VII. Ositha

An Unexpected Body

Surprise, surprise.

Most of you have probably expected Osmond to narrate this chapter instead of me. Well… to clear things up, I'm still the same person. As same as I could be sans the… oh, I don't think I should explain that one. You already got the idea. I'm feeling very self-aware right now, for real. Ahem.

So, technically, who am I? What am I?

Since this is my first time and an intro about myself, I suppose I can explain. After all, my other half is out there entertaining Yang and Ruby, allowing me some moment of peace. He(or we) could be pretty dumb sometimes. Why don't I distract the sisters while Osmond writes, previously? If only we've thought of it earlier.

Anyways, if you've ever read 'The Man with Two Souls' novel(I recommend you read it if you haven't), this should be easier; 'The Man with Two Bodies'. We have a similar case like the novel's main protagonist, but ours is a 'semblance', not a passive ability that's active all the time. To sum it up; we have one soul linking two minds that are controlling two bodies.

Already got your mind blown?

Believe me, it was what I felt. It was what we felt. I panicked upon seeing the body of my male counterpart-and it wasn't even in front of a mirror!- alive, talking, and doing things on his own. Scary and unbelievable, but that's what happened when we discovered our semblance for the first time.

I also panicked when I realized I've lost something at the fork of my legs, but that's a gross story for another time.

Oum, why does this feel so awkward?

Maybe it's because I couldn't help but feel like I'm perverting after myself. I mean, let me ask you one thing; what would you do if you can clone a female version of yourself? Don't answer it for me, answer it to yourself. It is that full of possibilities, and most of them are the solutions to your single status. Yup, you read that right.

Tehee, I got you there, didn't I? Unless if you already have a girlfriend, of course...

…I gave out too many suggestive ideas. Somebody, please bleach my dirty brain.

Actually, you can blame Blake for introducing me to that 'Ninjas of Love' novel. It's seriously gross. That aside, let me explain to the best of my ability.

In a dream, many things could happen. You could be riding a unicorn, blasting through asteroids with a spaceship(since no one has ever ventured to space), running from the Grimm(this one is common), or even doing colorful things with someone else for all you'd imagine. I'll just give you the hint instead of explaining that one.

The under-aged Ruby sometimes loves to read my stuff, so I won't take any risk.

See, I've got dreams too. However, this one was the most absurd I've experienced in my life. Nothing has ever topped it. I mean, what can beat a dream where you have a girl's body? Like, literally a girl's body complete with chest and-

-okay, that's enough.

I kept telling myself that it was just a dream, but a nagging feeling in the back of my mind told me otherwise. Yes, it was a dream. But it's also the start of something else awakening inside me. Scary, right?

One thing I couldn't fathom was the moment I touched my real body's hand, I felt a connection. It's almost like a dim strand of light that linked us both. They're getting farther away as my consciousness returned. Of course, as the dream ends, comes the waking up part. And I don't think I could get a better jumpscare after this.

~-x-~

"AHHHH!" I screamed girlishly.

(Usually, I scream like a girl, but this time it feels more... girlish?)

I was staring at myself. Myself. My-freaking-self! That shouldn't have given me a heart attack, but I remembered one thing; I'd never sleep in front of a mirror. So, either I died and my soul floated out from my body-kind of like any cartoonish death-, or something... else happened. Fortunately, it was the later.

Unfortunately, the person in front of me freaked out as well. I wasn't sure what would be the appropriate reaction(aside from screaming) when they woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Or having someone else woke up in their bed, dressed exactly the same way they are.

Yes, that's my favorite Pumpkin Pete's PJs he was wearing. I was sure of that fact because it's one of my most prized possessions, bought in Mistral during Vytal Festival some years ago. That's what made it special because I'd never bought something that rare. That also begged a question; how come was he wearing it?!

We glared at each other from behind the respective bedside, using it as a fortified cover. No doubt our screams earlier were heard by the entire house. Josh and the whole security guards must be on their way already. It wouldn't be long until they arrive at this crime scene.

