Shade's New Blood – Chapter #12
Shade's mid-term exams had arrived and marked an end to the academy's first semester. Written exams on Grimm, pen-and-paper training for field knowledge and tactics, and of course, there were the sparring matches. Those were the only tasks that mattered for an entire two weeks as students of all years were worked hard and had their resolves tested. Today had been a sparring match day, one that—needless to say—pitted teams against their own classmates for the coveted prize of victory and glory. Success would not only secure a team's academic standing, but it would also cement them as among Shade's top students. Those who made it were even eligible for a position at Vytal, and not to mention the other perk of preferential treatment by the academy's own instructors. Best of all, it opened a path to some well-established connections as 'top-quality' Huntsmen were always in demand.
Shade's arena of choice was a wide enough area floored in stone tile and surrounded by open air. The clear space around the circular arena was often filled with viewers. Family, friends, sponsors, and anyone else with so much as a vague interest in the business of Huntsmen. Like a mini festival of its own, Vacuo's people came to watch and enjoy Shade's exam-matches. It was a warm-up compared to Vytal, but it was enjoyed just as much. New talents, old favorites, and all the spectacle in-between was more than enough to catch attention. Exam matches like these only ever came twice a year and first-years always had the most eyes on them. For Team MTST, this was a both a blessing and a curse. They had only one chance, one match to prove themselves worthy as future Huntresses.
They… had failed.
The four girls strolled through Shade's populated halls. The team was quiet, they took no part in the celebratory cheers nor the eager anticipation for their school's soon-to-be-had break. They weren't the only ones, but it didn't save them from the crude looks and hushed snickers. It wasn't long before they stood at the outskirts of a small crowd which surrounded a large screen mounted a up high. There were only two lists: Individuals and Team names; Both accompanied with scores beside them. Some students cheered with fists in the air and left once they found themselves on the roster, others—namely newcomers—huddled their team together as they sang praises after they saw they had made it through their very first semester. Some… weren't so jubilant after they saw their results and walked away with heads and shoulders low.
Maron, Toma, Shae, and Trya looked up at the screen with awe. They waited and searched for their names and team to appear. However, the list scrolled lower and lower, and, to their dismay, they certainly found them. There, close to the bottom of the list, among a full listing of other teams, 'MTST' was highlighted in a light, eye-catching red. Trya's shoulders fell as she shamefully looked away, Shae frowned and held herself back, but cracks in her tough-looking façade were clear when she went to rub out one eye, and Toma, though still stood tall, held her mouth slightly agape, eyes widened and fixed upon the screen. Not even Maron herself was spared from a reaction to the sight. In truth, it is what she expected, what she prepared for, yet still she couldn't help but feel the red mark eat away at her which left behind nothing but an empty sensation within her chest.
Team MTST turned to walk away, but soon enough, jokes, insults, and other slights were hurled the 'sub-par' failure of a team, especially from those ranked higher. Toma was first to want to retaliate with her fingers curled into a first that trembled with rage, but as she tried to raise it, Shae had stopped her and shook her head. She didn't like the answer, but Toma complied with Shae's wish and restrained herself as best she could. Fortunately, some of the more mean-spirited students were fairly quick to lose interest, especially when the four went down the classroom halls, but there were stragglers who invertedly passed on the message. Even if they weren't the only ones to endure it, Maron believed the sight of professors would at least deter such crude behavior toward them. Call it a punishment for their failure, incentive to do better, or whatever excuse would be thrown their way, but what Maron and her team hadn't expected was the disinterest or outright encouragement from their own teachers. She wasn't sure when it was, but somewhere along the line, one professor that didn't look favorably toward them took a jab of their own. It may have been just a small 'joke', but it was also the first time Maron had seen Toma snap. And snap she did with an unrivaled fury behind her sudden punch.
- - o - -
"I expect much better from students at Shade, but if you are not mature enough to handle such lowly, childish insults, then this academy has no use for you," Stated a short-statured woman with braided and very long, sandy-brown hair. She was dressed in earthly colors and stood upright while she walked behind her desk before she turned around to confront the students before her. Her golden eyes complimented her tan complexion, but they were anything but friendly—and were especially displeased. The woman looked to each of the younger girls of 'Team MTST' with a mild frown, as if she already studied them.
"'Mature'?" Toma slammed her hands down on the desk and exclaimed, "They were the ones who should've grow up to begin with!" Team MTST had been dragged off to an office, though it looked to them more like a small gallery than a standard teacher's office. Pictures, documents, a weapon or two hung on the light, dull-colored walls. A few ancient blades and maces from a bygone era were housed there in glass containers, as well as a few models that ranged from outdated airbus designs to old Vacuo architecture, though whether all of this belonged to the woman or not was unknown. However, what was hers was an academy diploma sat neatly on a small table behind her desk, nicely framed but out of the way, unreadable unless one purposefully stepped behind to take a closer look, and of course a name plate firmly placed on the woman's desk with a name that only read as: 'Rumpole'.
