Note: Hi all! I'm back again. I know these chapters are taking longer to get done, but that's what happens when you have a forty-minute commute home from work every day. So, hopefully, I can get to the actual tournament sooner than later. But I hope you've been enjoying all this juicy Showcase drama. And hey, got some more of that for you. Enjoy.
Some time after Yang and Blake awkwardly left the locker room, Jessica Cruz of Team CSVR approached her seniors in Team BRIR. She asked them a very important question.
"So, um… does anyone know what's happening?"
No. No, they did not.
It was announced as a "technical error". Bianca Prisma thought that was a strange way of describing a complete breakdown of the golems' actions, though it wasn't technically inaccurate. They had all seen the footage a dozen times over now, in what would surely be one of the most viral clips of the year. The Vytal administrators released a message stating that the remaining Showcases would be delayed by an hour as they ensured the remaining golems were properly trained. Bianca wasn't unused to risk. Participating in these tournaments required one to be ready to give up their life. But there was also a reasonable expectation that they would be safe within the bounds set by the Committee, and there were plenty of whispers around the locker room of refusing further participation. No one wanted to get injured unfairly. Yet, Bianca doubted they would truly withdraw. She knew she wouldn't.
Her boots were laced and her pauldrons lay around her shoulders. Yet, despite being ready to leap into battle, she was forced to wait and ponder, swords rested on a bench beside her. It was an infuriating process, one only made marginally better by the company of her teammates. Her gaze kept wandering across the locker room, where Pyrrha was nervously pacing back and forth, texting her friends. Luckily, Jessica was there to block her view.
"Have you ever fought golems before, Jessica?" Bianca asked.
"Not exactly," Jess confessed.
"Well, they aren't too hard. Especially with what you're capable of." Bianca tried to encourage her, though who knew how well that went. Ever since battling Team CSVR in the Mistral Team Carnival, she had something of a soft spot for the meek, green child. So much power in such a tiny little package. She just needed a nudge to reach her full potential. Like some other people she knew.
Standing next to her, Ruda Tilleroot bobbed awkwardly on her feet, fiddling with her orange bun of hair.
"I hope Yang is all right," she muttered. "That was really scary."
"I don't remember anything like this happening before," Roane Ashwood admitted, leaning casually against the lockers. "That's pretty egregious by the refs to not stop it."
"I thought you'd like the danger," Ivy Thickety mused.
"It's not for me, it's for everyone else," Roane claimed. "I mean, I thought Yang could have handled the danger. Guess I overestimated her."
"Do you think we should try to say something to them?" Ruda asked. "You know… like, since we're their seniors, we could check on them."
"If that's what you want to do, go ahead," Roane shrugged. Ruda blushed and frantically waved the suggestion away.
"Oh, n-no! I didn't mean me, specifically. Just… someone! Like, one of us."
"I mean… I would," Jessica said unsurely. "But I don't want to leave in case the Showcase starts again." She conveniently left out that she didn't really want to talk to Ruby at all, given Ruby's prior comments about shooting and hating people from the panel show, her weird blow-up with Penny also from the panel show, and just the idea of talking to someone in general giving her heart palpitations. Point being, if anyone was going to check with Team RWBY, she felt she had done as much as she could handle for the day.
Bianca nodded, understanding. They didn't know when they could suddenly get the announcement that the Showcases were back on, and Jessica needed to prepare. However, Bianca's mind also wandered to the woman standing on the other side of the locker room. Pyrrha seemed close with Team RWBY. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to check with her and see if there was anything Team BRIR could do to help. I mean, why wouldn't she want to speak to Pyrrha Nikos again, especially when she was literally right there—
The door to the locker room swung open. Bianca was taken aback to see the powerful figure of Leosandra Lionheart, her Headmaster, stroll into the room. Her grey, misshapen eyes scanned the room, and when they fell upon her start pupil, she pointed a long claw at her.
"Team BRIR. Come with me."
Bianca hesitated, cast under the spell of her headmaster's presence. After a moment, she sighed and slowly rose to her feet. "Excuse us, Jessica. Ladies, let's move."
Leosandra said nothing as she left the room, followed by a confused Team BRIR. Jessica watched them leave with nary a goodbye. Jessica always admired them. When she arrived at Haven Academy, knowing nothing and no one, BRIR's strength and leadership reminded her of home. If there weren't certain roadblocks, she felt they could have been much better friends. But now, she was alone again, standing uncomfortably in the middle of a locker room of strangers. And she had to fight. By herself.
She looked down at her ring.
"How much do I have?" she whispered to it. It responded in a voice only she could hear.
"Remaining Power: 27%"
Finding a space Team BRIR could be alone turned out to be quite a difficult task. If the training hall was crowded that morning, the recent drama surrounding Yang's Showcase had transformed it into a typhoon of media attention. Every square foot of the auditorium was crammed with journalists desperate to get a scoop from the unknowing Huntress students. They tried going down a few back halls, but even those were preoccupied, as Committee members and medics and just about anybody else involved with the Vytal Festival were discussing their next steps. Leosandra walked forward with a purpose regardless, intent on finding someplace to be alone. She led Team BRIR into the depths of the training hall, into the dingier backspaces reserved for accounts payable and janitorial staff. The lights were flickering fluorescent and the halls became a narrow, untiled slab. Even then, they couldn't find solitude.
