A/N Round 2, FIGHT!
Alt title: The one where Weiss is left out
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Dio Genus: The Discord has a joke name for this fic
3 Faunus and 1 Human, one's racist! And it isn't the Human!
GideonBlackthorn: Over on QQ, everyone's taken to calling Blake the Trash Cat or the Shittiest Kitty.
Ruby is just called best girl.
Attttth: In time Adam will come up again. They're relationship is one that's bad on both ends, we only really saw Blake's bad end and Adam trying to move on.
As for everything else? I fixed the summary a bit, and the title, I like it that way.
vincent moon: It used to.
Samejake: More you get!
Winter Metor: Everyone wants the MC to get with Ruby.
Caboose118: Exactly, he'd have to be a shit Hunter to die because he broke a girl's heart.
Aaron Dawn: Holy crap this is the first time someone's commented on another comment.
The dancing leaf: Um, who's the Faunus god?
Anyumaaka: Speedy I am!
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I am slowly writing the next chapter of Kitsu as well, don't worry.
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-Date, Time-
'Thoughts'
"Speech"
(Text)
Sounds/Actions*
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-Beacon, SLBR Dorm, 09/04, 7:30am-
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Cyril Leon POV
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"Sooo." Weiss says as I put my clothes out for the day.
Ruby's in the shower and Blake's ready already. So I'm just waiting.
"What's up?" I ask as I set my axes aside.
"About last night." She asks. "When you, shook the room. I thought your semblance was dashing?"
'Oh that's right.' I think to myself. 'Never, actually explained my semblance.'
"Remember how I said my semblance was about as versatile as yours?" I ask, looking back to her.
"I do recall you mentioning such." She says with a nod. "I had assumed it to be a combination of your passive combined with the ability to increase your speed."
"Not in the slightest." I chuckle. "I, basically assign meaning to words, and manifest the meaning. Problem is, more than ninety percent of the effects are large scale. You remember how I said something before dashing?"
"No." Blake answers for her. "Just the ear splitting pain of having the sound barrier broken in front of us."
"Yeah well, that was one word." I clarify. "The more words I speak, the stronger the effect."
Weiss looks at me with wide eyes as she takes that in.
"Then, how come you aren't doing all that, all the time?" She asks.
"Simple." I shrug. "I have a complete separate system of words I use as a catalyst to use my semblance. The only reason it slipped through last night, is because I was upset enough, and shouted loud enough that my semblance to activated reflexively."
"So, Now means shake the room?" Blake asks.
"No." I laugh. "If that were the case, then every time I said now, the room would shake."
"How do you know all of this about how to use your semblance if it's so nuanced?" Weiss asks.
"How do you know how to use your glyphs and change them?" I retort.
"That's, I, huh." She says, holding a finger, before dropping it in thought. "Touche."
It's as she says that, that Ruby walks out of the bathroom. Fully dressed and with a towel wrapped around her head.
"Your turn!" She says happily to me.
Am I going to have to explain all of that again?
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-Combat class, 09/04, 8:12am-
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"First up! Ruby and Cyril versus Pyrrha and Jaune!" Tai announces as the screen shows our faces.
"Oh great." I say sarcastically. "We get to fight the Spartan and her paladin."
"Um, wut?" Ruby asks.
"Nothing." I shake my head as I stand up and head to the locker room doors.
"Hey wait up!" Ruby shouts as she runs after me.
"Be ready in five minutes!" Tai says we head in.
After heading in, with Ruby taking a dressing booth. Pyrrha and Jaune just change in the open like I do. We all sort of just, don't stare. It's not that hard to do when you know you're about fight them.
"So, gonna give me any hints on how to beat you two?" I ask jokingly.
"Not a chance." Jaune laughs behind me as I hear his armor slide on.
"Come on, I need all the help I can get." I continue.
"I believe you'll be fine." Pyrrha says lightly.
"Cyril!" Ruby shouts from the dressing booth. "Stop fraternizing with the enemy!"
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Walking to the other side of the arena with Ruby next to me, axes in hand as she carries her scythe in its compact mode.
"Do you got a plan?" I ask.
"Yeah!" She says with a smile. "Hit'em hard and fast, and win!"
