Chapter 29: The Next Step

"Maybe you should take a break and start again a little later," I suggested, sheathing my blade.

We had been sparring in the Atlas Academy training room. Pyrrha had been a little… different during this spar. She'd been pushing herself further and had been unfocused... She was unable to properly maintain her breath control.

"I… yes," Pyrrha sighed, lowering her weapons.

"Is something bothering you?"

Pyrrha shook her head. "No, nothing."

I raised an inquisitive eyebrow. While Pyrrha had made great strides since I'd met her, she was still entirely too open, thus, she was a horrible liar.

Sitting down on one of the artificial walls, I tapped the spot next to me.

"If you don't want to talk about it, that's fine," I hummed. "But whatever is bothering you, know I won't judge you for it. You're… one of the people I'm closest with in this world."

She smiled at that and sat down next to me. "The same goes for me," She admitted. "Before we met, I didn't have many… any friends. Everyone either thought I was too good for them or wanted to use me for my fame. It wasn't all bad, but it was lonely."

I nodded along, paying attention as she continued.

"Then I met you and everything began to change," Pyrrha's smile softened. "And you've even begun teaching me your own personal technique."

I was starting to see what was bothering her now.

"You're worried about me training someone else."

I'd already talked to Ironwood about training Winter, they were going to meet up with Pyrrha and myself a little later today.

Pyrrha turned away. "It's stupid, I know."

"It's not," I shook my head. "Emotions... they can be illogical, but they're never stupid. They're there to let you know how you feel about a thing."

Part of the reason why I wasn't fond of the Selfless State was due to its erasure of emotions. My feelings were a major reason for why I had grown so strong.

The desperate need to grow stronger, the feeling of fear if I failed, the feeling of joy when I succeeded… They were all what drove me to become the person I was today. The Selfless State might be the absolute zenith of physical combat, but it wasn't what drove a person to gain strength.

"Originally, I only wanted to teach you. After becoming a Huntsman, I was planning on taking you on missions and teaching you how to properly use Total Concentration Breathing, but things changed," I admitted. "And now we're in Atlas," I finished lamely.

Pyrrha let out a short, soft laugh at that.

"I admit… I may have been a little distracted, knowing that I'm going to be learning alongside someone else," Pyrrha said. "Especially someone older and more experienced than I am. I guess I'm just worried that I won't be able to compete with them and end up failing to learn your technique properly. I… don't want to be a disappointment."

I placed my hand on her shoulder. "You've already surprised me with how quickly you're picking this up. It took me a solid week to learn the basics and a few more to be able to fight while using Total Concentration Breathing while you're barely into your second week and you're capable of keeping it active in a fight. I could never be disappointed in you."

Although I had absolutely zero experience when it came to fighting while Pyrrha had been training for multiple years and had even won the Mistral Regional Tournament a few times… However, the rate at which she was improving was still impressive.

"You had to learn this all on your own," Pyrrha hummed, leaning her head on my shoulder. "While I have a great teacher."

"Thanks," I smiled.

We fell into a comfortable, relaxed silence. We would need to get back to our training soon, but for now, a break didn't sound too bad. Sadly the sound of the door to the room being opened put an end to that.

"That was quick," I muttered to myself as I hopped off the wall, followed shortly by Pyrrha.

Turning, I caught sight of Ironwood, followed by Winter and… "Ozpin?"

It had been a short while since I'd last seen him. The last I heard, he was tied up in meetings and had been handling Beacon remotely.

"Indeed," Ozpin said. "I hope that my presence here today won't be a burden."

"It's fine. I just wasn't expecting you is all," I assured him.

"As it is my last day here, I have been afforded a little free time," Ozpin explained. "Unfortunately, it's come to the point where my presence is needed back at Beacon."

I nodded in understanding. Being the headmaster for a school filled with people that were superhuman couldn't be an easy job… Handling the Grimm on top of that just added to the workload.

"Well I'm glad you're here… That actually makes a few things easier," I said, before turning towards Ironwood and Winter. "It's good to see you James, and you too, Winter… Do I need to explain anything or…"

"I've already informed Specialist Schnee about your technique… and your offer," James chimed in.

