The ship landed, with the new-formed team awaiting them. Nick was quite nervous, and so did Pyrrha and Blake. Yang, on the other hand, felt very thrilled. A new adventure awaited her. First after all that's happened back in Beacon. She was smiling, while Nick had a totally stressed face. Suddenly, he felt something. Yang was trying to slip her hand into his. Nick slightly squeezed it but tried to not let her know that he does that. But they both immediately let each other go, when the door to the ship opened. 2 figures emerged, going down the stairs leading to the deck of the ship. A tall female with long purple hair and dark blue eyes in the front and slightly shorter male with shoulder-length black hair, also with blue eyes a little behind her. Ironwood seemed shocked. Yang, Blake and Pyrrha saluted. Goodwitch, Oobleck and Port started to whisper to each other:
-Professor Tromberg!-yelled Ironwood, seeing the woman and quickly walked up to her-we're very pleased by your presence, but…don't you think it's a bit risky to go out like that to such a dangerous place like here?
-Ekhm…-grunted the man behind the woman
-I'm sorry, Mr. Mikaelsen, didn't see you at first. You're also very welcome here-said Ironwood
Professor Tromberg walked up a bit closer to Nick, Blake, Pyrrha and Yang, completely ignoring the general. She was looking at Van Thorne with no emotion:
-So…you're that Hexman James told us about?-she said with a very mature voice
-Yes, ma'am-replied Nick and took off his hat-and…who are you?
-How dare you…-the male was about to yell at Van Thorne, but the woman raised her hand, immediately silencing him
-No one granted you permission to speak, Jonas-she said apathetically
Nick felt as something presses against his back. It was Yang, cowering behind him. She was accompanied by Pyrrha and Blake. Nick then cleared his throat as if he wanted to remind the newcomers he's still there:
-Oh, I almost forgot-said the female and reached her hand out to Van Thorne-Helga Tromberg, headmistress of Haven academy of Mistral. That guy behind me is Jonas Mikaelsen, my assistant. And you're…
-Nicholas Van Thorne-said Nick, shaking the principal's hand-grandmaster of The Brotherhood. The 3 girls behind me are Yang Xiao Long, Pyrrha Nikos and Blake Belladonna of Beacon academy of Vale. As a whole, we form team NYPB
-Well then…nice to meet you all. Shall we go then?
-What's the rush?-asked Ironwood
-There are some people who are willing to meet these four in Haven as fast as possible. As much as we'd love to stay, we really need to get back. This problem with riots is growing and here you seem to be having a simillar one. Mr. Van Thorne, please proceed with Mr. Mikaelsen to the main deck. The trip will be long, it might take us whole day, so make yourselves comfortable and later I'll join you
-We will. Thank you, professor-said Van Thorne and climbed the stairs with his teammates. Tromberg's grumpy assistant awaited them at the top.
-Follow me-he said, looking at team NYPB with aristocratic type of pride, like at someone worse. Nick followed the assistant of the headmistress, while she walked up closer to Glynda Goodwitch and started to talk with her about something. The new team disappeared in the deck of the ship.
Mikaelsen brought all the warriors into a small corridor:
-These are your cabins. Unfortunately, we have only two of them spare. The one to your left has 3 beds, the one to your right has only 1
-I'm taking one bed!-yelled Blake immediately after these words and jumped to the room to her right and slammed the door. Mikaelsen shuddered.
-Well…that probably means you're stuck with us-said Pyrrha to Nick, smiling politely. But then it started to look more and more seductive and finally she embraced him and whispered into his ear-I'm not complaining, you know…
„Oh, for fuck's sake! Can't these girls behave normally?! Why is everyone trying to seduce me?!" thought Nick, pissed off. Yet he didn't show any signs of his irritation. He just smiled back, awkwardly and walked into the room to his left. Pyrrha and Yang walked right after him.
The room was a bit obscure, but big enough to fit all 3 warriors inside. In fact, there was almost nothing to complain about. There was a small window that could be opened, a bathroom, lamps that weren't very flashy…and the entire room was overall cozy. But there was one major problem. Nick noticed that with horror:
-Ummmmm…mr. Assistant?-he said
-Yes?-Mikaelsen's voice could be heard from behind the slightly opened door
-There are two beds in this room, not three
The principal's assistant peeked from behind the door, confused. He just laughed a bit and said:
-Of course there are. Well, two in one, to be precise. Is there a problem with it?
But even before Nick could say anything, he felt as his mouth is being covered by someone:
-No, no, we're good-said Yang. She was holding her hand at Nick's mouth, preventing him from saying anything. She just grinned at Mikaelsen. The principal's assistant left and closed the door:
-Oh, fu fuchs sahe!-mumbled Nick, still with Yang's hand over his mouth
When the girl let go of his face, she then walked up to Pyrrha:
-So…who sleeps where? One of us will have to sleep with him-she said to her quietly, pointing her finger at Nick. She stil had a wide grin on her face
-I'm not sure, Yang-said Pyrrha, looking at Nick with a seductive smile-maybe we should let him go to that separate bed and we should go to that double?
-Are you nuts?!-Yang almost yelled at her-you'd miss such an opportunity? You don't get to sleep with a Hexman everyday in one bed!
-Actually…we already did sleep together. On the ferry to Patch Island, Nick was taking a nap and I…-Pyrrha then realised what she was saying and covered her mouth half-sentence
-Pyrrha…-said Yang, holding herself back from laughing
Nikos blushed, embarrased. Nick decided he can't listen to this and said:
-Compromise. We'll fuse all 3 beds and everyone will be happy. Except for me, because…no one cares, really-he said, sighing in defeat
Both Yang and Pyrrha looked at him, confused:
-It's rude to overhear people-said Yang ironically
-You can't fool these ears-said Van Thorne, pointing his finger at his ears
After that he walked up to the only bed that was separated and pulled it straight to the double bed, fusing them all together. After that, another problem occured:
-Which side do we sleep in?-said Nick
-Well…maybe Nick will sleep on the right, I will go in the middle and Pyrrha on the left side?-said Yang
-Oh no! I don't wanna sleep on the left! You would be snoring directly into my ear
-I'm not snoring!
