56 – New sheriff in town
Avip_br
Not too sore, are you?
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[#] You can join my discord server: discord.gg/52MmzuEQhR
[#] Killed my Ko-fi page, Patreon page is on, more details at the end.
COMMENTS:
LeMarchombre[scribblehub]:
I knew iT !!! the Senzu bean healed her throat lol
Avip:
Yep! Some people have said her mutism isn't a physical issue, so I'm working on the assumption that Senzu beans are broken. The ability to restore 100% of ki reserves alone is OP when you're dealing with beings capable of blowing up galaxies.
Gur40goku[archiveofourown]:
huh, is it healing her unused vocal cords because the Roman book said Neo's Muteness isn't "psychokinetic," but rather psychosomatic—initially triggered by the trauma of Father's and Mother's Abuse. So she could gasp and hum but not talk...
again DB [Z,GT,Kai,Super] Magic is bullshit on mega steroids
Also, PLEASE Break Hazel FUCK THAT HYPOCRITE PIECE OF SHIT! MAY HE BURN IN SUPER HELL!
Tyrian just a monster, Watts an egotist ,Merlot a by the books Lover Of The Abomination and Cinder a dumb lil girl clinging to power to feel safe while literally trading her humanity for power. Mercury was literally raised for his role as an assassin and Emerald is a Street Rat Turned SIMP, which for a street rat she should be smarter then that
Avip:
Like I said in the comment before, senzu beans are brokens.
And about the villains… I wont talk about to avoid spoilers.
BadgeSpore_Zombie_0411 [webnovel]:
Have you thought about giving some characters a dragon lacrima? It doesn't immediately make them op but it also give them a huge amount of potential.
Avip:
Never thought about, gonna need to read some fairy tail chapters about it.
[Point of View: Jaune Arc]
Tiredly walking toward my dorm, I mentally review my meeting with Roman.
After I accidentally gave Neo back her voice, I more or less cemented the crush the little psycho felt for me. Now she is going full Yandere, obsessing over me.
Thankfully, Roman has reined her in for now, taking both Neo and himself on a mission to contact the last two people on Salem's side I want to save. Roman explained to Neo that this would be a great opportunity to score some points with 'daddy.'
"Rurgh." I growl, shuddering, recalling her sweet, needy words. "At least Roman had the decency to be as troubled as I am."
I reach my dorm, hand extended toward the door. Before my fingers graze the door handle, a force yanks me back.
"What?" I blurt out, confused.
I turn my head, noticing that it is Yang gripping firmly onto my arm.
"Hey, babe." She says in a sing-song tone. "Sooo… we need to chat."
She drags me, and I stumble, caught completely off guard, to the Team RWBY dorm. Yang kicks the door open, tugging me inside.
The room is dimly lit, the air thick with tension. Pyrrha, Ruby, Weiss, and Blake are already there, all smiling joyfully at me.
'I don't like it,' I think, sweating cold. 'Like my grandpa used to say: a group of women with strong personalities getting along well is a bad sign for any man nearby.'
Swallowing hard, I ask, stepping on eggshells. "What do my beautiful fiancées want with me?"
"Such a forced tone, Jaune," Weiss scoffs, though she can't quite hide her smirk. "Still, I appreciate the effort."
I give an awkward laugh, trying to lighten the mood, but Pyrrha takes a step forward and starts talking.
"We had a meeting and came to a conclusion about a few things."
"Like what?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.
"Well," Ruby bounces on her toes, eager to speak. "We've been thinking about how to make this whole 'harem' thing work fairly."
"We all have needs and wants, Jaune." Blake nods, her arms crossed. "We need to ensure everyone is treated equally."
"Yeah, no playing favorites, loverboy." Yang grins, giving me a playful shove. "We all get our time with you."
"Okay," I look around the room, meeting each of their gazes. "That sounds fair. But how do we do it?"
"We've drawn up a schedule." Weiss steps forward, a clipboard in hand. "Each of us gets a designated day to spend nights with you, and we'll rotate weekends."
I blink, looking straight at Weiss as I ask.