I yelled, "What are you doing with my body?!"

And that's when I realized my voice had changed. Sure, mine wasn't the most masculine out of the bunch, but I did recall I'd never reach this 'melodious' octave. In a word; lighter. Meanwhile, compared to me, the guy had my original voice.

He seemed dumbstruck. "Pardon me?"

(Seeing myself dumbstruck was quite the experience.)

"You heard me," I growled as intimidatingly as I could, "What exactly are you doing with my body? Why are you in it? Why am I..." and I trailed off after I noticed something underneath my dress shirt. There were two bulges right on my chest, an obvious thing that only girls have; breasts.

Gasping for the strange feeling, I immediately turned red and squeaked, "Why am I like this?! Wh-why am I a girl? What have you done to me?!"

And he's still dumbstruck. Probably, he was ogling at the otherworldly sight before him. It's not every day you slept alone and wake up finding yourself already in a company with someone, much less a girl that was glaring holes in your head. I was sure my eyes would ignite and catch fire at the lack of a feasible reply from him.

Running out of patience, I snapped, "Well, stop gawking at me and start explaining! You owe me a lot of explanations!"

"Okay, first of all," he started, "Why are you wearing my pajamas?"

…

(Even until now, I'm still curious how that question came out.)

Now, it's my turn to look completely dumbfounded. Internally, I half-wondered if he hit his head badly, somehow. Of any response I'd expect, why that one? Like, was he kidding me? I could've been a danger to him, but he questioned the PJs instead. Still, I wouldn't deny it; I almost asked the same thing to him.

I shook my head in disbelief. "You are such an idiot."

"Why thank you," he said dryly, "Strange girl whom I've never met yet but dared to sneak into a guy's room."

I narrowed my eyes, taking a lesson from Blake's Feline Glare 101. In a chilly tone, I told him, "I'm not sure what you're implying, imposter."

He looked at me incredulously, as if I just said the impossible. The boy shot me a dirty look. He hissed, "How dare you calling me like that. It's your luck I haven't called the securities, yet! Get out of my house before I call them!"

I retorted, "Don't tell me what to do!"

My opponent scoffed. "Oh, so you know. Good, what are you waiting for, then?"

Oh, the nerve of him to say that! I didn't understand why was he acting so innocent, but mocking someone else-especially the real Osmond- crossed the line. I yelled, "Why, you little-"

"Os?" My brother's call cut me off. "I heard screams coming from here. Are you alright, lil' bro?"

"No." He scowled at me. "We have a trouble."

"Alright, I'm coming in."

The door swung inward and Josh peeked in. It took him a while to assess the situation between us, with the poor bed trapped in between. Awkwardly, he switched forth, studying each of us. "Uh..." Josh scratched the back of his head. "Why is there a girl in your room, Os?"

"That's the same thing I'm dying to ask, Josh." The-not-so-real Osmond pointed at me, "She appeared out of nowhere this morning."

"Oh, I'm sorry?" I interrupted. "I've been sleeping here since last night!"

"Wait, she did?" my brother inquired with a familiar gleam in his eyes. Not a good sign. "Os, I told you, you're too young-"

"NO!" we both snapped at him in sync, successfully making the older guy shrunk in fear. Funny, huh?

(That was the first thing I agreed with my other-half back then. Even then, we knew Josh was the worst.)

He muttered, "Geez, you guys don't appreciate a little comedy."

"This is not funny, Josh! He stole my real body!" I accused him.

"Hey, I've been living in this since day one!" my opponent shot back.

"Well, prove it!"

"Okay, everyone calm down." Josh pinched the bridge of his nose. "Why don't we all settle down for a peaceful breakfast, first? We can discuss this civilly afterward. Yelling at each other on an empty stomach won't solve anything."

I gave the guy one last glare. "There's no way I'd let this-whatever he is- guy eat using my own body. "

He scoffed, "Ha, what are you going to do, then? Possess me? Bring it on, creep."

"I'm not a creep!"

