KINGDOM OF ATLAS
ATLAS ACADEMY
NEXT MORNING
POV
As Today had just been absolutely unacceptable for a certain person as dark mark on her once pristine just as resume as winter schnee was a person who prided herself on discipline, precision, and excellence in her very field as Everything she did was a reflection of the Schnee name and as her role as General Ironwood's trusted second From her immaculate uniform to each and every interaction she just had with her operatives And today was supposed to be no different for her but then she had planned meticulously and Arrived early. As then assembled her men and as Atlesian Knight's in perfect formation, and in every detail executed with military precisions and as Her preparations had been flawless, designed to showcase her competence and justify the very trust Ironwood had as placed in her for the very army to continued the petrol in the both city's But everything was everything just had fallen apart as again And the reason was simply and she completely forgotten about him A degenerate ruffian that fancied himself a Huntsman's as the thought of him made her grips tighten on the training rapier in her hand and her very knuckles going white again as she's remembers this feeling far to well as It's just a wasn't bad enough that this very scruffy insubordinate drunkard had just been allowed into the council chambers and he's was the one escorted her sister and her group to safety as then when she's had been excluded—a decision she still couldn't wrap her mind around as No, that wasn't enough for him as He'd had the audacity to escalated things further and she did remember something from her past when she first meet him The scene replayed in her mind again as each detail stoking her fury. That man—Qrow Branwen—had dared to challenge her. Her And worse, he'd fought her on the level of an Ace Operative and to a standstill and then that something happened again as she fought against him in city just again considering her situation again but that is story she doesn't like to discuss anymore as he makes her angry a lot and she doesn't like him at all as he is the unclean and lists of she despise about a man entirely.
As She winced as a sharp pain flared in her shoulder as It wasn't just her pride that's had taken a hit again After sitting for hours in that's damnable bullhead, her muscles stiff and uncooperative as she'd been forced into an intense, prolonged fight as Now here she was, excluded from the council meeting and with a pulled muscle and a lingering frustration she couldn't seem to shake as then later winter swung the training rapier hard against the dummy in front of her as the impact reverberating through her arms and as the strike was precise—like all she made were—but as it did little to ease the knot in her chest as She struck again, faster this time, her moves fluid and exact, each one honed through years of disciplined training. Still, the tension refused to leave her body now as the very dull hum of atlas training room offered little comfort and She had chosen it for its isolations as seeking an environment where's she could work out the kink's in her muscles and vent the very anger just simmering beneaths her very composed exterior and Yet no matter how many times her blade just connected with the target as she couldn't erase the image of his smug expressions or the infuriating ways he just seemed to brush off every consequence."Drunkard " As she muttered under her breath her voice tight with disdain as Another's strike.
" Ruffian. " Another strike as with a flurry of blows just followed her movements faster now as her frustration bleeding into her usually controlled form now and she can't help to stop herself "Degenerate" As Her breath came in short bursts as she just finally stepped back, glaring at the now battered dummy and it Despite her efforts as the knot of tension in her shoulders and the ache in her pulled muscle stubbornly remained She's lowered the training saber, her hand trembling slightly from exertion, and then exhaled slowly, attempting to regain her composure This wasn't working. None of it was working at all Winter Schnee was many things—a soldier, a leader, a professional but at that moment she was simply angry. Angry at the situation, angry at being excluded, and most of all, angry at him as That insolent, insufferable man who somehow managed to fight on par with her, who undermined her carefully cultivated image with every careless action and then he refused to listen to her and as did his stupid thing's now as She gritted her teeth setting the training rapier aside. For now as she needed to rest. There would be time later to process everythings—to just understand where things had gone wrong and ensure they never happened again and But even as she left the training room, her steps purposeful and her posture rigid, the image of Qrow Branwen and his very infuriating smirk lingered in her mind as igniting a fire that's no amount of training could extinguish She let a deep breath out, hand going up to massage her sore shoulder. It would be better to go to the infirmary, but as using the one in Beacon when she was – partially – responsible for an unsanctioned fight in its very courtyard just would be humiliating at best and grounds for mockery at worst. The only one where she could have any fragment of control would be the one in the main airship. But she wouldn't be able to return to the office and general as not in this state and he is her everyone allies and just needs to compose herself as when she approaching him now An insult above an injury. It was deserved for her lack of control against that man and this situation.
"Excuse me do you need help ?" As stranger ask her as the voice was soft yet distinctly masculine, cutting through as the quiet of the training room like a pebble dropped into a well as then she was expecting that is she was alone in here Winter spun on her heel, rapier now back in hand and poised to strike in the direction of the intruder as Her sharp blue eyes locked onto the source—a young man just standing at the edge of the training ring and as she's immediately just tightened her grip instinctively as she recognise him that damn sum that's had hitting on her sister since beacon and as weiss bdid describe in detail by her as that he was incompetent fool and that who was failure of the very much huntsman as It really isn't my day, she thought grimly as Taken by surprise again... by a student, no less that's person himself now as the boy at the tip of her blade froze, his wide blue eyes reflecting a mix of shock and alarm as his hands as shot up defensively, palms out. As winter just critical gaze swept over him, appraising him like a commander sizing up a very raw recruit as He was young likely around Weiss's age as with shaggy blonde hair was gone and replaced with hair short and style's it to be upswept and somewhat spiky in a quiff-like style and then he also gains a new outfit as He wears a high collar black shirt under a re-modified pure white chest plate that covers a bit more of his upper abdomens and similarly colored bracers. Both the chest plate and as the bracers are trimmed with gold and he was wears two shoulder pads as He just retains his gloves and sash except he now wears dark navy jeans and dark brown boots and then she's can see two weapons with and sword and shield and then gun to his side as it might be handcanon but as then he might be something to keep up with her sister very group of friends now but another question come to her mind as why is he here now is he fellowing her here and then as she saw his very own trainings gear and clothes were damp, clinging slightly to his frame, and the sheen of perspirations suggested he'd been training hard and he here the entire time even though it was well into the night that's dedication alone was... noteworthy if nothing else as she might be wrong and arched a cool eyebrow, lowering her blade slightly but keeping her stance ready "with your shoulder?" As he asked her as his voice steady as despite his hands as still being raised up as winter's icy demeanor a didn't falter. "And how precisely a would you intend to assist me...Mister...jac ?" As she asked him suspicious of him "Oh!" he exclaimed as his expression brightening "My semblance !" her eyes narrowed as she's studied him more closely and His response was genuine, his eagerness almost disarming but she's kept her guard up as the boy lowered his hands cautiously, his smile turning sheepish "I can use my semblance to..... help you speed up the healing process and as boost your natural Aura recovery. It's pretty effective, I promise." As he then explained to her about his.... semblances.
An external healing semblance ? Her interest piqued despite herself and Those were rare. Extremely rare. Huntsmen with healing abilities were often relegated to support roles, either on the back lines or assigned to protective details. Within the Atlas military, anyone capable of enhancing recovery or amplifying... Aura regeneration was worth their weight in gold. Anyone capable of returning Huntsman and Huntress to the frontlines faster was but Perhaps this little excursion won't be a complete waste as winter thought her very calculating minds already weighing possibilities and as Recruiting a capable support Huntsman wouldn't erase the debacle of the day, but it could mitigate the damage to her record "And your name ?" she's asked lowering the rapier fully " it's jaune.... Jaune Arc the very leader of team JNOR or JNPR if you remember" he said with a boyish smile, stepping forward to offer his hand towards her as She took his hand, noting its warmth and firmness,and just as though it lacked the exaggerated grip young men often as used in an very much attempt to impress. At least he is not kissing it as fathers sycophants often did "Can you sit on the bench, please?" Jaune asked, pointing toward a seat under the spectator stands as beside the training ring "I'll need to be able to see and please move your arm properly to apply my Aura." As She studied him for a moment there as her expression unreadable. "Is your semblance contact-based?" As she asked him "Yes.. and no?" he said admitted, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. "I can do it from a little.... distance—like a hand or two away—but it.... works a lot better if I can touch and massage the area... My Aura infuses better that way, and the very healing's way faster." As he told her and then his very explanations was a little reasonable even practical and as Semblances we're notorious for theirs variety and quirks, often requiring strange or specific condition's to functions optimally. His method simply demonstrated his understanding of his own abilities—a promising sign but Still caution was second nature to winter Schnee and If his hands wander and then I'll bruise a few fingers as a lesson at he will never forget she wasn't expecting trouble; the boy seemed earnest in his desire to help. But as one could never be too prepared The hidden knives in her boots and belt weren't decorative after all as with that in her thought, she gave a curt nod and moved to the bench as sitting down, she extended her injured arm slightly, as watching as jaune stepped closer and his movements careful and deliberate as she's watched. "Let's see what you can do, Mr. Arc," she said coolly, her tone betraying just the faintest edge of curiosity.