"Ruby that's a goal, not a plan." I point out.
"Oh, right." She says with a small blush as we turn to face the two. "Um, what about you?"
Me on the left of Ruby, Pyrrha across from me, and Jaune across from Ruby.
"Ruby my combat experience extends back a week and a half." I remind her. "How about this, I'll follow your lead and we'll go from there."
Pyrrha is dressed and equipped much the same as she was in canon. It's Jaune who's different. Dressed in armor that fits. White with gold accents, a black under shirt and armored greaves. His sword is the same, whereas his shield is a bit taller and more mechanized.
"Alright, you good?" Tai asks as our aura bars show up under our names.
"Good over here!" She says.
"Ready!" Jaune shouts as he and Pyrrha raise their shields and brandish their swords in sync.
We're so fucked.
"Begin!"
Ruby extends her scythe and rushes off in a burst of petals towards the two, and I charge after. Ruby actually manages to surprise the two by going up and above them, reforming just behind and above them as she swipes with her scythe.
Pyrrha brings her shield up behind her and deflects the strike as Jaune rolls forward. I activate my semblance to slow time and coordinate a chop down at Jaune with my left axe, while using the motion to hide the act of me aiming the gun of my right at Pyrrha.
Jaune rolls to his knee, holding his kite shield to block as I fire at Pyrrha. Who somehow twists herself to go from blocking Ruby's scythe, to blocking my gunshot.
'Oh that's a load of bull.' I think as I jump back to avoid a stab from Jaune.
Ruby petals back over and swipes at Jaune from behind, only to get a hoplon shield frisbee'd into her side curtesy of Pyrrha.
Seriously! This is ten seconds in and she's deflected one hit, blocked a gunshot, and covered her partner.
"Well this is an uphill battle." I say as I come out of my semblance, just in time for Ruby to regroup to my side.
"Their defense is good." Ruby says admiringly.
"Don't suppose you got any explosives on you?" I ask.
"Nope." She answers. "You got anything?"
"Nothing but dirty tricks and patience." I answer.
"How dirty?" She asks, before Pyrrha transforms her sword to a rifle and takes aim at us.
Ruby and I run in opposite directions, and I resume using my semblance as Pyrrha aims at me. Making a quick guestimate, I stop dead in my tracks and jump back as she pulls the trigger, causing the bullet to miss. Before turning on my heel and charging her. Bringing my axe flat to my chest to block a bullet.
I just want to stress, I'm not moving faster than her bullets, I'm moving faster than her aim. Which is getting easier as I get closer, seeing as it's a rifle.
The moment I duck and sidestep another shot, Ruby reforms in the air and takes a shot at Pyrrha's back. Only for Jaune to bring his shield up in time to intercept.
'This is scripted.' I think as I get in close range. Pyrrha flicks a switch on her rifle, and it turns into a spear as she grabs her shield while I think fast and bring my left axe down, while dropping my right into its holster. Overextending my reach on purpose, the beard of my axe hooks the top of her shield as I reach into my pocket and grab some more of the flux powder I took from the forge.
I feel my axe sliding to the side against my grip. And if I wasn't in the equivalent of slow time. I wouldn't have noticed. But she's using her semblance to subtly dislodge my axe, and make it look like she deflected an overextended slash.
But the goal, is to expose her face, as I toss a handful of flux powder in her eyes. Taking a spear to the gut that knocks me back.
"Aaaaahhh!" Pyrrha screams as she stumbles back, dropping her shield as she rubs at her eyes.
"Pyrrha!" Jaune shouts as he turns to his partner, only for Ruby to take the opportunity to hook her weapon over his shield, and fire a sniper shot close range. Using the recoil to pull Jaune away from Pyrrha as Ruby vaults over him and kicks Pyrrha in the back of the head before petalling to my side.
Looking to the board. I'm down about a sixteenth of my aura, ruby an eighth, Jaune a fourth, and Pyrrha's about the same as me.
That point blank sniper shot to the chest did a number to Jaune.
"What is this!?" Pyrrha shouts as she rubs her eyes insistently.
"What did you do?" Ruby asks.
"Flux powder in the eyes." I shrug.
"Cyril!" Ruby shouts, stomping her foot. "That stuff's corrosive!"
