*Author's Note: Glad to announce that my second year of college is over which means that I have more time to focus on my story and improve its quality right? Wrong! I'm going to be busy this summer so my update schedule might change a little bit but do not fear. I will still upload once every two weeks...I hope. Bottom line is that you will still receive chapters at a decent pace. Enough about things in my life that some of you could care less about. Enjoy!*
CHAPTER 19
Soon after Zenon bolted out his room in order to find Ren he tripped and fell losing his sense of time and space. Everything happened so fast that it took a while to regain his bearings on reality. Zenon could vaguely remember what caused him to fall. A blurry image appeared in his mind but was unable to recall what it was. The only clue was that the image had a humanistic figure to it. Zenon considered the possibility that he bumped into a person.
With his eyes still closed from the slight pain of falling he felt something soft on his lips. Zenon's body was still trying to recover despite his brain being in complete alert. Zenon's brain immediately sent signals to every part of his body ordering him to get away from the strange source. Slowly raising his head with eyes still closed Zenon felt a warm breath grazing his face. The brain was already on alert but now it was in full blown code red. Tired of being in the dark his brain ordered his eyes to open and immediately Zenon's eyelids shot open. The image before him froze Zenon while his brain started having a meltdown.
Zenon's expression was one of pure horror mixed with hints of anger. When his eyes opened with only a few centimeters away from his face was Ruby.
Despite Zenon being taller than Ruby they landed with both of them being centimeters away from each other. What are the odds? His eyes were locked on Ruby's eyes. Both stared at each other for what felt like an eternity, neither of them saying a single word. Zenon began to notice the color of Ruby's eyes. Those silver eyes began to mesmerize Zenon making him have thoughts originally he would never have. His heart began to race with his temperature increasing.
What is this feeling? It feels wrong but at the same time it feels right. Thoughts raced back and forth in his mind wondering what this new feeling was.
Zenon was about to say something but before uttering a single word a sudden uncomfortable feeling emerged within Zenon and his instincts screamed to run. Slowly looking up he sees Yang staring at him.
I'M A DEAD MAN! Was the first thought as Zenon began to stutter trying to find the words to explain the current events.
"T...th...this is not what it looks like." he said while still being on top of Ruby. the actions did not support his words.
Zenon noticed that Yang's hair started flaring up and her eyes turned red. Knowing that the more he spoke the angrier Yang would get he attempted to use Ruby as a scapegoat. Looking at Ruby he quickly helped her up and begged her to tell Yang that is was a mistake and accident.
"Ruby you got to tell Yang that it was an accident." With both hands placed on her shoulders he had a very frightened expression and his voice was that of desperation.
Unfortunately Ruby was dazed and appeared to be on cloud nine.
"Ruby? RUBY!" continued begging but this time anger was present in his tone and yet Ruby was unable to listen.
Zenon tried to snap Ruby out of her trance but it was a futile effort. Menacingly Yang started walking closer to Zenon while saying
"My sister goes to you just to ask a question and you decide to defile her?!"
"What in the world are you talking about?! It was an accident." clear confusion upon his face
"Accident or not you kissed my sister." Yang said in a very menacing tone
Well she has me there. Zenon thought to himself knowing he was by no means innocent.
Thinking of other possibilities he thought about using his semblance to save him but remembered that Yang has seen it before and if he did something alike she would notice who he was. Nearly a year of undercover work would go to waste. Instead he thought of using his shield but also remembered that she punched a metal robot into oblivion so a shield would do nothing. That is if Zenon is able to get his shield fast enough before Yang can pulverize him.
Running seemed to be the best option; he will run away until Yang returned to her senses. Planning on using his window as an escape route he quickly turned and made a run for it but Yang was quicker and tackled him to the ground before he was able to move a centimeter. With one hand she was choking him and the other was raised ready to strike him down. Struggling to breath he tried pleading for his life
"Y...Yang…"
Clearly it was a mistake because she began to crush his neck even harder. Zenon tried to use his legs to kick her off but she was like a tank: unmovable.
HOLY HELL HOW MUCH DOES SHE WEIGH?! Zenon thought in disbelief.