"And there's my point." Professor Rumpole sat back down and began and slid her chair forward to rest her elbows on her desk, "Short-tempered students like you are ill-suited for life as Huntsmen, never lasting more than a few years if they're lucky." Her sour mood only seemed to worsen as it would seem she was in the middle of a decently sized stack of paperwork, but now she had to deal with the four students in front of her. "Regardless, now you've just added even more paperwork I must finish and a new headache. Classroom desks and supplies aren't cheap, you know." She told them after she interlocked her fingers together.
"It'll be more than a wrecked classroom if you don't do your damn job!" Toma shouted once again, her arms flailed to lash out at the recomposed woman while Maron and Trya physically held her back. "She was supposed to set an example and be above the them—as a teacher should be!" Toma defended herself. The aftermath of her sudden snap had at least stifled the remarks from their classmates, but it was uncertain how long it would remain that way.
"Two students and a professor—a professional Huntress, I might remind you. I'd be commending your success if I wasn't livid about your actions," Professor Rumpole admitted. "The rest of your team could learn a thing or two from your strength, especially with a 'weak link' at your side." She looked over to Trya with disdain. The younger girl, in turn, coward away to avoid the shorter woman's sight.
In a split second after she head the woman's words, Toma had shook off the grasp of her two teammates. The maroon-eyed brawler jumped at the woman front of her and bore her clenched teeth. She threw out a punch, but her fist slammed into the woman's grasp who caught the attack with ease. Their respective arms trembled in a match of strength. Toma opened her mouth to speak but the professor beat her too it.
"Don't push your luck, Amethyst," The woman warned. Her nails dug into Toma's skin before the woman eventually overpowered her and shoved her back. She returned to the topic at hand after a quick inhale, "You aren't her protector and if she can't take care of herself, then she has no place standing among Huntsmen. I don't know what exact tricks you four pulled to pass Shade's initiation, but it will not get you far, Team Amethyst."
Shae, with a slightly deflated look, rose her eyes to meet the professor's, "Professor, do Shade not care for students?" She asked in a less-than confident tone.
The woman leaned back in her chair and sighed, "If I had a Lien for every time that question was asked." She sighed and then paused, "Of course I do," She answered, "But the life of a Huntsman is not easy. The world is home to dangers that even some of our best aren't prepared for. Yes, I want Shade's students to be prepared for the brutality that comes with the job, but that means they must be treated with the same mercy they should expect from the world: None," The woman finished with a tone of certitude. She gave Trya one last look before her attention brough turned away from the Faunus with a small 'hmph', "Heed my advice, girls: A weak ally is far worse than any foe you will face, that I can promise you. Cutting ties would be the safer option for everyone involved."
"She. Stays." Toma leaned forward assertively and firmly told the woman.
"Suit yourself, but since I already have you in my office, we should discuss your academic standing. Namely your pitiful scores," The stern professor changed subjects, "Have you four gave any thought to earn extra credit? Or were you simply hoping for some miracle to help scrape by?"
"What choices do we have?" Shae spoke up. She asked with forced interest and what sounded like a little quiver in her voice. She appeared unfocused and though she was listening, there was something about her that felt absent.
"You tell me," The woman replied, "Extra work, extra lessons, extra assignments—there are plenty of things you can do. However, this isn't a Primary, whichever option you pick should be—and is—on you. Though I suppose given your case, I believe 'Field Missions' might be the quicker option, but know that First-Year students don't officially start those until their second semester begins."
The young team stood quiet as they each independently thought it over. None of the four had any real clue as to what should be their plan, nothing could be done without approval anyways and they still needed time to determine the best option. "We'll…" Shae spoke up on behalf of her team, "We'll have to think it over first." She forced a thankful look before being the first to then partially turn away.
"In that case, I'm sure I'll be seeing you soon," The Professor said to the team, "You are dismissed."
One by one, Team Amethyst filed out of Professor Rumpole's office. Of the four, Toma glanced back at the woman with a slight shake of her head, but didn't do much more. Maron, being the last to leave shot a narrowed-eyed glance at the professor but the woman didn't even bother to see them off, instead going back to whittle away at the stack of papers beside her.