"I'm absolutely sure it does count as a creep for a girl who dares to do this extreme thing toward a guy," he declared.

For a second, I was stunned. Sure, I could be pretty snobby, but I didn't think I've ever sold myself that high. This guy… this guy truly was the embodiment of an arrogant brat. I snapped out of my speechlessness and gave him the best reply I've ever said, "Please, don't give me an idea that's going to make me throw up."

His eyes flicked down a bit and I swear, there's a hint of pink on his cheeks. However, he managed to compose back his facade. "Then, please do explain; what are you doing here, miss?"

I stared down at him right in the eye and admitted, "I have no freaking clue."

"Oh, really? How's that even a satisfying answer?" the guy asked me back, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

I hadn't realized that we've moved from our earlier position to a tense stand down until I noticed that he stood a few inches taller than me. That didn't falter my gaze, though. After all, a Burlywood never back down when talking to people. Especially those who somehow managed to steal their body in the sleep.

"Uh, guys?" my brother tried to cut in, but we both ignored him.

"So, are you not going to admit it?" I whispered, eyes unblinking.

The brat gave me a smirk. "Fine, I will admit. Today is the worst day I've ever woken myself to. I don't even know what I dreamt of last night."

My gaze hardened. "You know well that's not what I mean."

He cocked his head mockingly. "Perhaps you should explain your question, first."

"Playing a game of words, are we?"

The person(I had no idea what else to call him) let out a chuckle. "You know that's the risk when you talk to a Burlywood."

Josh stepped in. "Guys."

He held his hand up to halt my brother. "Nevermind, Josh. I can deal with this little scumbag. She's simply not worth our time."

Thankfully, our older sibling relented. The dark-haired young man gave us a concerned glance as he retreated out to the door, leaving a note to call him if anything goes wrong. It's too late. The thing was, everything has gone wrong since the moment I woke up. And I had to deal with them with the odds stacked against me.

The person in front of me sighed after seeing Josh left. He ran his fingers through his hair with closed eyes, before letting out another exhale full of exhaustion. If he's not in my real body, I would've felt bad for him. Finally, he opened them back to stare at me. It was when I realized something; his eyes were cold onyx.

A color that reminded me of someone I hated; my father. Only he had that eye color. So, how come did this guy possess the same thing? I could remember as clear as day I had chocolate brown eyes. It didn't make any sense. Carefully, I brought it up:

"You… have onyx eyes."

He rolled them and said, "And you have crimson eyes. So what?"

"No," I frowned. "Osmond have chocolate-colored eyes."

(That should've been the first sign I noticed, but I had no idea why I brushed it off.)

"Whatever. Look why don't we solve this problem professionally? You can leave me and I will never bring this up, ever again. Let's pretend this morning never happened and everything can go normal just the way they supposed to be. And if you really need Liens, I'm sure my brother wouldn't mind sparing a few thousand for you," he offered.

…what?

I felt insulted. No, it was worse. I felt degraded. He said that as if I was some sort of a gold-digger lady. I have a dignity as a Burlywood and I'd fight until my last breath for it. Now, the guy in front of me just offered a few thousand to buy it. My hands curled into fists.

In a low, dangerous voice, I spoke, "Do I look like a whore to you?"

I caught him off-guard. The guy backed off a bit from me and seemed to be a little uneasy. His face looked like he's definitely against the idea. But I didn't care. A small piece of thought nagged my mind; was this what it feels to be bought by those with wealth? I recalled how I 'bought' my friends. Yet, if that so, why did I feel very offended?

Shouldn't I consider this a payback?

"Hey… I'm sorry, okay? I didn't mean it that way." He held up his hands in surrender. "Please, don't cry. I'm very sorry."

Cry?

I blinked, and a warm tear trailed down my cheek. I shouldn't have cried. A Burlywood would never cry. Gritting my teeth, I brought my hand up to wipe it off. "I'm not crying."