"I see," I hummed. "And have you decided anything yet?" I asked Winter.

Winter nodded stiffly. "I have. I would be honored to learn from you, sir!"

I blinked at that.

"Coal… you can just call me Coal," I said. "Mastering even one of my techniques will probably end up taking a few months and I'm not always going to be in Atlas."

In fact, I was planning on traveling back to Mistral pretty soon. I just needed to check in with Jacques a few more times before I could start getting ready to leave with everyone.

"I understand," Winter replied. "As a Specialist, I am a fully licensed Huntress and capable of taking missions in any of the Kingdoms."

Carefully observing her, I noticed that she didn't seem particularly bothered. From memory, I knew that she didn't have that many connections in Atlas. The only member of her family that she even occasionally talked to was Weiss, besides that, she spent the majority of her time working.

"Alright then," I accepted. "Then let's begin right now," I said, managing to surprise everyone, Pyrrha included.

"Up until now, you've been secretive of your technique," Ozpin noted.

"I have, but I feel that I can trust everyone in this room not to spread how it works," I explained. "Besides, it'll take more than being present for a single lesson to be able to pick this up."

The main thing I was concerned about was Salem or the White Fang learning Total Concentration Breathing. I knew that James and Ozpin wouldn't abuse my trust on this… besides, it would only be a matter of time before Winter informed Ironwood on what I was teaching her. This way, James and Ozpin would get to see it firsthand.

"So what do you say, Winter? I know this is a little sudden, but do you want to start learning now," I began. "Or do you want to wait a bit and start tomorrow?"

"I am ready now," Winter answered, standing at attention with her hands behind her back.

"Alright," I nodded. "Well the first step will be to get in a relaxed position."

"I am relaxed," Winter offered plainly.

I scratched my face, seeing that I had a lot of work ahead of me if I was going to teach Winter. All her muscles were tensed to a point and she was only breathing through the upper section of her lungs, but apparently that was relaxed to her.

"…Okay," I hummed. "Then I want you to take a long deep breath. Relax your body, but keep your core muscles tense."

Following my instructions, Winter took a slow deep breath and I could immediately see a few mistakes.

"Please stop for a moment," I said. "Do you think that you could lower your Aura… just for a few seconds?"

Briefly glancing at Ironwood, Winter nodded. Stepping around her, I gave a few light jabs. A lifetime of stiff postures had seen to Winter's body becoming rigid and inflexible. It likely would have taken her years to become competent with a breathing technique if I hadn't been able to see the problem. Manually loosening her muscles wasn't a permanent fix, but it would do for now.

"Alright, you can use your Aura and start the breathing exercise again," I hummed.

Winter nodded, barely twitching at what appeared to be a waste of time. Taking several deep breaths, the effects were immediate on her body. Blood began to circulate through her body more efficiently, delivering an abundance of Oxygen to her muscles and various organs.

"I feel a little light headed," Winter noted without stopping the breathing exercise.

"That's normal," I reassured her. "You're going to feel a little light headed and there is going to be a ringing in your ears initially, but your body will eventually grow used to it… you're also going to need to take a break once it feels like you're on the verge of passing out. For now, you just need to endure the lightheadedness until your body adapts. That's the first part of learning Total Concentration Breathing."

"I don't believe I've ever heard that term before," Ozpin chimed in. "What did you call it? Total Concentration Breathing?"

"I did," I nodded. "It's the first thing I learnt after activating my Aura and it's the technique that allows me to regenerate it so fast."

"A breathing technique… That's it?" Ironwood asked with a disbelieving look on his face.

"It is," I replied. "By using Total Concentration Breathing, a person is able to take in optimal amounts of oxygen. The body's blood becomes excited and circulates faster, causing the body temperature to spike while also increasing the heart rate. The recovery rate of the body is increased… and so is the recovery rate of Aura."

"Fascinating," Ozpin hummed in amazement. "To think that such a thing is possible… and all it takes is breathing in a different manner. It's a wonder why no one has ever stumbled across this before."

