A/N Wedges and divides.
Alt title: did I do a racist? Maybe. Who cares?
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Next is a chapter of Cyril. You all seem really gung-ho about the broody boy.
Again.
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DancingLeaf: Oh, he will be the troll. Not the kind that just makes people mad. The kind that simply looks for a reaction!
And yes, it was a typo, it's easier to fix mistakes on QQ than on FFN.
Dio Genus: Thank you! I try!
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-Date, Time-
'Thoughts'
"Speech"
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*Sounds/Actions*
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-Beacon forge, 08/29, 8am-
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Cyril Leon POV
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Opening the heavy door to the dark room, I'm immediately hit with a wave of heat and humidity. The soft, striking tings and hisses of metal being quenched.
It doesn't take long for me to spot my partner in the large room. Seeing as she's the smallest person here. Her hood is absent, as is her battle dress. Instead she's wearing a tight black sports top and baggy black cargo pants. Welding goggles over her eyes and a weird, thick cloth around her head to cover her ears.
You know, Ruby is honestly the last person I'd expect to be a blacksmith. I figured she'd be more of a mechanical savant. But seeing her now? I'm starting to think she just has a vertical monopoly on weapon creation.
Walking around the various stations and other students working in the forge, I start to regret keeping my long coat on. The stuffy air and humidity already making me sweat.
Now standing across from the girl, I look around the workbench she has to herself. Searching for my axes, I find none.
It takes me a bit, but I finally figure out the many pieces of metal on the table, are my axes. She fully disassembled them. Down to taking apart the trigger mechanisms in the handle.
"So!" I shout over the sound of metal being hit. "I thought you had noodle arms! How is it that you can forge metal without being strong!?"
"You don't have to yell." Ruby says as she quenches the small piece she's working on. "And you don't have to be strong to forge metal. You just have to be able to keep the metal hot. Keep a rhythm in your strikes, and know when to bend, stretch, or quench."
"Once again, learn something new everyday." I mutter to myself.
"So, what's up?" Ruby says as she holds the piece in a rectangular forge and reheats it.
Or at least I think that's what she's doing.
"Just wanted to see what you were doing." I shrug.
"I left a note." She says as she takes the piece out and holds it on the anvil.
She is very oddly constrained here. It's like all of her hyperness is gone. Swapped out fully for a deep concentration I would've never expected.
"You did." I nod. "But I have nothing else to really do right now. So."
"Do you know how to forge?" She asks between tings of the hammer.
"I know how to use sand molds." I answer.
That almost got her to slip up. But not fully as she regains her rhythm almost immediately.
"Cyril?" She asks in a soft tone as she quenches the metal.
"Yeah?" I ask, more than a little apprehensive at her current demeanor.
"Just, save me some breakfast." She says as she sets the piece of metal down.
"Um, okay then?" I say uncertainly before turning around.
As much as I'd love to mess with her further. She's kinda in the middle of making my weapon.
And, she's almost scary when forging. Like night and day with that one.
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-Beacon cafeteria, 08/29, 8:45am-
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Taking my tray of waffles and oatmeal through the cafeteria, I look out for my team. Which isn't hard considering one is whiter than the hallmark channel during Christmas.
Finding Weiss leads to Blake who was sitting across from her. And another, tall guy with red and black hair leaning against the table. Bare chested wearing an open, sleeveless black vest with red vine like designs and a white furred collar. Grey cargo pants with a dark red adventurers skirt. The kind that's open in the front and hangs low on the sides and back. Think Archer from fate, if it was a shade darker and with black stylized vine accents on the edges. Oh, and small black horns on his head.
Weiss, is red faced and staring at his bare chest. While trying to stare at her food.
'You know, come to think of it, she comes from high society. In the north.' I start piecing together. 'I doubt she's ever even seen a man's ankles let alone, anything else.'
It is with that knowledge. That I sit down a foot next to her. Causing her to flinch as I plop down.
"S'up." I say as I start stirring my strawberry oatmeal.
"Oh, Cyril." Blake says plainly, before gesturing to me. "Adam this is my other teammate, Cyril. Cyril, this is my friend Adam."
"Oh, hey." He says with a, I want to say forced pleasantness. "It's, nice to meet you."
"Same." I say with a wave. "I assume you're from Menagerie?"
"Why would you assume that?" He says with an undertone of hostility, his deep blue eyes hardening into a none too kind, judging stare.