Jaune circled around Winter, his movements careful and deliberate as he examined her arm as His touch was surprisingly light, almost tentative, as though he were afraid of causing any extra discomfort. "Can you show me how much you can move it just without just hurting it ?" he asked softly. Winter complied, rotating her shoulder in slow, precised circles until the strain in her muscles stopped her short "Right," As jaune said, his tone thoughtful and He steadied her arm with one hand while the other as rested gently on her shoulder. "I'm going to activate my semblance and see if I can pinpoint what's wrong and You'll feel some heat and maybe a jolt to your Aura,.. okay ?" As jaune told her. She gave a curt nod, her composure as rigid as ever. But inwardly, and she's wasn't prepared for what was coming next. As Jaune Arc had his own doubts about how his semblance actually felt to others and as His teammates' as wildly varying and somewhat bashful descriptions didn't help. Nora had called it a "jolt of energy," while Oscar described itself as peaceful and soothing warmth. Ren, always succinct as had said it was "relaxing and invigorating," with no mentioned of heat or electricity as Jaune figured it must feel slightly different for everyone's and then hadn't given it much more thought and what he need to know was that's it helped and everyone's felt way better after it, that was more than enough for him But to Winter? As It felt just absolutely brilliant As the moment his palm as settled on her shoulder, a wave of pure, and comforting heat spread from the contact point and It's was as though she had just stepped into a cozy cabin after braving a freezing snowstorm and The tensions in her muscles seemed to melt under the warmth and then even the lingering frustration from her disastrous day began to dissipate. Her rigid composure softened as an almost loving and carring calm washed over her as her voice and breath hitched slightly, and as for the first time in what felt like years, her mind wasn't occupied by duty or perfectionism at all And then, has quickly as it had come, the sensation faded. Winter caught herself just before a small, involuntary plea escaped her lips now.
"Yeah, it's really tough," As jaune said apologetically, pulling his hand back. "I can feel pretty much... all the muscles in your shoulder and back they're as super tight. Honestly, I'm not sure I can fix it without giving you a full Aura massage." As he told her as just then winter straightened, forcing her usual composure and mask back into place despite the lingering warmth. "I do not believe the rest of my body is injured, Mr. Arc," she said, her voice clipped and formal. "My shoulder was strained due to my own very movements during combat." As she would not give Branwen any further credit for her current predicament. As jaune shook his head, clearly intent on explaining. "Oh, it's not about being hurt. It's just... your muscles are really tight," he said earnestly. " My friend had the same problem. It's something about constant training just without giving your muscles enough time to relax. I've been helping them work through it—it's, uh, most of what I practice right now." As jaune told her as then winter very own
expressions didn't betray her as the wheels turnings in her very mind now as if this boy's abilities were has valuable as they just seemed, he could be a strategic asset. And if her understanding's of his clientele was accurate, his skills were likely in high demand—and not inexpensive. "Interesting," she said coolly, tilting her head slightly as if in thought. "And As how much would such a treatment cost me then ?"She watched him carefully, gauging his very reaction Money wasn't a concern—she might not have unrestricted access to the Schnee fortune but she had more than enough to pay whatever price he might name. Beyond that's, any opportunity to learn more about his semblance—and as to allow herself a rare moment of relaxation—was well worth the cost and later she can just discuss it with the general himself about him but Still her mind raced with considerations as If jaune Arc was already operating in a freelance capacity, and as securing his services could be as simples as offering a generous contract and However, if his clientele included Pyrrha Nikos and others of her caliber, his prices were likely far from modest. And while she's didn't recognize the name Nora before she could probably guess she was another Huntress or tournament fighter from vale and the team was a powerful individuals as jaune just has however has didn't seem to pick up on her calculating expression Instead as he rubbed the back of his neck his boyish grin just returning "Oh, uh... Actually I don't really charge anything at all," he said sheepishly "I do it just help my friends out when they need it.... It's not like a business or anything." As he told her as he just doesn't need money anyway as winter just raised an eyebrow, surprised by his answers. No charge ? That simplified things, but it also meant that she'd need to tread carefully if she's wanted to make use of his very talents without overstepping. But she did file the fact that's the blonde seemed to be friends with very high people and "Well, then," she said with an a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "So Let us see if your 'help' is as a effective as you claim, Mr. Arc. I'm prepared to accept your expertise."as she asked him as Jaune grinned, clearly pleased by her response. "You got it!" he said cheerfully and already stepping forward to begin now.
Winter allowed herself a small breath of satisfactions. Today may have been a failure in many ways, but this boy—and his intriguing semblance—might just make the effort worthwhile after all. "Do you mind taking off your jacket and laying down?" Jaune asked, his tone tinged with awkwardness and He glanced away and scratching the back of his neck as though bracing for rejection. "If you're not comfortable.... without it, I can do the massage over it, but it won't be as effective....". Winter regarded him for a moment, her icy demeanor unreadable. Under normal circumstances, she would have balked at such a request But jaune earnestness was disarming—his eagerness to help was genuine, untainted by ulterior motives but still as she is winter Schnee, an Ace Operative of Atlas as Even if the boy had any inappropriately intentions and she just could incapacitate him in seconds and.... Now though as she would never admit it aloud, she's was curious to feel the full effect of his Aura again. The brief taste of it earlier had been unexpectedly comforting, almost intoxicating with a small nod of acquiescence as she just removed her jacket, folding it neatly and setting it aside before lying face-down on the bench and jaune just smiled down nervously and, clearly relieved she hadn't refused. "I'll start with your shoulders and neck muscles, okay? And If you feel uncomfortable at any point, just tell me to stop." As jaune told her and then Winter started to nodded again as her voice quiet but steady. "Understood." Jaune moved to stand behind her, his hands hovering hesitantly before settling on her shoulders.Had he known what his Aura felt like to others—or the ramifications of how it interacted with their own—he might have offered more of a warning. But as jaune Arc didn't fully grasp as the nature of his semblance yet, and nor the profound effects it could have. As his teammates had been equally unhelpful in explaining it and it was weiss who's experienced it first hand by him in haven academy At first, his touch brought the same warmth Winter had felt before—as soothing heat that just as spread from his hands and diffused through her muscles. But as he worked, the sensation intensified. His Aura flowed into hers, each movement of his calloused fingers as radiating a heat that wasn't merely physical It was like standing before a roaring hearth after a lifetime in the cold and as the warmth suffused not only her body but her very soul, easing not just the very tension in her muscles but as the very weight of her thoughts the frustrations of the day, her failures, and even her ever-present drive for perfection began to melt away, and just replaced by a profound sense of calm And then as something even more extraordinary happened as winter Schnee was a seasoned operative her training including extensive studies on Aura and semblance theory. As She knew what Jaune arc did not Aura and semblances as were reflections of the soul and as for most this meant little beyond how their very abilities manifested. But as for someone like Jaune—whose semblance allowed him to lend and fuse his Aura with another—a unique and unexpected side effect occurred As his very Aura just intertwined with hers, as she saw it, she felt it His soul It wasn't something she could put into words—it was less like hearing or seeing and more like... knowing. A deep, instinctive understanding of the person behind the touch as What she sensed was both beautiful and deeply worrying as Arc soul just as burned with pure as unwavering warmth and It's was a flame fueled by an almost childlike determination to help others as to shield them from harm, no matter the cost to himself. There was no trace of selfish ambition, no hunger for glory or wealth. His every action as his every thought, was driven by a singular purpose: to protect, to help.
