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❄️// Volume 1, Chapter 2:
Like Lambs...

❄️// Jasper

"...And most importantly," Winter's voice continues as I ride down the elevator, "There will also be varying degrees of enemies. So it'd serve you well to always be on your guard. Lastly, I'll leave with three rules to remember. One: The first person you make contact with will be your partner for the next four years… Assuming they haven't already been paired off." Winter says, wondering how partners would get split up in the first place. "Rule two, you and your partner must find one of the lockboxes with sensitive Atlas military documents scattered across the landscape, and leave with them. The details of escape will be provided later. And the final rule?" Winter chuckles, "Do not forget what matters most."Then the elevator speakers click as I'm left with my confused thoughts. "Huh." I finally say a minute or so later, "...Okay then." Suddenly I'm rocked as the elevator stops as I reach onto my back and pull out my collapsed hammer and stretch it out to it's full seven feet in length as I grip the hammer staff, a countdown screen displaying in front of me.

3...2..1.

And the moment it fizzles out, the lights above me fade as well. As the doors creak open, I look forward as I immediately cover my eyes from a bright light. As I take in the scenery, my mind immediately turns to Amity Colosseum, known for it's highly changing combat zones. I step out of the elevator to find myself in some kind of... Jungle? Or, not exactly as accurate... It seems more like some kind of desert oasis, like what I've read about Vacuo in school.I take a sharp breath, gripping my hammer handles as as I press a hidden button as the hammer heads spin around, glowing a light that displays the different dust cartridges stored within. When I was making my weapon at Hyperion Academy, the prep school Amethyst and I went to, I was worried about making a weapon entirely by myself. But then, when I learned how mechanical the process was.... In the end, all it took was a little creativity and tapping into my inner craftsman.... Which I guess I have my Dad to thank for that.I'm quickly thrown out of my thoughts, wiping my forehead as the heat starts to set in. Maybe being dressed for the cold wasn't the best idea. I look down at my clothes: A sleeveless hoodie, black cycling shorts and long red hiking boots, with my beanie strapped on the back of my head. Not exactly the worst outfit for the heat, but definitely not the best either. I narrow my eyes, blocking the sun and trying to look out and see... something. Anything, really. But nothing for what seems like endless miles. I sigh, swiveling around and trying to spot something, somewhere. When we were boarding the elevators, I remember the brief Winter gave us all: "Hunt down for the sensitive Atlesian materials and bring them to safety via one of the many four person elevators lining the edge of the Initiation. In order to succeed, you must not forget what matters most." I sigh, looking up at the sun as it's blocked out by a hard-light hologram with a timer on it. Ticking down from 4 minutes and 15 seconds.... with no indication of what it's ticking to. I slide open my Scroll to sync the timer, just to find it's already been synced.... When did they have time to do that?I'm left wondering what the timer could be as I start walking closer towards the thicket of jungle trees and bushes in the oasis, hoping there's some materials here somewhere.... But my mind keeps wandering back. What could the timer be? The end of the Initiaition? No, can't be THAT fast... Maybe some kind of race before something disappears? Or-I'm cut off as I hear a gun click, as I whip around to see an Atlesian Knight 130 staring me down as I yelp and get into a fighting stance and grip my hammer. How did I not hear it sneaking up on me? These things are NOT subtle. I need to get my thoughts under control.... I think as it's guns begin to spin. Just as I prepare to knock away some of the bullets with my hammer, a blur of red flies toward the Atlesian Knight from behind as a loud metal CRUNCH! can be heard while a long red-tinted blade stabs through it's chest. A flame flashes outward as the red light of the Knight fades as it tumbles forward. As the Atlesian Knight falls, standing upright with a smirk on her face is some girl, inspecting the oil dripping off her blade with intrigue.

Short wavy silver bangs, tipped with red, while a massive amount of hair is pulled back into a long ponytail. Her pale skin is flushed from the desert heat, but she at least looks far more desert ready than me with decently thin clothes that seem more suited to shielding the heat than keeping it in.Short wavy silver hair, her bangs tipped with red with the rest pulled back into a very long ponytail. Her pale skin is flushed from the desert heat, no doubt being helped by her equally warm outfit as my own. A short skirted red and silver... dress? It's hard to say exactly what kind of dress it really is certainly. Underneath it looks like she has long leather thigh high boots strapped to her matching brown shorts, all of it topped off with a short black hood and cloak around her neck, bolted together by a red gem. I take a closer look at her blade, still unsure of what kind of metal it could be, or maybe it's infused with fire Dust for the vibrant red color? Her eyes, a deep metallic grey, lock onto my own for a moment before she looks around."Hm," She starts, "Appears like you're alone, unlike the last one I ran into." She wipes off her blade with a quick swipe of her hand before twirling and sheathing it into the black belt around her waist, with another smaller blade resting next to it."Last...One?" I ask in confusion as she nods."Green eyes. Bad temper. An extraordinarily good fighter, though. Now let's see…" She then kneels down and starts inspecting the robot corpse. After a few minutes I nervously clear my throat."You, uh- Looking for anything specific, or-""The 'Special Materials', but it looks like they aren't here... Damn, we'll have to keep looking elsewhere." She then hops back upright with a 'Hup!' before brushing herself off and holding out her hand to me. "Seems you and I are together as partners for the next four years. Ashe Sparks, at your service.""Jasper..." I start before nervously shaking my head, "Er- Jasper Quartz. So what should we-" She interrupts me as she whips out her Scroll."-Uh oh." Ashe cuts me off before tilting her Scroll just in time for me to see the timer on her screen ticking to zero.Suddenly, a loud DING can be heard just before I hear some sort of intercom with Winter's voice, "Environment is about to cycle, Prospectives. Brace yourselves." She says as it flicks off when suddenly we start to float in the air while purple lights fly around us. No way... Gravity Dust too?! Just how much have they put into this? I think before the ground begins to move below us as it rotates far into the distance and is picking up speed while another climate flies in, what looks like a snowy landscape like Atlas. Unfortunately the comfortability doesn't last long as the cycling continues and goes faster and faster, almost making me dizzy."Well, I was expecting something and it was not this!" Ashe cries out.Suddenly, the ground stops moving almost instantaneously, stopping on very hilly green terrain with chunks of floating islands flying around us like the islands of Lake Matsu in Mistral. And not long after the field of Gravity Dust starts to fade as we quickly begin plummeting to the ground. I gasp as I feel a wind current fly by us from the various mountain ranges as I stretch my hands out. Suddenly the winds wrap around us as we more gently, but still pretty harshly, tumble to the ground. I land straight on my butt with a yelp of pain as Ashe lands perfectly on her feet.I groan as Ashe helps pick me up, "What... What was that? Your Semblance?" She asks as I nod with a wince."Yeah… I don’t really have a name for it, but my sister calls it ‘Whirlwind’. I can control wind currents. And with enough power and concentration, make my own.Ashe smirks, "Hm. That will be very useful for us going forward." She then continues brushing herself off as she scoops her sword off the ground, which must've been knocked loose while we were landing, "Although I’ll admit, I’ve never seen a Semblance quite like yours before… Very different from my own, to be sure." She says as I raise an eyebrow at her."What do you mean by that? What's your Semblance?"Ashe shakes her head as she re-sheathes her sword in her belt, "No time. We need to find one of the lockboxes and get moving towards an exit. Atlas Academy is known for high standards, and we’ll most certainly want to make a good-"She's cut off by a roar as we turn to look over the hill next to us and see a Sabyr digging it's claws into the hill and snarling at us."No way…" I call out as I whip out my hammer and stretch out the staff, "They have Grimm in here too?!""Huh," Ashe grunts, "Seems Atlas Academy spares no expense. Luckily there seems to only be the one... For now, at least. Just stand back, and I'll-"She's once again cut off as a large blade rips through the body of the Sabyr as it cries out in pain before collapsing and dissolving into black smoke.I dip my hammer, completely stunned as Ashe just blinks, "Once again: I was expecting something, and it did not go as planned one bit."I'm quickly pulled out of my own short thoughts as Ashe slides back, her dress and cape billowing as she unsheathes her sword with one hand. I pull my hammer off my back as I look atop the hill to see a growling Sabyr digging it's claws into the dirt as it snarls at the sight of us. "Grimm are in here too?!" I cry out, extending my hammer until it's full sized and grip the handle tightly. "Atlas Academy really spares no expense, huh?" I say as Ashe remains silent, I turn to see she is, at least I think, preparing to jump forward as her boots dig into the dirt.But before any of us, Grimm included, could make a move the Sabyr is suddenly slashed in half with a loud yelp. "Did you two seriously think that was the only Sabyr?" I hear an unfamiliar voice say, and I watch as two figures climb atop the hill. A boy and a girl, the boy staring down with a massive scythe on his back as his red eyes can be seen from here."Need a little help?"

❄️// Amethyst

I groan, struggling to pick my boots up out of the mud. Damn it... Of all things to happen... I think as I try to think of how I even ended up like this. I got out of my elevator, struggled around a desert for five minutes before getting flung into the air, the entire world shifted around, and then I get slammed back down into a mudslide along a mountain. The worst part... I think to myself as I finally get out of the mud and onto the grass. I look down with a gasp and a pout as my beautiful long red boots are now drenched in mud. Fantastic.I groan, wiping as much of the mud off as I can before digging out my saber. Suddenly I gasp, as a thought occurred to me.... Here's hoping this works, doesn't backfire and have Dad absolutely annihilate me.... I reach into my skirt pocket, digging out my pocket watch. I concentrate for a moment as I think about my fantastic red boots in perfect condition.... And my tail hidden, of course. I work my Charm back into the watch as I feel Dad's Aura wash over me again, watching as my tail stays hidden and..."Aha!" I call out, twirling around in my boots that are now back to their beautiful self. "It's definitely not a permanent solution, but that sure helps!" I say, tossing the pocket watch in the air before catching it again with ease. That's a new trick... And it'll probably come in handy, too. I think to myself.

"LOOK OUT!" I hear someone cry out, but by then it was far too late for me to turn around.

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❄️// Volume 1, Chapter 3:
...To The Slaughter

I wanted to turn around, but it was already way too late when I finally did even despite the loud warning. I only get time to turn and see a Sabyr charging at me before it crashes directly into me, it's white bone coverings crashing directly into my ribs..... Even with calling up my defensive Aura, it still hurt a lot.I get knocked to the ground, clutching my ribs as I look up to the Sabyr atop me, it's gold and red eyes glaring down at me as it licks it's lips. I growl, summoning all of my strength to kick it's belly which luckily knocks it back a bit. I swiftly reach around and twirl out my flint lock before shooting it a few times in the belly, right where I kicked to add insult to the injury. I climb to my feet, wiping my mouth before using my left hand to reach down and unsheathe my cutlass, holding it up as I kick my boots into the ground holding both my sword and gun forward.... Daring the Grimm to come closer with a smirk.But just as it looks about to pounce, it yells in pain and bounds past me as I look to see someone behind it... A Dark skinned boy with freckles, as well as short curly hair with his bangs dyed a similar electric green to his eyes... That also look like they're glowing? He has his arm whipped around, and a sword floating through the air and connected to a device on his back with a pair of very thin wires that seems to follow his hand motion.

The boy then stands back up straight, adjusting his black and green vest as the blades hover above his shoulders. Our eyes, for a very short moment, lock eyes.... Which as previously said means he must be my partner for the next four years...He helped me at least, so that must be a good sign... Right? I shake my head out of these thoughts, brushing off my dress before loading a new lineup of dust propelled ammo into my pistol. And without hesitation I aim up and fire several times into the Sabyr's back, right into the wound the boy sliced into it's back causing it howl in pain as it's claws dig into the grass.Without even saying a word, the boy leaps forward with his swords trailing behind him but as his raises his arms upward the swords follow his motion as they raise into the air above him. And as he jumps in the air and landing on the ground with a stomp, his swords fly down towards it's back. But, the Grimm was prepared as it whipped it's head around causing one sword to fly off the bone and the other to wrap around one of it's tusks. The Sabyr then whips it's head around again throwing the boy across the hill as he tumbles to the ground with a loud groan of pain, his pitch black Aura crackling.Without saying anything, the boy leaps forward with the swords trailing behind him as he jumps into the air, raising his arms as the swords follow his hand motions and rise above him aimed down at the Grimm. As he lowers his arms, the swords fly down... But the Grimm is prepared this time, twisting it's head as one sword bounces off the large fangs and the other wraps around one. The Sabyr then tugs it's head down as the boy yells, being crashed into the ground as his Aura crackles for a moment.The Sabyr then raises it's tusks into the air, seemingly prepared to slam them into... Or possibly even through the boy. But, before it could, a blur of red and brown flies by and crashed into the beast with a loud howl. I finally can see what happened: a tan red haired girl has two handheld sickles stabbed into the Grimm's back, as her feet dig into the ground while she groans with effort."Hurry!" She calls out, "I cannot hold it for much longer!" She says, turning to me with pleading golden eyes.I immediately whip my sword around, jumping forward as I take advantage of it's inability to move and slice across it's neck, beheading it as it falls to the ground before quickly dissolving into black mist.And without hesitation, both quickly leap to the ground and start helping the boy up as he groans in pain. I smile at the girl, "Thank you for your help.... I probably could've handled it, but I'm still very thankful." I say as she smiles.I heard your battle from a short bit away, and it only seemed right to see if you needed help...which it seemed you most certainly did....." She said as she looks down at the boy who scoffs and pushes off the both of us."As if." He says, rolling his eyes as I notice they're no longer glowing, his swords having retreated into some kind of pack on his back, "I was getting my bearings again as the purple one was about to distract it. Your assistance was.... helpful," He says with a very clear amount of forcing, "...but assuredly unnecessary." He says, wiping off his arms and legs as the girl and I share a quick glance at one another."Right.... Of course. My apologies." She says, clearly not in belief of her words.I sigh, sheathing my sword and pistol before rolling my eyes with my arms crossed, "Man... What a super nice partner I'm getting...." I then cross my arms and say slightly quieter, "Wish I'd have locked eyes with anyone else in this damn place…." I say I'm annoyance as the boy whips around the glare at me."Don't be a pest. Besides, I already have a partner." He says with his own arms crossed, "....Wherever that annoying boy ran off to...." He says before shaking his head with a sigh. "So you two ladies have fun getting along." He says before brushing his bangs out of his eyes before turning on his heels to walk off. He pauses for a moment, "As if friendliness or our partners were to be the main goal of this test." He says, peeking an eye back at us.I just sigh, "So.... You just ditched your partner I'm guessing?""Didn't need to." He said turning back with his arms crossed, "That fists first Faunus boy I can barely even call a 'partner' barreled off after barely any conversation." He says as I can't help but snicker a bit."I mean..." I start, "Can you really blame him...?" I say as he just scoffs again and storms off down the hill, jumping easily over the mudslide I got my boots all dirty in.I just roll my eyes as he storms off, turning to the girl with a smile. "Thanks again for the help. I'm Amethyst, by the way. Amethyst Quartz." I say as she smiles and shakes my head before backing up and bowing."A pleasure to meet you, Miss Amethyst. I’m Bloom. Er- or Meadow Bloom, if you so wish... And it seems we're going to be partners." Bloom says as I quickly smile.

"Not to be any more rude to Mister Magic Swords but..... I think this is a much better arrangement." I say, before I sigh and turn back to the way he stormed off. "Speaking of...." I say, trailing off as I turn back to Bloom with a weak smile.Bloom raises an eyebrow, "You... Wish to follow him? Even after all he said?" She says as I nod sadly."It's... Hard to describe, but I've always had a knack for people. He.... He has a good heart in there, I think." I say with a sigh, shaking my head, "Besides, he almost died a minute ago. It'd be basically criminal negligence if we let him go off on his own and get killed." I say as Bloom smiles in reply."You are a very kind and heartful person, Miss Amethyst." She waves her hand in the direction the boy ran off in. "After you." Bloom says as I smirk and quickly sprint after him.

❄️// Ashe

I narrow my eyes at the two atop the hillside, studying them with a large amount of unease as the tanned dark haired boy whips his scythe around and rests on his back with both hands over top."Need a little help?" He says, grinning devilishly while the brunette and lime haired fox girl smirk at me with a quick wave. Next to me, Jasper sighs in relief as he shrinks hammer staff and holster the hammer along his backside. But as he goes to walk forward I swiftly sheath my sword, holding out an arm to stop him as I whip out my knife and glare at the two figures above us."Why.... Why did you help us? What does slaying a Grimm for us do for you?" I ask, confused. After life in Vacuo, and on the run, one thing is certain: Nothing is ever free. Nothing.The boy just groans, standing and twirling his scythe in the air before slamming the larger blade in the ground and resting along the staff, a large BOOM! echoing out. "Alright, fine, you got me. It's not so much of a kindness, as it is a....." He thinks for a moment, tapping his chin. "....let's call it a win-win situation." He says, grinning once again ever so widely.I cautiously sheath my knife, lower my arm from Jasper as I cross my arms, "Go on...." I say. In life I've learned nothing is free... But I've also learned that such 'win win' scenarios are the more trustworthy ones. When everyone benefits... There's less reason to doubt.The boy turns to nod at the fox girl who just smirks with a nod before kneeling down and picking something up, and then immediately tossing it to us. It flatters to the ground at our feet, revealing it's nothing more than a metal lockbox. Until I look closer, and recognize the Kingdom of Atlas stamp on the top."Is..." Jasper looks up at the two of them, "....Is this.....?" He trails off as the fox girl giggles."Yup! The 'Sensitive Materials' for our test. Turns out there's a bunch of boxes full of folders with Atlas stamps on 'em." She whimpers, rubbing her stomach with a pout, "Sucks, too.... I was hoping it'd have some kinda lunch in it. Been too long I've had one of my mom's world famous Bun Burgers." She says sadly as a loud growl can be heard from her stomach...as loud as a Grimm, which causes the boy next to her to glare immensely at her with a look of disgust as she just smirks at him with her tongue out.

The boy glares at the fox girl, "I really wish you'd shut up more often."I rest my hands on my hips with a sigh, "And your giving this to us, because.....?"The boy groans again, rolls his eyes as he kneels down and stands back up holding yet another lockbox. "Cuz it turns out Foxy over here found one just like I did before we met up. So it only made sense to find some strong competition, give them an incentive and find the exit together.... Which'll surely be a dangerous lil trip." He says, topping it off once again with his devilish grin."So...." I start, "In exchange for our ticket to victory... We protect each other?" I ask as he nods."Pretty much. You lot get a dumb box we don't even need, and we all get to be just that little bit safer as we look for the exit. Sounds pretty fair, doesn't it?" He says with his usual curved grin. "So.... We got a deal?" He asks.Jasper nods before turning to me, "I mean... It sounds pretty good. I think we go for it, Ashe."I huff, shaking my head, "I don't even know your names. How am I supposed to make a deal with you?" I say as he groans."Fiiiine. The name is Zephyr. Foxy over here is Lily. Ya good now?" He asks with an annoyed raise of an eyebrow.But, before anyone could say anything, the ground began to shake as I whipped out my Scroll.... And quickly notice several minutes still left on the timer. We can't be already changing the environment..... Can we?And right on queue, the bright purple energy lights up the air as we all start levitating off the ground, awaiting for whatever new scenery might be ahead.

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❄️// Volume 1, Chapter 4:
Frost on the Walls

❄️// Bloom

It took us a few minutes, but eventually Miss Amethyst and I managed to finally catch up to.... 'The Boy'? Classmate? Fellow Initiate? Fellow Prospective? It's hard to dub him more properly without having been actually introduced to one another.....then again, it might indeed be better off seeing less of.... Him. Although at least Miss Amethyst wishes to do the right thing by ensuring his safety..... Even despite his actions being less than deserving of it.And right on time, almost as if to prove my very point, the Boy turns to on his heels to groan at us, "Do you two seriously have to follow me? I mean, just WHY?" He cries out angrily as I momentarily, if regrettably so, question the same.However, to my great surprise, Miss Amethyst just grins through it with ease. "It’s because people have to STICK TOGETHER. That’s literally how the Kingdoms work, sticking together. Working together. I mean- That’s Outdoor Survival 101, did you never learn that?" She asks as he just groans yet again, rolling his lime colored eyes as he turns back to where he was walking across this flat plain between several hills, rubbing the bridge of his nose while doing so before he continues walking, "Just don’t be so annoying about it." He says as I turn to Miss Amethyst stunned."Did you know he was going to…?" I trail off as she smirks at me."Had a strong bet on it." Miss Amethyst says with a grin, "I’m a bit of a people person."The boy loudly clears his throat as he calls out to us, "If you mean stalker, you’re right on the money."And finally, after a good few minutes walking pass with not a single word in awkward silence. Surprisingly enough, he just huffs and breaks the silence, "Percy. Percy Cliff. I overheard you two talking earlier, and if your just gonna keep being and annoying and following me, it'll make it easier knowing each other's names." He says as Miss Amethyst smiles, while I'm left at a loss for both of them.After all my time in Mistral.... The life I lived there.... It left me so unable to react in any dishonest manner, putting up with so many horrendous people of all kinds.... It was hard. Living that life was hard.... And now I'm left at such an inability to lie. I lied so long about how I felt, how one pompous brat looked better than her sister, how one father ordered me to lie to his wife if asked about promiscuous behavior.... It is- was a difficult life to live. But thankfully... That's behind me now.I shake my head out of my thoughts, tuning back into reality as Percy turns back to Miss Amethyst, "Your name was Amethyst Quartz.... Correct? As in the Quartz family from the Crystal Cat Company? Well known for its grand.... 'association' with the Schnee Dust Company?" Percy asks, and for the first time not in an annoyed tone. More.... Confused? Perhaps even intrigued?Miss Amethyst puts on a forced smile that I'd recognize a mile away, "Yup! Th-that’s me alright. Likely future heiress, too…." She huffs as she crosses her arms, "Especially considering my brother has practically ZERO ties to that whole mess." She says as she walks a little bit ahead of me, her ponytail swishing out of the way for a moment as I spot a cat face emblem emblazoned on the back of her red jacket.He turns to look at her with a confused look, an eyebrow raised as he stares at her with his bright green eyes, "You... Talk as if you don't want it? Curious...." He laughs for a moment as he turns back, "Curious like the crystal cat, heh." Percy says as Amethyst rubs her forearm with an uneased look on her face as he says that."Its... Just not for me, I guess. Being a stuffy office woman... Not really appealing to me. Probably not Jasper, either...." She says trailing off, sounding very fond of her brother. And their seeming mutual connection of not wanting to inherit their company. Then again, it makes sense seeing as being a Huntsman or Huntress is a life time thing, not just something you can toss aside when business rises.Percy just shakes his head, "Well... What about-"He gets cut off by a very loud roar nearby. A rather unfamiliar roar at that.... But still undoubtedly Grimm.Miss Amethyst furrows her brow, "That's.... That's odd. I've heard a lot of Grimm roars but that one sounded..... New."Percy nods, looking equally confused, "Doesn't sound very familiar to me, either." He says as I step forward, pulling my sickles from my hip."That's because it's the roar of an Ursa. Rarely seen in Solitas." I shake my head in confusion, "It's very strange, they're usually only found in Southern Anima or Central and Northern Sanus...." I say, remembering the emphasis on Northern Sanus, knowing the Vale region is one of the biggest homes of Ursa.We all run forward to the edge of the hill, Percy and Miss Amethyst pulling out their weapons as we all stare down at.... A rather startling sight. At least three Ursa, with another one already dissolving away.In the center of the Grimm crowd stands a tall, buff Faunus boy with a long brunette wolf tail waving out from his backside, matching his long messy brunette hair. Along his tanned fair skin, scars are littered across of all shapes and sizes. Honestly, the most fascinating part of him is how he seems to be holding his own.He grins wildly at one of the Ursa's, causing it to back up. But just as it does, he punches his metal gauntlet forward as a blade shoots out the side of it and lodges into the back of the Ursa while attached by nothing but a thin wire, even thinner than the ones on Percy's swords.Just as the blade lodges into the Grimm's back, he pulls his fist back as the wires recede back into the gauntlet dragging the Ursa with it.And just as it gets closer, the wolf punches forward and with a flash of yellow, lightning surges out of the punch.... Straight through the Grimm's back and surging sparks out of it's stomach.