"You expect me to believe that?"
"Believe what you want, Miss Rose, but it's the truth."
Bianca heard the conversation from around the corner, a shrill voice chomping in rage permeating her defenses. When they rounded the path toward the rear, emergency exit of the building, they found four people standing beside it, arguing in the refracted sunlight of the glass doorway. Ruby and Weiss stood on one side of the hall. Ozpin and—surprisingly—Glynda Goodwitch on the other. They didn't seem to notice BRIR's presence as Ruby continued to unload unmistakable threats onto her headmaster.
"There's no one else who could be responsible," Ruby said harshly. "If I find out you're lying—"
"I'm not. Not this time," Ozpin scoffed. "Of course, the referees would be more lenient with Yang. Her Semblance involves her becoming more powerful as she takes damage. I'm sure they were expecting her to fight back and simply made a poor call. And I don't even know how to change the programming of the golems. I always offloaded handling them to Goodwitch."
"And I always offloaded it to Professor Port," Goodwitch confessed with a shrug. "Perhaps you should ask him if he tried to kill your sister."
"You're both disgusting," Weiss said distastefully.
"Oh, boo hoo. My feelings," Goodwitch rolled her eyes. "Have you ever considered that not everything bad that's ever happened to you is our fault?"
"Everything? No. This? Yes," Ruby sneered. "Because if it wasn't you, then—"
She suddenly heard footsteps, and her mouth zipped shut as she realized they were being watched. Leosandra's flowing, rainbow form emerged from the shadows of the hallway, Team BRIR awkwardly shuffling behind her. She could read the confusion on their faces. Shit, how much had they heard?
"Ozpin. Glynda. What a surprise," Leosandra groaned.
"Leo. We were just having a conversation with Team RWBY," Ozpin said with a smile. "Ruby, Weiss, have you met Leosandra and Team BRIR yet?"
Ruby blushed, her fury dissipating into something far more childish. "Uh, y-yes—I mean, no. Not Leosan—Professor Lionheart. No. Team BRIR, yeah. Uh, a pleasure to meet you, Miss—Headmaster—Professor—"
"Shut up."
Leosandra's order was quick and effective. Ruby nodded.
"Yes, ma'am."
Weiss sighed. Was this how Ruby would behave every time she stood in front of her idols? Seriously, she knew they were famous and talented and glamorous and fiercely attractive, but they had a reputation to uphold. Weiss gave the members of Team BRIR a friendly nod, and they responded in kind. Well, Bianca did. Ivy ignored her, and Ruda shyly looked away, and Roane gave her a not-so-subtle wink. Weiss didn't know what it meant, but she melted regardless, turning a brighter shade of red than Ruby's cloak.
"We need a space to talk," Leosandra said bluntly. "Find somewhere else."
"We were here first," Goodwitch protested. "Find your own dusty corner."
Ozpin, however, ordered his attack dog down. "Now, now, Glynda. I think we've said all we need to say. And I'm sure Team RWBY have more important things to do than argue with us. Let's be off."
Ruby growled under her breath, but there was little she could do. Despite being forced, Ozpin had a point. She had gotten all she could out of him. She should focus on finding a substitution for Yang in the tournament—and convincing her sister that it was in their best interest. Honestly, the more energy she saved for that fight, the better. She motioned to Weiss, said a brief farewell to Team BRIR, and left through the rear exit. Ozpin gave Goodwitch a suggestive glare.
"Did you really offload the golem work to Port?"
Goodwitch raised an eyebrow. "Did you think I wouldn't?"
Ozpin tapped his cane against the ground and led Goodwitch back into the center of the building. He gave Leosandra pleasantries as he passed her, though she didn't return them. Bianca felt a strange pull in her chest as Beacon's headmaster walked by. She had heard many stories about the legendary Ozymandias Ozpin, who had witnessed the first Vytal Festival and may very well witness the last. He was different than she expected. Somehow unsettling. What was Team RWBY talking about? And Glynda Goodwitch… what was she doing here? Didn't she get fired for abusing her students?
Bianca didn't have time to dwell on such things. With Ozpin out of the way, Leosandra could focus on the things important to them. She crossed her robed arms and looked down at her prized pupils. Her voice echoed in the empty hallway.
"Now, let's get down to business."
"Yes, Professor," Bianca said. "What do you need from us?"
"I'll make this brief," Leosandra stated. "I'm pulling you from the Showcase."
Bianca was expecting many things from Leosandra. She had draped herself in armor and brought her swords as if a battle were to spring up at any moment. Yet, even she wasn't prepared for the dagger straight through her heart.
Her teammates spoke on her behalf.
"What?" Roane shouted. "The hell for?"
"Did she do something wrong?" Ruda wondered.
No. Obviously not. She couldn't have…
"That's ridiculous," Roane said, sneering. "Like… wait, is this about what just happened with Yang?"
"It should be obvious," Leosandra explained. "A student almost died because the golems didn't work properly. This tournament is too important for you to take risks. So, I'm replacing you."
Bianca said nothing. She couldn't even look her headmaster in the eye. This was her chance to prove herself. After everything that had happened over the past year, and all of the doubts, she was supposed to… no…
"Wait, wait, wait," Roane said quickly. "Replace?"
