She blocks the incoming strike. They both stand blades clashed until Akira repels Opal and strikes her on the head.
"Match: Akira Rhysenshi." Sakura calls out. The Audience claps, only in a few. Hard to say if it's actually caused by the Human Faunus Relationship. Opal sheathes her weapon and bows at Akira. Akira is a little surprised but does the same.
"It's comforting to know there are still humans who respect Faunus." Clawdia says.
"'I think it's more as there are still those Kasheer hasn't corrupted yet.'" Rayla translates for Earnest. "Isn't that a bit extreme, Master Earnest?" Earnest looks at Rayla and shook his head. He then tilts his head up and tips two fingers on his throat. "Oh, right."
"I must say, she's really improved. Guess all that training wasn't a waste." Marlene says.
"Yes, but is it going to be enough against Kasheer?" Selena asks.
Selena is going to regret asking that. In the final match, it's Kasheer's turn against a female student named Angie. The match starts with the two of them charging at each other, both of them doing the first strike at the same time, only once they blow, Angie's weapon went flying, and Kasheer sweeps her at the feet. The audience is pretty astonished at his performance, but the Club Captain doesn't argue.
"Match: Kasheer Hamato!"
Kasheer cheers in victory, one that has Sakura feeling disapproved of. The audience is silent at what they have witnessed, even Teams PASM and CPER are surprised, except for Patrick, who glares at Kasheer suspiciously.
"He's a lot stronger than I thought he is." Peter says.
"Akira is strong but do you think she can face Kasheer?" Marlene asks.
"She's going to be sleeping with the fishes." Clawdia says.
Akira just stares at Kasheer with a shocked expression. She's in trouble.
The matches go by quickly. In the second tournament, Akira wins her match with her opponent giving her a medium-level fight. Kasheer defeats his opponent no longer than the first match. Now comes the Semifinals. Akira faces a long match against Aoi. But comes out as a victor. Her team and CPER Cheers for her, only cheers died when Kasheer defeats his opponent. Akira is shocked, not only did he defeat his opponents so easily, now she has to face him. Her hand starts shaking, even still shakes after grabbing hold of it.
The match between Akira and Kasheer is coming up. Selena and Marlene visit Akira to offer their support. Even with it, Akira is still nervous. Selena and Marlene return to their sits. Akira and Kasheer take their positions on the field.
"She looks really nervous. Do mew think she'll lose?" Clawdia asks.
"Honestly I don't know, but we can't give up hope," Selena asks.
Patrick doesn't say anything as everyone else talks about Akira's match. He only has his eyes set on Kasheer, suspiciously.
"How about we make things interesting?" Kasheer says, with a devious smile. "A little wager: Loser has to leave Kendo Club."
Akira feels more nervous but doesn't show her fear. "I accept."
"Final match: Akira Rhysenshi and Kasheer Hamato." Sakura signals the start of the match. "Begin!"
Kasheer makes the first strike, moving at great speed. Akira only stands there, bracing herself in a defensive position. Kasheer strikes at Akira with a heavy blow, massively heavy too. Akira blocks the attack but puts a lot of weight on her, her arms and legs shake until she falls on one knee, and Kasheer's blade starts pushing hers back.
Akira grunts as she struggles and Kasheer chuckles. "I'm gonna put you in your place, Animal."
Hear that feels Akira with fury. She attempts to repel Kasheer but his strength is too much. Akira instead dodge rolls to the side, allowing Kasheer's blade to slam the ground. Akira moves quickly to deliver swift strikes, all of them Kasheer blocks without a problem.
Patrick thinks as he watches Kasheer's battle. Kasheer is strong, but Patrick doesn't believe he's strong enough to overwhelm Akira that easily. Akira delivers another blow, and Kasheer does the same. As he does, Patrick catches something off, but it happened in a flash he couldn't make out what it was, he then uses his Scope Vision to get a closer look at Kasheer. By then, that's when it happens.
The clash between the two blades causes Akira's weapon to shatter, shocking Akira to disbelief. In her shocked state, Kasheer does a powerful swing that hits her hard in the side of her face, knocking Akira back and down. The audience is left speechless, even Sakura and Rin. Selena and Marlene shout Akira's name and hurry to her side.
"Uh. I don't know what just happened, but it looks like Kasheer is the victor." Sakura says.
Kasheer cheers in triumph victory. "Victory for Humans!" The audience either cheers or boos, mostly Faunus boos, at Kasheer.
Sakura goes to check on Akira. "Are you okay, Akira?"
"My pride is wounded," Akira says. "Sakura, I thank you for taking me in, but I must resign from the Kendo Club."
"What? But, Akira. The Kendo Club is important to you." Selena says.
"Yeah, you're one of our best members," Sakura says.
"I'm sorry, truly." Akira unties her sash and hands it to Sakura. "But I have to. I must...honor my word."
"WAIT A MINUTE!" Everyone is startled but Patrick's shouting. even Kasheer turns his attention to him as Patrick stands. "That fight was rigged!" Patrick walks down the bleachers and approaches Kasheer. "You're hiding something!"