-Compromise-said Nick, sighing again-I will go in the middle and you girls on the sides, no matter which one you choose
-Fine by me!-said Yang happily and gave a thumbs up
While all this madness was happening in Van Thorne's room, the ship was taking off. Professor Tromberg was still talking to Glynda Goodwitch:
-You can't hide this from the rest of the world. I'll make sure about that-she said, as she was walking back to the ship
Goodwitch was just standing near the staircase. She seemed sad. Ironwood, Oobleck and Port were trying to comfort her, while Helga was going back to the ship. Mikaelsen awaited her in the command center. He was certainly happy with her finally coming back:
-See, Jonas? Nothing to worry about…-she said
-Except for them-said Mikaelsen and pointed his finger at the direction leading to the team's rooms
-These 3 girls from Beacon don't seem to be a problem. Keep an eye out on that Hexman, though. I have a very bad feeling about him…
-You think he might cause us trouble?
-No. I rather think he already is in deep shit. Swarms of Grimm in Vale, The White Fang, The Fall Maiden Usurper, riots in Mistral…
-And Lahilla
-I don't think they're a threat anymore…
-But it is suspicious…I mean these riots…all those people, throwing fists at those who swore to protect them…you think this wasn't set up by someone?
-I don't think, I KNOW this was set up. The riot brats are no longer throwing fists at soldiers, but actual grenades! Someone arms them, and we need to find out who as fast as we can. We can add Lahilla to the list of suspects…but in my opinion, this is just another one of those schemes played by Schnee and the council of Atlas
-You can't just blame them for everything…
-Atlas are imperialists! They've always been. I wouldn't be shocked if this turned out like that. They already can feel free to march their entire military into Vale, I'm sure Mistral will be their next target. Or maybe they're playing on 2 fronts…
-Helga, please stop speculating so much…
-You're right, Jonas. I think I've been thinking too much recently-she laughed-call these kids here, we need a serious talk with them
Mikaelsen walked away from the command center to the corridor. When he reached it, he heard loud snoring coming from his left. He opened the door.
Nick was lying on the fused triple bed. His mouth was opened, eyes closed and arms spread. He was sleeping. Yang and Pyrrha were patting him in the arms:
-Wake up! Ugh!-yelled the blonde girl
-Sir, ladies-said Mikaelsen-professor Tromberg awaits you in the command center. I advise you see her right away…
-Oh, gimme a fuckin' break! I thought I'll finally get to lay down in peace and quiet!-yelled Van Thorne while he was getting up
-Sorry to hear that-said Jonas and left the room. A little later team NYPB followed him. Tromberg was sitting in her chair like a queen. She put her legs on her desk and seemed bored. Even though she looked mature, she still had a very young-looking hair, which she was playing with, when Mikaelsen arrived. She didn't seem to care even a bit. NYPB just took their seats in front of that desk:
-Glad you accepted my invitation-said the headmistress
-I wonder where I have heard that before-said Nick with a sarcasm
-So…you're a team, right?-asked Tromberg after an awkward silence
-Not officialy yet-said Van Thorne
-Mrs. Tromberg-Blake bumped into the conversation without permission-We appreciate your cooperation with taking us from that spot in Vale. But I think we have the right to know why are we being taken to Haven?
-Weren't you about to actually come and pay us a visit?-said Tromberg, spread her arms and laughed
Nick poked the faunus girl in the arm as if he wanted to say „knock it off". Yang then grew a bot suspicious:
-How do you know we wanted to go to Haven?
-Our intelligence works very hard lately. Since there was such a social…misunderstanding…we were trying to get as much info from outside as we could. We sent the best agent to get a view at situation in Vale…and that's how we bumped into you, Mr. Van Thorne…My order from that moment forward was clear: You need to be watched. And he did a great job. We received information, that you plan a journey to Mistral, so we decided to surprise you
-You've always been a nation of filthy spies-said Van Thorne angrily
-Says the man who was stalking criminals for the last 7 months…-suddenly a voice could be heard behind team NYPB. It definitely didn't belong to Mikaelsen. It was very harsh and sounded a bit like an evil whisper. Yang's eyes suddenly went wider than ever. Tromberg also seemed surprised. Nick turned at that moment around.
The guy, who said that, was standing next to Mikaelsen. He had a small bottle for liquor in his hands and was drinking from it. He had black, spiky hair, red eyes and a light beard, kind of like Taiyang. He was wearing a grey shirt, black pants and boots and had a torn short red cape hanging loose from his back. Nick suddenly realised something. Since he appeared in Vale, everytime he was looking at the sky or was focused on something he could hear a bird cawing. At that moment he started to remember who it was:
-UNCLE QROW!-yelled Yang and ran up to him, squeezing him in a tight hug. He didn't seem to enjoy it
-Dammit, Yang! Stop! You're gonna break my spine-he was barely saying
„He behaves just like me" thought Nick. Pyrrha and Blake stayed on their seats. Tromberg was still surprised:
-Did you really have to expose yourself this much?-she said-and how did you get here?
-I got my own methods-replied Qrow, while Yang was letting him go
-Nick! Come here!-said Yang, while she was dragging Van Thorne by the hand-unlce Qrow, I'd like you to meet someone…
-Oh really?-Qrow sounded sarcastic
-This is Nick, my…boyfriend!-Yang sounded extremely happy about what she said. Pyrrha and Blake's faces turned red in rage, their eyes became huge. Nick blushed embarrased. Qrow laughed loudly
-He's actually this patient? Pleased to meet you then-said Yang's uncle and shaked Van Thorne's hand. His grip was simillar to Yang's. Nick never thought introductions can hurt this much
-I'm happy to meet you too, sir-replied the Hexman. After that Yang stopped squeezing him by the hand and instead hugged him. This time it didn't feel painful. In fact, she was gentle. She then placed her head on his shoulder
-But wait…-Yang suddenly said-if you're here then…
-Don't worry, firecracker-Qrow interrupted her-your sister and friends are safe. They wait for us in the landing zone of Haven. I didn't tell them who is coming, though, so they'll have a nice surprise
-You heard that, Nick?-said Yang, looking deep into his eyes with a wide smile…
And then…Van Thorne felt as something presses against his lips. Yang…was actually kissing him. „What the fuck is even going on?!" he thought at first. But then the entire world around him became foggy, nothing mattered at this moment. Nothing…except Yang. Nick had to admit it to himself. „Maybe I really love her? But…we've known each other for a very short time. Is it possible? Does love at first sight even exist? I only experienced hate and disdain all my life. But I never really tried to be different than I already was. Maybe this is the sign to finally change something not only in the world but also inside? What am I even thinking about?! Why does it even matter? Nothing matters right now. I'm kissing Yang Xiao Long goddamit. But…Blake and Pyrrha still see this. Let's just hope that I won't wake up the next day with my buttcheeks ripped off. I'm willing to take that risk…" he thought and kissed Yang back. Her lips felt like they were made for that moment. Nick closed his eyes. Yang did the same thing. For a moment, they were both just standing there, with everyone except Mikaelsen watching them. After a while, Qrow broke that silence:
-Yang!
