Disclaimer: Don't own either Rwby or Type Moon. So enjoy or don't
Chapter 43: Preparations at Atlas Academy
As dawn broke over Atlas Academy, Shirou awoke with the first rays of sunlight creeping through his window. Years of hard training and discipline had set his internal clock, making him an early riser regardless of where he was. Rising from bed, he quietly made his way to the bathroom, mindful not to disturb the quiet of the early morning. He splashed his face with cool water, feeling the chill jolt him fully awake, and then lifted his gaze to the mirror.
He observed himself closely, taking stock of the changes he couldn't quite ignore. The streaks of white weaving through his hair had grown since the last time he truly looked, like traces of silver threading through iron. But it was his eyes that held his focus the longest. Around his irises were faint rings of steely silver—a sign he recognized but rarely acknowledged, as it spoke of his connection to his craft and the toll it took on him. The rings reminded him of the weight he bore, a reminder of the countless projections, battles, and promises he had made.
Knowing it was best not to let these changes show to those around him, he took a breath and cast a glamour spell. As the spell washed over him, his appearance returned to its usual state—hair restored to its familiar auburn hue and his eyes once again resembling the ones he had always known.
After he was satisfied with the results, he moved to the small exercise mat he had placed on the floor, centering himself for his daily exercises. His routine was a calming, deliberate series of stretches and movements designed to keep his body agile, followed by exercises that required a focused flow of Od through his limbs. First were a series of kata, fluid movements with imaginary opponents, honing his instincts and keeping his senses sharp. He moved through each step slowly, emphasizing precision over speed.
He continued with mental exercises, recalling the layout of Atlas Academy, committing routes and pathways to memory, practicing visualizations of Kanshou and Bakuya, and honing the mental recall required to manifest them. Each movement and exercise brought his focus inward, preparing him for whatever the day might throw at him. Every repetition, every projection and recall, grounded him in the here and now, keeping his thoughts from wandering too far into the shadows of his past.
By the time he finished, his mind was clear and his body attuned to the day's demands. After gathering his belongings and tidying up his space, he headed out to meet the others, his demeanor calm and composed, though beneath the surface, those subtle signs of change and his growing unease remained.
Shirou stepped out into the hall, greeted by the crisp morning air and the quiet buzz of Atlas Academy beginning to come alive. As he made his way to the meeting spot, he spotted Team RWBY, Jaune, Nora, Ren, and Oscar gathering near the entrance of the wing. A smile tugged at his lips as he watched their familiar morning banter, each member already brightening the somber, imposing halls of Atlas with their energy.
Ruby was the first to notice him, waving enthusiastically. "Morning, Shirou!" she called, her voice filled with warmth and optimism that lifted the spirits of everyone nearby. The others joined in with their own greetings, each one adding a note of lightness to the morning.
"Shirou!" Nora's voice was a mix of her usual excitement and a hint of relief, as if seeing him set the day on the right course. She bounded over with her usual exuberance, though she held back just enough to avoid tackling him.
"Good morning," Ren said, giving a polite nod, his gaze steady but showing a trace of gratitude. He had grown accustomed to Shirou's presence in their group, and there was a quiet camaraderie between them.
Jaune greeted him with a casual wave, trying to shake off his sleepy demeanor as he muttered, "Better you than me up this early."
Oscar, who had been adjusting his cloak, offered a shy but friendly smile. "Good morning, Shirou," he said, looking up with a sense of respect that had grown each day he spent with the veteran swordsman.
Yang grinned at him, her eyes shining with her usual fire. "Ready to take on another day in the big, cold city?" she teased, clapping him on the back.
But it was Blake who lingered a little longer as she greeted him. She gave him a gentle smile, one that softened her expression and added a warmth to her usually reserved demeanor. Her amber eyes held a quiet gratitude, and the subtle happiness in her gaze caught Shirou's attention. She didn't say much beyond a soft "Good morning, Shirou," but her tone and expression conveyed more than words could.
