Chereads / Silver Of Hope / Chapter 7 - Tainted Memories

Chapter 7 - Tainted Memories

It was a new day at Beacon. And, of course, our silver haired friend wakes up from the sun. He opens his eyes up quickly. His breathing was fast. He looked around and saw that he was back in his dorm room with his team. He sighed and got out of the bed slowly to not wake Ruby. He took a quick shower and dressed. I walk out and saw Ruby getting up. I grab Aether and woke Iris up. She followed me floating next to me. The rest of the team saw Atom. He had a sad feeling around him.

Ruby: Atom, are you okay?

Atom: ....

Nothing. His teammates started to get scared. Suddenly.

Atom: AHHHH!

He held his head tightly. He started to run to the roof.

Ruby: Yang! Come on we need to hurry! You two, follow!

Atom ran to the roof with both of his hands on his head. He slowly started to cry, he then crumbled. His knees up to his chest. Rwby followed him and saw his condition. Ruby signalled them to go on each side of the roof. Ruby than walked towards Atom.

Atom: No, get away from me! I didn't do anything wrong! I didn't-

He then started crying badly. The other three were saddened by this other side of Atom. Pure fear was located in his eyes when he looked at Ruby. She was saddened, but she understood what was going on. She slowly started to hug Atom. But he just sat there, no movement, no hug back. The other three went into the hug. Atom's eyes started to open back up.

Atom: W-what just happened?

They all got off of him and smiled.

Ruby: You had a freak out.

Atom looked down sadly.

Atom: O-oh, I'm sorry for you guys to see that. You all probably think I'm weak now huh?

They were all silent. He scoffed and got up. He walked off, but Ruby was about to follow. Yang grabbed her arm.

Ruby: Yang, what are you doing?

Yang: Give Atom some time to himself.

She said that harshly. Ruby looked at her in anger.

Ruby: He needs me! He needed us! He is still at his lowest Yang! You know he has those dreams, he's been talking about it to us for the past three months!

Yang: Than he should know we don't see him weak! He is probably the strongest out of us all!

Ruby: We-

Atom: Stop!

Atom walks back to the roof to see them fighting. Yang walked up too him and punches him, but she didn't know how much force went into it. He flew off of the roof.

Ruby: Atom!

Yang: No.

But luckily, Iris caught him. She flew him back on the roof. He looked at Yang with anger. He walked up to her and gave her a punch of his own. She looked back at him in anger. She came back to hit him with a left hook, but Atom blocked it as a blue flame shockwave. He then threw a left jab into her gut. She came back at him with a war cry. He jumped over her and kicked off of her back. She looked at him in anger as her eyes glowed red. She came at him again and hit him in the rib as sickening crack happened, she then punched him right in the chest, sending him back a bit holding it. They then ran at each other. But Ruby got in the middle of them as Weiss held Atom back and Blake held Yang off.

Ruby: What are you guys thinking! We are a team! We aren't supposed to fight!

Atom: Tell her that! I just wanted you guys to stop fighting! But she just punched me off the FUCKING ROOF!

Yang: SHUT THE FUCK UP! YOU ARE NOTHING BUT A SAD CHILD WHO GOT ABUSED!

The rest of the team gasps as Atom's mouth was wide open in shock. Suddenly, Weiss's hands started getting hot. She backed off as Atom blew up with blue fire.

Yang: Come at me BITCH!

She hit her fists together and came at him. They threw hands after hands. They then jumped off the roof as Atom used his semblance to soften his landing. Yang flew into the fountain. She exploded into fire and ran at him. Their fists hit each other as an explosion of both yellow and blue fire happened. Yang went to kick him in the stomach, but he backed off just in time. He then went at her with an uppercut, but she grabbed his arm and threw him to the ground. He got off of the ground with anger present in his face. They went at it once more, but this time, Iris stepped in. She flew in between them. All of a sudden, a white light blinded them both with the rest of the team.

Atom inside his mind

Yang, Ruby, Weiss and Blake woke up in a darkened place. They had there combat clothes on with their weapons. They then arrived inside of a house. They looked around and saw a man around his thirties go upstairs. He then pulled a latch to the attic down and go up it.

?: Hey brat!

They all saw Atom and gasped. His nose was broken, his body bruised, and a cut on his stomach.

?: Did you break that plate downstairs!

Atom: No sir, I wa-

He got punched in the gut as he coughed up blood.