And once it all stops, the Ursa falls forward motionless as it begins to dissolve.The wolf boy seems to turn his head to us from afar... Which makes sense that he could spot us from such a distance, we each do have very distinct colors all varying heavily from the landscape around us. He waves at us for a moment, before turning around to an Ursa about to swipe at him as he jumps upward and dodges the slice. But it gets more unexpected, as he leaps onto it's head and punches both fists down... And with a flash of white, a massive burst of wind both pushes him down and cracks the neck of the Ursa. He's propelled up to us and lands down right in front of us with ease and a massive thud, leaving cracks and a decent sized crater in the ground.Miss Amethyst chuckles both nervously and in surprise, "Uh... That was really awesome! But, uh... Aren't you worried about the last one following you?" She says as he shakes his head, his brown eyes full of energy."Not after the beating it just watched me give all it's friends. These big Ursa's seem a lot smarter than the ones at the North end of Vacuo.... Which usually means that they'll retreat when they see a greater force like me." He says with a goofy grin as we all look past him to see he's right.... The last Ursa seems to have ran off."Yeah..." He starts again, "Atlas musta worked real hard to get these ones all the way here. Must've been one helluva-" He cuts himself off in annoyance as he looks over at Percy. "...damnit. You again?" He asks, a tired look in his eyes as Percy just rolls his own with a groan."For the last time, whether or not either of us like it, we are partners, Furball." He says in a higher level of irritation than Miss Amethyst and I have heard yet.Miss Amethyst takes the opportunity of momentary silence to step in between them, "Alright boys, let's all just calm down so we can figure out what we're gonna do next, okay?" She says as the both of them just grumble but eventually and reluctantly calm down, both of them barking out an annoyed, 'Fine.'Finally, Miss Amethyst turns to the wolf boy, "So what even is your name exactly?" She asks as he salutes in excitement."Name's Rowan Everstone, ma'am! But uh... Just Rowan works, heh." He says, nervously rubbing his neck.Miss Amethyst smirks with a hand on her hip, "Cute. Amethyst Quartz," She starts, waving a hand over her chest before waving one over to Percy and I, "My buds over there are Percy Cliff, the green one, and the one in the glasses is my partner Meadow Bloom- But uh, she just prefers Bloom."I give a quick curtsy, which isn't easy without a skirt, "Pleased to meet you, Sir Everstone." I say, remembering a rule for many years to refer to men with their last name. And the more I think on that, the worse I feel, so I quickly shake my head out of those thoughts and listen as Rowan eagerly replies."So glad to make some friends so fast! Most of the people at my old school in Vacuo weren't very talkative...." He then gasps as his eyes grow wide, his tail swishing behind him, "That reminds me! Follow me down here, I've got something to show you." He says before turning around and sliding back down the hill he climbed. After a momentary shared look between the three of us, we follow him down the hill to where he was fighting mere moments ago.Once we all reached the bottom, Rowan kneels down and swiftly stands back up holding two metallic lockboxes. "I’m like… Maybe 90% sure these are the ‘Special Materials’ they were talkin’ about? The other 10% of me has these thinking they’re just some kinda lunch boxes. And since there’s two, you ladies can have one, and I get one to share with…. Sir Moody."Percy just glares at him, "Charming."Rowan hurries forward and plops one into Amethyst's hands as she just stares stunned at it, "I...." She shakes her head, "Wow. Thanks, Rowan." She says as he grins wide, resting his fists at his sides.I nod in agreement, "Indeed, we're very thankful for this gift Sir Everstone."Rowan blushes in embarrassment, "Uh, just Rowan is fine, thanks."I embarrasingly blush in return as I bow in apology, "Of course! My apologies, thank you for the gift, Sir Rowan!"Rowan puts on a weak smile as he nods, "....Right. No, uh... No problem."Percy huffs and claps loudly for our attention, "Well, with that sickeningly sweet scene over, let's get back to the task at hand? We still need to find-"Percy gets cut off as the ground begins to shake. I look around at the timer boards, which swiftly fizzle away just in time for me to see that it had not run out yet. Which begs the question.... What is happening now?Immediately, we all once again begin levitating into the air with the shimmer and purple glow of Gravity Dust all around us. And, just as the environment begins to cycle, I feel the end of our Initiation is promptly approaching.

❄️// Jasper

As the environment continues to cycle, I feel a sharp chill of anxiety run through me. What could be coming next? I try wracking my brain of all the environments in the Vytal Tournament, seeing as this whole cycling environments thing is pretty similar to what I saw watching the Vytal Tournament on TV with Amethyst and Dad.And, as the cycling begins to slow, I quickly recognize a familiar sight.... A long, plain tundra with slight hills, a few mountains, but mainly flat land stretching as far as the eye can see all around us. And, instead of an abrupt fall like all the times before, we slowly lower to the ground with ease.But, immediately departing from the calm tendencies, all our Scrolls ring in unison. We all open them as the luminous screens shine bright.... Revealing the face of none other than Winter Schnee.She claps for a moment with a smile on her face, "Well done, Prospectives. It appears that each and every pair within the Initiation has found their Sensitive Materials locked away safely inside a lockbox. Now... Your final goal is to take the lockboxes to an elevator, scattered around the edges of the tundra. Each elevator must have a minimum of two Prospectives in a pair, and at most two pairs. Both partners must escape together, and the lockbox must be in one of their possession."Winter then chuckles, "Now you must be asking yourself... What are you escaping from?" She says before snapping her fingers, causing roars all around in every direction. "I wish you all the best of luck.... For you'll surely need it if you are to succeed." She says, before the stream fizzles out and we all close our Scrolls.Zephyr just chuckles, twirling his scythe around, "Well...." He slams the blade into the ground with a smile, "That certainly speeds things up a bit." He says, flashing a wide grin. "So.... Anyone have any guesses where to go?" He asks, Ashe stepping forward with her hand clasped on her chin in a hum."Hmmm...." She starts, "My guess is that this entire test is still taking place upon the Atlas island, the elevator ride wasn't long enough for it have been all the way down to the Mantle ground.... Not to mention we'd have felt the heat of the Crater by now." She begins to pace in circle between all of us, "And so if we're still under the island, there'd have to be some elevators beneath the Academy itself, they couldn't just have them all go across the Island towards the school...." She continues, pausing in thought."North." She says, snapping her fingers and points in what I guess is north, "The Academy is at the northmost end of the Island, or at the very least as far north before the island begins to taper into a cliffside. If I'm right, the edge of this cavern has to be right underneath Atlas Academy, or at least close enough to justify an elevator." She says, looking at us with a grin.Zephyr and I are left in a dumbfounded stare as Lily just giggles and claps like it was some kind of presentation.I shake my head out of my confusion, "Wait hang on, how are you even sure that's north? That sun above us isn't real, so how are you supposed to get a sense of any proper directions in here unless you brought a compass?" I say as Ashe just raises an eyebrow at me in concern."Were you... Not tracking proper north? I suppose it's second nature for just me...." She says with a shrug and a sigh, turning to once again point, "I always try to keep a decent count of my bearings. You may have lived in the safety of Atlas your whole life, but in Vacuo everything is against you, even the desert itself. The sands cover your tracks, making it next to impossible to find your way without knowing it like the back of your hand." She says, resting her pointing to put her hands on her hips, "I always try my best to keep a decent bearing, and although it can sometimes be a tad off I'm usually right or at least close enough."Zephyr just groans, rubbing his face in irritation, "I-I honestly just don't even care? Let's just go somewhere." He says, lifting up his scythe from the ground, "Preferably somewhere with a few Grimm to slice up." He says, grinning again as Lily stretches with her fox tail coiling around."Yeah, gotta admit, I could use an actual challenge." She starts, "These wimpy little Grimm we've fought aren't worth anything. Besides..." She says, stretching out her hands, the claws on her gloves shining in the light, "These kits might get dull!" She calls out with a wink to Ashe, who just rolls her eyes in response."Then it's settled," Ashe says, "Let's get moving and-" She's cut off by another loud Grimm roar nearby as she whips out her sword as we all ready our weapons as well. ".....and, I suppose, fight a lot of Grimm along the way too."And.... For a while? That worked. We walked for the hat seemed like miles... How big could this place be? I thought, because this seems very atrociously spaced out...Every half a mile or so was yet another Grimm attack... To Lily and Zephyr's glee, of course. We all slashed our way through.... Gods, maybe twenty Grimm by now? Ursa, Sabyrs.... Even some Centinels. After having stopped for a few minutes at a makeshift campfire, thanks to Ashe's Fire Dust in her sword, we continued trudging on once our Auras finished replenishing.But everything stated to change about- Well, now, actually. We just finished slicing through a pack of Sabyr's, and I finally managed to stab into the last one's back with the blade on the back of my hammer. I take a deep breath as I watch it fall over and melt into smoke.I huff, wiping my forehead, "Okay...." I start, breathing heavily, "Are we even sure we're going the right way?" I ask, causing Ashe to groan heavily and sheath her sword."Yes, Jasper!" She cries out in annoyance, "And even if we weren't, it's a bit too late to turn back now...." She says, a light blush of embarrassment forming on her already flushed face from the cold.Zephyr groans, hoisting his scythe staff onto his shoulder, "Can you two just... not? Besides, I think we're almost there."I quickly shush him as I listen. He glares at me, hiding up his scythe as I hold my finger to my mouth in a hush. I listen... And quickly hear faint talking nearby. Even though they're hidden with Dad's Semblance mixing with Amethyst's, my cat ears still function the same."....Do you two ever just not?" I hear a masculine voice say."I agree with Sir Rowan," An effeminate and rather formal voice agrees. "You two are being rather... Unbearable, I'm afraid.""Jasper?" Ashe whispers, pulling out her knife, "What is it? Because I don't hear anything."I shake my head, whipping out my hammer and motioning for them all to follow me as I climb up the hill.... And hear the voices getting closer.Ashe shakes her head, "How did you-"I hush her again, holding out my hand as I count down from 3.... 2.... 1.....In an instant we all leap above the hill, weapons drawn as I gasp, using my Semblance to drop us back to the ground as the group below us looks up. Zephyr glares daggers at me, "Why did you-""Jasper?!" Amethyst cries out as I leap forward and give her a bit tight hug."Gods, am I glad to see you!" I say as she pats my head and pull back with a smile.. She smiles back before turning to glare at a dark skinned boy with brunette curls and green bangs."Likewise...." She says as he just groans and facepalms in frustration."Allow me to remind you: YOU. Followed. ME." He annoyingly cries out."Wait!" Ashe cries out as we all turn to her. I notice she's pointing behind all of us as I can see a curve of the sky.... And if I'm seeing the end of the sky, that means-"The edge.... An elevator!" Amethyst cries out.Zephyr sighs in exasperation, "Finally! Now let's get the he-""Wait..." I say as everyone turns to look at me, but Zephyr being the only one with a decidedly furious frown."What?!" Zephyr demands, "The exit is right there. Let's just go already?" He says as Amethyst nods."I agree with Mr.Tall, Dark and Edgy over here Jas'." She says as Zephyr glares at her from behind. "Why don't we just go?" She asks, brushing her purple bangs from her eyes as I sigh."It only took a few packs of Grimm to get to the end? For Atlas Academy? Known for high standards? They would want us to prove ourselves, this can't be it... It can't be that easy." I say as everyone looks down in realization... And disappointment.The tanned redhead girl steps forward, "I.... I don't know you well at all yet, Sir Qua- Er, Jasper. Neither your sister, but...." She turns to smile at Amethyst, who smiles back, "She is a kind, trustworthy lady." She says before turning back to me. "And so, I shall take a risk and impart my trust upon you as well. You appear to have a plan in mind, and I'd like to hear it." She says as the big Faunus boy nods with a big toothed grin, his tail wagging. The dark skinned green haired one just rolls his eyes and provides a half-hearted thumbs up while Lily provides a much more eager double thumbs up.Amethyst ruffles my hair while Ashe pats my shoulder. "So..." Ashe starts, "What's the plan?"

❄️

And, after going over the plan one more time, we set off for the edge. If everything goes right and nothing is there, we flip a coin. But if something is there..... I shake my head, taking a deep breath. Everything is gonna work out, one way or another.And, thankfully, we all finally went over names. So many new friends, classmates, teammates..... Percy Cliff, Rowan Everstone, Lily Verne, Zephyr Garnet and Meadow Bloom. I guess Amethyst didn't end up being excited for nothing.As we approach the wall, my anxiety starts to ease. Nothing could go wrong by now, right? We're basically already there. Across a short bridge of metal, and strange imagery of flowers painted around the edge of the massive metal doorway that I assume is the elevator.I thought it was all going well.... Until we stepped onto the metal platform.The second we did, it was like a switch as the elevator dings. At first I thought it could be a good thing.... Until we all are left frozen in fear as the doors tear open and reveal something we couldn't have expected.... Something we couldn't have prepared for."Well...." A familiar woman starts,"How unlucky for you lot. The last four pairs to escape... Meaning your all left to face..... Me." She says, stepping out of the shadows of the elevator to reveal her pale skin, piercing blue eyes and white hair pulled back with a large fringe along the side of her face.Of anything.... Anything at all. You could've grabbed anything from Remnant, hell even make believe like the Witch from the Witch in the Woods fairy tale. But no.... Of all things....Winter. Schnee.

"So..." Winter starts, holding up her sword and slowly aiming it at us. "Who will be the unlucky one to feel the harsh strike of my blade first?" She says with a concerning smirk on her face. And then I realized-

We are so screwed.

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❄️// Volume 1, Chapter 5:
Frozen to the Core

❄️// Jasper

Winter raises an eyebrow at us as we hold up our weapons a stern frown plastered on her face. "Are you…. seriously considering fighting back? Against an armed Huntress? A Special Operative of the Atlas Military?
" She says, not a single one of us wavering, and then...."GO!" I yell out, and we all break apart. Ashe, Percy, Rowan and I head to Winter's left while Amethyst, Bloom, Zephyr and Lily head for her right. Winter gasps, and in a snap decision... Turns directly towards my group. Great."Alright then..." Winter says as she eyes the four of us angrily before dashing forward with her sword.

...

"So... What's the plan?" Ashe asks, as I look around at the group waiting for my answer for a plan.I sigh, "Okay, so assume there really is some big bad over there we gotta fight. We gotta make sure at least one group of pairs can manage to get through."The redhead clears her throat before raising her hand nervously, "Meaning…?""Whatever it is, we all rush it at once, but split into two halves." I say as I try to convey the plan with my hands, "We all try to dash for the elevator from either side, and no matter what it’ll have to pick one group. Whichever group gets attacked fights, and whoever doesn’t escapes through the elevator."The black haired boy with the scythe scoffs, "Alright, I’ll be the first one to say it: This plan sucks."I just shrug in defeat, "You got a better one?"Zephyr holds up his hands defensively, "Hey, not contesting, just pointing out the obvious."Percy holds up his hand, "And we’re still left with one last question: Who goes with who?"I clap my hands together, "Amethyst, you take your partner and work with a different pair. You’re strong even on your own, I know you can do amazing if we get separated. I know you'll do amazing on your own team... Not to mention, if we both can't make it out, it'd be better if at least one of us gets out so we can uphold Mom's legacy." I say as Amethyst tears up before pulling me into a tight hug."We're all gonna make it through Jasper." She pulls back smiling happily with a light tear streaking down her cheek, "We're both gonna do it for Mom."I hear someone clear their throat as I turn and see the redheaded girl standing behind us."Yeah, Bloom?" Amethyst asks as Bloom smiles brightly."While you two had your familial moment, Miss Amethyst, you'll be happy to know we came to a decision."I look over to see Ashe discussing with the dark skinned boy and the Faunus, while Lily and Zephyr talk to each other behind Bloom."I was surprised at first how simple it was to have Percy join Jasper's team...." She says before bowing to me, "Apologies in advanced, I'm afraid Percy is a.... Rather uncooperative sort."I shake my head, "It doesn't matter how cooperative we are...." I say, looking over at the wall in the distance.... Merely a stone's throw after how far we've walked today.

...

After a flash of fire from Ashe's sword, Winter leaps back with her heels just barely stopping before clinking against the massive metallic doors. She snickers lightly, slicing her sword through the air and resting it at her side, "Clever. I'll admit.... That was indeed most clever." She says before wiping her fringe back into place after it was left array from the attack. "But thankfully, I train daily against a team of five. You four?..... You're out of your depth." She says, clenching her fist as a smaller sword drops out of her sword, immediately being caught as she turns to aim both at us with a Glyph appearing directly behind her."Percy, Rowan!" I call out as they both jump on either side of Winter, Rowan punching forward as his blades shoot out as Winter is able to block one, but the other wraps around her left arm as Percy extends forward his clenched hand, taking advantage of her surprise to wrap her other arm with his swords. Both of them quickly kneel in unison, causing Winter to do the same.Winter cries out in a fury of rage, the original Glyph expanding and changing design as a wave of miniature Nevermore fly out of it. Just as Ashe and I are sprinting forward to attack, Rowan and Percy are both knocked back by miniature Nevermore razor feathers and slashing claws.... Causing Winter to break free and block Ashe's sword with her own swords, ducking just as I swing my hammer before she bursts upward and headbutts my gut before I could slam my hammer down.I clatter to the ground with a groan, my hammer crashing next to me as I can hear my Aura crackle with a few flickers of bright orange light around me. Ashe swiftly gets taken down as well, knocked down next to me just before trying to strike Percy, who blocks Winter's strike with both arms crossed causing his blades to follow the movement.Ashe groans and climbs to her feet, "Jasper... You might wanna get back. It's time to pull out all the stops." She says as I nod, choosing not to question what she means as I hurry away towards Percy and Rowan.Ashe then stands up, sword gripped tight in her hand as she aims the tip forward at Winter, "Hey!" Ashe cries out to her, who's now fighting against Rowan, Percy to the side catching his breath. She kicks Rowan in the stomach, knocking him back as she turns towards her while I help Rowan up, the rest of us watching as Winter's eyes dart over to Ashe.Ashe raises her sword in the air as Winter readies herself before everyone is dumbfounded while she stabs her sword into the ground. Suddenly, the sword bursts into flame as it travels up the sword, flying into the air like a cloud of smoke as Ashe breaths in, the fire entering her nose as if it was air. She unbuttons her coat before tossing it away, her hair beginning to flow as if blown by wind as her grey eyes glare sharply with rage as she stomps her foot on the ground, cracking the metal. Her hands begin to glow as long claws of fire flow out from her fingers, a matching horn protruding from her forehead as she grins wickedly with a devilish chuckle.Ashe then bursts forward with unbelievable speed, slashing down onto Winter's main sword and grabbing it with bare hands, the sword steaming from her touch.