The „couple" awkwardly stopped kissing at that moment. Xiao Long then realised, that she had her hand on Nick's butt this whole time. She blushed, embarrased and looked at Blake and Pyrrha. They looked like they wanted to absolutely murder her. At that moment also Tromberg woke up from her shock:
-Well, ummmm…turns out that Mr. Branwen gave you all the information I wanted to say. You can go now
-We'll meet again…Nick-said Qrow, this time in a harsh tone
The team was going back to their rooms. All three girls entered the room. Blake walked in as the last one. She slammed the door loudly:
-What the fuck was that, Yang?!-she yelled
-Quiet, you'll wake up the crew-replied Yang sneeringly
-What were you thinking?!-Pyrrha was also angry at the blonde girl
-What is your problem?-said Yang calmly-I didn't cut off his balls or anything…
-But…Yang…you barely know him! Not to mention what you did was staged and Nick probably didn't even want that-said Pyrrha
-How do you know?!
-I just think you should talk to him about that and try to do something about this! What will the rest say?
-Why should I even care?! You're just jealous, because your boyfriends turned out to be psychos or fuckin' weaklings!
-By the way-said Blake suddenly. She was calm-where is Nick?
Near the door to his room, Van Thorne had a conversation with Qrow. He dragged him over there before he could enter the room. Nick seemed to be a bit upset while talking to him:
-I'm as shocked as you are-he said
-No shit! You keep saying that, but you know what? I still don't believe ya
-Just like I don't believe that you actually didn't see that fuckin' shed!
-Look, I think we're getting a bit too emotional here. It's not that big of a deal. Let me propose a compromise. I'm not going to tell Ruby or anyone at Haven how really are things between you and Yang. But you've gotta end this madness. You both need to stop lying
-Alright, I'll talk to her and we'll just start posing as normal friends then. I'm telling you, it already was awkward enough for me…
-I appreciate your decision. To be honest with you, if you want desperately a girl, then go for Ruby, please. I'm afraid that this Arc kid is flirting with her
-Yeah yeah, go fuck yourself, Qrow-said Nick in an ending way and walked away. He had no idea, however, that someone heard him…
-So…you were shocked too?-a familliar voice sounded next to him
The door to his right opened slightly and Blake walked out from behind. She had her pajamas on. It was the first time Nick ever saw her in that outfit
-You always have to creep up on me?-he said, still a bit mad after his conversation with Qrow
-I just…accidentally hear things. Something you should already be aware of-replied the faunus girl and took off her bow. Small cat ears appeared in the place of it
-Yeah…sure. By the way, what's up with that new outfit?
-You avoid talking about it-she said, ignoring his question-are you scared?
-Blake…
-I don't blame you. It's not your fault that Yang put you in such a spot. I know this. But…Pyrrha…I think she has a bit of a problem with understanding it. She fell asleep after her huge rant on Yang and after that she kicked me out of the room
-What's up with Pyrrha?
-Well…Yang actually believes that you're that close to actually be in such a relationship. And then she started to glorify you and she started calling Adam names…
-No shit. He actually deserves that…
-Maybe. But after that she started to make fun of Jaune and that…kind of triggered Pyrrha. You're lucky you haven't seen this. It was absolutely terrifying. I've never seen her so pissed off, she was usually very…calm. Like me, you know?
-Wow…that's…unusual…
-Listen-Blake gently grabbed Nick by the hand-I know you've never been in such a situation and try to stay out of it as much as possible, but…sometimes you just need to decide
-You think I've never been making choices? I was. But they've never been that hard to make. On one hand, I'm pissed off at Yang, my aunt and whole this situation and want to just get on the motorcycle and drive as far from everyone as possible. On the other hand I feel like I've already drowned on the bottom. LIke I will never reach the surface again, but somehow…I feel accomplished, as if I put the last piece of puzzle into my lifestyle. Damn, all this thinking makes me sick. I wish I've never came to Vale…
-Hey-Blake squeezed Van Thorne's hand a little tighter-you're more important than you can imagine. You've played a bigger role than any of us already. So far everything you did was something we all needed. You're special, Nick. And I can feel it
-Yeah, sure…-he said, releasing his hand from Blake's grip. Her words were already echoing in his head-Goodnight
-Hehe, goodnight-she giggled quietly and closed the door to her room. Nick then slowly opened the door to his room
Pyrrha was indeed sleeping. However, something was different. She dragged one of the beds from the double one and was sleeping on this one separate. She was covered with quilt and was quietly breathing with her eyes closed. Nick looked at her and saw that her mattress has a wet stain near her face. „She was crying" Van Thorne thought to himself. Then he heard another sound. It was coming from the bathroom. Water. Yang was taking a shower. „Nope. I'm going straight to bed" thought Nick, took off his coat, sweater, boots and pants and jumped straight into the bed. He covered himself with the quilt and was forcing himself to fall asleep. „Just don't let Yang see that I'm not asleep" he thought. After about 15 minutes when he had his eyes closed, he felt as someone pokes him in the arm gently:
-Nick? Nick? Nick, are you asleep?-said Yang. It was her
Van Thorne didn't react. Even further, he tried to pretend he was in deep sleep so he started snoring. „I'm so sorry, Pyrrha" he thought to himself. But then he felt as he is being pulled by the hair. That…just was too much:
-Ouch!-he almost yelled as he rapidly woke up-What?! What is it?!
