Chapter 6

The morning of the gala came without much fanfare. The nights' sleep had left Pyrrha exhausted, even with another pair of Azuli's sleep tablets to help her rest. Behind the fog of her sleep, the nightmares screamed at her, and she awoke sweaty and dishevelled. So she made no appearance to the mornings breakfast, which was more of a buffet than a private dinner like the night before, with Azuli instead bringing her some food that she nibbled at.

It was delicious, yet her stomach felt like a wailing pit as she fed herself. The shower didn't help much either and Pyrrha still felt tired and gross as she walked out of the bathroom. Azuli had pre-prepared several outfits of choice for her, but Pyrrha couldn't find any motivation to wear them, at least not before the gala truly began. People would be arriving through the day, but events wouldn't truly begin until the afternoon at earliest. So instead Pyrrha simply laid on the bed for several minutes as she decided what to do.

She browsed through a map of the mansion and the various facilities she was allowed access to, and inevitably settled on the gym, justifying the somewhat anti-social activity that the Schnee's wouldn't at all mind if someone of Pyrrha's reputation was seen enjoying their equipment. She also decided that if anyone did care, she wasn't going to be one of them.

Arriving at the gym she quickly set herself to work with the familiar machines, mimicking her typical workout routine. She had foregone any headphones and heard clearly when another began to join her, though out of sight at first. The new presence became more obvious when their shadow began to loom over Pyrrha, who released the weights to look at the person. It was Winter, staring down at her with an expression not fully readable, yet not pleasant. She was dressed only somewhat casually, even her workout clothes having an air of formality and military attire to them.

"Your sparring session with Weiss yesterday afternoon was much more rigorous than it should have been."

Pyrrha looked away to hide her cringe, shame mixing with an instinctual defensiveness. "Yes. I… I was focused on the fight, I lost myself."

Winter mulled over her words in silence, unmoving as Pyrrha felt the Schnee's eyes studying her. Winter eventually sat down next to her, still watching her closely. "You were right." Pyrrha looked at her in surprise. "Weiss' training has always been too formal, too practiced. She struggles with being flexible and adapting to the unexpected. I've seen it many times before, young officers who are trained yet inexperienced, trying to apply every situation to the one's they learned about in the classroom. It was a lesson that Weiss needed to learn."

Pyrrha nodded, glad that Winter at least appeared to be understanding her intent. "I hope that I didn't screw it up then."

"You didn't. Weiss has long looked up and respected you, she took your teaching genuinely." There was a silent asterisk that Pyrrha could feel hanging in the air. "However, I can see that the end of the fight was not meant as a lesson. You didn't fight to teach, there was no thought to your attack. What you did was desperate. Wild. I've seen it before, in soldiers who have survived some of the worst the Grimm can do. Those who survive with PTSD."

Pyrrha stilled. It wasn't an accusation, not yet, but nor was Winter being loose with her words. "I don't have PTSD, why would I? Nothing has happened to me."

"I don't know why you would, but something has happened. Perhaps it is not post-traumatic stress, but there is something affecting your mind. I don't say this out of insult but understanding. I have seen what this has done to people I've known. No matter how strong they may have seen, anyone can crumble, especially in their mind."

"I don't have PTSD!" Pyrrha was surprised at the venom which came out of her own mouth, eyes widening as she suddenly rose and turned away from Winter. "I don't, there's nothing wrong with me. Nothing happened and I'm fine."

Winter didn't say anything and let the accusation drop for the time being. Instead, she moved and picked up a dumbbell, casually beginning to work out as she spoke again. "I spoke to Weiss last night, your lesson has managed to teach her some of the humility she needs. I thank you for that. Though I must ask why you chose to teach Weiss at all?"

Pyrrha furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. "What do you mean, you heard our discussion?"

"I did, but from the way we were speaking I was expected you to get angry and refuse to speak to Weiss. Instead, you sought to make it a point of education. Why?"