"I don't know what you're talking about," Kasheer says, unaffected.
"Don't play dumb! I saw it with my Semblance!" Patrick says. "You got something up your sleeve, and I mean that literally! Remove your sleeves!"
Kasheer just laughs mockingly. "And why should I listen to a human who sides with a lowly Faunus!?"
Hearing that provokes Patrick. He starts grabbing Kasheer by the sleeve and Kasheer starts resisting. The two of them fights and the behavior drives suspicion for Sakura and Akira. Kasheer demands Patrick to cease his actions, but he is too late. Patrick gets a good grip on one of Kasheer's sleeves and rips it off. Once his arm is exposed Patrick grips on it to hold it still, and the audience gasps at what they are seeing.
Kasheers' arm is covered in mechanics. Sakura approaches before him. "Kasheer Hamato, just what are you hiding?"
Kasheer stutters as he speaks, but Patrick cuts him off. "It's what I predicted. As I was watching the matches, I had my suspicions about Kasheer's strength. Especially when he was fighting Akira." Patrick forces Kasheer to remove his shirt, exposing everything underneath. "He's wearing Atelsian Exosuit Arms, granting the wearer enhanced strength and speed."
Sakura looks at Kasheer in great disappointment. "How could you?"
"I did it for humanity. You were a fool allowing a Faunus into the Kendo Club. A filthy animal that pretends to be human. I would do whatever it takes to bring honor to the Kendo Club." Kasheer says.
Akira feels upset hearing the whole thing. Not cause he cheated or he hated her Faunus nature, but because he talked about bringing honor when he really destroyed it. the audience now fully boos at Kasheer. "Kasheer Hamato, you have brought great shame to not only Kendo, but to Beacon as well," Sakura says, and Rin agrees. "I have tolerated your pitiful behavior towards Faunus but you have finally crossed the line. You are hereby expelled from Kendo Club." Sakura turns to the audience. "Akira Rhysenshi is the victor of the Finalist. And the Semifinalist-"
"No!" Sakura falls silent and surprised at Akira's sudden call. "Captain Sakura, with all due respect, I demand you revoke Kasheer's punishment."
"What? After what he did? Why?" Sakura asks. Patrick is surprised as well.
"I wish to challenge him to a rematch," Akira says. "What he has done is most unforgivable, I cannot deny that. I may have lost to him because of his cheating methods, but I simply just claim the title just because of that. A loss is still a loss. If I am to be worthy of the victor, then I must earn it. It is the honorable way to do it."
Everyone is silent for a moment. "Sakura, is she allowed of such a request?" Patrick asks.
"Well, I don't think it's against club rules." Sakura turns to Rin. "What about you, Miss President? Any objections?"
"I understand how Ms. Rhysenshi feels. If she's serious about this, I don't see any harm." Rin says.
Everyone accepts Akira's request. Selena and Marlene return to their seats. Patrick remains with Sakura and Rin, they both believe they need his sharp eyes, Semblance included, for this match. After a thorough search on Kasheer, and Akira given another wooden blade, he and Akira ready themselves for another match. Kasheer positions himself, and he seems really angry. Patrick takes notice of his rage.
"Akira." He speaks, but Akira interrupts.
"I know. Don't worry, I understand now. On the Battlefield, fear is your greatest enemy or your reliable ally." Akira faces Kasheer. "Today: Fear is his enemy..." she then positions herself to fight. "...And my ally."
As she stares at her aggressive opponent, Akira focuses her mind, and remembers all of her training. She takes a deep breath through the nose, then exhales out of the mouth. The time has come.
Sakura signals the match. "Begin!"
Akira and Kasheer both charges unleash each of their first strikes. Their blades clash, this time none of them breaks and Akira can hold Kasheer back without any struggle. They quickly repel each other and deliver several blows, each of them dodged or blocked. Kasheer fights full of rage, Akira keeps a calm mind and a stern expression.
The battle rages on, Kasheer and Akira both show no signs of exhaustion. Everyone in the audience can only speechlessly stare at the intenseness, but Marlene and Selena cheer for Akira to win.
"They both appear to be equally skilled. It's hard to determine who will win this time." Sakura says.
"Akira will win. She has the advantage." Patrick says.
Kasheers strikes become more and more aggressive, his body fueled by the hatred that festers within him. Akira blocks each strike. "Be defeated like the lowly animal you are, Faunus!" Kasheer barks.
Akira blocks the last strike and holds it. "The only lowly animal is you, Kasheer! You let your own arrogance blind you, believe that humans are greater species over Faunus. Allowed that poison to fester your mind, fueling your body with hatred and rage." Kasheer growls aggressively.
"I will not be defeated by some pretender!" Kasheer draws his blade back to the side and strikes a heavy swift blow. Akira dodges it with ease, but dramatically by bending back. Even this surprises Kasheer.