"Hey, I told you all I got are dirty tricks and patience." I point out.
"Yeah but, flux? Use sand next time!" Ruby demands as Jaune takes point in front of Pyrrha while she rubs her eyes.
"Noted now cover me." I say quickly as I run towards the opposing partners.
"This discussion isn't over!" Ruby shouts as she fires at Jaune from behind me, forcing him to stay behind his shield.
Getting close in, I do the same thing to his shield as I did with Pyrrha's. Only this time I swipe my right axe against the side of his shield, while aiming my left at his chest and firing.
Only, I feel my trigger pull itself before I get my aim right. And I just clip his shoulder. Using my semblance, I scan the scene, and see Pyrrha with a single bloodshot, irritated eye open and glaring at me from behind Jaune as he stabs his sword forward.
I twist to the side and out of the way, avoiding the stab while keeping his shield pulled away. Perfectly in place as he gets shot in the chest by the sniper behind me. Taking nearly another fourth from his aura.
Pulling the trigger on the axe that's hooked on his shield, I force him to stumble to the side, the recoil pushing the axe as I step forward. Placing my foot behind his shield and between his footing as I bash the pommel of my left axe into the side of his head.
Which knocks him over to reveal Pyrrha aiming her rifle at me.
Fuck.
You know that feeling of hitting your forehead on a bar? Yeah, that's what it feels like to get shot in the face point blank and not have it penetrate you.
Reeling back from the force, and the pain, I get hit in the head again by a hoplon. And then shot in the chest by, not a rifle. More like, well it sounded like a shotgun.
"Warning!" I shout.
"Wuh? Aahh!" Ruby shouts as she dashes behind me and holds her ears.
I'm, more than a little disoriented, but I just need to regain control. With, drastic measures.
"Wuld!" I shout and shoot forward at a blistering speed.
Literally barreling through the pair in my mad dash forward. Knocking them aside. Stopping, I turn around and glance to the screen. I see that Jaune is in the yellow, just below half, I'm at about three fifths. Ruby at three fourths, and Pyrrha is just below Ruby but above me.
Speaking of, Pyrrha recovers first and aims her rifle at me. Just in time for me to move out of her aim and dodge her shot. Jaune recovers just in time to dive in front of Ruby and deflect a swipe from hitting Pyrrha's back.
"Warning!" I shout.
"Again!?" Ruby shouts before she petals upwards.
"I lied!" I shout, as I run forward.
Which allows me to see a neat trick they had planned. As Jaune had moved in front of Pyrrha, placing himself between me and her as the bottom of his shield shot down and rooted itself into the ground. Anchoring him and would have protected them from the shout.
Though, as soon as I notice this, Pyrrha barrel vaults over Jaune and launches her shield at me. I dodge, I definitely dodged. But the damn thing swerved mid air and smashed me in the face. Knocking me to the side as I try my best to roll with the hit.
I do get to see Ruby appear behind Pyrrha and snag her scythe under her feet. Fire the sniper and pull Pyrrha's feet from under her, while Jaune removes his shield from the ground and it turns in his hand, the bottom point of his kite shield now facing straight as he lifts his arm. Pointing a double barrel at Ruby as Pyrrha recovers and throws her spear at me.
'He has a shotgun shield. Fuck that's cool.' I remark as I activate my semblance to think. 'Not important! Think! Got a javelin flying at your face, and Ruby has a shotgun aimed at her.'
Fuck it, she'll chew me out later but I got little else.
"Wuld!" I shout as I cut off my semblance and race towards Ruby, catching her and rushing out of the way.
Stopping, I hear the gunshot go off and the spear hit the wall.
"Ow!" Ruby whines, holding her ears under her hood as I set her down. "YOU JERK! I TOLD YOU TO WARN ME!"
"It was either this, or-"
I don't get anymore out as I get hit in the back with a shotgun blast, followed by a hoplon knocking me over and onto Ruby as I stumble forward.
"Doh!" Ruby wheezes as I fall on her, and the buzzer sounds off, signalling the end of the fight.
"Alright!" Tai calls as he claps his hands. "Not bad at all!"
Rolling off of Ruby, I see that I fell into the red with the shotgun and the shield to the head.
