As Evan soared through the cold frozen sky, he could feel sleet pelt at his face. Pulling out his scroll, the teen started to get lost in thought.
"Ok, ok, let's see where Ironwood wants me to head today. Coordinates are…hmmm…Looks like another minute or two to the east. It's a SDC mine so it can't be that hard to spot." Evan thought to himself as he put his scroll away.
Continuing onward, Evan spotted the location. The mines were similar in size to the one that Evan and the Ace Ops had traveled to a while ago in order to take out the Geist. The primary difference between the two mines was that this one showed a lot of signs of recent activity. A few small cargo ships laid on some of the landing pads, useless and covered in ice. Leading out of the numerous entryways were dozens of turned over minecarts. He could even spot the tips of a couple of dust crystals poking out of the snow, next to the minecarts.
As Evan lowered himself down from the sky, he spotted a small group of four soldiers standing near the central opening into the mine. With the heads raised to the sky, Evan could see some of them pointing toward him. Landing next to them, the young Saiyan approached the troop. Standing in front was an Atlesian soldier with mule ears peeking out from the sides of his helmet.
"Hope I didn't keep you all waiting." Evan said aloud.
"Nah, actually you're a few minutes early. Although, I was expecting as much from the Skyward Savior himself." The tallest soldier announced.
"Before we go in, let me introduce the team. I'm Berry. Over here is Mags." Berry explained as he pointed toward a female soldier with silvery gray hair and dark skin.
She simply gave a small wave toward the young Saiyan as Berry spoke.
"That right there is Cass." Berry continued on as he gestured toward a white-skinned, female soldier with gold hair. As Evan looked at her, she started blushing and quickly looked away.
"And this is Silver." Berry finished as he pointed toward a dark-skinned, male soldier with white hair.
The guy looked at Evan in awe, as if his mere presence was astonishing.
"Glad to meet you all. So what's the situation?" Evan questioned Berry.
"This Schnee Dust Company mine was in operation rather recently. However, after the Fall of Beacon and everything else that happened in Vale, the Grimm quickly arrived en masse to this location. From the reports given from workers and upper management, it seems to be a massive Centinel infestation. Personally, I didn't want to do this mission, but orders are orders and all." Berry explained.
"Centinels, huh? Should be easy enough. Just need to find the hive and blast it to bits…All right, just give me a moment to scout ahead." Evan replied back as he readied himself.
Before the others could even react, Evan launched into the mine. Moving at lightning speeds, the young Saiyan weaved through the wide pathways, narrow excavation tunnels, and numerous dead ends of the mine's interior. Reaching a large cavern, Evan found it. Seeing a large circular hole in the ground, the teen hovered over it to see hundreds of Centienels moving about inside. Just as quickly, Evan flew through the tunnels before easily arriving back in front of the small group.
"Ok, so if we want to reach the nest, we'll have to walk down this tunnel for about a quarter of a mile and then turn down the fifth mineshaft on the right. That should take us the rest of the way there. Sound good?" Evan asked aloud.
The whole troop looked on in bewilderment before collecting themselves and nodding their heads. As the group walked down the main entrance to the mine. Berry gazed at the carved out walls and pathways with disdain and bitterness, remaining silent for the most part. Sprinting up to stand beside Evan, Silver started to speak.
"That was amazing! You were gone for a few seconds and you were able to figure out all of that!" Silver exclaimed.
"Yeah. When I'm moving that fast, everything just slows down by a ton! It allows me to easily gather a lot of information really quickly." Evan explained.
"That's so cool! I wish my semblance was as awesome as that…" Silver said as his voice trailed off near the end.
"Say…I remember you from the Vytal Festival Tournament. You're Evan Anderson, aren't you? You got pretty far in the Tournament from what I remember. Though, wasn't your semblance flight or something?" Mags questioned.
"Just stick with the cover story, Evan. Remember what Ironwood said…" Evan thought to himself.
"It was, but you know how semblances evolve over time. Basically, during the Grimm attack on Beacon and Vale, I…lost someone close to me. That anger and raw emotion pushed me and my semblance to new heights. I found out that my semblance was actually closer to energy manipulation. Before, I could only manipulate the energy around me to float and do all sorts of aerial maneuvers. I just never realized that I could take it further than that. But now, well…you remember what happened to the Grimm horde that attacked Mantle recently." Evan elaborated.