Akira stands straight back up, she delivers the blow, which Kasheer blocks. "You can say all you want about us, how you feel, do what you desire. But in the end: Your arrogance will be your undoing!" Akira performs a swordplay trick that causes Kasheer's blade to fly out of his hands, and with that opening, Akira delivers the blow to his head.
And the human warrior falls.
Everyone falls silent. Akira sheathes her blade and lets out a relief exhale. The air is quiet until the sound of slow clapping fills Akira's ears. She turns to the audience and sees Selena, then Marlene clapping. After a moment, the audience starts joining in. Then comes to her name being chanted.
"Akira! Akira! Akira!" The name repeats until the whole audience joins in. Akira smiles as she faces the audience and bows.
Sakura appreciates before Akira. "Congratulations, Akira. You have won the tournament." Sakura hands out the sash Akira surrenders. "It would be an honor to fight by your side during the Vytal Festival."
Akira accepts the sash, reequips it then bows. "It is an honor, Captain Sakura."
By the end of the day, Akira meditates in the training hall. The rest of Team PASM founds her there. "Akira. What are you doing here?" Marlene asks.
"I thought you were done training," Selena says.
"I am." Akira stands up. "I was just meditating. I do it for both training and for relaxing."
"Makes sense. I often hear people do meditation as a way of relaxing." Marlene says.
"I should probably try that whenever I get stage fright," Selena says. "So how are things doing for the Kendo Club?"
"Amazingly well. Not only Kasheer was removed, but tons of other Faunus's started signing up." Akira says. Selena and Marlene are happy to hear that. "I suppose I owe you all an apology. I knew you were trying to help me, but instead, I just worry you all."
"No, it's okay," Selena says. "We're just glad you're doing better."
"We're also proud you made it through the tournament. You're quite an amazing Huntress, Akira." Marlene says.
Akira smiles and then bows, thanking Marlene for her comment. Selena and Marlene leave the training hall. Now it's just Patrick and Akira alone. "I wanted to thank you," Akira says to Patrick. "You didn't fight to train me at all. You were fighting to snap some sense into me, didn't you? You cared about me."
"I only did it so those two would stop whining and worrying about you," Patrick says.
"Whatever you say, Mr. Cold Hearted. You have a soft side." Akira says.
"Oh shut up," Patrick says.
"Well, while it's the two of us, how about a spar? For real." Akira says. Patrick gives her a look of disappointment. "Not for training, just for a little fun." Akira grabs two wooden swords, throwing one of them at him. Patrick catches it but does nothing else, only looking at the sword and then at Akira, who is positioned in a fighting stance.
"Hmph." Patrick smiles as he positions himself as well. "I suppose I did owe you a match."
Meanwhile.
The Vale Isolation Prison Hold.
A large fortress that resides at the top of a mountain. Maximum Security for the most dangerous and vile criminals in the Kingdom of Vale. And among these beings is a perverted man of lustful insanity.
Gaia sits within his cell, looking down at his hands and feet. All he can think about during his time in isolated prison is the event that took place that day. How he had the daughter of Elizabeth Akimura in his grasp, taking great pleasure in toying her body, Patrick interfering and stopping him. Then Selena speaks out against him.
'Just because we're idols doesn't mean we're possessions without feelings!'
Those words echo within his head, with her voice. A voice that similarly belongs to Elizabeth. "She will pay." He whispers, his hands tightening into fists. "That bitch will pay for defying me!"
The sound of a door sliding open hits his ears. Gaia looks up to find a guard approaching before him. "Get up!" The guard focuses Gaia on his feet, dragging him out of his cell.
The guard escorts Gaia down the hall along with two Atlesian Knights. Gaia doesn't bother resisting, just goes along following the guard's order with that distasteful expression on his face. The guard takes him to a room, where he unlocks the door and it slides open. Inside is an interrogation room, a small door room with nothing but a table and two chairs, one of them taken by a hooded figure.
The guard forces Gaia to sit on the empty chair. "Thank you, my good man." The hooded figure said. "Leave us."
"I can't do that sir, we are to remain here in case the prisoner acts out." The guard says.
"I wouldn't worry about that. I may not look like it, but I am capable of handling bad men like this one." The hooded figure says.
The guard doesn't say anything but eventually decides to accept his request. The guard stands outside, closing the door behind him. Now it's just Gaia and the figure. "What do you want?" Gaia says, aggressively.
"I am here to talk to you about my daughter." The man says.
"You're...daughter?" Gaia asks.
"Yes. The one you attacked." The man says.
Hearing that only makes Gaia laugh. "What kind of trick are you trying to pull? I know the slut's real father, and he's dead!"
"Oh, you don't believe me? I figured as much." The hooded figure reaches into his jacket pocket for something paper and sets it on the table. "Perhaps this will enlight your suspensions?"
Gaia looks down at the item, after a while, his expression changes. He is astonished. Speechless, he raises his attention to the hooded figure. "So, believe in me? Now..." The figure pulls his food slightly, showing his face with a devious smile.
"Shall we begin?" Authur asks.