Not sure where that's coming from. But, I guess he's still racist against humans? Just, less so?
"Blake's from Menagerie, you're her friend, and you both're wearing clothes with similar vine like designs." I point out, causing his glare to lessen as he looks down to his over skirt. "I figured it was a safe bet, it's why I asked."
"Huh, I guess our clothes are, similar." He says sheepishly.
"Anyway." I drawl out before addressing Blake. "Where'd you go this morning? Ruby took off to the forges with my weapon and you just disappeared."
"She doesn't have to-" Adam starts.
"Adam." Blake hisses at him, causing him to put his arms up in mock surrender. "Sorry about him. I didn't want to wait until everyone was done, so once you got in the shower and Ruby bolted. I decided to catch up with Adam. Why?"
"Just trying to figure something out." I say as I look towards Weiss. The only person who had any time alone while I was showering.
"Hmm?" She perks up. "What?"
I got a shower after Blake, Ruby left sometime during my shower, and Blake left as soon as I started my shower. Which leaves one person unaccounted for.
Weiss's blush, which had gone down after I took my seat, is starting to come back.
"You know what." I say in a low tone, causing her to blush even harder.
"Um, am I missing something?" Adam whispers to Blake.
"I, don't know?" Blake says questioningly.
"I, have no clue what you're on about." Weiss says as she schools herself, looking away as she fights her blush back down.
Yeah, she took my underwear. My used underwear that were on the bathroom floor as I showered. Which means she not only stole my used clothes, she snuck into the bathroom as I was showering.
"You know what I mean." I say to her. "I know you know, and you know that I know you know. I only have three pairs."
And the blush returns!
"Th-three pairs of wh-"
"Let's cut the crap and you can just return them when no one's around." I cut her off. "And no one has to know. Deal? Say nothing if you agree."
"Okay seriously, what is this reality TV double speak?" Adam asks.
"I don't know, and I really want to." Blake whispers back.
"I can hear you two." I say without taking my eyes off of Weiss.
Weiss, meanwhile, has not said a word.
"I'll take that as a deal." I say as I turn back to my waffles.
"What just happened?" Blake asks.
"Nothing." Weiss says while I eat. "He's probably just trying to mess with us again. You remember last night don't you?"
"What happened last night?" Adam asks.
"Nothing." Weiss and Blake say at the same time.
Adam looks between the two in confusion. Before turning to me with a raised brow.
"Do I want to know?" He asks.
"I'unno." I shrug. "Do you?"
That was the wrong response, seeing as he just glares at me.
It's weird seeing him without a mask. I'm used to seeing this almost faceless monster that was single-mindedly obsessed with revenge against those that slighted him.
Though that glare is more than a little intimidating. It's the blue against all the red and black I think. Just makes his eyes pop!
I just blink back at him, long enough to make him confused.
"Huh, weird." He says.
"Adam!" Blake says as she slaps his shoulder.
"Hey! I'm sorry alright!" He defends. "Just making sure you're not-"
"I can take care of myself." She says with a glare. "I don't need you hovering over me."
"I'm confused. Do I want to know?" I ask.
"I'unno, do you?" Adam retorts.
"Yes I do, now that I've had time to think about it." I snap back, earning another glare.
"It's his secondary." Blake says. "Locking eyes with something causes them to freeze up. On Grimm, it makes them pause for a few seconds. On people, it makes them uncomfortable and afraid."
'So that's what the sense of unease was!' I realize.
"So, he was trying to intimidate me into answering him?" I ask with a raised brow.
"When you put it like that." He says sheepishly, looking away.
"Adam, just, it was nice catching up." Blake sighs into her hands.
"Blake I." He tries to find something to say, before looking away from her. "Yeah, I'll, see you later."
He pushes up off the table and starts walking off towards another table. Not looking back as he disappears amongst the other students.
"So, you got history?" I ask.
"Cyril, no." She says as she glares at me.
"Ix-nay on the dam-Ay. Got it." I say as she rubs her temples.
Looking over to-
"Where'd Weiss go?" I ask, the seat next to me being empty save for the discarded tray.
How can someone in heels, be so silent and fast?
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-Beacon halls, 08/29 9:30pm-
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"Sooo." I try to start up a conversation with Blake out of boredom. "Adam's semblance seems useful."