"I mean, a good chunk of that isn't exactly untrue…" Evan thought to himself.
"I guess that makes sense. I wonder, how do you…" Mags started to say as the tunnel started to shake.
Suddenly, dozens of Centinels pushed their way out of the stone and ice that surrounded the tunnel. Pulling out their military rifles, the four of them aimed them at the Grimm.
"Alright team, light it up!" Berry yelled out.
Firing their guns at the Grimm, the Centinels began to slither down the walls and approach the team. Before any of them could ever get close to bite at the four soldiers, Evan fired a Ki blast at the beasts as he continued fighting a collection of Centinels on his own. Quickly, the monsters were destroyed as the team lowered their weapons.
"Thanks for the help, Evan. If it weren't for you, we might've been in some serious trouble back there." Berry said as the two shook hands.
"It's no problem. Although, the sooner we get out of here, the better. Don't want to linger around and risk attracting even more Grimm." Evan said aloud.
"You could say that again." Berry replied back.
Slowly making their way through a narrow mineshaft, Evan and the others made their way into the central cavern. Gazing at the pit, Cass looked at the sight in pure disgust. Hearing the sound of thousands of tiny, bladed legs clank against ice and rock echo through the large space, Evan stepped forward.
"Stand back everyone, I'll take care of this." Evan declared as he flew over the pit.
Holding both arms above his head, Evan charged a large amount of Ki in his hands. As he did so, the teen quickly transformed into a Super Saiyan, much to the surprise of the group. Throwing his arms down, Evan unleashed all of the built up energy on the hive.
"Take this!" Evan yelled out.
Quickly, a massive yellow Ki beam enveloped the entirety of the pit, instantly killing all of the Grimm that lived inside of it. As the dust settled, Evan floated back toward the group as he returned to his normal state.
"Going Super Saiyan was completely unnecessary right there, but it certainly makes me look a lot stronger. Need to maintain that image of strength and power, to keep everyone's spirits up…" Evan contemplated to himself.
"That was crazy! You took them all out instantly! What was that thing with the gold hair and all?!" Silver inquired excitedly.
"When I push my semblance to its limits, my hair and eyes change color. Don't really get the opportunity to use it much. I just needed to make sure all of those Grimm were truly wiped out." Evan explained.
"Is that so? I guess the other soldiers back at base weren't lying when they said you could go gold. Thought that it was a load of nonsense…Feels so weird finally seeing it myself. What do you think Berry?" Mags asked as she turned toward her captain.
Looking over toward the soldier, the group saw him clenching his fist as started walking around the massive space.
"Berry? You alright?" Silver asked hesitantly.
Placing a hand on one of the minecarts, Berry turned back toward the group.
"*Sigh* Sorry guys, I'm…I'm fine. It's just that a SDC mine like this doesn't bring back good memories."
"You used to work in one?" Cass questioned.
"No, but my Dad did. Faunus like him couldn't find good work when he was growing up in Mantle. Had to settle with working here in the mines. Though things went down the shitter around the time I was growing up. They worked my Dad and so many others to the bone. A-And when his body gave out on h-him…" Berry said as his voice started to falter.
As the moment dragged on, Berry collected him and continued on.
"All my family got was some meager compensation. Said he was an "ideal worker", that "he will be missed by the company", and all that crap. As if you could put a price on life…I bet Jacques Schnee didn't even care when he heard what happened. Probably more concerned about his bottom line and the bad PR that came out of it…That's why I decided to join the army in the first place. Trained myself to be the best and lead this squad. Better to die on the field of battle than miles under the snow. At least it would be my choice to make…" Berry said as he approached Evan and poked at his tail.
"I remember when I heard the news about you. Some monkey faunus putting his life on the line for the sake of Mantle and its people. Gives me hope that things might get better. You represent the best of all us faunus, Evan. Don't forget that…" Berry declared.
"I-I won't, I promise." Evan responded, the words almost failing to come out of his mouth at the start before he composed himself and continued talking.
Giving a firm nod, Berry smiled and looked at his team.