We went still for several minutes of silence, which eventually became awkward. Fine; I thought to myself. I wasn't dreaming, so there's no way I'm going to wake up from this nightmare. Whoever took and possessed my body didn't look like he's going to cooperate. I have no one else to depend on(Josh would never believe this girl-me.) and soon enough, I'll have no home to return to.

But… that means I finally get to live my own life. No more betrothal-ploy-whatever-scheme-my-father-was-doing and whatsoever. I was free.

So, what would I do? Leave the responsibility to this fraud that looked like me? Can I even survive out there, alone? Or would I end up as beggars crawling on the street? One thing for sure; I have to leave-

"-you there?"

I snapped back to reality. He was waving a hand in front of my face with concern deepin his eyes. His onyx eyes. Whatever. That's it. I'm leaving. I let out a sigh and refocused my vision. "Fine."

"Huh?"

I bowed. "I'm sorry. I apologize for disturbing your peaceful morning. I shall leave at once and never bother you again."

"Wait, that's it?" he asked incredulously. "What about the money-"

"I don't need any of your money!" I snapped, successfully making him shrunk a little.

With a determined stride and what remained of my dignity, I walked out of my former room. I probably would miss it in the future, but it's time to act up my words. I can live without my father's wealth. He can eat my pants. I inwardly scoffed.

Everyone was silent when I passed the dining room, where my brother(or former brother, was it?) was having a breakfast. Even he paused with his meal and stared at me, making me feel very subconscious of my under-dressed state. However, my pride told me not to beg anything from them. I will start from zero.

Before I reach the door to the living room, I turned to Josh for the last time and said, "Tell your brother, I wish him the best of luck with his so-called betrothal."

His jaw dropped, but I already left.

(And much to my regret, that's the last thing I said to him. At least, in this girl mode.)

~-x-~

My dragged steps carried me to an unknown destination. There weren't a lot of people roaming in the street. They're probably too smart to wander around under the strong gusts of wind. The morning was agonizingly cold for someone who hadn't have a breakfast and just ran away(read; kicked out) from their home. Unfortunately, that someone was me.

I shivered so badly underneath the PJs I was wearing. Not the best clothing to wear in a harsh weather like this. It was at this moment I started missing out my super-warm room and its heater. Well, there went my record of holding on just for exactly six minutes and ten seconds. So much for the 'I don't need any of your money' part. I wish I had at least a few Liens in hand if only to buy a small cup of hot chocolate.

How funny how life changed so quick. Furthermore that the changes came without any notice.

It only took a brief flash of waking up and bam! Suddenly, I was no longer Osmond Burlywood, the rich brat. I became a random girl who didn't have any parents or relatives or even a name. I didn't even know what should I name myself. Right now, it wasn't the priority. I had to find a place to stay over the cold night and some cash to feed myself.

The worst idea was to stay in the alleyway, where I'd be vulnerable to any criminals passing by. Especially, when I was close to the darker side of Vale. What's a girl against a bunch of street thugs? As much as I could fight, I couldn't hold forever. If only I have real friends. They'd provide me with help, any kind. Alas, this was the downside of being an ex-rich kid.

It was then I noticed my surrounding. I was standing in front of a familiar bookstore; Tukson's Book Trade. The owner had become my friend over time as I visited this place occasionally to buy my favorite comics. But this time, I wouldn't be buying any comic. What would he say if he sees me in this state? Obviously, he would never believe me.

Yet, I had nowhere else to go. This bookstore was the only place I know that'd probably let me in if only to take refuge from the killer-wind. I stood with both my arms crossed across underneath my chest(to avoid that uncomfortable bulge), unsure of what to do. I probably looked like an idiot girl in PJs, or worse; someone who had lost her sanity.

"How may I help you, young lady?" a voice suddenly came from behind, startling the wits out of me.

"Gah!" I yelped and turned around to the newcomer. Tukson held out his hands in apology. He was holding a cup of hot coffee in one hand and a small plastic bag on other. I could smell the delicious scent already. My eyes immediately went to the food, before I could gain any control. Only one second, but I blushed in shame right after that.

