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razorblade180 · 8 months

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Summer vs Nick

[spoilers for Twin Snowflakes]

Twin Snowflakes full story <-

The end of year was near! After some time out of school for the building to be restored, Almanac was up and running again. Its students were as eager as the construction workers. Not wanting their summer vacation ruined, they had been sprinting towards success for the past couple months. Their work ethic had been so diligent that even Harriet, a former Ace Ops member, found the drive of her students pretty intimidating. Although school must’ve felt like a relief after the months of enduring a freak blizzard that displaced the entire kingdom. Former slackers were now raising hands left and right. Then there was Summer; Harriet’s flakiest student was now on time. Not only that, but an air of confidence and ease had accompanied the singer. Harriet was glad to know all the hidden truths behind the Blizzard and the school’s destruction. It made seeing Summer’s new demeanor all the more special.

Harriet sat in a chair behind a small desk in the gymnasium that faced all her students that sat in the bleachers in front of her. “Alright everyone, I’d take attendance but you all have clearly proven you all want to pass this year.”

“Ma’am!” They all said in unison. You would’ve thought they were actually enlisted with how perfect it was.

Their teacher smiled with pride. “Okay~ extra enthusiastic today. As much as I love it, there’s a reason none of you are dressed out currently, which I’m positive you all know why; being sophomores and all. Final Exams have officially been prepared! Your final hurdle after months of hardships is here.”

She watched the excitement and anxiety spread as chatter amongst the group before settling them down. “Easy now. I haven’t even explained it yet for you all to worry. Thankfully not too much has changed with all the complications. Being a huntsman is about brain and body; as well as flexibility. Last year was a simulation in Atlas Academy’s combat facility, but now that you have more experience under your belt we get to be a bit more practical.”

“Please tell us it’s not survival wilderness. I’ve learned enough about the cold.” Valerie quipped, earning a few chuckles of shared pain and gratitude for normal life again.”

“Ha! If I was the General, then maybe. Don’t worry. I’m not sticking you out in the cold, willingly.” She smirked as she saw the worry on the students. “Relax. I promise it’s simple. You have two options available which you’ve probably heard of from your upperclassman and are somewhat familiar with previous tests this year. One option is you must find any student outside of this class to partner up with you for a bounty hunt. The Grimm have already been placed in their appropriate area and you will be accompanied by a professional huntsman there to not only ensure your safety, but grade you on your performance.”

Val’s hand shoots up like a rocket. “What kind of Grimm are we talkin about?” Her interest peaked.

“Manticore, Sphinx, pack of Beowulves, even a Goliath; we got an assortment for you all to pick from.”

“Ah, I see.” She put her hand down and looked to her right to see Summer unbothered by the info, unlike some of her classmates.

This is where brains came into play. Summer, as well as a couple others in her class, have already started weighing the options and understanding what was being asked. “We would pass by killing the bounty, like an actual mission?” She asked.

“That’s correct. You and your partner pick like a standard huntsman mission and complete the job.”

That confirmed everything Summer needed to hear. This exam doubled as an ego check. Yes, picking a partner was important, but what’s more important is picking a bounty clearly within your means of killing as well as showing your capabilities. After all, the partner wasn’t being graded. In all likelihood, picking a person that’s clearly better than you would come off as you riding on the success of others if they do the heavy lifting. An automatic fail for sure.

“Option two!” Harriet said loudly. “You will find a student outside of this class to do combat via tournament style. Meaning knocking them down below 15% of their aura. I have to approve of the opponent so I suggest asking me before you go running off to them. While they are allowed to reject, I promise you those in your year and above know the struggle and will gladly meet you head on. Also, winning is not a requirement for passing. This serves more as an extensive look of your combat prowess that will be graded thoroughly, given its a much more controlled environment.

This new option brought more to ponder and made a female student raise her hand. “Why such a dichotomy between the two options, if I might ask?”

“Good question. One reason is because when you’re an actual huntsman, you get to pick your kind of assignments. Some spend their time exclusively killing and tracking Grimm. Others prefer putting a stop to bandits or working with local law enforcement where more human annoyances occur. Not to mention even though many of you show much promise, you’re still only sophomores in combat school. Forcing you to go grimm hunting is a bit deranged don’t you think? So the second option exists for those who clearly aren’t ready for that kind of situation.”

Despite the rough curriculum and Harriet’s aggressive nature, her students had become well aware of her fondness towards all her students and people in general. They wouldn’t be surprised if she overlooked each Grimm mission just in case.

“I’m giving you this entire class time to think about your options. See me when you’re ready. Exams last a full two weeks so no need to rush. Also, for the sake of fairness, if you’re choosing a person to fight then your fight happens no sooner than the following day.”

That made sense to Valerie. Challenging someone out of the blue doesn’t give them much time to come up with a plan, while the challenger had ample time. Not that any of that information was useful to her.

“I’m totally doing the bounty.” She said, leaning back casually with her eyes closed.”

“I figured.” Summer hummed. Val was the winner of many tournaments. Even if she won, she’d probably be graded roughly. “Don’t pick haphazardly.”

“Unlike most of the people here, we’ve had a taste of real combat. I’ll probably end up choosing the Sphinx.”

“I bet Aunt Ruby signed up to be a huntsman guiding students. Coach Bree felt pretty confident about the student’s safety.”

“ I can see that. My dad most likely is on the roster too. As well as yours.”

“I can see that.” Healing and hiding were useful in bad situations. “Got a partner in mind?”

“Max.”

Now that through Summer for a loop. “Seriously!?”

“Yeah. He’s not such a bad guy. Plus he had my back once in a dicey situation. Guess he inspires confidence. Anyways, how lucky is it that Nick isn’t in this class. You two get the clean up shop like always. I’m kinda jealous. It’ll be like the entrance exam all over again.”

“You say that as if you didn’t use him for a previous exam.” Summer retorted.

“Hey, he requested me. I only said yes. Plus I’m not picking him now aren’t I? Out of curiosity for you of course.”