"I'd say it's time we all move out. The sooner we get out of here the better. Don't want to have to deal with any Megoliaths approaching our position because I'm getting soft." Berry announced.
Quickly, the team reached the surface. Stepping forward, Evan gestured to the others to stay back.
"Thanks for the help, you guys." Evan said aloud.
"Heh, not like you needed it." Berry replied with a smirk.
Giving them one last wave goodbye, Evan took to the skies once again.
/-/
"Dan Dan…son no…Hold my…" Marrow mumbled out as listened to the song on his music player while floating in the air.
"Marrow, what are you doing?" Harriet said aloud as she poked him in the shoulder.
"Ow…What? I'm just listening to some music, that's all. It helps me focus." Marrow argued.
"You know that you're not going to be able to listen to that while you're on the battlefield." Harriet replied back.
"Hey, at least he's consistently airborne. He'll pick it up on his own as we keep training." Clover pointed out.
"Fine." Harriet responded back as she lowered herself from midair and back down to the ground, almost stumbling in the process as she landed.
Looking around, Harriet turned toward Winter.
"Didn't Evan say that he would be here already. What's the holdup?" Harriet questioned.
"Perhaps his mission today lasted longer than initially expected." Winter added.
"Well, you think that a guy with basically super speed would get things done a little faster than normal. That's all I'm saying…What do you think, Elm?"
"I mean Solitas is a big place, maybe it even takes Evan a while to fly across it…" Elm suggested as she flew through a set of archways.
"How about we bet on it while we wait? 5 lien that it'll take him at least ten more minutes before he shows up."
"Evan will be here in under one minute." Vine claimed as he mediated midair.
"You really think so? You know what…you're on! I'll give 10 lien if that's true!" Harriet declared.
After about thirty seconds passed, Evan dashed into the room and started breathing heavily.
"…Hey guys…sorry I'm...late. Did a…quick check up in the mountains north of Atlas to see if any Grimm were approaching the city or not. Whew!" Evan explained as he bent over and placed his hands on his knees.
"How did you know that he'd be here?!" Harriet whispered to him.
"I sensed his presence." Vine replied back as he opened his palm and gestured toward Harriet.
"Fine, don't tell me. Save the mystical nonsense for later." Harriet muttered out as she handed him the money.
"Anything interesting happen today while you were out?" Elm questioned the young Saiyan as she stretched her arms out.
"Aside from the bags forming under my eyes, not really. This is what…the…tenth mission this week. Or is it the eleventh…Whatever…Just more Grimm to take out like all the other missions. Centinels this time. Other Grimm lurk around out in the open, while those annoying insects come poking out of the walls and stuff. At least they give the courtesy of having one big hive to blow up to make my job easier." Evan explained.
"Jeez, kid, you're certainly busy. Hope things haven't been too stressful…" Elm replied with mild concern on her face.
"Nah, I can handle it. Everything's all good. Oh wait! I just remembered something. Just give me a second…" Evan said aloud as he went to grab his scroll.
"Nobody said that the road to atone would be easy to walk down. Certainly haven't been getting as much sleep as I would like with having to do gravity training on my own, training the Ace Ops and Winter, and doing all of these missions, but at least the missions are spaced out enough so as to not have me falling asleep on the job. Ironwood made sure of that at the very least. The extra heat regulators he gave me to put inside my uniform certainly help my flights around the tundra too. Don't have to worry about my blood turning frozen solid." Evan thought to himself.
"Oh yeah, here we go. Apparently, the Schnee Dust Company is having this big charity concert tonight. And Ironwood wants me to come with him to the event! He says that Weiss will be there performing on stage. I never thought she was a singer…Regardless, I hope we'll be able to meet up with each other afterwards." Evan exclaimed.
"Sounds like it'll be a good night, kid. Just don't have any drinks while you're there." Elm added.
"Are you my parent now? I'm not going to do anything stupid." Evan added, causing Clover to chuckle a little.
"Now then, since you all seem to be doing well with flying now, I think today should have us focus on the next step: channeling your Ki for physical attacks and movement techniques." Evan explained.
"Now we're getting to the good stuff!" Marrow exclaimed as he put away his music player and lowered himself to the ground.
"And you're saying that flight isn't good?" Elm questioned.