"Umm…" I looked down, avoiding his gaze. I almost called him Tukson right then, but fortunately, my tongue was tied. Otherwise, it would've been pretty awkward.

(That's the first time I dared not to look at a person in the eye.)

"Are you alright, miss? It's quite windy outside here."

No, I'm not alright.

I wasn't fine. A weak shake of my head made Tukson offered me to come in, "Would you… like to join me inside? It's warmer."

At that, I only nodded meekly. To be honest, I had no idea why I was acting weird like this. I should be full of confidence, voice my thoughts out loud instead of nodding and shaking my head like a mute. Still, I followed him inside anyway.

The tinkling bell reminded me of how I used to come here along with Blake, chatting and laughing(most of the times, although she's usually silent whenever looking for a novel) like we had everything in the world. Tukson would smile and occasionally chimes into our conversation, his kind face was brotherly to us. It's different, this time.

Fortunately, inside the bookstore was still the same just like old times. It's warm. I gazed around, taking the sight just like a first-timer. Same sight; there never was a 'few books' situation in this place. It's always filled to the brim with many shelves, short and tall. The only thing that's absence was a particular cat Faunus beside me.

The male Faunus put his bag and coffee on the desk before declaring, "Welcome to Tukson's Book Trade, home to every book under the sun."

Internally, I smiled. It felt good to hear something so familiar.

"So, how may I help you?" he inquired again.

I fidgeted on my feet, suddenly feeling even more self-conscious. My mind went blank instantly. I tried to recall what should I say when I'm applying for a job. Something I learned from the economy book. Nothing came up. It was like filling out a criss-cross riddle with no clue.

Squeaking, I told him, "I have no home!"

Great. Exactly the information a hiring person would need. I need to facepalm, hard. Or maybe even facedesk. It didn't help that Tukson was staring at me intently, waiting for my next words. I swallowed. My throat suddenly felt dry; obviously, from the lack of liquid I had this morning. It hurts.

With a burning face, I continued, "I-I… can I stay here? I can help you working an-and I won't take a lot of space. I j-just need a place to stay. Please, I… I beg you!"

By the end of that, I was staring down at the floor that my chin met my upper torso. Why did I have to act like this? I wasn't stealing anything or making any troubles. I just asked for an honest job and a place to stay over. However, it felt so humiliating that I ignored those facts. Osmond Burlywood applying to become a shop assistant?

Hilarious.

After a brief moment, Tukson came over. I closed my eyes in fright. Pretty sure he'd laugh on my face and said I wasn't cut out for this work. When I cracked one eye open, he was standing before me at my level. The young man leaned and he looked regretful.

"I am sorry, miss. But I'm afraid we're not in dire need of assistance."

Those words didn't make me feel any better. I dreaded he'd reject my 'application', but this was just as bad as it is. I had no other option outside this place. I didn't want to risk sleeping in an alleyway with nothing as much as a knife to defend myself with. Desperate, I tried another tactic. With a sob, I hugged his strong arm.

"Please, sir! I will do anything you ask!" I pleaded.

(Later, I learned that it's dangerous to say that to someone, especially if you're a girl. Thankfully and luckily for me, Tukson wasn't a wicked guy.)

"Sorry, you are too young to work in this store. You have to have a guardian if you're under seventeen. I can't take you in since it'd be illegal for me to have an under-aged worker," Tukson explained patiently, patting my back.

"You can be my guardian," I said to him, using my usual puppy eyes.

It didn't work.

Tukson stood towering my short figure and firmly shook his head; no. I begged once more, "Is there anything I can do to change your mind?"

He stared at me, blinked, then immediately looked away. "No, you are too young, miss. It's nothing personal. I just don't want any trouble with the law-enforcer."

I sniffled. What should I do? I tried everything I could and I failed. Or maybe, I should ask something less difficult to him. I mustered my strength. If this too doesn't work, I suppose I'll be sleeping in a trash bin tonight on an empty stomach. My voice nearly cracked when I asked him, "Is there anything I can do for a warm coat?"

