Episode 2: Chapter 3: Hesitation

Chapter 3 of Episode 2 of Order of Seasons

The sun was hiding behind several layers of clouds that morning, but that didn’t stop Miles from practicing in the amphitheater. He was working with his white sword and was doing some routines that Weiss had suggested he try out when he was using a single blade. As he continued to practice, he realized that the clouds were beginning to look much more menacing. Deciding to not worry about it, Miles continued to practice. But then, while he was in the middle of one of the routines he was working on, it started pouring down rain, and he had forgotten to activate the force field to keep it out. He was getting drenched pretty quickly, but he still continued to practice. As time went on, it became harder and harder for him to grip the sword. All of a sudden, he heard the generators turn on and the force field become active.

            “You know, it doesn’t do you any good to practice if you can’t even perfect the routine in normal conditions.” Miles turned to see where the new voice was coming from and saw Blake had walked in having turned on the force field herself.

            “How long have you been standing there?”

            “Honestly, I just got here. You?”

            “I’ve been here for about an hour now. I kept practicing in the rain because if I can master it with an obstacle in my path, then doing it normally would be no problem for me at all.” As he said this, he started doing another routine with his sword, but halfway through, the sword slipped out of his hand and clattered to the ground in embarrassing fashion. Blake started laughing as soon as the sword hit the floor.

            “You need a towel Mr. over-achiever?”

            “I guess a towel would be helpful.”

 

 

 

 

Natalie was a bit slow to get up this morning, as she had been busy finishing a paper for Professor Port the night before. As she got up she saw her brother staring intently at his Scroll.

            “What’s so fascinating big brother?”

            “My new outfit just landed in Vale. The delivery company website says that it should be here this afternoon sometime!”

            “New outfit? Why the sudden change?”

            “I figured that my outfit now is just me trying to live in the past. Also, it doesn’t look that great having worn it for almost five years now. It’s high time for a change.”

            “Well all right then. I’m going to get some breakfast, you want to come with me?”

            “I would Natls, but Yang and I already had breakfast earlier, and I think the two of us are going to head over to the amphitheater in a bit to do some training.”

            “Oh. Okay.”

            “I’ll go with you. I’m starving.” Natalie looked down and realized that Evan was still sitting in his bed.

            “I thought you and Christy got breakfast together every morning?” Natalie asked rolling out of her own bed.

            “We usually do, but she texted me and said she was feeling a bit under the weather today and to get breakfast without her.”

            “Is she coming down with a fever or something?”

            “I wouldn’t worry about it too much. Since she is a healer, she’s always able to pretty much force it out of her system in like two hours. But it does hit her pretty hard however, so I’m not going to risk catching whatever she has.”

            “A long and complicated reason, but okay. Let’s go.” Natalie quickly changed into her hood, Evan into his uniform, and the two of them headed off to the cafeteria.

 

 

 

 

            “Professor Ozpin, the quarterly reports are in.”

            “Thank you Beanie. Just place them on my desk.”

            “Yes sir.” Beanie placed his Scroll on Professor Ozpin’s desk as instructed, and pushed the button to transfer the files onto his desk itself. “Professor Ozpin, I had a question I wanted to ask you.”

            “Go right ahead Beanie.”

            “Why did you let Nathan and Natalie into this school for free?”

            “Because I had a few spare scholarships lying around and it seemed like they could use a place to stay.”

            “Forgive me for saying so sir, but that’s a load of sh….”

            “Beanie! I will not tolerate that kind of language in here!”

            “I’m sorry sir. It’s just that I saw the quarterly reports. You only had one scholarship to spare. And you gave it to Nathan. And you didn’t even have the scholarship last year for Ruby Rose. Nor Natalie Grover. You just simply let them in and now our school has been in the red ever since the school year started. Now again I want to know, why did this happen.”

            “You know, I expected this confrontation to come from Glynda to be perfectly honest with you.”

            “She trusts you with her life. However, I’m just an intern student and I have only known you for two years now. Plus, these guys are my friends. I would like to know why you made this decision.” Professor Ozpin looked at Beanie, looked at the quarterly reports, then got up and poured himself a cup of coffee.

            “Would you like a cup?”

 

 

 

 

Miles finally finished toweling off and sat down next to Blake.

            “So what are you doing here so early in the morning?” Miles asked as he threw the towel into the hamper.

            “I was planning on doing some solo training, but it seems like you beat me to the punch. Want to work on our tag team skills?”

            “Why? There’s a good chance we could be fighting each other in a few weeks. Wouldn’t it be best to just simply keep strategies between teams?”

            “Really? I offer you help with practice and you get all paranoid on me?”

            “Sorry. I’ve just got future events on my mind.”

            “Look Miles, you have to learn how to just be willing to just take help from your friends.”

            “I know, I’ve gotten better.”

            “I know that too. But just so you know, despite Yang and the Grover siblings bugging us constantly, I want to take whatever we are to a place where we can just trust each other without you constantly just fixating on the mission instead of us.” There was a bit of an awkward silence for a few seconds.