"Hey, flying's cool and all, but it's not exactly a game changer, especially if your opponent has the advantage when it comes to strength and speed. Not to mention, some high level Grimm are incredibly durable, so sometimes you need that power advantage in order to actually do some damage." Marrow claimed.
"So, what do you want us to do?" Vine asked as he lowered himself to the ground.
"For this next exercise, I want you to channel some of your Ki into your arms and hands. Put in a bit more than you would normally do when you're flying. When you think you've done it, start attacking me. I'm essentially going to be your punching bag during this exercise." Evan explained.
"Are you sure that's a good idea? Especially after the mission you went on. Surely your Ki reserves would be low by now." Winter questioned.
"Ehhhh…I got more than enough in the tank to take whatever you all are gonna dish out. So, who's up first?" Evan asked as he held his palms out toward the group.
"Let me try." Marrow announced as he stepped forward.
Standing still, Marrow closed his eyes as he focused his Ki. Feeling a wind beginning to blow and shift all around him. Marrow opened his eyes and launched a punch at Evan's left palm.
Taking the punch, the teen was pushed back slightly.
"Nice. Come on, keep going." Evan said aloud.
Sending two more powerful punches at the young Saiyan, Marrow had to stop and catch his breath.
"Congrats! You're picking this up way faster than you did flying. How do you feel?" Evan half joked and half questioned.
"Tired…But I'll live…" Marrow replied as continued to breathe heavily.
"Hope so…although that would be a rather bizarre way to go out." Harriet stated as she helped Marrow stay on his feet.
"How did he learn it so quickly?" Winter inquired as she stepped forward.
"Like I said, flying helps with learning Ki control. He's performing well here, because his body has been picking up Ki control during our flying lessons. You all have been since we've started Ki training. Plus, he doesn't need to focus on keeping himself stable in the air." Evan elaborated as turned toward Marrow.
"Good work. I'd recommend you take a short break. Let your body recover for a bit before you try something like that again." Evan replied.
"Thanks." Marrow said as he walked over toward one of the archways and leaned against it.
"Anyone else want to try?" Evan questioned as he looked toward the rest of the group.
"I guess I'm willing to try." Elm stated as she walked in front of the group.
Focusing her Ki, she charged forward and let out an incredible punch toward Evan's left palm, almost forcing him to lose his footing.
"Geez, that smarts." Evan muttered as he started rubbing his left palm with his other hand.
"You ok, kid?" Elm asked as she wiped the sweat forming on her forehead.
"Yeah…Just wasn't expecting you to put so much force into that strike. Ok, we're certainly switching to my other hand moving forward. Any other challengers?" Evan questioned again.
"Sure. I'll go." Harriet stated as she approached the teen.
"Ready when you are." Evan stated as he readied himself.
Speeding forward with her semblance, Harriet launched into the air and sent a massive punch toward Evan. As Evan started to slide backwards from the first punch, Harriet closed the distance and continued with a second punch, forcing Evan to fall on his butt.
"How's…that?" Harriet asked in between breaths as she held her hand out.
"Solid. Good use of your semblance and momentum. Just make sure you keep practicing and have good fundamentals with using your regular punches though. That includes both with and without Ki. Last thing you need is over relying on your semblance in a fight, worse yet if your opponent manages to figure that out." Evan stated as he grabbed Harriet's hand and got hoisted back up.
"Who else wants to go?" Evan questioned.
"I think the rest of us are fine. We've been training for quite a while since you showed up, so we should probably call it a day." Clover stated.
"Alright, then. I should probably get going too. I'll see you tonight, Winter." Evan replied as he started walking out.
"Why do you think I'll be there?" Winter inquired, causing the teen to turn around.
"I mean it's an event hosted by the Schnee Family, and I figured that you would've gotten an invitation since you know…" Evan said as he gestured toward.
"I apologize, but I will not be attending the event tonight. My father and I have not been on speaking terms for many years, ever since I left my family to join the Atlesian military. I'm certain that my presence would only make things worse if I did attend." Winter concluded.
"I'm sorry to hear that." Evan replied back.