Maron sighed as she fell behind the rest of her team. By now, most of their classmates had cleared the halls and those that remained either actively avoided or just passed by them. News of their little incident had apparently already spread, though how long it would stick or how much others cared was the real question. Now she understood Steele's bitter resentment toward the academy, at least partly. She hadn't given it much thought as of late, but she was reminded of her own plans. It pointless for her to remain here, she knew that much already, but Maron wasn't sure why she was still remained. True, there wasn't anywhere else to go, but, more importantly, she also wasn't getting any closer to accomplishing her goal. Besides if being booted from this academy appeared to be inevitable, then why not just go out on her own terms?
"So, what's the plan now?" Toma asked the rest of the group.
Right. Then there was the matter of the others. It's not like Maron had grown particularly fond of this place, but what really troubled her was how to tell the others. It concerned her far more than she was willing to admit. How would she tell them? Should she even bother? Was it best to just grab her things and leave? The air around her grew heavy as she opened her mouth to speak. There wasn't much else she could lose, so perhaps now was a better time than later. "I think—" Maron started only to be interrupted by Shae.
"I don't even want to think about it. Not right now," Shae answered in a mostly flat tone as her hand rose up to squeeze the scabbard of her blade.
Then came silence. No one else seemed to have an idea, not one they were ready to voice at least. Maron kept her mouth shut after saw herself granted a second chance to think over her plan. Regardless, after a minute or two, Toma spoke up again, "Why don't we head out and do something in Vacuo? Take our minds off… this," She grumbled the last word while she threw a glare at a passing pair of students that looked their way.
Shae came to a halt which bought the rest of the group to a halt. Maron and Toma looked to her. Shae wore a heavy expression on her face, but once she realized she was being watched, she was quick to put up a brighter look, "Yeah… But you go on ahead, I… I need to make a call back home. Catch up with family and all that."
Before Shae could leave, Toma grabbed her by the wrist and pulled it up. "We can wait for you," Toma told her. Shae shook her head, but Toma didn't give up that easily, "Text you the details then, alright?" Shae didn't look her in the eye, she just nodded and pulled away. With that, the group was one member down.
For the first time in a while, Trya abruptly spoke up too, "I-I just remembered, I need to pick up something!" She said rapidly then escaped before either Toma or Maron could get a word out. Maron could see Toma look particularly disheartened after that. Just the two of them now.
Together, the pai wandered until they found themselves in the academy's courtyard. Its stone fountain, etched with worn designs and scars from the years of service surrounded by light flora and a few seats. It was light on visitors today. Maron and Toma claimed a spot on a bench for themselves, the fountain they faced continuously sprouted with water. The steady streams hit its base full of water was pleasant to hear with the quiet voices of students lingered and the gentle breeze. But, neither the two girls felt any better than they were minutes ago.
Maron couldn't stand it any longer. "Can confide in you?" Maron came out and asked. She was hesitant at first, but knew this was something she had to do. Out of everyone here, Toma deserved to know at the very least.
"Of course, what is it?" A gentle maroon gaze looked over to Maron who leaned her back against the bench's backrest.
Not making this easy… Words caught up in Maron's throat, but it was now or never, so, she forced them out, "I'm thinking of leaving Shade."
Toma's eye shot wide as she recoiled, "What?" She then exclaimed, "But we still have a whole second semester to go through!" Her hand had squeezed Maron's forearm as it did with Shae, but it wouldn't last long as Maron pulled herself free.
She sighed, "I know. You heard that woman though, we might as well have no chance of making through it," Maron began to explain. "I doubt anything we do will save us. So, why waste our time?" She grumbled as she propped her arm against an armrest with a fist against her cheek.
"You think so too?" Toma questioned, "Well If we—"
"I never intended to become a Huntress, Toma," Maron sternly reminded with a glare, "You knew that." She finished in a softer tone. "I came here thinking I could dig up some information and learn a few tricks along the way. But now," Maron paused before she finally told Toma what she told and knew herself, "I don't have a reason to stay anymore. Even if I did, we're getting kicked out anyways."
"What about the team? What about us?" Toma pleaded, "What are you even going to do once you leave, huh?" She asked, a little more aggressive as she tried to convince Maron otherwise.
"I don't know, but I'd rather travel around doing something useful than sit here!" Maron took a breath and bawled her hand into a fist. "I still have one thing I have to do, Toma, and I'm not getting any closer while I'm here," Maron told the other girl before she leaned forward to rest her elbows on her knees. Whatever the cost… "I'm… I'm gonna' head out—alone." She clasped her free hand around her fist and finished.
"You… You do that, Maron," Toma said in defeat as she looked down at the flagstone below them. Maron stood to her feet and pondered if she should say more to reassure her companion, but the damage was already done. Finally, Maron turned and left.