While distracting Winter I take the opportunity to think. I turn to Rowan, brushing himself off, "Hey!" I call out to him as he turns to me while I twirl my hammer in the air, launching out a white ball of Air Dust as it explodes on impact at his feet, launching him forward and in the air.I turn again, "Percy, CATCH!" I call out as he gasps and groans before shooting his blade into the air, Rowan gripping onto the wire as Percy groans and twirls him with momentum. I chuckle, twirling my hammer as I use my Semblance to burst forward with a whoosh of air. Ashe then leaps out of the way as Winter gasps, turning to us as I slam my hammer into the ground, using a burst of Fire Dust as she's exploded off the ground and immediately punched in the gut midair by Rowan, a flash of yellow and lightning signifying he punched her with a generous amount of Electric Dust.After getting properly fried, she's launched back and crashes into the elevator doors, her light blue Aura crackling as the doors open while her swords clatter to the ground. Winter bares her teeth in fury as she swiftly picks up one of her swords and throws it forward as it misses, lodging into the ground next to him as he chuckles both him and Ashe closing in.However, as she smirks, I'm reminded of a very old memory... "Rowan, look out!" I cry out, remembering an play date Amethyst and I had with the SDC owner's other daughter, Weiss. When we got into considerably more danger than expected in Mantle, all three of us we're saved by Winter in a way that showed me just how effective the Schnee Semblance is.Rowan turns just in time to watch as massive White Manticore appears from a Glyph formed just beneath Winter's sword in the ground. He's able to steady himself enough to block, but it swipes him so hard he's nearly fallen off the edge. Percy runs to help, while Ashe chuckles gleefully and holds up the Manticore's front paws with her bare hands as if a contest of strength with the Grimm.And I'm.... Left at a loss. Even as strong as she is now, I can see in her eyes Ashe is growing weaker every second. Percy is already winded, and Rowan just took a heavy hit that might've already broken his Aura. Winter picks up both her other larger sword, aiming it at me with a few deep breaths."Well...." She says, taking another breath and resting her free hand on her hip. "If that's all you four can muster, I'd recommend you yield now." She says as I almost agree. I can't honestly think of anything else.... Until I suddenly get an idea. A risky one. Very risky.... Like 'I'll probably not make it into Atlas Academy' kind of risky.I cry out, twirling my hammer and launching another sphere of Air Dust as Winter rolls her eyes, knocking it away with ease as it explodes to the side of her. Immediately I drop my hammer, dropping to my knees and hold out my hands and concentrate on the wind current and any others around us. Winter gasps as they all envelope her, groaning as she's pushed to the ground.Ashe chuckles as this causes the Manticore to dissipate punching her fists together as I yell, "Wait!" As they all turn to me."You have to... Get in.... Elevator. Now!" I yell as Ashe shakes her head."Uh, no! We can take her while she's pinned and-""Don’t!... Nng… You might hit her out of the bubble! Or worse…. Nngh!... You might break it. I won’t get another shot… You have…. To go…!"Rowan stomps his foot in anger, "No! We aren't gonna leave you behind! We can-""Percy… Has no Aura…. Nngh… I can tell you’re running low, and I can’t… Nnngh…. Keep her forever. You have to take the chance and GO!" I beg, feeling my grip on the wind growing weaker as Winter does her best to fight back and escape the wind current."This is you guys' one chance to succeed." I say, concentrating as hard as I can to keep focus as I kick the lockbox over to Ashe as her Semblance fades."But.... Jasper-""Go!" I yell as they all three share a look before running towards the elevator."Jasper... If you do this-" Percy starts"I'll fail." I finish for him, "I don't care.... Just go!" I say as he looks down with momentary sadness, hurrying over to the elevator as he steps inside, all of them locking eyes with my for a moment as it shuts. Suddenly I gasp as Winter's sword crashes against my Aura, causing it to shatter as I lose focus on the wind.... Winter being freed as she stands up straight, breathing heavily as she scoops up her other sword.Winter turns to the elevator, "You sacrificed yourself..." She says before turning back to me and holding her sword against my neck. "You let yourself lose? Knowing the consequences?" She says as I weakly nod."They... They deserved to succeed. Even if we couldn't beat you, they all deserved to be Huntsman and Huntresses one day." I say before lowering my head as I feel a tear fall from my eye. "But I wasn't...."Winter stops for a moment and seems to think. She raises up her sword and I close my eyes, awaiting whatever kind of punishment failure provides. I hear a thud, opening my eyes to see Winter's sword stabbed into the ground next to me.

I look forward to see her hand extended to me. I shake my head, "What... Are you doing?" I ask as she smiles."Helping you up. Jasper… Tell me. What is the most important part of being a Huntsman?" She ask as I take her hand, standing up as I think for a moment."I-... What?" I ask as Winter clears her throat in annoyance and raises an eyebrow at me as I think for a moment. "Protecting the innocent-?""Wrong." Winter quickly barks at me. "Huntsmen and Huntresses spend their days protecting the innocent, yes, but that’s the job description. It’s not the most important part of doing the job."I shake my head, "I… Don’t understand. What are you trying to say?"Winter huffs and grips my shoulder, "Protecting the innocent is important. Fighting Grimm and taking down criminals are important. But the most important part, at the end of some very bad days, are knowing the right choice to make with tough calls." She then tilts her head towards the elevator, "Especially when you’re on a team. Huntsmen are often being forced into corners, having to make the choices no one else wants to make… Like when to leave someone behind.""But I… Still failed. The mission-""Do I have to spell out everything to you? What was the last thing I said to you when you rode the elevator down here?"I pause, "I... You… You said something like…. 'Don’t forget what matters most'...?" I say as she nods."Your team made it out. The intel made it out. You made the choice that minimized casualties and ensured the success of the mission." Winter says as I raise an eyebrow at her."But, didn’t you also say-""One of the first things you’ll learn in class is that when you're a Huntsman, typical rules are bent as long as you get the job done. Now let's go greet your friends, shall we?"

❄️

"...Meadow Bloom, Amethyst Quartz, Zephyr Garnet and Lily Verne." A booming masculine voice calls out upon a crowd of students. The lights shine on the stage, revealing the four students he just named as well as himself.... General James Ironwood of the Atlas Military, and Headmaster of Atlas Academy."These four braved the trials of the Initiation, and came out the other side together. Showing wisdom, bravery, and strength. Together, they shall be known as..... Team BAZL." He says as the three girls in the team look positively giddy by the announcement. "Led by... Meadow Bloom." He says as the crowd claps while Amethyst gives Bloom a tight hug who blushes, her glasses drooping as a a severe look of realization brushes upon her face.After a good round of clapping and waving, the four exit the stage as Ironwood clears his throat. "Lastly.... Jasper Quartz, Ashe Sparks, Percy Cliff and Rowan Everstone." He says, the four of them making their way onstage and all still looking a bit weary from their fight but still nervous and excited nonetheless.

"Together, these four did not escape but managed to overcome a greater obstacle: Sacrifice. Knowledge of what sacrifice is, is not something taught so early at this institution." Ironwood says with a chuckle. "But, when such selflessness is exerted, we don't just ignore it, no. And so I'm proud to announce.... Team JSPR!" He says, the namesake of the team looking greatly confused."Led by.... Jasper Quartz!" Ironwood finishes as Jasper's jaw drops, Ashe chuckles giddily as she pats his head. Rowan comes over and pulls all three of his teammates into a tight hug, Percy looking very irritated.... But also a touch happy."This has been one of the most eventful Initiations in a long time!" Ironwood booms out with a chuckle, looking up at the shattered moon in the glass ceiling. "I wonder how all of your teams will play out, going forward...." He starts walking off stage before walking alongside Winter with a smug look on his face as she glares lightly at him."Something amiss, sir?""Oh, nothing." Ironwood says as he fidgets with his tie, "Just didn't take you for one to pity students is all."Winter clenches her fists as she blushes lightly from embarrassment, "Sir, with all due respect, I’d suggest you stop before I smack that smug look off your face."Ironwood chuckles as heads out the door, "There we go. Back to normal." He says as the two leave the auditorium.While most of the students talk with the blonde head of staff to find their rooms, Zephyr splits off from them all while holding his bag as he sneaks away into a broom closet and opens the bag as a Seer Grimm slithers out, the orb shining bright as a voice on the other end sputters angrily."Oh, this damned thing- Her Grace really needs to make these things more intuitive. It's on so I assume you're there on the other end, my little darling Zephyr?""Yes, Doctor, I'm not some illusion if that's what you're wondering."The woman on the other end nods, "Good, I was worried I was perhaps developing some kind of psychosis. Now!" She claps her gloved hands together, "I hope you have good news for me?""The twins passed their Initiation, just like planned."The Doctor chuckles devilishly, "Perfect! Next we just need them in the Tournament, and we're right as rain!"Zephyr scoffs, "Assuming you get your device built in time..."The Doctor harshly clears her throat, "Is that lip I'm hearing? Do I need to have my masked dear straighten you out, or are you going to behave yourself?"Zephyr takes a deep breath before sighing, "I'm not trying to sound bratty, Doctor, it's just that I remember Watts is already busy working on the Virus."The Doctor huffs, "I'm perfectly capable of handling this on my own. I may need Dr.Watts' assistance with larger device-making tasks and whatnot, I can make this just fine. Now you just keep your pretty little head out of trouble, and your cover intact, and you'll get your reward at the end of this. Understood?"Zephyr tucks his arms behind his back as he stands at attention, "Yes, ma'am." He says as the Doctor chuckles."Good...."

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❄️// Volume 1, Chapter 6:
The First Day

❄️// Jasper

I sigh happily as I enjoy resting in my bed, right until I feel something slam into me as I grown and shoot up, bashing my head into the roof of my sleeping cubby as I look down from my cubby to see Ashe, Rowan and an annoyed Percy holding up another book which is what I guess he threw at me."What gives?!" I cry out as Ashe crosses her arms with an apologetic smile."Sorry Jasper, Percy demanded it." Ashe says as Percy scoffs."If we’re gonna make it in Atlas Academy we’ve gotta be up just as early as everyone else! Enough of your pampered crap, get outta bed!" Percy says, snapping his fingers furiously as I rub my eyes."You can't just- WOAH!" I cry out as Percy rips me out of my sleeping nook and I fall face first onto the floor, my Aura crackling as Ashe and Rowan hover over me."...And there was no better way to get him out of bed?" Rowan asks as Percy looks up, wiping off his hands."Hm? Oh, Gods no. This was just the more fun option." He says with a grin before Ashe slaps him upside the head, "OW! Hey, what was that for?""‘What was that for’" Ashe mocks before shaking her head and glaring at him, "Don’t gimme that. You good, Jasper?" She asks as I grumble on the floor."...I've had better days."Rowan clears his throat nervously, "Guys we're gonna be late for breakfast....?""WHAT?!" Percy, Ashe and I cry out in unison as the group sprints out the door while I quickly throw on my Atlas uniform as fast as possible. Luckily we make it to the dining hall about twenty minutes before breakfast ends, giving us plenty of time to grab our food and sit down.I take a deep breath, panting as I wipe my forehead, "Who said we were gonna be late? Right in the nick of time!"Percy walks up to me and grips my head, forcing me to look around at the very full room, "Aaaaaand with nowhere to sit. Good job, great leader, let’s get our food and sit in the hall like losers.""Hey, guys! Over here!" I hear as we look over to see Amethyst waving us down, the rest of BAZL beside her with several open spots.I smirk at Percy, "Still wanna sit in the hall like a loser?"Percy pushes past me, "As if, you got lucky."Once we finally get our food and sit down, Bloom anxiously holds her hand up to mouth in concern, "Goodness, you guys okay? You’re here so late!"Lily nods, still munching down her food, "Yeah, what took you so long?" She says as her tails wags while I lay my head on the table."Our great team leader overslept, his poor pampered soul." Percy says as he holds up a mug of coffee, "His score is currently zero to two and a half."Amethyst raises an eyebrow, "Half?"Percy shrugs as he holds up his mug, "I'm only half counting us getting here late since we got lucky with you saving seats for us." He then takes a sip from his coffee and sighs happily, "Ah that is good."Amethyst sighs before patting my back, "You wanna talk about it?"I scoff as I sit back upright and grab my fork and poke at my food, "What, my stellar failures?"Percy nods while sipping from his mug, "That, she means that." He says after finishing his sip as Ashe glares at him. "What? It's not wrong. Besides, it’s not like day one failures define a person forever…" He then sips from his mug again before smacking his lips with a sigh, "Just for a good few months or until someone else screws up and we focus on that." Lily then smacks him upside the head as he sputters his coffee, "OW! Why is everyone doing that today?"Lily scoffs angrily as she scoops up her spoon, "Because you're deserving it."I groan as I lower my head again, "I’m such a screw up…" I think to myself as Bloom pats my head."Hey, you’re not a screw up…" Bloom says before nervously pulling back and looking around at her sudden comment, "I mean... No more than any of us! I mean just this morning I almost put my shirt on inside out!" Bloom nervously says as everyone's eyes dart away as Percy chuckles and swishes his mug around."Yup," Percy starts, "Totes the same as almost making four people miss breakfast." Lily smacks him upside the head again as Percy slams his mug down angrily. "That's it! The next person who hits me on the back of the head is getting their browser history uploaded to the school’s forum." He's then knocked forward as Zephyr slaps the back of his head, "OW! Wha-?" And then Lily follows up, "OW! Hey!"Amethyst, Ashe and Rowan chuckle as Lily and Zephyr bump fists, "I’ve got nothin’ to hide, little man." Lily says as Zephyr nods, balancing a fork upright on his pointer finger."And I personally know someone who could build and code a functional Scroll from scratch, I’d love to see you crack that firewall on my Scroll." He says as Lily and Zephyr share a laugh while Percy just grumbles and starts eating his food.Amethyst huffs as she shakes her head, "All of you, knock it off." She says as everyone starts eating while I turn and stare at Bloom. I thought something, and she just... Replied.I scoot a little closer to Bloom before narrowing my eyes at her, Can you… Can you HEAR me right now?Right then, Bloom chokes slightly on her food as everyone turns to us. "Bloom, you okay?" Amethyst asks as Bloom nods nervously."Yes! Just... Went down the wrong pipe is all! I'm fine!" She says as I stare at her stunned.You can hear me!After breakfast, Bloom replies in my head as I'm left speechless.

While everyone else heads off to class, Bloom and I stand together just outside the dining hall while Bloom waves to the group leaving, "Yeah don’t worry we’ll catch up!"I then clear my throat loudly, "So, you gonna tell me what that was in there, or....?"Bloom takes a deep breath and rubs her neck, turning away from me and avoiding my eyes.

"I…" She starts, at a loss for words before shaking her head, "Look, it’s complicated...""You are telepathic. What’s complicated about that!" I call out as she sighs and crosses her arms."Well..." She starts and taps her chin, "Short answer, I'm not telepathic, it's hard to explain, and it's not something I'd really like to get into right now."I rest my hands on my hips, "Which is why you didn't tell your team about it, I'm guessing?"Bloom looks over her shoulder at me, "Just like you told your teammates about your deeper insecurity?" She says as my eyes widen and she blushes in embarrassment before turning to me, holding up her hands, "Gods, I'm- Sorry! I- Look, I’m still working on controlling it perfectly. Your thoughts were so strong, I couldn’t help but hear them." She steps forward and pats my shoulder, "Do you... Want to talk about it?"I bite my lip, "It's... It's nothing..."Bloom glares at me, "My Semblance is partly telepathic, and you just tried to lied to me while I'm touching you?"I rip my arm away and step back, "Alright fine! You wanna hear it? I don't think I'm a good fit for team leader! I don't know why Winter let me pass, I don't know why they picked me to be the leader, I don't understand any of it!"I turn away from her as she steps forward and grabs my shoulder from behind, "Jasper... Of course they’d pick you. You made the plan that didn’t just let my team succeed, but your team too! And you sacrificed yourself at the end, sure you’d lose but at least with the hope they might let your teammates pass. Jasper, you’re clever, intelligent, quick on your feet…." She trails off and I turn to see her looking down sadly."You..." I start, "...You don't think any of that about yourself, do you?"Bloom throws up her arms in exasperation, "I mean at least they have reasons or evidence to choose you for team leader. Me? I...." She looks down as her face grows dark before she takes a deep breath, "But... That's not a problem. Because just like all of us are learning to be Huntsman, you and I have a bigger responsibility. We have to do all that, AND learn to be leaders too. To put our insecurities aside, and lead as best we can."I was surprised that I actually felt better by that. I guess I still need to get used to more useful advice. "...You're right." I finally bring myself to say, "Thanks, Bloom."Bloom smiles at me, "Now we should probably hurry to class." She says, starting to walk as I clear my throat and catch up to her."You know, it's probably a good thing your team doesn't know about your Semblance.""Why's that?" She asks me as I chuckle."Uh... My sister. She can copy Semblances, and would definitely abuse yours." I say, both of us sharing a laugh as we continue catching up with our teams.

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❄️// Volume 1, Chapter 7:
Pawns

The sun shines bright through the many windows onto General Ironwood, sitting at his desk and carefully signing a stack of papers one by one. A light on his desk flashes as he sighs happily. He taps the light as a small screen pops out, with a static picture of Winter staring at him."Sir, it's Schnee." Winter says, as Ironwood smiles, his blue eyes lighting up a bit in the shadow of the shining windows behind him. He'd never admit it out loud, and it's suspected he never would need to, that he truly enjoys Winter's presence as one of his closest friends and ally on top of one of his most trustworthy subordinates."Ah, Winter!" Ironwood says, sliding his paperwork to the side as he puts away his pen, "I was just filing some paperwork." He says with a light chuckle, while Winter merely sighs on the other end."As much as I'd enjoy bringing you lighter news Sir, it's.... Worse than that. You told me to report in if there were any particular...." Winter chokes up for a moment, clearing her throat, "Sightings." She says as Ironwood's eyes grow wide, his hands clenching against the edge of the desk as his prosthetic arm slightly dents it."Winter..." Ironwood says, freezing up slightly as he takes a calming breath, "What.... W-what is it?" He asks."We detected a strange signal," Winter starts,"strangely akin to that of CCT broadcasts. We figured it might be some hoodlums trying to make an illegal CCT hot wire, but...." She sighs,"We tracked the signal down, the Ace Ops and I. What we found.... It was a Grimm. And not just one, it seemed to.... Summon allies. We managed to take down the swarm, but.... Sir, Tortuga was critically injured. He was lifelighted to the nearest military compound for attention but he passed away before arrival."Ironwood slumps back in his chair, taken far aback by all the information Winter just dropped on him. A Grimm broadcasting a signal.... Able to summon more. Tortuga is gone."We...." Winter tries to continue,"We have a few photographs of the Grimm, but-""Winter." Ironwood says sternly, the Special Operative immediately growing silent. "Does.... Does anyone else know about the specifics of the Grimm?" He asks."No Sir. All the information has been kept between the Ace Ops and I, information that Tortuga kept to the end. I have always understood that you wish for situations as these to be kept...." Winter clears her throat,"C-classified."Ironwood sighs, rubbing his forehead as the metal embedded in it clinks against his prosthetic."Thank you, Winter." Ironwood finally replies,"I.... I have to make a call. I'll get back to you soon... And handle Tortuga with care." I say as Winter huffs."Will do, Sir." She says as Ironwood taps the screen, ending the transmission as he slides across the screen past many names and finally landing on one particular name, tapping on it. As it rings he anxiously begins to grip his desk while out of the corner of his eyes he spots clouds just outside some of the windows to the side of room. Some of the clouds look quite dark, signaling a coming rain. Finally, the call clicks."Well," Professor Ozpin starts, "General Ironwood! I certainly wasn't prepared for you to call today. I hope all is well in Atlas?" He says as Ironwood starts to breathe heavily, his brow furrowing."She..... She was here." Ironwood starts as Ozpin sighs, taking a sip from his coffee cup.

"James-"Ironwood reaches up and slams his hands into the desk as he stares deeply into Ozpin's face.... Knowing he's staring at the man himself, not just an audio transmission like Winter. Ironwoods face nearly touches the screen as Ozpin just stares onward."SHE WAS HERE, OZPIN!" Ironwood cries out, backing up slightly as he knocks his chair over. "It was some.... Grimm. Broadcasting a signal. One of Her followers is here. In Atlas. Not just Mantle, ATLAS. They could be right here, underneath this very roof. In the very halls of this Academy."Ozpin sighs, after a good few seconds of waiting to ensure Ironwood has spoken his piece. "James...." He says, leaning forward and pressing the tips of his fingers together as his eyes shine behind the lenses of his glasses, "We already know Her followers are hidden everywhere. They are likely in every Kingdom on Remnant by now, so we can't fret about-""FRET?!" Ironwood screams, slamming his prosthetic arm onto his desk, greatly denting the table and even cracking it slightly. "The safety of the people is at stake, Ozpin. If everything that you have told me is true, then there might be no one safe in Atlas. They could be after Freya who can barely stand anymore. They could be after the Vault, the Staff! Who knows what they might-!""JAMES!" Ozpin yells, Ironwood growing silent. Professor Ozpin rarely raises his voice, but on the rare occasion he does its truly a worrying sight. "We cannot lose our cool at such critical times. The Vytal Festival is one semester away, and that very day ticks closer every second." He says, his statement enhanced by the very tick, tick, ticking of the gears all around his office.Ozpin sighs, pushing his glasses back up his nose, "We cannot risk the citizens knowing about Her... Nor would it help already worsening Grimm problems with more negative emotions." He says, sighing and leaning back, "We must follow the course. Wait for Her move. Besides, you mentioned a Grimm emitting some form of signal? Without knowing what was on it, it likely could've just been a Grimm she sent to survey..... She does send Grimm to do the work she wouldn't risk a follower on." He says as Ironwood calms, lowering back into his chair.Ironwood sighs, opening his blue eyes to stare Ozpin directly in his, "What.... What do we do?" He asks as Ozpin just sips from his coffee."Just as I said: Follow the course. If it was just a Grimm, she'll likely send more. If it's a follower... Well, they've slipped up once. And they surely will again. I do hope your military knows how to hunt down criminals?" Ozpin asks sarcastically as Ironwood nods."Good." Oz says, "Now I have some matters to attend to." He says, reaching for his cane and standing up. "Everything is going to work out, James." He says as the call immediately fizzles out and Ironwood is left alone, the clouds covering the sun as he basks in shadow.Ironwood, saying nothing, stands and turns to look out at the far reaches of the Atlas Island. "But, Oz...... Can you promise that to me?" He asks rhetorically, knowing the man would not lie, he would promptly tell him 'No.'

❄️// Jasper

"Semblances, class...." Professor Borealis starts, holding up a book in one hand as we all whip out our notebooks and pencils.