"Don't be. My father was not a kind man, and mother wasn't much better. Any feelings that I had for my parents are long gone. The only thing that I'm upset about is that I won't be able to see Weiss. I can only imagine what she's going through with being stuck in that household..." Winter continued as she began to frown.
"If it's any consolation, I'll let her know that you miss you." Evan added.
"I would like that." Winter responded back with her expression changing into a small smile.
/-/
As Evan shifted in his seat, he looked to General Ironwood.
"It feels so weird being in a limo like this. I mean, I don't really see myself as a celebrity…" Evan muttered out as fidgeted with his black tie.
Looking out the window, Evan saw the vehicle get off the highway and stopped at an intersection.
"You'd be surprised with how fast word of mouth can spread. After everything you've done to help around the kingdom, you're probably the one of the most recognizable faces this side of Remnant." Ironwood replied.
"Somehow, that doesn't make me feel any less nervous." Evan said aloud, causing the General to give him a reassuring look.
"These big spectacles are a lot of pomp and circumstance, but you'll survive. The hardest part is dealing with all of the cameramen and paparazzi on the outside of the building. As a bit of advice, I'd recommend keeping your head forward and just continue walking." Ironwood stated as the car came to a stop.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Evan questioned as the doors were opened, only to be met by a barrage of camera flashes and a cacophony of people shouting and cheering.
Exiting the vehicle, Evan felt as if he was staring into the sun as he squinted his eyes for some level of protection.
"Relax. Just keep moving." Ironwood muttered out as he gave a friendly wave to the cameras and started walking up the nearby staircase leading into the building.
Doing as he was instructed, Evan put one front in front of the other and continued on, giving an occasional, timid smile to some of the cameras as he did so. Raising his head up slightly, Evan saw the massive size and scale of the building. With countless glass windows shining yellow light outward from the inside, it gave off the appearance that the structure itself was made out of pure gold. Climbing the stairs, Evan entered the building.
Looking around the lobby, the teen saw Ironwood standing close by as he gestured Evan to follow.
Side by side, the two walked past dozens, if not hundreds of people. A vast majority of them wore fancy clothes and jewelry, practically flaunting their wealth for the world to see. As they did so, he could hear them mumble and whisper to each other as all eyes seemed to be on him. Heading over to a nearby elevator, Ironwood pressed a button leading to floor three.
"Hope things haven't been too overwhelming for you." Ironwood simply said.
"How do you do this kind of stuff?! Feels like my heart is stuck in my throat…" Evan replied exasperatedly.
"This is your first major public appearance. People are naturally going to be curious about you. It will be a lot less intense when the party begins after the performance ends. I can assure that much at least." Ironwood added as the elevator came to a stop.
Walking down a narrow hallway, the two individuals enter a VIP box seat on the right side of the massive room. In front of the stage were numerous rows of seats. The stage itself was wide and had the logo of Atlas painted on it. Near the back of the room were even more seats elevated on higher and higher floors. The entire room was filled with black and neon blue lighting, very similar to the training rooms that Evan practiced in. Looking down, he saw many people beginning to sit down and take their seats
As Evan sat down in one of the seats provided in the box, he could practically feel his stress and worries melting away inside the cozy chair.
"Ohhhh, this is nice. Like really nice…" Evan whispered out.
"Indeed, the seats are one of the only pleasant things that I can enjoy while at these events. The people on the other hand…" Ironwood began to say before stopping himself.
"Forgive me, I don't wish to ruin the moment for you." Ironwood continued on.
Quickly, the lights began to dim as multiple spotlights began to shine on the stage. Stepping out into the light was Weiss Schnee. However, instead of the normal white strapless dress that he remembered her wearing, she was now in a gray blue dress that came down to her heels. In the glow of the spotlights, he could see her dress glitter and shine.
Transfixed, Evan sat silently as she sang for the crowd.
"Wow…She's…She's good…" Evan thought to himself.
Before long Weiss had reached the last song of her performance. While the other songs were sung with clear effort and practice behind them, this last one seemed to be one filled with passion as the song reached its last few lyrics.
I'm not your pet, not another thing you own.
I was not born guilty of your crimes.
Your riches and your influence can't hold me anymore.
I won't be possessed,
burdened by your royal test.
I will not surrender.
This life is mine!
