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Chapter 15: Breaking Point

(Y/N) took a deep breath to center himself as he meditated. General Ironwood had designated today to be a low energy training day primarily focused on (Y/N) reflecting on his training and perhaps even beginning to unravel the mystery behind his Semblance. Since he had awoken in that hospital in Vale, the nature of his Semblance had been a complete mystery. (Y/N) had no memory of what had occurred, only a loud ringing in his ears, and the only other witness besides his attacker, a terrorist by the name of Adam Taurus, had been Blake. The cat Faunus had only mentioned (Y/N) attacking wildly, ruthlessly, and his ability far exceeding what he had been able to replicate in training, but the exact trigger was lost on her. In the beginning, Ironwood hypothesized it was a last resort Semblance, only manifesting when (Y/N) was on the brink of his endurance, but the Ace Ops and Winter had pushed to the point of exhaustion many times, some even knocking him unconscious, yet still, no boost to his ability. Vine had suggested (Y/N) should meditate about every detail regarding the event and he perhaps would be able to figure out how he had been able to harness it, but as the young dragon had said repeatedly, he didn't remember anything!
"Gah!" (Y/N) screamed, flopping on his back as he felt the familiar sensation of a headache hit him. "I give up!"
"That's hardly an acceptable response."
Tilting his head back, (Y/N) saw Winter walking into the training room with her usual professionalism.
"Hi Winter."
"Sit up properly." She ordered before taking a seat across from him. "What is your objective currently?"
"I'm trying to remember how I used my Semblance." The boy explained, sitting up straight. "Thus far, I've got nothing but a headache."
Winter nodded. "Do you remember what I told Weiss in the garden at Beacon during the Vytal Festival?"
"A Semblance is like a muscle, it needs to be trained." The boy repeated.
"Correct. However, that was perhaps a dangerous understatement on my part. Semblances are far more complex than that. We Schnee's have a hereditary Semblance, so we have a better understanding of its capabilities even before they unlock. For the rest of the population, the unpredictability of a Semblance makes the first uses of it critical. You must dissect each part of your first use of it before you can begin to utilize it correctly."
"I keep telling all of you, I don't remember anything that happened! I was next to Yang, trying to get her up, next thing I know, I'm awake in the hospital."
Winter sighed. "Let's start with what we know from your frie-...other sister's account: despite your injuries and exhaustion, you were able to perform beyond your maximum capabilities at the time, you even produced fire hot enough to melt stone. As such, your Semblance likely relates to ability enhancement."
"What about that guy? Everyone keeps saying that my Semblance only worked because he threatened me."
"Forget about that for now." Winter stated. "That is what pushed your body to unlock your Semblance, but it isn't necessarily the trigger to make it work. Now, power enhancement Semblances aren't unheard of, your sister has such a Semblance. However, typically, they tend to have drawbacks. For example, your sister's Semblance relies upon her taking damage and returning. I believe your Semblance drains your Aura rapidly."
(Y/N) tilted his head. "You think?"
"Yes. Your confrontation with Adam Taurus occurred quickly, and you immediately lost consciousness once the danger had passed. In addition, it would also explain your headaches. Your Semblance eating away at your Aura without some from of control is damaging your body. You have to learn to concentrate on a key aspect of it to prevent it from wasting your Aura."
"Okay, but how do I do that?"
"For now, you need to figure out the intricacies of your ability, but in the future, I would suggest utilizing a form of conduit."
"A what?" The boy asked.
Winter pulled out one of her sabers. "Have you noticed how Weiss and I utilize our blades to form glyphs? Our blades are conduits, items meant to help channel and focus a Semblance. We could theoretically use our Semblance without them, but it simplifies the process and prevents us from wasting energy."
(Y/N) nodded, starting to understand. "So, if I channel my energy through my weapon, I could use my Semblance without getting a headache?"
"I wouldn't use your gauntlets." Winter placed the saber between them and took the boy's hand, placing it on the blade. "A blade is precise, sturdy, and refined, elements best suited for a conduit. Your weapons, as well as your fighting style, require fluidity and powerful output. You need to find a conduit best suited to channeling your Semblance."
The boy sighed. "And to do that, I need to figure out how it works. So I'm back to square one. Great."