"I thought I said-" She starts with a glare, before softening down to her usual expression. "Well, yes, it is."
"I imagine it's useful for cutting down Grimm pretty fast." I add. "If you can just look at them and they freeze up."
"It only works for a few seconds on Grimm, but yes." She agrees. "It helps with timing and teamwork, even makes him a desirable hire. He's gotten a lot of experience guarding Menagerian trade ships to Mistral's ports."
"How old is he?" I ask curiously. "If he's got job experience guarding ships and what not."
"He's twenty one." Blake answers.
'And since he got in last year, it means he barely made the cut.' I think to myself.
The academies accept applicants age fifteen, to twenty. With the average to be accepted being seventeen. And from what I can tell, most don't even apply until sixteen.
"You tried to get on a team with him." I say.
"Look, just because we're teammates, does not automatically make us friends." Blake suddenly snaps, giving me a glare. "Got it?"
"That glare would be more powerful if you weren't almost a head shorter than me." I tease.
She pulls her sword from behind her back.
"Okay, okay." I relent, raising my hands in mock surrender as we walk. "Just trying to get to know you."
"The thought is appreciated." She says as she puts her blade away. "The method of attempt is not."
"Noted." I say as I put my arms down.
The rest of the walk is done in silence. With me not having a segue that wouldn't be more awkward than before, and not willing to risk getting stabbed. And Blake, being Blake.
Still, it's not much longer before we reach our room. And placing my hand on the doorknob I twist and walk forward.
*Clunk*
Only to walk face first into the door. It having been locked by someone. And I know it wasn't me.
"Pfft." Blake stifles a laugh behind me.
Deciding not to dignify it with a response, I get my key out of my pocket and unlock the door. Walking in to find Weiss on her bed, reading a book.
She looks up from her book and sees us, before wordlessly going back to her book.
For my part, I go to my dresser and check my drawers. Sure enough, my underwear are back where they're supposed to be. Or, well they should be in the laundry basket in the bathroom. But, you get the idea.
More than that however, there's a neat little stack of Lien on my dresser. About five thousand worth seeing as it's all thousands.
"What's this?" I ask, picking up the five cards. "You paying me hush money?"
"Pt I, dya you ehem!" Weiss coughs into her fist. "I figured that as your teammate, I'd put it upon myself to lend you some funds. Seeing as you're, not well off and in need of proper attire."
Looking to the faintly blushing fox girl, and the cards in my hand. I think on the whole of the events that have transpired.
She steals my underwear, denies it, returns them when called out, and is now giving me money?
"Is this your way of flirting?" I ask as I pocket the cash. "Because there are better ways of going about it."
What? I'm a broke bitch. I'm not just gonna refuse a hand out. Especially not from the one percent.
"I can assure you it is not." She says haughtily, her nose raised as she closes her eyes. "I merely consider this an investment in my team."
'Soo, hush money is my bet.' I think tiredly.
"What is going on between you two?" Blake asks, more than a little confused as she looks between us.
"I'd tell you, but I've just been bribed not to say." I answer with a shrug and a smirk.
"It's not hush money!"
I'm not forgetting about this anytime soon.
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-12pm-
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Searching through more and more of this world's internet, I learn more of the history that's been changed. For example, Faunus on the whole are less discriminated against. Menagerie is a proper kingdom with an oligarchal democratic based system of votes determined by tribe. Each tribe having a head, and a single vote on their council. Who the head for each tribe is and how they're decided, is largely left to the discretion of each tribe. The only real requirement, be that the individual be at least sixteen, and be a member of the tribe.
"Hey Blake." I call out, earning the girl's attention as she looks up from bed.
Oh yeah, she's been carving those same vine like designs into her bed frame this whole time with a small wood chisel, a small plastic tarp under her to catch the wood chippings. Either she's an artist, or it's something cultural. Or she's bored.
"Menagerie has its own academy, right?" I ask. "Why apply for Beacon when you have one so close to home."
"That's, personal." She says evasively.
"Everything with you is personal." I say with a flat look. "Seriously, you couldn't be more closed off if you were locked up."
"Excuse me!?" She says, suddenly animated.
"Cyril!" Weiss hisses.
"What?" I ask, suddenly realizing I might have said something insensitive. "What'd I say?"
"Seriously!?" Blake says as she stands up, crossing her arms. "Locked up? Like an animal?"