Joining the audience, Evan and Ironwood applauded Weiss as she gave a bow to them all and started to walk backstage.
/-/
As Evan grabbed one of the hors d'oeuvres from one of the trays that the waiters offered, the teen's face of excitement soon morphed as he started to taste and swallow it, his tail twisting around his waist in response to the horrible taste.
"*Cough* *Cough* Ugh, that's disgusting! Is this really what rich people eat?" Evan questioned as he turned toward the General.
"It's more so a symbol of status and wealth, it's that they have the ability to afford and eat food like that, even if its taste is less than appetizing." Ironwood stated.
Approaching the two was a new man that was unfamiliar to the young Saiyan. Wearing a slick white suit with a blue dress shirt. His white hair and mustache were neatly combed and prepped.
"So this is the Skyward Savior of Atlas? I hope you're both enjoying the party. The name's Jacque Schnee, although you probably knew that already. Who hasn't. Heh heh. Oh! Where are my manners? What is your name?" The man said aloud as he extended his other hand forward.
"Evan. Evan Anderson." The teen stated as the two shook hands.
"It's an honor to meet you. If you weren't aware, you really helped me out recently. One of my main locations for mining dust was infested with Grimm. I heard that you cleared all of those hideous things out earlier this morning. I imagine that I'll be able to continue operations in a day or two, so thank you for that generous act of kindness." Jacques explained.
"I work wherever I'm needed. If there's Grimm present, then I'll be there." Evan replied.
"Of course, of course. Just know that if you're ever looking for new ways and opportunities to help your kingdom, our mining defense team is always willing to have a spot open for you. I'm sure we could wish something out." Jacques claimed with a small smirk on his face.
Looking at his eyes, Evan saw his painted features. His ego barely hiding behind a farce of sincerity and compassion. Staring into Jacques's eyes, Evan could see a faint look of disgust in them as he occasionally glanced at the Saiyan's swishing tail. He reminded Evan of the Saiyan elite back on Vegeta that would mock and belittle him for being a low-class warrior.
Furrowing his brow for a moment, Evan continued to gaze at the white haired man before a big smile crossed the teen's face.
"Sorry, the offer is nice, but limiting myself to working with one particular company would be a poor choice for someone of my ability and skill. I'm sure you understand. If not, the General would certainly be able to clear things up." Evan stated.
"No, no. I understand, if that's your decision…If you'll excuse me, I need to talk with some associates of mine. Enjoy the party…" Jacques added as he turned and walked away.
As he did so, Jacques grabbed a red handkerchief in his jacket pocket and quickly cleaned his hand before putting the red cloth away and grabbing a drink from one of the waiters.
Looking over to the end of the room, Evan saw Weiss standing in front of a massive painting showing off Beacon Academy in all of its former glory.
Walking over to her, he saw Weiss talking with an older teen with blue hair, wearing a black and red ensemble.
As the guy walked away, Weiss scowled at him before her expression to a more downtrodden one as she gazed back at the painting.
"Hey Weiss…" Evan said aloud, causing her to straighten up in surprise and turn toward him.
"Evan?" Weiss questioned, as if she couldn't believe the sight standing in front of her very eyes.
"Yep. Although apparently, people are calling me "The Skyward Savior" now…I don't mind though…" Evan explained.
"It's a little ridiculous, if you ask me." Weiss claimed.
"Maybe…You were really good back there on stage. How long have you been singing for? You sound like a natural." Evan added, although that didn't seem to brighten her mood.
"Oh, I-I'm sorry, if you don't want to talk about that…" Evan started to say.
"No, you're alright. It's just that a lot of guys have been saying the same thing after the performance ended. Most of them are just leeches trying to marry their way into the family. I know at least your compliment is genuine…" Weiss interjected.
Leaning on the line divider that separated the rest of the room from the painting, Evan turned to look at the massive work of art.
"It's almost scary how good this thing looks. It's as if I could walk through it and I would be in Vale instantly. Certainly were simpler days…" Evan claimed.
"True…" Weiss muttered out as the two were silent for a few moments.
"I heard about what happened to Penny…I'm so sorry…" Weiss continued.
"It's not your fault." Evan stated as he looked toward her.
"I know, but still…You two seemed very close." Weiss added.