"So, by 'spend the night,' you mean…" I let the question hang in the air, waiting for her to fill in the blank.
Weiss's face turns a shade of red that clashes with her white hair.
"I-I mean things like sleep and cuddling, Jaune," she stammers, flustered. "That's all."
Yang grins, leaning against the wall.
"Well, I could go for a pre-sleep 'spar' in bed." She winks, her meaning clear. Blake nods in agreement, a smirk playing on her lips.
Pyrrha steps in, her voice firm.
"Each of us can decide what we want to do on our designated nights." She looks around the room, her gaze settling on each of the girls. "But we also brought you here to talk about dates."
"Dates?" I repeat, not sure I heard her right.
Ruby twirls a strand of her hair, her cheeks a soft pink avoiding my gaze.
"Yeah, dates," Ruby confirms, her voice shy. "Each of us would like to go on a date with you before our mission to Glenn. You know, to have some fun and relax before things get too serious."
I look around the room, meeting each of their gazes. I can't help but smile, touched by their effort to make this work.
"Not gonna lie," I say, nodding. "You needing a meeting for me to take you on dates… makes me feel like a bad boyfriend."
Pyrrha, Ruby, Weiss, and Blake's expressions soften with my words. But Yang takes a step forward, her eyes gleaming with anger.
"Let's see you grit those teeth, Jaune." She growls with a grim expression, sending a haymaker with her left hand.
Yang's fist connects with my jaw, pain exploding across my face. I stagger back, surprised more than agony registering. My enhanced physique of a double super soldier is the only reason I'm still standing. I work my jaw, looking back at Yang, confusion and a hint of anger flashing in my eyes.
"What the hell, Yang?" I manage to say, voice tight.
"You've got five gorgeous women wanting your time and attention, and you're gonna feel sorry for yourself?" She asks, indignant.
"I mean…" I start, still dazed by the punch. "I didn't give you attention, to the point you needed a meeting."
"It's because you are working on saving the fucking world," Yang states, raising her arms.
"Yang, I-." I start, but she cuts me off, her voice a low growl.
"You're out there, saving the world with your extra-dimensional, reality-breaking knowledge, Jaune." She steps closer, her eyes boring into mine. "We get it, it's important."
"Is Yang a sci-fi nerd?" Asks Blake.
"Shush," whispers Ruby.
"But do you think so little of us that we can't handle some waiting?"Asks Yang, opening her arms in frustration. "That we can't support you while you do what you need to?"
I shake my head, finally finding my voice. "I guess you are right, Yang." I agree with her.
"Of course, I'm right." She grins, suddenly, the tension breaking. "I'm always right. Get used to that, Lover Boy."
Ruby snorts, laughter bubbling out of her. "Yeah, right. You're always right, Yang. Just like that time you thought pepper spray could be used as pepper sauce."
Yang's grin doesn't fade, instead, she chuckles. "Okay, okay. So I am not always right. But I am right about this."
I take a look around the room, the girls all looking at me expectantly as I finally ask.
"So, who is first?"
[Point of View: James Ironwood]
I am seated at my desk. The office hums with a quiet efficiency as, before me, reports scatter the surface, each one detailing the outstanding performance of our fighter squadron equipped with Arc reactors. A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth as I review the numbers.
"They're ready for real combat," I mutter to myself.
As I turn the pages, the door to my office slides open with a soft hiss, revealing Winter Schnee. She steps in, her heels clicking sharply against the polished floor. Her uniform is impeccable; every crease is sharp, every button is polished. She carries a stack of reports, her eyes scanning the top sheet with focused intensity.
"General," she begins, her voice crisp and professional. "I apologize for not knocking, but I have more reports for you to review."
I wave a hand dismissively, leaning back in my chair.
"No need to apologize, specialist Schnee. What do you have for me?"
She steps forward, placing the stack of reports on my desk. Her eyes meet mine, steady and confident.
"These are the latest updates from our intelligence division. There's been some unusual Grimm activity near the borders, but our Atlesian Paladin prototype with the Arc Reactor made short work of them."