But that purity came with a cost As She could feel the weight of his insecurities the way he devalued himself in his relentless quest to be useful His dedication was so absolute that's he seemed almost blind to his own needs, willing to sacrifice everything for those around him.And yet, as within that selflessness, she's found something else—something as she hadn't expected. As jaune had noticed her winter could feel the way he admired her, and as how he's found her strength and discipline awe-inspiring. He thought her platinum hair was hypnotic her poise unshakable and then her very presence a vision of what's a Huntress should be and as where she might have expected it for the first time as is it lust or shallow attractions, she found instead a kind of quiet adoration As He didn't merely see her as beautiful—he revered her. To him and as she was the embodiment of everything he aspired to be one day a protector, a warrior as someone's who chose the path of struggle and risk not out of necessity, but because it was right thing to do as Winter's breath caught, her heart stirring in a way she hadn't felt in years She was no stranger to admiration, but this was different. This wasn't the hollow praise of sycophants or the fleeting glances of those drawn to her family's name and This was... pure. Honest. "Your Aura is... remarkable," she murmured, her very voice soft and almost vulnerable. As Jaune just blinked caught off guard by the sudden praise. "Oh, uh... thanks ?" As he replied awkwardly, his cheeks tinged pink. "I'm glad it's helping you" as he said to her as then as Helping didn't even begin to describe it as she thought as Winter closed her eyes, letting herself sink into the warmth for just a moment longer. For the very first time in what felt like ages she allowed herself to relax completely, her ever-present guard slipping away. As jaune Arc just might not have fully understood the power of his semblance yet, but Winter Schnee did. And as in this moment, she knew one thing for certain: there's was far more to this boy than met the eye now "I'm going to start on the lower muscles now," As jaune said as his tone gentle and reassuring. "Again, if you feel uncomfortable, just let me know, and I'll stop." Winter tensed ever so slightly, her grip on the bench tightening. "Understood," she replied crisply, her very voice betraying no hint of the turmoil brewing within her But then as his very hands moved further down, working along her back and the muscles near her torso as the discomfort came—not from him though, but from herself as She had already been struggling to keep her reactions under control. The warmth of his Aura, and just a combined with the unexpectedly skilled motions of his hands, had been difficult enough to endure now as with the very added intimacy of his touch venturing lower and as the very lingering awareness of the depth as she had felt in his soul entered her and as she's restraint was stretched thin right now as winter Schnee was feelings different and something more important lust and relieved and she was a woman of discipline as trained to maintain composure under even the most and as demanding circumstances as She's was second-in-command to General Ironwood, an Ace Operative, and one of the youngest ever to achieve said rank as She had faced Grimm hordes and sabotage missions, and council intrigue without so much as flinching at the matter of times but as She just would not ruin her reputation by moaning during a massage now ! As she thought but ~it did felt good ~ as then she teeth as clamped down hard on the inside of her cheek and as the sharp pain a grounding sensations against the warmth radiating through her as the very boy's hands as calloused yet surprisingly deft,as worked with a care and precision that belied his inexperience. His Aura flowed through her in waves, the heat dissolving knots of tension she hadn't even realized she'd been carrying as It was..... maddening The truth was, even without his Aura, his hands alone might have been enough to leave her in this feeling very much undone and as he just wasn't a professional, of course as she could tell that from the slight hesitations in some of his movement's and the unpolished flow of his techniques. But he wasn't bad. Not by any means. In fact, with a year or two of proper training, she had no doubt he could rival the licensed masseuses at the high-end spas And she had visited in Atlas before joining the military Focus, Winter, she scolded herself, and as inhaling deeply to regain her composure as the feeling was testing her completely.
Jaune, blissfully unawares of the storm raging inside her, continued his work, his touch gentle but firm has he applied just the right amount of pressure as to the tight muscles in her back. Every so often, he paused to ensure she was comfortable, his genuine concern only making the situation more exasperating "Let me know if I'm pressing too hard," he said softly, his voice tinged with an earnestness that's somehow made the heat in her cheeks intensify and She muttered a quick "You're fine" biting back anything more revealing now. As It wasn't just the physical sensation that's had her unraveling—it was the knowledge as she now carried about him. The fleeting glimpse she'd had of his soul lingered in her mind as leaving her hyper-aware of his every movement and She's just knew the purity of his intentions his unwavering desires to help and has the very quiet admiration as he's held for her. It made the experience feel far more intimate than it should have, as if he was unintentionally peeling away the layers of her carefully maintained facade as Her pride bristled at the vulnerability she felt, but she couldn't deny the impact his touch—and his Aura—was having and the tension in her body continued to melt away, replaced by an almost unbearable calm and as It's was as if his very presence was a balm to her frayed nerves and a moment of solace she hadn't just realized it soon she so desperately needed it more then anything And has that was the most unsettling part of all. "Good night, Winter." As general told her "yes Good night General" As the call ended, as Winter let out a slow breath, her very as disciplined exterior cracking just enough for a moment of reflection. She glanced at Jaune, who had tactfully stepped aside during the call, his expression equal parts curious and just concerned as winter slip curled into the faintest hint of a smirk and Interesting prospects, indeed and Tomorrow would mark a new opportunity not just to recover from today's mistakes but to turn them into a strategic advantages. And she already had one particular name in mind for the list's. "Mister Arc?" As winter called as her voice clear and composed as she's gestured for the boy to approach once again Jaune looked up from where he had been tidying his things as blinking in slight confusion as he stepped closer. "Yes, ma'am?" As he asked her now
"What was the name of your team again?" she asked, her tone lighter now as though her postures remained perfectly poised."Team JNPR, ma'am," As he replied tilting his head curiously. "But... why?" As he asked her "Nothing much," Winter said, letting a soft smile tug at her lips. Her tone warmed as she added, "And please, call me Winter from now on." As she told him and then Jaune blinked again, clearly startled by the sudden shift in formality, but he quickly straightened, his own smile bright and boyish again. "Oh, uh, sure! Winter," he said, the name rolling off his tongue with a mix of respect and ease. As She rose from the bench with practiced grace, retrieving her jacket and draping it neatly over her arm as Turning her scroll toward him she revealed a simple map. " Just as would you mind showing me where this is ?" As she asked, her voice remaining polite yet warm The map displayed a route to her designated room. "Since I am already abusing your hospitality, I'd like to trouble you just a bit further and ask for directions. If it's not too much trouble, that is." As jaune's face lit up with a smiles and his earlier hesitation replaced by an eagerness to help. "Not at all! It's really close to our dorms. I can walk you there if you'd like." As Winter's just smile lingered as she is considered his offer "I would very much like that now"
There was a calm finality to her words, as though she had already decided that Jaune Arc would factor into her plans moving forward and Today had started as a complete disaster a mess of frustration and then the very humiliation But now? Now as she saw potential. Opportunities and As jaune gestured for her to follow, chatting amiably about a the very layout of atlas very own dormitories as she did know about everything it that comes about atlas and mantal and location but she's went to know about the boy more and his very own relationship with his friends and co-workers and then her sister now as then Winter allowed herself to relax ever so slightly. For the first time in hours, she's no longer felt the sting of the day's failures pressings on her shoulders Perhaps today hadn't been as bad as she'd believed As she's followed Jaune out of the training room and into the quiet halls of her Academy a faint as almost imperceptible smile graced her lips.
Tomorrow, after all, promised to be very interesting.
CHANGING LOCATION
FIVE DAYS LATER
POV
It's been a few hours since he's met with Weiss sister as she's was a pretty different from her sister in short words as he was not mistake that's she was desert or snow flower but fearsomely wolf as he's saw her take down 35 Grimm on her own and still energy to spare for the missions as that he and her were insigned too. As it's was to escort some engineers to the cave now. As then after they times and duty was done both just treated back to your homes and rest as that's was the plan before she stopped him for cup of coffee and as for a moments for the private massage sessions now.
After that private massage sessions that's took more of a three hours to finish and when he came back as it was already lunch time so that is when he picks up an tray and started to select his food and then after went to find a chair and table to sit in and then he's saw his very team and RWBY together sitting alone and then As jaune just decided to join them has then after one conversations to another they asked about it her day and he told them everything and about the massage as well and for some reasons Nora and Ren cheered on and team RWBY was silent some reasons and it's was then they're all just have to leave immediately for an important missions and then three of them sitting here and talking thst lead to conversation just till now.
"Oh, how about her ? As She's pretty cute." As Nora asked excitedly as while pointing out a very attractive young girl as sitting on the opposites side of the very cafeteria "Nora …..." less than enthusiastic wingman, Lie Ren, deadpanned after taking a small sip from his tea. "...she's like thirty. I'm sorry, but I don't think jaune have a chance." As Ren told her "..Are you serious!?" As placed her hands on the table as we were sitting at and leaned off her chair as jaune just was lookings at them both as they we're playing matchmaker for him as he did preciated that but they could have done this in a another time now as hesquinted my eyes in order to try and get a better look at the woman she just had pointed out as he was impressed by ren descriptions
able to guess her very appropriate age as from all the way over here? Mind you as jaune didn't doubt that's he was right but that guy just had some kind of super eyesight or something's but I just couldn't believe my own eyesight was so bad. Now that I got a closer look she certainly did look a little older but as Don't get me wrong I'm not exactly in a position to be picky but just trying to get together with an older woman was just as certainly going to be a high hurdle to overcome. With a resigned sigh, as that is one thing and glared at my wingman who's was just casually enjoying his tea not really bothering to check out potentials girlfriends for me with Nora Seriously, this guy's could try to work a little harder. As Ren and was like a brother to me and Nora was like a sister to me and really the only guy at Beacon I got along with As he wasn't really the most forthcoming with information's though but again now.