Maron strolled through the city of Vacuo aimlessly. The warm air and fading light made for a comfortable atmosphere for her stroll, but sadly it did little to put her mind at ease. Once again, she found herself at a Green Space, stood alone before a tall, solitary palm tree. She took in the sounds that surrounded her with the hope to clear her head from the daunting future ahead of her. No thoughts, just listening. The tropical leaves rustled against the light wind, whispers and dull conversations of the people who passed by. Those who shuffled along through the small streets and the occasional clang of goods and rhythmic steps, all served to be nothing more than background noise to her.
Her moment of peace was disturbed by a dropped bag nearby. Maron frowned and opened her eyes to set her sights to whoever it was who dared to bother her—It was Viri. "Fascinating, isn't it?" She began, her signature smile gone as she stared up at the tree in front of them, "A symbol and a reminder of this kingdom's beautiful and magnificent past. Now, to the rest of the world it's just sand and a glorified Dust mine." Her expression turned to one of satisfaction and she looked to meet Maron's eyes, "If only the old leaders were instead righteous as much as they were greedy. Perhaps things could be different."
"I'm not one for history." Maron glanced down at the two overstuffed bags at Viri's feet as she replied, "Going somewhere?" She gave a curious look.
"That's a shame, it's often good to take pride in one's roots, or at least learn a thing or two from the past," Viri returned before she gave an answer to Maron's question, "The girls and I are packing up!" She said cheerfully, "It's best to catch an Airbus now before they're all booked. Vytal Festival is notorious for hogging all the Airbuses—and the tournament hasn't even begun!"
"I thought you just moved in?" Maron questioned, partially confused at the woman's change of heart.
"Just for a little tour and to drum up future business endeavors. Quite the haul we pulled this time with plenty of patrons eager for more!" She cheered herself before she then switched topics, "So, I hear Shade's shipping out its top teams to Vale soon."
"Yeah, good for them." Maron rolled her eyes at the thought.
"Eh, Shade's a school that idolizes brute strength. They certainly have nothing on you, I can say that much."
Maron looked over to the woman, confused.
"Oh! Forgive me, I forgot to mention: I caught a glimpse of your match earlier. You did great!"
"Um, thanks. But enough about Shade. I don't really want to think about it right now," Maron replied. She changed the subject rather quickly, "You said you were headed back home already?"
"Indeed. A warm, comfy bed, a family to welcome you back, and a safe place to kick back, smile and relax. Seeing home is something I'll never take for granted again. I'm sure you'd like to see yours as well."
"If only it were so simple…" Maron's voice fell as she was reminded of what awaited her 'back home'. She turned away from Viri with a small frown on her face as she remembered it, but she was soon snapped out of it by a hand gently placed on her shoulder.
"With the right people, it can be," Viri said softly. She looked at peace, content with her life as it was—something Maron silently envied. What she wouldn't give to go back home to the way things were one last time. However, there was no chance for her to change what happened. Resentment welled up within her once more. The least she could do now was avenge it, only then will her mind be put at ease. "And hey, if all this Huntress stuff doesn't work out, I'd be more than happy to take you in. Our place back in Mantle would more than welcome you." She gently shook Maron and pulled her closer as she looked up at the pale light of the broken moon above.
To have a new place to go home to... "What's… What's it like? if you don't mind me asking." Maron looked up at the moon as well.
"A haven where the tired can finally rest, where troubled spirits can start anew, and where a person can feel safe. That's the goal at least!" Viri answered happily.
It sounded nice, so much so that she couldn't stop the corners of her lips which subtly turned themselves upward with a new sense of warmth. Viri looked satisfied with what she had brought out from the girl and she chuckled. "I'll… I'll have to keep that offer in mind," Maron, despite her interest, declined the offer, "Maybe at a later time, but I still have to wrap up a few things here first."
"Of course, of course, Maron," Viri acknowledged. She let the younger girl go before she reached down to take both the bags' straps in her hands. "I won't keep you any longer, plus I have an Airbus to catch! The offer forever stands though. So, if you ever find yourself in Mantle in the future, come find me, we'll catch up!" She spoke. Viri slung one of the bags over her shoulder and looked to Maron again. "Be seeing you, Maron," Viri said her final farewell, her voice a little disappointed underneath her otherwise enthusiastic tone.
While Viri left her side, Maron's small smile faded as a message reached her Scroll. It was from Toma who called for the group to meet together again for the night out that they had 'planned'. With one more sigh, Maron turned on her heel and headed back to Shade. The walk back to the academy couldn't feel any shorter. She was no longer lost in thought like before because now she had something in the short-term to work toward. Honestly, to leave the others didn't feel great to think about, but it was a choice Maron was certain she wanted. Either way, she got back to Shade Academy just in time to catch Toma and the others stood in wait for her.