            “I guess you’ve got me there. I just feel like that after almost everything I’ve been through, I guess I’ve moved towards the idea of focusing on the task at hand rather than the people around me. I’ve gotten better, but I still have a way to go to really understand what truly needs to be done.”

            “It’s not that complicated. All you have to do is just learn to put your friends first.”

            “I do. Heck, I’ve done so ever since Nathan almost re-configured my face.”

            “Really? I thought it was when you got saved by Natls back in the Emerald Forest.”

            “Maybe. Actually, I think it really all started back when I first met the kid.”

 

 

 

 

Natalie and Evan finished walking through the buffet line at the cafeteria and sat down. Nobody else they knew were there that morning, so they just sat next to the window. Not much was said as they took the first few bites.

            “Okay, clearly something is bugging you today.”

            “How do you figure that?”

            “Because usually I’m the one that hardly ever says anything.” Evan said with a smile. “Want to tell me what’s on your mind fearless leader?”

            “Oh so now you’re stealing Miles’ jokes?”

            “Hey, so long as the shoe fits.” Natalie sighed as she realized that Evan wasn’t going to let this go anytime soon.

            “It’s just that, I think Miles should have been the leader of Team NEMN. Not me.”

            “What makes you think that?”

            “Well whenever we are in battle or making big decisions, he always has the first and best solution. He’s the guy who is always making the important decisions. He’s the guy who always knows what to do. I think Ozpin made a mistake.” There was a bit of a silence once again as Evan wasn’t entirely sure what to say.

            “Evan, you can’t deny that Miles is the more tactical person amongst our number. Wouldn’t that be a better fit than me just standing around doing nothing?”

            “Actually, I don’t think you do nothing. I think you are exactly what this team needs in order to move forward.”

 

 

 

 

            “Beanie, I don’t expect you to see everything the way I do. We are only human, and we can’t see the future. However, what matters is that we understand what the situation is and how we go about making sure that however terrible the situation is, it is prevented.”

            “Okay, that has absolutely nothing to do with why you gave Ruby and Natalie full rides to this school.”

            “I can only reveal so much, but there is a darkness in this world that is sleeping in a place beyond this reality. And I believe that the way to combat this darkness is through a simple, pure soul. That is why I chose Ruby initially. And she performed wonderfully. She saved us all from Cinder’s attack a year ago now, and she continues to grow as a good team leader.”

            “Okay, perhaps Ruby has proven herself, but Natalie is practically doing nothing. Do you really think that she has a purpose or something?”

            “Like I said before, it is the future that lies beyond my sight.”

 

 

 

 

            “The thing is, when I first met Natls, I saw something in her eyes that reminded me of something.”

            “Yeah, you mentioned that to me the night we were out on the balcony.”

            “I did. But I never really thought as to why she made me change my way of thinking about this line of work. Ever since that day, I’ve always had it in my head that the mission is to come first, and everything else is just background noise. I felt like I didn’t have any room for friends or a normal life. I believed that I was just another cog in the big machine that kept the world a safe place.”

            “That’s kind of a somber way of thinking.”

            “Yeah. But I didn’t use to be like that. I used to be a kid with dreams of honor and glory. Just dreaming of a better future and working towards it. Things were a lot simpler back when we were younger. And then, I guess I just grew up.”

            “But clearly things have changed for you. What do you think caused it? You haven’t really gotten to the point you’ve been trying to make.”

            “I’m getting to that. Just give me a minute. The thing is, when I first met you, I thought it would be interesting to try and prove my point: that the mission matters above all else. And then I met Natalie. I almost blew her to pieces, and she just gave me this death glare that not only made me intrigued, but also made me remember who I used to be. Just somebody filled with so much hope and willing to fight for it despite everything that had happened to this point in life. And then again, when we were in the Emerald Forest, she saved my life instead of destroying the Nevermore. I think right then I really began to realize what it meant to have hope again. I do still have some problems with trying to be the loner warrior, but I think I’m making some good strides. Plus, given the fact that I’m not team leader, I think that has helped this team function a lot better. She helps get the team to focus on what’s truly important on the battlefield.”

            “Not a bad way of looking at it I guess.”

            “Well, it’s the truth.”

 

 

 

 

            “Think about it Natls. Jaune is the leader of Team JNPR, but who’s the person who is constantly calling the shots for the team in battle?”

            “Pyrrha I guess?”

            “Exactly. But do you think that Pyrrha is the best choice to lead their team?”

            “Well, I would think so. I mean she completely owns the battlefield. Heck, they sent her to the to the singles round of the Vytal Festival last year.”

            “But she isn’t the leader. And haven’t you noticed that she and the other members of Team JNPR respect Jaune as their leader?”

            “I guess that’s true, but that doesn’t mean it translates to me and our team.”

            “Maybe not, but while Miles does provide our team with fighting skills, you provide the team with something much more important.”

            “What’s that?”