"So what do you suggest?" As Nora placed her elbow on the table and as then rested her chin in the palm of her hand while glaring at him Ren met her glare with a merely impassive gaze that was kind of unnerving but both didn't break eye-contact. It was Ren that looked away first as he's began to scan the crowds of people as they passed by us as jaune was silently observing them After several moments of doings this, he finally seemed to reach a conclusion's " look guys I preciate this for me but I think it betters to let my dating life just alone as I am not interested in seeings anyone" As he told them both as both of them looked towards and it was true they love him like a brother but it was getting just concerning that he wouldn't want or try to look as for girl to date or even as form any kind of relationship with them as they all have been discussing it with just everyone even with Team RWBY and they have been a little bit concerns for his mental health and then he just doesn't interact with them that much anymore as he is always busy with his work and just fun "I wasn't exactly hitting it off with the girls at Beacon academy you know right ?" As he seriously wondered if maybe they didn't remember as he wouldn't famous with the very lady's department and as he did had something with Mrs Goodwitch but that is a story as that he just shouldn't discuss with anyone at all as they might just
Might creates problems for him and many questions. As going on date with girls that was good and all and don't get him wrong he likes girls but who can he just actually date at this point as Ruby rose was cute and she is brave and inspiring persons and good friend at that and she is a positive person but as she has a few issues but she was one person as everyone can just depend on as when the time comes now and ruby is becoming more beautiful over the last three years as with him but he's really didn't fancy the idea of what's her sister and uncle would do to him was enough now and he still didn't know about the father but it's a safe guess he shouldn't touch that rabbit hole at all and if I made a move on her I am definitely dead and then it's comes with Yang herself was drop-dead gorgeous as compare to her sister ruby and then she is strong one in the entire group and she is basically monster when it comes a fighting and just reliable person with many fields in mechanically and other places but she has a hard and hot temper and she can be a bit bossy times and that is a bad idea to make a move on her and the very important part is that she didn't like him that very often as he can see it in her eyes but she just was so many levels above me it wasn't even funny The same could be said for her partner, Blake I had actually tried to get along with her in past and things are very much complicated with her personality and it was clear that she don't like his company at all and as she is a book worm when come to fairy tales and other stories and about history as well and they're are good friends but they are not interested in him at all but as she wasn't exactly the most chill person when her secret was as out and she did very reckless things but he can't just imagine a relationship with her to be any kind of best.
As then it's come about Weiss schnee the very things and subject that made him feel complex at the time in his beacon day's and yes he had school crush on her but things change and he realised she's was beautiful girl he had met and then she was something else just entirely as she smart and socially strong and see and knows how to carry yourself in the battlee field but he tried everything what is father thought him about girls and then she viewed his advances as annoyances as he was little annoyances back then but then just over time he realise he was in the one for her and she just in like him and as after being rejected by her so many times and he saw that she like another boy just know as Neptune and she was her type and she's enjoyed his company and advanced as he realised he was as nothing but a loser in her and everyone eyes and just even after the dance he helped her and Neptune and he decided to let go of her and he started tryings out others dates but everyone used him and some never came to there dates and then he started realising one thing now that nobody like them or wanted him at all and so he stopped dating as he's realised as he was chasing the wrong person and the one who loved him was Mrs Goodwitch his teacher and pyrrha Niko his very partner and he just failed her and Mrs Goodwitch is still in vale fighting the good fight and as then in his very journey when he's was in haven Academy when particularly after as he saved weiss life because of his very own stupid at the time he's realised as he was so wrong about everything and decided to move forward and Today he is not looking out dates as he's wanted to protect people and help them and that he must do now pre-fill his very promise and move on to his last destination that his goal now "I am just saying Jaune. Huntresses at atlas are more likely has to share your interests than some random stranger on the street."
Bah, Ren and Nora and there very logic. Of course he would want to date or marry a girl that shouldn't be a Huntress as who going help him rise the children and there house and he might be the next ruler in his land after his father now as jaune thought but Maybe jaune just was right ! As Ren thought Even if he was it's was me that was just paying for the pancakes as that Nora was eating and I was goings to get my money's worth out of him even if it killed me' As Ren thought as then.
A commotion from further down the cafeteria hallway that just caught his and his team attention and jaune just stretched his neck to see what was going on and even the guards and rest turned around to see what it could be. As Hunters it might be just up to us to step in after all but then just from out of the crowd burst an incredibly cut girl- wait penny?? Wait what did she do now She was running quite quickly despite her petite size and I could see the anxiety in her shocking green eyes even from here as Two Atlas soldiers, one in red and the other in blue appeared from the crowd behind her as they bowled people out of the way while giving chase So she was being pursued by Atlas guards as well that was weird Did that make her a criminal? No, there was no way something was not adding up and it was then I didn't exactly know anything about this girl involvement but as then jaune will help her no matter cost because she is his friend ren and Nora as turned back towards me and as there must have been some kind of scheming gleam in our eyes because his own face twisted in horror. "Nora...please no." As she just then faced him " Nora... Yes~" As she told him before she started to run towards penny direction now and it was "You got your tea and answer Ren" jaune grinned as he gets up as then he pick up his weapon's and as then slapped a healthy amount of lien on the table as then "Now it's time for you to be a proper wingman." As the very plan was simple help there friend penny. Honestly a little too simple and Ren was expressing serious doubts about it being able to work. Hadn't he ever heard that simple is often the best? Why go out of the way to make elaborate schemes as when you didn't need to? Oh we'll, fortunately I was his leader, and Nora was our monster both on his teams and in this little operation so he reluctantly agreed anyways.
As jaune ran several side-streets ahead of where that girl was being pursued and was now waiting for her to run past my handcanon in one hand as ready to send Ren and rest of them the signal after several minutes as jaune was tracking down and as could hear the girl approaching and he run faster than before and just as planned I heard a loud crash as Nora fulfilled her part and as then she bumped into the two soldier's and as hopefully knocked them over or breaking theirs line of sight on the girl or their legs now just as that just then happened as penny just ran past the alley and as my hand shot out and jaune just grabbed her by the arm.
What I hadn't counted on was the girl to be as strong as she's was made from metal material now as jaune was yanked off his feet from the velocity of her sprint but then his own weight threw her off balance and she just then stumbled into the very alleys and just in blur of movements we both tumbled to the ground as One loud crash and a headache later and he was laying on his back with something's really soft pressing against his very face now has he let out a small groan of pain as then and as opened his eyes to see the girl's chest pressing against his face...at least I was pretty sure it was her chest but how is it so soft?? As he thought as then It was just kind of hard to tell just as seeing has it was consuming the very entirety of his vision as right now Regardless of if it was or no his face turned beat-red in embarrassment at the moment as he waited for divine retribution from this girl to rain down upon me.
"Hoo Salutations Jaune friend!" As she said has this was just typical penny we all know and love now and then as she started to smuggle towards him now here he was trying to act like some suave hero and instead he was goings to be perceived as just some common pervert looking to cop to feels away from as wait this is penny wait as Yet...after several seconds nothings happened and he was just struck with Another's fear I hadn't accidentally knocked her out, had I? But wait for robots knock out "Umm...are you okay?" My voice was muffled by the fabric of her shirt."I am wonderful. Thank you for asking jaune friend" The girl responded in a surprisingly chipper tone today Uhh.....I was kind of confused now as was she in trouble or This whole situation actually sounded kind of reminiscent of that one story Ruby was telling me about that time Weiss ran into penny for the first time now what's goings on. "Aren't you...running from someone right now?" I was getting a little concerned about her and just was even beginning to just second-guess myself.. on choosing to intervene with that's chase has why's was she then running from the guards maybe he can ask him wait a minute that might not be the option as nora just might have done more damage by now "...Yes I was." The girl sprung to her feet but as she did she pulled me up with her. "Come on up!" As she grabbed my hand and yanked me forward and has deeper into the alley has she sprinted ahead as nearly yanking my arm from its socket and going faster than I was capable of running on my own at the moment but then he started to just then adapt to the speed and started running with her.
"I really...don't think...we need to be...running now-" As he was just trying to tell her in between... gasps of breath that he had to suck in to possibly keep up with penny "-this far...my team as just...should've just sent those....guys.....the very wrong way by now" As just has jaune finished saying all that we emerged out on a completely different street on the others side of the block we had been at as then penny whirled arounds to stare at me, still holding my hand as she's did and I unintentionally took a step back from her unwavering green eyes. "So.....you are saying you helped me get away jaune friend..?" As she asked him "Uhh...I did nlwith my team ?" Before he could even shrug the girl lunged forward and wrapped him in a bone-crushing hug, "Thank you!" She yelled happily as she lifted me into the air and off my feet. "Thank you so much!" As then this really started mind me up certain someone in the group "No...problem!" He gasped desperately for air as he flailed my feet in a vain attempt to touch down on the ground again. Fortunately, the hug didn't last long and she plopped him back down on his feet. "So…why were you being chased by those guys?" As he asked awkwardly has he glanced arounds to make sure no one was looking at us strangely, as who knew how many other people's were after this unusual girl.
She made a complicated expression as she glanced back and forth before leaning right up to me as in fact, she leaned so close our noses were nearly touching and he could literally see every freckle on her face in extreme detail as She didn't pay any mind at all to the proximity even as he blushed lightly. "The truth is.....I ran away again" As she told him "Well...I kind of got that much." I just wonder.... if this is how everyone on my team felt when they were talking to me.....? "Why were you running away?" She smiled brightly as she took a couple skips backwards, both to my relief and disappointment even if she was a little odd she's just like me and ruby socially awkward but as if she's was attending beacon academy with us both as we could have made socially awkward fun club togethers now.