The Faunus seemed perplexed for a moment. He didn't reply and instead, probably weighing his options. I waited patiently with more anticipation I could get than when I waited for the next episode of X-Ray and Vav to come out. I couldn't believe his next two words; "Very well."

He gasped in surprise when I crushed his stomach in a hug. "Thank you! Thank you!"

"Don't thank me just yet," he said, gently.

Embarrassed, I pulled away with a bright red face. "So, what do you need me to do?"

(For you perverts, nothing lewd happened, so please keep that thought to yourselves. You disgust me. Like, for real. End of the line.)

~-x-~

Fifteen minutes later.

I silently groaned behind my mask. Oum, I hate this job. How could this work even exist? Snorting in disgust, I used the feather duster to clean the dust off the shelf's upper-level books. Small particles of them floated in the air, eager to be inhaled and become the source of me sneezing. Why in the world did they exist?

Meanwhile, I was struggling on top of the chair, my employer-slash-friend contently settled on his breakfast. It probably seemed unfair, but thankfully(I'm full of gratitude that day), even though I didn't ask, Tukson gave me several of blueberry muffins he bought. Behind such an intimidating appearance, that guy hid his sweet tooth well.

(Reminder: don't judge a book's content from its cover.)

That aside, I got the entire shelves surrounding this room to clean up. It wasn't even the worse fact. You see, this entire change in my body affected my height as well. I was shorter, which made it harder for me to this work. It's only around an inch different, but I had to tip-toe on the chair. Fortunately, the makeshift platform was stable.

I still remembered the day a whole shelf almost crushed me to death had Blake didn't save me in time. Although, she's part to blame as well since it's her idea. My eyes cautiously glanced downward, and I started to feel the terror again. Okay, not the right time to remember that life-threatening memory.

Stop whining. This couldn't get any worse; I said to myself. Guess what? I was wrong.

As I climbed onto the chair in front of the last shelf, Tukson called me. "Hey. I have to use the restroom for a bit. Can you hang on and look after the store? I won't take long and just yell my name if you need help."

Without a word, I nodded. Seriously, how hard could it be to be a bookstore assistant? Might as well use the opportunity to get used to this working-for-survival thing. That's if I get accepted working elsewhere, seeing how persistent Tukson was. Nevermind; I shook my head to clear those bugging thoughts away.

A book caught my attention as I swept the duster across. It was The Man with Two Souls, a novel that I've bought before, but sadly I had to leave it back in my former mansion. I had never seriously read it(I only use it as an excuse to stick close with Blake), but now that I didn't have anything else to do after this job, I decided to open it. Tukson surely wouldn't mind.

Truth to be told, I had no idea why I picked it of any other books here. It suddenly became intriguing to me without an apparent reason. I turned the thick book and read its blurb. Just like any other novels, so I didn't bother to finish reading it. Instead, I looked for the authoress's name.

'Ursula Berpdioloo', I read it. What a name.

Kclink. The bell rang. I put a business smile on my face and hop off the chair to greet whoever came. With the best cheery tone I can put on after a stressful morning, I welcomed them, "Welcome to Tukson's Book Trade! Home to-"

-and immediately stopped.

My eyes widened a little in surprise, just like the person who came. We froze at our respective positions, too confused to make our next move. Jet black hair. Onyx eyes. Scrawny figure. It's that fraud-who-took-my-body guy again. And I thought I wouldn't be meeting him anymore after this morning. Apparently, he thought the same thing.

After recovering from the awkwardness, he dryly stated, "Well, it looks like we live in a small world."

I sighed. "Ditto."

"So, what are you doing here?" he inquired with a genuine curiosity.

"I work here. Well, at least, I'm trying to land a part-time job in this bookstore," I explained with a shrug. After taking everything from me with just one morning, how he could put up that mask of innocent on? That's just outrageous.

"Uh, I hope I'm not interrupting anything, then."