I just let my head fall back down as Tai begins his dissection.
"Alright, Pyrrha, Jaune, solid defenses! You two were practically a wall." Tai begins to explain. "It's clear you two work well together, however, your offense could've been stronger. I saw a lot of you two covering each other, but not a lot of teamwork with attacks." He pauses before continuing. "Ruby, Cyril, I recommend more training in general. You've got good offense, but no real teamwork either. You avoided colliding with each and getting in each other's way. Which is more than can be said for most first year partners. But you mostly attacked on your own while using the occasional opening the other provided. Also, I recommend coming up with a better code for Cyril's semblance than, warning."
'It was on the spot man!' I defend weakly.
"Got it!" Ruby says cheerfully.
"Cyril?" Tai asks.
"She kept, hitting me in the head, with her shield." I groan.
There's a decent pause as Ruby kicks my shoulder for the comment.
"Ruby, wanna check your partner for a concussion?" Tai asks.
"Eh, he'll be fine." Ruby says nonchalantly. "He's just lazy."
"Hey!" I raise an arm up in protest, before letting it fall back down. "I don't know."
Tai orders us to the locker room for a quick shower and change as the next pair is called up. Which, after the fight was needed.
However.
"Hey Cyril!" I hear Ruby from the other side of the wall separating the showers. "The soap in my shower is out, you got any!?"
The showers are basically one room with a wall down the middle. Each wall having booths for the showers where you can close a curtain. However, that wall does not reach the ceiling. So, I can hear everything from the other side of the wall where Ruby and Pyrrha are showering.
Grabbing the bottle of soap, I chuck it over the wall where I think Ruby is.
"Thank you!"
Yes, this is a little weird for me. The fact that we're separated by a wall, that doesn't even reach all the way up. Or extend to the back wall. It's just one big unisex shower with a divider for privacy.
Best not to think about it for now.
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Making it back to our spot at the front row, Nora and Ren are fighting Russel and Cardin. And it is bad. Nora and Ren are perfectly in sync, the exact opposite of Russel and Cardin. Which is exemplified when Ren slides under Cardin from behind, causing Russel to stab him in the back, giving Nora an opening to swing and launch Cardin out of the ring.
"Well that was fast." I remark as I sit down.
Tai has a litany of things for Cardin and Russel to work on. And, nothing for Ren and Nora.
"It was indeed." Weiss says softly. "Hey um, Cyril, what was that powder you tossed?"
"Flux powder." I say and smirk at her. "It's an irritant, and blends in with white very well."
I laugh as she quickly pieces it together. Her eyes widening with a blush as she realizes I baited my towel.
"You, shouldn't be carrying that around so carelessly." She recovers quickly. "If that fell out of your pocket wh-ho knows who might suffer from it."
"Oh, oh I think we both know." I smirk before her and Blake's names are called, along with Dove and Sky.
After they leave, Ruby pipes up.
"You sprinkled flux on your towel, didn't you?" Ruby asks.
" How did you come to that?" I ask.
"Weiss's sneeze woke everyone up." Ruby says. "She was just so focused on you that she didn't see me and Blake look at her."
"It was pitch black, how did you- oh right, Faunus." I begin before remembering that like, ninety percent of Faunus have night vision.
"That was mean." Ruby says as Weiss and Blake step out of the lockers and take their places.
Not long after, Dove and Sky come out, armored up and ready to fight. Sky having a halberd with a rifle barrel at the end. And Dove having a sword with a revolver in the hilt, similar to Weiss's in concept, but much cruder in design.
The match starts off, well enough. Blake charging in and going full murder hobo. Attacking with a ferocity that surprises, damn near everyone. Hacking and slashing at Dove as he keeps deflecting her katana with his sword, only to get hit with her cleaver.
Sky goes to help his partner, only for Weiss to intercept, using a glyph to speed up and place herself between the two.
It, devolves from there. Blake doesn't pay attention to Weiss, and accidentally chops her in the side. While Weiss reflexively spins around and attacks Blake, which Blake dodges with a shadow clone. But it allows Sky to get a free hit on Weiss and take out her legs. Though she recovers immediately with a flip to land, readying her blade as a score of glyphs appear around Sky, and Weiss turns into three D pinball on the confused boy. Not giving him a single second to react as she slashes him repeatedly.