Yang was kneeling next to him on the bed. She also had pajamas on. Her face was serious. Nick thought that maybe she will actually try to say something about what happened:
-Nick…I…I'm so sorry
Van Thorne didn't say anything. He was just looking at her with hope:
-I wanted to let you know, that…I wasn't posing back there to humiliate you. It's just because…my uncle is very suspicious towards everyone. I wanted him to be sure, that you're a stranger that can be trusted, so I pretended we're a couple. The thing alone wasn't very awkward, but that kiss later…I think I might've gone a bit too far in this. I think I actually forced it on you. I understand if you're angry right now. Uncle Qrow will now probably start talking about a family meeting or something like that. I'll understand if you wish to terminate this „relationship" right now…
Nick seriously drowned in thoughts. At that moment, something weird was overcoming his senses, his aura and entire behavior. Maybe it was just his human part. But this time it felt even more human. More feelings were overcoming him. More emotions were taking control. How could something like that be tamed? His mind then completely shut down and all the thoughts started to come from the heart. And it should be obvious, what his heart made him say (not against his will):
-Yang…-he said
-Yes, Nick?
-I…don't want to end our relationship…
-Are you forcing yourself or do you really want that?
-I…I want to-he said, stuttering very much. At that moment his throat started to make him feel as if he was choking-Yang…
-What is it?-Yang's seriousness was turning into a big excitement
-I…I love you-said Nick, very, VERY quietly. „Holy shit. Did I seriously just fuckin' say that?! Well…goodbye cruel world. I'll probably be dead any second now. She's going to laugh at my face and I probably will end up jumping earlier off this ship. But…fuck! I really do love her! If that will seriously ruin me, I don't know how will I keep on living. I couldn't possibly continue as a Hexman. I would be unable to forget about her. We've known each other for such a short time, I practically know nothing about her. But these lilac eyes, that golden hair, this cute voice…it all just makes me feel as if I've known her all my life. Well, now I know for sure-if I didn't humiliate myself then I want to be with her. At least try. But what about Qrow? He'll probably kill me. We'll see who will be faster, Branwen. Now nothing matters…again" he thought. After that, he slowly crawled up to her, placed his hand on her cheek and planted a kiss on her lips. At first he had a feeling as she wants to resist, but she only wrapped her arms around him, squeezing him gently. Nick was getting really into that kiss. Yang had her eyes closed this entire time. Van Thorne, on the other hand, was looking at a different direction for a second. Pyrrha was still sleeping. „I hope what Qrow said about Jaune is bullshit" he thought and turned his eyes back at (this time for real) his new and first girlfriend.
While they were making out in the bed, something happened. The desire, the fire that they both had inside their bodies, was just becoming more and more tempting. Eventually, they both disappeared under the quilt and literally seconds later Yang's pajamas and the rest of Nick's clothes landed at the edge of the bed. They were really burning with lust towards each other. Nick was wrapping his arms around Yang, while she was awkwardly trying to take his and her own virginity away while their lips were sealed in kisses. „I can't believe this! So far I only had nightmares, but…this is a dream come true. And a good one I've never experienced!" thought Van Thorne. Eventually, Yang succeeded, and they both were like one. It was hard for both of them to not moan while they were having this awkward and a little funny first time sex. Nick was doing his best not to wake Pyrrha up. When all the excitement wore off, Yang landed right next to her new boyfriend, exhausted. They were still both breathing heavily. They both looked at each other:
-I love you too…-said Yang, while she was trying to control her breath and then closed her eyes. Shortly after that Nick also fell asleep.
When they woke up, they heard a quiet stomping in front of their bed. It was Qrow who was shaking his head. Pyrrha wasn't in the room He seemed quite pissed off:
-Uh-oh…-said Nick. His eyes went wide
-We had a deal, Nicholas-said Yang's uncle
-Go fuck yourself, Qrow-replied Van Thorne-I really love her, and I know this for sure
For a second there, Branwen seemed like he was about to slaughter him. But suddenly he took out his bottle with liquor, drank a little from it and started laughing:
-Charming, Hexman. Really charming. Now get your asses out of the bed. We've entered Haven's air space. We'll be landing in about 15 minutes and Tromberg wants to talk to you before you abandon the ship. Also, don't forget who awaits you nearby. Try not to make me feel ashamed, if you can…
About half an hour later Nick and Yang were fully dressed up. They decided to not hold each other by the hand and generally be a little quiet about their relationship. Both Blake and Pyrrha, however, turned out to know about what happened and didn't say a word to Nick and Yang. Tromberg awaited them right by the doors. Mikaelsen was not with her:
-Alright, team. We're here. Your guests await. After introduction with them, when you're done hugging and everything, go to your rooms. Mrs. Xiao Long, Belladonna and Nikos will go with the guests. You, Mr. Van Thorne, will go to the other room. You will be escorted there with two our teams, who will be responsible for your safety. You're a very essential guest to us and we don't want anything bad to happen to you
-But…-Nick was about to say something
-Shhhh…it's okay-whispered Yang. At that moment the doors to the ship began to open slowly. Later they were on the ground, with a stairway emerging from it. The same one, which team NYPB climbed while going inside the ship. At that moment Yang just said:
-Well…Stairway to Haven. Kinda makes sense…Nick, you know what I'm saying…-she said poking him with her arm. As always, it was one of her really bad puns. But because of that everybody wanted to laugh. In that moment, however, Nick only smiled while Blake and Pyrrha were dead serious. „Are they still pissed off about what happened?" Nick thought while he and the three girls were going down the stairs. Tromberg followed them slowly. For a second they were alone on the landing zone in Haven.