“Oh how generous.” The sarcasm was heavy yet playful in nature. “I have to see if picking a sibling is even allowed first of all.” Summer stood up and made her way to Harriet to find out.

“Hey Coach?”

“You asking about Nick?”

Summer smirked and said, “I’m not that predictable, but sure.” As she shrugged.

“Normally I would advise against it.”

“Buuuut you find me endearing?”

“No, your record speaks for itself. I know you won’t slack off. Also I have to grade him anyway so this makes paperwork faster. Although, not everyone might be pleased.”

Summer could already detect the glances and mutterings of her less friendly peers. This was nothing new. Many claim having a sibling, let alone a twin, leads to some pretty rigged behavior. Whatever. As Harriet said, her skills spoke for themselves.

“I’m gonna go find him.”

Valerie watched the private conversation from a distance. Eventually Summer walked away from Coach Bree and towards the door. Summer looked at her and motioned to Valerie to come along. Guess there was no reason to stay. Val got up and followed.

“She approved?”

Summer nodded. “Yep. I can use Nick in my exam. I’m going to discuss it with him. He should be in his study block.

“Cool beans. Maybe I can find Max along the way.”

xxxxx

Inside of an English class, the kids do their own independent studies as a constructive use of their study block. All except for Nick, who leans back in his chair with hands in his pockets as Eliza crunches numbers in the desk opposite to his.

“You know you could try to make yourself useful.” She badgered.

“Lighten up. Aren’t you the one who always wants to take the reins? I kinda like using the study block to relax. It’s easier than I thought.”

“Not that you shouldn’t enjoy your newfound freedom, but we are dealing with the school sales. All the money has to be here and triple checked.”

“If what’s in the safe doesn’t match the receipts then I’ll personally make up the difference.”

Eliza squinted at her class president. “How are you even allowed to make financial decisions with that attitude?”

“Charisma~”

The classroom door opened and prevented further nagging. Nick, Eliza, as well as several other peers looked to see Summer and Val walk in.

“Hey you two.” Nick waved,sitting up straight in the process. “Isn’t it P.E. time for you?”

Val yawned as she spoke. “Yeah, but no activities today. It’s final exam time.”

“Ah. Now that you mention it, I did hear mutterings about that in the lunchroom.” Nick recalled.

Eliza let out a sigh. Yet another thing on the to-do list. Oh well; at the very least she felt confident in her skills. “Can you give us the summary?”

“Find a partner to go on a bounty mission with; graded and accompanied by a huntsman. Oooorrr find a student to fight in a tournament style match. It’s graded much harsher.”

Summer nodded. “That’s more or less the situation. Can’t pick a person in the same gym class and Coach Bree has to approve your opponent. They also get a day of prep time at least.”

Eliza relaxed her shoulders. “That’s not so bad. Cake walk for us either way.”

“You’re not wrong.” Summer locked eyes with her brother and stood over him. “Nicholas Schnee, I challenge you to a duel for my final exam.”

Valerie nodded. “Yea- what!?”

The entire classroom heard that declaration and stared in a silent disbelief. Even Nick’s eyes briefly widened before mirroring Summer’s stern gaze of resolution.

“Okay.” He said without a care in the world. “Tomorrow then? I’ll be there.”

“Cool.” Was all Summer said before walking out. “Let’s go, Val.”

Their best friend was still flabbergasted by this sudden action. Her jaw might as well have been on the floor as she slowly found the mental processing to leave.

The rest of the students were just as stunned. A fight between the twins? That was new to hear about! Oh if only they knew the truth. Still, Eliza herself was shocked by this proclamation. Despite participating in the push to free Atlas from the blizzard, this turn of events was sudden. After all, this would be a proper battle between relatives; unlike the do or die experience of facing Shiva. Eliza looked at Nick. Although his words carried no urgency in his acceptance, Nick looked wide awake. His right hand removed his ponytail and began ruffling his hair as he started looking lost in thought.

“You okay? That was sorta…sudden.”

“Hmm?” He glanced at his vice president to see a look of worry on her face. A chuckle left is lips. “Heh, thanks for your concern. I’m alright. Although it’s gonna be hard focusing on schoolwork for the rest of the day, haha.”

“You can borrow my notes. They’re better anyways.”

“Oh? Sweet, thank ya.” He kept messing with his hair as he mentally ran through scenarios. “Tomorrow will be interesting.”

“I bet half the school is gonna want to watch.”

“Fine by me. She probably challenged me publicly like this so she has no excuse to back down.”

“Yeah, it’s a little unlike her…”

“I wouldn’t go that far.” Nick smiled. He felt a little proud of his sister. “Guess she’s ready to face the truth; whatever that may be. Only fair that I meet her head on as well.”

“I can’t tell if you’re excited or worried. But I guess that’s nothing new.” She smiled. Never a dull moment with the twins.”

xxxxx

The rest of the school day was pretty uneventful. Well…for Summer anyways. Her stunt was pretty popular and spread immediately after Harriet approved the match. At least that hurdle was done; mostly.

“I can’t believe you did that!” Valerie yelled as they walked home from school. “What happened to the iconic duo!? Are you two fighting at home?”

“What!? No, Nick and I have never been closer. This was just something on my mind is all.” Her voice trailed off.

“Hmm, explain. Don’t say it’s nothing major. You’re a terrible liar.”

“I’m above average, thank you!” Summer looked around the freshly salted city; its lush potted plants in full bloom on every corner storefront to add color to this porcelain shaded kingdom. “Hard to believe a few months ago this place almost froze over for good.”

“Well…not for good.” Val said hesitantly. “Shiva still liked this place. I’m positive she would’ve left it after getting what she wanted.”

“Heh, what a nice way of framing it.”

“Is that what’s bothering you? Do you sense something?”

Summer shook her head. “Nope. Not in the slightest. All me, all the time. Been a few months but still odd to say aloud. I feel good though.”

“So what is the problem? Not that you need one to face your brother. Heh, I fight him all the time for practice, but that’s never been your style.”