"Probably because it's a slow process that doesn't show any results… at least, not immediately," I shrugged. "You see, the body needs time to adapt to this… A person would need to be practicing Total Concentration Breathing daily."

Initially, there just wasn't much to show for practicing Total Concentration Breathing… in fact, it would prove to be a distraction to Hunters. Feeling lightheaded and a little disorientated… especially when fighting Grimm, could end up getting them killed.

"I see," Ozpin hummed. "I've heard that you have made amazing progress, Miss Nikos, tell me, how have you found learning this technique?"

"Me?" Pyrrha asked, caught off guard by the sudden question. "It's… It's been difficult. If I'm overwhelmed during a spar, I sometimes end up losing my focus and go back to my regular breathing pattern."

Ozpin nodded. "It has only been a week. I'm sure that with time you'll grow more accustomed to using this technique."

"Thanks," Pyrrha replied, offering a slightly strained smile. While she had been incredibly popular back in Mistral, this was all new to her. "I think so too."

Turning my attention to Winter, I saw that her eyes were squeezed shut and her fists were clenched tightly. It appeared that she was reaching her limit.

"Alright, Winter. I think that's enough for now," I said. Tapping her shoulder, I was forced to catch her as she suddenly slumped forward.

"Is that normal," Ironwood asked, somewhat alarmed.

"Yeah," I sighed as I gently placed her on the ground. "She just overdid it, that's all. She'll wake up in a few minutes once the oxygen level in her body normalizes itself."

This was another example of why no one ended up stumbling across Total Concentration Breathing in this world, it seemed to offer only detriments. Why try something new, risky and seemingly without any benefit when you could just stick to using Aura and your Semblance.

At least now, I was a little more sure that Ironwood wouldn't try and have his army or even the Ace-Ops attempt to learn this on their own.

…Breathe…

The Bullhead shook violently, but Ozpin paid it no mind. Having been on hundreds of flights across numerous lives, he knew exactly when he should be concerned about flying.

Several hours had passed since he said his goodbyes to James and Coal, and it would yet be another dozen hours before he arrived at Beacon.

Learning about Coal's technique… Total Concentration Breathing… had been… eye opening. He had spent entire lifetimes training and teaching Hunters, and yet… he'd never come across such a technique. If only he had, the numerous lives that would have been saved…

No, he couldn't allow himself to fall into old habits and old depressions. He wouldn't sully the memories of those that had sacrificed their lives to ensure that both humanity and the Faunus had a chance.

Feeling his Scroll vibrate, Ozpin slid it out of his pocket and clicked it open in one smooth movement. "You'll be happy to know that I'm on my way back to Beacon, Glynda," He said automatically.

"Yeah, wrong person, Oz," Qrow chuckled. "Although, if you want. I could probably convince Tai to put on a skirt and pretend to be her for you."

"Qrow… I apologize for the mix up," Ozpin replied. "I've had a lot on my mind and thought that Glynda had been calling me once more."

"Yeah, it sounds like it," Qrow muttered. "Look, I've been trying to contact you for a while now… I was calling to ask for a favor, but you seem a little preoccupied, maybe I should ask another time."

With the CCT being scanned for viruses, contact between Kingdoms had been a little lacking. Making a call from Patch… which was pretty far away from Vale's CCT… would have been incredibly difficult if not impossible.

"It's quite alright, Qrow. I have plenty of time now, you can ask," Ozpin reassured him. It might be better if he had something to preoccupy his mind right now.

The line went quiet for a few moments.

"You met this kid everyone's talking about, right?" Qrow asked. "What do you think of him?"

Ozpin briefly considered the question. "You're referring to Coal Calavera. He's a level headed young man and quite the capable Huntsman. With the recent attack on Mistral, he's been brought into the fold."

"Huh… that's something new. I guess there's more to the situation then. Queen bitch must have gotten involved somehow," Qrow muttered softly. "Alright… Would you mind if I go meet him then?"