"What does tha- oh." I say as I suddenly get the connection. "Huh, did I accidently do a racism?"
"Accidently?" Blake sneers. "I fail to see how you can be accidently racist."
"By not thinking." I answer immediately in a bored tone. "You'll notice I do it often enough."
"I can tell." Blake says. "You honestly expect me to believe you, you just accidently made a racist comment?"
"Well when you put it like that." I start to avoid her gaze.
An awkward silence stretches over the room as I avoid Blake's glare.
"Unbelievable." Blake huffs. "Not even an apology?"
"I'm sorry?" I shrug as I look back at her.
You'd think in a death world that political correctness would be less of a pain in the ass. Not that it was overly so before, but now I have to be on the look out for terms I have no reference for!
"In my defense, I'm dumb." I say with an awkward smile to try and defuse the issue.
"Blake I, don't think he actually meant anything by it." Weiss says.
'Okay, why the hell is she coming to my defense?' I think with no small amount of suspicion. 'At this point, all I can think of is she either wants my blood, or my dick. And with how things have gone in this world, it might be both.'
Blake merely glares at me before returning to her wood carving.
"You'd think your parents would teach you some manners." Blake says under her breath.
"Blake!" Weiss snaps.
That, actually gets me to shut up. The reminder of my family.
My mother never raised me, not until my stepdad was in the picture. She never had time. I was mostly raised by my older sister until my mother could go down to one job.
Weiss is arguing with Blake about, whatever. I'm not paying attention. Instead, I get up and head for the door.
"Cyril!" Weiss says as I open the door.
"I'm going to check in on Ruby." I say without looking. "Make sure she didn't pass out in the forge or anything."
I close the door without another word. Turning down the hall as I try not to think.
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Weiss Schnee POV
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"Great." I groan into my hands.
I have a closed off, temperamental partner. A teammate with more energy than brain cells. And another who not only has no social awareness, but also likely thinks I'm some sort of closet pervert!
It's not my fault he's an exhibitionist who leaves his clothes laying around!
Not important!
"Blake, why?" I groan as I turn to my partner.
"Because, I don't care if he just lost his family." Blake says as she continues to carve traditional etching into her bedframe. "That's no excuse for racism."
"I don't think he's racist." I stress. "Just, clueless."
"How?" Blake says as she sets her chisel down to look at me with a questioning glare. "He's constantly staring at our features, there's the constant undertone of hostility towards us, and now we can add racist comments to the list!"
"Maybe, he was just never taught?" I suggest.
I really don't want to reveal that he was likely abandoned. His words from when we first met still fresh in my mind.
'Dad is a deadbeat I haven't seen in ten years.'
"Or maybe he was taught wrong." Blake grumbles as she once again resumes her work.
"Even so!" I say as I get up. "What you said? You know his family's dead. At least he apologized and accepted fault for what he said."
"Please, anyone can tell that was a halfhearted apology." Blake scoffs.
"But it wasn't." I counter. "Blake, my secondary semblance lets me see people's intention as hostile or not. His apology was real."
'If a little lacking in any real guilt.' I think to myself. 'But there was no hostility. Yes, there is and underlying hostility towards us, but, I don't think it's because we're Faunus.'
My words cause Blake to stop in her tracts. Before turning around and lunging at me. I don't move, even as the chisel gets too close to my face. There's no hostility in her, at least, not towards me.
"Really?" I say as it's my turn to glare at her the moment she stops an inch from my face. "Do you just not trust easily?"
"No, I don't." She says as she goes back to her bed. "I'll take your word, for now."
"Thank you."
'Why must I be saddled with a problematic team?' I think to myself. 'No, don't think that. These are just growing pains. I'm sure every team has them.'
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Meanwhile, PRJN Dorm
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Jaune Arc POV
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"Uno!" I call.
"Bull!" Nora shouts as she throws her cards down. "You're cheating!"
"Perhaps this, wasn't the best idea." Pyrrha says.
"I told you Nora was competitive." Ren says.
"I'm sorry?" I shrug as Nora seethes.
"You will be." She says darkly as she plays a draw two, and then Ren stacks, and then Pyrrha, and then me.
"Out." I say as Nora is forced to draw eight.
"Damn it!"
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Cyril Leon POV
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Stepping into the forge, I note that most of the people who were here this morning, are now absent. While I spot Ruby packing up.