It’s true. In all their years it was rare for them to face each other in earnest for multiple reasons. “I guess…I’d like to change that. I do really know my limits these days and before that, I never wanted to know exactly where I stood with Nick. If I won it felt like cheating, and if I lost…”

“Then it would’ve been another thing for Shiva to use against you.”

“Not like she- I needed any more insecurities to screw myself over with. Whatever, that’s all in the past now!” She pumped her fist to the sky to pump herself up. “ It's about time I cut loose and give it all I got!”

“Yeah! That’s the spirit! I like that attitude! I’ll be rooting for ya.” Val pumped her fist as well. “As a pro at fighting your brother, want any tips?”

“Nah. It’s not like I haven’t seen him struggle against our parents and aunt countless times. As well as Shiva’s final bount; though that was kinda a special case. I doubt our fight will be half as chaotic.”

“I hope so.” Val laughed nervously. The school can’t take another pounding like that. “Well, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Hmm? What do you mean? I’m staying at your place.”

Valerie’s eyes went wide. “What!?”

“You don’t expect Nick or myself to sleep comfortably in the same house the day before a fight, do you? Treat it like a sleepover! I know where the spare room is, or were you hoping we’d share a bed like old times?” Summer grinned.

The gears in Valerie’s head were malfunctioning for a moment before the girl gave Summer a pout and squint. “So now it’s okay to act all flirty?”

“Of course! After all, neither of us are in love with each other.” Summer rubbed her chin. “Though maybe we should pretend to throw Nick off his game?” Summer teased again. “We know that method works.”

“OH HA! HA!” Valerie pouted harder, her face turning red. “How many times am I going to have to say I’m sorry for that?”

“Zero. It was just too convenient to not joke about it. Nick would’ve laughed.

Val signed. “Get better material, both of you.”

xxxxxx

“I’m hooooome!” Nick echoed through the main corridor of the manor. It took a couple minutes before Jaune and Weiss came running in from the west wing; before she could speak, Nick watched his father fling her over his shoulder. “Was I…interrupting something?” Nick said, hoping for an appropriate answer.

“Your sister texted us about school. I’m here struggling to stop your mother from creating an obstacle course as last minute training.”

“I just want it to be a fair fight!” She defended.

Nick didn’t know if he should laugh or feel slightly wounded. “Think I can’t take her now that I’m back to normal?”

“I don’t mean it like that sweetie. Instead of watching you over analyze every little thing I thought practical training would be healthier.”

“And I think we should remain neutral.” Jaune said assertively. “Your sister won’t admit it but she’ll be upset otherwise.”

“That’s fine. I actually wanted to go to sleep early anyways.” Nick began walking upstairs. “Don’t worry about dinner. I already ate.”

Jaune slowly put his wife down as they looked at each other in befuddlement, then towards Nick. “Are you okay?” They asked.

Weiss’s mother senses tinged. “You’re definitely tense.”

“Pre fight jitters. It’s nothing, I promise.” Nick did not linger any further and went to his room.

“Well that was convincing.” Weiss said, crossing her arms and looking at Jaune. “Should we show up for the match?”

“I think that would only add pressure for both of them. It’s not like it won’t get recorded. Let’s give our kids some space.”

The Ice Queen deflated like a balloon. Not the answer she wanted to hear, but definitely the reasonable choice. Jaune put his arm around her waist and let her lean on him like he always did.

“Looks like Nick isn’t the only one tense and over analyzing.” Jaune smiled.

“Pfft, you say that as if you didn’t know before you married me. I blame Ruby.”

“Pretty sure it’s your big heart.” Jaune kissed the top of her head.

Nick sauntered into his room, dropping his belongings and falling backwards onto his bed. He pulled out his scroll in one fluid motion, his thumb hitting all the correct places before dropping it beside his head.

“Hello?” Veronica said after two rings. “Nick? You there?”

“Hey Vee. Hope I got you at a good time.”

“I answered, didn't I? What’s going on?”

“Final exams. It’s basically a fight. Summer challenged me and I said yes.”

“…Ah”

He could hear ruffling over the speaker, like if she was sitting up from a couch. “Yep, a good old brawl between siblings. I’m pretty proud of her for asking.”

“You don’t sound like a proud brother. Conflicted is more like it.”

“I wouldn’t go that far. It’s kinda dumb honestly.” Nick stared at his callous hands. “Remember how I looked fighting Shiva? The anger, it’s relief?”

Veronica got the picture. “I see, You feel bad for looking forward to fighting your dear sister? That about right?”

“Holding back wouldn’t do any of us any favors yet coming out swinging to vent frustration feels gross. Not to mention I don’t feel like taking a dive in any competition!”

“That’s good. You should never do that. It’s an insult to everyone involved.”

“But-”

“Nick, your sister is a smart girl and everyone who truly knows you is aware of how much care you have for her. Nobody is going to think less of you or that you don’t care anymore if you decide to fight like a pissed off stranger.”

“That’s a…colorful description.”

“Your dynamic is shifting. Let it shift. Didn’t you two used to fight all the time as kids? Maybe both of you are repressed. I don’t have a sibling but I can’t imagine being nice to them all the time. Especially if they’re anything like me. Give yourself some grace.”

“……Therapy has been paying off for you. That was some awesome advice.”

“Dummy! I’ve always given good advice. I just don’t buy my own product. Anyways, stop stressing. It’s a grade isn’t it? Worry that pretty little head about passing. If you hold back, you could fail.”

Nick sat up. “Shit, you’re right.”

“Did you actually not consider that? Ha, why am I not surprised?”

“Think you can wish me luck?”

“Do you really need it?”

“I don’t know, but I have no choice but to do my best whenever you’re in my corner.”

“….I bet you’d say that to Valerie too.”

“Vee! I thought we were having a moment!” He said, flustered.

“Hahaha! There, you sound like yourself again. Do your best Nick. I’m always rooting for you.”

Before he could say thank you, Veronica hung up. Nick smiled as he felt a weight lift off of his chest. “Alright, let’s do this thing!”

Little did he know that the person who just comforted him was now screaming into a pillow, embarrassed by her own words.

“AAAAAAHHHHH!” She raised her head, hearing a text alert.