Under the risen moon, the four girls of Team Amethyst stood together once again outside of Shade. Few words were shared between them. Conversation was minimal, reduced to brief, meaningless small-talk, but at least it wasn't silent. "You all, uh, got what you needed?" Toma asked them all. She hoped to spark up more than simple comments and remarks, but neither Shae nor Trya went any further than a simple 'Yes' and a nod respectively.
Maron felt Toma's eyes aimed at her for help, but, unfortunately, Maron didn't have much to tell herself. However, she did try to break through the uncomfortable silence, "So, does anyone have a suggestion for a place to go? While I don't mind wandering, I'll bet it'll be crowded in Vacuo tonight," Maron brought up before she caught a quick and subtle breath of relief from Toma.
"No place with drinks," Shae told her, "The last thing I want tonight is to deal with our classmates—and a headache." She suddenly turned her attention to Trya who happened to still be missing her old jacket, "Maybe we can hit a store or two, Trya sure needs a new coat."
"E-Eh?" Trya gave a startled jumped when she was brought up, "Oh… that. Y-You don't have to worry about that!" She put up her hands and tried to decline the offer, "Really, it's… nothing…" She finished and avoided her team's gazes before she shyly gripped her upper arm.
"Think of it as a gift," Shae insisted much to the smaller girl's disapproval, "Don't want to get caught out during a sandstorm in just a t-shirt."
Not to let the conversation die down, Maron added to it while she could, "I'd be interested in browsing for something like that too, but let's find a place that isn't packed first before we decide. I'm still worn out from our match and would like a place to finally kick back." She smirked and took the lead as the rest of her team followed her venture into the city once again.
Together, the four members of Team MTST explored Vacuo's shops and streets. They almost blended in with the rest of the city's residents were it not for their weapons. Still, they passed one store to the next and browsed from outside unless their eyes caught an interesting showcase, but they didn't really get to do much else. Yet, it felt… different. No longer did they feel the weight of Shade bearing down, no concern about future plans nor someone to strongarm them into 'training', it was just them.
"Do I have to do this?" Trya complained after a low whine. She held her arms low and out to the side to show off yet another jacket they picked out for her. For a solid half-hour, the Faunus's companions threw her more things to try on. Coats, pullovers, dusters, hoodies, and all things in-between, but never were they satisfied with what they found.
"Come on, how often do we get to do something like this?" Shae asked, happy to help adjust the finer aspects of the new jacket she picked for Trya. Her hands straightened out the wrinkles in the fabric and fixed the finer details to make it appear more presentable, yet once again it didn't seem to fit just right. "Let's enjoy it while it lasts," Shae told Trya.
Just then, Maron appeared behind them with something new in hand. "I think I found something that fits, here." She handed the latest of their picks to Shae who in turn gave it to Trya.
"Aw… more?" Trya groaned as she took off the jacket first and handed it back to Shae.
"Last one, promise. After this we can go out to eat if places aren't full," Shae said to the Faunus, "Try it out, I'll go put this one up," She finished as Trya sighed and once again started the same routine she'd been pushed to do.
Maron was left alone, but she wouldn't be for long once Toma showed up. They both sat on a small padded seat and waited for either of their teammates to return. It was that moment that Toma spoke, "Hey, can we talk?"
"Let's not ruin the mood, Toma. Besides, I've made up my mind already." Maron said to her.
"I get that, but Shade's not gonna' get any easier down a member—and I'm… worried about you, you know?"
"I can take care of myself."
"I get that!" Toma frowned and said again, "Look, I… can't say I know how you feel, but I think we should all stick together, at least until the year is over."
"Why bother?"
Toma let out a frustrated groan as her hands squeezed the edge of the sat after Maron's reply. "Listen, Maron, all I'm asking for is one mission," Toma relaxed herself before continuing, "That's all. If we fail or if it's not enough or whatever other reason, then I can accept that—Back to our planned departures."
Maron took the idea and thought it over. She supposed the others deserved that much, but only that much. As soon as she got them out of the red, she could leave satisfied with her part to help them done. She held back her answer for some time but ultimately gave in, "Fine," Maron begrudgingly agreed to the suggestion, "But only one—and not a single word to the others about this."
"You have yourself a deal!" Toma's face brightened up at her success.
Mere moments later, Trya emerged to present the gift Maron had picked out for her: A light but solid coat Trya left unbuttoned which stretched down to just above her knees. The light-grey cloth of the coat was plain and void of any patterns or designs, but it seemed to suit the Faunus's otherwise already simple attire. "W-Well?" The girl presented her new appearance to the two, "Are we done now?"
"I think it's a perfect fit for you!" Toma clapped her hands together with a gleeful expression, "Well done, Maron!"