"Hey." I say with a wave as I approach from behind.
"Hmm? Oh! Cyril!" Ruby says as she turns around. "Perfect timing! I just got done with the finishing touches."
"Perfect timing is perfect I suppose, wanna head out first, or, get a shower?" I ask, noticing how sweaty she is.
She immediately blushes at my question.
"Sh-shower? Together!? B-but we just met and haven't even-!" She stutters.
Yeah, I'm not about to be the victim of this game.
"I meant you." I say as I poke her forehead. "Get your mind out of the gutter."
"Oh." She says as she blinks owlishly. "Um, yeah I could go with a wash."
"Good we got that settled." I say with a sigh. "Besides, I'mma need at least three dates and a good dinner before we get that far into our relationship."
She, doesn't really respond to that one. Just, stares at me.
"So, we gonna go or?" She says, gesturing to the door. "And did you save me some food?"
I feel I'm missing something. And I do not like it.
"Yeah, uh, here." I say as I pull a few breakfast bars out of my pocket while she grabs my bundled axes. "So, no comment on th-"
"That's it?" She says with a look of offense at the offered food. "I slave away for hours and all you- ooh! Chocolate chip never mind you're good."
"The weirdest part is, I understand you better than the other two." I say mostly to myself as we head out of the forge.
"Hey, open one of those and feed me." She says as we walk.
"Why?" I ask.
"Because my hands are full?" She says, nodding to my weapons wrapped in cloth.
"Counter offer, I could carry my weapons and give you the food." I suggest.
"No!" She huffs. "Works of art need to be properly presented. And I will not present these until I am presentable."
"Someone's prideful." I comment.
"One should always take pride in their work." She says with a smirk. "Now feed me!"
"Fine." I say as I unwrap the breakfast bar of oats and chocolate, holding it out for her to chomp as we walk back to our dorm.
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-SLBR Dorm room, 1:20pm-
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"More please." Ruby says as we reach our dorm room.
"That was the last one." I say.
"Really?" She asks.
"The hell do you mean really? You ate five!" I say as I go to open the door.
Only to smack face first into the door with a thunk. The door having been locked behind me sometime after I left.
"Pfft." Ruby snorts behind me.
Not dignifying a response, again. I pull my keys out and unlock the door. Opening it to find Weiss and Blake much where I left them. Only Blake is now halfway done with carving patterns into her bedframe.
"Have fun smacking your face against the door again?" Blake says dryly without looking at me.
"Again?" I can hear the barely restrained laugh in Ruby's voice.
"I've no clue what you are on about." I say.
"Sure you don't." She says breathlessly.
"Our syllabus's arrived while you were out." Weiss says as she grabs a stack a paper from her nightstand. "I took the liberty of reading through to memorize our schedules to better help plan any team exercises we might do."
"Neat." I say as she hands me a small stack of papers held together by a staple.
"I highlighted every class we share as a team in yellow." She says with a smile.
"Thank you." I say with a thumbs up as I sit on my bed and begin to read through it.
'Combat training is first thing in the morning?' I think curiously. 'Lead by a, Mr. Xioa-Long oh come on!'
At least we share the class as a team.
"Ruby, here's your-"
"Later!" She says as she sets my weapons on her bed before pointing at me. "No peeking!"
With a burst of petals, she disappears into the bathroom.
Looking up from my papers, I smirk at Weiss. Earning a shy blush from the pale girl.
"You heard her." I tease, earning a deeper blush, and for Blake to look back from her carving. Noticing the blush on Weiss's face and my smirk.
"Seriously, what is it between you two?" Blake asks.
"Nothing./Nothing!" I and Weiss say at the same time.
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-10 minutes later-
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So, I have combat class first thing at eight, right after breakfast. Then I have Grimm studies with Professor Port, same as everyone else. Then Geography with Professor Shrieve on my own. Then botany and survival with Professor Peach with everyone. Lunch, free period, and two extracurricular classes that I'm suppose to apply for, well, one and mandatory history tutoring.
As I'm reviewing my schedule, a burst of petals shoots through the room as the bathroom door opens and closes with a slam. All in a few seconds.
"Um, what?" I ask.
"I think, Ruby might have forgotten her clothes." Blake says.
"Oh." I say.
That's convenient.
Going back to my schedule.
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-2 minutes later-
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"Alright!" Ruby says as she kicks the bathroom door open.