"Semblances make our world go 'round. Whether they be a Huntsman or civilian, Semblances truly change the nature of our lives. Now.... Can anyone describe to me what exactly a Semblance is? Most answers accepted, but there is a few particular ones I'm hoping to see. How abouuuuuut......" She says, staring across the class with her lilac eyes as several hands are raised across the room. Finally she lands her eyes on and subsequently points towards Percy, "-You! Mr.Cliff!"Percy stands with a smug smirk as he adjusts his uniform tie, "Oh, me, Professor Borealis? I’d be honored. Scientifically, Semblances are powerful abilities manifested by our souls, our Aura, manifesting itself physically beyond the capabilities of our projected defensive Aura. Since Semblances come from the soul, any form of Man be they Human OR Faunus can wield them, as they’re an extension of Aura which all living beings have. They typically enhance combat, but also can at times be useful for day to day life as well." He then takes a long blink as his eyes begin to glow blue, dimming and then brightening the lights of the room, "Mine, for instance, allows me to control technological data or other more advanced devices telepathically with nothing more than my mind.." He says with a grin before sitting down as Professor Borealis claps.Lily gasps before glaring at Percy, "So THAT’S why that elevator door slammed on my tail. You said it was probably a malfunction!"Percy smirks at her while glaring daggers, "And YOU kept slapping the back of my head, even after I stopped talking, so we’re even." He says sitting back down as Lily huffs."Very very good Mr.Cliff! Aside from the, well, harassment of a classmate." Professor Borealis clears her throat nervously before clapping, "I-Is there anyone else with some other suggestions?" She asks as once again several hands are raised. This time she hums and taps her chin before pointing at Rowan, "Mr.Everstone! How about you?" She asks with an eager smile as Rowan hops to his feet." Semblances have been perceived as windows to the soul, manifesting itself in a unique form to anyone else. Even people who have a similar Semblance always display it differently! You could have two people side by side who call their Semblance ‘telekinesis’ but they’d have wildly different appearances to how they function." He says with a gleeful grin.Professor Borealis stares for a moment, as her glasses droop a bit before she chuckles nervously, pushing them back up before clapping, "A, er- more unique answer than I was expecting. Normally I'd not count it, seeing as we're looking for more scientifically proven answers, but given...." She coughs for a moment and adjusts her glasses, "Recent circumstances, I'll give you points for effort!" She says as Rowan crosses his arms, slowly dropping to his chair.Professor Borealis claps her hands together, "Now! That question pushes us into our next chapter, so if you could all grab your textbooks of 'Aura and You' and flip to Page 32 please!" She says, grabbing an eraser and wiping off the board. I look down to see Rowan looking sadly, half heartedly reaching into his bag for his book while his tail is practically flopped to the floor.

...

The class stands at attention as Professor Desmond struts across the arena."Now, class I'm sure you've probably noticed our special guest today. Most of you may or may not recognize the head of staff and student affairs here at Atlas Academy, Miss Stephanie Santiago! Everyone give her a quick hand." He says as everyone starts clapping as it dies down after a few seconds. Behind him, on the far wall of the class, the short blonde woman clears her throat nervously."Er, thank you, but Professor Desmond-""Hush Ms.Santiago, I'm teaching." Desmond replies as Ms.Santiago chuckles nervously."O-Of course! It's just, erm- Why exactly am I wearing a target...?" She says, her hands nervously clenched onto a red and white bullseye target."Why... You're our poor defenseless civilian."

"Right!" Ms.Santiago replies, "I'm defenseless. I'm not a trained huntsman like you, so why exactly am I being used for a training exercise....?"Professor Desmond scoffs as he glares over his shoulder at her, "Authenticity is important, Ms.Santiago!"Stephanie grumbles under her breath, "Can't even properly fill out the annual forms, but uses me as a freshman pincushion, of course...."Professor Desmond rolls his eyes and waves his hand dismissively, "Oh, don't be so gloomy, you're perfectly fine.""For now!" Ms.Santiago cries out as Desmond nods."Exactly! Now you're getting it." He replies as she droops her head and groans in exasperation. "Now! Back to the task at hand.... You all are going to attempt to strike the target our gracious yet loud volunteer is holding." He says, waving his hand towards Ms.Santiago again who just glares at him. I see Zephyr raise his hand as Professor Desmond points at him, "Yes, Mr.Garnet?""So she's just... defenseless? And we're just supposed to attack.""Correct... Mostly.""MOSTLY?!" Ms.Santiago cries out as Desmond ignores her and tucks his arms behind his back and begins slowly pacing in front of the class."You're all going to aim at the target with any long distance attacks you have." Professor Desmond says matter-of-factly, "For those of you without an attack that'd hit the target from the proper distance, you'll be requested to sit back and wait for the close range portion-""Ohohohoh," Ms.Santiago starts chuckling angrily, "Close range! Of course, why I'd be so silly to not have expected that!"Desmond glares at her, "Hush up, volunteer!" He calls out as Ms.Santiago just mumbles angrily, "Now, as I was saying,after class, I will properly punish you lot close range lot for being dumb enough to NOT have a weapon for distance attacks. And then you’ll be scheduled with our Academy weaponsmiths to figure out a proper addition to your weapons to facilitate a long range attack of some kind." I nervously raise my hand as Professor Desmond points at me, "Yes, Mr.Quartz?""Uh... I'm sure most of us are practiced enough to strike a target from afar. What's stopping us from you know... Accidentally killing our head counselor....?"Ms.Santiago throws up her arms, "Thank you!"Desmond snaps to glare at her before turning back to us, "I was wondering when one of you would ask that." He then reaches onto the back of his belt and pulls out a simple silver metal staff and twirls it in the air, "You'll have to attempt to strike the target by getting through my defenses. Anyone who gets a strike within 5 feet gets an A plus, and anyone who accidentally maims our head of staff will be expelled, so try not to do that.""Just an EXPULSION?!" Ms.Santiago cries out.Desmond sighs in annoyance, "Oh, stop whining, you'll be fine."Ms.Santiago scoffs, "Not if I'm maimed! Ruben, I swear to the Gods-""Mr.Garnet," Desmond continues, "You're up first." He says as Zephyr grins widely, twirling his scythe in the air."Easiest A." He says, stabbing the blade of his scythe into the ground and gripping the center of the staff tighter as a shotgun blast shoots out of the top of the scythe. Professor Desmond moves like a blur, spinning his staff and deflecting most of the shrapnel that would've hit Ms.Santiago dead on as she whimpers nervously. "Huh?" Zephyr calls out stunned as Professor Desmond taps his staff on the ground."Tsk, ooh, so close." Desmond says as Zephyr smirks and clears his throat as Professor Desmond raises his eyebrow and turns before gasping as he sees a piece of shotgun shrapnel embedded in the wall a foot away from Ms.Santiago's head, who bites her lip and does her best to not look."Although I didn't hit her or the target with the main blast," Zephyr starts, spinning his scythe again, "...The shrapnel blast did get within five feet of her." He then gasps innocently, "I think that qualifies me for an A plus, doesn't it?""Huh." Desmond says stunned before shaking his head, "W-well, don't think the rest of you will have it that easy. Impressive job and the width and range, Mr.Garnet, but you could do with some more firepower." He then looks around the room, "Next up should be… Mr.Cliff.Percy says nothing, but his eyes glow as the swords lift out of his metal backpack, tossing them forward as Professor Desmond goes to block, when the blades quickly fly out of the way and continue on their path and embed themselves in the wall on either side of Ms.Santiago's head, who yelps before chuckling nervously, "I love my job!" She squeaks out as Percy cracks his knuckles with a smile."I do believe I qualify for that A+." He says before leaning and giving Ms.Santiago an apologetic smile, "Sorry, Ms.Santiago!" Who just mumbles an 'Uh huh' and a slight nod.Desmond hums in thought, "Impressive control and coordination. Good job, Mr.Cliff. Seems this year of students are a cut above the rest. Next up, Mr.Everstone."Rowan steps up to the line, pulling his fists back before punching them forward. Professor Desmond wraps one of the blade lines around his staff and cutting the other blade off from the line as it embeds itself in the floor quite far from Ms.Santiago who sighs in relief, "Huh?" Rowan calls out before Professor Desmond tugs on the line and causes Rowan to fall to the floor."I’ve noticed you and Mr.Cliff’s weaponry is very similar, when you compare the baselines. However, he has more versatility and control by being ability to manipulate the blades midair, where as you have to fire and pray a target or environment doesn’t interfere. Any tricks you may have picked up watching your teammates performances in the past will not always hold up for you." Desmond says as Rowan angrily punches the floor while Zephyr just snorts."Haha, you failed." Zephyr says."Actually," Desmond corrects, "He did get within 20 feet, which in fact qualifies him for a C." He says as Zephyr groans."Boo! Give him an F!" He then cries out in pain as Percy smacks him upside the head, "OW! Grrr...." Zephyr growls as he slowly turns to a smug Percy behind him."Ha! It is fun being on the other end of that." Percy says as Professor Desmond brushes himself off."Let's see, next up should be...." He trails off as I just stare at Rowan, still kneeling on the floor with a defeated look in his eyes.As the class dragged on, my thoughts kept turning back to Rowan... Team Leaders are given insight into team wellbeing. Stuff like weapon and Semblance information for forming the team attacks and combos, but more importantly right now.... Grades.Even if I didn't get hinted by what Professor Borealis said earlier, I've known for a little while now that Rowan has been.... Struggling. He's not failing, but... Well, he's not passing with flying colors either. And it's getting increasingly worrying, knowing about Atlas Academy's high standards. When it came to my sacrifice, I think Winter just took pity on me and made an exception, but I don't think we can count on something like that twice.... Not to mention it definitely seems to be affecting him emotionally too.Ever since my talk with Bloom, I've been working and taking everything in from a different perspective. 'It's not just our teams learning to be Huntsman and Huntresses. It's us, not only doing that but learning about our teammates. Our friends. Becoming true leaders.' I've been working on that.... Worrying less about being a good leader, and working on being a good teammate.And you could definitely say I'm worried about my teammate.Once class finished, everyone quickly piled out of the room and into the hallway. Being the last class of the day, everyone is rushing to relax. I quickly catch sight of Rowan and grab his wrist and pulls him to the side."Rowan, we- we need to talk." I say, my anxiety growing as I cross my arms and tap my foot anxiously. Rowan's bright brown eyes widen, his tail wagging as he gives a slight gasp."Is this a secret thing?! Because trust me, I'm not the first person to tell something. I'm not a great liar and Lily knows exactly how to push my buttons!" He says anxiously, covering his face as I'm just left to stare at him dumbfounded."Wh-What?! No- WHAT?" I groan, rubbing my face as I huff, "No! Rowan- I wanted to talk because you don't seem to be doing okay..." I say, trailing off as Rowan raises an eyebrow. I avoid eye contact as I'm quickly losing the confidence to talk to him, "It's.... It's your grades, Rowan." I say as I can see out of the corner of my eyes his bright eyes darken as his tail plummets."You..... You noticed that, huh....?" Rowan asks, as I look forward to see his turned away from me. I gulp, my hands frozen at my hips.This is.... Definitely a lot harder to get out than I thought it'd be.Rowan walks a few steps away, "Jasper, I...." He trails off, rubbing his neck and still not facing me. "I know it's bad, and I'm trying. Trust me, I am. I have to, for....." He trails off again, and I'm left confused and concerned."....Rowan?" I say as he looks back at me before sighing, walking next to me and laying his back against the wall before sliding down in a sitting position.Rowan pats the spot next to him, "Sit down I've gotta tell you something." He says as I quickly do as asked, not really wanting to make him any more upset than he very clearly is.

"A lot of.... Really bad things happened when I was younger. I...." He gulps, running his fingers through his hair, "...I don't really wanna get into details, but the important part is after something really bad, I got saved. When I lost...." He winces, clenching his fists, "...everything.... Someone found me. An old woman, a lion Faunus, named Myrtle. Well.... I kinda knew her more as Miss Myrtle." He says, sighing with an air of remembrance, more accurately happiness, around him. He looks up in the air at nothing, and I can tell he's starting to get a bit lost in memories."She took me in, cared for me..." Rowan started,"...but she didn't coddle me. Toughened me up, better than the desert itself could've." He says, looking down at his hands, as he uses one to rub the palm of the other. "Hell, she even coined my Semblance.... 'Heartjumper'. I can use the power of a deep bond with someone to make portals to them...." He said chuckling a bit."All the while, I helped her around her house, helped her run errands..... Now don't get me wrong, she was plenty tough. Didn't need and mostly even want my help.... But I wanted to. I had to.... I had to pay her back for everything she did for me, and not just give me a roof either. She toughened me up.... And even signed me up for a combat school near our village, without telling me. She said...." He started to choke up a bit."She said my Semblance... My strength.... Would be better served as a Huntsman." Rowan shakes his head, clenching his fists again before lightly hitting his fist on the floor. "I.... I barely survived those classes. Honestly, those teachers coddled me even less than Miss Myrtle did. I... I almost even gave up." He says, his eyes getting a bit watery. "I barely passed, after pushing myself so hard.... When I finished my last year, I went home to find....."Rowan stops himself for moment breathing, and I just find myself stunned silent. Rowan has always been so... Upbeat and carefree I.... I had no idea all of this was underneath.".....she was sick. Really sick. I demanded to know why she didn't tell me sooner....." Rowan pulls his knees up, wrapping his arms around them. "She didn't want me getting distracted for her sake." He closes his eyes as a few tears stream down, but his voice doesn't waver for a second."When she....." He stops, shaking his head and wiping his face, "She left me everything she had, and even left me a note too. She told me to go wherever I'd want, to be whoever I'd want.... But to always help others like she did for me.""Rowan...." I say, finally finding the ability to speak after being stunned silent so long, "I....." I say, now able to speak but unable to find the words.He sighed, rubbing a scar on his pinky, "There was a photo she had taken once. She had traveled the world when she was younger, saw a lot. One photo was all it took.... A photo of her when she had visited Atlas once. I promised myself I'd do it, do the one thing everyone believed a Faunus couldn't.... Go to the City of Dreams, become someone in Atlas." He says, burying his head in his knees."But I can't do it. I can't. Every one around here is so much smarter... All the teachers are so much more strict..... I thought Opertus Academy was bad, but this?" He says, lifting his head up and waving his hands around as I can feel my own heart break a bit."Honestly.... At this point I wonder if I should just save the school some trouble and just-""NO!" I yell, bursting to my feet with a light boost of wind, turning on my heels to look down at Rowan as his eyes lock onto mine."No...?" He says, almost confused as I nod angrily."No! You're not! Because I'm gonna tutor you!" I continue to yell as I feel my anger fade a bit as I blush from embarrassment at my outburst and step back, rubbing my neck. "Y-yeah! I have so much free time because my Dad always made sure Amethyst and I were in, academically, the best possible shape. So I have plenty of time to tutor you!" I say as Rowan just looks up at me, his big brown eyes all confused."But... Why would-""Because you're my friend. My teammate! I don't want to see you go anymore than my sister, or Ashe, or even Percy." I say, holding out my hand as I help him up, which he graciously takes before standing up and towering over me."You'd... Really do that?" Rowan says as I nod with a smirk, punching my fists together."Yeah! And we're gonna start right now, so get down to the library!" I slightly yell as Rowan chuckles."Its... Hard to be stern when you're so much shorter than me but... Thanks, Jasper." He says, grabbing his bag and heading off to the library as I roll my eyes and follow suit.This... 'Team Leader' stuff isn't easy.... But at least it's getting better.

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❄️// Volume 1, Chapter 8:
Deserts and Islands

❄️

A woman sighs, checking her pocket mirror swiftly to check her makeup and hair. Pale soft skin adorned with freckles, short blonde curls tied into a bun, and reassuring deep blue eyes. She closes the mirror, looking downward as she brushes off her short skirted blue dress. Once she was all tidied up she smiles with glee, taking her clipboard in arm and striding down the hall. This woman is none other than Stephanie Santiago: Head of Staff at Atlas Academy, the 'handle it all' girl of the school, and General Ironwood's academic stand-in as he handles the more pressing military matters.Stephanie makes her way down the hall, smiling with glee as she strides down the halls, waving past various students and Professors as she does. She's always been a bit of an oddity at the Academy, considering she's actually not a Huntress. Instead, she's just a very intelligent woman with a strong will and a heart full of compassion, all of which paved her way to becoming the helping hand to anyone and everyone at Atlas Academy, be they student or Professor, powerful or weak, Human or Faunus.As she makes her way towards her office, she's blown away by Neon Katt zooming down the halls on her roller skates, "Woah! Ms.Katt, please slow it down in the hall!""Sorry Goldie!" Neon calls out to her before continuing as Ms.Santiago facepalms."At least pretend you're listening to me, Neon! Ugh...." Stephanie says before turning around almost running face first into Amethyst and Lily, carrying some vials of liquid. "Hey! Where are you girls going with those chemistry lab supplies?""Uh...." They both say in unison as Lily shrugs with one arm, "....Not our dorms....?" She says as Amethyst glares at her.Stephanie huffs, "Girls, as much as likely both Professor Desmond and Professor Borealis would be impressed with your chemical abilities, you girls know the rules! Take this stuff back to the chem lab and stop trying to make bombs in your dorm rooms!" She sternly orders as Amethyst and Lily groan before starting to backtrack.Stephanie rests her head in her cradled hand, "This is not how I imagined my late twenties." She says, rounding the corner and spotting a stack of papers in the input slot next to her office door. "Hm?" She curiously hums before picking it up and sighing as she reads the contents of the papers, "Ah, I see Professor Desmond has finally reached the one on one arena fights for the freshman already… LOTS of extra feedback papers today…"Stephanie sighs as she unlocks her office door before picking up the stack of papers and kicking her door open and setting the papers down on the table next to her door before flicking the light switch on. As the lights flicker on, Stephanie looks up and yelps as she looks onward to see a woman sitting on her desk with a smirk on her face.... A woman she quickly recognizes as Special Operative Winter Schnee, another close colleague of Ironwood.... Perhaps even considerable that she's akin to Stephanie, but from the military side rather than the Academy side.

Stephanie takes a few deep breaths, leaning against the shut door as she sighs heavily, "Gods! Winter!" She says, standing back up straight and brushing herself off, "Mind telling me what you're doing here and- Waiting for me in my unlit office?" She ask as Winter chuckles, hopping off the desk and tucking her arms behind her back."You know, Ms.Santiago, you may not be a Huntress but it may still be wise to arm yourself one of these days." She then steps forward, walking her fingers along Stephanie's shoulder as Stephanie just rolls her eyes and smacks Winter's hand away."I'd laugh at them for working so hard and waiting so long just to attack the glorified receptionist to end all glorified receptionists. I ask again, what are you doing here, Ms.Schnee?" Stephanie asks as Winter rolls her eyes and turns away. "Besides, Professor Desmond just used me as target practice last week. If I made it through that without a gray hair, I’m honestly immortal at this point."Winter snickers, "Already? Last year he waited until halfway through the semester before calling me in to be his ‘volunteer’"Stephanie stares stunned, "He does that every year...?" She then shakes her head, "Th-That’s besides the point- What are you doing here, Winter? Aren’t you busy with-.... Military…. Things?""Funny you mention that! It’s actually why I’m here. General Ironwood sent me to inform you that you’ll be taking over some more of his less prudent duties until this evening, seeing as he’s currently overseeing another progress update for Dr.Polendina’s ‘special project’" Winter says, holding her hand as she checks her nails while Stephanie is left dumbfounded."Special project... The P.E.N.N.Y project? What exactly IS the-""Classified." Winter immediately cuts her off as Stephanie rolls her eyes with a huff."Of course it is… Couldn’t the General have asked, I don’t know, anyone else?" Stephanie says while scooping up the stack of papers and moving it over to her desk as she starts to sit down, "I’ve got my hands full as it is handling all these paperwork AND wrangling all these new freshmen so they don’t blow up the Academy or worse.""I mean... I certainly could pardon you. Ironwood made it abundantly clear I could take over for you...." Winter says as she turns on her heels to face Stephanie once more with a smirk."Winter, come on!" Stephanie begs, "You know I’ve got my hands full already. Do you seriously need some ‘deal with the devil’ strings to help me out? Can’t you just do it as a friend?"Winter shrugs with a neutral expression plastered on her face, "Actually, we’re more of professional colleagues." She says as Stephanie gasps in offense."Oh you little- Fine! I don't need your help anyway. What’s the first task?""Council Moderation. He already informed the Council you’ll be convening with them in his stead. They should be here riiiiight abouuuut……" As if on cue, roaring voices yell at each other from right outside Stephanie's office door, causing her to facepalm as Winter gasps. "Oooh, they sound FUMING this time. Let’s go find out, shall we?" Winter says, causing Stephanie to glare at her.

...

Vale.... Beacon.... Vytal.... Tournament...... So many words swirl around my head. With the semester over halfway over, I've got to prepare myself plenty for the environment and culture we're about to be practically drowning in. The Vytal Festival is all about spreading culture to the visiting Kingdoms, so all of the major parts of Vale around bound to be rearing it's head during our trip.I close my previous search, starting a new one to find out more about the recent events in Vale as an ad pops up on the side of the browser. Specifically an ad for an 'all girls school' in Vale..... Very quickly a lot of memories resurface.... A lot of memories I don't want to think about. I swiftly minimize the window and take a few deep breaths.Suddenly, I feel a tap on my shoulder as I gasp and whip around to twist their arm. However, I notice way too late the lightly tanned skin, the two long coils of lime green hair along their face, and the popping lilac eyes... Lily Verne."OW!" She says as I quickly release her arm as she huffs and starts stretching it, "Take it easy on the merchandise! This baby is my good punchin' arm..." She says as I take a deep calming breath."S-sorry, Lily.... But why did you sneak up on me, exactly?" I ask as she stares at me confused, pausing her stretches."Uh.... I didn't? I called your name a few times and you seemed like you were zoning out. Is everything... Good?" She ask as I think on her words for a moment before shaking my head."I'm fine, what did you need?" I ask as she giddily claps her hands together, "Well you know I'm from Menagerie right? But I was born in Vacuo, and I've wanted to know all about it! I've asked Rowan but he's already told me all he can tell me so I was hoping you'd be able to tell me!" She says as I step back, my thoughts enveloping me again."V...Vacuo?" I ask, rubbing my forehead as she nods."Yup! You are from Vacuo, right? I think you mentioned it before." She says as I shake my head, shutting off the library computer and brushing off my uniform skirt."It's... It's a long story, and I'd rather not get into it right now." I say as Lily pouts."Are you sure? I'm a really good listener!" She says as I sigh with an eye roll and walk past her and I can hear her hurrying behind me, "Rowan said he's from the far end of Vacuo, almost in the Vale territory. I was hoping you were from closer to the actual Kingdom because I've heard the culture there is lovely, and-" As she talks that last sentence cracks something inside me.I turn on my heels, "Lily! I just said, I DON'T want to talk about it and-" I hold up my hand for emphasis and I gasp as I see my claws are out. It happens very rarely, and only when I have a little bit of fire leftover, but it seems my Hellfire lit up all on its own. I look up to see Lily not necessarily scared.... But concerned.I take a deep breath, feeling myself calm down as the flames dissipate from my hand, the claws disappearing with them as I sigh heavily, "Lily, I-"Lily just steps back,"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have pushed and-""No," I start, crossing my arms as the shame courses through me, "I... Shouldn't have done that, and I promise that was an accident...." I sigh,"To make a long story short, I didn't exactly have a great time in Vacuo and-" Lily holds up her hand to stop me."Hold it." She says with a sigh, shaking her head as her fox tail swishes around. "I don't wanna hear it." She says as I'm left slightly taken aback."You.... You don't-""Not in the rude sense anyway. I mean- you clearly don't want to tell me about it, and I don't want you to be pressured into telling me because of an accidental Semblance outburst." She says before tapping my shoulder with a smile.