“Thank you❄️💙”

“What the- don’t add a heart~” she put her head back into the pillow.

xxxxxxx

Tomorrow came in the blink of an eye. Word of the fight had fully made the rounds between the students of all grades and those who were lucky enough to have the proper free period found themselves sitting on the bleachers for track/football field. Normally a match would take place in the combat room, but Harriet had the foresight to give a bigger, more open space. Not only for the class, or the students that were clearly skipping their block, but for the fighters themselves. Last thing the school needed was a stray fireball hitting a wall.

Eliza and Valerie sat on the bench warming seats thanks to the convenient excuse of “council work” and “the obligation to support their fellow staff.” They just wanted to be as close as possible and ground level. Harriet stood in the middle of the field waiting for the twins to change. It wasn’t long at all before doors from each side of the field opened.

Now by every right, the students who chose to do this exam have the ability to dress out into their fighting gear. They were essentially fighting under tournament rules after all. However, to everyone’s surprise, the twins opted for a more casual approach; dawning their gym attire. Nick walked onto the grass wearing black compression pants and shirt with his dusty blue gym shorts and gray shirt over it. His hair was tied back into a short wolf tail and his only accessories were fingerless white gloves and a belt that held his sword, Mort Froide, on his left hip. On his right hip was a small pouch made for holding vials of dust. His white tennis shoes were laced up and ready to go.

“That’s interesting.” Eliza said, pleasantly surprised. “He’s fully treating this like an activity.”

Valerie nodded. “Yeah. That’s way lighter than his normal clothes. I doubt he’d be wearing the compression suit if it was a bit warmer.”

Though neither one of them were completely caught off guard by the twins' attire, the rest of the students chattered among themselves as they witnessed Summer in a new light they’ve never seen. The girl known for always layering up has decided to only wear the gym shorts and shirt, exposing many of her old scars that graced her limbs. Summer didn’t even bother to cover the faded scar on her cheek like she adamantly did each day. A similar belt held her sword, Shiva, on her left hip while the girl tied her up into a high ponytail and let the ends fall down the back of her shirt. Unlike her brother, all her dust could be held inside the chambers of her blade. The loose shirt fabric was tied up with a scrunchy and he began stretching her arms as she continued her walk towards the center.

“Does she seem…different to you?” An upperclassman boy said.

“I never knew she had so many scars. Was she in an accident or something?” Said a female fan of the idol.

“It’s like she woke up for a fight. It’s kinda cool.” Said a shy freshman.

“Those scars are gross.” A peer said, holding back fake gagging.

Another shrugged. “I’d say this is the cutest she’s looked.” A female band mate said with pride.

Many had varying opinions on who they were looking at, but none of that was relevant, least of all to Summer. She gave her brother a wave. “Sleep well?”

“I should be asking you. I’m the one who slept in my bed.”

“It was cozy. Starting to think my bed is too soft.”

“It was made to keep you nice and toasty.” Nick smiled. “Not like you need it to anymore.”

“Hehe, true enough. Since we’re well rested, I don’t want to hear any excuses later.”

“Likewise.”

Harriet could feel the tension and she loved it! Nothing like a good brawl to get the blood flowing. “You both clearly look ready.”

“Ma’am!” They said in unison

Nick drew his sword and grabbed it with both hands as he put his right foot forward. Summer unsheathed her blade and held in her right, its tip pointed down beside her right foot as she placed it back a step.

The Jumbotron displayed their auras and lenses set their sights on the twins, eyes and cameras.

“I don’t have to tell either of you to ignore the spectators. Just focus on what you do best. You know the rules and so do I.” She pulled out a single coin and flipped it sky high before speeding off to the Press box where the other examiners watched behind a tinted window.

Vibrant eyes stared unblinkingly into each other. Time felt like an eternity as gravity pulled the coin back from the heavens. The first move has already been decided. The second the currency hit the ground, Nick jumped backwards with immense power; he quickly made a glyph hover over his head while Summer had already reached out with her left hand, summoning a giant Nevermore out of a small yet powerful glyph. The humongous bird screeched its battle cry, beak wide open to eat its prey; it would never get the chance however. A huge Gigas arm jutted out from Nick’s glyph, flattening itself palm downwards as it slammed its armored hand against the back of Nevermore’s body and neck like a pesky insect. The ground shook from the impact and both Grimm faded from the blow.

All it took was a tick of a gear and blink of an eye before Summer was right behind Nick, poised to slice him at the neck; his intuition was sharper than her blade however. He ducked down without even confirming her location, rolling along the ground and twisting himself around as he sprang up. Morte Froide defended against three rapid thrusts then a quick vertical slash. Nick had known from Summer’s starting position she was going for a summon, but it was clear it was only used as a means to an end.

“Time dilation.” He gritted his teeth and remained defensive as he was swarmed with vicious attacks.

Summer knew she couldn’t let her brother do as he pleased, which is why he mustn’t be allowed to set up his attacks. Thankfully he was a novice in comparison to her glyph making. She was certain lightning dust was held in his blade to pull off what she managed to accomplish. She darted forward, then leaped over head to strike his back again, but instead of pivoting, Nick took the chance to lunge forward. Summer chased after, preparing to parry a horizontal slash as he pivoted. As the blade came into view, a hue of red lit the battle field as flames danced on Morte Froide.

Summer hissed, “It wasn’t lightning!?”

Nick smirked as he doubled handed his blade and flung the flames in a whirlwind around him. It didn’t matter how fast Summer was if she risked getting burned from all angles. He saw his sister end her assault by prioritizing her safety with a step back. Not one to miss an opportunity, Nicholas gladly took his turn on the offensive. He closed the gap in a single lunge with his blade held high and guided downward in a blazing arch that clashed with the enemy blade. He used his strength to swing back up for another clash, then went for a diagonal cut to the left that was also blocked wonderfully. Nick brought his right foot forward and kicked straight out against Shiva, pushing Summer away. The rest of the flame’s drained towards the tip as he pointed Mort Froide right in her direction and launched a high speed fireball.