            “The desire to protect the ones you care about. Christy and I have been dating off and on again from time to time before this year. Sometimes it would be my fault, and there might have been an instance or two where it was her fault, I’m not sure. We both like to take most of the blame whenever we go through that phase. But the biggest thing is that no matter what stage our relationship was in, we always pushed to make sure that we took care of each other. Even when I was just a complete jerk and totally deserved what was coming to me, she still saved me from certain death. I guess the fact of the matter is, you are the best to lead this team. You care about those around you despite whatever history you might have had with them. I mean heck, Miles tried to kill you when you first met each other, and then the very next day you saved his life from the Nevermore. And again a few months later, when your own brother was attacking him and Miles was ready to die, you stood up against your own brother to protect him. You have such a strong desire to protect, I think that will serve you very well in life.”

            “But that won’t help us win a battle!”

            “No, but it will keep people alive when fighting monsters.”

 

 

 

 

            “Not every question can be answered in an instant.” Ozpin said taking a sip of his coffee.  “Not every problem can be solved in a day. And not every person has the chance to be a hero in their lifetime. They all have the potential, but I believe that there are those out there who can truly rise above and accept the weight of the world on their shoulders and help make the world a better place. Natalie is no different. A simple soul who has the desire to protect the world because she knows the pain of being alone and not having anybody to help you.”

            “Didn’t she have her brother while growing up?”

            “Yes, but that can only carry somebody so far. And despite her positive attitude, she is still fearful of the world outside her comfort zone. She may not look like she desires connections, but deep down, she wants to feel love back, and not just a constant pouring out of love. Perhaps that is why she is always with Ruby. The two of them are both very similar, but so very different at the same time. Ruby lost her mother, but found ways to connect with others and find love in return because she had friends to guide her. Natalie didn’t have anybody like that, nor did she have the social interactions to create such bonds. But she still wishes to reach out to others because she knows the pain of not having anybody and wishes to heal that pain no matter how much or how little she gets in return.”

            “That’s great and all Professor Ozpin, but that doesn’t solve the fact that we still are in debt to the other kingdoms.”

            “Money is something that makes the world move, but doesn’t make the world live. Be patient. In time, we will make that money back, and the world will move on. Now then, if there is nothing else Mr. Hallfrisch, that will be all.”

            “Yes Professor.” Beanie said as he got on the elevator to leave.

 

 

 

            “Well thanks for breakfast Evan. And for the talk.”

            “Of course. I mean, its’ not like I do all that much around here.”

            “Actually, I was wondering, could you offer me some other advice?”

            “About what exactly?”

            “Well…..dating?”

            “Depends. Who are we talking about here.”

            “Well….you already know her.  And I'm pretty sure she likes me.”
            “Do you like her as well?”
            “I’m not completely sure, but I am thinking about going out on a date with her and seeing how I feel about it.”

            “Well if that’s the case then just trust your heart and it will find the answer.”
            “Is that all?”
            “Oh, and don’t go all out just for a first date.  A simple evening playing video games will be fine.”
            “Ok.  Phew, I thought I was going to have to wear that stupid dress from the dance again.”

 

 

 

 

            “All right then. Thanks for listening to me ramble for last few minutes Blake.”

            “No problem. Just return the favor whenever I feel all moody and down?”

            “Anytime. Hey, just so you know, I wouldn’t mind working out whatever we are supposed to be alongside you.”

            “Isn’t that how things like this usually work? Two people working together to make themselves work as a couple or something?”

            “I wouldn’t know. I’ve never really been in anything like that before.”

            “Yeah, the last guy I kind of liked turned into a psychotic killer who has tried to kill me many times over.”

            “Yeah, not exactly a good track record there.” The two of them laughed, then looked at each other. Not exactly sure what they were doing, they began leaning towards each other, lips beginning to extend.

            “What’s up you two!” Miles and Blake jumped back into upright sitting positions as Yang’s voice cut in.

            “Not much. Just wrapping up training.” Miles said clearly flustered.

            “Really? You sure you two weren’t about to make out or something?”

            “Oh real mature Yang!” Blake yelled as she got up.”

            “Hey, just because you two aren’t open about your relationship doesn’t mean we can’t make fun of you for it.” Nathan said with a smile as he put his arm on Yang’s shoulder.

            “Yeah, you two are lovey dovey. We get it. Can you please keep us out of it?”

            “Touchy touchy Mr. Watson. We’re just trying to have a little fun.” Yang said giving him a punch in the shoulder.

            “Yeah, well keep me out of it. Hey Blake, you interested in a game of Magic?”

            “Better than hanging out here. Mind if I tweak my deck before we play?”

            “Only if I can use my power deck.”

            “Ugh, that deck is so broken!”

            “Not as bad as the mill deck that guy at the CCTS has.”

            “Fair point.” As the two of them left, Yang and Nathan continued to get ready for their sparring session.

            “So…anything you need to talk about Nathan?”

            “Nope. You?”

            “Nope. Let’s fight!”

            “Please!”

Author's Note

Please review/share/enjoy!

Reviews

[Shep]

Ok, I am going to make a suggestion when it comes to splitting stories within a chapter instead of blank spaces use * * * * at the top of your breaking point than another set at the bottom when you are returning to the said timeline.

Overall this chapter was awesome and full of information as well as little lovey-dovey and I liked it. Moving on to the next chapter Please be kind and return the love.