"I want you to tell me, or anyone else, when you're ready, okay? If that's now then go ahead, but if not just say so." She says as I'm still just left stunned."I.... Th-thank you, Lily?" I say, confused as she just scoffs sarcastically and dramatically holding her hand to her face."Oh dearest Gods, Ashe has stabbed my heart with her words!" She then drops her faux sadness with a smirk, peeking one eye open before turning to giggle at me, "I mean come on! I'm not a monster or something." She says before walking most of the way past me before patting my shoulder."But seriously, feel free to tell me about that when you're ready. Oh and Vacuo too! Anyway, you have fun with... Well, whatever you were doing!" She says before skipping off as I'm just left smiling. I turn to look back at the computer. Before I had wanted to just go and be done for the day but... Lily helped.I sit back down and reopen my previous window, looking as the ad appears again. This time, I just take a deep breath and close it.That's no longer my life, and I don't have to be afraid anymore.... I have friends around me, now.

...

Stephanie bursts through the door to her office, slamming the door shut behind her as she breathes heavily. After about thirty seconds or so of breathing she looks up to see Winter once again sitting at her desk with a smirk."Oh my, that was atrocious. The absolute daggers Camilla was staring at you!" Winter remarks as Stephanie glares."Agh! I’ve burned most of my day just trying to get Councilman Sleet and Councilman Frostly to agree on a damn BANNER SIZE for the Atlesian diplomats heading to the Vytal Festival!" She says, groaning and massaging her forehead.Winter smirks gleefully as she hops off the desk, straightening Stephanie's dress collar, "Well I could certainly handle it FOR you.... " She says as Stephanie smacks her hand away with a glare."FINE! I give up." Stephanie cries out as she throws her hands in the air in exasperation, "What strings does the devil want of me today? My soul, perhaps?"Winter smiles, handing over her Scroll with a list of names, "Maybe another time. Being a Special Operative, and close to the General and Ace Ops at that, gives me access to many places and things. The Academy files are NOT one of them, without clearance anyway. But there's a certain handful of students I'm...." She bites her lip, "Curious to look into. Mind perhaps giving me a hand, Ms.Santiago....?" She says with a grin as Stephanie glares."Why.....?" Stephanie asks as Winter crosses her arms."Call it a... Case of curiosity. You give me file access, and I’ll go deal with that Council fire you’ve started… And clean up whatever mess the students may have started in your absence." Winter says as Stephanie just shakes her head and snatches the Scroll away."Fine, but if you get caught, that's on you." She says as Winter smirks, hopping off the table as her smile fades.Ever since the day she met him, Winter couldn't shake the feeling something was.... Different, about Jasper Quartz. She knows plenty about their family, but most strange was that their mother was another close friend of the General. But... Why? Their company is decently tied to the SDC, and our family has had long lasting ties to Ironwood.... but what's so different about Jasper? It can't be his team, or even just him... Can it? I have to know, because the curiosity has been eating at me ever since.As Winter grips the door handle, she whispers to herself, "What, oh what, is so different about you, Jasper...?"

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❄️// Volume 1, Chapter 9:
The Schnee Name

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❄️CLANG!

Sparks fly through the air, the sound of clashing metal echoing throughout the arena. Suddenly Jasper can be seen as he skids backwards, panting as he grips his hammer tighter and growling as his orange Aura crackles.On the other side of the arena, Zephyr chuckles as his scythe twirl around, his black hair blowing from the force of wind from his scythe. He then bursts forward, while Jasper gasps and holds up his hammer just in time as a loud CLING! echoes out as more sparks fly around.The two struggle as their weapons continue to block each other while Zephyr's eyes dart down for a moment before grinning as he shoots his knee up and knocks Jasper's hammer up too, taking the opportunity of surprise to kick Jasper hard in the gut. Jasper flies backward, skidding and tumbling across the floor a few times with his orange Aura crackling each time before he slams against the wall, his aura breaking finally.Zephyr twirls the scythe around, Jasper looking up just in time to see the massive scythe blade against his neck. Suddenly, lights turn on all around as clapping can be heard. The two look to see Professor Desmond standing in the audience and clapping his hands together looking strangely satisfied.

"And that's game." He starts, brushing his greying hair from his eyes as he sternly looks down at the two, "You seem to have bested most of the heavyset arsenal students Mr.Garnet, so next week you’re likely to be going up against the lightweight equipment students." Professor Desmond says, stepping up against the fence of the arena and staring down at the two. "I’d study hard, seeing as that’s where you struggle just as much as you succeed against those with weapons akin to your own."Professor Desmond's eyes then dart to Jasper, the the deep red practically glowing, "As for you, Mr.Quartz, you appear to be the opposite. You hold your own against blades and fist based weaponry, just as well without your weapon in fact, but you struggle against weapons akin to your own. I’d’ think on this, this loss, how to improve you weapon, but most of all: Improving your strategies going forward… It’s impossible to always rely on your Semblance, you know." He says as Jasper sighs, before looking up to see Zephyr holding out his hand with a disinterested look in his eyes. Jasper quickly takes the hand, being pulled back up to his feet. As the two walk back up to the stands, Professor Desmond returns to his seat and picks up a clipboard, crossing Zephyr and Jasper off the list. "Alright students, next we'll have-""Ahem!" A loud effeminate voices vocalizes, the room turning to look and mostly gasp at Winter Schnee. "Professor Desmond, I figured you'd have been done by now. Unless you'd prefer to be late to your meeting...?" Winter trails off as Desmond, surprised, pulls out a pocket watch and sighs."By the Gods...." Desmond then shakes his head, standing up and pointing past Winter, "That's it for today, students." He says as the students, in a spur of confusion, begin to pile out of the room. "Tomorrow is the Free for All so you'd all be train your Aura for the rest of the evening! I'd better not be disappointed by your improvements, or there'll be consequences." He says, watching the last couple students pile out: Team JSPR, mostly all helping Jasper limp out of the room as Winter gives Jasper a concerned look as he walks past."Come on, Jas," Ashe says, patting his back, "Let’s go get smoothies to cheer you up.""Losers drink kale smoothies!" Zephyr calls out with a chuckle as most of the group turns to glare at him."Zephyr, shut it." Amethyst finally says, before the group is finally out of the room."Hmmm..... Honestly a bit more intense than I remember." Winter says before smirking and crossing her arms, "Then again, I wasn't exactly one of the ones who lagged behind."Desmond sighs with a shrug, "Jasper may be struggling a bit in certain avenues… Relying on his Semblance far too much, for one." He sighs, Winter keeping her gaze locked onto the doorway Jasper just walked out of, tensing as Professor Desmond says his name. Even after everything I searched, there was nothing out of the ordinary about Jasper. All I could find was that his Mother was a Huntress who worked close to Ironwood until her untimely demise on a mission. Although it was odd... There was so little about that mission in the record. Could... Could the General be covering up something...? Winter thinks to herself as Desmond clears his throat."Winter? Are you listening?" He sputters as Winter shudders for a moment before standing back at attention."Mm, it's nothing. You were saying?" She asks as Desmond huffs, leaning back and cracking his back and stretching before walking up to Winter, "I was asking if that was truly today.....?" He asks as she nods with an equally concerned look as before."Your memory doing okay? You're not exactly a Huntsman in his prime anymore..." She says, trailing off sadly remembering their history. Desmond scoffs, despite knowing her words are true.... He is getting old."Hardly. And I may be older than most, but I’m more than capable of my usual Huntsman work… Even if most of it, nowadays, mainly relies on me teaching the Huntsman of tomorrow." He says as she pats his shoulder."My... Father.... May be a bit much, but I can reschedule this if you'd like me to-""Never... If we do that, this likely won't get dealt with until after the damn Vytal Festival. Besides, I want to get this over with... And we should hurry, too, I know how Jacques is with tardiness."

❄️// Percy

On some of the rare occasions we get extra free time at the end of the day, I enjoy spending it by myself. After spending most of the day of almost every day out of the week around people and socializing it's.... Well, blissful to say the least.Not to say their company isn't enjoyable, it's just.... Well, it's always been a bit difficult adjusting to people. For.... Well, a lot of reasons.I rub my forearm while thinking, as I sigh heavily. I round a corner, having to squint and cover my eyes as the sun shines bright along this stretch of the sidewalk. As I start walking I can't help but note that it's always strangely brighter in Atlas. Maybe the higher elevation helps?..... Unfortunately the attempt to think about random things still can't pull my mind away from my.... Less enjoyable thoughts.I sigh, stopping to check for any messages from Jasper, Ashe or Rowan when I hear the gentle flow of a water fountain beside me. I look over and smile at the peaceful energy it's providing, and- Hangon, this fountain actually seems a bit... familiar....I use my Scroll to check the local map as the street I'm on is none other than-

Ares Avenue.

In an instant, memories of all kinds begin to flood back to me. My heart starts to practically beat out of my chest, "Did I just unconsciously walk back here?! Agh! I’m going back and-!"

CRASH!

Next thing I know, I'm on my backend rubbing my head before glaring daggers in front of me, "Hey! You need to watch where you're-!" And I instantly grow silent as my eyes recognize the figure in front of me.Pale skin, dotted with freckles.... Big and bright orange curls... Lime green eyes.... A big pink bow tied around the back of her hair.

...Penny Polendina.

Polendina.... A name heavily conflicted in my soul for a long time. On one hand, there's the soft and kind Polendina standing before me. Innocent, friendly, and ever so emotionally generous. But the other...."Oh dear!" Penny starts, rubbing her head as she climbs back to her feet, "My deepest apologies, I-" She stops as her eyes lock onto mine as she smiles, "Oh! Why hello, Percy! Er- Or would you prefer I call you Mr.Cliff? I recall you requested that from my-""No!" I cut her off, taking a breath as I climb back to my feet as well, brushing myself off, "N-no, you're... fine, Penny. What exactly are you doing? Out and about, I mean...? I thought.... I thought General Ironwood didn't want you to be- you know... In public?" I ask as Penny just shrugs with a smile."I recently had an appointment with Mr.Ironwood and my Father!" She says, twirling a bit and breathing deeply, "Since the Vytal Festival is coming up, they want me to learn and explore on my own! Starting in the safety of Atlas, of course, for now." She says with a slightly giggle before her eyes gain a more confused look, leaning slightly to the side."Er.... Percy? Might I ask why the weapon strapped to your back is very similar to my own?" She asks as I blush in embarrassment, clutching my vest as I bite my lip. "Your, uh… Father… Allowed me to…. Borrow this old prototype of yours." I say, not exactly wanting to lie to Penny, but.... I mean, what do I tell her? That I broke in and stole it?Penny's eyes narrow as I start worrying she sniffed out my lie, "You.... You keep saying it like that. My Father. Is.... Is something the matter, Percy?"I sigh, crossing my arms as I turn to look over at the fountain.... The fountain I've walked past at least a thousand times... But not once in years. Memories flood back, overflowing just like the upper layer of the fountain to the man made pond beneath it."Yes, Penny..." I start with a sigh, brushing my bangs from my eyes, "I just- You shouldn't have to worry about any of that." I say as Penny just stares at me with concern, remaining silent as she looks like she's trying to think of something to say.Suddenly, her eyes light up as she digs in her pocket, "Oh I just remembered! Father actually wanted me to give you something!" She says as I'm left stunned as I begrudgingly hold up my hand."S-sorry Penny, but I'd rather not take anything else from-""Not one of my Father's belongings!" Penny says, holding up a small leather bound journal, "As a matter of fact, he said this belonged to you." She says as I take it from her, turning it over to see a name plastered on the cover.Edward Cliff. In other words.... My father."Apparently he found this recently, and wanted me to give it to you, as he said you'd be less adamant to talk to him. I recall he also said something about.... Making up for the past?" She says with a shrug, am confused by complacent look on her face."I...." I'm left at a loss for words as I pat Penny's shoulder. "T-Thank you, Penny." I say with a smile as she nods."Of course! We've known each other so long, we're practically family, Percy." Penny says before her eyes widen as she gasps,"Oh no! I'm late!" She says bolting past with a wave, "I'm-glad-we-got-talk-hope-we-can-do-it-again-soon-okay-bye!" She says in one breath as she sprints out of view as I'm left stunned but.... Happy.I look over at the fountain, the memories still overflowing but.... Less terrifying. I look down at the journal with a sigh. Guess it's finally time for a trip down memory lane...

❄️

Desmond sighs as he takes in the magnificent view of Schnee Manor once more. Once upon a time, he lived here as a member of the staff.... But those days are sadly long gone. Winter strides forward, clearly in no hurry to think about her own past here.... One Desmond can only imagine with Jacques as a father.The two make their way to the massive doors, knocking hard on them. Not shortly after they swing open, revealing the small visage of the Head Butler: Klein Seiben, "Ah just in time! Winter, glad to see you're still in tip top shape, my little flurry!" Klein says, patting over his heart with a smile as Winter turns away with a blush."Th-thank you, Klein." She says as he turns to me with a sad remembrance waving around his eyes."Ah... And Master Ruben! I hope the Academy life is treating you well and-"I hold up my hand, "As much as I'd love to go for a trip down memory lane, Klein, I fear Jacques mood is already boiling from our tardiness." He says as Klein's face drops."Sadly," Klein starts, "You're right. I was just hoping to cool at least one side of the impending argument, considering what happened last time..." Klein says trailing off as Desmond takes a deep breath and sighs heavily, adjusting his vest."Worry not Klein, those days are far behind me." He says, as Klein nods."Of course. Allow me to lead you both-""No need," Desmond replies, stepping past Klein, "I'm sure neither of us could forget the way." At least he remembers the way to Jacques' office well enough.

...

"So.... Let me get this straight...." Jacques starts, sipping from his shot glass, no doubt with well aged whiskey on the bottle, sided with a few ice cubes to water it down. He sets down the bottle, glaring at Desmond with his light blue eyes, "You came here, planned this whole affair..... Just to tell me your severance package wasn't enough?" He says, as Desmond rolls his eyes. Winter stands to the side, leaning against the bookshelf with her arms crossed as she avoids eye contact with Jacques."You know I’m not referring to Lien… Which wouldn’t be a problem regardless, considering I’m working for Atlas Academy on top of licensed Huntsman work." Desmond says, his red eyes remaining firm on Jacques who suddenly gains a look of realization upon his face."Are you kidding me?" Jacques says, massaging his forehead as he brushes his slicked hair back once more. "That. You're seriously here for a scrap of red cloth I already told you I don't even have?" Jacques asks as Winter's anger begins to rise.Desmond scoffs, "That 'scrap of red cloth' was the cloak belonging to your father-in-law. He traveled the world in that cape, bringing the Atlesian advancements and treasure troves of Dust to the world...." Desmond stands up, walks forward and rests his hands on the edge of Jacques desk, their two faces growing close as Winter prepares to step in if need be."It was promised to me in his will, and you've neglected to hand it over for well beyond the time you should've." Desmond says with a glare as Jacques scoffs."You come in here, demand of me something I don't even have, and-" Jacques is cut off by the loud unsheathing of Winter's sword."Father let's step back into reality. We all know you still have it, now hand it over before things get... Less polite." She says, waving her sword around as a bead of sweat drops from Jacques forehead as he glares with a huff."So what, you're threatening me now? I can't believe you, Win-""Just shut up, and hand it over Father." She says, waving her sword again as Desmond glares, his crimson eyes slightly aglow.Finally, after a long air of silence, Jacques huffs and pulls his self portrait off the wall. As the painting comes down, it reveals a hidden safe to the surprise of absolutely no one. He punches in a code, as the safe beeps and unlocks. He angrily reaches inside and tosses the cloak at Desmond."There! Now you can both get the hell out of my house." Jacques says, downing a rather large amount of his whiskey. Memories flood through Desmond as his eyes fall upon the cloak."No... No I think you need to hear the story of this cloak." Desmond says as Jacques dips his head, his eye twitching as he clutches his glass of whiskey."Of for the love of-""Once upon a time, there was a poor Faunus boy in Mantle who was made fun of by humans for his antlers. And the Faunus too stayed away, fearing his blood red eyes that glowed in the night." Desmond says, rubbing his hand along the cloak, "One man found him, and took him in… Nicholas Schnee. Together, they traveled the world and uncovered new Dust mines and spread Nicholas’ generosity far and wide." As Desmond's story goes on, Winter's eyes light up, her mind adrift with the wondrous thoughts of what her family could've been rather than the broken, hollow thing it is now."That Faunus boy," Desmond continued, "became one of Nicholas’ closest friends… And he promised to always remain by Nick’s side. And that promised remained true… Even until the very end. And even after his friend passed, the Faunus stuck by his friends’ family. Whether it was cooking the food, washing the linens… And eventually, watching over his first granddaughter as well. But then, when he spoke back against the son-in-law’s parenting, he was promptly banished on the spot."Desmond rubs his hands along the cloth with a smile as he gets up. "Thank you for your cooperation, Mr.Gelé." He says, refusing to taint Nicholas' legacy by referring to this sickening man as a Schnee. Winter smirks as Jacques is left sputtering stunned at the words Desmond dared to utter.As Winter and Desmond walk out of the room, Jacques slams his glass down onto the table. "It's Jacques Schnee, you weaselly bas-" Jacques is promptly cut off by the door being slammed shut behind Winter.

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❄️// Volume 1, Chapter 10:
Cracks in the Mirror

❄️// Jasper

I yawn, stretching in my sleeping nook as I blink my eyes open. Huh. Been awhile since something... Or really anything bad has happened. I haven't embarrassed myself, done something stupid as a leader, have something weigh me down... Even a bad thought about the past. I roll over, facing the wall of my sleeping nook. I have a few pictures pinned up, along with a miniature poster of Robyn Hill. I lean forward, rubbing my hand over the picture of my family from when I was really little.

Once again, things have changed even more since then. But... For the first time... This change... Actually feels good. Like... Things might actually get better. And stay better.I smile, as my thoughts shift over to my team before I go to sit up in my little alcove. As I turn outward, I yelp seeing as I'm greeted by the grinning pair of Ashe and Rowan, the latter with his tail wagging.I bolt back a few inches in surprise, "G-guys? Are.... You okay?" I ask in confusion as Rowan mods and grins widely. "Were you.... Watching me sleep?" I ask as Rowan blushes nervously."Uh- Not- Not like that!" He calls out as Ashe puts a hand over his face and steps forward."We were waiting for you to get up so we could head out!" She says as I just blink, rubbing the tired out of my eyes."Uh... 'Head out'...?" I gingerly ask as Rowan nods eagerly."Yep!" He starts, brushing his brunette locks back, "We've just planned a big day of fun for our first day off of classes for the week! You know, before the-"I yawn and hold up my hand, "Yeah, yeah, Vytal Festival this and Vale that...." I say, rubbing my eyes as I sigh. Yikes, that was a bit snippy, wasn't it...? "S-sorry I'm just cranky when I first wake up. You said something about plans?" I ask as they both nod at me.Ashe scoffs with her hands on her hips, "Now hurry up and get your clothes and get changed so we can get going!" She says as I roll my eyes and hop out of my bunk, walking over to the charging station as I'm about to scoop up my Scroll before Ashe steps in front of me and boops my nose with an annoyed look on her face."Nice try," Ashe starts, "but you'll just end up Scrolling the internet all day." She says pointing the other direction, "Get heading to the bathroom! I'll have Rowan bring you your clothes." She says as I groan and roll my eyes as I turn on my heels and go head to the showers, out of the corner of my eye seeing Ashe and Rowan sharing a look of concern.What are they hiding....?