"I know it is frustrating, but patience and discipline yield results. Like all other Huntsmen, with time, you'll learn to adapt your capabilities to suit your needs. However, for now, that will have to wait. You and the General are due for the charity concert soon enough and you need to be presentable. Return to your quarters and prepare."
"Right, I will in a minute. Thanks Winter."
She stood up and began to walk out, stopping at the doorway. "If you are interested in additional training, you need only request it of me."
He smiled at her. "I will, thanks again."
The older Schnee nodded, leaving the boy alone in the training room once more. (Y/N) laid back and stared at the ceiling, pondering the advice given to him. Finding a conduit to channel his admittedly unstable Semblance did seem reasonable, but again, finding a suitable one all came back to figuring out just what his Semblance was. Frustrated, he threw his arms up before a familiar glint caught his eye. Hold out his arm, (Y/N) saw his charm bracelet dangling from his wrist. The way it glowed under the unnatural lighting of the room made him think:
Did he use a conduit that night at Beacon?

(Timeskip)

(Y/N) hated suits. They were scratchy, tight, just downright insufferable, and he was fighting every instinct he had to just rip the darn thing up so he could breathe. It didn't help that his wings were unceremoniously pinned to his back as the tailor had not been informed somehow to give him wing slits. Outside of his annoying dress code, (Y/N) did like theater. It was very open with the moon above illuminating most of it naturally and the way it would built made it so sound easily reached every corner. Not that he had ever had any problems hearing. Weiss's voice echoed throughout the building, filling the boy with a familiar sense of peace. She had often sung him lullabies whenever he had his numerous nightmares, so he was glad to hear her again. Though, her song choice was quite telling of her emotional state at the moment.

Weiss: I'm not your pet!
Not another thing you own!
I was not born guilty of your crimes!

Your riches and your influence can't hold me anymore!
I won't be possessed,
Burdened by your royal test!
I will not surrender, this life is mine!

As the crowd erupted in furious applause, (Y/N) couldn't help but smirk.
"I bet Jacque Schnee wished he had approved the song choice."
General Ironwood, sitting robotically in his chair, gave a half chuckle, always willing to somewhat break the militaristic facade at Jacque Schnee's expense.
"Knowing him, he was likely too proud to realize it was about him." The General then shot him a look. "Try to refrain from your jabbing remarks during the social."
"I promise only to try." The look became a bit more narrow and (Y/N) flinched back. "Ugh, I mean, yes, sir."
Everyone filed into the after party and (Y/N) was faced with one of his worse possible fears: a social gathering surrounded by adults he did not know. He'd rather be facing all of the Ace Ops at once with weighted gear than subject himself to one more moment of the fake smiles and judgmental stares of the adults surrounding him. Fortunately, Ironwood took it upon himself to handle the questions and the socializing as the dragon nervously bounced from one foot to another. One of the servers had noticed him and offered a drink to calm his nerves, but the boy politely declined. Eventually, he caught sight of Weiss walking away from her father. Seeing his chance he subtly nudged Ironwood as he was speaking to some elite. The General glanced from the corner of his eye and the boy motioned his head towards his sister. The older man nodded.
"Keep out of trouble."
The dragon pretty much bolted as soon as the words left his mouth, finding Weiss standing in front of a painting.
"Weiss!"
She turned and smiled as she saw him. "(Y/N)."
The two hugged as the boy beamed up at her. "I heard you singing! You were great! I miss hearing you sing."
"I'm glad you liked it." She said. "How have you been?"
"Good. I haven't had as many nightmares lately, so that's nice."
"You do look like you've slept better." She noted, her voice sounding relieved. "Still, are you eating enough? Are they pushing you too hard? Also, this suit is way too small for you! It doesn't even let your wings breathe!"
"Weiss, I'm okay. I promise. How have you been?"
She sighed, the defeated expression on her face saying all that was needed. He leaned his head against her arm and she placed her hand on his temple, feeling comfort as they stared at the paint. A cold ache filled the boy as he saw the replica of Beacon. He gave a grunt of disapproval as he read the plaque next to it.
"Show the world we care?"
"It's beautiful, isn't it?"
The two looked over their shoulder and saw a boy around Weiss's age approaching them. His pompous attitude even before a soul check was almost palpable to (Y/N) who refrained from gagging.
