Hello, everyone!
I'm jeit93 and welcome to another chapter of RWBY: Grimm Reaper!
Sorry for the delay. Work has been a little bit loaded and I didn't have to work on the update but some hours at home at night. However, I care about my followers so I worked hard on get it done as soon asap.
ReddLotus- Hey don't forget about me I was bored too!
Oh, I'm sorry for having adult responsabilities, Red. The internet doesn't pay itself... aslo there are sick sales in PSN and Steam.
Ehem...
Well, this chapter will be like an epilogue after the Soul Reaper and the return of Kaiden, so enjoy and prepare a trip to Feeladelphia.
Disclaimer: I don't own RWBY or any of its characters,only the OCs.
Chapter 38: Closure
-o-
Goodwitch has all my respect. Being deputy headmaster, doing the paperwork, dealing with the students making a mess the academy and endure a boss like Ozpin is tough. I learned the last part on the hard way on the first day when my first assigment was locate the old man and report his location, avoiding any confrontation; even if I didn't understand about the latter. I found him drinking his coffee on the cliff facing Emerald Forest so I let know the deputy headmaster where he was, but I made the big mistake of taking his proposal that, if I could land a hit on him, he'd go back to his labors. Five seconds later he was making me eat (literally) dirt as he calmly drank his beverage. When Goodwitch arrived, it was only necessary a death stare from the woman to make the headmaster give up and go back to his office without protest.
Despite that, the rest of the week was quieter. Some times I had to run some errands delivering papers to the professors around the campus so I was allowed to use my gauntlets to move faster and perform field tests to my equipment.
Between every task, I could take short breaks I used to get a snack or finish my class assigments and relax once I was done for the day and be back at the dorm almost at dusk.
However, during that week, I understood how so hard was the last month for everyone.
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I finally could catch a breath after taking some documents to Peach, giving a hand to Oobleck to prepare a PowerPoint presentation, and making sure that Port weren't sneaking in another cage with another extremely dangerous grimm that has not been informed in his request. Nothing that a quick soda can couldn't fix.
I was sitting on a bench watching the constant flow of students across the courtyard just hanging out after classes, whether it's strolling around the academy or going to Vale.
"Hey," I turned at the voice on my side"can I sit?"
"Sure, Jaune," I replied pointing at the empty place next to me. "What's up?"
"Nothing. Just walking around before my training session with Pyrrha. What about you?"
"Taking a break before Goodwitch calls me back."
"How's it going so far?" he asked.
"Not bad so far. I've been going back and forth running errands and help with some stuff. It's much easier if I use these babies to move around," I replied raising my forearms and showing off Faith and Force.
"Yeah. About that..." Jaune said sheeply "don't let Nora see them. She keeps asking when she could have another electric charge."
"You don't have to tell me twice," I said awkwardly remembering the girl's reaction when the electricity when through her body and pleasure she felt. I shook the picture off my mind.
Suddenly the conversation went too awkward and we just stared at what was before us.
It was curious to be already used to the sight of students of the other academies freely walking around after a month they arrived before the Vytal Festival. I've even met some people like Neon and Clint from Atlas, Nebula's teammates from Shade beside Emmerald and Mercury from Haven. It's a shame they have to leave when everything was over.
"I... uhm..." Jaune spoke, took a deep breath and continued "I'm sorry about that practice match we had the last time."
"Jaune, you don't..."
"I mean it," he interrupted me. "I knew you wanted it to be a fair match, but still I understimated you and..."
I placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Jaune, it's fine," I assured him. "You only wanted to help me. Yeah, it bothered me for a while, but you did it at good heart."
"Yes. It's just..." his face grimaced "as I told you, I have seven sisters, so being the only boy in the family was tough and, when I met you, I found someone who I could chat with about it and about anything."
"What about Ren?" I inquired.
"He's cool, but too quiet (even more than you) and only he still has to deal with Nora."
"I see..." I said before Jaune proceeded.
"We always have had a good time together. Watching shows online, the multiplayer matches and the times when I needed help and you always were there." Then his face darkened "And that is the reason why... when we finally found Ruby that day... gosh, it was the worst sensation I've ever felt. The moment I saw Ruby craddling you in her arms, I felt as if a part of me died. Like if a part of my family was taken away."
"Jaune..."
"Everytime I saw you on that hospital bed, I knew I needed to be strong like you but I didn't had idea how. If it weren't for Pyrrha, I'd have broken down and left Beacon thinking I wasn't made for the life that's waiting for us outside. The moment when you woke up unable to remmember us, I swore that I'd help you like all the time you had." Jaune dried his almost watering eyes "Sorry."
"It's ok, bro. I know it's been hard for everyone and that's why I'll make it up to all of you for everything you've done for me."
"You don't have to do it."
"But I will," I stated determined. "Anything you need, just tell me."
"Thanks, bro." I kept quiet for some seconds before he spoke again "Well, there's something you can give a hand with. I mean... now that you and Ruby are together and you got more experience about relationships..."
"What is it, Jaune?" I had a bad feeling.