"Yes. So, I'll ask," Leosandra said coldly. "Which one of you wants it?"
There was a lot Team BRIR had to process. One of them being forced to step up, stealing Bianca's mission for their own. How deeply this would impact their sponsorships if they couldn't turn in a good performance? The subtle suggestion from their Headmaster that Bianca getting injured in the Showcase was unacceptable, but one of them being hurt was fine. Bianca gave no guidance, standing still as if the life had been taken from her.
Leosandra tapped her foot, impatience growing by the second.
"Well?"
More silence and awkward glances.
Then, Ruda raised her hand.
"I… I can do it."
Bianca turned toward her youngest teammate, betrayal in her eyes. Yet, it was Ivy who spoke up.
"Uh, no. Not you."
"B-But I can do it," Ruda protested, though she didn't put much energy behind it. "The golems are all made of stone, and they don't have any weapons to penetrate the ground. I'd basically be the perfect—"
"We are not putting you forward," Ivy said bluntly. "Not only is no one going to buy it, but we aren't risking our newest member getting mauled."
Ruda frowned. That was such a bullshit excuse and they all knew it. But Ivy wouldn't even look her in the eye. They needed to come to these decisions as a team, and the topic was already dead in the water. It wasn't like Ivy would put herself forward either. She would be at a severe disadvantage against the golems with her Semblance. But that just left…
Roane shook her head, casually raising her hand. "Okay, guess I'll do it then."
Ivy said nothing. Bianca, though still hurt, seemed to soften. Ruda was the only one left arguing.
"Roane, are you sure?" she asked worriedly. "The golems aren't flammable. You'd be fighting at such a handicap."
The fiery redhead just shrugged and smiled off the concern. "Eh, they're big and dumb and I've faced worse. It'll be good practice anyway." She placed her hand on Bianca's shoulder, sensing her disappointment. "Hey, you still got the whole tournament. It'll be okay."
Bianca took a deep breath, trying to see the bigger picture. She knew Roane was telling the truth, but… she really wanted that Showcase. She needed them to remember what she was capable of. She wanted to feel it. What was she supposed to do about it, though? Leosandra wasn't one to take dissent.
Bianca hooked her swords into their hilts. She gently nodded, trying to be the bigger woman. Just like she always was.
"You can do the Showcase," she approved. "Just… be careful."
Roane snickered. "You know I'm never careful."
"Be slightly careful."
"Fine, mom."
Leosandra didn't let the moment linger. "If you got that settled, get your gear. You are going on last, but I need you warmed up."
Roane nodded at her headmaster. A Showcase, huh? She had to admit: She never saw the point in it. She wasn't one for recognition. She didn't come from a prestigious background, and she didn't get into fighting because of honor or any of that bullshit. It was meant to attract political partnerships, but honestly, those just added red tape. Yet, maybe she was thinking shortsightedly. A fight for the sake of a fight… wasn't that good enough? These stone golems were a danger, yes? Uncontrollable. And so many of them trying to kill her at once. Oh, that sounded kinda fun.
And something shifted within her. Her eyes flickered and a creeping smile formed on her face. She spread her arms and let something rush into her. Veins pulsed from under her skin as she clenched her fists. Bianca and Ivy were used to the startling transformation, but Ruda still shuddered every time she saw it. A new woman stood before them, hosted in the same body but wrathful in nature, drawn forth from the abyss by the allure of battle. She instinctively licked her ruby lips.
"Hell yeah," Roane said seductively. "Looks like the Demon gets to come out a little early."
Okay, Jessica. You've got this.
Jessica stood on the edge of the platform, nervously wobbling.
You've fought literally so much worse. This is nothing.
The cameras were focused on her shivering form. Somewhere in Li Caccia, the rest of her team were watching her, rooting for her. As if she needed more pressure on top of everyone in the world. Actually, what were the viewers of home thinking? They must have been so confused. Try not to think about that. Like, not even for a second.
Too late. Thinking.
Dammit, brain.
The golems had been restationed and retrained. She didn't know what the process was for controlling the golems. Magic? Computers? Were they conscious? Did they feel pain? Was this a form of brainwashing or animal cruelty? Was she about to beat up the equivalent of elephants performing in a circus? That was if she could beat them up.
Your ring has no power.
And now she was thinking about that again. Great, just fantastic.
Jessica placed one hand over the other as she stared down her opponents. It really shouldn't be hard to take out the golems, despite their number. They were so slow and clunky that she could stay far away and take potshots, never once worrying about getting hit. But the fact she could decimate the golems did nothing to solve the riddle of if she should. An outstanding performance would draw the world's scrutiny further upon her. That could complicate things. Furthermore, if she went all out, her ring would drain even faster. With the tournament right around the corner, that was a big no-go. Actually, why even do this Showcase in the first place? It didn't accomplish anything. Practice fight, Mari said. Like she needed practice. Okay, she did, but… well… she didn't want practice! She wanted to be somewhere else.
And maybe she could just… forfeit? Well, that was certainly an idea. A bad one. But comforting! But bad. She could just… walk off the field. Say it was a tactical retreat, or a protest against injustice, or something or something. But did the Green Lantern ever back down from a fight? No, and she didn't want to be the first. Her friends would look down on her. She'd look down on herself. No, she would have to put in some real effort. Once the fight started, that was.