Formless winds twirled around Summer’s blade and shot like a blow dart with a single thrust. The intensity punctured the fireball, destroying it completely. Nick wasn’t about to show her up with a move like that! Summer horizontally slashed the space between them, did five more thrusts; the air vibrated violently before sending out delayed wind attacks that force the boy to backstep. Summer waited at the last possible moment right before his feet could land to make a wind glyph that blasts Nick sky high.

As far as the attack goes, Nick was unharmed. Unfortunately, he was certain it wasn’t supposed to hurt. A bright white glyph shined from below and gave him another Nevermore that wanted to play. Summer’s plans seemed to be more flexible than usual, while remaining practical. She had put him in a situation where he now had to fight a bird in midair. Nick twirled his blade then reeled it back like a javelin. It glee purple with the gravity dust he swapped in, then was thrown at the beast. Even bone armor couldn’t withstand such force and was split in two as the blade pierced the body completely and crashed into the ground. Upon the disintegration of another bird, Nick got a clear view of rock walls and pillars erupting from the ground in almost a segmented maze fashion.

Nick questioned how his sister’s brain worked. “How is anyone that fast?”

“Practice!” She fired shards of rock at him.

If it was as simple as that, he’d be at her level. Nick summoned a Gigas sword to his hand and deflected the rocks by spinning it like a windmill in front of his body, then kicked off a quick glyph to roll safely onto the field, his body remaining crouched as he took off running towards Summer and grabbing Morte Froide along the way.

He watched his sister retreat behind a pillar. Seconds later, rock and wind was sent flying at him while she darted off quickly to another location. Nick cut through the attacks easily, but now he had to play an elemental guessing game.

Eliza was thoroughly invested. “Not a bad strategy. He can’t immediately counter her attacks if he can’t see what glyph she’s casting.”

“Doesn’t stop his reflexes.” Valerie pointed out. Summer may be quicker semblance wise, but Valerie knew better than most that Nick was physically quicker. If Summer hadn’t used time dilation earlier, then that head to head swordplay could’ve gone poorly for her.

A jet stream of water blasted through a rock pillar and headed towards Nick. As he was about to slash it, he quickly made the decision to dodge right. Sure enough, a rush of electricity ran across the water not even a second later. Relying on his eyes right now wasn’t the best right now. Nick stayed calm and listened. It didn’t matter if he couldn’t see the attack. The kindling flicker sounds that came from behind him was all he needed to know. He pulled the used water from her previous attack into a glyph and blasted it to collide with an incoming fire attack. Not only did it conserve his own plans, but stopped Summer from freezing the floor at his feet. Nick chose a random rock wall to run up and stand on.

“Gotta hand it to ya Summer. I was a little worried at first that this was going to be a little embarrassing for one of us. But you seem to be taking this very seriously.”

The rock he stood on began to rumble and glow red, making Nick flee to another one as it became molten hot to the point of eruption. “Damn. Can you teach me that?”

“Can you take this seriously!?” Her voice echoed from multiple angles.

“I am taking this seriously. I just didn’t see the need to rush. Besides, making something this elaborate is a bit ridiculous. At this rate I just have to conserve more aura than you if you’re going to pull these stunts. If you want to beat me so badly then you better get bold, or else….” He trailed off.

Summer spotted his position from behind more cover. She made a gravity glyph where she stood then expanded it until she heard a sizable clunk. Summer looked over her shoulder to find the Gigas Nick tried to hide hopelessly trapped to the floor.

The girl smirked as she turned back around. “Nice tr-” Nick was gone. A shadow beneath her gradually grew, causing her to look straight up to see the body falling with his sword pointed down. His descent only increased the moment he entered the space of the gravity glyph. “Shit.” Summer dispelled the technique and fled. Unfortunately Nick had already gained tremendous speed.

He teleported the Gigas armor onto himself and struck the ground like a falling star, but he was only getting started! Not only did the shockwave hit Summer, but she saw a flash of brown glyph; a rock glyph. He must’ve swapped again in midair! A powerful tremor spread in every direction, obliterating her constructs and sending rock flying in every direction; including fragments that grazed her skin like shrapnel.

Before she could even hit the ground she knew Nick had to be advancing. Summer landed on her back then tumbled backwards onto her feet with another gravity glyph at the ready, putting it out like a wall. Sure enough Nick was precious moments away from a clean cut. The extra force in his direction was enough for his swing to slow just enough for Summer to lean left, while countering. Each of their blades found themselves connecting along each other’s ribs, causing strained grunts.

Armored up, Nick managed to brute force his movements despite the gravity while Summer remained off balance. She quickly clashed with Mort Froide to her left, then swung right to face the summoned blade. This wasn’t good at all. Nick was way too close for comfort! Thankfully the added weight made keeping up with him easier.

Back and forth, the audience watched her fight the dual wielder! What was once a long range battle quickly turned to an exchange of blows where each twin found room to inflict damage where they could. It was hard to tell who the crowd was rooting for. Some chanted for Nick, while others squealed for Summer. Then there were those who were simply happy to see a good fight.

Eliza and Valerie’s eyes were fixated on every subtle moment, and quick decision as they watched the pair move across the field. It was good Summer remembered to work the ring instead of staying in place, but Nick refused to lit up! He was definitely burning stamina with the way his attacks became relentless in the face of gravity. However, that extra weight was only gonna last for so long and they could tell by the look on Summer’s face that it was soon. She scrambled to parry faster; going as far as to put a glyph beneath them and rotate their position as a way to throw him off his rhythm. It kinda worked, but the pro-figure skating was used to recovering from a stumble; adapting his practiced moves into a twirling slash.

Nick opened up Summer’s defenses with another hit that moved her blade out of the way of her body. As he aimed to cross slash her stomach. He heard the click of her revolver chamber. Summer had opened it and out fell a vial of unused ice dust. Nick wasn’t able to stop his attack and struck it, causing an explosion that blew him away while Summer managed to throw up another glyph to shield her from the brunt of it. She merely stumbled backwards while Nick was forced to stab his sword into the ground to stop himself from sliding any further than halfway across the field. Both of them stared at each other as they caught their breath.