"Good." I nod, my gaze flicking over the reports. "And what about the charity gala? Are the preparations on track?"
Winter's expression softens slightly, a rare sight.
"Yes, sir. The event is shaping up to be quite spectacular. We've secured several high-profile donors, and the venue is almost ready. The funds raised will make a significant difference for the orphanages and other institutions in Mantle."
I allow myself a small, genuinely pleased smile.
"Excellent. Those children deserve every bit of support we can give them. Have you confirmed the guest list?"
"Yes, sir. We have a mix of military personnel, prominent business figures, and a few celebrities. It should be a well-rounded event."
I stand up, walking around the desk to stand beside Winter. The corner of my mouth twitches as I glance at her.
"I know it won't be easy having Jacques there," I say, my voice low but firm. "But at least you get to see Weiss. That should make it worth the trouble."
Winter exhales, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
"Thank you, sir. I appreciate the opportunity. Though I'm not sure how Weiss will manage to get here in time for the event. The Vytal Festival preparations are in full swing, and Beacon's schedule is packed."
I chuckle, crossing my arms.
"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that. The same soldier in blue armor that got the invitation assured me it's already taken care of."
"A soldier in blue armor?" Winter repeats blinking, her eyebrows lifting slightly.
[Point of View: Pyrrha Nikos]
'Despite Jaune complains to his… harem-. Gods, we need a better name for this relationship,' I think, frustrated.
Despite Jaune complaining about having little time for planning, he is happy to spend time with us.
As the first one to go on a date, I am getting myself ready.
The denim jacket hugs my shoulders just right, not too tight, not too loose. I adjust the cuffs, rolling them up once. The green shirt underneath is soft, the fabric breathable.
"Simple and comfortable," I whisper to myself. "That's what Jaune asked for. No armor, no Miló and Akoúo̱ strapped to my back, no weight of expectations pressing down on me."
I turn side to side in front of the mirror, checking the fit of the jeans. They're snug but not restrictive, the dark blue matching the jacket. My fingers brush over the silver zipper of my sturdy, practical boots.
"Just normal."
For once, I look like any other girl in Vale, and not the Invincible Girl.
A knock rattles the door, catching my attention.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
"Pyrrha?" Jaune's voice is muffled by the closed door. "Are you ready?"
"Just a second."
I take one last glance in the mirror. My hair's still pulled back, but a few strands have escaped, framing my face.
"Yeah," I call back, smoothing my hands over my thighs. "I'm coming."
The door swings, revealing Jaune leaning against the frame, arms crossed, grinning like he just won a tournament without lifting a finger. His eyes flick over me, slow, deliberate.
"Damn," he breathes. "Looking good, Pyr."
"It's just everyday clothes and almost no makeup," I say, raising an eyebrow.
The way his gaze lingers, like I'm something rare, something precious, sends a warmth creeping up my neck.
"You don't need all the bells and whistles," he says, stepping closer. "You are beautiful."
My breath hitches, but before I can stammer out a response, he's pressing something cold and smooth into my palm.
"A watch?" I ask, confused.
It's kind of simple: black strap, silver face, too many buttons on the side.
"Put it on," he urges, nodding at my wrist.
I frown but obey, fastening the clasp.
"What does it do?"
He answers by jabbing his finger on a button on the side.
The watch responds by humming.
WHIRR.
I wait a few seconds expecting something, but nothing happens.
"It works." Jaune cheers. "Go check yourself in the mirror."
I do as he says, despite not understanding what he means.
When I get to the bathroom again, I see a stranger in the mirror.
Same clothes, same posture; even the way my fingers curl around the sink's edge is identical. But the hair is wrong. It's Black… and the eyes are blue.
"It's an image inducer. Pretty cool, right?" Jaune asks, grinning. "It can alter its wearer's appearance."
My throat tightens as I choke on something ugly.
"Jaune, do you… " My voice cracks. I don't turn around; the reflection's lips move when I do, and I feel like it's mocking me. "Do you not like my hair? Even my eyes?"
Silence reigns as something appears to dawn on his mind.
His hands quickly land on my shoulders, fingers digging in just enough to ground me.