"Weiss is training to be a huntress. No matter what team she ends up on, she should be the best she possibly could be. And, maybe it would help her to not be as judgemental." Thoughts of Weiss and Blakes fight flooded her mind. She certainly couldn't undo all of the prejudices Weiss had developed about the Faunus and the White Fang, but perhaps she could learn to be less openly hostile. Weiss had already been able to overcome her issues with Blake's past after a day or so of personal contemplation. If she'd been able to temper herself better perhaps their fight in the first place would have been avoided.

"Are you seeking to become a team leader then?"

Pyrrha snorted at Winters suggestion. "I'm no team leader, I just want to do what I can to help."

Winter nodded in satisfaction and took her change of exercise as cue to end the conversation. The gym was so massive that the two of them were far enough apart that their lack of communication didn't feel awkward. Pyrrha made an effort to study Winter's exercise routine though, noting how similar it had been to her old methods with lots of cardio and focus on flexibility. Now, Pyrrha was attempting to incorporate everything, but especially her strength training, so the two naturally diverted away from each other.

She also noted how Winters training session ended much sooner than Pyrrha's, though she put it down to her undoubtedly having work to do for the gala. So she continued to workout anyway, the world fading away as she moved through her routine again and again. Her muscles ached and burned though she never stopped. She pushed through all the pain and barriers before her, even as her hands became to slippery with sweat to properly grip some of the machines.

As a pair of weights fell free from her hands, Pyrrha finally stopped and took a break, slumping on a bench and noticing just how soaked through her clothes were. She also finally noticed the other presence in the room.

"I've seen your training a thousand times before, but you don't push yourself like that Pyrrha." Azuli spoke with the same frown that sat on her face, her disapproval as clear as her concern. "I know your mom said your training had increased, but this is too much."

Pyrrha panted but summoned the energy to wave her concerns off. "Azuli, it's fine. I've been on rest since the hospital, I'm overdue to push myself hard."

"Pyrrha, this isn't pushing yourself hard, this is insane. You've been working out for hours. It's past lunch, you're drenched in sweat, and I've seen those weights you're lifting you never lift that much normally."

Pyrrha's eyes flicked in surprise to the clock on the far wall, seeing that Azuli was right. She'd been in the gym working out for around five hours. Now that she was actually resting, she could feel the exhaustion that was working through her body. Her limbs were shaking from exertion, and she felt utterly drained, yet she'd been pushing herself through it all out of some self-hypnosis she'd put herself under. All because she'd been trying to block out what she'd done the night before, and the nightmares that had plagued her dreams after.

"Okay, I'll stop."

"Darn right you will." Azuli came over and gave Pyrrha a tug on the arm before quickly letting go in disgust. After thoroughly wiping her hand off on a towel, she then used the towel to pull Pyrrha to her feet and lead her down the hall, passing by the much higher number of guests and staff who greeted her politely. When they got back to her room Azuli set to work with some preparations.

"You have maybe an hour to rest before you need to start putting in appearances and mingling with the guests." Azuli laid a dress down onto the bed next to Pyrrha before disappearing into the bathroom, followed by the sounds of running water. "It's going to be a long night so I'll keep your makeup more practical, it needs to stay on and in place the entire night. We'll keep your hair as you normally have it, keep you recognizable, that means I need about half an hour to get you ready." She emerged from the bathroom though the water was still running. "I'll squeeze it down to twenty minutes, that means you have forty to rest and get washed up. Bath is running, you lie in that and relax while I go get myself ready." She knelt down in front of Pyrrha and looked her in the eye, speaking without any hesitation or doubt. "Pyrrha, I know something bad is bothering you. If you can't do tonight, I'll start on some excuses and get you out of here."

Her heart fluttered at Azuli's sincerity. She knew how disastrous that would be for Azuli's reputation, Pyrrha's too though not that she would care. Accepting an invitation to the gala only to stay private the night before and then bail when it was due to start? Most of the blame would lay with Pyrrha but Azuli would be tarnished by association in a way that would truly jeopardize her future career. Yet, she was fully sincere in her intent.

"I can do it, I'll be ok."