❄️

Ashe sighs, looking up at Jasper sleeping peacefully in his nook. "Rowan..." She starts, twirling her wavy silver hair in anxiety, "Are you.... Are you sure this is a good idea?" She asks as he turns to her confused, thinking for a moment before shrugging."I.... Dunno? But after Amethyst told us what today is, do you wanna see him all upset again after how far he's come? When we first met him, he was all angsty and anxious. He's really starting to come out of his shell..." Rowan says crossing his arm and shaking his head as his tail droops downward. "I don't want to see him like that, now, after he's helped me so much..."Ashe nods as she crosses her arms, "True, he's really branched out since everything started.Rowan takes a sharp breath then smiles again, punching his fists together, "Besides! We get to just all go out for some fresh air and have a chill free day together!" Rowan says with glee, punching his fist into the air.Ashe rolls her eyes with a scoff as she shakes her head, "It'd be more fun if it was actually all of us... With Percy ditching us, and with Amethyst and Bloom busy studying, we're left with just Lily, you and I."Rowan just pats her shoulder, "Aaaaand the secret surprise! Assuming the info I got was right...." Rowan says with a huff as Ashe raises an eyebrow."Do I even want to ask...?" Ashe asks."Nope!" Rowan replies, "And as for Percy-.... Look, he’s come a long way too. I can tell… He’s got this look in his eyes, like he’s got something eating at him… But it’s lessening each day. We just gotta wait for that, and then we can break him out of his shell just like Jas!" He says as Ashe sighs and mutters something under her breath as Rowan just smirks and pats her shoulder.... But even still, he can't help but look out the window as his thoughts fly to his partner.And as Rowan's thoughts fly to Percy, all Percy is left with is his own thoughts swirling around his head like a hurricane as he taps his foot on the ground and anxiously bites his lip. His eyes are locked directly onto his father's journal.... Edward Cliff. Luckily Percy is left alone in the mostly vacant library, otherwise someone might've pestered him about his very anxious energy.Percy rubs his hands along the journal, the second to last entry coming to mind:The Cliffs. The courageous Atlesian military family… Highly renowned and revered for their tactical prowess both on and off the battlefield. When I was just a child, not only was the Kingdom of Mantle at it’s peak… But the Great War was as well. As a matter of fact, my father was the last General before Ironwood… At least before the old regime was torn asunder by the end of the war.Being raised in a military home, especially during the Great War… Well, I can tell now that I came out far different than most of my generation…. At least far different than the generation outside of Mantle. When I grew up and my own child, I eagerly chose to ignore the newly formed tradition of naming children after color. Instead, I decided to represent a different form of art through my son. Fairy tales. Specifically, a rather OLD tale my father told me when I was young myself…. Sir Percy and the Princess.
Sir Percy was a human noble, and the Princess was a Faunus. And so, the two were kept apart by the law of the land… The ‘Good Old Days’ are rarely as good as we ever think they are. The Princess was rumored to have thrown herself off of a cliff, and in the end Sir Percy died as well… But the reason why was always a mystery. Always new. He ended himself as the Princess did! No, he was poisoned for his treasonous love!.... No matter the how, I sometimes can’t help but realize I named my own son after a tragedy.Percy scoffs as he rubs his arms, "How poignant a choice that was, Dad...." Percy sighs, pulling his hand away from the book and taking the glove off his left hand... Feeling the skin, rubbing his thumb along his palm. Thanks to Dr.Polendina, despite the.... Tragedy that happened... He's able to hide his prosthetic arms, even to himself!.... Or so it was supposed to be. Pietro has tried time and time again to make up to Percy for what happened.... But somehow his biggest gift was also the biggest backfire.... And because of Percy's Semblance, no less.Technokinesis. The ability to, on a basic level, control technological devices.... And, as an added 'bonus'... Detect them as well. Helpful for making the most of your Semblance.... Irritating when you have to live every day with two reminders sprouting out of your chest of the biggest horrific experience you've ever lived. At the very least, when he's able to take his mind off his Semblance, his arms at least appear normal, thanks to the prosthetic skin. And, if nothing else, at least the workings underneath it seem to still work okay… I’ll never understand how Pietro was able to so perfectly manufacture a pseudo skin. Or that I was his guinea pig for it before using them on his designs for Penny.Penny.... Percy thinks, remembering the encounter he had with Penny. And as he thinks about Penny, his hand glides over the journal once more. Penny was the one to give it to me... So I might as well give it a shot.

His hands open the journal.... As he shakily glides himself to the last entry he has yet to read. The last part of his father's past.... His own even, that he doesn't yet know. It scares him, frightens him.... But there's nothing else to do but dive in.....Percy takes one last sharp breath, "Well Dad.... Let's see what you've left for me." Percy says to himself as he starts to read the final entry.

❄️// Jasper

"Are you guys gonna finally tell me why you had us fly all the way down to Mantle?!" I cry out as Ashe and Rowan turn to me with a nervous look in their eyes. Normally it takes awhile to go from the dorms to the docks, and then to wait for an airship and then get flown all the way down to Mantle. But, somehow, on top of being in such a hurry, Ashe and Rowan must've also planned today perfectly. Which only peaks my curiosity again... What could be going on? Strange circumstances aside, I don't blame the two Vacuans for wanting to check out Mantle on the last little bit of our time off before we head to Vale.Although, the second we hopped off the airship, things only ramped up my curiosity. "Well, uh-" Ashe starts as she nervously turns to Rowan."Uh...." He starts, "You see-" He's cut off as a blur of rainbow flies past us, and I recognize the distinct crackling of plastic wheels on asphalt. Suddenly the blur skirts to a stop in front of us to reveal none other than one of the coolest upperclassmen from a.... Considerably 'un-Atlesian' team: Neon Katt, member of Team FNKI.Her bright mix of pink and orange hair, dyed with tips of bright cyan, her clothes all kinds of colors and shades and the thin curling cat tail on her backside.... Neon's so vibrant, she'd be kind of hard to miss. "Heya hi, guys!" Neon says with a twirl around before coming to a stop with her hands on her hips, "We're still waiting on Flynt! He's just off at his dad's shop for some extra Dust before we get going." She says, speeding through her words like a race before smirking gleefully as I'm once again left at a loss.

I turn around to face Ashe and Rowan with an eyebrow raised as they both just give me a cheeky smile, "Go...? Go where?" I ask, resting a hand on my side as I glare a bit as Ashe just giggles, walking forward and wrapping an arm around my shoulder."Rowan and I thought it'd be fun if we all went on a last minute shadow mission with some upperclassmen! FNKI had one last patrolling assignment before we all go to Vale in a few days, so it seemed like a fun idea to tag along!" She says as her smile fades before she rolls her eyes, a spark of fire flickering where her horn would appear, "Well... Percy was supposed to come along too, but he was busy. So, instead I invited Lily along!" Ashe says with a slightly forced grin, clearly still harboring a grudge about Percy, as Neon skates next to us and twirls slowly a few times."Hm...." Neon starts, resting her fist against her chin, "Lily.... Lily, Lily, Lily-Loly.... Is Lily purple eyed? Two green strips of hair down the sides of her face? Big loooong fox tail?" She says as Ashe just turns to her slowly in confusion."Uh... Yes....?" Ashe says as Neon giggles giddily."Hehehehe, how purrfect!" Neon says with a clap of her gloved hands, "Lily joined Flynt along to his Dad's shop! We can meet 'em both there, then start patrollin'!" She says, doing a quick heel turn and zooming forward on her roller skates as a vibrant glowing trail of rainbow light follows behind her as she hums her way. Ashe, Rowan and I look at each other for a moment as we just shrug and run forward to catch up to her.Being so fast, it luckily wasn't long before Neon stopped... But we definitely weren't at Flynt's Dad's shop yet. As a matter of fact, she just stopped in the middle of nowhere along the sidewalk and just sniffed the air."That's odd...What a weird smell…" She says, sniffing their air as she cringes back gagging a bit and waving the air, "Hey, you guys smell that? Don’t tell me one of you did something gross…" She says as Rowan narrows his eyes, a little bit of fear in them."I smell it too..." He says, clearly recognizing the scent. And not long after, I start to smell it too...."Yeah...." It smells really bad... Yet strangely familiar. "I smell it too, what is that?" I ask as Ashe tries sniffing around."I..." She finally shakes her head, "Don't smell anythi-"Ashe is cut off by a crowd of people across the street from us bursting out of a Dust shop as bursts of fire fly out behind them.Rowan gasps, "That's what it was! Smoke from that Dust Fire.... It's hard to smell, so it makes sense that it was only really the Faun-" He stops himself, clearly confused as he turns to me, "Wait... How did you smell it Jasper?" Rowan asks, and I look into his soft brown eyes for a moment as my blood turns to ice and I look away towards the fire."Uh.... Really good sense of smell! Ask Amethyst she has it too, probably genetic, but let's just handle the fire first!" I say incredibly quickly as I reach onto my back and grab my hammer as I throw the handle forward as the hammer staff unfolds itself back to normal length while I grip both the handles.Rowan studies me for a moment before shaking his head and looking forward at the fire and punching forward, his gauntlets extending to their normal length as his dust cycler's spin around while Ashe unsheathes her sword. Neon turns to see us readying our weapons as her eyes go wide and she holds up her hands, "Woah, woah, hangon! You guys are gonna get in a lot of trouble for using those in public, in the heart of Mantle, as just first year students shadowing other students!"I just shake my head, "Better than doing nothing!" I say as I turn to Ashe, "Hey! Do you think you can use your Semblance on the fire...?" I ask as she shakes her head."My Semblance can only absorb so much at a time. If I were to try and soak up that much fire at once...." Ashe says with a shudder, a look of fear in her eyes as I huff and cycle my dust, finding my water cartridges empty."Rowan, do you have any water Dust in your gauntlets?" I ask as he studies his wrists before shaking his head."I haven't really restocked since the last duel in Professor Desmond's class! What do we do now?" He cries out as I shake my head. Suddenly, I look around to see Neon nowhere nearby while I strangely start to hear the sound of trumpets playing.I look forward to see none other than Flynt Coal using his Semblance to multiply the amount of Dust he's using, blowing four blue streams of none other than water Dust at the fire as it hisses with steam flying out. Right next to him, I see Lily wincing as she holds her arms in pain as her hands light up with her Aura.I quickly run up to her, "Lily?! What- What're you-""My... Semblance!" She says with another hiss of pain, "The Dust inside... about to.... explode! I'm...." Lily then groans as her Aura crackles a bit, "....doing.... everything I can!" She cries out as I turn to see Ashe and Rowan tending to civilians while Neon is smacking the ground with her glowsticks, creating chunks of ice and kicking them into the fire.Everyone is doing something.... Except for me. I don't have any ice Dust or water Dust, and all my Semblance would do is just give more fuel to the fire. Even then, Ashe and Rowan already have the civilians handled. What could I-Suddenly, I hear a commanding voice behind me, "Joanna, Fiona, May! Help those two with the injured!" I hear as I slowly turn around to see... Robyn Hill. Her tanned skin, her bright blonde hair..... Her commanding presence, a sense of ease and confidence all around her.Robyn runs over to us as I quickly feel panic coming on, somehow nearly as strong as the panic I'm feeling from the fire. She pushes me back as she holds up her wrist as her crossbow extends outward with the metallic design of a bird's wings. She shoots an arrow forward as a burst of steam flies out with a loud hiss from the fire, noting her arrow must've had water or ice Dust.Lily groans, her Aura crackling again, "Jasper!" She cries out with another wince of pain, "Your Semblance!" She yells before gasping for air as I shake my head."Lily, no! My Semblance isn't gonna help us here-!" I say as I feel a hand on my shoulder. I turn to see Robyn, her hand on my shoulder as she stares directly into my eyes."What Semblance?" She asks, and I gulp as I feel my heart skip a beat.I shake my head with a light blush, "I-I can control wind currents, and make my own sometimes... But wouldn't more air just feed the flames?" I ask as she smirks."Not if you pull the air out of the shop. You'll choke the fire! You've gotta try, kid." Robyn says as I look down at my hands, the anxiety and disbelief in myself flying high and strong. But.... Robyn's words seem to echo in my mind.

You've gotta try, kid.

"It's now or never, Coppertop!" Robyn warns as I take a deep breath, tossing my hammer aside as I kneel to the ground and summoning every bit of concentration I can muster. I hold my hands up and forward like Lily as I think.Okay... Think. There's no wind, you've got to make your own, Jasper, I tell myself.

I have to....I have to.....I have to.....

I zone out, the world around me fading away as the only thing I can hear is the sound of my own breath. All around me are flashes of orange and red.... Unlike the fire, more like a familiar warmth I can't describe.... But deep inside me, I feel this.... light burning sensation. It's faint, almost not even there, but.... as it grows little by little, the orange and red fades starts to fade to black as-I start choking on smoke, being pulled out of- Whatever that was? I blink open my eyes to see nothing. Nothing but a lightly charred Dust shop with a whole bunch of unexploded Dust and a lack of fire in sight.The fire went out. Completely.I stand up, brushing myself off to see everyone around me stunned and their blown back quite a bit from the wind. Robyn goes to pat my shoulder, but hisses in pain as she whips her hand back and waves it in the air, "Ow! Guess you really charged up some good static shock from all the excitement, huh kid?" She says as I just look down at my hands in confusion.I've... Never made a wind current strong enough to put out an entire Dust shop full of fire. And.... What was with that... burning sensation? I'm pulled out of my thoughts as I hear a loud groan, turning to see Lily dropping to her knees and panting heavily. I turn around to see Joanna, Fiona and May helping Ashe and Rowan calm the civilians and tend to the injured while Fiona summons various medical supplies out of thin air.Robyn sighs happily, going to gingerly pat my shoulder again before gripping it as she doesn't get shocked this time, "Looks like everyone made it out mostly okay...." She says before turning around to see that a lot of the building is okay, and all of the Dust is okay save for the fire Dust. She turns to us three with a smirk, "Hey, nice job Foxy with the Dust. You too Pigtails, Quartet, Coppertop." She says giving Flynt and I a wink while Flynt just gives a tired thumb as Lily just falls to the ground breathing heavily. Robyn pats my back before wincing as she steps back, "Woah!" She waves her hand, "...Built up a bit of a static charge, didn't ya?""Welp!" Robyn starts, clapping her gloved hands together as she starts walking forward. She turns on her heels to give us a light wave, "I've gotta go help out my Huntresses with damage control. Nice work, kids!" She says as I run up to follow her."Robyn, wait!" I call out as I walk alongside her as she sighs."What is it, Coppertop? I can't exactly talk all day, y'know." She says as I think for a moment. A million things I want to ask her... But only time for one."Why... Do you do it?" I ask as she stops. Robyn turns to me a steeply confused look on her face."....'it'?" She asks as I just nod."All of.... this." I say, waving my hands around at the Happy Huntresses and the shop. "Being a Huntress. Especially here, in Mantle. You were offered a Spec Op position, weren't you? Why did you turn it down?" I ask as she thinks on this for a moment, her brow scrunched as she turns to see Rowan, Ashe and the Happy Huntresses handling the injured then back again at Neon as she helps up Flynt and Lily.Robyn just sighs, placing a firm hand on my shoulder, "What's your actual name, Kid?""J-Jasper." I say, blushing slightly as she just nods with a sigh."Look, Jasper... The Special Operatives, and especially the Ace Operatives.... They're all so heavily tied to the Kingdom of 'Atlas'.... The Military. I'd have so many rules and red tape.... Not to mention..." She says, clenching her jaw as a disgusted look forms on her face, "I'd probably be made to spend most of my time up in Atlas. But the people who truly need help? Are down here, in Mantle... The ones who need people looking out for them.... And thanks to, tch, Atlas Academy's pressure, most students who enroll end up becoming Special Operatives..." She sighs with a shake of her head, raking her hand through her hair, "There are so few who drop themselves to the slums of Mantle and truly help all the people who need it."Robyn releases my shoulder, standing up straight and crossing her arms, "Now, Jasper, I'm about to teach you a very important lesson... One they probably won't teach you up in those clouds. Are you ready?" She asks as I eagerly nod while she smirks before sighing. "In the end.... It's about everyone else. Team leader, teammate, or even solo Huntsman or Huntress.... You've got to look out for everyone else. You may get pressured to be selfish, help yourself alone.... But there is one thing you must never forget. Your team is important, you are important, but at the end of the day.... Our job as Huntsmen and Huntresses is to protect people.... No matter what. That's why I choose Mantle. Every day." Robyn says, patting my shoulder once more with a smile.

Robyn huffs, waving her hands around, "I mean, just look around. So few people from up above look out for the people of Mantle.... That's why I'm here. Joanna, Fiona and May too. Mantle needs us.... That's why I do it, Jasper." She says with a smile, ruffling my hair, "I hope I can see you one day, in a spot similar to my own. You seem like a good kid, with a good heart in your chest. Keep your chin up… You believed in yourself once today, and look what happened. Now… You have to carry that charge. And take the next step." She says, giving me a quick salute before running over to her teammates... As I look over at mine with a smile.

❄️

Amethyst sighs, closing her Scroll shut with a huff. It's pretty late, and it's been dark outside for several hours now. Amethyst and Bloom did some studying late into the night, and Amethyst is now just trying to get a hold of her brother for an important event they take part in every year. She runs her hand through her curls anxiously, making her way to the front of the library as she see's Jasper's teammate Percy sitting at a table alone.She runs forward, "Percy!" She calls out as he sits up fully, clenching his hands along the edge of the table."Er- Yeah, Amethyst?" He says as Amethyst narrows her eyes. She was going to ask about Jasper but... Percy seems off."Are you... okay?" She asks as he nods."I'll be.... fine. I'd rather not divulge for now, what did you need?" He asks, finally making eye contact with her... His eyes are bloodshot, as if he'd been crying. Amethyst wants to ask more, but... Well, she knows sometimes it's best not to pressure."I.... Have you seen Jasper? I've been trying to get a hold of him but he's not answering his Scroll." She asks as Percy slowly nods."Right... Jasper... H-he went out with Rowan and Ashe today, I'm sure they're back by now if you head to the dorms." He says as Amethyst hops up with a nod."Thank you Percy! And..." She walks past him, patting his shoulder as she goes, "Don't feel afraid to tell me anything! My team too, and obviously your own." Amethyst says as he slowly nods, looking down to a leatherbound journal in front of him.Amethyst's bright red boots click against the sidewalks as she makes her way towards their dormitories, the wind eerily still tonight despite Atlas Academy being one of the highest peaks in Atlas. Suddenly, her eyes lock onto the massive silver curls and long brown wolf tail of Ashe and Rowan."Guys!" She calls out as the two stop walking and turn, quickly recognizing and smiling at her."Hey Amethyst!" Rowan says with a grin as Amethyst sighs happily."Whew! I'm glad to see you guys. Where's Jasper?! He's not answering his Scroll!" She cries out.Ashe pats her shoulder, "Don't worry about that! We've kept him nice and distracted all day!" She says as Amethyst's eyes go wide."You've... What?" She asks, stepping back as Ashe and Rowan share a look of confusion.Rowan coughs, "Uh... Distracted Jasper? We knew you mentioned today was the day you're guys' mom..." He sighs, shaking his head, "We didn't want him falling back into a funk, so we went and distracted him all day to keep him nice and good! And by the time he remembers, it'll already be tomorrow!"Amethyst shakes a little bit, "Wait... So you're telling me he hasn't been to our Mom's gravesite a single time today?"Both Ashe and Rowan shake their heads as Ashe puts a hand on her hip, "No, but... That's kind of the point, isn't it? So he wouldn't-"Amethyst takes a deep breath and cleanses herself of anxiety and anger, "I.... Really wish you guys had ran this by me first. Look, it's never about distracting Jasper, it's about acceptance. Moving on. We go visit her gravesite here in Atlas once every year, it helps kind of... Release all the bottled energy we've built up missing her throughout the year. Especially Jasper..." She says rubbing her head as Ashe and Rowan's eyes grow wide, but their regret and shame grows even higher."We... We were just-" Rowan starts as his tail droops down, as Amethyst holds up her hand."It'll be okay! You didn't know. All we have to do is find him before midnight which is-" She whips out her Scroll to find it's already 12:07 AM. "Shit." She says closing her Scroll and clapping her hands together, "New plan! We keep distracting him and pray to the Gods he doesn't find-"Behind and above them, a boom of wind and glass shattering can be heard as they all turn and look up to see an unnatural force of wind flying out of a window. Specifically with the position and height of the window... from Team JSPR's dorm room."...Out...." Amethyst trails off as all of them begin to run towards the dorm entrance.

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❄️// Volume 1, Chapter 11:
Shattered Reflections

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//CONTENT WARNING//
This chapter contains themes that some may find upsetting or disturbing. You have been warned. Skip to avoid spoilers.//THE CHAPTER CONTAINS//
Serious issues of mental health, including extreme self-hatred. Please read only at your own well-being.

❄️// Jasper

I yawn loudly, rubbing my eyes as I open the door to our dorm room, "‘Jasper let’s run around Mantle, Jasper let’s put out a Dust fire, Jasper let’s go see your house in the middle of the night’...." I mockingly say aloud to myself. As I walk in the dorm, I pause as I look over at our sleeping nooks. I yawn again, running my hands through my hair as I smile and study the names engraved very small next to each nook.

Jasper Quartz, Ashe Sparks, Percy Cliff, Rowan Everstone.

And right in the center of the names, I rub my hand along the four big bold letters engraved: JSPR.

It's honestly hard to believe that it's already been a whole semester since we started... And now we're about to head to the Vytal Festival. We get more and more cohesive every day... And even if the progress is slow, Percy is getting more open and friendly too. And to think even my nightmares have stopped too... I smile wide, rubbing my hand along the engraved JSPR with a smile.I shake my head, noticing myself getting distracted as I roll my eyes and start looking around for my keys. For some odd reason, Ashe and Rowan have to go see my 'big fancy house' right now. In the middle of the night. Dad's probably gonna get annoyed about late night guests.... And it's extra weird, considering Ashe and Rowan have to be exhausted to, especially after our encounter with the Robyn Hill.I have to remember that, how I can say that now. That I've... MET. Robyn Hill. Which was... Something. I thought she was breathtaking already, but- Being there? In person? Right in front of her? It's hard to imagine someone so noble... so selfless.... Just.... Existing?I shake my head again, smacking my forehead. "Dangit! Stop getting distracted!" I yell at myself with a huff as I see a shine in the corner as I turn with a big grin to see my keys on the dresser. I quickly scoop up the keys and turn to leave... But my eyes lock onto my Scroll."Oh yeah!" I say, "Forgot I left this here, actually..." I say, sliding the screen open as my eyes widen noticing a massive amount of missed calls from Amethyst.And isn't long before I realize why. The date.... And I watch as that date ticks over as the clock shifts from 11:59 to 12:00 AM.I... missed it.Out of nowhere, I hear a voice from behind me, "Come along dear," I hear my Dad say, but I whip around to see no one there, "...You wanted to head to the park, remember?"I then hear a light chuckle from him, "Oh... You're worried about Jasper? You know he prefers spending time with Mommy. Now, come along, we don't have all day."I then hear Mom's voice lightly laughing behind me as I whip around to the beds again as I see her pink crook leaning against it. I walk forward, gingerly tapping it as it dissolves into dust. I yelp, stumbling back into our dorm desk."Oh, come on Jas," I hear Amethyst say, "It's just for a few days, you'll be fine by yourself." I quickly remember when she said this, feeling tears well up in my eyes. No, she cares. Dad cares. They have to care... Right?I blink and reopen my eyes to find myself in my house, looking forward to see the door to Dad's study. I step forward, pushing it open as I spy dad toiling away at his computer as his eyes dart to me for a moment before waving his hand at me."Come on, Jasper, you know you’re not supposed to bother me right now, it’s busy season." He says as the door slams shut, knocking me backwards onto the floor, rubbing my head as I look up and see Ashe, Percy and Rowan standing above me.Ashe shakes her head slowly, "It doesn't matter how many friends you make, Jasper."Percy nods, crossing his arms, "...Because friends come and go. Even your own family barely wants to be around you."Rowan smirks and rests a hand on his hip, "You didn't think we were gonna stick around, did you? Your Mom sure didn't. You can't even be bothered to remember her. Remember that it's your fault."I scramble back to my feet, shoving past them as I hyperventilate, tears pouring down my face, "No, no, no, you're wrong, you're-" I slam face first into someone as I get my bearings again, looking up as I feel myself fall apart."Face it, sweetheart...." Mom says, reaching down and patting my cheek, "You're always.... always... Going to be...." Out of the corner of my eye I see Ashe, Percy, Rowan, BAZL and even Dad surrounding me."...Alone." They all say in unison, as I feel myself black out.