"What are you talking about?" His voice is rough, urgent. "Look at me."
I don't.
His grip shifts, gentle now, turning me away from the mirror. His face is inches from mine, eyes wide, horrified.
"I love your hair. Love your eyes." His thumbs brush my cheeks, catching the traitorous wetness there. "This is just… so you can't be recognized."
"Not recognized? You mean…" I say as I slowly realize. "People wouldn't know, and I could just be… me?"
"Yeah," he says in an apologetic tone. "So you don't have to deal with the whole 'Invincible Girl' thing for one damn night."
Tears streak down my face, hot and fast. Jaune steps back, hands raised, apology written all over him.
I surge forward, wrapping my arms around his waist, burying my face against his chest. His heart thuds steady, soothing me.
"T-thank you," I choke out, words mangled by sobs. "Thank you, thank you, thank you."
He's stiff for a second, caught off guard, then his arms fold around me. His chin rests on top of my head, breath warm on my hair.
"You're welcome," he murmurs, bewildered.
[Point of View: Ilia Amitola]
I storm up the ramp into Jaune's plane, my boots echoing on the metal.
"Jaune?" I call out, scanning the interior, only to find no sign of him. "What's so important to talk about that you couldn't just describe in the email?"
In the middle of the room, a hologram flickers to life in front of me, forming the armored figure of that damn AI, Church.
{{Actually,}} it says, {{I'm the one who sent that email.}}
"You lied to me." I cross my arms, glaring at him. "You glorified smart toaster."
{{Yeah, fuck you too, you backstabbing bitch,}} it retorts, unruffled.
"You know what?" I scoff, turning to leave. "I've got better things to do than trade insults with a machine. Tell Arc to talk to me personally if he needs something."
But as I pivot, I slam into something tall, hard, and warm.
THUD!
"Whoa there, little lady," comes a deep voice.
I step back, looking up, and up, into the face of...
"What the fuck are you supposed to be?"
"Colonel Sarge, reporting for duty." He grins down at me, teeth bright against his red-orange skin.
My eyes widen, taking in the towering figure. It's not just the height, or the broad shoulders, or even the armor plating that makes him seem so imposing. It's the flicker of flames that dance across his skin, the glowing markings that trace his arms and chest, the sheer presence of him. And then, with a jolt, it clicks.
"Your voice-!" I start, then stop, my voice catching. I throw my arms around him, burying my face in his chest. He's warm, almost hot to the touch, and he smells like smoke and metal. "You are that robot that exploded fighting Dread Shadow."
I cut the hug short, pulling back to look up at him.
"How are you alive? You were just a... a robot. And now you're real, like flesh and blood real." I gesture to his body, incredulous.
His grin widens, and he opens his mouth to speak, but Church beats him to it.
{{It's not actually flesh and blood,}} the AI interjects, appearing on a nearby console. {{More like a… digital-vegan version of a real body.}}
"Digital-vegan?" I repeat, blinking confused.
Sarge grumbles, his good humor evaporating as he shoots Church a glare. "Would you stop ruining my existence, you dirty blue?"
{{Never.}} The AI chuckles. {{Synthetic for life.}}
"I'm happy for him, but is that the only reason you called me here?" I ask, my smile fading. "To show me your new... you?"
{{Sarge here has a new job.}} Church floats closer, his holographic form flickering slightly. {{Since Faunaria has all those robots protecting it now, Jaune wanted Vale to have some extra protection too.}}
"And that's where Sarge comes in?" I ask, processing the information.
"Yep." Sarge nods, crossing his massive arms over his chest. "I'm the new sheriff in town, so to speak. And you, little lady-." He points at me, a smirk playing on his lips. "You're my sidekick."
E ai gurizada?
[#] You can join my discord server: discord.gg/52MmzuEQhR
[#] I hope you enjoyed this chapter, if you are interested, my Patreon [avipray] subscriber has access up to 5 chapters ahead:
Chapter 57 - Who is SHE?!
Chapter 58 - Arkos S2 [Smut here!]