Shirou nodded back to each of them, the warmth of their greetings settling over him like a reassuring cloak. Even though they were here in Atlas, surrounded by the cold, sterile atmosphere of the Academy, their presence brought a sense of belonging. The camaraderie they shared felt genuine, a reminder that he wasn't walking this path alone. Their greetings, from Ruby's earnest smile to Blake's quiet warmth, filled him with a renewed sense of purpose, easing the lingering shadows from his morning reflections.
The group made their way down to the cafeteria, where Atlas Academy's usual breakfast offerings awaited. The sleek, modern space was filled with students, all seated at uniform tables that exuded the precise, orderly feel of Atlas. The food trays offered a selection of high-protein dishes, nutrient-dense and prepared to fuel a morning of rigorous training. Yet, despite their practical value, there was something distinctly unappealing about them, with dull colors and an unmistakable lack of flavor.
As they filled their trays and found a spot to sit together, Nora was the first to poke at her food, nose wrinkling in displeasure. "It looks like food, but it doesn't smell like it," she muttered, jabbing her fork at what seemed to be an egg-white omelet, its pale, almost rubbery texture not exactly appetizing.
"Yeah, I think I've had more exciting meals when we were camping in the woods," Jaune agreed, stifling a yawn and trying to make the best of the neatly portioned oatmeal and toast in front of him.
Ruby took a bite of her protein bar and winced. "Shirou, you really need to cook for us again," she said with a sigh. "It's just not the same."
Shirou chuckled softly, though he shared their sentiments. "Atlas is a military academy; efficiency probably ranks higher than flavor," he said, picking at his food but already missing the warmth of a home-cooked meal.
"Of course, they wouldn't know good cooking if it bit them," Yang added with a smirk, waving a fork in his direction. "We've all been spoiled by Shirou's food."
Ren, ever the pragmatic one, ate without complaint, though even he seemed to eye the food with faint resignation. "At least it's nutritious," he offered, though the forced optimism in his voice drew a chuckle from the others.
Despite the lackluster breakfast, the group's conversations and banter filled the cafeteria with a warmth that made up for it. Ruby animatedly discussed the day's training plans, her eyes lighting up as she shared her excitement. Jaune and Oscar chimed in with comments about their hopes for sparring sessions, and even Blake's reserved smile added to the comfortable energy of the morning.
Shirou glanced over at Blake, who seemed content just listening to the chatter around her. He noticed how she subtly positioned herself closer to him than usual, and their shared glances felt like quiet exchanges amid the noise of the cafeteria. Though she didn't say much, her presence next to him felt steady, grounding.
After a few minutes, Nora sighed dramatically, tapping her fork against her plate. "Shirou, I know you're humble, but when we get the chance, you have to cook for us again," she said, her eyes pleading with exaggerated sadness. "Just a small meal, or I might shrivel up and die on this food."
Jaune groaned, clearly still half-asleep, but he added, "I second that. No pressure, though," he said, shooting Shirou a tired smile.
"Maybe when things calm down a bit," Shirou replied with a smile, slightly embarrassed but warmed by their appreciation. "But only if you all help with cleanup," he added with a teasing glance at Nora.
Their laughter echoed in the cafeteria, and for a moment, they could all forget the weight of their responsibilities. As they shared stories and planned their training schedules, the morning felt lighter, the shared warmth of friendship a balm against the colder, sterner atmosphere of Atlas Academy.
After breakfast, the group made their way through the towering, sleek halls of Atlas Academy to General Ironwood's office. The air was tinged with tension as they entered the spacious, minimalist room, its white and silver color scheme embodying the unyielding order of the Atlas military. General Ironwood stood behind his desk, his posture rigid, face lined with weariness yet set with unwavering determination. As they filed in, he gestured for them to sit, his expression softening slightly as he acknowledged their commitment.