"Fine." Azuli rose and pointed to the bathroom. "Go take a hot bath and relax. Wash away the sweat, get yourself smelling rosy, but most of all just rest. You've got some time for yourself now, I'm telling you to take it."

Pyrrha smiled and accepted the order, watching as Azuli left satisfied before she stripped and entered into the bathtub. It was warm, but not too warm, the twitching's of fear she normally felt only mere tingles. But it soothed her, felt comfortable, as she let the anxieties sit at the back of her mind and her muscles rest.

_/\_TIG_/\_

The dress she wore for the main gala event was much more her type of outfit. Long to cover her legs, and while still red, it was more subtle in its unique texturing's and highlights. Her hair hung in its usual ponytail and Pyrrha felt much more at ease as she floated from person to person following the same routine with each one.

Meet, introductions, accept the same compliments about being a good fighter, make a non-committal but thankful response about whatever they offered her in some kind of sponsorship role, answer some generic questions about how she was looking forward to Beacon and a parting thanks for her future work as a Huntress keeping them safe. It was as though everyone was reading from the same mental script as her, yet despite knowing all that needed to be said she still had to speak to hundreds of different guests.

The only reprieve was some of those she'd already met the night before, where the script changed a little to compliment how wonderful the Schnee mansion was, or how they'd been so looking forward to the main event. Pyrrha did have to admit victory for one part of the conversation, the mansion really did look amazing. It may have been massive and modern before, but with the decorations that had been added the building looked to be as much of an event itself as the gala.

Live musicians were playing as people walked inside. Private chauffers would take away some of the most expensive vehicles Pyrrha had ever seen. Servants mingled between the guests with a level of subtlety and perfect timing that was honestly impressive to watch. Every single part of the house was oozing with class and style, not simply being dressed to impress but making a statement. This was the Schnee's not only cementing new and old business relations, but reminding everyone that they truly were the most powerful family in all of Remnant.

It was no wonder that Weiss had a bit of an ego when she'd arrived at Beacon.

Though Weiss herself was curiously absent from the mingling, with the only one really present being Jacques Schnee himself. Winter stood as if any other guest, and their was no appearance at all from the mother. As for Whitley…

"I must say, it was a wonderful opportunity to see your talents in person Miss Nikos."

He'd appeared from the crowd by her side with his hand out to shake hers, greeting her with formality and yet a strong smirk in his voice. She took his hand and shook it politely.

"It was nothing. Weiss is very talented herself."

"Yet clearly she can't hold a candle to the likes of one such as yourself. In fact, it has me wondering if she's cut out to be a Huntress at all, that perhaps it would be best if she simply remained in Atlas." Pyrrha strongly suspected that his desire for Weiss to stay was not out of sibling love, but rather to see Weiss give up and fail.

"I believe in Weiss. In fact I'm sure Weiss has the potential to become one of the best."

"Better than you?"

"I suppose we shall see." Pyrrha made a show of looking around the room. "Where is Weiss? I haven't actually seen her here."

"Oh, she's preparing for her performance, she'll be on stage rather shortly actually, I can show you the way if you wish?" She nodded and he held out his arm for her to hold. After a brief awkward moment of her not taking it, he dropped it and led the way, hiding his slight blush. "So Pyrrha, what made you want to become a Huntress?"

Her mind flashed back to the millions of times she had been asked that same question, through countless interviews and conversations much like this. "I wanted to help people. I was fortunate to be born with talent, so I decided to use it the best I can."

"Very noble." There was a dismissal in his voice that he failed to completely hide. "I'm sure my sister has said the same many times before, though in her case I very much doubt it is true. I have no doubts about your motivations Pyrrha, you seem to be quite the honourable person, however my sister has ever been one for appearances. Though here in Atlas, we trust more in the military to keep our borders safe from the Grimm. I'm sure Atlas academy must have sent you countless invitations to attend, yet you chose Beacon academy. What made you choose Beacon if I may ask?"