Chapter 59 - Seconds chances
Chapter 60 - Redemption Arc
Chapter 61 - A new class
[#] You can reach me on X/twitter, @AvipBr
[#] Killed my Ko-fi page, Patreon page is on, more details at the end.
COMMENTS:
LeMarchombre[scribblehub]:
I knew iT !!! the Senzu bean healed her throat lol
Avip:
Yep! Some people have said her mutism isn't a physical issue, so I'm working on the assumption that Senzu beans are broken. The ability to restore 100% of ki reserves alone is OP when you're dealing with beings capable of blowing up galaxies.
Gur40goku[archiveofourown]:
huh, is it healing her unused vocal cords because the Roman book said Neo's Muteness isn't "psychokinetic," but rather psychosomatic—initially triggered by the trauma of Father's and Mother's Abuse. So she could gasp and hum but not talk...
again DB [Z,GT,Kai,Super] Magic is bullshit on mega steroids
Also, PLEASE Break Hazel FUCK THAT HYPOCRITE PIECE OF SHIT! MAY HE BURN IN SUPER HELL!
Tyrian just a monster, Watts an egotist ,Merlot a by the books Lover Of The Abomination and Cinder a dumb lil girl clinging to power to feel safe while literally trading her humanity for power. Mercury was literally raised for his role as an assassin and Emerald is a Street Rat Turned SIMP, which for a street rat she should be smarter then that
Avip:
Like I said in the comment before, senzu beans are brokens.
And about the villains… I wont talk about to avoid spoilers.
BadgeSpore_Zombie_0411 [webnovel]:
Have you thought about giving some characters a dragon lacrima? It doesn't immediately make them op but it also give them a huge amount of potential.
Avip:
Never thought about, gonna need to read some fairy tail chapters about it.
[Point of View: Jaune Arc]
Tiredly walking toward my dorm, I mentally review my meeting with Roman.
After I accidentally gave Neo back her voice, I more or less cemented the crush the little psycho felt for me. Now she is going full Yandere, obsessing over me.
Thankfully, Roman has reined her in for now, taking both Neo and himself on a mission to contact the last two people on Salem's side I want to save. Roman explained to Neo that this would be a great opportunity to score some points with 'daddy.'
"Rurgh." I growl, shuddering, recalling her sweet, needy words. "At least Roman had the decency to be as troubled as I am."
I reach my dorm, hand extended toward the door. Before my fingers graze the door handle, a force yanks me back.
"What?" I blurt out, confused.
I turn my head, noticing that it is Yang gripping firmly onto my arm.
"Hey, babe." She says in a sing-song tone. "Sooo… we need to chat."
She drags me, and I stumble, caught completely off guard, to the Team RWBY dorm. Yang kicks the door open, tugging me inside.
The room is dimly lit, the air thick with tension. Pyrrha, Ruby, Weiss, and Blake are already there, all smiling joyfully at me.
'I don't like it,' I think, sweating cold. 'Like my grandpa used to say: a group of women with strong personalities getting along well is a bad sign for any man nearby.'
Swallowing hard, I ask, stepping on eggshells. "What do my beautiful fiancées want with me?"
"Such a forced tone, Jaune," Weiss scoffs, though she can't quite hide her smirk. "Still, I appreciate the effort."
I give an awkward laugh, trying to lighten the mood, but Pyrrha takes a step forward and starts talking.
"We had a meeting and came to a conclusion about a few things."
"Like what?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.
"Well," Ruby bounces on her toes, eager to speak. "We've been thinking about how to make this whole 'harem' thing work fairly."
"We all have needs and wants, Jaune." Blake nods, her arms crossed. "We need to ensure everyone is treated equally."
"Yeah, no playing favorites, loverboy." Yang grins, giving me a playful shove. "We all get our time with you."
"Okay," I look around the room, meeting each of their gazes. "That sounds fair. But how do we do it?"
"We've drawn up a schedule." Weiss steps forward, a clipboard in hand. "Each of us gets a designated day to spend nights with you, and we'll rotate weekends."
I blink, looking straight at Weiss as I ask.