It didn't look very different from the landing zone in Beacon. There was this huge round landing zone, which was one of the three available, and this long pavement leading straight into the huge complex of Haven Academy. It looked simillar to Beacon, however it had some halls that were decorated with round tops, instead of triangular. It was also much more colorful. On the sides of the pavements, instead of lawns, there were thousands of flowers. For Nick it was ridiculous. He actually hated flowers. And he also had a friend, who was allergic to their smell…
Nick shaked his head, getting rid of all his nostalgic thoughts and slowly walked a little to the side. Van Thorne was correcting gloves on his hands…
While suddenly everyone heard a loud squeal from a short distance:
-YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANG!-a high-pitched voice could be heard from the distance. At that moment Nick stopped correcting the gloves and slightly slided down his sunglasses.
4 people were coming in their direction. Two boys, two girls. One guy had a hoodie and jeans on, and a sword attached to his hip. The other one had long (even longer than Nick's) hair in the color black. At first Nick thought it's a girl, before he got a better view at him. He had white pants on and a green tailcoat. He had a pink streak in his hair. Next to him stood a girl with shoulder-length, ginger hair, a white shirt with a heart carved out near her neck on it, pink skirt and gloves with the same color. Something about her smile…was not right. There was also another girl, who already left her 3 friends and was already near Yang.
It was a very short, childish-looking girl in a black/red skirt. A red cape was waving on her back. She had even shorter hair then the ginger girl. It had some red streaks, which were barely visible. Her skin was so pale, Nick felt as if sunlight was hurting his eyes from it. That girl jumped straight at Yang and pinned her to the ground, squeezing her in a hug. Yang at that moment seemed shocked. That girl was probably making her feel as if she can't breathe. Xiao Long was letting out weird sounds as if she was choking, while the other 3 people started to walk in their direction.
-Ruby, stop. You're crushing my neck!-Yang said through the terrifying grip of her sister
-Oh, sorry-said the girl with the red cape and awkwardly stood up. Her voice was very high-pitched. „Hope I can get used to that" thought Nick. But then he noticed something about this girl. She had…silver eyes. „Am I dreaming? My tasks were never this easy. It can't possibly be Ruby Rose. Or maybe fate has a surprise for me? I'll just be myself and see how this turns out" thought Van Thorne to himself and turned his sight somewhere else. The blonde guy was walking slowly towards Pyrrha. His face was pure shock, nothing less. The others seemed to be in simillar state. Even Ruby shouted out her name, when this finally got to her. Nikos didn't mind that. She just walked to the blonde guy…and kissed him. He still seemed to be shocked. The rest was even more shocked. Nick was slowly backing off…when he suddenly felt as someone pokes him in the back:
-Fuck off-he immediately said quietly, while Ruby and the two other people were talking to Pyrrha
-I won't-Blake calmly responded-this is your chance to be a hero. Have you never wanted that?
-No. I don't give a shit whether you call me hero or not. I'm myself, and that's what I'm happy about
-You say those things, but deep down your human part cries for attention…
-And what do you fuckin' know, eh? I'm a mutant, my human part is barely alive
-You won't sell me this nonsense. I saw you and Yang in the bed…
-Ha! And who's the pervert now?
-Shhhhhh…I watched you two when I came to wake you and Pyrrha up. You seemed back then as if you were a Hexman who is closer to his human side than to the Grimm side
-It's not even about sides anymore. It's about credo. I have my freaking rules. I need to keep the balance
-Deep inside, you know you want these rules broken…
-Hey, fuck you-he said as he walked away from all the crowd, angry. He wanted to just stand far from everyone. When he finally did, he pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his coat. „Forgive me for not using you this long" he thought as he was lighting one of them in his mouth. He was smoking, pattering nervously. Suddenly someone patted him on the arm:
-Excuse me, are you Nicholas Van Thorne?-an unknown voice said behind him
-Oh, for fuck's sake!-he yelled angrily with cigarette in his mouth as he was rapidly turning around. His coat waved ominously a little in the air
This time 4 guys were near him. The one that was patting him took the hand away scared. He had red gloves on his hands, short jeans trousers, unbuttoned shirt exposing his pathetic (compared to Nick's) abs, blonde hair, simillar to that guy's who was kissed by Pyrrha…and a tail. „Ugh, another faunus. It's gonna be a terrible conversation". The other 3 were normal humans. One had red hair and a military jacket in the same color, the second was black, had green hair and white coat and the last one had blue hair, goggles on his forehead, red jacket (this time not unbuttoned), and a white shirt with a black tie underneath it. „A bunch of typical teenage guys. How convenient" thought Nick to himself while he was calming down. When he did, he just smiled awkwardly:
-Oh, sorry for that. Just a…pretty rough time lately, hehe-said Van Thorne while dripping ash from his cigarette-Yeah, that's me, so what?
The 4 guys seemed to feel a bit awkward for a second but ultimately they became suddenly chilled out and all walked up to Nick, smiling politely. The faunus guy then said to his 3 companions:
-Hey, but why are we so insolent? He probably doesn't even know us
He then walked up closer to Van Thorne and stretched out his hand:
-I'm Sun Wukong. It's an honour to meet you-he said. Van Thorne shaked his hand, still confused about what is even happening. He kept on smoking, while he was shaking hands with the other 3 guys:
-Scarlet David-said the guy with red hair
-Sage Ayana-said the guy with green hair
When Nick walked up to the last guy, he took the cigarette out of his mouth and exhaled a stream of smoke from his mouth to the opposite site. The smoke, however, was moved by the wind into the blue haired guy's face. He immediately started to cough:
-What the hell, dude?!-he yelled
-Sorry-Van Thorne was embarrased. He quickly smoked the rest of the cigarette, dropped it to the ground and put it out with his foot
-Neptune, that's rude-said Sun suddenly-you seem to forget who that guy is…
-I know who that is!-the blue haired guy seemed offended. He later stretched his hand out and smiled politely-I'm Neptune Vasilias. Sorry for my reaction. I'm just…not used to this kind of stuff
-Yeah sure. It was kind of my fault actually-said Van Thorne
The 5 people were done introducing. Even though Nick felt a bit offended by how they were dressed and how they looked like, they seemed like nice guys. They even knew about Hexman's achievements:
-Oh, or that time in Village 230 when you killed that ghost in the well!-said Sun Wukong. He seemed mostly excited about meeting Van Thorne
-It wasn't a ghost!-laughed Nick-it was just a Boarbatusk stuck at the bottom. It was squealing in pain but the well was distorting his voice. That created an illusion that there might be a ghost. Funny, I didn't know that someone made a protocol out of this…
-It was in Mistral's newspaper! You were on the front page! „The mysterious guy in a trench coat saves villagers from Welling Menace" it was the headline-said Sun
-But I brainwashed all the witnesses! Who was the author?