"Don't kick the door!" Weiss screeches.
"Yeah!" I back her up. "Headbutting is much more efficient!"
"You mean like what you do?" Blake challenges as she gathers the wood chippings to throw away.
"Yes." I say confidently. "You see, eventually the door will lose."
"Not important!" Ruby yells as she runs in front of me. "Rise sir Cyril!"
"Ooh, am I being knighted?" I ask as I stand up.
"Even better!" She says as she crosses her arms over her chest with a smug huff. "You are to be graced with a proper weapon on this day. A day that will become more important than the day of your own birth!"
She's really into this. Just letting you know, in case you couldn't tell.
"Of course my lady!" I say, mimicking her tone. "I am honored to receive a weapon from the soon to be famous smith of roses."
"Buh by uh, um yes!" Ruby stumbles, a light dusting of a blush on her face.
'Oh, I think I just found her button.' I think mischievously.
"Ehem! Sir Cyril." Ruby coughs into her fist, composing herself. "Are you ready to receive the honor of your, hopefully, lifelong weapon?"
Getting down on one knee, I look up her with a smile.
"Of course my fair and skilled smith." I say. "For the honor, will be great."
"Y-yes! It will! For you, be an honor!" She stumbles again.
She's not used to people going along with her antics. Or biting back.
She quickly turns into petals and reforms with my clothed axes in her arms.
"Rise! And receive your, your, um, weapons!" She says awkwardly.
Standing up, I hold out my arms to receive my new arms.
See what I did there?
Ruby places them in mine, the cloth falling away to reveal my axes. Only where before the blades themselves were smooth, they now have small seams. And the blades have pattern welding in them now. Sort of like, the Celtic or Nordic knot designs that only show in the right light. Still cobalt blue, though now the handle has white metallic inlays of the same overlaying knot design embedded into the black. And, they're lighter.
Oh, and a visible six shot cylinder worked into the shaft.
"You can load bullets into the pommel when it's collapsed." Ruby says shyly. "They use forty fives and can hold twelve bullets each. The cylinder automatically discharges used cartridges. The silver band on the side of the handles, you uh, pull those and the trigger releases. They, uh, had a lot of unnecessary parts in them. So uh, I'll stop now."
"They're beautiful." I say with a genuine smile. Before the urge to mess with her kicks in. "And I know the perfect name for them."
Her eyes grow wide with a serious determination as she dead stares at me.
"I swear to Oz Cyril." She says in a low tone.
"Winter's Thorn." I say with a soft smile.
Her eyes stay widened. Though now more so in disbelief than threat.
"Huh?" She intones.
"I figured it was fitting." I say as I holster the axes. "After all, every Rose, has its thorns."
That gets a reaction. And a good one too!
"Hi uh bi gy you aaaahhh!" She stutters out as she dives towards her bed in a burst of petals.
I just laugh at her reaction.
"Um, can you not call it winter?" Weiss asks. "That's my sister's name."
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Bonus
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Remnant culture: Modern overview: Part one
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Remnant is a large world with many cultures. And with the nature of Remnant being so, adverse to society, it should be seen as no surprise that there are many differing cultures. With so many factors to separate people geologically, economically, physically, and even socially. It is easy to get lost in the cultural landscape of Remnant.
Northern Anima holds onto a culture of honor and tradition much the same as its center continent. However, the people of Northern Mistral see themselves as more utilitarian than most. If something does not serve a purpose to everyday life, then it is seen as frivolous or excessive and therefore needless. Remnant is too harsh to waste precious resources on needless things after all. Though, in this utilitarianism, is a bit of a paradox. Designs, yes much of what they carry serves a purpose, and they frown on unnecessary luxuries, but there is nothing to say a weapon, can not also be a thing of beauty.
Further north on the continent of Solitas, home to the Kingdom of Atlas, you see two distinct cultures. Modern Atlesian culture, and traditional Mantilian culture.
Mantillian culture can actually be considered one of the two roots of Northern Anima culture. Whereas Northern Anima expresses itself through art crafted into items of use. Mantillian culture, is staunchly militaristic. All things are to be used for the greater society, time, resource, manpower, all of it. Mantillian culture has waned in popularity over the years, only truly being found in outskirt villages. But its influence, has not. Much of Atlas's military takes is modeled on Mantilian core values of unity, efficiency, and productivity. It is difficult to parse through records and put a clear system of values to Mantilian culture due to just how strict its practice was. Written documents from the time, are purely in the form of correspondence and record keeping. Few first hand accounts of its practice are recorded, and thus, we can only observe its offshoots.