"I don't—" She quickly shook her head and found a better response, "I-It just looked practical is all," A flustered Maron returned. She faced away from the two as she placed a hand on her neck. Her sights were quick to return to Trya, "But it, uh, looks nice on you, Trya," She softly said to the Faunus. Trya didn't say anything in return, but her eyes fell to the floor while two fingers pressed against each other.
"Looks to me like you found what you like," Shae suddenly interjected, "I suppose we can wrap it up here then." She looked to the others with a small nod.
"N-No it's alright, you really don't—" Trya began only for Shae to cut her off.
"Like I said: It's a gift." Shae turned her head back to the Faunus, "No need to worry about it." She beckoned for the others to join her on her way to the front of the store, "I'll cover the cost, Toma." Shae put up a hand to stop the aforementioned girl. "Buuut, one of us has to cover the tab later." She nudged Toma with her elbow.
"Argh! Why do I always have to pay?" She complained.
"Because you're the only other person on this team with money," Shae added with a small chuckle as she finished her payment.
Once done, the four were out of the store, out on the streets, and once again below a dark-blue sky. At the very least, they certainly had much brighter spirits than when they first started this night. To be given such freedom, let go from responsibilities after so long was a breath of relief they didn't know they needed until now.
Unfortunately, they didn't get far before an old, but familiar face, stopped them with a call of their team name. "He-hey, Amethyst!" Waved a white-haired woman clad in navy-blue, "Been a while, hasn't it?" Blizz gave a hearty chuckle with a puffed out her chest as she did so. "Saw your exam match earlier," She said proudly to the four students as she put a hand on her hips, "Shame about the result, suppose that's how it goes sometimes though."
Shae's mood immediately dropped after being reminded of their recent failure of a sparring match. It was already bad enough to have their classmates taunt them for it, but now here came a Huntress who pretended they were close. To say Shae 'wasn't pleased' was the understatement of the day—especially after she heard Blizz's words. "And after so long you come back just to rub it in?" She half-accused the woman of being no better than those they had just escaped from.
"What do I look like? One of Shade's people?" Blizz shot Shae a smug look while a hand rested over her chest, "Nah, I think y'all did great! Honestly. But I believe Shade's doing you bunch a disservice if ya' ask me. And well, since I managed to catch y'all here, I'd love to take you four out to celebrate your efforts! My treat." She pointed a thumb to her chest and earned herself a grateful sigh of relief from Toma. However, Blizz wasn't done and put a light fist partially over her mouth, "'Ahem'. That and I saw your scores, so I thought I'd help," Blizz stated quickly.
"Last time you tried 'helping us', we almost died!" Shae exclaimed. She remembered exactly just how well this Huntress had 'helped them' before.
"But you didn't!" Blizz leaned forward and stuck out a finger in the air as if she'd proven point. Her hand returned to her side as she straightened back again, "The best kind of experience is 'real' experience, I say!" She slowly closed the distance between them, "But I'm not here to make y'all fight or anything," She slapped the air in front of her to further dismiss that notion. "I just wanna' talk about and give some advice for the next semester is all," She finished with herself stood tall above the group of four.
"Who are you to just pop back up as if nothing happened?" Shae growled.
"Alright, Alright. Easy there." Blizz put up her hands and tried to calm her down, "Look, Flaye doesn't really want the rest of us bothering you bunch—especially because of last time." She grumbled the last few words with a small pout. Evidently not even she got off free from her little 'training' stunt. "Buuut she can make an exception on certain occasions," She explained. The woman looked to each of the members of Amethyst until her icy sights stopped at Maron for a split second. "Now, about your second semester," She swiftly change topics, "You four have any specific planned or…?" Blizz asked them.
Silence set in the air as the four younger girls each looked in different directions. Being reminded of their troubles only soured the mood, but Toma was the one to finally speak up for them, "We, uh, didn't pass our mid-terms." She looked somewhat ashamed to admit it while hints of frustration and anger boiled up upon the reminder of what happened afterwards. "A second semester isn't looking to be so great," Toma told Blizz then looked over her shoulder to the distant academy that still seemed to loom over them.
"Didn't stop us," Blizz returned with an amused chuckle. "The others perked up at her words. Confused and lost for words, the four girls of Team MTST weren't quite sure what to say to the woman's words. "What?" Blizz scoffed, "Y'all think it's all over now 'cause Shade gave you bad scores?" She crossed her arms and shook her head in disapproval, "Looks like you four gotta' lot more to learn than I thought. World's problems ain't gonna' wait for you to graduate." She told them with a small sigh, "But we can talk missions over a meal!" She turned her expression around, "Come on, let's kick back for the night, y'all've earned it! My treat!" She cheered to herself and gestured for the younger girls to follow. Team MTST followed after the Huntress without much more fuss, she did say she was paying after all.