"No, you're not. In fact, I've been waiting for a customer," I told him a half-lie and a half-truth. I lied, I wasn't waiting for anyone. I was cursing my crappy luck that had escalated further to 'fate-is-laughing-at-my-misfortune'. However, perhaps I could prove it to Tukson that I deserve to work here. Maybe he'll change his mind after seeing me in action.

It's what I hoped for. Still, I wasn't riding on it too much. Rule of thumb to survive in the streets; always brace yourself for the worst.

Osmond(grrr, I hate calling him with this name!) stepped closer and threw a glance at the comics shelf. Figures, I should've guessed why he came here. If I was rich and I got a very crappy morning, I'd spent my Liens to buy some comics to relief the stress. Unfortunately, he was the rich brat, not me.

Calm down, Os; I told myself. You have to get used to this.

"I'm here because I want to buy a comic. Let's pretend we don't know each other, okay?" he offered a truce.

I relented. "That seems fair."

It didn't take long for him to choose after browsing the entire comics section. Twenty-five Lien; I remembered the X-Ray and Vav comic price. An idea came suddenly, causing me to draw a sharp breath. Maybe he could at least help me, albeit indirectly. It probably wouldn't work, but it was worth a try.

"I'm taking these two. How much?" the scrawny guy asked as he put down two comics on the reception desk.

"Fifty Lien," I replied casually. After a second, I added with a low voice, "Hey, I know this is a stretch, but could you help me a bit?"

He raised an eyebrow, and just like I guessed, gave me a coy look. I rolled my eyes. "I'm not begging for your money, so stop giving me that look."

He became curious. "Oh? I thought you changed your mind."

"Never," I denied with a stern face. "I really need this job, so can you… I don't know, buy more or so? Please?"

Obviously, I received the weird stare. The boy scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Okay, first of all, these two I bought are already in the stretch. Josh wouldn't be happy if I buy more. Besides, I only love the X-Ray and Vav series."

I grew increasingly depressed as he listed the reasons. Finally, I suggested, "Have you thought of giving Camp Camp a try? It appears to be a good series."

"Hmm…" he rubbed his chin in consideration.

I facepalmed. "Fine. I guess, nevermind what I said."

"Well," he cleared his throat. "Luckily, you asked the right guy to help you."

…?

I stared blankly at him. What?

"Alright, give me a moment," the guy held out a finger, before running to the comics again. It was awkward to see myself doing that. Perhaps that was what Blake felt whenever she watches me went hyper when buying X-Ray and Vav.

(Really, I know I was a bit dramatic, but I never thought I'd be that terrible.)

Deciding to humor him, I waited behind the desk. I wondered, what's occupying Tukson in the restroom this long? I looked down, gazing at the buttons of my PJs. Suddenly, I felt self-conscious again. My appearance didn't look like an assistant and more like a lost kid. Thankfully, my first customer wasn't any creepy guy.

Thump!

I jolted from my position as Osmond dropped a stack of comics on the desk. He grinned at my expression. Typical of him.

"Heh, I hope these all will do. Now, how much?"

It was Tukson who replied. Turns out, he had returned from the restroom. "Wow, Osmond. I never thought you'd buy so many. What is the occasion, my friend?"

"Oh, hey! Umm…" He glanced at me briefly before looking away, flustered. Clearing his throat-which causes more awkwardness between us-, he added, "I'm going back to Atlas soon, so I figured, uh, why not buy more while I'm still here? They're more expensive in there, I tell you that."

Tukson didn't look like he's going to believe Os' words right away, especially with how suspicious he made it sound despite the true facts. Nonetheless, the Faunus counted up the price and prepared a bag for the comics. Perhaps he's already used to the weirdness.

The boy changed the topic. "So, is this your new assistant? She's really helpful suggesting the comics I should try out."

"It was nothing," I muttered.

"Well, I…" the bookstore owner seemed to be lost at words. He looked at me while trying to deny it. "She's… well, it's a long story."