Um… why hadn't the fight started yet? That was a really good question. She was there. The golems were there. The refs were there. The media was there. Everyone seemed like they were in position. But someone was missing. Her partner.
Twenty-five minutes late.
The truth was, behind the scenes, no one was able to locate Nebula Violette of Team NDGO. After reporting for her profile earlier that day, she and the rest of her team had seemingly vanished off the face of the planet. Shade's headmaster, Theodore, was allegedly informed they were going for a brief walk. That was the last anyone had ever heard from them. Did they just forget? Didn't seem likely. Were they quitting? Also not likely, not to anyone familiar with their high opinions of themselves. As the minutes wasted away, frantic and furious discussions were held by producers if they should simply be disqualified for tardiness. No one wanted to punish a Huntress team prematurely, and they settled on giving them grace due to the circumstances with Yang. But it was starting to wear thin.
So, Jessica was stuck waiting there. And thinking. Thinking bad thoughts.
Eventually, she materialized. Nebula Violette, without much warning or apology, entered the training hall, strutting confidently on her heels. She kept her head and eyes straight ahead, ignoring questions from everyone, referees and Committee members included. She simply marched, unbothered, to her selected arena, marching onto the field without a word. She held her crossbow at her side, as if ready to fire at a moment's notice.
Jessica considered walking over. Wasn't it courtesy to shake hands with her fellow competitor? One look at the irritation in Nebula's eyes convinced her otherwise.
It seemed the Committee was not interested in delaying the Showcase for much longer. The field was already set, and the television audience was probably bored out of their mind. They needed action. With that in mind, it took only a few seconds after Nebula's arrival for the announcer to return over the loudspeaker.
"Attention combatants. The Showcase is about to begin. Please step onto the platform."
Jessica and Nebula were already on the platform, but whatever. Jessica tried to shake out her nerves. Okay. Fight time. She got this.
"Please defeat as many golems as you can within the allotted time. You may use any weapons and abilities at your disposal. The Showcase will end under the following conditions…"
Jessica tuned the voice out. She clenched her ring hand, concentrating. Twenty-seven percent… what could she do with twenty-seven percent?
"You may not receive any outside assistance during the Showcase. Please do not interfere with your neighboring combatant. Any failure to follow the rules will risk disqualification from all future Vytal events. Thank you very much for your cooperation, and Happy Hunting!"
Don't go overboard. Don't take unnecessary risks. Keep at a distance. Take as many out with as few moves as possible. Conserve and prevail.
"Introducing: From Team CSVR of Haven Academy. The Green Lantern. Jessica Cruz!"
Jessica smiled for her invisible audience. Should she wave? Or maybe say the oath—no, actually don't say the oath.
"And introducing, from Team NDGO of Shade Academy. 'Noble' Nebula Violette!"
Nebula carefully reached into her back pocket.
"Huntsmen ready?"
Jessica exhaled. Go time.
"And… g—"
"For the Glory of Atlas!"
Nebula's cry rebounded through the hall like a gunshot. The golems began moving forward, battle underway, but no one focused on that. Jessica was snapped out of her intense focus. She turned to Nebula, stunned as the strong-willed Huntress from the west lowered her crossbow gracefully to the floor. From her back pocket, she unfurled a large piece of linen.
The eyes of the world were upon her. Good. Let them see. Let them learn.
She placed the linen onto the ground, and all who saw it recognized it as the brazen flag of the Kingdom of Atlas, draped graciously on the floor. Nebula dropped to one knee and placed her fist over her chest. The golems approached, but she did not move. Jessica didn't move. The world didn't move.
For the next ten full seconds, Nebula Violette saluted the flag of the enemy.
Then, without another word, she rose to her feet, picked up both her weapon and the flag, and draped the latter over her shoulders. She spun on her heel and dropped off the platform to a stunned audience.
A hesitant voice came over the speaker.
"Neb… Nebula Violette has stepped out of bounds and has been eliminated."
Jessica couldn't believe her eyes. The shocked gasps from the crowd and the slow thump of the golems' footsteps were the only sound in the arena. Jessica watched Nebula leave, pushing past reports and dismissing them flippantly. She had no interest in explaining anything to them. The only thing that mattered was being the center of attention. She cared even little for the woman left standing in the combat zone, now the only fighter left standing. That poor fighter's mind was running a million miles a minute.
What… what was she supposed to do now?
She was alone. Staring down an advancing enemy. Lost in the haze of political warfare she couldn't understand. Without Nebula by her side, all eyes would fall upon her. The whole of Remnant, studying her every movement. She felt her chest tighten. Some of the power drained from her ring. Could she really… should she even…
No. Focus. Get it together. The golems were still advancing. Her friends were still watching her. She had to do something. Breathe. Just breathe. She was a warrior. She had to fight. Pretend like the world wasn't watching. Pretend she was back home. Pretend she mattered.
She felt the power return to her. The golems were only a few feet away. She tightened her fist, and her ring began to glow. She charged forward and swung her fist.
"Breaking news: Continued chaos at today's Vytal Showcases as less than an hour after a disastrous golem break, a Vacuo student forfeits her match in what appears to be a political protest…"
Several golems went flying as a giant, green fist slammed into them. Emerging from her ring, the energy, her will, coalesced into something tangible. She swung her fist again, and the green construct followed her movements. She sent another handful of golems flying out of the ring.