- - o - -
Once refreshed from their time spent in the city, Blizz accompanied Team MTST back to Shade Academy, but their night was not over yet. The group stood before one of Shade's most prominent features: A Mission Board. Its holographic display showed a number of digital posts, each of which presented a quick summary of their respective missions, their status, and, of course, their reward. However, this Mission Board in particular was cut off from the main hub of Huntsmen activity and was strictly reserved for 'Shade Approved' missions—missions the academy deemed fit for its students to accept. Unfortunately, one side-effect led to a limited number of missions available for students to accept. On top of that, there weren't many listings available, especially for First-Year students and, worst of all, the missions that did remained did not provide enough credit to dig them out of their academic slump.
Blizz grumbled as she knocked the wall close by with the side of her fist, "Still leaving out only the scraps, huh?" She said to herself and then cursed under her breath.
"What, did other students already get good ones?" Toma asked the woman.
"Not unless your year's got some overachievers." Blizz looked back and replied. She squeezed the side of her neck as she let out a 'tsk'. She sighed, "No, Shade's just still trying to squeeze water from the sands."
Maron scoffed, "So, what's your big plan now?" She smirked at the woman's misfortune, but it wouldn't stay long as Blizz appeared quick to announce a solution.
Blizz tapped a finger to her lips for a second, then turned away from the student team, "I think I've got something." She said and pulled out her Scroll. Despite her back to them, Maron thought she saw a sly smirk on the woman's face. When Blizz then turned back to them, Maron shifted her gaze elsewhere. "Toma, I'm sending you a Mission I.D. number. Don't lose it. Take it to whoever's still runnin' this place and get it approved, it might be just enough to help you four get by—if it's accepted. But either way, I've gotta' get going." She turned quickly, stopped only by a question.
"What's the rush?" Shae questioned.
"Got some things to attend to, and I don't want to stay out too late is all." Blizz smirked while she innocently tilted her head to the side, "Besides, wouldn't be good if I held your hand through the whole process, now, would it?" She countered.
A notification ringed for Toma and she looked over the message on her Scroll. Her eyes scanned the contents but whatever she read sure caught her attention, "Is… Is this even allowed?" She asked worriedly.
The woman shrugged, "Hey, I ain't the one stoppin' ya'. I'm sure we'll be in touch soon, so 'till next time, Amethyst." She smirked with a single wave. Blizz departed and left the young team alone in the vacant halls of the academy.
"So, how does she have your contact?" Shae broke the small silence and turned to ask Toma.
Toma held her Scroll to her chest defensively, "Hey, I do things outside of ya'll."
"First I hear of it," Shae scoffed.
"Hey!" Toma voiced before she shook her head in an effort to ignore the comment, "Urgh, it was just by chance anyways. Went browsing through weapon shops when I ran into her is all."
"Whatever, let's go get this over with." Shae finished off after an antagonizing chuckle. Afterwards, she led the four onward through Shade's halls.
Night may have arrived, but those that remained at Shade didn't sound nor appear like they were headed off to sleep anytime soon. In addition, the four girls noticed there to be a lack of students who returned after the mid-term exams ended. Be it their continued celebrations or having gone back to visit home, Shade was left quiet—well, 'quiet' compared to the average school day. Nevertheless, it wasn't long before Team MTST ended their walk through the academy at Shade's faculty offices. They hoped for someone with authority to give them an approval for their supplementary mission before the day was out. What they got instead was Professor Rumpole again. This time she looked less than thrilled too see them again. "Amethyst?" She greeted in a curious tone, "I didn't expect you to come back so soon."
"Or at all, I presume?" Toma accused with a frown of her own.
Professor Rumpole gave Toma a quick, annoyed look, but wiped the expression clean to keep herself professional. "What is it you want at this hour?" She went on and ignored Toma's remark altogether.
Maron spoke up for the others after she caught the looks on both Toma's and Shae's faces, "We found a mission to take, but… we need approval first."
"Is that why you came all the way here?" Professor Rumpole questioned. Maron nodded in response. "You know you will also need a professional Huntsman to supervise you all, correct?" The team each acknowledged the requirement. With a sigh and a roll of her eyes, Professor Rumpole brought up a tablet-sized Scroll in front of her, "Normally, students should and must wait until their second semester before attempting something like this; especially First-Years." She brought up, "But considering your current academic status, I suppose I could make an exception." She spoke in a condescending manner, as if she sought to taunt Team MTST with the knowledge that their futures at this school were—at least at this moment—entirely up to her, "You have the I.D., right? Send it."