"I'd say; good move, Tukson. She'll certainly help to attract more buyers," Os said innocently, but I caught the meaningful he sent me; I'm helping you.

"No, I mean-"

He feinted a shock. "Not yet? Then you're going to miss this chance! Look at her! I mean, just look at her!" the boy frantically motioned toward me.

"Uh, she's only wearing pajamas?" Tukson answered, unsure.

"Exactly!" Os exclaimed. "If only she's wearing a more appropriate clothing, I'm sure people will trust her well enough as an assistant."

I shied away from their conversation, fidgeting with my PJ's shirt. Let me tell you something; it's one thing to get a help, but it's another thing if that's the sort of help I was getting. That guy was exaggerating too much; even I wouldn't buy his words.

Which was why, imagine my surprise when Tukson said, "Alright, I will consider it."

"Good! I should get going by now. See you later!" he grabbed the shop bag and grunted due to its overweight. Throwing me one last smirk, the boy sauntered to the door.

"Wait, what about the change? It's forty Liens, Osmond!" the Faunus beside me called.

Os halted before the door and spoke, "Consider that as her first tip! Toodles!"

We both stared at the door as it closed shut with another bell chime.

Without thinking, I spewed out, "He's something."

"Indeed, Osmond is a long time customer. He usually comes here with his girlfriend, a friend of mine, too," he explained. "You look interested in him."

"What? No!" I yelped at the horrifying idea. Why would I crush on someone who used my former body? "I would never be interested in someone who's taken."

Tukson chuckled. "I'm sorry for bringing up that idea, but you've been staring at him intently."

I looked away, hiding the blush on my cheeks. Little did the older male know, that 'staring intently' part was because I wanted no more than to squeeze whoever soul that occupied my body out and take it back. And then I will strangle the person who dared to steal my body. If only the Faunus knew.

"I wasn't. Besides, he looked leagues away from me, with what I am right now. Speaking of his girlfriend, where is she?" I asked, succeeded making the question sounded like a genuine curiosity. Truth to be told, I was curious regarding Blake's whereabouts.

"No clue," the young man shook his head. And then, he inquired, "What do you mean by what are you?"

Ugh, bummer. Wait a minute…

Tick. That question caught me off-guard. I didn't mean my slip-up to be like that, but it appeared Tukson took the wrong assumption. However, it could probably help if I tell him this lie. Perhaps I could get a sympathy and stay here. Just this once, I felt sorry for lying.

After a pause, I said, "I… well, humans never liked me back where I was."

"You're a Faunus?"

"Yep, both my parents are. But I was the weirdest Faunus ever exist, so my dad kicked me out for that after my mom passed away. I just couldn't take it anymore, I ran here, hoping for a better life," I explained. It was a lie that came out of the blue.

"I'm… sorry." The male looked at me with a pitying gaze. Usually, I'd hate that when somebody gave me that look. However, right now, it wasn't the time to live up my pride. It's time to manipulate others for my own survival. Yes, I'm a very cunning person.

(It still amaze me how adept I've become at lying.)

"It's okay." I shrugged nonchalantly. "It could've been worse."

"I didn't know you're a Faunus. I'd help you out earlier if I know." He handed a stack of Liens to me. "Anyways, here."

"What is this?" I asked, dumbfounded.

The Faunus gave me a smile. "You deserve this tip from him. Also, I guess… you can stay here. Osmond is right, I need help to run this bookstore. Besides, Faunus look after each other, right? Now, what is your name?"

~-x-~

AN: There we go. Plot change, PoV change, Character change-wait, not this one. On a side note, my birthday was yesterday so Happy-Latty BD to myself, kek. It took me off guard that there'll be a new chapter of Vol 5 next week(it wasn't finished, yet, YIPPE!). Obviously, I think I should've known they won't end the Volume without a battle conclusion. Anyways, I got nothing else to say, so... yeah, toodles!

P.S. I may or may not slacking off while writing this. Not so sorry for that.

~ Karvost (Kronosmond)

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