❄️

At about 12:15 AM, a crowd had formed outside the Team JSPR dorm room, consisting of the remaining members of Team JSPR and Team BAZL along with Professor Desmond, Professor Borealis, Stephanie Santiago, and lastly striding onto the scene is Winter Schnee."What in the world is going on?!" Winter screams over the wind, before angrily groaning and shaking her head as clearly none of them can hear her. She whips out her Scroll and texts Professor Borealis who pulls out her Scroll and sighs with an eye roll.Professor Borealis huffs, putting her finger tips together as she uses her Semblance to freeze the humidity in the air to create a wand while she pulls her fingertips apart. And then she steps into the wind and points her wand forward, freezing the air around Jasper to create an icy sphere. Winter finally sighs in relief, brushing herself off and readjusting her hair, "Why exactly did you not do that sooner?" Winter asks as Professor Borealis stares unamused and simply points towards the ice as Winter can see a crack has already begun to form."It doesn't exactly last long... The boy's Semblance is so strong, it's destroying the ice like it's nothing." She says, crossing her arms and looking onward at the boy with her lilac eyes... Concern for the boy growing, knowing that such strong wind mustn't be doing good for his body.Professor Desmond rubs his eyes in exhaustion, "What could've even caused this to happen? I know for a fact Jasper is neither strong enough to go this long nor is he malicious enough to turn himself into some kind of wind bomb in the middle of the school." He says as Rowan and Ashe's faces darken, as Rowan steps forward with all eyes falling on him."It's..." Rowan starts, rubbing his arm in embarrassment, "It's my fault." He says, Winter looking on him with confusion as Ashe steps forward, patting Rowan's shoulder."Rowan-" She starts but he shrugs her hand away."It was my idea, Ashe, which makes it my fault...." Rowan says, crossing his arms and looking down at the floor."What...? How-" Winter starts as Stephanie snaps her fingers."Kids, focus! Blame or not, what exactly are you two talking about?" She says as Ashe steps forward sadly."Today, or... Well, I guess yesterday now was.... Was the day that..." She trails off, clearly too upset and embarrassed to say exactly what.Amethyst rolls her eyes and crosses her arms, "Our Mom passed away. Ashe and Rowan were trying to get his mind off of it so he wouldn't get upset, but... Well, long story short, Jasper missed something we do every year to honor and remember her and... Well..." She says, waving her hand at the ice crystal as Ashe and Rowan clearly get hit with even more shame at their mistake. Despite having approved their idea, Percy appears too lost in his thoughts to really follow along. Instead he's busy just rubbing his thumb along the palm of his hand, his Semblance giving him the ability to detect the feeling of the touch. "He tends to get this sense of blame and guilt over, so I guess he just kinda... Spiraled."Winter shakes her head, "I think there’s more to it… If it caused THIS." She says, waving her hand at Jasper in the ice as it cracks a little more.Professor Desmond shakes his head, "We can worry about the cause of it later. For now…" Desmond steps back, placing his hand on Borealis' shoulder as she shudders a bit, turning and calming down at the sight of her coworker, "Aurora.... Is the boy's life at risk...?" He asks as Professor Borealis bites her lip anxiously with all eyes falling on her."Well..." She starts, twirling a finger in her white hair, "Although he's producing the wind and that shouldn't affect him... But the cold it's producing? It's no doubt eating away at his Aura every second, and there's no telling if his body would be able to handle the backlash of the wind upon his body without it. He.... He might..." She trails off, looking at him as an air of both horror and fear falls upon the crowd... And, for a particularly rare sight, Winter included.Winter just shakes her head, her gloves hands gripping tightly onto her arms, "But... But what could we even do? The problem sounds like it's progressed beyond emotional, it sounds and appears like he's going under some form of... I don't know, mental breakdown." She says, stepping forward to grip the doorframe to peek closer into the room and squinting to peer through the ice and see that Jasper is down on the floor, lying on both his hands and knees with his head down. "How..." She starts, "How could we possibly help him?" She asks aloud, looking across the crowd as just about everyone grows silent... Until Meadow Bloom steps forward."I...." She starts, gingerly rubbing her tanned neck, "I…. I might be able to help with that, actually…" She says as Winter raises an eyebrow and studies the girl up and down."How so...?" She asks as Stephanie thinks for a moment before sighing and stepping forward."Ms.Bloom, if you're referring to your Semblance, then I'm afraid you won't be of much help. There isn’t much a simple telepathy Semblance can do here." She says with a sigh as Bloom bites her lip.She takes a deep breath, clasping her hands together in front of her waist as she looks down, "That.... would be the case... if.... if my Semblance were...." She trails off, all of the adults looking at her in confusion, "....just telepathy...." She says as everyone turns to her in surprise."W-...What did you say, Ms.Bloom-?" Professor Borealis says with her mouth aghast as Winter turns to Bloom with an almost immeasurable fury as she strides forward causing Stephanie to yelp."Winter! Perhaps we should calm down for just-!" She says as Winter stands above a very afraid Bloom with an absolute fury."Are you... to tell me.... that you.... lied.... on your admission paperwork...?" Winter says in a very barely contained fury as Stephanie sighs and rests a hand on Winter's shoulder."Winter... Please." She asks as the two lock eyes for a moment as Winter groans, rolling her eyes and sighing as she steps back, crossing her arms as Stephanie smiles weakly at Bloom, "Er... Ms.Bloom.... if not telepathy, then what exactly is your Semblance...?" She asks as Bloom looks away, walking to the center of the walkway and looking down at her hands as Team BAZL looks at her confused while Bloom walks to the center of the hallway as Amethyst looks on at her partner in steep concern."I.... didn't entirely lie." She starts as Winter growls angrily while Stephanie rests a hand on her shoulder again as she huffs and calms down once more. "My Semblance does allow for telepathy.... just.... it also allows for more than that. A more accurate description of my Semblance would be that I can... Link minds. Conscious, subconscious and unconscious." She says as all eyes just stare at her in confusion while Winter huffs and rolls her eyes."And why exactly would that permit you to lie on your enrollment paperwork?" Winter asks as Bloom just sighs, tucking some of her crimson curls behind her ear."Because when I...." Bloom shudders, "'Lived'.... in Mistral... Well, as most of you might know, Semblances like mine are rare. And... Most commonly, users of Semblances like my own tend to go on and become Nightmare Hunters." She says as Desmond scratches his scruffy chin."Correct. For the unaware, Nightmare Grimm are seedlike Grimm that hunt down warriors with strong Aura and burrow deep in their hearts, feeding on the Aura and growing more and more as it creates a subconscious nightmare." Desmond says as Bloom nods, gulping in anxiety."Since a very young age, I've been forced to be used as a.... conduit, of sorts. Bridging teams of Huntsmen into the minds of one of their own that have been infected by a Nightmare... Or, something else entirely that has created such a state of mental anguish that...." She trails off, sighing and waving her hand at Jasper.Amethyst steps forward, one hand on her chest as she rests another hand on Bloom's shoulder which causes her to jump at first but then ease when she sees it's Amethyst, "Hey, everything is going to be okay...." Amethyst says as Bloom smiles, while across the hallway Professor Borealis hums in thought."It'd be wrong to force such an already traumatized girl to have her use her Semblance in such a way again..." She thinks, pacing around, "But if we don't do something, Jasper could very well die..." Professor Borealis says, causing Winter to just groan and shrug off Stephanie's hand as she unsheathes her sword and steps forward, pointing the sword at Bloom angrily before Amethyst steps in the way while Stephanie grips Winter's arm.

"Ms.Bloom, you are to use your Semblance to allow someone into Jasper's mind before he very well dies." She says as she glares into Amethyst's eyes while Bloom steps back in fear, "And Ms.Quartz, I would suggest you stop interfering, especially considering this is about the health of your brother after all." Winter says before Stephanie huffs and shoves Winter's hand aside and furiously steps between the students and Winter."What do you think you're doing Winter?! They are just children!" Stephanie cries out as Winter groans and sheathes her sword, leaning forward as her face gets inches away from Stephanie's."So is Jasper! So what do you suggest, we just let him die?!" Winter cries back in fury."EVERYONE STOP!" Amethyst cries out as even Percy looks up from his thoughts to take note of Amethyst's outburst. She sighs heavily, brushing her hands across her purple bangs, "We don't have to force Bloom to do anything, and we can save Jasper." She says as Ashe steps forward in surprise."But... How? Wouldn't Bloom's Semblance be the only way to get into Jasper's mind...?" She asks as Amethyst smirks."Right. But you all forgot..." Amethyst starts, digging into her pajama pants pocket and pulling out her notepad, with her her family's company emblem on the cover with the print of the glaring outline of a cat's face. "...About my Semblance." She says, patting Bloom's shoulder without looking and not noticing the bright blush from the touch. "We can put Bloom's Semblance into one of my Charm papers, and then anyone can go in..." She says and holds up the notepad looking directly into Winter's eyes, "Without forcing them to do anything." She says with a smug look, glaring at Winter who just glares angrily back as Stephanie nervously pulls Winter back a few feet.Patting Winter on the chest a few times, Stephanie sighs and crosses her arms, "Well, I don't remember much about Nightmare Grimm from school, but if it's a similar enough of a breakdown then it's probably safest to pick people close to him..." She trails off in thought, looking across the crowd of JSPR and BAZL with a hum, "So, who's going to-""We are." Rowan says sternly, "As his team." He says, turning to Ashe and Percy who look back at him. Rowan sighs, "We... We have to. We can't just leave our leader like this...At the very least, I’m going in alone if I have to. I caused this… I can’t just leave it." He says, clearly upset and shaking his head as his tail droops down."Sir Rowan... Are you sure about this?" Bloom asks, stepping towards him as she adjusts her glasses, "This will be a very... traumatic experience, the way my Semblance interacts with minds in this state." She says as Rowan thinks for a moment, turning to Ashe and Percy. Ashe sternly nods with a smile while Percy just stands there in thought for a good couple moments before finally taking a deep breath and giving a thumbs up.Rowan turns back to Bloom with a smirk and a nod, "Yeah... We've got this." He says as cracking can be heard, everyone turning to see more fractures spreading across the ice.Bloom sighs and rubs her neck, "Well, then you three deserve to know what you're getting into. Every Nightmare Hunter's Semblance tends to be... Different.... In the way it interacts with the entrants and the host." She says as Ashe raises an eyebrow."And yours is different.... how, exactly?" Ashe asks as Bloom bites her lips and avoids eye contact."Well... In order to fully enter, you'll each enter your own kind of mental space. Depending on your own mental strength you might have to form a sort of.... 'Emotional Antivirus' would be the best way to describe it." She says as Percy steps forward with steeply increasing concern."And that means....?" He asks with a wave of his hand while Bloom taps her foot anxiously."What tends to happen, or so I've been told, is that your minds will create a space almost equal to the kind of mental and emotional turmoil Jasper is experiencing. So... Assuming you each have traumatic events equal to or worse than his.... You'll have to overcome them to enter his mind." She says as the three are stunned silent."Oh, is that all." Percy finally says, slightly annoyed as Bloom winces and claps her hands together."Aaaaactually it only really gets worse. Assuming you're all able to talk Jasper down from his high strung emotions, you'll all..." She sighs, taking off her glasses and staring at each of them with her unimpeded golden eyes, "Well as I stated before, my Semblance connects minds. When everything is said and done.... You'll all remember everything you all experienced in there. Connected. Meaning-""Any of our trauma, pain..." She bites her lip and shakes a bit as she grips her arm tightly, "Regret... Mistakes... Will just be on the table...? For each of us to know?" Ashe says as Lily pushes through the crowd and grabs Ashe's wrist."Ashe, you don't have to do this. Someone else can take your spot... Hell I will. I already told you before, I don't want you being forced to let out any of that stuff until you're ready." Lily says with concern, her lilac eyes staring into Ashe's metallic grey. Ashe bites her lip for a moment, considering it even, before turning to Jasper once more as her she sighs with a weak smile at Lily."Well.... Now or never, I suppose." She says as Lily frowns, but nods and squeezes her wrist once more before backing up as Ashe turns to Percy to himself locked in thoughts. "Percy...? Are you-""Me?" Percy starts, "Well.... I was considerably frightened at first but..." He shakes his head with a deep breath, "Well, I still am. But, you three would do the same for me. So... I suppose-" He's cut off with a yelp as both he and Ashe are scooped into a small hug with Rowan, who's just chuckling a little."We're all in this together!"Winter and Zephyr just groan and roll their eyes as a few of the people in the room just chuckle. Amethyst sighs, turning to Bloom while ripping a piece of paper out of her notepad. Bloom touches it, and the instant she makes contact with the paper both her fingertip and the paper itself shine with her golden Aura glowing across it. Amethyst smiles, causing Bloom to chuckle nervously with a blush while Amethyst turns to Rowan and slaps his collapsed gauntlet with the Charm as the golden Aura spreads across both it and him before fading."Given how I Charmed this one, you should just have to touch Jasper and well... The Charm should do the rest!"Professor Borealis peeks into the room, watching the ice start to crack as wind whistles out of a few holes in the ice. "Er- Winter? The students may need just a touch of assistance!" She says as Winter rolls her eyes, unsheathing her sword yet again and waving it across the floor as several white Glyphs appear all the way to Jasper. The trio quickly hurries onto them, feeling the Glyph's pulling them to the floor.Professor Borealis creates another ice wand, waving it forward and bolting backwards as the ice melts away and the wind once again blows freely. But, instead of being blown back, the Glyphs keep Ashe, Percy and Rowan grounded to the floor. They each grip hands, making their way little by little towards Jasper. Finally, when they're close enough, Rowan jumps forward and grips Jasper's shoulder as everything goes white.

🤎// Rowan

I leap forward, doing my best to grab onto Jasper's shoulder when I luckily manage to just barely grab it.... But when I should've slammed against the floor, I instead slam against a white.... Nothingness. I look forward to see my hand clenched around nothing but air.I groan, pushing myself up with a wince and brushing myself off as I look around. The white slowly but surely gets brighter and burns more every second. I cover my eyes with my hand.... Slowly pulling it away to find everything around me is very different. Now the bright burning light all around me is now only above me, and I also quickly recognize it's just the bright hot sun. I look down, seeing that I'm stepping on sand... I'm... Back in Vacuo...?Suddenly a pair of children shove past me, and I immediately know exactly who they are... The smaller skinny girl, wearing patchwork rags and pair of overalls that match a pair of goggles ontop of her red head that help tame some of her wild hair while she wiggles around her red wolf ears. Next to her, considerably bigger and a few years older but still small and skinny.... Is Me. Or, a younger me, anyway. Still small, young and skinny, but... Considerably tough look for- Gods, how old was I even? 9 right? Roana couldn't have been older than 7 or so...

Roana runs ahead with a giggle, turning to face Rowan while she keeps walking, "Come on Rowan! We gotta hurry if we're gonna make it in time!" She says with a giggle, waving around a metal detector she made. Our parents passed when we were little, so we always had to make do scavenging across everywhere we could find for whatever odds and ends were left behind behind by unfortunate travelers who either lost the item innocently... Or lost their life too to the wilderness of Vacuo.We didn't just collect stuff to sell at a market or fix up or clothes... Or on the luckier finds, food to eat... We'd collect plenty of scrapped tech and bits and bobs that Roana loved to make use of. Our dad left her a neat little book on engineering, and it became the most important thing to her. Well, until she memorized it and stopped caring. Then we used it for fire fuel to cook with. Something about how this screw works best for some type of metal, and- I never really understood any of it back then, but she always loved making little gadgets and trinkets. And every single one of them worked wonders, especially ever since she made her little metal detector.But then... Both of our lives changed forever when we went scavenging on one especially hot summer's day. We had to be extra careful in case we stepped on a mole crab burrow after having almost set off one... So we went a lot slower than normal today. Something that always worried me about Roana's metal detector was- What if a Grimm had a piece of metal stuck in it? What if a piece of the wildlife is chewing on something metal when we stumble on it?But I pushed these thoughts out of my mind, just continued trudging forward. I squinted my eyes, seeing something in the distance. Something worse than if Roana had found a Grimm or another creature. In the distance I see a tent.... in the middle of the desert. Either it was abandoned or worse.... a criminal hideout. I tried to tell Roana to stop, when she stepped down and the sand suddenly exploded in front of us and knocked us backwards.I coughed the sand out of my mouth as I heard Roana do the same while I wiped my eyes to see a trio of figures standing above us. Two effeminate figures standing at the sides of another figure. Deep dark skin, curvy figure, baby blue eyes and curly black hair tied back into space buns. The woman giggles, "Now... What do we have here....?"Everything just cracks and falls apart as I'm left alone in the darkness... Cold. That day... That was the day Roana and I were ripped away from each other. By a woman named 'Ms.Piper'.... Leader of a very effeminate gang of criminals headquartered in Vacuo that kidnapped girls, and trained them to be one of their own....I... I tried. I tried to save her, but- I'm cut off as I feel my back burning, the large slash across it burning as strong as the day Ms.Piper gave it to me. I clutch my neck, groaning in pain as I feel the only thing I have left of Roana.... Her neckerchief. As I feel it, a warmth spreads around me, and I hear a voice behind me."Who would've left you out here to die in the wastes...? Well, best to take you home I suppose..." I hear Ms.Myrtle say... The day she saved me from certain death. She was never nice or 'motherly'... At least, not in the way I hear most people describe it. She cared for me in the best way someone in Vacuo could... By being strict. Training me to be better.... She was never truly mean to me, at least not in a way that I didn't deserve for doing something stupid yet again. Deep down, although she never admitted it... She cared for me, the same way I did for her.Once every couple months, I'd try to leave and find Ms.Piper's gang.... to find Roana, but.... Ms.Myrtle would always talk me down. "You can't just die trying, boy. Then it'd be worth nothing. Then you'd be dead, and she'd still be in their clutches." She'd tell me. Harsh... but definitely deserving.... and true. When I got older, she'd add onto it.... handing me some papers, "You need to be more. A hero. A..." She trailed off as I studied the papers, seeing them as enrollment papers for Opertus Academy, a combat school near our village."...A Huntsman." She finally finished. "That's the only kind of man I can think of that can save your sister." She told me. I turn around and gasp to see Ms.Myrtle with her hand outstretched to me as I clutch my neckerchief once more. I turn back to see Roana reaching out for me while a couple of Ms.Piper's goons take her as a tear drips down my face... Clenching my fists as my face hardens."I'm gonna come back for you Roana. When I'm stronger... When I can actually save you.... I promise."I then grab Ms.Myrtle's hand, as everything goes white again...

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❄️// Volume 1, Chapter 12:
Shards of Truth

//CONTENT WARNING//
This chapter contains themes that some may find upsetting or disturbing. You have been warned. Skip to avoid spoilers.//THE CHAPTER CONTAINS// Multiple mentions and themes of death, with enough detail for concern and warning, as well as serious issues of mental health. Please read only at your own well-being.

Perhaps, indeed, victory lies within the simpler things we've long forgotten....Things that require a smaller, more honest soul. Guardians may fall, Kingdoms may crumble, legends may fade into history. But, by day's end, all we truly need is the spark ignited by that smaller soul.Like an everlasting flame, a striding shadow, the most elegant snowflake, or even the last petal of a rose. One day, that smaller more honest soul will ignite the world.... And all it will take? Is a simple spark.- Professor Ozpin

💚// Percy

My eyes blink open, as I enter an... Empty, white nothingness. It all slowly fades to black, before a bright, blinding spotlight hands above me. All around me, disembodied voices whisper.

"Aw, what a cute- Oh good gods! Edward, what is wrong with his eyes?!""You need to get that checked by some kind of physician.""And you're sure the doctors said he was normal...?"