"You three match." The guy continued, though he was obviously only looking at Weiss.
The Schnee girl pushed her brother behind her. "Yes, it's a lovely painting."
There was a pregnant pause as the boy twirled his glass. "So, that was my attempt at breaking the ice. How am I doing so far?"
Weiss sighed. "You are leaving a lot to be desired."
"Well, I've always appreciated honesty." He held out a hand. "Henry Marigold."
Weiss didn't look like she wanted to reciprocate, but she forced herself to take his hand. "Weiss Schnee."
"I know. I saw your performance, obviously." He cleared his throat. "You were wonderful, and I promise I'm not just saying that cause you're pretty."
"Take a hint, will ya?" (Y/N) muttered under his breath, getting a light tap from Weiss in return.
"Honesty, remember?" Henry repeated. "So, you thinking about buying it?"
"No." Weiss said, turning back to it. "I don't think so."
"Yeah...kinda pricey for a painting."
"Isn't the point of this to raise money?" (Y/N) asked.
Henry rolled his eyes at the kid. "Oh yeah? For what?"
"For what?" Weiss repeated aggressively.
Henry chuckled as (Y/N) felt himself bristle. "I'll admit, I only come to these things for the food and drinks." He scooped up another glass as a server walked by. "And the extraordinary company, of course. So what? Is it another Mantle fundraiser?"
"You have a problem with Mantle?" (Y/N) growled.
"Well, maybe if they had been a bit less stubborn about their poor choices, they wouldn't need handouts."
Weiss grabbed (Y/N), preventing him from charging as she glared at Henry. "Get. Out."
Henry gave her a look. "What?"
"Get out, or we will make you."
Henry looked like he wanted to protest, but (Y/N) chomped his teeth, showing off their sharpness. The guy immediately backed down and stormed off. The two turned back to the painting, annoyed.
"Ignore him." Weiss tried to say as (Y/N) rolled his eyes.
"How? He's not the only one. Try standing still in this room with my hearing."
Weiss seemed to take his advice, listening in on the different conversations of a bunch of self absorbed, pompous blue bloods who didn't know what they were talking about. One conversation in particular made her blood boil.
"Is it any surprise what happened to Mantle?" A stuck up woman said out loud. "It was a long time coming if you ask me."
(Y/N) bit his lip as her date seemed to be trying to get her to shut up, but she kept going.
"What? You said the same thing last night! If they were so arrogant to think they could get by without proper Kingdom defense, then I say good riddance!"
"Shut up!" Weiss snapped, making the room fall silent, all eyes on them. "You don't have a clue! None of you do!"
"Excuse me!" The woman demanded.
"Can it, lady!" (Y/N) growled. "Like you and your pretty little nails know the first thing about fighting!"
"You're all just standing around and talking about nothing!" Weiss ranted. "Worrying about your hair, your money, your stupid problems that don't mean anything!"
Jacque stormed over to them and grabbed his daughter's wrist. "Weiss, that's enough!"
"Let go of me!"
"You're embarrassing the family!"
"I said LET GO!"
Weiss ripped herself from her father and fell over. A glyph formed beneath her head, and before (Y/N) could run over to help her up, a Boarbatusk summon formed beside her. Seeing it roar and begin to charge, (Y/N) immediately jumped in front of it, grabbing it by the tusk and trying to stop it dead.
"(Y/N)!" His sister yelled.
The summon was stubborn, pushing the boy back steadily as he struggled against its strength. As he felt his grip weaken, he thought of his other sisters and how they would've been able to stop it. Yang was so strong, she would've sent it flying by now. At that moment, (Y/N) felt a surge of strength and proceeded to throw the Boarbatusk to the side, causing part of the crowd to flee fearfully. For a moment, (Y/N) saw a glow coming from beneath his jacket, a fierce red, but just suddenly as he saw it, it vanished, taking most of his strength with it and he gasped and fell to one knee. The summon go back up and charge and the boy, leaping at him, only to be shot down. Everyone turned to see General Ironwood, gun trained on the beast until it dissipated. Once the danger had passed, the woman immediately pointed at the two siblings.
"Arrest her! And collar that...monster!"