?: Don't lie to me you little shit!

He then punt kicked his face making him pass out. The guy scoffed and went back downstairs. The four looked at the broken boy that was passed out. Ruby started crying, seeing her loved one had to go through this. Weiss was in shock, Blake was disgusted, and Yang had a guilty look on her face. Suddenly a women that looked around twenty five came up.

?: You up?

She flipped him over and clicked her tounge.

?: Damnit, I told him not to knock you out yet. Oh well, this works.

She started undressing as everything went black again. The four woke up in their dorm room and the time was seven twenty two.

3rd Pov

They look at Atom who was still sleeping. Iris flew to them all.

Ruby: Did you just, turn back time.

Iris nodded and went to Atom. She shook him as he yawned and rubbed his eyes. He looked at the four.

Atom: Oh, morning girls! Surprised to see you up early.

Ruby: Um, Atom, could we talk?

Atom: Yeah, what's up?

Yang: Can you tell us everything you went through at your old home?

Atom: O-oh. Sure.

He sat up and breathed in and out.

Atom: Like I said to you two, my father wasn't like any normal one. He would come home from work every single day and beat me. I was in the attic for most of my life. I had no bed, no clean clothes, nothing. All I had was walls a ceiling and a floor. My dad would always beat me half to death. But this was the thing I didn't tell you two. I would get....... get raped by my mother.

Rwby: Gasps.

Atom: Every time I was knocked out, my mother would do it with me every time. Or, if I was awake, my mother would do it, but she would punch me enough so I would get knocked out. And that's basically it.

Ruby: S-so I won't be your first?

Atom: No you will, because I didn't count those. She did it without love, but out of lust and desire. *Sigh* can we drop the subject now. It's supposed to be a happy day today! We got accepted, and this is our first real day at Beacon! Come on! Or else it'll make cry, I will be a sad boy.

The girls smile and giggle at his goofiness.

Ruby: You're right! Come on team let's get ready!

Atom gets out of the room and into the bathroom to change. He brushes his teeth and combs his hair. He puts on some deodorant and some cologne. He knocks on the door.

Atom: You girls done!

Yang: Yep!

He walks out and sees the girls all dressed in their outfits. They stand in front of him.

Yang: Well?

Ruby: How

Weiss: Do

Blake: We

Rwby: Look?

Atom: Well, you all look great, like always.

Blake: Well now we need to unpack, and clean.

Atom: And I'm gone, see ya!

Ruby: Oh no you don't!

Atom runs to Jnpr's room and starts knocking frantically.

Atom: Jaune! Come on-

He felt a dark aura behind him. He saw the four girls looking at him evilly.

Atom: Noooo!

Rwby closes their door as Jaune opened his team's dorm. He looks around and shrugs before closing the door. While that, Atom was helping the girls. He was happily helping them with a giant smile on his face. They got done and looked at their work.

Ruby: Objective complete!

They had everything set up, buuuuut, the beds were stacked.

Atom: Hehe, I'm sure that isn't a completion.

Blake: We could get rid of the beds.

Ruby: Or we can make bunk beds!

Atom just looks at her. She sweat drops as Atom walked to her. She felt like she shrunk, until Atom kissed her forehead.

Atom: I'm glad I fell in love with you.

She smiles.

Weiss: We should put it to a vote.

Atom: We just did.

The five of them speed build to make beds.

Atom and Ruby: Objective complete.

They look at the beds. Ruby's bed was held up by rope and Yang's bed was on a stack of books on each corner.

Atom: Next up is classes.

Ruby: Our first class is Grimm studies with Professor Port at nine.

Weiss: Did you say nine!

Ruby: U-umm.

Weiss: It's eight fifty five you dunce!

Atom: Okay, run!

The team runs to class with Jnpr close behind. Luckily they made it, just in time for the stories too.

Port: Monsters, demons, prowlers of the night. yes the creatures of Grimm are called many things. But, I merely represent them as pray haha!

Silence.

Atom: Hey, he ain't wrong.

Weiss and Blake smack him right upside the head at the same time.

Atom: *Tear falls* ow.

Port: And you shall too, upon graduating from this prestigious academy. Now as I was saying, Vale as well as the other three kingdoms. Are safe haven in an otherwise treacherous world. Our planet is absolutely teeming with creatures that would love nothing more than tear you to pieces. And that's where we come in.