Zenon's face was purple from the lack of oxygen. In vain he attempted to break free until the lack of strength made him unable to lift his arms. In a last ditch effort to preserve his life Zenon was about to use his semblance not caring for the consequences while at the same time Yang was about to finish Zenon. As her fist was about to make contact and Zenon was about to unleash his soul Ruby shouted
"STOP!"
Yang froze and looked at Ruby while Zenon was still looking with pure horror at the fist that almost ended his life.
"But Ruby he defiled you." Yang stated in disbelief that her sister was defended Zenon.
"It was an accident Yang; we all know Zenon would never anything like that on purpose."
Yang removed her fist from his face and told Zenon
"You are extremely lucky that my sister decided to spare your life. If you ever do that again accident or not I will end you no matter what she says."
Yang got up and returned to her room. Zenon on the other hand still on the ground was breathing heavily bewildered at the turn of events. At that point Zenon remembered seconds prior how Yang said that Ruby was going to ask him a question. By process of elimination Zenon concluded because of that question all of the events came to pass.
In order to be sure and wanting to known what was the question Zenon asked Ruby
"What was your question Ruby?"
"What?" said rather nervously since for a moment she forgot why she wanted to see Zenon
"Yang said you had a question you wanted to ask me. What was it?"
"It was nothing important really."
"Nothing important? (sigh) Either way it doesn't matter." Zenon said while getting up "Let us forget what has occurred and never speak of it. As far as we are concerned this never happened. Do you understand?" Zenon all this not bother to meet Ruby's gaze.
Slightly hurt by his statement she agreed as she returned to her room.
Before heading to team JNPR's room Zenon wiped his lips symbolizing that he was disgusted at the idea of kissing Ruby. He denied the feelings he had felt and told himself it was just the adrenalin speaking at the moment. Yet no matter how many times he tried to forget he would always feel the touch of her lips upon his.
"I wonder what was to question that caused this damn incident."
- Moments that led to the incident-
Team RWBY's room
After discussing how they needed to help Blake while trying to convince her to relax and go to the dance Yang decided to ask Ruby a question.
"So Ruby who are you going with?"
"No one of course."
"Seriously? You don't have anyone in mind?"
"No" Ruby had a millisecond of hesitance and that was enough for Yang to work with
"I know you're lying Ruby." Yang stated with a giant grin
"What makes you say that?"
"Sisters intuition."
"Yea right."
After a few minutes of prying for information Ruby finally admitted that she was thinking if she should go with Zenon. Yang started laughing which Ruby did not appreciate the gesture
"Yang is not funny." slightly irritated
"Ruby you are so adorable. Alright listen normally the guy must ask the girl but maybe you could plant the idea in his head."
"But what if he doesn't want to go or maybe not with me. What about Anorra?"
Yang knew better that Ruby was using Anorra as a front to hide her own fears. Thus the amount of excuses she was throwing around.
"Everyone is going and remember Zenon said they are just friends so no harm no fouls right? Also you give yourself very little credit: a girl that kills grimm and other monsters for a living is afraid of a little possible rejection?"
"Well no."
"That's the spirit so go."
"But what should I say?"
"I don't know, you decide."
Yang pushed Ruby out of there room and told her to knock on Zenon's door. Yang stayed outside to see everything go down. Ruby got closer and as she was about to knock on the door she heard laughing. Listening closer she heard Zenon say
"Alright so on Sunday I'll pick you up?"
Ruby knew that it was Zenon talking to Anorra about the dance on Sunday. How? It was pretty obvious. Disappointed she stood at the door wondering what she should do next. In the end she decided to leave but at that precise moment the door flew open and Zenon came out but he was unable to stop and ran into her making both of them fall.
-Present-
RWBY's room
Ruby entered her room and Yang returned back to her regular self although still very serious
"What exactly happened Ruby?"
"Like I said it was an accident. You were there you saw the whole thing."
"Yea I have seen many 'accidents' of boys doing things with girls don't be fooled Ruby."
"What things exactly?"
"You'll learn when you're older."
Ruby only shook her head in response.
"Knowing you I'm sure you must be happy that it happened. Which begs the question why are you still sad?"
"I'm upset that Blake won't take part in the dance. Without her team RWBY won't be team RWBY." Ruby was not necessarily lying but she wasn't telling the whole truth.
Across the hall Zenon knocked on team JNPR's door and Ren opened.
"Ren! Just the man I wanted to see."