She's then spread her arms out wide has if gesturing to the entire world. "I want to go out and spend time with normal people today as I have been working all week by now and they don't give me a break till now ! Everyday is always the same old thing. Just a small lab, with the same tests, and the same boring people! I want to know what's it is like to be a normal girl with my friends but then as team RWBY.....And winter was busy at the moment so decided to run away!" As she started told him her tragic story as jaune just started to understand everything properly now as we'll "You just want to be...normal for the day ?" As That was a strange thought to him and but just As long as he can remembers I've been about the most average guy on the planet by now but then considering her problems he can understand her as she's is living in isolation as this was something's he can understand and relating.
"Most definitely...." As The girl nodded exaggeratedly. "Thank you so much for your help earlier.... I am most appreciative." She's paused and tilted her head as if she just thought of something after saying that. "Why did you help me?" As she's asked him " because we both are friends and friends help each others in there time of crisis " As he told her as penny just has hadn't responded even after thirty seconds passed and as it was beginning to take that as a sign of rejections until she then turned back to see him in a different light as with a look of wonder in her green eyes about the very situation now "You....are a normal boy right jaune friend are asking me as a normal girl to go and.... then
and partake in normal everyday activities with you as friends with the potential to become more...?" As she asked him as he was started to wonder if he can back out now "Uhh...yes?" That's was certainly one way to put it, although as he had never heard it worded quite like that before but then again this is penny the robot he is talking about this is normal and as he can use a break himself and explore the city more To say she's looked like Christmas had come early as when be an understatements as penny suddenly started to jump up and down as she's lunged at me again and before embracing me in yet another painfully boneshattering hug. "Yes! I am so excited!..... I cannot even believe it right now!.....I have gotten myself a normal day!" As Somehow I feel like that was supposed to be my line Despite the fact that's he couldn't breathe he let out a small smile of his own as this penny the pure and just honest girl who wants to be human so he needs to as come up with the next part of plan and just before she could say anything though and something seemed to catch Penny's eye and she trailed over to a poster on the wall now as he followed after to see her looking at a flyer for the atlas and mantel City Zoo. "Do you like animals ?" As he asked her curiously Penny frowned and shook her head. "I do not know I have never seen any." As she told him as he's was shocked by this and "What?!" I know she had talked about being sheltered but this was more than he had ever imagined And just Besides, the zoo wasn't exactly a bad idea. We could spend the whole day there if it went well ".....Come on penny Let's go!" As he grabbed her hand and gave a small pull as She looked at me in surprise before she started to follow. "Really ? As You will take me to the zoo ?" As she's asked him then as jaune just smiled towards her. "Of course! If you want to do it then we're going for it and.... This is a normal day after all." As he said to her as journey to the might zoo as to observe.
CHANGING LOCATION
KINGDOM OF ATLAS
ATLAS ACADEMY
POV
As smile That's was an unusual sight in her mornings and her evening as it Normally alway's the first things As winter saw in the mirrors was her mask and as the very carefully constructed as expression of poise and discipline the one she had perfected over the years to ensure she was always presentable and Always just composed and she is just Always in control to herself but then today ? It was different today she saw a very smile instead as It was a small simple thing, soft and almost fragile has if it's might disappear the moments she acknowledged it. And yet, as it held a weight she could scarcely measure as she just brushed her teeth her thoughts drifting back to the very as events of the morning searching for the incongruities that's should have been there By all logic, she's shouldn't have had a good night's sleep but she's was resting for day was not something she particularly valued personality has It was a necessity—an obligation to just ensure she is remained sharp for her duties as Not a reward as Not a goal and as certainly not something to be enjoyed. And yet, as she found herself questionings that belief and she needs to rest more than that her body felted loose as her movements unburdened as Her evening stretches had passed and shower just with such ease that she repeated a few just to be certain she's hadn't been careless in completing them and There was no stiffness, no exhaustion, no lingering weariness from a day that should have left her drained No stressful or aggravating day had ever led to proper sleep. As She knew that from experience. Nights like last night were usually restless—tossing, turning, burning off excess thoughts until fatigue finally forced her unconscious. If not that then at the very least she would have spent time on her tablet, reviewing reports or analyzing the teams she would be meeting tomorrow now and she is thinking about that's man jaune as he was different just from the letter that her sister describe him and he was kind and friendly and comfortable to speak with.
But that just would be good investigation for her and then Instead, as she had stepped into the shower, as she's had prepared for bed her very mind had drifted elsewhere and To him again as To have his presence beside her as he walked her to her room. To the quiet, simple conversation they had shared. To the way the world had seemed just a little softer a little lighter than it had that very same morning now as she was and is well aware that this was, in all likelihood, a side effect of the Aura fusion his Semblance induced to her now As psychosomatic influence workings in tandem with the physical and Aura-based effects And that ? That was dangerous and Unbelievably so and as If it's was deliberate if it was something controllable it could be a weapon more powerful than anythings she had ever encountered And yet… that's very feeling was not the thought lingering in her mind and Instead.... it was the very memory of that soft as fragile smile in the mirror. And the realization that, for the first time in a very long while..… as she didn't mind waking up to it She would of course expend some extra time analysing the side effects a of jaune Arc Semblance but has not just with the trepidation or fear a semblance that effected ones mind demanded a winter was well aware that the boy or man just had no ill intentions toward's her or as her entire family now and If anything he likely wasn't even aware of the unintended side effect of his Semblance She doubted anyone would just willingly bare even a glimpse of theirs soul so openly—so simply—has he had the night before but then No, Jaune Arc was just a good person And that, in many ways, complicated things For one, it made him an easy target. Too easy. Manipulation, seduction, exploitation—As winter had seen the depths of his desire to help, his innate need to be useful to others and she just recognized it now.
Because just in a way she was the same like him and it is where he's was driven by the need to protect and prove his worth, she was driven to be recognized—to be taken seriously as to rise beyond the weight of her name and carve out her own legacy as To borrow the flowery language her sister was so fond of — kindred souls as Strangely, that thought only made her smile widen And even after she's had finished her morning or night duties and preparations, that smile remained. But just Perhaps, for today, her mask could allow for a small accessory as who knows what the future holds.
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'I just wonder as what he's might be doings right now at this exact moment as' she thought before going to sleep as she thought and dream about her garden as her time with her grandfather and the very candy now.
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CHANGING LOCATION
MEANWHILE IN THE ZOO
POV
"Everything is goings to make for a full day." As If that was what Penny wanted though that was what Penny was going to get as he would stop at nothing to make sure this was the best experience of her life. "Let's do the penguins first and then skip over to the flamingos next. We'll just beline our way to the back of the park and hit as much on the way as we can." As he spoke, Penny was scanning the map with incredible scrutiny. "I have determined the most efficiently route for us to take in order to see everything !" She declared before grabbing his hand once more and as then pulling him along towards the penguins as he's didn't really mind being yanked arounds though he's was just used to it after all as if you have teammates knowing's as Nora and ruby as we entered into the penguins exhibit and his nose was almost immediately as assaulted by the smell of fish. Fortunately, Penny didn't seem to mind at all as she let go of his hand and walked forward as if she was in a trance as Just ahead of us was a solid glass pane and as on the other side it was almost like Another's world now as Penguins just marched about on the icy surface as some of them with their buddies and others on their own. A couple of them dove in the water, creating a huge splash as they did and Penny walked right up to the glass and leaned forward as far as she's could and placed one hand on the pane now. "They are are real..., actual live animals as I did not think I would ever actually see them." As he stopped right next to her and he just saw the look of complete enthrallment on her face and jaune felt a small worm of guilt form in the pit of his stomach and knowing as her situation and her feelings of loneliness as she had really, never seen others animals before as she never might have adventure out that often or not allowed as that often he don't know what kind of life Penny lived before this and I certainly didn't know at that moment as he thought but I decided that I would for sure make this one of the most fulfilling days she ever had as he thought and declared to himself at the moments now.
"Come on..." As he told her nodded towards a flight of stairs that would take us down. "I think.... we can see them swimming around down there's." As she turned to me, a bit of the mysticism still plastered on her face and he couldn't help but smile towards her now that it was directed at him As gently as he could he reached his hand forward and took hers once more but as it's just did felt different this time Every other time we had held hands it was so we could pull one another along some where this time he just grabbed it as... because he felt like he wanted to hold her.....and be a little just closer to her as to be with honestly it's felt very good. She must have thought it's was different too because for the first time since we both met her cheeks tinted slightly red and a small smile formed across her face, which made him a little happy. It meant that even just a little she's was starting to feel like a normal girl now as just at least he hoped as we both walked down the very stairs and just watched the penguins in silence as they swam around under the water. It was a really cool sight and has he watched them an idea formed in the back of his head. "Penny. Stand in front of them and turn around as I'll take your picture" As jaune told her was already pulling out his scroll as he just took a couple steps back and as started to positions himself now "You should be in the picture with me as That's is what most couples or friends or family's members do while out together" penny said even as she's did what he told her as She did have a point. Fortunately there were plenty of other people here and just as he's was turning around as to ask an older fellow tapped me on the shoulder as that was good time and moment now.