"So, by 'spend the night,' you mean…" I let the question hang in the air, waiting for her to fill in the blank.
Weiss's face turns a shade of red that clashes with her white hair.
"I-I mean things like sleep and cuddling, Jaune," she stammers, flustered. "That's all."
Yang grins, leaning against the wall.
"Well, I could go for a pre-sleep 'spar' in bed." She winks, her meaning clear. Blake nods in agreement, a smirk playing on her lips.
Pyrrha steps in, her voice firm.
"Each of us can decide what we want to do on our designated nights." She looks around the room, her gaze settling on each of the girls. "But we also brought you here to talk about dates."
"Dates?" I repeat, not sure I heard her right.
Ruby twirls a strand of her hair, her cheeks a soft pink avoiding my gaze.
"Yeah, dates," Ruby confirms, her voice shy. "Each of us would like to go on a date with you before our mission to Glenn. You know, to have some fun and relax before things get too serious."
I look around the room, meeting each of their gazes. I can't help but smile, touched by their effort to make this work.
"Not gonna lie," I say, nodding. "You needing a meeting for me to take you on dates… makes me feel like a bad boyfriend."
Pyrrha, Ruby, Weiss, and Blake's expressions soften with my words. But Yang takes a step forward, her eyes gleaming with anger.
"Let's see you grit those teeth, Jaune." She growls with a grim expression, sending a haymaker with her left hand.
Yang's fist connects with my jaw, pain exploding across my face. I stagger back, surprised more than agony registering. My enhanced physique of a double super soldier is the only reason I'm still standing. I work my jaw, looking back at Yang, confusion and a hint of anger flashing in my eyes.
"What the hell, Yang?" I manage to say, voice tight.
"You've got five gorgeous women wanting your time and attention, and you're gonna feel sorry for yourself?" She asks, indignant.
"I mean…" I start, still dazed by the punch. "I didn't give you attention, to the point you needed a meeting."
"It's because you are working on saving the fucking world," Yang states, raising her arms.
"Yang, I-." I start, but she cuts me off, her voice a low growl.
"You're out there, saving the world with your extra-dimensional, reality-breaking knowledge, Jaune." She steps closer, her eyes boring into mine. "We get it, it's important."
"Is Yang a sci-fi nerd?" Asks Blake.
"Shush," whispers Ruby.
"But do you think so little of us that we can't handle some waiting?"Asks Yang, opening her arms in frustration. "That we can't support you while you do what you need to?"
I shake my head, finally finding my voice. "I guess you are right, Yang." I agree with her.
"Of course, I'm right." She grins, suddenly, the tension breaking. "I'm always right. Get used to that, Lover Boy."
Ruby snorts, laughter bubbling out of her. "Yeah, right. You're always right, Yang. Just like that time you thought pepper spray could be used as pepper sauce."
Yang's grin doesn't fade, instead, she chuckles. "Okay, okay. So I am not always right. But I am right about this."
I take a look around the room, the girls all looking at me expectantly as I finally ask.
"So, who is first?"
[Point of View: James Ironwood]
I am seated at my desk. The office hums with a quiet efficiency as, before me, reports scatter the surface, each one detailing the outstanding performance of our fighter squadron equipped with Arc reactors. A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth as I review the numbers.
"They're ready for real combat," I mutter to myself.
As I turn the pages, the door to my office slides open with a soft hiss, revealing Winter Schnee. She steps in, her heels clicking sharply against the polished floor. Her uniform is impeccable; every crease is sharp, every button is polished. She carries a stack of reports, her eyes scanning the top sheet with focused intensity.
"General," she begins, her voice crisp and professional. "I apologize for not knocking, but I have more reports for you to review."
I wave a hand dismissively, leaning back in my chair.
"No need to apologize, specialist Schnee. What do you have for me?"
She steps forward, placing the stack of reports on my desk. Her eyes meet mine, steady and confident.
"These are the latest updates from our intelligence division. There's been some unusual Grimm activity near the borders, but our Atlesian Paladin prototype with the Arc Reactor made short work of them."