"Can you help me with Weiss?" I looked at him deadpanned "What?"
I looked down, facepalmed and mumbled "Dammit, Arc."
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I loved the mornings in Beacon. It was amazing witnessing how the sun raised in the horizon as the chilly weather refreshed me as I jogged around the academy with "We Will Rock You" of Queen marking each step I made.
For those ocassions I wore a dark blue t-shirt, grey sport pants and white sneakers.
I used to run around the school all I could before heading back to the dorm and get ready before classes and assisting Glynda after.
I was almost done with the first laps when someone tapped my shoulder. I took a earphone before finding Pyrrha jogging next to me "Hey, Pyrrha."
"Hello, Kaiden," she greeted gleefuly. "It looks like I wasn't the only early bird this morning."
"There's nothing more peaceful before the chaos be unleashed when the bell rings to class," I replied. "Where's Jaune? Isn't he with you?"
"He's asleep and wouldn't wake up at all," she said with a defeated sigh. "But I think I exaggerated with yesterday's training so he was too tired."
"He needs to improve his stamina so he can be ready for anything. Like..." I said before a mischievous smirk appeared on my face before I sped up inside the academy "I race you to the CCT tower!"
"Hey!" the redhead protested but I was way ahead and knew she wouldn't say now to a challenge.
Before I knew it, Pyrrha had reached me running at high speed as the telecomunications tower grew closer as we headed over there. When we could the base of the tower, we both sped up in a last effort to touch it before the other.
I extended my hand until I felt the cold surface.
"I won!" I spoke the same time Pyrrha did it. We looked at each other in disbelief. "No, I got first!" we said in unison. "Hey, don't mess with me, Azabache/Nikos!"
We glared until we couldn't hold it anymore and bursted in laugh.
The security guards patrolling around the tower looked at us with amusing looks as we waved them and sat on the grass, leaning the back against the building after finally catching our breaths.
"Now that was fun," Pyrrha said barely recovering from the laugh.
"Definitely," I agreed.
The sun slowly started coming up and its light bathed everything around letting us know the day was beginning.
"So, how have you been?" the champion asked.
"Good, actually. Just busy being Glynda's assistant and stuff."
"Oh, yeah. Because you used your semblance against her and the General that day and..." she stopped mid-sentence as her face saddened.
"What's wrong?" I asked worried about her change of attitude.
"Nothing, just..." she kept quiet again "...I was remembering that day. After seeing you fighting so many times, it was my turn to find out myself how so strong you are. I was ready for anything by time the match started when you let that horrifying scream of pain and fell to the ground. The class was dismissed as you were taken to the infirmary so we went to our room until we had more news about you." She took a deep breath and her eyes were filled with the pain of a bad memory "Then, Weiss called to tell us that you fighting against the Soul Reaper. It only had few minutes after she hung up before we saw you through our window so we went to help."
She wrapped her arms around herself.
"Never in my life I've been so scared facing a grimm. That one was much different than the ones I fought before. Fast, strong, able to predict our moves and counter us hard. Then my fear was stronger when Ruby was marked and you were surrounded by that dark blazing aura. While we were attending Ruby, I could see you in the distance as you fought the grimm and how the combat was even with the Reaper receiving damage. Then... we couldn't see you as you disppeared from our sight and focused on Ruby and her arm. Ruby suddenly opened her eyes, exclaimed your name and ran where you went before we followed her. When we found her... I..." Pyrrha was doing her best to not cry but her tears betrayed her before whipped them quickly. "Sorry," she apologized.
"It's fine," I replied. "I know it was hard for everyone,even more than me."
"It was," she agreed. "There was so many things I wanted to tell you and many more I wanted to talk about."
"Well, this could be a chance to do it," I said with a kind smile.
She looked at me with her vivid green eyes and smile.
"How do I start?" she wondered. "I think I can begin saying that you always amazed me. When I saw protecting Ruby from the Deathstalker during the Initiation, I was surprised by the speed you had to block the sting. Then I witneseed how you lured the Nevermore toward the cliff so RWBY could finish it off. As the time passed, I could learn more about you and could I say I was... jealous."
This last part got me off-guard "Wait... what?"
"Since I remember, I've been in the spotlight as everyone cheered my feats, my skill and my appearance. All the sponsors, TV commercials, and cereal boxes I've been on. If I accomplished something, it was only because 'it's natural coming from a champion'. Then you appear, someone who didn't go to a combat school and second youngest student to be enrolled in Beacon, surprising us with your skills and everyone talking about you-"
"Wait a second. Sorry," I interrupted. "Everyone was talking about me?"
"Yes. Some amazed by your swordmanship, others by your fights, and some girls saying how cute and sexy you are... their words, not mine."
"O-ok," I stutter after getting that new info. I had no idea about that.
"As I was saying, you were the new revelation as I was already the known champion. I began to see you as my rival and wanted to do my best and surpass you until I had the chance weeks ago. But when I saw you collapse with your hands cutching at your chest, those thoughts vanished and ran where you were worried about my friend."