"You wanted to see me?"
"Totally bro anyway can I talk to you in private?"
"Sure."
They both headed out walking all over the campus as Zenon talked to Ren about expressing his feelings for Anorra and after some consideration he thought he should do it.
"So you want me to help you?"
"Kind off. What should I do?"
"I may not know her as well as you but the little I was able to see is that: just say it. Talk to her, she won't care how you do it as long as you mean what you say."
"Yea you're right thanks man. Out of everyone here you are my favorite friend haha. Don't tell anyone about what we just discussed. Oh one more thing."
"Yes?"
"I got nothing to wear for the dance."
Everything seemed to be going smoothly. Team RWBY was in charge of decorating for the dance, Ren accompanied Zenon to Vale and helped him pick proper attire for the dance. The last thing he needed was a ride to get Anorra. But who could help? Ozpin. Zenon went to Ozpin's office and asked him if he had a car that he could borrow.
"And why Mr. Zenon do you need a vehicle?"
"Well I need it to pick up my da- I mean a friend for the dance. I will use the airship to leave Beacon and back but I need a car to pick her up from the outskirts of Vale."
"Very well Mr. Zenon you can borrow my car."
Glynda was not happy to say the least but withheld her objections. Zenon left with a giant smile and he almost looked like a normal kid. As soon as he left Glynda asked Ozpin
"Why did you allow him to use your car?"
"He is just a kid, let him enjoy himself at least for a while besides when was the last time you saw him give a genuine smile?"
Everything was set. All that remained was the dance itself and soon he would express his feelings for Anorra: the future seemed bright for Zenon.
Alas the day has arrived: the day of the dance. Zenon suited up and headed to the airship. Ozpin's car was waiting for his arrival on the other end of the port. The path to Anorra had no roads but he will be damned if that stopped him from picking her up in style. Can Zenon drive? Haha no but hey he learns to adapt rather fast. The hard part was getting through the city but once he reached the woods it was smooth sailing. Thankfully the terrain allowed for a vehicle to be driven. Arriving at his destination he got out of the car and went towards the door of the hut.
Zenon knocked on the door and waited for Anorra. Nervous Zenon combed his hair with his hand, fixed his tie, and check if his breath was bad; it wasn't. All that was left was to wait, as the saying goes: All good things come to those who wait. Zenon heard the door open and was captivated by the beauty before him. Anorra was wearing a long black dress matching the attire Ren picked for Zenon. Unconsciously Zenon stared at Anorra with his mouth slightly open
"Zenon it is not polite to stare."
"I'm sorry it's just that you truly look beautiful. No words could bring you justice."
"Thank you and you look quite handsome yourself."
"Only the best for you."
With a gesture Zenon gently held Anorra's hand and gave it a small kiss. He escorted her to the car. As they got in Anorra asked Zenon
"Where did you get the car?"
"I have friends on high places."
At the speed Zenon drove they made decent time. Once they reached the port Zenon parked the car. Both entered the airship with the destination towards Beacon. After a few minutes they arrived at the entrance of the dance. Zenon and Anorra walked inside arm-in-arm. The first to notice them was Yang since she is the receptionist. At the sight of them Yang squealed with joy
"You two look like the perfect couple."
They both blushed with embarrassment while Anorra also complemented Yang. Zenon complimented her saying that he never expected Yang to be wearing fancy attire. Anorra turned her attention towards the decorations and Yang took the opportunity to give Zenon a death glare he obviously knew why. With a facial expression he told Yang that it was an accident. While having a silent argument Ruby walked in. Yang reacted nearly identically the same as when she saw Zenon and Anorra; she squealed saying that she was so cute. Zenon added on
"I have seen you wear battle skirts but a dress that is indeed rare. You look nice Ruby."
"Thanks." she said with a blush
Zenon returned his attention to Anorra
"Well let's see what this dance has to offer. Care to accompany me?"
"The night is young let us enjoy ourselves."
Both began to enjoy themselves while dancing. Zenon only danced for a few minutes before getting tired. Stepping aside he decided to grab some punch. He felt a tap on his shoulder and noticed that it was Anorra having a concerned expression.
"Zenon are you ok? Why did you stop dancing?"