-It was one of those anonymous freelancers. He goes by the weird name „Chopinhauer"-said Scarlet
-Sounds grim…
-Speaking of bad puns-Neptune interrupted Nick-look, someone is coming right at us. And she's looking at you, Nick
Van Thorne raised his sight a little. He saw Ruby and Yang coming in his direction. The silver eyes were still concerning him. Yang stopped. She had her arm around her sister's back:
-That's the guy. Nick, this is Ruby, my younger sister. Ruby, that's Nick, my boyfriend-said the blonde girl and smiled
Sun, Scarlet, Sage and Neptune's eyes almost popped out of the eye sockets after hearing this. They all looked at Van Thorne, who felt a little awkward about the situation and was waiting for Ruby to make a first move. At that moment professor Tromberg was walking near her. Team SSSN immediately ran up to her, leaving Nick alone with the two sisters:
-So…-the squeaky voice of Ruby could be heard, while Nick was staring at Sun and his teammates for a moment as they started to discuss something with Tromberg:
-Yeah?-said Nick after a while when he focused his eyes on Ruby. He then took off his sunglasses
-Oooooh…-Ruby was impressed-interesting color. Painted?
-Ruby!-Yang poked her in the arm-that's a Hexman
-Cool…and what is a Hexman?
-She never told you?-Nick was surprised
-She didn't let me. She said I'm „too young for those kinds of stories"
-Pfffff…Hahahahahaha! Oh, I almost forgot you're younger! Sorry Yang, it's actually good you didn't say anything
-Oh, come on! Tell me something!
-Ruby, the stories about Hexmen are really not quite good you know? I mean they are like those magazines dad used to hide under my bed, remember?
-Eeeeeeeeeeewwww…gross. Besides, those were yours, you won't fool me!-laughed Ruby
-What I can tell you, though, is the fact that these eyes are not fake-said Nick and pointed his finger at his eyes
-Are those eyes the reason you restored my sister's hand, which I still don't know how could it possibly work?
-Well…
-Nick!-suddenly Van Thorne had someone calling him out. It was Pyrrha. She was waving at him. She didn't seem angry anymore like on the ship
-Sorry, catch you later-he said and walked away from Ruby and Yang. The younger girl seemed to be interested about him. „I'm scared to think what this will turn into" he thought. He then walked up closer to Pyrrha. The blonde guy, the brunette and the ginger girl were also there:
-So…you're Nick, right?-the brunette guy was the first one saying anything-I'm Lie Ren, and that little devil you see next to me is Nora Valkyrie
-Oooooooh…it's a real Hexman!-the ginger girl seemed overjoyed. She began to inspect Nick from every side, checking his muscles etc.-Can you demonstrate how you use your semblance? I heard that it's awesome
-Depends what do you want to see…-said Nick, while he was shaking Nora off, who was leaning against his arm-I can use Igni if you want it this badly…
-Show me!-Valkyrie almost yelled at him from joy
Nick walked away a little from everyone, pointed his hand in the distance, snapped his fingers and stretched his hand out. A fire beam left his hand and flew right in front of him. Pyrrha and Ren started to clap their hands. Nora ran up to him:
-That was awesome! What else can…Ah! Look!-she suddenly squealed
Nick looked at his hand. It was still burning. „Fuck! I forgot to take off the gloves!" he desperately thought while pulling it off his hand. When it finally got off, he dropped it to the ground and started to stomp on it quickly. It worked, the fire disappeared. Ren and Pyrrha seemed a little worried:
-Uuuuuuuh…Tadam!-said Nick and raised his hands, laughing awkwardly
Pyrrha, Nora and Ren also started to laugh. The blonde guy, on the other hand, facepalmed. He seemed uncomfortable with the situation. At that moment Van Thorne put the glove back on his hand. „It's okay" he thought to himself after a further diagnosis. He then walked up to the blonde guy, took off his other glove and stretched out his hand:
-You must be Jaune, right?-he said
-Yes-he quickly replied and shaked Van Thorne's hand
-Pyrrha told me a lot about you-said the Hexman
-I thought so…-said Arc. He didn't seem really interested in what was going on
For the next couple of minutes everyone was talking pretty much about everything. Later Yang and Ruby joined them, which made the conversation even more…alive. And even though Van Thorne was flooded with questions and flatters from Ruby and Nora he was concerned about something different. He didn't get a good first impression on Jaune. He seemed suspicious to him. „Why is he so calm? That's really odd. Pyrrha was overjoyed to finally see him again after she spent so much torment in Dante's domain. If I were him, I'd feel the same thing. Why he didn't say anything to her so far? Why did he barely even react when he saw his dead girlfriend alive again?! Is he that retarded? I have serious doubts about him. He may not be as Pyrrha described him. He may be only worse…". After those thoughts flew through his mind, he decided to abandon this concern for now. He focused on the girls surrounding him and flooding him with questions. Even Blake seemed like she had some questions. But still he didn't take his eyes off Nikos and Arc. He then saw something, that really worried him and pissed off a little bit. Pyrrha walked up to her boyfriend from behind and tried to grab him by the hand. The blonde guy quickly took his hand away from her. Nick was shocked about how calm Pyrrha was about this. „She probably thinks something else, anyway" he thought.
After a long time, team SSSN came back from their conversation with Tromberg:
-Nick, your room is ready. You wanna go now?
-Go. You should rest-said Blake to Van Thorne
-Alright, sure-said Nick to Sun and his friends and followed them inside the academy
A few minutes later Nick and team SSSN was in a narrow corridor, with doors to his left and right (again). Nick could hear Sun and Neptune whispering to each other about the fact, that Yang was his girlfriend when they were going there. About seconds later they stopped under one of the doors. Van Thorne heard quiet voices coming from inside:
-You're gonna live with a different team. We'll be next door-said Sage-call us if you wanna hang out or something
-Oh. Okay. Wait, where does Ruby live with the rest?