Toma pulled out her own Scroll and did as she was told and also sent the mission's details to the rest of her team while she was at it. The Professor held a smug smirk as she looked down on her own Scroll and started reading. However, that same smirk slowly faltered and slipped into an expression of focus and widened eyes before she looked back up to the girls, "This…" She hesitated as she scrolled further and further down the mission details with, "Where did you get this?" She exclaimed with a scowl.
"Does it matter?" Toma returned with folded arms over her chest and furrowed brows.
The woman waved the large Scroll in front of her. She aggressively tapped on its transparent screen as she barked back at the team, "Some of these assignments would be for Third or Fourth-Year teams minimum! Some of these shouldn't even be listed for students!" She yelled with one hand tightly squeezed on the device with enough strength to threaten to break it.
"Does it at least make up our scores?" Maron asked, more interested in the rewards for the others than whatever 'requirements' Shade put into place. She was sure they could handle whichever Grimm they'd run across and by Shade's own teachings, the truly dangerous ones were a rarity more often than not.
"'Scores'?" Came a dumbfounded response from the Professor, "Just one of these ends up in Atlas. Atlas!"
"There's more than one?" Shae asked only to be ignored by the woman's tangent.
"No student mission should even have locations outside of Vacuo!" She continued, "Who even agreed to supervise—no—who was it that gave you access to—" The professor scrolled down toward the very end of the mission assignment until she stopped. Her hand, along with its owner, froze still when she heard another voice come up from behind them.
"Girls, glad to have caught you in time." Began the familiar voice of a fiery-eyed woman they knew, "I need to speak to you about—"
Maron barely saw it. Professor Rumpole moves were quick, sudden, and in a flash, she had weaved through the young team and stood up front protectively with them at her back. The others seemed to have barely caught her moves too as evident with their surprised looks. The Scroll she once had in hand had only just hit with a small thud and crack against the ground. The sound stole away the four gazes of Amethyst for that split second. "Frostbite," Professor Rumpole said in a low hiss. The others turned, caught off guard by both the woman's speed and what looked like an alarmed fury in her stance and expression. She was already in a combat-ready stand, one hand just an inch away from a golden cord that kept her hair together. Meanwhile, Amethyst held their breaths for whatever came next.
"Prof— 'Xanthe'," Flaye corrected herself with what could only be presumed was the Professor's name and calmly acknowledged the other woman's presence, "Such a display of aggression is unprofessional for one claiming to be a 'Professor'," Flaye said to her. "I'm not here looking for conflict." She partially looked away in disinterest.
"Then state your business," Professor Rumpole— 'Xanthe' growled. Her hand inched closer and closer to the golden cord. However, an unfazed Flaye put a hand on the edge of her scabbard as she rested her thumb on weapon's guard.
"Is it wrong for a Huntress to tread here?" Flaye questioned, but Xanthe didn't answer which prompted an small, annoyed exhale from the taller woman, "My 'business' is with them." She looked over the Maron and the others who stood behind their professor. "I've been meaning to speak to them about their futures, what it is they seek to do and how I can help them achieve it," Flaye explained herself.
"I will not have a witch's twisted influence taint my students!"Xanthe spat.
"Really?" Flaye narrowed her gaze, "Students you never intended to help? One's who don't fit your image of 'strength'?" Flaye countered, "If that is the case, then as a teacher, you have failed them. If you do not wish to help them, then I will be the one to do so."
"You're going to get them killed!" Xanthe retorted.
Flaye sighed, "You miss the oasis for the dunes, Xanthe—"
"Enough with the name. You have no right to speak it—and I know your vile intentions."
"My 'intentions' are to help these four reach their potential, something you willingly neglect. As I recall, you have no qualms with seeing them kicked out from this academy and by that point, I won't need your approval."
"We both know it's more than simple academics."
"Even so, they'll either earn their place at Shade once more, or I shall personally take them under my wing once they leave. Regardless, I do intend to teach them what you will not. So, what will it be, 'Professor'?" Flaye asked with the woman's title stated in a tone of mockery.
Professor Rumpole lowered her hand and slowly her guard afterwards. Her gaze was still fixed upon Flaye as she waited for any sudden move for an excuse to draw her own weapon. Nothing came of it. "Girls." She called to the team behind her, "Leave us."
"But—" Shae tried to get answers of her own but was immediately cut off.
"Do as she says, girls," Flaye said in support of the other woman's request. Her and the Professor's eyes clashed, neither willing to surrender in a match of their own. Sparks were held off but even the students could tell any sudden movement could set either of the Huntresses off. With that in mind, Team Amethyst quietly complied and left the two women to their 'discussion'.
A.N.: Thanks.
As always, enjoy!
~Firetoast312