"Heh. Like you wouldn't believe. You know, when I go training by myself, sometimes I think that when I turn the corner and enter the room, she will be standing there with the biggest smile on her face. But, I know that it'll never happen…" Evan replied as he shook his head.
"I want to do right by what Pyrrha and Penny would have done. Be someone that people can look up to and admire. Always willing to lend a friendly, helping hand…" Evan said aloud.
"I think that's very noble of you. They would be proud." Weiss added.
"Thanks…Heh, look at us, two teens struggling for actual small talk…Shouldn't we be more worried about acne, or homework, and other normal stuff?" Evan questioned.
"I suppose that's because we're both not normal teenagers." Weiss suggested.
"Probably…" Evan said as he started to turn and walk away.
"Oh wait! Hey Weiss?" Evan questioned as he turned around to face her again.
"Yes?" Weiss asked.
"Winter misses you. She wished that she could have come with, if it wasn't for your Dad and all."
"Thank you, Evan. I really mean it." Weiss said as she began to smile.
Turning away from her, Evan began to walk back toward the other side of the room. As he did so, he heard one guest begin to raise her voice.
"I'm telling you honey...is it really that shocking as to what became of Vale?" A woman in a black dress claimed.
"They all got what they deserved." She boldly stated with a near empty wine glass in hand.
"Dear…I think you should lower your voice..." The husband tried to say as he placed a hand on her shoulder, only for her to shake it off.
"Oh come on…You know I'm right! If they thought that not investing in an army and only relying on the Huntsmen Academies to be their sole protectors was a smart idea...well, let them rot for all I care!" She loudly continued amongst the other voices talking in the room.
Clenching his fist, Evan turned toward her. However, before he could do anything, a familiar voice echoed throughout the room.
"Shut your mouth!" Weiss said aloud as the room went silent.
"Are you really that dense?! You all are talking nonsense and meaningless fluff!" Weiss yelled out as she gestured toward the other rich guests in the room.
"What did you just say?!" The woman questioned, utterly baffled at what she was hearing.
"You people always say that you're upset once the dust has settled, but you turn your backs to those struggling in the aftermath just as fast. You only care about yourself and do nothing but complain about your wealth, or how you look in the eyes of your equally insufferable "friends"." Weiss stated.
Stepping forward, Jacques approached Weiss.
"Weiss, what do you think you are doing?!" Jacques said aloud as he tightly grabbed her by the wrist.
"Get your hands off me!" Weiss yelled out as she struggled to pull away from him.
"You are making a scene in front of everyone! I am your father, and you will do as I say!" Jacques stated, his voice rising in volume.
"Let...me...go...now!" Weiss replied back as she broke free from his grasp.
However, as she did so, Weiss failed to find her footing and fell to the floor.
Her semblance coming forward, Weiss suddenly and accidentally brings forth a glyph. Emerging from the symbol was a white and blue Boarbatusk, which proceeded to lock eyes with the lady in black.
As the beast charged at her, Evan moved at blistering speeds and stopped the creature in its tracks as he charged up a Ki blast and blasted the beast into nothing but dust.
"Since when could Weiss summon Grimm like Winter can?" Evan thought to himself.
Turning toward Weiss, Evan held a hand out.
"You okay?" Evan asked.
Silently nodding, Weiss took Evan's hand and was helped back into her feet. Stepping forward, Ironwood approached Evan with an approving look on his face.
"Thank goodness you're here General! Arrest that girl! Can't you see that she's out of her mind. Reacting like that over nothing!" The woman in the black dress yelled out as she pointed toward Weiss.
"I'd say that Weiss is one of the only people here that I agree with. If you think that believe Vale's people deserved such a fate, then you're more of a monster than the Grimm..." Ironwood claimed as both he and Evan angrily stared the lady down.
"I believe we've warned out our welcome here...Let's go, Evan." Ironwood stated as Evan followed behind, briefly turning to give Weiss a final wave goodbye before the two headed for the exit.
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Wow! I was not expecting this chapter to be so long! Almost 2000 more words than my normal 4000 word average. Sorry for not posting yesterday. I hope this extra long chapter makes up for it. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a review. Also, please check out the next page for some important info.