"This just in: Team NDGO of Vacuo have released a statement on their KnightsPage, announcing they have…"
Jessica dived to safety as a sword nearly crashed onto her head. The fist construct disappeared, and she summoned a new weapon from her imagination: a rocket launcher. She took aim and fired into the densest point of the crowd. Five or six golems immediately burst. A dozen more were staggered. The heat from the explosion felt as real as anything else. She wondered if the media on the sidelines could feel it.
"Headmaster Ebi, were you aware of Team NDGO's announcement before it went live? Was this something you planned together?"
"I believe their statement speaks for itself. Excuse me."
More golems on the left. God, they were everywhere. A giant hammer—no, an anvil. A bus. Shit, just choose something. She chose the fist again. One solid punch and a few more golems were sent packing into the out-of-bounds. Good. That had to be the easiest way to eliminate them. She could even pick one up and throw it around. Or would that be too much strain?
"This is obviously a symbolic gesture. Team NDGO has no such authority to make this decision. But this surely going to empower Atlasian sympathizers across Vacuo, and is more signs of political trouble for a government already underwater…"
She had to keep her distance. Don't get too cocky. Don't risk getting injured. She couldn't deal with that. If she were to burden her team now—like she always did—how could she…
The construct flickered out of existence. Jessica gasped, smacking her ring. No, it wasn't out of power already. That was all she had left. She quickly checked it, fear creeping inside her. Twenty-six percent. More than enough. But then why was it—shit, the golems. Dodge!
"Headmaster Theodore, do you—"
"No comment."
A blow hit her in the back, and Jessica toppled over. Ow. Ow ow ow. Damn lack of Aura. She rolled away, using her ring to create a shield over her torso. It was hardly effective. The golems crashed their swords on top of her, and she squeaked in pain. The shield flickered with every rigid breath. Fist. Go back to the giant fist. Attack. Fight. Do something.
"Speculation now swirls over the legality of NDGO's actions and whether the Vytal Committee will seek to enforce—"
How many golems had she taken out? She thought it was enough, but all she could see was stone. She knew everyone else was there, but there were just so many of these things. Like being in a cave. Trapped. Her heart hurt. God, she was so damn weak. Pathetic. What would they say about her? How would she ever…
"This is the second major controversy surrounding Shade Academy in two days, following last night's actions by Alyx Nevermore—"
Get away. She had to get away.
"So, we can all agree this is the craziest Vytal Festival in history, right? And literally no one has started fighting yet."
Jessica focused her energy into her ring. A green haze surrounded her body. She desperately searched for an opening between the golems, and she found one. She summoned her strength, and with the ring's power, her power, she flew. Her body was launched from the ground and she took to the sky, narrowly diving through the stone swords to reach the freedom of the air. She hovered ten feet off the ground, a green angel kept suspended from harm, twinkling for all to see. Jessica stared at the bright lights on the ceiling, escaping into them, letting her worries fall by the wayside for as long as she could.
It wasn't long enough. Her doubts returned with a vengeance, and then, she fell instead.
With only a second to think, she didn't have much time to protect herself. The golems stared up at her, readying their swords, prepared to bat her out of the air like some vicious mockery of a sport. She couldn't withstand the pain. The single blow from before was enough to obliterate her. She needed to protect herself. Be safe. Secure. That was all that mattered. With a last burst of power from her ring, she propelled herself to the side, plummeting toward the boundary of the ring. She crashed into the edge of the field and then rolled safely out of bounds.
The announcer declared her battle over. Thirteen golems decimated, most of them within the first minute. Then, spectacular failure. But she was safe again. That had to count for something.
Jessica rolled over onto her back. She didn't care how many people had seen her burn out. Well, she did, but she tried really, really hard not to think about it. She checked the strength of her ring. Twenty-five percent. She leaned back against the metal grating and closed her eyes.
A Letter of Concern to Those Who May Hear It,
By now, you have likely witnessed the actions taken by our Leader, Nebula Violette, during today's Showcase. For those who are undoubtedly curious about our intent, this open letter is meant to dispel all confusion. Nebula's forfeiture of the Showcase should not be taken as an act of weakness, nor should it be understood to be representative of her abilities. Instead, we intend for the Headmasters of the Royal Huntsmen Academies, the Directors of the Vytal Committee, and the public at large to understand her actions as a statement against the continued injustice committed against us.
Over the past four years, we of Team NDGO have dedicated ourselves to the sanctity of the Huntsmen's mission of progress, protection, and personal responsibility. We have repeatedly demonstrated our abilities and view our acceptance into the Vytal Festival as proof of our talents. However, despite our standards of excellence, our efforts have not been reciprocated by our Kingdom. In fact, we have been deliberately stifled in our attempts to improve the conditions of Huntsmen learning in Shade Academy by our Headmaster, Professor Theodore Lage. The efforts of Headmaster Lage and the Shade staff at large have undermined Huntsmen readiness across our Kingdom and have created a damaging and reckless environment for its student body. We would like to highlight some actions below as examples of their sort-sightedness.
The selection of Teams NTMR, ABRN, and BRNZ for the Vytal Festival, despite none ever reaching top team status at any point during their tenure at Shade. This is part of a long-running trend of ignoring and punishing excellence in the student body for the sake of "diversity in competition".