Long story short, Weiss took out Sky after freezing the ground beneath him and immobilizing him. While Blake and Dove wasted their time attacking each other, with Dove never getting a solid hit in, and Blake wasting energy with overcommitted attacks.
Over all? If I had to rank the pairs in effectiveness. I'd say Ren and Nora are easily at the top, followed by Pyrrha and Jaune with me and Ruby close behind. And the rest, all tie for last.
But as Tai says, it's the first week. Not hitting your partner is already considered exceptional.
All in all, watching everyone else made me feel much better about my performance.
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The rest of the day was uneventful. Port took an hour talking about how most Grimm lack armoring at the joints, but have armor on the opposite side of said joints that can trap your weapons if you're not careful.
Of course Ruby had to point this out to me.
I learned where the Forever Fall forest is in geography! And why it's a Grimm infested nightmare of a forest. Basically it's the closest forest to the kingdom of Vale on the other side of the Valean mountain range, with no natural barriers. So they sort of just migrate through unobstructed.
Professor Peach was out today, so Glynda covered for her.
I did notice at lunch that people are avoiding Cardin. Not, ostracizing him or anything, like, if he sits down next to someone they won't move. But if he's already sat down, then people will steer clear.
Free period, Ruby and I tried to work out a system of warnings for my semblance. And we got nowhere. Couldn't figure out what Weiss took yet. I went through all my clothes during free period while talking to Ruby. And nothing's missing so, guess that's another future problem.
After that, I drove Velvet closer to madness at tutoring. Did you know Ozpin was king of Vale at one point? Yeah, born into the monarchy, he dissolved it and refused to produce any heirs. Forcing his council of Vale government system to take its place. Also, King? Is a gender neutral term here, as is Queen. King, means the ruler of a nation. Queen, means the consort of a King, and they have just as many responsibilities. So, just because you're married to a King, doesn't make you Queen. You have to hold a high office in government, and be married to the King to be a Queen.
It just makes me think of Nora and Ren. And Ren's the queen! Ha!
Oh, and remedial culture studies aren't a thing. At least not anymore. They were when Tai went here, but they stopped hosting them five years ago for several reasons. One of which being the wider spread of media.
Overall, not a lot happened the rest of the day.
Except
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-Halls outside SLBR Dorm, 8pm-
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"Hey Jaune, Ren." I wave to the guys as they step out of their dorm.
"Hello Cyril." Ren nods.
"Hey." Jaune says curtly.
"You're not upset about the flux powder are you?" I ask as I lean back against the wall.
" I'm not." Jaune says sheepishly. "Pyrrha on the other hand. Um, yeah she's needing some time to cool off."
"That bad?" I ask with a raised brow.
"Pyrrha is very competitive." Jaune says with an apologetic smile. "And that fight was honestly the closest she's ever come to losing. And, well she grew up with Mistral's sense of honor. So, yeah."
"I, don't know what that is." I shake my head.
"Anima places great emphasis on honorable fighting." Ren says. "Pyrrha has only ever fought in pitched matches so she's unaccustomed to such tactics as dirt in the eyes. Or, powder in this case."
I raise a brow at the statement. Finding such notions as honor to be a bit. Counterproductive. Hell, they don't even make for good entertainment in fights if you ask me!
"She's aware that-" I begin to ask.
"Yes, she's aware bandits and Grimm won't adhere to any sense of honor." Jaune says. "She's, still upset."
'Great, now I got the living magnet pissed at me.' I grit out.
"What about you guys?" I ask.
"I don't like it." Jaune admits with a shrug. "But I don't blame you. It wasn't against the rules or anything."
"I feel you could've used something less, extreme." Ren says. "Nora thought it was funny."
'Nice, only one fourth of the group hates me.'
As I think that, my dorm room opens to reveal Ruby, who grabs my arm and tugs me back into the dorm.
"Hi Jaune! Hi Ren!" Ruby waves.
"Hey Ruby." The two say in tandem before Ruby closes the door.
Oh yeah, room's pitch black.
"You're good to change in the bathroom." Ruby says as I hear her walk past me.