Atom: Like I said to Ozpin before initiation. Thanks for the encouragement.

Port: Huntsman, Huntresses.

He clicks his tounge at Yang.

Atom: No, stop.

Port: Individuals who have sworn to protect those who cannot protect themselves. From what you ask? Why the very world.

Student: Ayy yep!

He sat down from being awkward.

Atom: Random.

Port: That is what you're training to become. But first a story, a tale of a young handsome, man. Me.

The rest of his words turned into blahs. Ruby was drawing something on her paper. She showed as a drawing of Port calling him Professor Poop. Weiss looked unamused. Atom puts a hand on her shoulder to calm her down a bit.

Port: The moral of this story is that a true Huntsman must be honorable.

Ruby fell asleep again.

Port: A true Huntsman must be dependable.

Ruby was balancing an apple on her pencil.

Port: A true Huntsman must be strategic, and well educated and wise.

Ruby was digging for gold.

Port: So who among you believes themselves to be the embodiment of these traits?

Weiss: I do sir!

Atom: I also do!

Port: Atom, co-leader, let's see if your placment isn't a fluke.

Atom vaults over the desks, and lands with a roll. He cracks his fingers and neck.

Atom: I'm ready.

Port: You're not going to get your weapons?

Atom: Nah.

Port: Okay then.

He cuts the lock with his axe. A beowolf comes out and walks towards Atom. It snarls at him. Atom just stood there. Finally, the Grimm attacked. Atom blocked its attack and gave it a harsh uppercut in the stomach. The thing held its stomach a bit. It then ran on all fours at Atom. Atom jumped over the wolf with ease as it bashed into a wall. It whimpered and held its nose. It then ran at Atom one last time. Atom grabbed its arm when it swong its claws at him. He spun him once before throwing him in the air. His feet then caught fire. He jumped up in the air and did a crescent kick in the air. He then did a side kick and ended it with an axe kick, making the poor thing plummet to the ground. Atom landed with a super hero landing. But he saw that he had a bit of dust on his shoe. He crossed his eyes.

Atom: That's how you do it!

He said with a funny voice which made everyone laugh. Even Port laugh.

Port: Oh, young man you just made my day.

Atom: See, like I am focused in a fight. But my mind can't stay focused, so I had to make a funny. (Yes that was intended.)

Weiss was drying a tear from her eye from laughing. Atom than signalled her to get ready for her fight. She got in her combat gear and got ready.

Yang: Goooo Weiss!

Blake: Fight well!

Ruby: Do it for team RWBY!

Atom: Stay focused Weiss. Clear your mind, let there voices mute out. Just clear everything and focus what's in front of you. I can already tell you it's a boarbutusk, so be careful and aim for the underbelly.

Weiss: Got it.

Atom walks back to his seat with his hands in his pockets. Ruby lays her head on his shoulder and watches Weiss begin the fight.

The Grimm ran up to Weiss and tried to hit her with its tusks as soon as it got out of the cage. Weiss out her gliff under her and dashed at the Grimm. It brought the Grimm back a bit. Is shook its head and began to spin up. Weiss put a black gliff in front of the Grimm, making it stay in place. She then jumped in the air and jumped off of a gliff, stabbing it right in the soft underbelly.

Atom: Nice.

Weiss looked at Ruby harshly and stomped off. Ruby ran after her.

Jaune: What's up with her?

Atom: I don't know, but I'm going to find out.

Atom's Pov

I ran out and followed Ruby secretly. I then hid behind a corner.

Ruby: Weiss what's wrong with you!?

Weiss: What's wrong with me? What's wrong with you!?

Ruby: I didn't do anything wrong!

Weiss: That's just it! You did nothing to earn that spot!

Ruby: Weiss, where's this coming from? In the forest, you said we would be fine on a team.

Weiss: Not a team led by you. Ozpin made a mistake.

I looked at the saddened Ruby and walked out from behind the corner.

Atom: You okay Ruby?

Ruby: Do you think she's right? Do you think Ozpin made a mistake about me?

Atom: Ruby, if I was Ozpin, I would think he made the best choice. Ruby, it's only been one day. Remember being leader and me being co-leader isn't a badge we just wear into battle. It's a constant thing we have to keep in our minds. It's not just something we just pick up and do. It's something we have to get used too. It has to build up inside of us until we fully understand what it means to be a leader. What do you think of me as being the co-leader?