Annoyed, (Y/N) snarled at the lady, causing her to stumble back in fear. General Ironwood shot him a dirty look, but frankly, (Y/N) was too tired to even care by now. Seeing the boy would not back down, the General sighed and looked sharply at the woman who still wanted the kids locked up.
"They're the only ones making sense around here." He began to make his way to the exit. "Thanks for the party, Jacque. (Y/N)."
"I'm coming..." The boy muttered before giving his sister a farewell look and following after the General.
Once outside, the General didn't even look at him.
"I told you to keep out of trouble."
"I didn't start it." (Y/N) said back.
"You didn't try to stop."
"Why should I? You heard that garbage they were saying! Even after I saved her, she still called me a monster!? I should've let the Boarbatusk hit her!"
"(Y/N), that's not the job. You were ordered to behave."
"I didn't say anything that wasn't true. If she couldn't take it, then she should've shut up when she had the chance."
"Young man." The General growled. "You are under the direct protection of the Atlas Military, that doesn't give clearance to start needlessly throwing words at elites, no matter how insufferable they are. You want to be a Huntsman? Start acting like one."
(Y/N) huffed, but didn't argue back this time. The drive back to Academy was awkward to say the least and the General didn't hesitate to hand the boy over to Winter, with a firm order that he be scolded for his behavior. When they were alone, the older Schnee did just that.
"What you did was out of line."
"I don't care." (Y/N) said, completely done with everything. "I didn't do anything wrong."
"You acted out in a public setting and threatened a civilian."
"I snarled at her, not my fault she couldn't watch her mouth. What? Was the right choice standing aside and letting Weiss summon charge? Just because I wasn't ordered to stop it?"
"You know that's not what this is about."
"Ugh! I hate this so much! Why do I need to keep my mouth shut when some know-it-all decides that Mantle deserved the Fall of Beacon, that my friends deserved to hurt and die there!? I hate it here!"
Winter blinked in shock, suddenly losing her edge. "(Y/N)."
The boy sniffed. "I wanna see my sisters again. I...I wanna go home."
Winter placed a hand on shoulder. "(Y/N), you know Beacon isn't safe anymore."
"That's not what I meant. I never should've left Ruby and Yang. Coming here...was a mistake."
Winter didn't have any words to try to argue. In truth, anyone who knew the boy could say beyond a shadow of a doubt that he shouldn't have been here. As much as she detested admitting it, Qrow was right, (Y/N) being in Atlas wasn't healthy. But, there was very little she could do to remedy the situation.
"Go get some rest. We can discuss this again in the morning."
(Y/N) ran towards his room, his pent up emotions threatening to burst out violently. He didn't want to be here anymore. He came here to get stronger and look after Weiss, not to become some soldier. Suddenly feeling rebellious, he changed into his gear as soon as he entered his room and snuck out of the Academy. If he wasn't going to rest, he might as well check up on Weiss. Who knew what Jacque would do to her anyways. Remembering the route from his trip with the General, (Y/N) managed to arrive fairly quickly to the manor's ground. As he started to ponder how to find Weiss's room, he heard arguing from a floor above. Making sure the coast was clear, he flew up and perched on railings nearby. Peaking through the window, he saw Weiss and her father arguing about something before Jacque slapped her. (Y/N) dug his claws into the stone, stopping himself from barreling through the window and ripping that pompous man to shreds. Again, he felt that surge of strength as the stone broke beneath his hands. He stared down in shock as he held the broken piece in his hand, again, a glow coming from his bracelet, more specifically, the charm that Yang had given him. Again, the glow fizzled out and he felt dizzy, nearly falling off the railing, but forcing himself to steady. Hearing a door slam, and Weiss flopping on the bed, (Y/N) hopped onto the balcony and tapped the window. Weiss looked up and gasped as she saw him.
"(Y/N)?"
She raced over and opened the door and (Y/N) threw himself at her, wrapping his wings around her. Weiss melted against the touch, feeling a sense of relief wash over her.
"I'll kill him!" (Y/N) roared, seeing her tears.
Weiss grabbed his arms and forced him to look at her. "(Y/N), no. He's not worth it."
The boy didn't look convinced, but he glanced down. "Weiss...we shouldn't have come here. We should've stayed with the others."
She blinked at him, before she nodded.
"You're absolutely right. We need to go. Now."