"Why did you pull me in?" I ask.
"Because we realized we kept forgetting to let you know when we were done." Ruby says, now at what I assume is her bed.
"Okay, two, why haven't I just been changing in the bathroom the whole time?" I ask.
"That's because." Weiss starts. "Um, you, why didn't you do that from the start?"
"Because you three would literally shove me out of the room." I point out.
There's a notable silence after that. As the girls process the information.
"Um, sorry?" Ruby apologizes.
"It's fine." I sigh. "Also, third thing. I can't see."
"What do you mean?" Blake asks. "Did you get some of that flux in your eyes?"
"Blake, I'm human yes?" I ask, now facing the direction I heard her.
"Obviously." She says.
"Humans, can't see in the dark." I inform her.
"Then how are you looking at me?" She challenges with a huff.
"Because I can hear you?" I point out.
Nothing else is said, complete silence.
"Blake what are you doing?" Weiss asks.
"What?" I ask. "What's going owagh!"
I freak a little as something pokes my side.
"Holy crap!" Blake says next to me. "How have I never noticed this?"
"Can someone-" I start to ask before the lights turn on with a click.
Looking over, I see Ruby turned on the lights, and is giving me a thumbs up.
"And that's why you're my favorite." I say as I walk past her to my nightstand, grabbing my sleep clothes before heading to the bathroom.
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-Beacon, SLBR Dorm, 09/05, 7am-
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Waking up, I turn over and get out of bed. Standing up and stretching I-
"Cyril, for the umpteenth time! Wear, some, oh." Weiss starts to go off as she stares at me, now noticing the sweat pants and loose T-shirt. "Um, when did you, never mind."
She looks away with a small blush as Blake takes the first shower. Ten minutes later, Ruby's turn.
"So, when am I getting that sushi?" I ask as Blake is checking her scroll.
"Never." Blake says immediately.
"Hey, that's not fair." I point out. "You promised me-"
"That was when I thought I was about to be molested." Blake says defensively. "Promises made under duress don't count."
Looking to Weiss, I see her shake her head at me. Telling me to drop it.
Damn, I was looking forward to that too.
I of course get the last shower before class. Again.
Oh, and this time Ruby nearly made us late. For pretty much the same reason as Weiss last time. Though Ruby claims it's because she kept dozing off in the shower.
Either way I got left with a cold shower.
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-SLBR Dorms, 09/05, 5pm-
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One of my three pairs of night clothes are missing. Double checking the contents of my dresser, I confirm that I only have two pairs. Not only that, it's the pair I slept in.
Going to the bathroom, I look through the basket, thinking I might've just forgot to grab them. Finding nothing but the others night clothes, I come to the obvious conclusion that Weiss stole my night clothes.
I'll just confront her later, for now I need to get to the cliffs for team training. Ruby's really going all out on this training stuff. Just like canon she's coming up with team attack names already.
Me and Blake are Iron Vine. Due to my chains, and Blake's ribbon, and vine patterns.
Yeah, the name is all we have so far. Not looking forward to this.
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-SLBR Dorms, 09/05, 10pm-
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Weiss Schnee POV
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Double checking behind me, I make sure the others are asleep before making my way into the bathroom. Cyril's night clothes in hand.
'This is nothing degenerate and you know it! This is just, research is all!' I think as I strip down and change into the larger, baggier clothes.
I've been thinking about a change of night clothes. And, and it seems as though the baggier clothes are just right for this climate. Besides, it's not like I'm some exhibitionist who'll just, strip down to my undergarments and sleep in that! Baggier clothes seem like the natural option.
So, like any reasonable and intelligent person, I'm doing my research first. And, testing the waters! It's not like Cyril will mind that I'm borrowing his clothes, I'll give them back!
Looking at myself in the mirror after tightening the string on the sweats. I can't help but blush at how I look and its implication. The shirt's neck hem nearly falling off of one shoulder as the shirt acts almost like a looser nightgown.
Sneaking out of the bathroom, I head to my nightstand and grab my scroll before sneaking back in and closing the door behind me.
Pulling out my scroll, I turn on the bathroom light. Facing it at the mirror, I snap a few pictures. Taking a few different poses as I do so.