"She offered him a place as one of her subordinates and he declined," Ozpin explained. "And yes, you could go meet him if you wanted to, although I doubt he'll be staying in Atlas for much longer. He has mentioned that he's planning on going back to Mistral. If I may ask…"

"Why do I want to meet him," Qrow guessed. "The short story… It's not me that wants to meet him. My nieces on the other hand…"

"I see," Ozpin hummed, before pausing.

Qrow's nieces… Raven and Summer's children. He had heard from Qrow that Summer's child had inherited her Silver Eyes, a special trait that allowed one to petrify Grimm, although it wasn't perfect as it could be incredibly exhausting. Salem had nearly hunted those with Silver Eyes to extinction.

However, Total Concentration Breathing was quite the opposite. From his understanding, it rejuvenated the body and even improved upon it.

"Oz… are you still there?"

"I am," Ozpin replied. "I believe that I can help you with your endeavor."

"…Thanks," Qrow said, suddenly suspicious of Ozpin.

"You're welcome," Ozpin hummed.

Coal had seemed receptive to teaching his techniques to others. Perhaps he would be open to taking another student. Even if he wasn't this would at the very least introduce the two, leaving that door open for another day.

Things were certainly looking up.

…Breathe…

Things were looking down for Shay D. Mann. It all started when his tribe… the Branwen Tribe… decided to attack a group of Sanctum students. It was a simple raid. Go in, kill the teachers with a few students to make a point. Take all the good shit and a few hostages to ransom back and leave.

They'd done it dozens of times before to entire towns, so a group of students camping in the woods shouldn't have been that big of a challenge, right? Wrong!

Things couldn't have gone worse.

The tribe had been caught mid ambush, which shouldn't have been too bad... I mean, they had Vernal who had some freaky ass 'control the weather' power and their leader Raven was immensely powerful, having studied to be a Huntress at Beacon of all places.

None of that had seemed to matter when they fought against students that were far more powerful than them, an old man that held his own against Vernal and an old woman along with a kid who he now knew to be the fucking Ancient Slayer fought off Raven.

The only reason he had ended up surviving and escaping was due to a mistake. One of the students had stabbed him, but missed everything vital. He managed to hide himself under the bodies of the Branwen tribe that had been left behind and waited until everyone left.

Things only got worse when he managed to make his way back to the empty camp, only to find it being ransacked by their leader herself. Raven had looked as if death itself was chasing her, so Shay had made the smart choice and left, not wanting to be stabbed twice in one night.

It had been a struggle to survive after the end of the Branwen Tribe, but he had managed well enough. He simply followed the teachings of the tribe, 'The weak die and the strong survive,' and took what he needed from those that couldn't stop him.

Then came the attack on Mistral. Entire hoards of Grimm were drawn to cities. For most, it was death and chaos. For him, however, it was an open market. People fled in a hurry, leaving behind valuables. Those that were dead couldn't stop him from taking what he wanted. It was like he was back in the Branwen Tribe.

For a while, everything had been perfect. He rode the trains, stole from those he could and amassed a good bit of wealth… even more than he had ever been allowed to keep in the Branwen Tribe, he was even in the process of creating his own gang… imagine that… That is, until he came across something he probably shouldn't have seen.

The man that had caused such chaos in Mistral… Hazel… had been taking one of the back allies through his city… carrying a large box strapped to his back.

Although Hazel didn't know it, Shay owed him a lot. It was his attack that had given Shay the opportunity to gain so much. So he introduced himself and offered Hazel something that he hadn't offered anyone else before… a choice.

Hazel could share a portion of what it was he was carrying or Shay could inform the Atlesian soldiers and take it off his body after they were done with him. It was a fair deal… After all, Shay never offered to only take a portion before.

The next thing he knew, he was waking up here… wherever here was. It was dark and the ground felt moist to the touch.

Fumbling around in the dark, Shay found that nothing had been taken from him. Pulling his stolen Scroll from his pocket, he used its dim light to reveal the room around him and immediately scurried back when he caught sight of the body next to him. A pool of sticky red blood coated the ground, revealing what the moist feeling was.