The refusal to disqualify or substantially punish Team NTMR, and more specifically, Alyx Nevermore, for her disruptive efforts during the opening ceremony. These actions have brought tremendous shame to our Academy, and yet Headmaster Lage refuses to take action against a student who is a danger to herself and the student body.
The decreasing standards for acceptance into the Shade student body. Shade Academy refuses to incorporate a standardized test of performance for its entrance exams, citing unspecific and nonsensical "anti-discrimination efforts". Furthermore, the staff has refused to speak out against the wildly dangerous Faunus Reconstruction and Justice Act, which would allow unqualified, untrained, and undeserving Faunus into Huntsmen Academies, violating a sacred Human tradition that has lasted for generations.
The purging of three professors, Ike Mayflower, Silber Tros, and Camilla Cantaven, for speaking out against the radicalization of the staff under Headmaster Lage. This denial of basic free speech rights has led to a chilling effect across campus and the malignment of bold thinking.
Finally, the demonization of Atlasian culture and heritage. Atlas and Vacuo have a deep and wonderful shared history, including a proud cultural exchange that has lasted for generations. Shade Academy's recent efforts to undermine the Atlasian people, the Faith of Decum Luna, and proud Atlasian culture should disturb anyone interested in tolerance and harmony between our two Kingdoms. These discriminatory practices have no place in our Academy, and their fostering has only intensified under the eyes of a meandering and corrupt Headmaster.
We do not take solace in the necessity of our actions. However, given the circumstances listed above, plus many more impossible to include on this list, we of Team NDGO—Nebula Violette, Dew Gayl, Gwen Darcy, and Octavia Ember—cannot continue to represent Shade Academy or the Kingdom of Vacuo for the Vytal Festival. We feel as though the belief in honor, strength, and honesty are no longer welcome inside our Academy walls, and thus, we do not wish to belong either. We instead formally declare that for the Vytal Festival, and beyond, we will be representing the proud students of Atlas Academy and the Kingdom of Atlas as a whole. We would like to thank Headmaster Ebi for his generosity in accepting us, and we are excited to begin this next step in our journey as Huntresses. While we regret the circumstances that have led to this, we are happy to represent a Kingdom that truly respects Huntresses. We look forward to participating in the tournament in the upcoming days.
Thank you,
Nebula Violette
Dew Gayl
Gwen Darcy
Octavia Ember
"So, uh, this is fucking outrageous, right?"
That sentiment, shared by skater punk Reese Chloris, was widely echoed amongst the group. While Fox Alistair of Team CFVY and Private First Class Wayward Bound of Atlas performed their Showcase in the room next door, the students of Shade Academy were having a furious meeting with their headmaster to figure out what the hell just happened. Well, some of the students. They were down to half now.
Crammed into the nurse's office were nine people. Theodore Lage, Headmaster of Shade, sat down in the only available chair, swiveling around in a circle as he listened to the complaints of his students. Reese Chloris, skater punk, stood in front of him, berating him. Bolin Hori laid down on one of the medical chairs, eyes closed, possibly sleeping through the ordeal. Arslan Altan sat cross-legged on the corner by some cabinets, still sticky with sweat from her Showcase since showering was sacrilege. Nadir Shiko stood cross-armed next to her, sort of acting as a bodyguard but mostly happy to be included. Brawnz Ni, dick, stood next to Reese, trying to stand in front of her to take charge, even as she did all the talking. May Zedong, Sniper Supreme, stood behind him, trying to get a word in. Roy Stallion stood in the other corner, exclusively paying attention to his Scroll instead of the current happenings. Nolan Porfirio was there too, absentmindedly picking through some of the medical supplies left on the counter. Were those swabs for the ear or throat?
"Reese, I understand your frustration," Theodore said calmly, turning around slowly in his swivel chair. "And I'm trying to get clarity as best as I can."
"Clarity? You're the Headmaster!" Reese said, exasperated. "That crate of cunts, Team NDGO badmouthed our school, said a bunch of lies about our professors, and now they're trying to quit to go to Atlas! Like, ain't 'cha gonna punish them or something? Expel them. Kick them out of Vytal. I don't know, do something!"
"Look, this is a very tricky situation," Theodore claimed. "I'm planning on meeting with NDGO this afternoon to see if we can work out what their problems are. They are very rational people, and I'm sure we can reach the source of their issues. In the meantime, they have the same freedom of speech as you do, and can complain about my school as much as they like."
"But—"
"Professor Theodore!" Brawnz's booming voice overpowered Reese, and the punk grumbled as the larger man took charge. "I must say that this little lady raises a valuable point. These sorts of degrading, emasculating comments have no place in our Academy. I think that these girls deserve the fullest punishment we can give them."
"And what would that be?" Theodore asked.
"If they really don't want to represent Shade in Vytal, let's replace them with someone else," Brawnz suggested. "There are plenty of strong Huntsmen who could serve our Academy's goal better. And maybe that will teach them a valuable lesson."
Brawnz spoke of the subject as if it were already decided. And why wouldn't it be? These women abused their platform and disgraced themselves in front of the world stage. Their pesky emotions got the better of them, and now, everyone was talking about them instead of him! Who did they think they were? Put some real men in there… and kick out May, too, while they were at it. The little brat wouldn't stop jumping up and down behind him.