-Last door on the left-said Scarlet
At that moment Neptune walked up to the door and knocked a few times:
-Uuuuuuuuuugh!-said a female voice from inside
A weird looking girl opened the door. She had dark purple hoodie and swept to the right hair in the light green color. She was also wearing black shorts. Two ink lines were drawn under her eyes. She was chewing a gum:
-Reese, this is the guy we've talked about-said Sun
Nick felt as the weird girl grabs him by the hand and shakes it rapidly:
-Yo, what's up?-she said like she knew him for a long time. Van Thorne was confused as hell
-Uuuuuuh…nothing much. Guys, what the…-he tried to say but team SSSN was already gone and Reese dragged him into the room. No one was inside, but Nick could clearly hear sounds of shower coming from the bathroom nearby. Reese suddenly let go of his hand:
-So…here's our room. Unfortunately, we got other term, so the bed ain't ready yet…
At that moment the door to the bathroom opened and someone walked out of there. Nick instinctively looked back. He thought he might regret this, but didn't think about that because of the confusion.
It was a tall girl with a legitimate brown skin and platinum blonde hair. Her head was wet and she was only covered by towel. She seemed very surprised seeing Nick in the room:
-Chloris, why did you bring a stranger to our room? I thought I stated myself clear…-she said. Her voice sounded very strict
-But that's the guy! Ya know, the guy from Chopinhauer's articles
-Oh. Well then, sorry for my behavior. Nice to meet you, I'm Arslan Altan, leader of team ABRN. And you're…
-Nicholas Van Thorne, Hexman-replied Nick, nodding slowly-where are the other two members?
-Oh, Bolin is probably meditating as always. And Nadir…he probably sits in the library, reading all this ballistic stuff or whatever-said Reese. In the meantime, Arslan disappeared again in the bathroom. Minutes later she came back fully dressed this time but still with wet hair. She sat down on her bed and started to dry her hair with a hair dryer. It was starting to lift up higher and higher that it created an even weirder hairstyle than Reese had.
For the next 2 hours Nick was talking to the two girls. The main topics were the feelings, that Hexmen have when they kill the Grimm:
-How can you feel any empathy towards a freaking monster?!-yelled Nadir suddenly. He and Bolin Hori came to the room about an hour later when there was a discussion. Bolin was the only one sitting silently, from time to time asking questions. Shiko was constantly commenting, and Reese and Arslan were the main discussors
-It is simple-replied Nick-all Hexman are half Grimm. When they kill one, they feel like they slay their brother or sister. Sometimes…
-Well…do you feel sorry for the Grimm you kill?-asked Bolin
-No, I got rid of that feeling long time ago. I feel weak with it
-Fair enough-said Reese
A little later team ABRN made Nick an improvised bed for him to sleep in. It was basically a mattress, a blanket and a cushion. After that someone knocked at their door. Arslan opened it:
-Mrs. Tromberg!-she gasped surprised
-Arslan, can Nick come out for a second?-said the headmistress
-Yeah, sure-Altan replied and moved away so that Van Thorne could leave the room. Tromberg led him to the window, near Ruby's room. For a moment she was just staring at the shattered moon:
-Beautiful, isn't it?-she said
-It surely is
-You know that The Brotherhood was blamed when it was turned like that?
-We are always blamed for the bad things. People still don't know that there are witches among them. They're too blind to see
-Your faith in humanity is extremely low, isn't it?
-Even below. I don't believe in humanity. I only protect them because I'd have nothing else to do
-Really? Unfortunately for you, these days we are protected by Huntsmen and Huntresses. You, Hexmen, are forgotten
-Forgotten and extinct
-There is, however, one thing that we still use and it originated from you
-What is it?
-No one knows Grimm better than you. Your knowledge is that of legends
-What do you suggest, professor?
-If you could provide us some of your informations…
-No
-Oh, come on! You'd really help us out
-And if I don't want to?
-Look, if you will teach these kids something about fighting the Grimm, I promise we'll help you track down Lahilla
-Killing one or two members you'll track down won't be enough
-I assure you, you'll get what you want. Our spies have traces of „The masked fox"
-Bullshit!-Nick's eyes went wide-you're lying!
-You'll never know if you won't try-said Tromberg and smiled
-Even if I want to, there's that situation with all these riots outside of Haven…
-We will send a couple of squads on those types of missions. You will be able to join them. However, we cannot stand out from our educating schedule. I'll let you think about this, in the morning I await your final response. Now go to sleep, it's already past everyone's bedtime-said the headmistress and walked away from Nick. For a second he kept on staring at the moon…
When he suddenly heard loud voices coming from behind one of the doors to the rooms. Van Thorne didn't want and didn't like overhearing people when he didn't want to…but then he recognized the voices talking behind the doors:
-Jaune, what are you talking about?!-said a familiar female voice
-Pyrrha, you need to understand-a male voice responded-I already lost you once and it was because you didn't want me to die there with you! You know how much I've suffered through all that time? Ruby was trying to cheer me up and was failing miserably. But you know what? I'm glad it turned out like this. Because I don't feel anything anymore. This is my present state, Nikos. No feelings. Even love…even this is dead
-Jaune…-Pyrrha was hardly holding back tears. Nick could clearly feel that in her voice
-Stop, Pyrrha. We can still be team, like in old times. But all the other things…that thing near the tower…that's over
-Jaune, I…I'm so sorry…
-I'm not blaming you. No one is guillty here. It was my own decision. As a leader, as an Arc and as a grown-up man
-Jaune, if that's about Nick...
-You think that freak poses any threat to me?! It's just a sad retard, who thinks he's cool because he can shoot fire from his hands and because he wears an old-fashioned coat and barely says anything so he can smoke that disgusting crap. His life is probably the most miserable there ever was
-Stop, Jaune! You don't even know him!
„So that's who you really are, Jaune Arc. Poor Pyrrha…she fell in love with such a douchebag" Nick thought.