Doing his best to not make any further sound and alert his captor that he was awake, Shay shone his Scrolls light on the rest of the room and found that it was relatively empty, save for the body and the old fashioned wooden door that led out of this room.

He was in an unfamiliar environment and had no idea what awaited him outside of this room, so Shay stuck to what he knew best and slowly made his way towards the body. He began to check its pockets.

Feeling something pressed underneath it, Shay heaved the body over and winced when he caught sight of the man's face. It wasn't the slit throat that got him, he'd done that quite a few times himself… rather, it was the lack of eyes and the look of horror on his face.

Patting down the front, Shay found what he was looking for. A gun… it wasn't anything special, being a simple handgun, but it was far better than being unarmed. Searching the corpse one more time, he hadn't been able to find anything else.

Standing up, Shay slowly made his way towards the door and gently creaked it open, doing his best to make no sound.

The hallway was just a little brighter than the room he had been left in, but it was an improvement. Before he could take a step forward, he heard something behind him. It almost sounded like a twig breaking.

Turning around, he found the empty room along with the corpse exactly where he had left it. Shrugging, he took a step out of the room.

"Help me," A soft, guttural whisper sounded through the room. "… So dark… Can't see…"

Shay's heart began to race as he stepped all the way out of the room and turned around to find the corpse missing from the room.

Slowly pulling the door closed so he didn't make a sound, he froze as the door let out a loud, long creak.

There was silence for a moment, before the body suddenly collided with Shay in a meaty thud, knocking his Scroll from his hand.

Shay held on to the wall, staring at the dimly lit corpse. Everything went silent once more, before…

"HeLp MEEE!"

The request hadn't come from the corpse, but rather the empty room.

Grabbing the door handle, Shay slammed the door shut just as something began to bang heavily against it, trying to get out

"It'S So DaRk… I CaN't SeE… Oh GoD… It'S In HeRe WiTh ME!"

Shay fought to hold the door shut, clenching the handle so tightly that his hands had turned white as whatever horror that existed inside tried to get out. The door shook and shuddered as it endured bang after bang, before suddenly going silent once more.

Feeling his heart beating in his throat, Shay trembled with fear. He was stuck. In order to escape, he would need to let go of the door, but if he let go of the door, that… thing would escape.

Waiting for over ten minutes, Shay finally decided to release the door as that monster hadn't knocked against it in a while. He clenched the gun tightly in his hands and quietly made his way down the hall.

Hearing the loud creaking of the door, Shay felt his heart skip several beats. Turning around, he found the door to the room was now fully open.

Seeing the faintest flicker of movement behind the now open door in the dark, Shay unloaded on it, quickly emptying the clip of his gun.

Slowly stepping back, Shay suddenly froze when he felt something hard and at the same time, fleshy, lean over his shoulder and press up against his face.

"FoUnD YoU!" The monster said with childlike glee in an uneven tone.

It had been behind him… it had always been behind him, even when it was banging on the door, it was right behind him, pretending to be on the other side.

Too afraid to even scream, much less move, Shay closed his eyes and waited. Regretting that he hadn't left himself a single bullet.

…Breathe…

Salem smiled to herself as she watched everything through one of her Seers. It wouldn't be long now before her new creation was finally ready. It just needed a few more tests… She should have Hazel bring her a Huntsman next.

She really did need to thank Cinder for giving her such a new idea… even if her reasons had ultimately been self-serving.

Winter joins in on learning, Ozpin heads back to Beacon and makes plans concerning Qrow's request and Salem gets to test her new little beast against the last living member of the Branwen tribe outside of Raven herself.

Anyways, I'm up to chapter 34 on the P word website.

P
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I go by the name of ThatKircguy. Just copy the name and paste it in the Patty Rio On search bar. It'd help me out immensely, but don't worry if that's not your style. I will be uploading weekly, so it's not going to be stuck there permanently.

Also, I post my original stuff there as well. It's nothing much, just two short stories for now, but I'll post more as I write them.

The next chapter will be posted on the 18th of November.
See you all then.