All the time when I was little, people slowly but surely started saying these things more and more. The tone varied.... Some kinder, some harsher. To be born without an eye color.... Empty, black eyes. Some would call me cursed, others would say bewitched. Some would just say I was some kind of defect.And it wasn't until I got older things changed. Father left his Scroll where I could reach, and I was always so curious about the glowing blue light.... When he noticed and ran over to scold me, he instead gasped and went silent. Later, he described to and showed me the phenomena we'd come to realize was my Semblance. Technokinesis.... Displaying itself through my eyes. My eye colors take charge of the color most relevant to the device I'm controlled, or last controlled. And over the years, people would adjust to the colors I'd changed to, and be left to wonder what kind of childish mischief I'd gotten myself into.Some days, I'd emulate Father's violet eyes. Other days, I'd emulate the bright cyan eyes in the portraits of Mother. And on some days... I'd emulate the eyes of the close family friend, Dr.Pietro Polendina, with his eyes like amber he found so amusing for me to emulate.Being barred from the military due to our family's Great War past, Father had instead decided he'd boost Pietro's military career. Pietro would invent or design, fascinating and marvelous devices... And my father would convince the General or.. Well, whoever he had to really, to get it approved. Turns out, even when you work for the military, not everything is just given to you.And then one day... Pietro came to Father with a... 'Miracle' he called it."A living, breathing protector! With a soul!" He'd tell Father... He'd just laugh.Preposterous, Father would reply, How could it have a soul? Unless you're actually thinking of weaponizing an actual child.That's when Pietro told Father about the... 'elephant in the room'. Giving up a piece of Pietro's own soul, to bring the creation to life. And Father was horrified.... and very clearly upset. He told me to leave the room and go down the hall, but I could still hear them screaming from there.Insane! Suicidal! Why would you risk such a thing, Pietro? For the 'People'? The good of Atlas? And what about yourself, hm? He'd ask, as Pietro struggled to provide an answer beyond his calculations and how he weighed the risks already.Eventually... It got to be too much. One day, however, word came out that Dr.Polendina went to the General himself with the idea... And it was approved. Hurriedly, Father took me outside to the car as we were about to get in it.Remember how I said things don't just magically happen when you're in the military? Well, it turns out, being in the military also has some negative backlash too.The fact that even friends get hurt sometimes.I was standing a few feet behind Father, but even still, when he opened that car door.... I just don't remember much after that. A bright flash of light, and then waking up in a hospital. Pietro was there, waiting for me. He told me everything.... Someone had rigged the car to explode. Whether they had intended for Pietro to be there as well, or if it was just to emotionally devastate the inventor.... Didn't matter.In the process, I lost both of my arms, but Dr.Polendina was quick to invent me some new ones... With swift approval from the General to give me top of the line Atlesian equipment.But that didn't matter to me... Arms or not, I was now an orphan. My mother passed away during childbirth, and my Father died in an organized bombing. I was left alone... With Pietro Polendina.Pietro raised me as his own, but he still worked day by day tirelessly on his 'Protector Project'... One that was soon renamed to the 'Penny Project'. And as the days flew by, I grew to hate Pietro more and more.My Father was made at him, and he died in the process of trying to stop him from working on the very project Pietro still worked on. It sickened me, and every day it felt like I was suffocating in those thoughts....Until one day, I left. I had waited until I had grown enough to not need any more adjustments on my arms from Pietro... And then I left. But not before he finished the project. Not before he finished Penny.I wanted to be mad at her too. Hate her, loathe her alongside the man who made her.... But I just couldn't. There was just... something about her. Something indescribable. Some innocence, that she was just a girl discovering the world around her, not knowing anything before she was made or having any part of it. And so when I left I decided I'd despise Pietro.... But not her.All around me, darkness began to close in.... Crawling toward me like a flowing ink. I knelt to the floor, my hands shaking as the ink began to cover my knees and legs and started rising. I wanted it to engulf me, all of these confused feelings and thoughts surrounding me... drowning me.But then, there was a sudden flash of light above me. And out of the glow of orange, red and brown flies out a seemingly endless stream of papers as the ink flies up and flows onto the pages.I stand up, looking at my now skinless arms... What should be flesh and bone was now metal casing and wiring, as I recall the last chapter of Father's journal. How he left to go see Pietro, and not to stop him.... But to encourage him. When I read that, the confusion of my heart began. I had realized what my heart wanted to all along.... That a small, indescribable part of myself wanted to forgive Pietro. He raised me, clothed me, cared for me when my parents couldn't.... And I scorned him. Hated him.The further I distanced myself from Pietro, the closer I found myself to Penny. Her happy, innocent smile.... Brought such a shining light into the darkness I thought my life was. And that's when I realized.... My life isn't bathed in darkness. It has stains, just as much as the ink spilling onto a bundle of papers. But there's always more paper to write on, more notes to be made, more journals to make... More life to live. Even if Father is gone.... And I may have scorned Pietro beyond repair.... but I still have Penny.Right in front of me, a bright green light shines. A familiar, comforting lime green. I begin running towards it, as everything becomes engulfed by it.

❤️// Ashe

The world around me burned a bright, blinding white.... Covering my eyes before uncovering them to see a bright fireplace flickering before me. I kneel in front of it, enjoying the warmth as I feel a familiar touch behind me. I look behind me to see... A blurry face, whom I can no longer recognize. The only reason I know who it is, is her most memorable detail: Pure, silver hair... Braided upward, tying the braids around a neat little ponytail. I remember so little from when I was so young.... But I know this woman is my sister.She pats my shoulder, smiling warmly as her mouth motions something I can't hear. I try to read her lips... Something about... the fire? Asking how it isI then start to hear a faded shrieking across the room.... The faded yelling of our grandmother. So little of her that I can recall, but... Well, I don't remember anything good. My sister always provided a kind warmth, like the nice fireplace on the colder nights. Meanwhile, grandmother always burned like a harsh bonfire... Much like the one we saw when of our neighbor's homes burned down.... Grandmother clenched mine and my sister's arms, dragging us both back inside our own home. Something about danger... a tent? Rent, maybe?One day, grandmother gave me a few of our fire Dust crystals. I can't hear her, but I remember what she said well enough. Sell them at the market. Imagine that... Telling a kid barely able to talk to go sell Dust in the middle of a Vacuo market.Maybe she intended to get me kidnapped, as some kind of trade. Maybe she didn't.... Regardless of intention, I never saw her or my sister again. When I tried to fight back, the scuffle set off the Dust crystals... And I used my Semblance for the first time.I don't remember much after the scuffle, but just that I was given to a group of people interested in me for my Semblance. Some kind of criminal girls club in Vacuo, led by some dark skinned woman. But they all thought I was 'too mouthy' 'too powerful to control'.... But that I was 'young enough to fix'.And so, they shipped me off to some All Girls School in southern Vale. Somewhere I guess that was trusted by criminals, seeing as when I got there and got older the girls there were just as concerned and frightened as myself... And the teachers were strict and armed.They had just the right conditions to keep those of us with unlocked Semblances at bay.... But one night, they messed up. There was an accident... And a massive fire was lit. I consumed so much fire.... It felt so... freeing. it wasn't so horrible to me, attacking the teachers and staff that constantly abused us.... But when I came out of my frenzy is when my horror started.I hadn't just killed staff.... I killed one of my friends, too. I can't recall much, but I think she tried to shake me out of my rampage, and....Well, now I've been lying to everyone who ever asks who much fire my Semblance can consume. Hell, if I tried, I could probably consume enough fire to light the world ablaze.... But at the risk of losing myself completely, becoming something I can't even fathom or think about.All around me a massive fire ignites... It singes me, reignites all of the memories of my grandmother screaming at my sister and I, being physically abused by the staff at the school when we did something wrong.... I try to collapse, but the floor burns too. I can't even cry, as my tears just evaporate from the heat.But then my heart pounds with the thought of Rowan, Percy and especially Jasper.... I'll do what I have to. For them. They've been so nice to me, not just like some friends.... Being a team is so much more than that.I force myself to stand, shaking off my anxiety as I begin to inhale all the flame around me as my vision goes white.

🧡

Suddenly, the remnants of Team JSPR open their eyes and look around to see each other.... They smile, chuckle and hug... Wiping away their tears from the individualized horrors they had to overcome to get here. As they separate, they all turn to see the Kingdom of Atlas flying high in the distance, shuddering a bit from the surprisingly real cold."So..." Ashe starts, running her hands through her curls, "...Do you guys.... Know about what I just went through yet, or...?" She gingerly asks, her heart freezing as she realizes that when they get out of this... They're all going to know she's lied to them about her Semblance. The two boys shake their head as she sighs in relief.Percy adjusts the cuffs of his shirt, "Luckily for us, I believe the way Bloom described, the memories are all going to converge once this is over. So... Luckily we can take a breath of peace until then." He says as Rowan just shakes his head, rubbing it too."Wait..." Rowan starts, "We aren't out yet? That other stuff seemed so... Mental and abstract. But this? Seems so...."Ashe shudders from the cold, her Aura visibly activating, "Real..."Percy sighs and crosses his arms, "Jasper must be recalling whatever this is? Far more vividly than we do our own traumas." He says, blushing as his eyes go wide with realization he just admitted his memories are foggy.Suddenly, a small boy shoves past them as they watch as the orange blur jumps and hides behind an icy rock. Behind the trio, a woman's voice giggles, "Oh no, where oh where could he be...?" She says. The three turn and gasp as they see a woman with a long red curls, topped with a nice pointed hat with a familiar feather sticking out of it. She's dressed in a thick cuffed wooly red dress, with red bandages wrapping across her arms as across her back hangs a massive crook for herding sheep, wrapped in green vines and tipped with a bright red azalea flower.Rowan's eyes widen, "Wait... Is- Is that- Is she...?"Not waiting for his reply, the woman runs past them and stops just before the icy rock with a smirk and her hands on her hips. She snaps her fingers, "Darn! And here I was just gonna tell him that we're gonna get ice cream once we get back to Atlas...." She says tapping her chin as the small boy pokes his head past the rock with a gasp as the members of JSPR go silent... Staring the smaller, younger visage of their leader."Are we really?" Jasper cries out and the woman giggles and turns around, running forward and scooping him up as he screams in surprise."Oh no! The Beowolf got you! You're dead." She says unapologetically with a smile as Jasper groans and hops out of her arms."That's not fair! You cheated!" He cries out as she shrugs with a wide grin."If you're not cheating, you ain't tryin'!" She says with a light chuckle before her expression shatters and she stares down at him in fear, "But uh... Let's not say that around your school, hm?""Only if we get ice cream!" He cries out with a devilish smile as the woman sighs and rolls her eyes, scooping the boy up once more."You are way too much like your mom, kiddo." She says as she turns and heads back the way they came before dissolving into snow.Ashe blinks a few times, stepping back with a strong stunned look on her face, "That... That's really his Mom? She's.... She's so...""Beautiful" Ashe says."Reckless." Percy says."Cool!" Rowan says as the three turn to each other before sharing a small laugh. They turn back to find themselves in a completely new scenery. Instead of the Atlas tundra, they're now in some kind of massive storage room... Given the SDC labels on the metal crates, likely some kind of Dust shipment outpost. Jasper's mom, Azalea, paces around the room and taps anxiously on her Scroll."Oh come on... You were working a few minutes ago!" She says, pacing past the trio as the scenery changes behind her, the wall she walks past now reveals a window with a large amount of snow outside... And a growing blizzard with it. "I could..." She says, reaching her hand out before stopping herself, "No. I can't let them find me. Better to just wait it out." She says, thinking about something for a moment before closing her Scroll and turning to see Jasper sitting on top of a metal crate, kicking his feet in the air clearly bored.Azalea skips over to him and kneels down with a light hum, "Well, looks like we're gonna be stuck here for a bit, so how about we play a game? She asks as Jasper's eyes light up, before looking down again."But... I'm kinda bored of playing 'Hunted by Beowolves'..." He trails off, with a light pout as Azalea taps her chin in thought."Hm... How abouuuut....." Suddenly, Jasper's eyes light up again."What if I... Hunt Grimm? Like you do!" He says with glee, holding up his fists, "I could fight 'em all bare handed, just like Dad used to!"

Azalea smiles, patting his cheek, "Yup! Just like me and Dad..." She trails off, kissing his forehead and waving him off, "Better hurry! You might be scaring off the Grimm already with your happy emotions! And don't go too far!" She calls out as Jasper excitedly runs off... Azalea watches him run off with a smile, before the scenery shifts to follow Jasper several rooms away.Jasper excitedly punches around at a couple shadows, giggling around until he shudders from a chill. He turns and his eyes widen, seeing a door open with a bunch of snow burned through... And water tracked in from the doorway."M-!" Jasper tried to scream for his Mom, but something lifts him up and covers his mouth. His attacker continues to hold him as Jasper hears a Scroll opening as the other end clicks."Fontaine here. Did you find the targets, darling?" An effeminate voice says.The other voice groans, still fighting against Jasper's struggling, "What'd you say? I can't tell if it's my hearing implant screwing up from your signal scrambler, or if it's this damn kid squirming." They say groaning as they continue to struggle against Jasper.The voice on the Scroll sighs, "I'll take that as a yes... Look, darling, make sure not to rough them up too much. I need both of them. Alive." Fontaine emphasizes, the one holding Jasper huffs."Fine...." They say, closing their Scroll as they start walking towards the door while Jasper squirms harder, "With as fight-y you are, probably best to get you put away before handling the-"Suddenly, both of them fly forward. Jasper slams against the floor, while the attacker's Aura crackles as they slam against the metal door. Both of them turn to see Azalea... Incredibly furious, holding her crook in a way that indicates she sliced at the attacker with the sharp end of the crook.

"Jasper... Do like we talked about. Close your eyes, plug your ears... And keep counting." She says as he quickly listens and plugs his ears.He then buries his face into his knees, and the second he does everything around them fades to black. Ashe, Percy and Rowan look around in confusion but Ashe gasps and they all turn to see they're all separated, with Jasper in the center.... And not the young one, but his current 17 year old self."It's all my fault..." He says, "That stupid game. If we weren't separated, she wouldn't have had to save me, and..." He says, shaking his head deeper into his knees. A massive wind blows outward, even stronger than the one they fought against in reality.Voices start calling out from the darkness, "Help! We need help! My mom is hurt really bad please you need to hurry!" Jasper cries out as another voices, General Ironwood, calls back."Young man, you need to calm down and speak clearly, where are you, can you describe your surroundings? We might have someone near your position, let me see if I can reach her… Thorne? Thorne come in! Gods damnit, where is Thorne?!""Shhh...." Azalea's voice calls out, "It’ll be okay sweetheart, just calm down you can do it it’ll be okay…""We've... Gotta shake him out of this!" Rowan cries out, trying to punch his gauntlet forward to launch his knives, quickly noticing both gauntlets are gone.Percy huffs, trying to keep his balance as best he can, "This isn't something we can just punch our way through!""When it was all over.... She had me open my eyes again. She handed me her Scroll... Had me call for help. But it didn't matter. Beowolves showed up, but that didn't matter either. By the time the help arrived, it was all over..." Jasper echoes out.Ashe clutches her chest, still fighting the wind as her long curls continue billowing outward, "I know how it can feel, Jasper... For everything to be your fault. For you to be the reason someone is... Gone." She says, shaking her head as she drops a few tears, "But that pain won't ever hold me back. I take it, and use it as the fuel for my fire to fight. To be a Huntsman, to protect the people, save them from the horrors I've went through... And even horrors I've caused...." She says, as she begins to glow red as the wind no longer fights her.Percy gasps, his eyes widening knowing what Ashe did... And what he has to. Finally, after a lot of mental deliberation, he sighs, "I know what it’s like too, putting endless blame on someone who doesn’t deserve it for someone else you’re close to having passed. You may have blamed yourself, but that doesn't change anything. It also doesn’t make you the one at fault." He says, pulling off one of his gloves and staring down at his hand, crushing the glove in his other hand as a tear drops down onto it, "Sometimes… Sometimes things just happen. Especially when you work in such dangerous lines of work. She knew being a Huntress was a lifelong sacrifice, just as much as my father knew being close to Dr.Polendina would put a target on his back…" Hot tears stream down Percy's face as he chokes up for a moment, "But just like my father wouldn’t want me hating Pietro, your Mother wouldn’t want you to hate yourself. Sometimes… You have to take all that hate, and that blame, and just… Let it go. Move on…" He says with a sigh as he looks down to see he's enveloped in a green glow, and just like Ashe, the wind has also stopped fighting him.Ashe and Percy softly smile at one another, and then turn to look at Rowan. His eyes so full of fear of what he has to do... What he has to say. Rowan clenches his fist and feels like his heart is about to snap in half."A.... A long time ago," Rowan starts, brushing his hair back, "...I was too weak to save someone I loved. I almost died trying to save my sister. And then I spent years hating myself for being that one that was free while she had to be kept away and lost...." He says, the wind around him calming slowly but surely, "Sometimes... Things just happen. Things you can't control. Regardless of jobs or your own actions... Sometimes things just happen. Life changes. You can't take control of the past, but you can take control of the future and stop letting the past control you. And then sometimes..." He says, clutching his neckerchief... Roana's neckerchief, "Sometimes you have to let go of those burdens. For your own good." Rowan says, glowing brown as the wind stops completely.Jasper stands, his face still dark. He unties the bow tie from around his neck, the red cloth quickly recognizable as one of the two bandages Azalea had wrapped around her arms. It sits in his hands and then begins to glow, "Maybe... You guys are right. Maybe... Maybe the best thing to do is just move on, forgive myself.... Let go..." He says lifting the cloth up as it lifts into the air and begins blowing away in the wind. On that wind, Jasper can hear one final whisper.

"I'll love you... Always."

And then, everything slowly fades to white. Not a blinding, burning light.... But a soft, kind one.... like the gentle sunset fading away to night.

❄️// Jasper

I gasp awake, bolting up as I look around. I see our dorm room.... And it looks pretty torn apart. And as my memories, come back I get the very quick realization it's all pretty much the mess I've made. Suddenly a lot of other things jolt through my mind as I look out at my friends. That's... A lot to sort through. Are we still even going to want to stay a team after this? I'm so scared that they might want to avoid me after what I did, and now they had to divulge so much, and-Right as I got worried about it, the three of them bolt up and immediately turn to me with a happy smile as they tackle me, each of them wrapping me in a tight hug as we all start crying uncontrollably.I peek for a moment, and see a small crowd outside our room, comprised of BAZL, Professor Desmond, Professor Borealis, Ms.Santiago and Winter. All of them with smiles on their faces... Even Winter is smirking at us a little bit.For a few seconds, I start to get worried about everything this could mean. So much is on the table now... We still have to go to Vale, qualify for the Vytal Tournament... So much to do, and even more to worry about.But in that moment... I don't care. We're together again.... Things have been difficult. But I have hope things will get better. And I guess at the end of the day.... That's the best we can strive for, right?To have hope...

Suddenly I feel something tickling the top of my head as I wiggle around my cat ears. And then realize exactly what just happened as my beanie must've flown off in the wind.The three of them sit up, looking down at me in surprise as I chuckle nervously."There might have been a few things I forgot to mention..." I say, blushing heavily.

❄️// MOMENT OF THANKS
(Stay tuned, there is more)

Coming back and doing Volume 1 Redux has really helped strengthen me on continuing this story and these characters. Expanding on the Volume here and there, polishing up the more dated art pieces and lackluster writing parts, it's really helped remind me that this story and these characters will forever and always be a big part of who I am going forward.So now, the thanks to give:My Neo Inc. besties- If you're reading this, you guys have helped me stay motivated through all of these volumes and will continue in the future. Love y'all.The Catburger JSPR Crew - You bring life to these characters in such amazing ways that I can't even begin to thank you for.And Muncha, wherever you are, I'll always be here waiting if you come back. And so will Lily!And finally, to you the reader- Whether or not you're someone listed above, thanks for being here and taking a dip into my madness. And if you're a JSPR veteran waiting for Volume 4, that Intermission is coming VERY soon!And now.... For the epilogue you've all MORE than earned....🧡❤️💚🤎

❄️

Zephyr huffs, rubbing his arms as he stares out the edge of the Atlas island. Far, far below lies Mantle and the wide expanse of Solitas behind it. He shakes his head with a sigh, standing up and turning around to find himself facing a large bronze chestplate."So... Zephyr... Been a little while, hm?" She says with a grin. Naturally tanned skin, buff muscles, piercing green eyes and long flowing black hair. This is none other than Nadia Esmeralda-Chen... More commonly known in Atlas as 'The Jade Serpent'.... She's already well equipped with a highly off-putting energy, and it's not exactly helped by the bronze demon mask she wears... Her beady green snakelike eyes peeking out. She traces a bronze covered finger along Zephyr's chin, who promptly smacks her hand away with a glare as Nadia giggles."Oh, Zephyr, come oooon. And I after I went through so long training you? Tsk tsk, how ungrateful." She says with a devilish grin as Zephyr rolls his eyes."Fantastic, just as intended. Now if you can leave, I'm waiting for the Seer so I can call Dr.Fontaine and report back." Nadia just clutches her stomach and lets out a hearty laugh."Oh.... That? Plans have changed. You're going to now be dealing a bit more..." She taps her chin with a hum, looking up before her green eyes dart back to Zephyr. "...Directly." She says, her pupils shrinking for a moment before chuckling and strolling around Zephyr who just scoffs and rolls his eyes."Fantastic. What's next, you're gonna tell me Dr.Fontaine is here in Atlas?" Zephyr says."Ohohohohoh...." A familiar voice giggles behind them as Zephyrturns in surprise to see an older woman, likely on the latter half of middle aged, donning a sleek pure white lab coat lined with purple eyes full of insanity being barely covered by a pair of very small spectacles. "And what would be so wrong with me, little one...?" Vanya Fontaine says with a wicked smile as she wipes her hand along her sleek, neat black hair with a single white streak running through as an ornate pile of curls fall down the side of her face.

Zephyr remains stunned silent as Dr.Fontaine dramatically parades around him with a hand on her forehead, "Oh, sweet darling, how you break my heart!" She cries out mockingly before giggling viciously and looking down at Zephyr, "And to think of everything I've done for you, too." She says with a fake pout as she pats his cheek, who recoils at the touch."What are you doing here, anyway? Doesn't this seem a tad excessive and risky for all three of us out in the open? We're literally days away from heading to Vale." Zephyr says as Dr.Fontaine sighs and pats his head before adjusting her glasses."Well my dear, I had to come for a number of reasons. For one, I had to start the readings on those adorable twins to see if they have what we need. And secondly, I had to come and readminister some more doses of Nadia's medication." She says, backing up and patting Nadia's tough shoulders.Nadia leans in close to Zephyr's face, "Unless, of course, you'd enjoy me going feral and tearing out your throat on a whim, hm?" She says smugly as Zephyr just glares angrily with a light groan. She backs up resting a hand on her hip with a little chuckle.This is not going to be fun.

...

"What do you mean, 'There's more'?" Ashe asks, her logs crossed sitting in her nook as Jasper paces around the dorm room as the rest of JSPR stares at him in confusion as well.It's been a good hour or so since the incident ended, and everything's calmed down and been cleaned up... Although, the window is broken, so for now it's just been patchworked back together temporarily.Jasper turns back to his team with a sigh. They all shared a lot for his sake... It's best to leave nothing else out either, "There's more to the story of my mom. Something that's bugged me for years... Something you all should know, since we've all shared a lot tonight."Percy raises an eyebrow with his arms crossed, "More...? Like what?"

...

Back during the attack, Jasper kneeled on the floor while keeping his eyes covered and ears plugged... Counting like he always does. But then when he heard crashing all around he couldn't help but peek... Just for a moment. And what he saw... To the still, he doesn't understand or even possibly fathom what it means.Jasper opens his eyes and saw his Mom clench her palm, holding it up as a pink flame appeared from nowhere, as she blasted the attacker back with her side bleeding. "I said it once... I'll say it again, a thousand times more. And feel free to tell your 'Employer' your 'Master' or their 'Master'.... And all their friends too." She said, staring furiously into the eyes of their attacker."STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM MY FAMILY!" She screamed, pink flames surging out of both of her eyes, like....

....Like magic.

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