"Actually, I have a—"
"May, we don't need more voices for our team," Brawnz said. May clenched her fists, but there was little she could do in front of her headmaster. However, Reese never gave a shit what authority thought of her.
"Let me guess," Reese groaned. "Their replacements would be dudes?"
"I said… Huntsmen," Brawnz growled. "Are you as deaf as you are ugly?"
"I am going to jam my skateboard up your—"
"Please, please. Calm yourselves," Theo said gently. "There's no reason to bicker. You are all adults. Let us handle this responsibly."
Reese rolled her eyes. Brawnz shrugged his shoulders, knowing that he could dismiss the opinion of anyone who didn't come up to his elbow. May continued jumping, eagerly trying to get Theo's attention. In the brisk silence, she got it.
"Professor, there's something I don't understand," she said, struggling to keep up.
"Go ahead, May," Theo smiled.
"So, like… Team NDGO just declared that they work for Atlas now," May said. "But like… can they actually do that? I mean, Atlas already has sixteen people in Vytal. Aren't they not allowed to have more?"
Theo nodded happily. "That's a wonderful question, May, and you are correct. It's part of the reason I don't feel there are any steps needed at this moment. I have already talked to the Vytal Committee about this. This has never happened before, so they had to check a few ancient rules. But apparently, since Atlas's spots are already filled, Team NDGO cannot join their Academy for Vytal. It also doesn't make sense for us to replace them with another team, given that Vytal is starting so soon. As such, we should probably consider Team NDGO's statements to be… symbolic."
"Symbolic?" said Reese, frustrated.
"Symbolic?" said May, confused.
"Symbolic?" said Brawnz, not knowing what the word meant.
"Symbolic," Theodore nodded. "It will be a little awkward until I can speak with Team NDGO again, but rest assured, they are Shade students through and through. Same as Team NTMR."
"But…" Reese stammered. "But that's…"
"That's my decision. I hope you respect it."
Reese pouted, tugging on the edges of her hoodie. Ridiculous bullshit. NDGO had basically thrown them all under the bus, diminished their achievements, and then cozied up to a bunch of fascists. With this and Team NTMR's shenanigans during the opening ceremony, the world was basically treating her like a joke. There should be some consequences for this. At least a public denouncement, or something. NTMR was gonna get it worse for doing a stupid dance! But Theodore seemed unwilling to take those steps, and apparently, he couldn't even if he wanted to. Which, of course, he didn't. As long as someone under his tutelage succeeded, he wouldn't care if they dropped their pants in front of the cameras and crapped on the Vacuon flag. It was a carefree spirit that, contrary to NDGO's claims, let some of the worst people thrive unsupervised.
Still, it raised a billion questions that Reese couldn't parse. Did Atlas work out a deal with them beforehand? Would they be quitting Shade and finishing their semester at Atlas Academy? What would even be the point in that when they basically had no school left? NDGO were seniors. Like, would Atlas just give them a diploma and pat them on the back? Maybe it was, like, they would graduate from Vacuo and then take jobs in Atlas after school. But didn't Atlas have a whole different Huntsmen exam to take? Would they get a pass? Would NDGO have to join the military like the other Atlasian Huntsmen?
All in all, it struck Reese as something done without much forethought. A publicity stunt conjured in the spur of the moment to give a microphone to their bitchy little complaints. And honestly, for a team that had complained so much about Team NTMR "being disruptive" and "bringing shame", using a Showcase to take a knee was pretty fucking hypocritical.
"Bluntly… who cares about any of this?" The room was silenced as Arslan suddenly spoke. She didn't move from her spot on the floor and barely seemed to change her expression. Yet, she spoke with an authority so great that even the misogynists of BRNZ were forced to listen.
"I care," Reese stated. "This matters a lot."
"No, it doesn't," Arslan countered. "We all fight for ourselves in this tournament. It does not matter whether we wrap their corpse in the Vacuon flag or the Atlasian. If we face them, we strike them down. No mercy. Same as any of you."
Her dark eyes shifted among the room, basically daring the others to react. May tried to look tough. Brawnz sneered at her. However, the sharpest reaction came from Nolan, who had been, up until that point, letting the others speak for him—as he had so often in his life. However, armed with an electric fury and the knowledge that Arslan was worn out from her Showcase, he took on the challenge.
"Hey, what do you think you're saying?" he asked, pointing a menacing finger at her.
Arslan said nothing.
"You think you are so tough, huh?" Nolan approached Arslan as if he would actually attack her. "Oh, just because you are a weird freaky monk lady, we are supposed to take you seriously? Dumb bitch."
Arslan said nothing. Nolan took another step forward, but Nadir Shiko stepped in between the Brawnz-wannabe and his team leader.
"You—enough with the disrespect," he warned.
"Or what, Pink Hair?" Nolan asked him, his face clenching like a sphincter.
"You wanna go now?" Nadir asked back, standing like the proud warrior he theoretically was.
"I heard you already got tazed once," Nolan stated. "Wanna get shocked again?"
"That's just a rumor! I am the Honorable Blade of Team ABRN! I will not be disrespected."
"Honorable Blade? That name is gay."
Theodore stood up suddenly, clapping his hands together.
"Everyone, please. Stop fighting, I urge you."