“How reckless of her.” Eliza said. “That might cost her points.”

“I don’t know. She made preparations to block against it and is still standing while her opponent kneels.” Valerie smiled as she watched both of her friends in action. 65% aura on Nick and 60% on Summer. “This is still anyone’s match and I think they’re finally all warmed up.”

Eliza chuckled. “Heh, another thing they should be deducted on.” Even when they weren’t being showy, a spectacle followed their every move.

As Nick composed himself, he watched Summer’s movements. Her eyes took everything in while remaining resolute; she didn’t even seem particularly tired. Their last exchange had simply left them breathless. Nick couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy fighting a person who knew his behaviors as well as he knew theirs. He could sense the determination coming from her as she readied herself. Nick stood up properly and pointed his blade at his closest rival.

“Are you done pretending like you’ve worked every scenario? We both know there’s a path you want to walk, so walk it.” He could see her stern gaze start to falter. Honestly, they truly were alike. “I won’t hold anything against you, so bring it on! Don’t you wanna give me your best!?”

His words cut deep. She did tell him to take things seriously. If she couldn’t hold true to that herself, then what was the point. The difference between pushing your limits and doing your best is a matter of perspective in her eyes. It was time to start being the best. Summer took a breath.

“Like I said before, I don’t wanna hear any excuses from you. I’ll play my ace, so you better play yours.”

Summer let her sword fall right out of her hand and into the ground at her feet, confusing the audience. She reached out with her right hand then made a small white glyph that fit into her palm. At first it looked normal, then quickly glowed brighter until it became a flash of light. As the glow faded, Summer held an ice cold cutlass in her hand. The air temperature around her grew colder and a faint shimmering in her hair was noticeable to those looking for it.

A grin spread across Nick’s face that matched his sister’s. He manifested the helmet of the Gigas and advanced, fully free from the earlier gravity glyph. As graceful as freshly fallen snow, Summer all but glided gracefully over to meet both his blade with both of hers.

Her eyes danced with renewed vigor. “Let’s dance,”she said cockily.

“Gladly.”

They pushed each other away briefly before letting their blades reunite in a flurry of clashes that brought about bursts of cold air which each hit. The can the power behind the attacks tense his forearms. He goes in for a thrust to the chest but Summer pivots around him like clockwork. She’s faster than before. Nick wastes no time dropping low and sweeping her leg but she cleverly chooses to jump. No matter. He puts a glyph under Summer’s feet and pushes it up higher into the sky to reevaluate his situation.

Summer wasn’t about to make that easy for him. The idol backflips off the platform and sends two waves of ice at him that carve into the ground, forming two walls of ice that put Nick into a corner. As she landed, frost and snow coalesced into her lungs as Summer took a deep breath before blowing out a frigid wind that sent jagged ice crawling in his direction that Nick began to hack through. Summer blew harder but she could only keep it going a few seconds more before she was forced to stop by a sharp pain in her chest.

“Agh!” Summer let out a rough cough. “Too cold…” Her brief moment of pain was enough for Nick to close the gap again. Her brother brought his swords across his body. As she prepared to block another cross slash, Nick brought up his right leg again and snap kicked her block to push her away, then followed up with the slash that broke her guard. It was clear picking to dual wield like him was a foolish decision on her part. He was too practiced in it, but it was definitely an eye opener for her. Nick may have been amazed by her glyph speed, but the fluidity of his swordplay left Summer rather jealous.

Summer threw the cutlass into the ground at his feet. The blade slowly began to crumble away into a whirlwind of frost that surrounded them both. Nick can feel the wind try to chip away at his armor while Summer rushed to face him with her trusted blade, creating a captivating display of sparks and ice.

Eliza didn’t know what she was seeing. “Summer can still use Diamond Dust?” She looked over at Valerie, whose face was just as shocked.

“News to me. I’m unsure if Nick even knew about it.” Though his face was covered, he could tell the amount of focus he had right now. He wasn’t on the back foot, but neither was Summer. “Looks like she’s in control, and it’s nowhere near as imposing as before.”

“I would hope not!” Eliza wasn’t about to deal with a second winter break. She glanced at the aura screen to see both of them slowly ticking down. “I doubt that form is sustainable. Still, what a bothersome ace to have. Tournaments are about to be even more annoying.”

Valerie couldn’t help but sigh in agreement. At this rate she was going to need a new training regiment, again.

Nick refused to back down despite the situation. Where there’s a will, there’s a way; and right now he felt like his sister’s was rather lacking. Her thought process was grand but would only stall then inevitable. If Nick was going to do something then no matter how long it took, it was going to happen! He moved her sword out of the way of her body with his. Nick reeled his summoned sword back, prompting Summer to raise her left. Most likely to raise a glyph barrier, but that’s exactly what Nick wanted.

Before Summer could make one, Nick abandoned the Gigas sword and took hand into his. “Huh!?”

“Hold this for me will ya?” Nick said cheekily as he put his armor over her. It began forcing Summer to kneel as Nick took both his swords and fled the whirlwind.

The possessed armor fought against Summer’s body as she tried to break free. “Aagh! Aaaah! Get ooooffff!” Every muscle in her felt strained. If she couldn’t force herself from inside then she’d cut herself out!

She made the whirlwind turn back into a cutlass and sliced right along the breastplate and helmet, killing the Grimm that trapped her. Summed rose to her feet in pain and saw a faint golden light shining across the field. It was her brother standing perfectly still as the sound of a clock ticked. Her eyes began to widen; he hadn’t used lightning dust yet. He could still use time dilation!

Summer raised her sword to aim a projectile, but as quickly as she was able to channel one, she didn’t. What would be the point? It wouldn’t reach him in time to interrupt, or make a difference. The dozens of ideas and strategies in her head were abandoned almost immediately. Instead, Summer let Shiva fall to the ground, arming herself with the cutlass. Her stance shifted to one that was wide and low to ground. Summer brought the blade to the opposite side as if she were to sheath it; her gaze narrowed in on souly Nicholas while she began creating multiple normal white glyphs all over the sports field and below her feet.