"Good." I nod, my gaze flicking over the reports. "And what about the charity gala? Are the preparations on track?"
Winter's expression softens slightly, a rare sight.
"Yes, sir. The event is shaping up to be quite spectacular. We've secured several high-profile donors, and the venue is almost ready. The funds raised will make a significant difference for the orphanages and other institutions in Mantle."
I allow myself a small, genuinely pleased smile.
"Excellent. Those children deserve every bit of support we can give them. Have you confirmed the guest list?"
"Yes, sir. We have a mix of military personnel, prominent business figures, and a few celebrities. It should be a well-rounded event."
I stand up, walking around the desk to stand beside Winter. The corner of my mouth twitches as I glance at her.
"I know it won't be easy having Jacques there," I say, my voice low but firm. "But at least you get to see Weiss. That should make it worth the trouble."
Winter exhales, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
"Thank you, sir. I appreciate the opportunity. Though I'm not sure how Weiss will manage to get here in time for the event. The Vytal Festival preparations are in full swing, and Beacon's schedule is packed."
I chuckle, crossing my arms.
"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that. The same soldier in blue armor that got the invitation assured me it's already taken care of."
"A soldier in blue armor?" Winter repeats blinking, her eyebrows lifting slightly.
[Point of View: Pyrrha Nikos]
'Despite Jaune complains to his… harem-. Gods, we need a better name for this relationship,' I think, frustrated.
Despite Jaune complaining about having little time for planning, he is happy to spend time with us.
As the first one to go on a date, I am getting myself ready.
The denim jacket hugs my shoulders just right, not too tight, not too loose. I adjust the cuffs, rolling them up once. The green shirt underneath is soft, the fabric breathable.
"Simple and comfortable," I whisper to myself. "That's what Jaune asked for. No armor, no Miló and Akoúo̱ strapped to my back, no weight of expectations pressing down on me."
I turn side to side in front of the mirror, checking the fit of the jeans. They're snug but not restrictive, the dark blue matching the jacket. My fingers brush over the silver zipper of my sturdy, practical boots.
"Just normal."
For once, I look like any other girl in Vale, and not the Invincible Girl.
A knock rattles the door, catching my attention.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
"Pyrrha?" Jaune's voice is muffled by the closed door. "Are you ready?"
"Just a second."
I take one last glance in the mirror. My hair's still pulled back, but a few strands have escaped, framing my face.
"Yeah," I call back, smoothing my hands over my thighs. "I'm coming."
The door swings, revealing Jaune leaning against the frame, arms crossed, grinning like he just won a tournament without lifting a finger. His eyes flick over me, slow, deliberate.
"Damn," he breathes. "Looking good, Pyr."
"It's just everyday clothes and almost no makeup," I say, raising an eyebrow.
The way his gaze lingers, like I'm something rare, something precious, sends a warmth creeping up my neck.
"You don't need all the bells and whistles," he says, stepping closer. "You are beautiful."
My breath hitches, but before I can stammer out a response, he's pressing something cold and smooth into my palm.
"A watch?" I ask, confused.
It's kind of simple: black strap, silver face, too many buttons on the side.
"Put it on," he urges, nodding at my wrist.
I frown but obey, fastening the clasp.
"What does it do?"
He answers by jabbing his finger on a button on the side.
The watch responds by humming.
WHIRR.
I wait a few seconds expecting something, but nothing happens.
"It works." Jaune cheers. "Go check yourself in the mirror."
I do as he says, despite not understanding what he means.
When I get to the bathroom again, I see a stranger in the mirror.
Same clothes, same posture; even the way my fingers curl around the sink's edge is identical. But the hair is wrong. It's Black… and the eyes are blue.
"It's an image inducer. Pretty cool, right?" Jaune asks, grinning. "It can alter its wearer's appearance."
My throat tightens as I choke on something ugly.
"Jaune, do you… " My voice cracks. I don't turn around; the reflection's lips move when I do, and I feel like it's mocking me. "Do you not like my hair? Even my eyes?"
Silence reigns as something appears to dawn on his mind.
His hands quickly land on my shoulders, fingers digging in just enough to ground me.