Pyrrha had wanted the distance, away from those who knew her. But she couldn't say that of course, the truth had no place when speaking politically, Pyrrha had made that mistake once before when Azuli had not yet been her agent, and the news had twisted her words for months before it had finally died down. "I've heard Beacon has some of the best teachers for diversifying a students skill set, and that appealed to me the most."

"Of course, of course, I know that many have an issue with how rigid Atlas culture can be, the same going for our academy." He had no idea what any of the schools were like. "Though if you wished, I'm sure I could have some words with General Ironwood if you wanted to partake in any additional training. My sister could have had the same option, but I think she wants to try and stand apart from us, travel to Vale where she will seem more special without us. I know she may have plans to be part of your team at Beacon, but I believe you would be better off without her."

Pyrrha bit her tongue as they approached the stage hall, knowing that this was not the time or place to truly speak her mind, she just had to finish the gala then everything would be fine again. "I see. Thank you, Whitley, I'll keep it in mind."

"You're very welcome Pyrrha. Now if you will excuse me, I'm afraid that I must be away. But it was a pleasure speaking to you."

Whitley left just as the hall's lights began to dim, and stage lights shone to focus on the centre. The curtains parted slightly, and Weiss took her first steps out to quiet and polite applause, wearing the same outfit that she wore as a Huntress. Pyrrha had heard Weiss sing before, many of her songs had been broadcast across Remnant and in Argus especially. Pyrrha even remembered there being quite the fan club of hers in Sanctum Academy. But Pyrrha had never really listened to her, or her music, only ever in passing. Yet as the room went quiet and Weiss began to sing her first words, Pyrrha listened.

Mirror, tell me something.

Tell me, who's the loneliest of all…?

The lyrics were deeply personal, and painful. Pyrrha heard Weiss sing all of her pain, her doubts, and her isolation. It was a vulnerability that she'd never expected to see from Weiss, especially to a room full of such people, yet she saw why quickly. Nobody cared. People heard the words, heard her singing, but didn't absorb anything that she said, never understanding what Weiss was admitting openly.

Stood on a stage and singing her heard out, yet nobody heard a word.

When the song ended, people clapped, but Pyrrha made sure she was the loudest, that she clapped the hardest. She had heard what Weiss had said, and most of all she felt empathy with Pyrrha. Weiss was isolated by her wealth, and Pyrrha by her fame. The next song Weiss sang was clearly not hers, the words generic and Weiss' heart was not in it even if she still put on a strong performance. But Pyrrha couldn't stop thinking about that brief song of pure honesty.

The songs continued, and though people paid polite attention, they still mingled with one another and carried on their business. Pyrrha stood and listened the whole time, intent on speaking with Weiss once again after the performance was finished. When it did finally end however, Weiss turned and walked behind the curtains, where her father awaited her with a stern expression.

Pyrrha never saw Weiss for the rest of the night.

_/\_TIG_/\_

The night of the gala came to a close, and the morning came with nightmares chasing the fog of her sleep as they always did. Yet there was more energy to Pyrrha's waking than normal.

The gala was over, she would travel home and then soon be off to Beacon. Soon, she could act. Her lesson to Weiss may not have been delivered as smoothly as she would have liked, but perhaps there was still a chance for her to grow, a chance she could encourage Ruby to foster in her at Beacon. The others would all have to grow as well, but she could deal with that in person.

The time was coming near, and she could almost feel an excitement as she packed her bags and pulled her luggage alongside Azuli.

"Not exactly what I had in mind for how this gala was going to go, but not a disaster." Azuli flicked a scarf around her neck as she passed her bag to one of the servants who loaded it into their car. "I guess this will be the last big event you go to as a celebrity."

"I guess so." Pyrrha passed her bags off as well, the servant doing his best not to appear struggling with the bag filled by her armour. "This was nice, but I won't say I'll miss these formal events. Will you be okay Azuli?"

"I'll be fine dear, don't you worry about me. But what about you? Almost time for Beacon, got any plans?"

Indeed, she did. She was going to find Ozpin the first chance she got, march straight up to him, and tell him the whole truth.