For reference later! I'll need to compare styles to other clothes I may buy and see how they fit!
Having gotten done with that. I set the scroll down on the sink and just, compare how it fits me. To what I saw this morning.
'What would people say if they saw me like this?' I whine as I bring the neckline up to cover my reddening face. 'They'd probably think you were dating in all honesty.'
I do look like a girlfriend just waking up after a night with her boyfriend. Like from those crappy reality TV dramas. Not that I've seen them! I've just seen pictures, and heard dialogue.
"God, what is wrong with me?" I sigh as I let go of the neckline and lean on the sink to stare my reflection in the eye.
"So, I guess this isn't what it looks like?" My heart stops as my teammate opens the door behind me.
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Bonus
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Remnant culture: Atlas
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Atlas, the frozen north. Stalwart, Stoic and Stern. At least, on the surface.
Atlas holds a unique place on Remnant. Both socially, culturally, economically, and geographically. Found in the far north, with few warm water ports to its name. Atlas, originally Mantle, remained largely isolated from the world and its troubles. The cold wastes of Atlas are a harsh and scornful mistress, and as such it has bred a people just as harsh.
Atlas is unique in several ways. Whereas many kingdoms prioritize public happiness, defensive stability, and agricultural prosperity. Atlas, prioritized technological advancement, military growth, and conformity. The north saw the people protected from the vast majority of mankind's natural enemy, the Grimm. And as such, the people of Atlas have, lost touch with the depth of that threat. So much so, that Huntsmen, are little more than extensions of the military in Atlas. While not required, many Hunters in Atlas Academy see themselves peer pressured into military service.
Other than that, the lack of Grimm has led to, questionable practices. Such as the belief that greatness is inherited, as is disgrace. Arranged marriages are a unique aspect of Atlesian culture. Where parents will negotiate and choose spouses for their children!
More than that, there is a large gap in wealth. The people of Atlas city live lives of decadent opulence and ostentatious luxury. While the people below the floating city live more, humble and utilitarian lives. In truth, the talk of Atlesian culture is one to be broken down into two parts. Upper, and Lower.
Upper Atlesian Culture is one based on wealth and prestige. An old name opens many doors. And money opens more. But not all is as apparent, no quite the opposite. Upper Atlesians learn to suppress much of themselves at an early age. Hiding motives behind practiced smiles and flowery words.
But it is not all so unsavory! They've accomplished a great deal for Remnant and its people. At the forefront of every technological advancement, they're responsible for the many conveniences we enjoy. And much of our entertainment too! Also, despite their sordid history with art and expression, modern Atlas places great emphasis on the arts. Music, architecture and painting especially so.
The people of Upper Atlas are taught to be humble and modest. Achievements should be displayed and obvious for all to see, not for all to hear of.
Lower Atlas however, is much the opposite. Closer to ancient Mantillian culture, Lower Atlas places more emphasis on need rather than want. Utilitarian and community serving, the people of Lower Atlas are untrusting of strangers, and quite secular. Another reason orphanages are established, is that few are willing to adopt. Where in most of Remnant, a new addition to a family is a celebration, in Atlas, unless they're blood, they're a burden. There are of course exceptions. Orphanages and Soup kitchens would not exist if it universally so xenophobic. The people of Atlas are just more, self governed than the rest of Remnant.
Which is the crux of the issue. Much of Remnant places a strong reverence on sacrifice, Atlas, does not. And perhaps, that is the core difference between them, and all the other kingdoms.
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A/N
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If Cyril had a theme song like the rest, it'd be Graveyard by Neffex
Though I had a few other suggestions from people. My favorites being
If I Had A Heart
And
True Survivor by David Hasselhoff
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Also, to clear something up. Ruby's passive isn't the inability to get dizzy, it's the inability to get disorientated. Flashbangs, headshots, poison, she can't get disorientated. She has perfect spatial awareness.
Perfect Spatial Awareness, for a sniper.
Let that sink in.
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I demand tribute of more comments! They feed the train of writing that is my thumbs! Seeing as I use the word app and type this up solely on my phone!
Moar comments!
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Find me in my channel, newb's-grotto, on the discord.
Link to the discord: discord .gg/DarkWolfShiro