"Thank you all for coming," he began, his tone formal yet sincere. "I know there's a lot happening, and the weight on each of you is immense. But we're facing a threat that demands all our resources and resolve." He pressed a few buttons on the screen embedded in his desk, bringing up an image of the Amity Colosseum hovering in the sky. The massive stadium had once hosted the Vytal Festival, but now it held the potential for something far greater.
Ironwood explained, "Amity will be the base for a new Cross-Continental Transmit Tower. If we can reestablish global communications, we'll be able to unite Remnant in the face of Salem. But first, there are logistical and security concerns—Atlas' launch site needs to be cleared, and I've been secretly working with some Council members to secure approvals, though it will take at least two weeks."
The group listened closely, each of them feeling the weight of Ironwood's words. This plan was more than a logistical project; it was a lifeline, a way to bring the fractured kingdoms of Remnant together. Ruby leaned forward, eyes bright with determination as she nodded. "We understand, General. Whatever you need, we'll be there."
Ironwood looked at her, his expression softening as he saw her resolve. "I knew I could count on you, Ruby." His gaze shifted to the others, meeting each of their eyes. "This mission requires more than strength; it requires loyalty and conviction, things I know each of you possess. This tower will be a beacon, but we must be prepared for resistance from Salem's forces. If the Grimm interfere, we will need every advantage we can get."
Shirou, who had been quietly observing Ironwood's resolve, couldn't help but feel a pang of unease. It wasn't just the weight of the task ahead but also the intensity in Ironwood's gaze. This mission wasn't just about installing a tower—it was the last thread holding together Ironwood's hope for unity and survival. The others felt it too; Jaune's brows furrowed as he took in the gravity of Ironwood's words, and Nora's usual cheer dimmed into a solemn understanding.
Ironwood continued, his voice lowering as he stepped around the desk to stand closer to them. "I know many of you have seen and heard things I can't even begin to understand," he said, his gaze lingering on Ruby, Yang, and Shirou. "But there is something each of you needs to know before we proceed." He paused, taking a steadying breath. "I need your trust. My decisions might not always be clear to you, and they may not always seem right, but I need you to believe in the bigger picture."
Ruby looked around at her friends, catching the hints of tension in Yang's clenched fists and Blake's cautious gaze. Shirou remained silent, his mind caught between Ironwood's words and the unspoken secret Ruby had chosen to keep—the truth about Salem's immortality and the impossibility of her defeat. The knowledge felt like a growing rift, hidden beneath the surface but widening with each day.
"Of course, General," Ruby replied, her tone as steady as she could manage, though Shirou saw the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. "We're with you."
A moment of silence hung in the air as Ironwood looked at her, as though assessing the depth of her conviction. Then he nodded, seemingly reassured. "Good. I'll expect you to begin preparations immediately. There's no room for hesitation. We need every ounce of strength if we're going to see this through."
The meeting concluded with a solemn understanding that went unspoken. As they rose to leave, Ironwood gave them a nod, the expression in his eyes a mix of gratitude and the relentless weight of command.
After their meeting with General Ironwood, the group followed one of Atlas Academy's research staff down a series of winding corridors toward the engineering wing, where they were to meet Dr. Pietro Polendina. The hallways here were quieter, with faint hums of machinery coming from behind lab doors and the sterile scent of metal and circuitry lingering in the air. At last, they arrived at a large, well-lit workshop where various gadgets and parts lay scattered across workbenches in organized chaos.
At the center of it all was a small, elderly man in a white lab coat and oversized goggles perched atop his head, his silver hair frizzed and disheveled from hours of intense concentration. He looked up as they entered, his face breaking into a warm, almost grandfatherly smile. "Ah! You must be the young huntsmen I've heard so much about!" he greeted, his voice carrying an infectious cheerfulness. He moved toward them in a hover chair, the quiet hum of its engines following him as he extended his hand.
"Hello, Dr. Polendina," Ruby said, shaking his hand with enthusiasm. "It's an honor to meet you!"
