Several minutes passed as the class focused on writing their hero names and monikers. Weiss was done within a few seconds, which allowed her time to brood while everyone else worked on their assignments. The Hero Killer targeted Yu for a reason, especially since he left his usual hunting grounds in Hosu City, and while Yu was a rising star, she was nowhere near being a member of the Top Ten. No, the Hero Killer had another motive in mind when he targeted her, the stupid criminal. If these internships were mandatory, Weiss would have to choose an agency that was based here in Musutafu so she could continue her search.
"Okay everyone! Let's begin presenting your names with those who are ready." Midnight said from her spot in the front of the class, licking her lips as usual. That was starting to get old real fast, but it was better to get this over with than waiting for her own turn. Weiss' hand shot up in the air and to the side seconds before Aoyama the feminine blond guy could do the same.
"Miss Schnee, you shall go first then!" Midnight said. The way she said Weiss' name caused goosebumps to form on her skin. She sounded familiar, too familiar. Grabbing her white board, Weiss walked towards the front of the class, ignoring Kyouka's and Mina's concerned looks.
Standing behind the podium, and using the step stool she had left behind it to look taller, she revealed her board with little flourish.
"Weiss: The Shining Beacon Hero." Weiss kept her face neutral as the class started to whisper. She had written it in Valish, uh English. Midnight placed a hand on the point of her chin while the other rested on her bosom.
"Weiss…" Midnight mumbled loudly, which made the former huntress' eyes widen. W-Why did she sound like Winter when she spoke Mistralian?! Weiss wanted to die, she would literally kill to be able to hear her sister's voice once again, but the way Midnight spoke made her want to tear her ears off.
She did not need to imagine Winter wearing such a lewd outfit, or speaking in such a scandalous manner.
"I'm already a public figure, so having a name different from my own would be confusing." Weiss explained. She hid the fact that she didn't want a 'hero name', and the other options that she had thought of would result in too many questions. RWBY the Snowflake Huntress Hero sounded more like a tongue twister than a professional name. "A beacon can be a source of hope, something I wish I could be one day." A beacon always gathered everyone's attention, so their focus would be on trying to hurt her, and not her friends. Hopefully it was good enough for Midnight so Weiss could be left to her own devices.
Plus, if the others ever found themselves in this world, they could find her, just like a light in the darkness. A fool's dream, but it was Weiss' dream. If that made her a fool, then so be it. Actions spoke louder than words.
"I like it!" Midnight wiggled. "And I'm sure that many are touched by your music, I know I am~." The way she said that made Weiss want to vomit, but she had enough self control to hide her disgust.
She better not see Winter wearing that when she goes to sleep later…
The rest of the class was boring, as Weiss watched with disinterest as her classmates presented their names. Until finally it was Mina's turn, the first of her friends to present their names. Friends…she would have to keep her distance until the Hero Killer was caught. There was only a single reason why the madman would come to Musutafu despite UA and numerous hero agency's based here.
He was coming for her, for some reason, but for the Killer it was reason enough to put Yu in the hospital. She would have died if it wasn't for Shinji.
"I'm going next!" Mina held her sign high in the air for everyone to see. "Hero name: Alien Queen!" That, was kinda stupid, but it worked in a weird way.
"I wouldn't if I were you!" Midnight shook her head violently. Mina returned to her seat dejected, which made Weiss want to smile. She didn't do it of course, she did have self control after all. The pink girl started scribbling on her board violently.
She better not choose something lame like Pinky. Grabbing a sticky note from her desk, Weiss wrote down a few suggestions. Even if this was stupid, it was important to her friends, sk she passed it to Sato, pointing her head towards Mina. It was the least she could do, especially for all the pain she was going to put them through. Ignoring the grin her friend flashed towards her, Weiss closed one of her eyes as the class cheered for Asui who announced Froppy as her hero name.
Several more passed, including Kyouka who chose Earphone Jack which was rather lazy, and Momo who picked Creati. Eventually it was the dog's turn, who smiled evilly from the front.
"King Explosion Murder." He growled proudly, which made Weiss burst out laughing. The lack of sleep was starting to get to her. "Do you have something you wanna say?" The dog narrowed his eyes as everyone turned towards her.
"Nothing that you're able to understand." Weiss placed a hand over her mouth. The dog looked like he was going to blow, but Midnight stepped in.
"You probably shouldn't use a name like that." Midnight hummed.
"WHY NOT?"
The rest of the class started involving themselves in that conversation, which allowed Weiss a way out of it. If the Hero Killer was willing to attack Yu so closely to Mt. Agency, that meant he most likely knew that's where Weiss lived. She wouldn't be surprised if he was in there right now, preparing some kind of ambush. A thorough inspection would have to be made.
Iida walked towards the front of the class and presented his name. "Turbo Hero: Hermes, like the Greek god of old, renown for his speed."
Weiss stopped paying attention once it was Midoriya's turn. After his turn went those who were told to revise their names, with the dog still choosing another villainous name, and Mina choosing Venus, like the planet known for its avid rain. Weiss had thought of that one.
And just as she expected, this was a complete waste of time.