Nolan and Nadir were stopped in their tracks. Their much-anticipated bout had to be postponed… for now. Though they kept glaring at each other with great anger. Arslan hadn't moved during the entire ordeal, so unintimidated that she literally didn't even bother to blink. Brawnz didn't appreciate his teammate backing down. Reese continued to mentally bash her head against the wall.
"Now, listen, this is very important," Theodore implored them. "While NDGO will continue to represent this school, many in the media aren't going to view it that way. With this latest incident, and Team NTMR's actions during the Opening Ceremony, there is going to be a greater microscope on Shade Academy than ever before. While I am all for you living your truest lives, for your sake, it is crucial that you eight carry yourselves to the best of your ability."
"So… what?" Reese asked. "Want me to wear a dress?"
"I just mean to act appropriately," Theodore suggested. "Don't engage with the media's bait. Don't attack each other in public. Show that Shade can produce strong, honorable Huntsmen and Huntresses. I know that our Kingdom is often looked down upon, but I don't want you to internalize that negativity. I chose you all because I genuinely believe in you all. Please, remember that."
Reese sighed. Generic, inspiring message. But like… what else was she supposed to take away from that? Her team always pulled their weight. Hell, Arslan would pull all of their weight for them. But nothing Theo said soothed the bitterness toward her classmates. She would internalize it… and maybe let it all out if she happened to run into some traitorous bitches during the Festival.
Brawnz, receiving the slightest amount of praise, nodded his head enthusiastically. "Yessir. I will not let you down. Wait till they see me during the Showcase. I'm going to smash those golems into pieces and break the record for the glory of our Kingdom."
Theodore just looked at Brawnz, confused. "Hmm?"
Brawnz stared back at him. "What?"
Theo gasped. "Oh… I forgot to tell you this morning. How silly of me? My mistake."
"Tell me what?"
"You aren't doing the Showcase."
"What?"
"May is."
The news hit Team BRNZ like a shotgun blast. Nolan screamed in rage. Brawnz turned to the small sniper with rage in his soul. Even Roy Stallion looked up from his Scroll for half a second. May Zedong, the youngest competitor in Vytal history, just stood there in disbelief.
"I'm… what?" she asked, stunned. "I'm doing the Showcase?"
"Yep," Theo nodded. "And you're up right after this current match finishes."
Reese Chloris simply burst out laughing.
May's eyes went wide. Her entire body trembled with excitement. Her. Showcase. Doing. Next. Sniping. Her. Not Brawnz. Not Roy. Not Nolan. Her. Showcase. May. Showcase. Her. Fight. Shoot. Next.
Brawnz stamped his foot, his lip drooping like a petulant child. "Professor, you cannot be serious. She is going to make a mockery of the entire Showcase!"
"Oh, I hardly believe that," Theo stated. "She's an extremely talented sniper. And I think us giving the spotlight to someone so young and so talented will be a great morale boost."
"But… but… look at her!" Brawnz protested. "Look at me!" He flexed. Theodore seemed unimpressed.
"Yes, yes, your muscles are quite impressive," Theo admitted. "But, well… don't you think May deserves some time in the spotlight?"
No! No, Brawnz did not. May deserved to be shoved into a locker. Like a nerd. A little stupid nerd with a dumb head. Look at her, giddy with excitement like a child. She couldn't handle this responsibility. He would not stand for this. He could not stand for this. He demanded that May surrender the opportunity to him at once, to let the alpha of the group showcase his dominance. However, May was so incredibly excited that there would be nothing to talk her down. She was going to do the Showcase, come hell or high water.
So, Brawnz did the one thing he could do. He walked out.
"Come on, boys, we're leaving," he declared angrily. He never even bothered to articulate his argument, the sheer gall of Theo's actions enough to stifle him. He marched out of the room, Nolan obediently following behind. Roy had to be dragged along as well. He wasn't even sure why they were leaving.
With most of BRNZ gone, Arslan stood up as well.
"I guess this is over, then," she stated. She had learned nothing valuable from the meeting. She needed to bathe and meditate before dinner. She calmly walked over to Bolin and patted him on the chest. The always relaxed member of Team ABRN hadn't really fallen asleep. He simply saw no need to intervene in any of the drama. He was, however, quite tired, and looked forward to taking a nap. He hopped off the medical chair and raised his palm to Theodore on his way out of the room.
"Great talk, Prof," he said casually. Theodore, of course, high-fived him.
Arslan and Nadir followed closely behind, though Reese lingered momentarily. She took a few moments to calm down from her outburst. Seriously, little May Zedong getting the Showcase? Poor thing deserved it. Reese had a strange sympathy for the sniper. She reminded her an awful lot of herself. Reckless. Desperate to prove herself. Looked down on by everyone in authority. If there was one person Reese wanted to win Vytal outside of her team, it was the little sniper who could. In a school of freaks, assholes, and narcissists, May was something normal. A little too excited to shoot people, but hey, for a Huntress? That was pretty tame.
Reese enthusiastically slapped May on the back, flashing her a thumbs up as she left the room. "Break a leg, girl! Show 'em what Shade is capable of!"
The young sniper, still trembling from excitement, took the message to heart. Theodore chose her, above all the others, to prove her case. To show her talents. To belong.
May grinned eagerly.
Oh, yes.
She would break so many legs… by shooting them in the head.