"I find it cute when you care about me." Zenon said teasing her
"Well of course I care for you. You can't imagine how important you are to me." Anorra returned teasing him
(Gulp) "R-Really? I mean yes of course but I'm ok just that dancing is not my thing."
Everybody stopped dancing as laughter began to rise. Lo and behold: Jaune was wearing a dress. It took every fiber of his being trying not to join the crowd and laugh. Surprisingly that didn't stop Anorra from laughing
"And you Zenon? Would you look good in a dress?"
"Don't haunt me with such madness. Please."
"I'll take that as a no" Followed by soft laughs
After that team JNPR was having a musical number and they were doing pretty good. Zenon also noticed how Jaune was getting closer to Pyrrha.
"Atta boy Jaune!"
Taking this opportunity he decided to initiate his real plan.
"Let's go for a walk Anorra."
"And what of the party?"
"I have something special planned."
At the mention of a special plan Anorra accepted to go with Zenon. The night was dark but the sky was clear allowing thousands of stars to be manifested. As they walked around the outskirts of Beacon in virtual silence Zenon asked trying to make small talk
"Anorra?"
"Yes Zenon?"
"Are you enjoying the evening?"
"Of course but what is this special thing you have planned?"
"You'll see."
Zenon led Anorra to the part of Beacon where there was a small garden and in the middle was a little table set up. At a closer inspection the table had silverware and decorations announcing that someone was having supper.
Confused Anorra asked
"Zenon what is this?"
"Save all questions for later. Right now we shall only enjoy."
Zenon walked closer to the table, pulled a chair and gestured for Anorra to sit. Anorra sat down and Zenon said
"I'll shall return in a moment."
Zenon entered a back door that led into the kitchen and got the dish he was gonna serve. He breathed in and out
"You got this Zenon, you can do this."
He stepped out and walked towards the table. Setting a pot of soup down he filled Anorra's small bowl and his own. Zenon sat down and Anorra couldn't help but smile at Zenon's actions.
"Why all this?"
"I wanted to show you a gesture of gratitude for all that you have done for me. It's the least I could do."
"You didn't have too."
"I wanted too, please I insist: eat."
Anorra started eating the soup and was fascinated by the flavor
"I didn't know you could cook?"
"Well I had a good teacher."
Zenon remembered how Ren helped him cook and how long it took him to get the hang of it. Yet it was all worth it. The minutes passed and they both had their fill. Zenon stood up taking Anorra by the hand
"And now my lady a proper dance."
Both got closer to one another as they began to dance. No music was playing, the only rhythm was the beating of their hearts. In silence they danced not daring to interrupt the blissful peace they felt in each other's presence. Zenon began to speak since the purpose of it all was to admit his feelings he had for her.
"Anorra can I ask you a question?"
"You already did."
"Playing smart huh?"
"I learn from the best."
Zenon couldn't help but laugh
"So we have known each other for almost a year."
"Indeed we have. It feels like only yesterday." Anorra began to remember how she met Zenon realizing that she fell in love with her champion.
"Throughout that time you have been a good friend to me, what I'm trying to say is that you have been a great influence in my life. Well as far as I can remember since I lost my memory."
Anorra looked up at Zenon knowing that he was hesitating to tell her something
"What are you trying to say Zenon?"
Zenon became flustered and started heating up
"I-I'm trying t-to say that I-I-(dammit Zenon be a man!) I really like you Anorra and more than just a friend!"
At first Anorra was silent but what Zenon heard next would crush him: Anorra started laughing.
"I assume you don't like me the same way."
"Oh Zenon I laugh because you are adorable when you are flustered."
With her hand she gently touched Zenon's face
"My Ashen One I have always liked you and always will: for you are my champion of ash and I am your firekeeper."
"You really mean it?!"
"Maybe my actions will speak louder than words."
Anorra got closer and kissed Zenon. Zenon couldn't believe what was happening leaving him paralyzed. Anorra stopped kissing him and noticed that he was silent. Filled with unspeakable joy Zenon surprised Anorra as he lifted her up twirling her around. After a few spins he set her down and gave her a hug. Zenon didn't say a single word but she knew what he wanted to say,she knew what he was feeling deep down. She rested her head on Zenon's chest and enjoyed the warmth that Zenon's soul emitted. They stayed together as if the heavens and the earth could never separate them.