"Now that everyone has decided on their hero names, we'll go back to discussing the internships." Mr. Aizawa sounded tired even though he just woke up from his name. Midnight kept stretching her arms over her head, so Weiss kept her attention focused on the instructor that was somewhat competent, despite his threats to expel her. "They are going to last a week. Those who received offers from pros can choose from their own lists. If you didn't get any offers you will choose from a list of forty agencies from around the country."
A week that Weiss could spend hunting down the Hero Killer.
"They all work in different places and have different specialties, so choose wisely." Mr. Aizawa droned on when Midnight inserted herself into the lesson again, giving examples of various heroes. They handed out various sheets of paper.
"You all have until the weekend to choose." Mr. Aizawa started walking towards the door. He paused at the entrance, and gave her a weird look. "Dismissed."
Weiss glanced at her list, she had several pages full. She would have to take her time, and choose one that was in Musutafu, preferably the agency Shinji ran if he had made an offer.
She didn't need anyone getting in her way.
Weiss stayed in the classroom for lunch, having decided to skip that particular meal today. She didn't feel like eating, and wasn't in the mood to deal with those parasites that liked to follow her around. She heard someone scraping their chair, and settled their lunch onto her desk.
"So, who are you going to choose Weissy?" Mina asked with a nervous smile. "Is Yu ok?" Momo and Kyouka had gone to the cafeteria to get their own meals.
"Don't know." Weiss said dryly. Her hands gripped the sheets of paper a bit too tightly. "And she's alive, for now." Hopefully her newly unlocked aura would help with her recovery. She went to the next page. Sacrificing her lunch for this would throw off any suspicion her friend may have.
"I received an offer from Uwabami: the Snake Hero." Mina said proudly as she started to eat. Weiss placed her list on the table, spreading them out with another word. Most of them probably came from pros that would just use her for publicity. She felt Mina's gaze as her eyes scanned each page.
"Oh my God." Mina's mouth dropped as she pointed her chopsticks to the fourth page. "K/DA sent you an offer!"
"Who?"
Mina gasped. "We talked about this already Weissy! They're the top female idol hero group in Korea, only beaten by the Chakho agency!" Oh yeah, and they were based in America as well if Weiss remembered correctly. Why would they send an offer? They probably wanted to get rid of the competition if Weiss had to guess.
Weiss pursed her lips together. Why were they based in Musutafu? That was suspicious, but a manageable annoyance for now.
"I see." Weiss skipped them and went to the next page.
"Aren't you going to eat?" Mina asked after a minute of silence.
"I'm fine." Weiss mumbled as she stacked the papers. She would have to ask Shinji after school. He said that he would pass by later to take her to see Yu.
"You need to eat something-" Mina continued.
"I said I'm fine." Weiss snapped. Mina flinched, which made her look away. Great, she hurt Mina…
"Sorry…" Weiss whispered as she grabbed her belongings and headed towards the door.
"Weiss!" She ignored her friend, and slid the door open, revealing a confused Kyouka and Momo.
"Excuse me." Weiss muttered as she slid past them. She needed to be alone.
They would be fine without her.
Being pushed, being pulled, I'm unraveling.
Weiss spent the rest of the day avoiding Mina, Kyouka and Momo. With help from Mineta of course, the weirdo worshiped the very ground that she walked on, so he followed any order without question. It was rather admirable, his loyalty, as creepy as it was.
Mt. Agency looked cold and lonely as Weiss approached its double doors. Grabbing her key from one of her blazer pockets and placing a hand on the door handle, the door swung open before she could even unlock it.
Someone was inside, and it wasn't Shinji, he would have called ahead to let her know that he was coming. Placing the key back in her pocket, and making sure that no one was around, Weiss slipped into Mt. Agency. The lights were still off.
Holding out her left hand, her palm aimed upwards, a glyph appeared, and out of the snowflake, came the sword of the Arma Gigas. She adjusted it until it perfectly sat in her hand. It would have to do until she managed to get Myrtenaster from her room. Narrowing her eyes, Weiss flicked the light switch, illuminating Yu's downstairs office. Someone was here!
She aimed her sword at the lone person who lounged in one of the rolling chairs that Yu oftened raced against her in.
"You're not the Hero Killer." Weiss growled as the figure smirked. She was pretty enough, with blonde hair that ended in pink tips and a short skirt that fell a few inches above her knees, and a shiny blue top that revealed one of her shoulders. She slowly sat up, revealing a collection of colorful tails. "Who are you and why are you here?" Paparazzi?
Weiss adjusted her legs, entering a defensive stance.
"My apologies, I thought this agency was open." She stretched and stood up.
"That's not what I asked." Weiss took another step forward, her sword aimed at the intruder's throat. She wouldn't be able to strike first, not with those stupud vigilante laws.
"Sorry sorry!" The woman said, her golden eyes staring at Weiss' form. "My name is Miyeon Choi, but I'm sure you'll know me better as the Gumiho Hero: Ahri."
Who?
A/N
All of the chapters so far have been longer than usual, which is good. I couldn't focus on Schnee's Bay next update because of the urge to write this one. Ahri's real name is taken from Miyeon of G Idle, who provides her singing voice in More and Pop/Stars. It doesn't hurt that they're my favorite Kpop Group-
My 100th chapter is quickly approaching! I should do something to celebrate it, but I'm not sure what.
Till next time on Schnee: Hero or Huntress!