Nick couldn’t smile wider even if he wanted to. “Finally…” he uttered, revving himself up. If Winter were here, he was sure she would be so excited for Summer. Up until now, his sister’s performance was amazing. Hell, they were brilliant choices to make. However they all served to keep himself within reason. “You wanted no excuses, so overcome me or fail!”

Nick became a blur with his enhanced speed, going as far as to use the glyphs she made for extra momentum. Summer blasted off towards her opponent and swung full force to meet his attack, causing the biggest clash yet! No more strategies to prevent Nick’s skills. The plan was now simple and direct. Be better. She would either triumph over this hurdle or lose trying to!

The speed of Nick’s attacks weren’t for the faint of heart and some watchers even failed to catch the number of consecutive hits. Valerie watched Morte Froide attack in a “Z” pattern before five rapid thrust met a metal blade. Nick then leaned with his left to swing the summoned blade to greet Summer’s defiant side slash. He held his blade flat and swung it out, right at Summer’s neck. The girl only moved back just enough to clear it, then clashed with metal again. Nick pivoted around to Summer’s back as feint, returning to his previous position just as quickly when she tried to follow him. Her back was left wide open and suffered a heavy cross slash before Summer could turn back around to cut along Nick’s left shoulder. She tried striking the right but his body leaned out of the way. Nick threw Gigas blade up into the air then held Mort Froide with both hands. Summer gasped, quickly holding the cutlass with both hands and swinging up as hard as possible to meet the thunderous pressure of Nick’s attack. The clash lasted only a second before the swords separated from each other and met again as the the twins began hacking at each other left and right. Valerie could no longer tell who it was that was pressuring who!

Nick didn’t blink once as the violent slashes made more sparks than a forge. “Hahahaha! Look at you~” he goaded.

“Quiet!” She growled through her teeth, her concentration maintained.

“What!? You wanted to fight me. Fight. Me!”

He fully swung right and Summer stepped back in time before vaulting forward to hit him center mass from underneath his arms. Nick reached up with his left hand, perfectly catching his summoned sword and swinging it down to block her stab. Zero hesitation was made as he angled Mort Froide at her face. Summer tilted her head which made the blade sting her left cheek. The minimalistic dodge caught everyone off guard including Nick. Summer followed up with fully planting her feet and using all her strength to cut right through the Gigas blade, destroying it.

“I’m not done yet!” She yelled as she swung left near Nick’s hand. She got her blade right under the hilt of Mort Froide and hit right out of his hand! With her cutlass still raised, she angled downward for the true target. Nick leaped backwards but she jumped forward right with him. “No you don’t!”

Caught up in the fighting fever, Valerie yelled, “She’s got him!”

Summer swung down to finish the match with a decisive blow, but what should’ve hit aura instead clashed with rock! Her eyes widened as two chunks of dust from the destroyed constructs not only blocked her attack, but did so with Nick’s glyphs behind each one as he shaped them into the image of his blade. With Summer still airborne, she was easily pushed back as Nick looked so happy with himself. Damnit! He truly earned every last letter of his nickname!

“Woooo!” Eliza cheered wholeheartedly, “Fight on, Gilgamesh!!!”

Summer slid back and was immediately surrounded by more glyph covered rock Dust that flew her way as blades while Nick himself rushed behind them. The entire field had become his ammo. Summer took a page right out of his playbook and flung icy wind in form mimicking Nick’s flame attack; the feeble stone was torn to shreds while keeping the boy at bay long enough for Summer to deal with him properly as they continued their duel! Their feet carried them around the entire space like rushing rapids thanks to glyphs she had made and his time dilation still in effect. Summer disarmed him again but one after another, new blades replaced her hard work but she just had to keep going!

Just how long have they been keeping this up? Neither could say. Summer only knew her arms felt heavier than lead with every swing. Occasionally she’d feel pain from a good hit, but ignored it as she dished out her own damage. It was a strange feeling she wasn’t completely aware of. She was focused, yet zoned out. Energized and calm. Her body knew what moves it wanted to make without too much thinking yet obviously they each weren’t attacking recklessly. Summer had been in many fights but this rare trance she found herself similar to her final push against her uglier side. There was no simpler way to put it; right now, she wasn’t just in a fight. Summer was fighting. If she could remember, she’d have to ask Nick if this is how he always felt?

If she had paid attention, then she’d definitely believe so because their next attack synched up. His blades pressed against hers before they both pushed away hard enough to send them tumbling away, Nick’s blades breaking again. As they rolled, Nick managed to grab his true weapon. The twins stopped themselves by making one more glyph each that acted as a backboard their feet hit, blades ready for an outward horizontal slash. They flew towards each other in a single, powerful lunge that sent them past each other as the crowd heard the final loud clash of weapons. The two stood utterly motionless, maintaining their striking pose.

The crowd went silent, unsure of who connected. Summer’s faint radiance finally diminished. Her eyes glanced down at the cutlass she held and watched it fade away into nothing more than dwindling snow. The strength to turn around was all she had left, her eyes landing on Nicholas as he finally turned around as well. He was saying…something. His words fell on ringing ears. All she saw was moving lips turn into a satisfied grin, before a flash of blue flickered on him. Nicholas Schnee fell to the ground. It was only then that her brain registered what had just taken place and the sound of a buzzer reached her. The strength Summer thought she lost came flooding back and unleashed itself as her fists punched straight into the air.

“I DID IT!!!!”

Her voice erupted through the silence and invoked cheers from the amazed crowd. Everyone celebrated loudly. Valerie finally stood up and ran over to the winner, giving her a tackle hug that sent them to the ground.

“You were awesome!!!!”

“Everything hurts!” Summer said, happily laughing.

Eliza walked over to her defeated president who laid on his back. She looked down at his peaceful smile to see he was still conscious. “You okay?”

“The soreness is already kicking in.”

“Not surprising. You’re only working with 9% in the tank because of that final hit. Meanwhile, Summer is coasting on 17% left.” Eliza smiled. “Not a bad performance at all.”