Atlesian culture, is unique amongst Remnant. For one, Atlas is the only kingdom, to have established orphanages. An orphanage, is a place for children without anyone to care for them.
As, odd, as that seems. It boils down to Atlas's belief of bloodline predetermination. A belief that holds that people born to great names, inherit that individual's greatness. As, odd as the idea of inheriting one's accomplishments may seem, it is rooted deep in Atlesian culture. As such, adoption is not a common practice, and in many cases looked down upon in Atlas's higher society. Thus, many children without those to care for them, are left to fend for themselves. Hence the need for an establishment to care for such children.
It should be noted that this belief system is unique to Atlas. And seen as backwards by much of Remnant's people. After all, Ozma the Inevitable, has been incarnated in individuals with no blood relation to each other. A living testament to the fact that greatness is earned, not inherited.
Aside from that, there is Menagerie.
Menagerie is a melting pot of the highest order, second only to Vale. Menagerie was gifted to the Faunus peoples to use as they see fit after the Second War of Freedom. The problem, is that the land was given to the Faunus, with no consideration to their cultures. Yes, cultures.
In much the way that no two Humans have the same system of beliefs, neither do the Faunus. The first few years were a disaster, with war ravaging the subcontinent as cultures clashed. It was by a saving grace, that Ozma's incarnation appeared amongst the people. Osk Veris, a dog Faunus and the founder of modern day Menagerie, in five years Osk managed to unite the people of Menagerie under a single ruling government, before his was assassinated with poison at a trade agreement with Atlas at the age of twenty. War broke out until Ozma's most recent incarnation, Lyman Ozpin, managed to see a peaceful resolution.
But that's for another time.
Menagerie is made up of nine major tribes, each with their own distinct culture. And contrary to popular belief, the tribes are not uniform in race. Two tiger Faunus may be from two completely separate tribes.
The nine tribes all vote on a leader. The Speaker, they're more of a mediator and voice for the people. The Speaker, once voted in, may maintain their position indefinitely, until they either step down, or the majority tribes demand a new Speaker. The Speaker, in accepting their position, abandons all ties to their former tribe to ensure no favoritism is made.
But we're here to discuss culture, not politics.
Adoption in Remnant, is much the norm. Even amongst Faunus. If the Faunus mother has feline features, and the father canine, then the child having feathers, is not questioned. This is again due to the mostly common belief that the one raising the child is more important than the one who birthed or sired it.
That being said, there are few universal taboos. One such taboo that is universal in all of Remnant, from Atlas to Menagerie, Vacuo to Mistral.
Child abandonment, is seen as the greatest taboo and amongst the highest sins. This is not to be confused with leaving a child to another for rearing. That is seen as acceptable. Not everyone is meant to be a parent, and for one to recognize that in themselves, while devastating, is not to be scrutinized. But the abandonment of a child for selfish reasons, is morally abhorrent. It is a spit in the face to all of society. Society is built up to insure a future for the people, and children are our future. Abandoning a child, is to spit on every sacrifice that was made to insure you had a life. Not even banditry or piracy is seen as bad as abandonment. Pirates and bandits at least work for the betterment of their crews and tribes. There is no justifying the morally bankrupt act that is the abandonment of a child.
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A/N
Weiss's secondary, allows her to sense hostility and intent. Sort of like how eagle vision worked in Assassin's Creed 1. It lets her sense who is hostile towards her.
Not to be confused with emotion or lie detecting. If someone lies to her with good intent, then she won't pick up on it. Similarly, someone can be brutally honest towards her with the intent to hurt her feelings, and she'll be able to sense that hostility, but not whether or not those words are true.
And similar to that, someone can be hostile towards her, but still treat her nicely or be kind to her out of better reasoning.
The perfect ability for a socialite.
It also works on Grimm! Making her a natural Grimn radar.
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Current feelings.
Weiss: Exasperated at her teammates behavior but hopeful for the future.
Cyril: Seeing how far he can push things without going too far. Just enjoys messing with people in general.
Blake: dissatisfied on nearly every front.
Ruby: BEACON WOO!
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Link to the discord: discord .gg/DarkWolfShiro