"I'll take it for you, lad..." The older man grinned at me and as he just held out his hand for arc scroll "Really? Thanks! I really appreciate it..." As jaune handed him the scroll and just took a couple steps back toward's Penny. "Do you.. know how to use the camera on it ?" "Of course, as of course just leave it to me." The man waved off his very concern "Now.... don't keep your girlfriend waiting... Get nice and close to her already." 'R-right-!" As he smiled brightly as he's took his spot next to Penny and She immediately wrapped her arm around his own and leaned her head over as so it was propped up on his shoulder and Another small blush spread across his face even as jaune forced myself a to relax and smiled into the camera now as just relax.
"Say cheese!" As he told them both "Cheese!" Penny and jaune said together just as a bright flash signified and with bright smile on there face as that's he's had taken the picture for has then as jaune arc just started to walked forward and as then accepted his scroll just back from him to see how it turned out and but jaune just couldn't help but smile at the sight. It was perfect. As Just passing behinds us was a line of penguins as they torpedoed through the water. It was his very first picture with his very new friend "Thanks you I love it." Jaune just told the man and he nodded as apparently satisfied with his own work as he's walked off. "Penny, want to see ?" "I do." Penny was already leaning over him to get a good look at it and then when she's saw it she too broke out in a huge smile. "Can you send it to me?" As She's asked as she pulled out her own scroll "Sure. I need to send it to Ren too. Gotta let him know that this is actually going pretty well... it's is going well right ?.." He just don't know why but the question just slipped out of his mouth just without him.. even really thinking about it he still guess as it was still just really nervous about making sure this whole thing's turned out perfect for her as More so than ever he just at the moment wanted her to have the times of her life now.
"So far this day just has been sensational." As Penny words filled him with ease as she held up her scroll so we could exchange contact information as he clearly remember he had never exchanged his very contact information's with her or weiss or anyone other's than his teammates and ruby as he had no reason to and the very people he trust was ruby and his teammates as they all have been through enough to know what is happening around them and not knowing what to do properly at the time but now he extension contacts as with penny as she is now the part of the group as She just did the same with him and a second later he sent her and Ren and Nora both the photo and has maybe to ruby as well later as Penny smiled as she looked at the picture on her own scroll. "Jaune...does this make us friends?" As she asked him innocently "Of course it makes us friends and Now come on, we got a lot of ground to cover today if we are goings to get through everything now" As he told with smile as held out his hand and then Penny looked at it for a moments here as before gently taking it as Together, the two of them left the penguins exhibit hand-in-hand and made our way to the next destination. "And those baby pandas were just so adorable ! I wish I just could have ran up and hugged them! Oh, oh, and do you remember the very dolphins! I had no idea other species as could be so intelligent! As That was incredible!" Penny went on and on as we left the zoo together for hours and then just observing different species of animals that just as honestly even he didn't know of existing and today it work's in both favours waving her hands wildly as she recounted everything's it was that they both saw. She had a huge smile on her face now that he swear lit up the night. Night...I couldn't believe we stayed in there until the sun it's not because she is a robot and have neon lights as the very street lamps gave us plenty of light even as we navigated the crowds and made our way towards the station. Problem was.....I didn't want this to end just yet jaune had so much fun and he was pretty sure Penny had too as She was so excited she didn't even have an appetite at least that was the only reason he could think why she hadn't eaten yet at all today and then he realised his very mistake she was robots an Android and then jaune take the food away from her and they stopped has they came to a split in the path that no one else was using and Penny kept walking another few paces before she's just realized jaune just wasn't by her side anymore as She turned toward jaune just curiously as he was just standing as there and he's noticed her gaze so he's pointed down the path and as thst might be the right way out of the very zoo had just to say his very next words. "I don't suppose.....you want to take a detour ? As.. There's supposed to be a little park just down this way." As he told her and he was a bit tired from all the walking and he wanted to sit down and as think for his next plan in action as Penny gave a single enthusiastic nod now.
"Okay!" As She skipped back to his side and wrapped her arm around him before interlocking fingers as she couldn't help but still blush even though has they had been holding hands most of the day as jaune arc was guiding her like her guardian big brother but if her she saw him more then an acquaintances more like friend or something else entirely they just must have surely been covered in sweat at this points but as she didn't seem to him at all as they walked down the pathways together "So What animal was your favorite?" As She suddenly asked him as he turned to see her lookings up at him just expectantly as he thought about it for a couple seconds but there was really only three just in particular animal that came to mind when he thought of which was his favorite."It would have to be lions or rabbits or horses as They're just so cool looking and Terrifying when provoked though...I would never want to run into a Grimm that looks like them I think I would just die of a heart-attack." As jaune told her as in truth he hasn't seen one yet and as he just can't roll out the very possibility of encountering one day that turfying. As then Penny giggled lightly and squeezed his hand a little more tightly. "As Do not worry, Jaune !.. I would protect you!" As Yeah...that's did sounded reassuring enough " thank you penny" As he told her "Oh, is this the park you we're referring to ?" As he's looked down the path to see a small playground for kids just ahead of us as It was anything extravagant as Just a jungle-gym, a slide, and a swing set and artificial plants and with couple sitting on them and children everywhere.
"Yeah, this is it." As jaune confirmed it as they both of them just walked in together and as he made right for the swing "Let's sit down for a minute" As he address her as disentangled himself from her arms and took a seat on one of the swings just now has Penny gave a perplexed look as she took a spot on another. As she did and she's pulled out her scroll and began flipping through all the pictures that we had taken throughout the day. A majority of them we had others take for us so they could both be in them and as in every picture, without fail as Penny and jaune just we're giving huge genuine smiles as they clinging to one another with a different animal behind us 'we actually... just kind of looked like a couple.' As he thought to himself as she just let out a huge smile at the thoughts and her body overflowed with so much energy as she's swung her very legs out and the pulled them back as then jaune began rocking back and forth on the swing. With each successive kick he got higher and higher as It wasn't until he reached the height the swing would allow him that he saw Penny just glancing at me curiously, as if trying to figure out what he was doing. "You've never been on a swing either ?" As he asked her and she's just shook her head As then he stuck out his feet and brought as the swings to a stop before he jumped off and ran around to the back of hers. "Here, everyone's needs to be pushed on a swing at least once in theirs life. Just lift your legs a little off the grounds and leave the rest to me." As he told her "Okay" Penny did as he instructed and as he placed his two hands just on her back and then gave a solid push As She swung a little forward before coming back and as just he caught her and this time gave a little stronger of a push as she is swung further out now and he took a step to the side.
"As When you start goings forward kick your legs out straight." As he instructed her and as she did that as he said swinging farther as forward than even before now "Now pull them back in." As She came back and then swung herself forward once more as The look of uncertainty turned into a face of pure delight as she's got a little higher each time As jaune think and saw as highly she goes the more happy she is as she started to enjoy life Even the most mundane thing's seemed to bring her just the brightest joy that he couldn't help but find infectious In other words, beings with Penny was fun as he started to remember the simple thing in life that has to offer him as So much fun that he really wanted to hang with her again soon Penny stuck out her legs and skid to a stop before leaping to her feets in exhilaration. "Jaune! Did you see how high I got ?! That was amazing! I am most thrilled that we choose to come to this playground!" She's continued to smile brightly at him but he did faltered as slightly when she saw the look of concern "...Jaune?" As She tilted her head quizzically."Penny..... sorry I-" jaune very breath hitched as he just looked at her. As Today was such a great time.....I didn't want to mess it up by being seen as desperate but Penny had a wonderful time as well, right? What was I even worrying about this for? I was sure about something as I guess...I just really wanted this time to work and make her happy as I really, really wanted that smile to be protected honestly' As he just thought as he took a deep breath and as recomposed himself while closing his eyes as when jaune opened them back up, as Penny was still standing there's, her shocking green eyes looking at me curiously as she's waited for me to continue. " Penny I really had a lot of fun today...with you. I'd like it a lot if we could...do this again sometime ? I know that's probably hard for you since you have to sneak out and all...but well if it's not too much trouble...maybe next time-" As he was just cut-off by penny as she just hugged him as she's was just smiling towards him as it was very hard for her to just describes the look on her face right now as jaune just would say it was confusions for him but it did felt good almost as if she's just wasn't quite sure how's to respond to him as it was ok she can take her time and he should stop ruining things and moment as he just should have get over his past mistakes by now When girls didn't know how to respond though, that usually wasn't a good thing. That just meant they were trying to think of a way to let you down gently Damn he just really had to stop thinking about negatively just now. Just as he finished this increasingly depressing line of thought, As Penny just took a step backwards just from him " thank you for everything jaune friend" As she told him with a smile as both of them just stud as there looking at each other as facing one and another now as well then his scroll started to vibrate and he's just looked down and saw that it is his teammates as asking about him and penny in everything " I think it's time to go back home penny" As he told him as she then just started to smile towards him " yes.... jaune friend...It's time to go home" As both of them just as walked with each other back to the academy just now.