-Don't raise your voice at me, you slut!-a yell could be heard by Nick
-Ouch, Jaune, let me go…you're hurting me…
-I am the team leader! You don't give me orders!-another yell and suddenly…a sound of a slap. Nick shrugged on his position for a second. And right after that his blood started to boil like crazy. „I'll make your life miserable now, you fucking prick!" he thought angrily as he took his ear away from the door and was about to kick them open…
But suddenly he felt as his leg is being stunned and an unknown force puts it back on ground. Nick tried to fight the pressure, but that didn't do anything. Instead, he heard a hoarse, slow, dark and evil voice in his mind:
-Nooooooooooo…let me feed more on this…dramaaaaaaaaaa-it said, extending the words on purpose
-No! Fuck off! Leave me alone!-he yelled at the voice, using telepathy
-Hehehehehehehe…Nickyyyyyyyyy…you've always been, you are, and you'll always be alooooooooneeee…
-Motherfucker! Stay away from me! Don't make me use green goo again!
-Hahahahahahaha…your desperate resistance amuses me. However, your rage is impressiveeeeeee. You will not abandon me this time. You owe me thisssssssss, remember?
-Alright, just tell me what to do and stop harassing me…
-Killllllll that priiiiiiick, Jauneeeeeee…feeeeeed me his heeeeeeeeart
-I don't think I can…
-Niiiiiicky…cooooome to the daaaaaark…embrace the shaaaaadowsssss…he isssssss NOTHING!-the last word the voice yelled with less hoarseness and more aggression
At that moment Nick could function normally again. He couldn't hear the voice anymore. But he knew it still was in there…
So he quickly plunged his hand in his coat and took out a vial with green goo. Suddenly, he felt a pulse of pain in his head and his view turned a little red:
-NO! YOU WILL DO MY BIDDING!-yelled the voice in his mind with the same aggression
But Nick was faster. He quickly drank the goo and put the vial back in his coat. The voice screeched for a second and later…it was gone. Van Thorne's eyesight was normal and the pulsing pain was also gone. „I did it. Again. My sanity is back. I must…control myself. Must…keep the balance working" he thought, but he was driven away from what he was thinking when he suddenly heard Jaune yelling again:
-Go away! There's nothing to save!-he said
At that moment the Hexman heard loud steps towards the door. „It's him" he thought and jumped instinctively into the shadow (paradox), hiding in it in the process. The door to the room opened. But it wasn't Jaune, who walked out…
It was Pyrrha. She was in her typical armor with the red skirt. She slammed the door behind her, walked a little closer to the shadow where Nick was hiding. She sat on the floor, looking like someone who was defeated…
And started to cry. This made Nick also want to cry, but he was resisting it. He looked at Pyrrha at the same state as he met her-poor girl brought down to her knees, sobbing quietly in the darkness, without anyone to care about it or even hear it. Anyone…except Van Thorne. He slowly started to walk out of the shadow. He wanted to hug her at that moment, kiss her, tell her everything will be fine, but he knew he'd be lying. Instead, he decided to play cool. He sneaked up to her undetected and sat right next to her. She had her head covered between her knees and was driven away by the pain in her heart:
-Rough times, am I right?-he said
The red-haired girl slowly raised her head and focused her eyes on him. Nick saw that she was forcing herself to crack a smile, even though he felt she is happy to see him:
-I thought you might come…-she said-you must have heard everything…
-Trust me, I wish I did-Nick decided to pretend like he didn't hear anything
For a moment he thought he hears the evil voice in his mind again. It was whispering: „She deceives you". But Nick quickly shaked off his thoughts about that voice and the whispers were gone. He then felt as Pyrrha's head leans on his shoulder and as her hand squeezes his lightly:
-That feels better-said Nikos
-Uuuuuuuuuh…Pyrrha?-said Nick-didn't you just break up with your boyfriend like a minute ago?
That was the wrong move. Van Thorne felt as his shoulder gets wet from tears. „Fuuuuuuuuuck" he thought:
-I'm so sorry, Nick…I'm not a slut, believe me. It's just that…you make me feel safe…I feel like I can tell you everything. You're the best listener and the best friend…hug me, please…
Nick felt awkward but did what the girl told him to. When they both embraced each other she only started to cry more:
-Why did this happen, Nick? Why Jaune's heart became so cold?
-People are shit, Pyrrha. That's for sure. Some are so pathetic, that they freeze you with their weakness. People like that…they're just not worth your time and place in life. Now, don't cry. Jaune is not worth your tears. Fuck him. You're smart, beautiful, friendly…you'll find the one, I'm sure of that
Pyrrha then loosened her grip while embracing him and looked him straight in the eyes:
-Can you tell me now…why did you come for me to hell?
„I'm not sure what is the reason, and I don't fucking care. I think about you every second of every day, of every week, of every month, of every year" he thought and almost said that…but bit his tongue at the last moment. „What if that's not what she wants? She just broke up with her boyfriend, I can't jump in his place that quickly. Besides…there is still Yang. What about her? I should probably tell her what I really feel, she should understand. No…I'll wait and see. Right now, let's just play the smooth role" he thought. Instead of response he slowly moved his head towards her ear and whispered:
-Does it matter? I'm here for you now, and I will always be
„Shit, that's too much exposure. I already can smell the friendzone hitting me in the face like a wooden plank. Oooooooh, this is gonna be painful…"
Nope. That was not what happened. Instead Nick felt as Pyrrha…
„Wait! What the fuck?!"
She was kissing him. Directly in the lips. Nick had no time to continue his smooth moves, he was already face to face with the girl he loved since his childhood. At first he was feeling as the rest of his common sense drifts away. After that nothing mattered except Pyrrha. For a couple of minutes they were just kissing there, sitting on the cold floor of the corridor, closely to a room with the stupid ex-boyfriend Jaune and the poor, not informed Yang. After Pyrrha took her lips away from him, she blushed in embarrasment. But the smile on Van Thorne's face was wider than any equator ever. When Pyrrha realised that, she said the words Nick so far heard only when he dreamed about her. The real reason why he saved her from hell:
-I love you too, dumbass-said Nikos, giggling