"What are you talking about?" His voice is rough, urgent. "Look at me."
I don't.
His grip shifts, gentle now, turning me away from the mirror. His face is inches from mine, eyes wide, horrified.
"I love your hair. Love your eyes." His thumbs brush my cheeks, catching the traitorous wetness there. "This is just… so you can't be recognized."
"Not recognized? You mean…" I say as I slowly realize. "People wouldn't know, and I could just be… me?"
"Yeah," he says in an apologetic tone. "So you don't have to deal with the whole 'Invincible Girl' thing for one damn night."
Tears streak down my face, hot and fast. Jaune steps back, hands raised, apology written all over him.
I surge forward, wrapping my arms around his waist, burying my face against his chest. His heart thuds steady, soothing me.
"T-thank you," I choke out, words mangled by sobs. "Thank you, thank you, thank you."
He's stiff for a second, caught off guard, then his arms fold around me. His chin rests on top of my head, breath warm on my hair.
"You're welcome," he murmurs, bewildered.
[Point of View: Ilia Amitola]
I storm up the ramp into Jaune's plane, my boots echoing on the metal.
"Jaune?" I call out, scanning the interior, only to find no sign of him. "What's so important to talk about that you couldn't just describe in the email?"
In the middle of the room, a hologram flickers to life in front of me, forming the armored figure of that damn AI, Church.
{{Actually,}} it says, {{I'm the one who sent that email.}}
"You lied to me." I cross my arms, glaring at him. "You glorified smart toaster."
{{Yeah, fuck you too, you backstabbing bitch,}} it retorts, unruffled.
"You know what?" I scoff, turning to leave. "I've got better things to do than trade insults with a machine. Tell Arc to talk to me personally if he needs something."
But as I pivot, I slam into something tall, hard, and warm.
THUD!
"Whoa there, little lady," comes a deep voice.
I step back, looking up, and up, into the face of...
"What the fuck are you supposed to be?"
"Colonel Sarge, reporting for duty." He grins down at me, teeth bright against his red-orange skin.
My eyes widen, taking in the towering figure. It's not just the height, or the broad shoulders, or even the armor plating that makes him seem so imposing. It's the flicker of flames that dance across his skin, the glowing markings that trace his arms and chest, the sheer presence of him. And then, with a jolt, it clicks.
"Your voice-!" I start, then stop, my voice catching. I throw my arms around him, burying my face in his chest. He's warm, almost hot to the touch, and he smells like smoke and metal. "You are that robot that exploded fighting Dread Shadow."
I cut the hug short, pulling back to look up at him.
"How are you alive? You were just a... a robot. And now you're real, like flesh and blood real." I gesture to his body, incredulous.
His grin widens, and he opens his mouth to speak, but Church beats him to it.
{{It's not actually flesh and blood,}} the AI interjects, appearing on a nearby console. {{More like a… digital-vegan version of a real body.}}
"Digital-vegan?" I repeat, blinking confused.
Sarge grumbles, his good humor evaporating as he shoots Church a glare. "Would you stop ruining my existence, you dirty blue?"
{{Never.}} The AI chuckles. {{Synthetic for life.}}
"I'm happy for him, but is that the only reason you called me here?" I ask, my smile fading. "To show me your new... you?"
{{Sarge here has a new job.}} Church floats closer, his holographic form flickering slightly. {{Since Faunaria has all those robots protecting it now, Jaune wanted Vale to have some extra protection too.}}
"And that's where Sarge comes in?" I ask, processing the information.
"Yep." Sarge nods, crossing his massive arms over his chest. "I'm the new sheriff in town, so to speak. And you, little lady-." He points at me, a smirk playing on his lips. "You're my sidekick."
E ai gurizada?
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[#] I hope you enjoyed this chapter, if you are interested, my Patreon [avipray] subscriber has access up to 5 chapters ahead:
Chapter 57 - Who is SHE?!
Chapter 58 - Arkos S2 [Smut here!]
Chapter 59 - Seconds chances
Chapter 60 - Redemption Arc
Chapter 61 - A new class
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