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UNKNOWN LOCATION
POV
As many years ago as when they three just were still children has winter sat next to her sister and her little baby brother on her bed as she sat in the middle has two of them at her side as a book in hand as she read the story to them "Alyx looked at the Rusted Knight, sadness was written all over her face, "You can come with me back home" As she told him, "You have been with me from the beginning... you are my friend, and I can not imagine a world without you in it as.....I would very much love if you came home with me.." Alyx Ask The Rusted Knight as he was silent.. " As Winter read to her siblings has weiss smiled with.. whitley just just giggled as he likes his sister reading has it's warm as he felt it as winter read her the final pages of the story, waiting to hear the very end of it... winter saw Weiss's joy and Whitley giggling couldn't help but be infected by her happiness of her two siblings as then winter as just then turned the page and continued to read, "The Rusted knight shook his head "I'm afraid I just can not come with you," As the Rusted Knight replied " As My place is here in ever after, I still have something to do here before I leave," As the knight said. Alyx frowned and placed her hand on his helmet, "Then... can I see the face of my hero?" She asked, and she tried to pull the helmet off, but the Rusted Knight gently grabbed her hand and stopped her, "I'm no Hero Alxy, I'm just doing my job..," he told her," Winter read, "With those words as Alyx smiled at him even as though her heart broke, but she leaned close to him and she placed a soft kiss on his helmet, "Goodbye..., my dear friend," Alyx said, "Goodbye... Alyx," The Rusted Knight said, his tone holding sorrow. With that.... Alyx left the Ever After, and returned home and where's her friends and family eagerly awaited her... the end," Winter finished, and as she's just then closed the story book just now.
As then weiss yawned and whitley was fast asleep as she gently put him to the side of her bed "I loved that story," As weiss said to her sister, "As which one is it called again sister ?" As she asked her innocently as it was then winter was done with her baby brother as she's turned towards her sister and then grabbed the book and then showed her the title and it's read, "The girl who fell through the world". As Winter then set the book down as weiss started got up and ready for bed. As Weiss just covered herself up in her blankets, she just looked at her older sister, "big sister.. why do you love that story so much..?" she asked her innocently and then Winter looked at her sister and smiled softly at her, "Grandfather gave me this book," She told her sister, "He said it was his favorite since he was a kid," As she told her and " I liked it as readed this to me as all the time" As she said as weiss just smiled "so..Did Grandfather have a favorite character?" Weiss asked her sister as winter just shrugged "As Didn't say.... he simply told me the story was the best he ever read as a child and his parents used to read it to him ," Winter replied back to her " but why do you ask ? wait Do you have a favorite character Weiss?" winter asked her as with a smile on her face as Weiss nodded, "Mhm! The Rusted Knight!" Weiss said, "He's so brave and I also think he's very handsome!" As weiss said with a light blush on her face as she's imagining him just coming to save her from the evil people and ride away on his mighty stead Jupiter Winter giggled, "Even though he didn't take off his helmet now ?" As she asked with an amused smile on her face and imagine her jumping on the bed again with her imaginary prince charming.
As weiss rapidly nodded and still smiled, "What about you winter ?" As Weiss just asked her "As who's your favorite characters ?" Weiss asked her sister as then winter was thinking and then continued to smile has she looked at her sister, "Believe it or not, I too like the Rusted Knight," Winter told her sister, before leaving and heading towards her baby brother room and just laying him down in his baby crib and then leaving to sleep in her own and then imagine her life with her....
CHANGING LOCATION
NEXT MORNING
POV
After a long day of training with Penny and the rest of her team as winter had left Academy for today and as took a Bullhead down to city of atlas to have a just as few hours of relaxations before she needs to head as towards mantel afterwards to her duties as however, there was a tiny problem, she's didn't know what she was going to do in the city after she was done winter just then decided to go mantal instead as This wasn't Atlas, she's didn't know where the hotspots in the city we're, as a matter of fact, even if she did she's had no idea how to get there, she's didn't have a car or know which bus or train to take as she never really needed one as she's was always in the Academy or generals very side as she's never neded one but then realizing all this as winter let out a long sigh, "Fascinating" As then winter said to herself. Winter decided to first get some coffee because gods know she's needed some after dealings with penny and her friend's as well has also helping as weiss with her summoning multiple at the same time and then weiss had grown up to be an great person and with her partner ruby now as She's grabbed her scroll and typed into Khrome for Coffee shops nearby, and thankfully there was one down the street and two blocks away, so she's could walk there and no problem with the people's at the moment and as she did just winter put the address into the map's app and it's showed her where to go and she quickly made her way there as she just walked along the very street's as she's couldn't help but feel an... openness to the city compare to her time in city of vale as that's very kingdom was different from mantel It was vastly different the Atlas, the people seemed more friendly and not everything's seemed so lifeless, in Atlas, the streets, buildings, and the aesthetic of the entire city just felt soulless and devoid of any emotions but the city of Vale, it was open, warm, full of life, everything about it just felt so much better than Atlas and it's did saddened her what's happened to that kingdom now.
'I wonder what it would've been like.. if I had grown up in vale.... ?' As winter asked herself as a smile formed on her lips as she just walked down the sidewalk past many smiling and non happy people of the city as she can't blame them as she and everyone's and the very generals are doing there very best and Are just trying her hardest to protect everyone and everything and it is in the end as the monster like the queen of grimm's was something that they all just can't beat not like this but what options do they all have now are limited and then 'Would... I have raised better if I have born here ? Would I have felt more normal here? I wonder if could have been.... happier and would father be better ?' as she thought to herself now as these thoughts caused Winter's mind to remember the times she spent with her grandfather, remembering the stories he told, the times he would show her his summons as his parties, and his friends and his soft smile as everything about her grandfather was the opposite of what Atlas stood for now and what can she do to change it but she just can't do anything at all as she needs to focus on the tasks in hand As she reminisced about the memories of her grandfather, as she still paid attention to where she was goings and as she actually saw some other places she would love to visit later, but as eventually, she arrived at the coffee shop, as which was smaller than she expected, but she smiled when she's saw it and entered as When she entered she saw only 8-13 people in the shop and thankfully, has there's was no one else at the register as so she's went over to it and ordered a coffee with cream, and after gettings it, she took a seat at a table near a window She looked out of the window as she's watched the world move around her, and she's took a quick sip of her coffee as let her shoulders ease up and as she sat back into the seat, letting out a long and much-needed sigh as she's just thoughts about a certains blonde huntsman just now. "Uh... Winter?" As then hearing someone saying her name, she turned away from the window and looked to her other side only to see none others than Jaune Arc, who was dressed in his combat outfit and with a cup of coffees in his hand as well has and seeing him here was genuine surprise, and Winter tensed a little before allowing herself to relax and she smiled at the blonde Beacon student. "Mr. A- Jaune, fancy seeing you here," Winter said as jaune scratched the back of his head, "Y-Yeah," He said, "As Sorry to disturb you I saw you and thought I'd say hi... so uh, hi!" he said to her as looking at his watch as winter gave him a quick nod and still smiling, "Ah, thank you, and hello to you too," she said to him Jaune smiled nodded "Well, I'll just uh, be on my way," as he said with a small wave.
"Actually,.... wait.... jaune would you like... to sit down and join me..?" She asked him as she is really bad in this socializing with others as.... jaune turned back to her with a raised brow, " wait... are you sure ?" As he asked her, "I don't want to intrude-" As he was cut-off
"Intrude on what ?" She asked with a smile, "I'm free all day today and.. I don't know anyone in here," She said to him as in reality she never had friends and as just her duties and her job and.. might be a change of things "Well if you.. really don't mind," jaune said, has he sat with Winter table as then winter.. took as sip of her coffee and as jaune did.... the same and studying the time and any kind of new or headline about just as anything at the moment as both of them just sip there coffee cup as once she finished she set her cup down and realized that she... didn't know what to talk about. It had been so long since she's had a day off as even when she did and with no friends she's spent it at her apartment alone or playing video games She decided to start with some small talk, as even though she was terrible at it and as Blame her father's parties for that. "So, what kind of coffee did you order ?" she's asked Jaune as then he looked up towards her direction as "Oh uh... this isn't coffee," he said bashfully, "it's uh... just hot chocolates" As He told her as sipping his cup "Hot chocolate?" As Winter asked with a raised brow. As Jaune slowly nodded towards her "As yeah I know, it's a little silly, to others but I really like it," As He said to her as winter shook her head "it not silly at all" has winter said to him, "As Everyone's has their preferred beverage," As winter told him as then jaune started to smile towards her, "Yeah, I suppose your right," As he said to her "So... Then what's it like to be in general side ? Is it different from being a huntsman at all ?" As jaune asked her curiously has then winter just.. shook her head "Not Exactly then same as it has it different side but it is pretty much like some as huntsman" As winter said to him as she just rise her hand as to gain attentions of the waiter and singling him two cups for her table winter then faced towards jaune completely "As examples Beacon and Atlas are pretty much the same in terms of how.... the educational and schools operate," As She replied as then she's just continued speaking " As the difference just has between them is when in position and as power has the atlas operates under like a military unit and as beacon operate has it a bit like guardians but that is the very only things and reason has environment is different in options and in methods of protecting there kingdoms." As she's just explain to him as jaune was nodded towards her now.