"Oh, the honor's all mine," Pietro replied with a gentle chuckle. "I don't get to work with such exceptional young huntsmen and huntresses often, let alone the renowned Team RWBY and their friends!" His gaze fell on Shirou, studying him curiously for a moment. "And you must be Shirou. I've heard interesting things about your…unique abilities."
Shirou gave a polite nod, his respect for the doctor apparent. "Thank you, Doctor. I look forward to learning from you." Despite Pietro's welcoming demeanor, Shirou sensed an underlying wisdom and resolve in the man, a strength that came not from combat experience but from resilience and a lifetime of dedication to his craft.
Pietro nodded in acknowledgment, his eyes twinkling with an almost childlike enthusiasm. "I understand you've been working hard, but I think we can give you all an extra edge," he said, gesturing to the various weapons and blueprints scattered on his workbench. "Ironwood has allowed me to help upgrade your gear over the next two weeks. Each of you will have access to modifications that could significantly improve your capabilities."
Nora's eyes lit up at the mention of upgrades, and she couldn't resist bouncing a little on her heels. "What kind of upgrades?" she asked, almost breathless with excitement.
Pietro laughed warmly. "Oh, I've got quite a few ideas! I've been analyzing your weapons, and I think there's plenty we can do. For instance, Miss Valkyrie, I'm looking into an energy dispersal mod for Magnhild that could reduce recoil and boost impact, so your strikes will be even more powerful."
Nora gave an approving grin, looking like a child on her birthday. "Yes, please!" she exclaimed, practically vibrating with excitement.
"And Miss Rose," Pietro continued, turning to Ruby, "I think we can work on Crescent Rose's range efficiency. If we tune it just right, your sniper capabilities will improve, along with its melee balance."
Ruby's eyes went wide, and she clasped her hands together. "Thank you, Dr. Polendina! That would be amazing!"
As he addressed each team member, discussing potential upgrades for Jaune, Ren, and Yang, Pietro's enthusiasm and genuine passion for his work became even more apparent. But when he turned to Shirou, his expression became thoughtful, as if considering something delicate. "And for you, young man," he said, gesturing toward Shirou, "I've been briefed on your unique...craftsmanship abilities. I understand they're quite extraordinary, and that your weapons are not like the others."
Shirou nodded, meeting Pietro's gaze. "My weapons are projections. I can create and wield copies of the swords and tools I know. They're only temporary, so conventional upgrades aren't really an option."
Pietro stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Ah, I see. Quite a fascinating method indeed. Perhaps, then, I could help you with something a bit different—energy stabilization, maybe? It could potentially extend the time your projections remain stable, especially during intense combat." His eyes sparkled as he leaned in, excitement radiating from him. "I'd love to analyze the energy field you use to project your weapons if you're willing to demonstrate!"
Shirou gave a faint, appreciative smile, nodding. "That would be helpful, Doctor. I'd be happy to show you."
Blake, who had been listening quietly, then spoke up, her gaze shifting to Pietro with a soft smile. "Thank you for helping us," she said earnestly. "You're going out of your way, and we appreciate it."
Pietro smiled warmly at Blake, the sincerity in his expression mirroring her own. "It's my pleasure, truly," he replied. "After all, I built Penny to help make the world a better place. And that's the same thing you all are doing. I want to do what I can to help you achieve that."
As he said this, his voice took on a wistful tone, and for a brief moment, the group could sense the weight of his dedication to Penny and his dreams for a better future. But Pietro quickly brightened, clapping his hands together. "Now, let's get to work! Over the next two weeks, we'll fine-tune your equipment, run drills, and maybe even teach you a few tricks."
The group nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. Pietro's optimism and dedication were infectious, making the daunting task ahead seem a little more achievable. As they prepared to leave, Shirou lingered a moment longer, sharing a nod with Pietro. There was a quiet understanding between them—two people bound by purpose and a desire to help, no matter the personal cost.