“Coming from you, that means a lot. Hehe…”

Harriet’s voice came from the speakers to finally say a few words. “Everyone give another round of applause to both of your peers for an exceptional performance. Nicholas, Summer, well done.”

That sounded like a passing grade to them. They’d still have to wait for an official number but frankly, they were never concerned about failing to begin with.

xxxxxx

After such an explosive match, other exam participants gave their best and more during their turns. Although many would agree no match would top the twins. At least not today.

Summer was excused from further classes for the day. Not like there was much to do at the end of the year. She essentially just passed and technically wouldn’t be missing anything if she didn’t show up for the remaining days as a sophomore. Though that probably wouldn’t be the best look, sadly. After a little rest in the locker room, the real struggle of putting on her uniform was over and walked out a winner, but also a tired woman. Even opening the door made her sigh.

“Shouldn’t I be the one sighing?” Nick said, catching her by surprise by sitting up against the wall with two energy drinks. “Hey, winner.” He tossed her one drink and then worked his way up to standing.

“H-Hi.” Summer took him by the forearm and helped him to his feet. “You didn’t have to wait for me.”

“I got no better place to be. Besides, we do share a house.”

“We can go home early too?”

“Yep. We’ve been cleared.”

Nick started walking while Summer followed behind him. Their walk was quieter than Nick imagined. The only constant noise was their feet on concrete as they made their way off school grounds. He eventually looked over his shoulder to see his sister looking down at her feet and only occasionally looking up to check her surroundings.

“You seem a little reserved considering your grand solo debut.” He teases lightly. “I’m not mad y’know?”

“Really?” Summer was genuinely surprised. “I did challenge you out of the blue, and so many people know you for your fighting ability with and without me. I wouldn’t hold it against you if this was frustrating. It would frustrate me.”

And they call him a worry sort? Nick stopped walking, letting Summer catch up to him until he was right beside her. “The last thing I am is frustrated. I actually couldn’t be prouder. Besides, you’ve always been the talented one.” We continued to walk at her pace.

“What!?”

“Ha, like you don’t know. You’ve always been smarter and had a knack for this. It just took a little time for your confidence to catch up with your skill. I mean your glyph mastery is incredible and your form is way more refined. By comparison-”

“Oh shut up.” Summer said defiantly, pointing at Nick’s face. “I’ve mastered nothing and don’t give me that comparison crap! You’re fucking incredible!”

He blinked twice. Angry compliments weren't what he expected. “O…kay?”

“I’m serious! You make it sound like beating you was a full blown conclusion, but I had no certainty at all! My form is refined!? Your swordplay is immaculate and unique. Don’t even get me started on your glyphs. My knowledge may be vast but what you can do, you do with brilliance. I can’t begin to understand how you make so many swords so quickly!”

“It’s just practice. It’s a literal copy of mine.”

“And that maze was a blueprint I drew, but you couldn’t believe your eyes. What would be the point in feeling good about my victory if you claim you’re nothing special? And you say I need confidence.” Summer crossed her arms and turned her head away like a pouty child. “Hmph!”

One minute there was praise, the next he was being chewed out for his actions. “And here I thought you took more after dad.”

Summer whipped her back around. “I do!”

“Pfft, okay.” He smiled. “So are you switching to cutlass from now on. That was pretty nifty swordplay.”

“Hell no. I don’t understand how you can fight so aggressively and up close so much. Although…you gotta teach me that trick where you threw your sword and caught it perfectly without looking!” Her eyes twinkled. “That was pretty cool. I would’ve clapped if I wasn’t the one fighting!”

“Hahaha! Only if you help me with my glyphs.”

“Deal!” The awkwardness she felt between them melted away. Looks like she was worried over nothing. “By the way…don’t you think you were cutting it a bit close with aiming for my face? I’m an idol! You could’ve hurt my revenue.”

“Uhh…I may have gotten a little caught up in the thrill. You had aura though, as well as annoying Dust shenanigans. My bad.”

“As long as you’re aware then I guess I’ll let it slide. Wasn’t exactly pulling my punches either.”

“You threw a Nevermore at me, twice. Not even mom does that! Speaking of which, how much you wanna bet her and dad were in the Press Box?”

“It wouldn’t surprise me, but no way they were allowed to grade us. It was probably Ironwood doing that, or maybe even Neon or Robyn. I’ve heard they can be pretty critical.”

“Guess we’ll just have to wait to see.”

They continued their conversation all the way home. One painfully sore step at a time.

xxxxxx

As they arrived at the manor, Nick made a quick trip to their parked car in front and put his hand on the hood.

“Is the engine warm?” Summer asked.

“Yep.” He walked to the front door and pushed one side open while Summer got the other.

“We’re home!” They called out, watching their parents run into view from the living room.

“Wow, you two are home early!” They said, smiling warmly.

No under normal circumstances, a child might take those words of shock to mean their parents were doing something scarring and rather gross. However, not only did they show up from the living room, but were fully dressed to go outside.

The twins returned the smile. “They were totally in the Press Box.”

At least it saved them the trouble of describing the day that would surely be talked about all summer long.

-The End

xxx Bonus xxx

“Hey Nick!” Summer yelled as she slid into his room with an opened letter. “Read it and weep!” She flashed her exam score that held a magnificent 94% on it.

“Oh hey. Good job.” Nick casually lifted his score of 98% in her face as he continued his virtual Uno with Adrian.

“What!? How’d you get a higher score!? I won the fight!”

“Yeah, but who had to spend the first half overcoming the plans made against them? I mean I literally pulled off trapping you in a suit of armor.”

“…I made you look too good.”

“And that’s why I’ll never regret having you as a twin.” He clicked his mouse. “Uno out. I win!”

“FUCK!”

Nick snickered like a gremlin. Two wins against two family members. Today was a good day.

#rwby #rwby au #jaune arc #weiss schnee #nicholas schnee #summer schnee #eliza marigold #rwbabies #val valkyrie #harriet bree #veronica belladonna #rwby whiteknight #rwby twin snowflakes

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