"Oh, I just assumed that's things were a little more as different but we have more in common " As jaune told her as still smiling as it not so different from his family is view point and very methods in the past. As Winter nodded and also smiled "understandable" She said, "Though, if you want to talk about different as Haven and Shade have the complete opposites of Atlas and Beacon" She told him as they new cups have arrived. Jaune nodded with a smiled "What's it like being part of the Atlas Military in general?" As Jaune asked her
"It is very different than being a huntsman" As She's told him, "There's more order to it, no taking any jobs even if you are Huntsmen trained to do as your given obs by your superior, and even if you are a specialist, you have responsibilities to look over and after as the very soldiers assigned to you" As she explain to him.
"Wow, sounds like a lot wrok for a single person..... to do alone" He replied, "How do you do it ?.. I mean it's gotta be hard right?" He asked her again as the very witness bought there's cup's to theirs table as winter nodded "It was difficult at first but I'll admit, but I have managed over the course of times" As she replied to him " But Still that has to be so stressful," He told her, "My oldest sister's a teacher and as I remember when she first started out, she was almost going bald," He told her and joked about it with a chuckle as for winter couldn't help but chuckle as well, remembering that's one of her old teammates said the samethings when she became a specialist and had to take command of a squad of soldiers back then "Well, that's just part of being a soldier," She replied as Jaune nodded, "Well, hopefully..., you have days where as you can.... relax, right?" the blonde asked her As winter nodded "A few days of the month, yes, but even then it's not much," She replied Jaune looked at her with a worried look, "so when was the last time you had a actual day off ?" He asked her as winter just stopped and stayed a bit silent as she sighed and thought about it's, and then she remembered that she hadn't actually taken a day off in about 10 months as the oldest Schnee let out a long sigh, "Not for a while," She replied as Jaune then thought about it, "So if this is your first day off in a just long time as shouldn't you be doing something's that makes you happy ?" As he asked her "I-I don't.. mean to sounds rude but you just should go out and do just prefer something you like, like go see a movie, have a cheat day, get your hair done.. you know... something along those lines" As Jaune just said realizing he had rambled a bit Winter thought about it and realized that Jaune was somewhat right she's just honestly wasn't enjoying herself a few minutes ago, sitting alone with her thoughts, thinking of the past. It did her no good, but what could she possibly do? As She didn't know mantel as where or what was she going to do ? As it then Staying silent for too long as Jaune assumed he had irritated her, "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to pry," He said to her Hearing him apologize, took the specialist out of her thoughts as she's blinked twice and looked at him, "No, No, I'm not upset I... I just simply realized that you are... speaking the truth," As Winter said, "I really don't know what to do around here and where should I eat or where should I go and as I want to look around the city but I also want to have.... well a bit of fun while I am here, after all, I am only here until the ends of the day I'll never know when I'll be back," she finished "Well... I could help..., you know, look around the city or give you some ideas ?" As Jaune told her.
Winter looked at him with a raised brow, "wait really?" She asked him Realizing how that possibly sounded to the older Schnee sister, as Jaune quickly try to fix what he said. "Only if you want me to" Jaune replied, "I don't want to a bother to you " as he told her with an smile Winter thought about Jaunes offer to show her around the city and she's didn't see why she couldn't accept it. She knew he wasn't trying to hit on her and he was offering to help her in just what was unfamiliar territory. Winter nodded, "I would very much like your help, Mr- Jaune," Winter replied as Jaune was a little stunned to say the least because he thought Winter was trying to be nice, but she seemed to mean what she said, and the young knight smiled awkwardly, "W-Well, uh, where would you like to go first?" He asked.
As Winter thought for a moment before a small smile graced her lips, "An Ice-cream shop," as she said "It's been a long time since I've had one, believe it or not," she told him Jaune just smiled,"Then I think... I know just the place " As He said with a smile of pride After the two finished their drinks, As Jaune and Winter left the cafe and the young knight led the Atlas Specialist down a few blocks, to a large Ice-cream shop called "Happily Ever After Frozen Deserts" Winter turned to Jaune in questions. "Huh, what a peculiar name," As winter just commented as Jaune looked at her with a raised brow, "Why that ?" Jaune asked her "Well, for starters just every time I hear the words "happily ever after," I think back to the times I was use to read fairy tales to my younger siblings when we were children," Winter said with a faint smile. "Specifically,... I always think back to the story of the Girl who fell through the world," As winter explained to him as jaune nodded at her "I've heard that one," Jaune said with a smile, "My sister Saphron and mom used to read it to me," As he said to her Winter's smile grew, "My favorite character was the Rusted Knight," Winter said to him as jaune looked at her, "Really now ?" He asked. Jaune looked at her, "Really now?" She said and nodded. "He was so kind and courageous when he traveled with Alyx, he protected her and helped her along her journey, he was a Hero," Winter said with pride in her very voice.
As jaune chuckled and nodded as in agreement with winter's statement about the fictional knight, "He was everything's I wanted to be while growing up," Jaune told Winter. "He was so cool and brave as he inspired me a little to be the person.. I want to be in the future," Jaune said and winter smiled with him "I mostly liked him because... he reminded me of my grandfather," Winter said, "My grandfather was a kind and... honest man, he did what was right no matter happened what others thought, as Stood up for what he believed in, I saw a lot of him in the knight, and.. I wanted to be like my grandfather,..... he was my hero," Winter told him. Jaune looked at her with a smile, but he saw her face morph into a daze as she seemed to be remembering something, "Before he passed, he gave me a copy of "The Girl who fell through the world" and I read it and when I came across the Knight... I couldn't just help but think of my grandfather," Winter said. "I... take that book with me everywhere I go because it reminds me of the person I wanted to become and as who I hope I make proud Jaune looked at Winter and saw a slight glum expressions beginning to form on her face, and knowing the mood might go down, as Jaune quickly changed the subject and said that they better get into the store quickly and Winter was taken out of her brief sadness and looked at as Jaune and just gave a nod in response once inside they approached the counter where they ordered what they wanted from the Menu, which was quite varied, Winter ordered a vanilla and cherry swirl in a bowl, and just while Jaune ordered a Superhero flavor with sprinkles as they sat at a booth and began to eat as winter looked around and as she remembered her previous thought about how honest Vale was, how people's seemed to be so lively in the city. Compared to Atlas, there were few places where one could talk, cheer, and smile, there many places in Mantle, but Atlas... Atlas was more "refined" in a very sense. She loved her kingdom, but she couldn't deny the fault of it, but with people like Ironwood there, she trusted him to make things betters, to keep the cities and their people safe but now "-nter? Winter?" As just
Hearing her name, she, for a 3rd time, was taken out of her thought and she looked to Jaune with a raised brow, "Yes?" She asked. "You looked like you were in a daze," Jaune told her and as who looked at her with concern. "Are you ok...?" he asked winter took a deep breath and nodded, "I'm fine," she replied, "I was just thinking," she told him. "About what?" He asked now.
Winter took a bite of her ice cream before answering. "Just about how... warm Vale just was compare here," Winter said to him jaune made an "oh" face before he smiled and chuckled, "I suppose the climate of Vale and Atlas has to be vastly different, I have heard how cold it is up-"Winter shook her head "I wasn't.. talking about the weather," Winter said, "I... I meant the very city and it's people, its vastly different," She told him. Jaune looked at her with started to understand where she was coming from as penny and weiss said as the same thing back then and he did love his kingdom as well what happened to it in the end and the friends as the people lost was very heavy for him as jaune just understands where she is coming from " I understand we're are you coming from" As jaune told her with an serious smile Winter realized she had brought down the mood and sighed, "I-I'm sorry,.... I didn't mean to dampen the mood," She told him.. Jaune waved her apology away, "Nononono! It's alright!" As Jaune just reassured her quickly, "I'm just surprised by how you described Atlas as you sound like you.... hate it, but you've attended Atlas Academy, and.... you've joined the military, so I have to ask, just why do all that if you don't like your home ?" Jaune asked her just as now. As Winter didn't need to think hard about that answer, she had been asked the same question. "The reason I've done all of that is that's I want to be its protector," She told him "Like my grandfather" Winter finished....
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ARC TWO
WELCOME TO KINGDOM OF ATLAS
TO BE CONTINUED