Ruby: I think you're great!

Atom: Is that your feelings telling to say that? Or do you actually think I'm a good leader?

Ruby looks down in thought. I put my hand one her shoulder and kiss her head.

Atom: Just think about it Ruby.

I start to walk towards Weiss. She was sitting on a bench looking at the sun set.

Atom: Hey Weiss.

Weiss looks over to me.

Weiss: Oh, hi Atom.

I sit down next to Weiss.

Atom: Talk to me Weiss. Why do you have such a grudge on Ruby?

Weiss: I was thinking I should've been team leader. She has done nothing to earn that spot.

Atom: Nothing? What about that attack you all did on the Nevermore? Without her quick thinking and teamwork, it would've led to casualties. So, I got a question for you Weiss. Do you think she can be an excellent leader?

Weiss: Well, I, I don't know.

Atom: Hey, just think about it. I know you want to get out of your father's grasp, but it won't work without others to be there with you.

Weiss slams her hand down on the bench. She starts tearing up.

Weiss: But, that's not why I have a grudge on Ruby!

I look at her confused.

Atom: Than, what is it?

Weiss slams her lips on mine. I was shocked. Very shocked. She backed away and ran off crying. I put my fingers on my lips.

Atom: W-what? How long? Ugh!

I walked off to the dorm room. I scan my scroll and walked in. I see Ruby studying as I go on her bed.

Atom: We need to talk.

Ruby: What is it?

Atom: Weiss, Weiss is in love with me.

Ruby: Okay, why?

Atom: I don't know why. I remember I helped her through hard times when she was with her father. But, she kissed me when I was talking to her. She doesn't have a grudge on you for team leader. No, she has a grudge on you because you got to me first.

Ruby: Oh.

Atom: Talk to her about it. Cause I don't know what to do. I don't want to hurt her feelings, she's been through enough as it is.

Ruby: Okay, I will.

Atom: But just remember, I love you, and only you. It's just, I don't want the whole team turn upside down because of this.

Ruby: I know Atom, I love you too. I'll see what I can do.

Atom: Thanks, I'm gonna go train for a little while. I'll be back.

3rd Pov

Atom was at one of the training rooms. He had Nebula on and started practice his speed of his slashes. With Ruby, she fell asleep, but woke up when Weiss shook her.

Ruby: Uh, Weiss, I was studying and then I fell asleep-

Weiss shushed her.

Weiss: How do you like your coffee?

Ruby: Uh, I do-

Weiss: Answer the question!

Ruby: Uh cream and five sugars!

Weiss makes her coffee and hands it to her.

Ruby: Hey Weiss, can we talk.

Weiss: Yeah, what is it.

Ruby: Atom told me what happened.

Weiss: O-oh.

Atom was speeding up more and more with his strikes.

Ruby: You love him too, don't you?

Weiss: How can't I? He got me out of my house, away from my father. He saved me.

Atom was getting faster and faster.

Ruby: Yeah, he does like to help people.

Weiss: Yeah.

Ruby: Go ahead.

Weiss: Huh?

Ruby: Tell him how you feel, if he gives those feelings back, than we can share him.

Weiss: A-are you sure Ruby? I don't want anything to happe-

Ruby: Yes I'm sure. Go on.

Weiss smiles and rushes out of the door. Atom finally got his attacks to the speed of sound.

Atom: Ahhh!

He did one last swing as a shockwave protruded from the last hit. He was sweating badly.

Weiss: What are you doing here so late?

Atom saw was standing at the door way smiling.

Atom: Oh, just getting some extra training in.

Weiss: At eleven at night?

Atom took out his scroll and looked at the time.

Atom: Ahh, lost track of time whoops.

Weiss giggled as Atom put his weapon to the side.

Atom: Weiss, what happened back at the bench-

Weiss: Do you accept?

Atom: What?

Weiss walked up to him and kissed him again. She then backed up.

Weiss: Ruby said that we can share you if you accept me. If you don't that-

Atom gave her a kiss of his own. She was shocked at first but smiled and kissed back.

Atom: If Ruby's fine with it, than I am too. Now please don't think I'm a pimp or a player, I just don't want to see anyone unhappy.

Weiss: How about we call you a sweetheart?

Atom: That works a lot better.

Weiss: Come on, you need a shower before you go to sleep.

Atom: You're right about that hehe.