Now I was the one about to shed tears, but I did my best to hold them back.
"After you got your memories gone, I wanted to get you back to your former self so I got Jaune to convice and join us in our training sessions. You were improving but I could feel your frustration and agreed on you getting an easy victory against Jaune, even it could feel like an empty one. It the end, it backfired pretty bad."
She stood up, facing the raising sun.
"But now you're here after dismantling a criminal organization, defeating a rogue huntsman and fighting against me in an amazing match. Now I see you as my equal, Kaiden, and I want tell you that, no matter what, I'll always be willing to give you a hand."
I got up and extended my hand "The same for me. If you have a problem, you know who you're gonna call."
"Right," she replied shaking our hands.
"Jaune is lucky of having you," I said with a sly grin.
Her body stiffened and a light shade or red filled her cheeks.
"What do you mean?" she asked, feigning innocence.
"You like him, don't you?" I knew there was something between them. It was obvious.
Her whole body froze and her face began turning totally red as her eyes opened wide.
"WhatareyousayingIdontknowwhatyouretalkingabout..." she started mumbling embarrassingly.
It was amusing seeing her like and couldn't control my laugh.
"Don't worry. I won't tell any soul," I assured. "But you should do something about it before it be too late. I tell you for experience."
Pyrrha's face was still red but it was only by a light shade on her cheeks.
"I want to do it, but I don't know how he'd feel. You know, because he like Weiss and sees me just like a friend."
I closed my eyes and mentally screamed 'You dense motherfucker' to the blonde guy.
"Just get the courage and do it, Pyr," I stated. "You're an amazing girl and loyal friend. If he still says no, I'll gladly beat the hell of him until he changes his mind."
"I think it'd be better if you don't it," she said. "I'll try once I feel prepared."
I nodded.
"Sigh. If you need help, here I am."
"Thanks," she answered with a tender smile.
Oh Oum. If Jaune doesn't pay attention to this girl, I'll be sooooo pissed.
Pyrrha stood traight and stretched her arms up.
"Now I feel much better, like if a giant stone has been lifted off my back. Thank you, Kaiden." She looks at me kindly and suddenly pushes to me to the ground "I race you to the dorms."
Then she ran away leaving me dumbfounded on the grass before I got up went after a her; only to have another tie.
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Definitely, the library was one of the best places if you wanted some piece and silence as you needed to complete some class assigments withput any distraction.
Glynda had to attend a teachers meeting so I was dismissed early and took that time to do some homeworks that were pending during the time when I was in coma while Ruby was in Vale with her sister and Blake. I was told it wasn't necessary for me to do it, but still I wanted to.
I was done with a report for Peach's class when Weiss appeared.
"Hey, Weiss," I greeted.
"Hello, Kaiden. Aren't you supposed to be assisting miss Goodwitch?"
"Yes, but she had to attend a meeting so I got the afternoon free and decided to do some assigments."
"That's nice," she commented. "I wanted to do the same, but I couldn't concentrate in the bedroom with Nora making noise across the hallway and Ren wasn't around. I hope you don't mind if I join you."
"Go ahead," I replied wothout lifting my sigh from my report about the reaction of different types of dust in extreme temperatures.
Weiss sat in front of me and both of us focused on doing our assigments, with only the sound of your pens sliding on the sheets.
"So, what are you doing?" I broke the silence.
"The report about the Goliaths for professor Port," she answered still writing. "What about you?"
"An essay about dust and the extreme temperatures for Peach."
Weiss stopped writing and looked up at me "But you don't have to do that assigment because it was asked when you were in the hospital."
"Yes, but I still want to do it," I replied. "I have a lot to catch up."
"I see," Weiss commented before going back to her task and the silence was back.
We were at at it but suddenly she stopped writting, dropped her pen and stood up next to me.
"Weiss, what's wrong?"
She quickly bowed respectfully "I'm sorry."
"What?" I asked confused before that respectuful gesture.
"I'm sorry for the awful things I said and you heard that day," Weiss said with her face still looking down.
I had no idea what to do in that situation and we were getting curious looks from the people who were passing by. I didn't blame them since it was unique witnessing a Schnee bowing like that to a guy.
"W-why don't you sit and we talk about it?" I offered sheeply.
The white haired took the seat next to me with her face in a light shade of red "What I mean is... I'm sorry for saying those things about your semblance and about you. Before I said I was afraid of you, but now I know I actually was afraid of not being able to know the truth about you. Your semblance was something that I've never seen before, the curse you had and the burden you had to carry. When you ran away that day, I felt awful for saying such things knowing even you couldn't give an explanation even if you wanted to."
My hands cutched on my pants tightly "Weiss, I-"
She raised a hand stopping me "Then that kid Oren bumped into me when we were looking for you and told us what had happenned. My thought was... damn, those tanuki ears were so adorable," I gave her a deadpan look "ehem... and then I was afraid of something happening to you again and I had to live regretting not fixing the things between us."
I've never seen Weiss like that. Her hands clutching tightly on her skirt. Her eyes full with pain. Her eyes threating with shedding tears. For the first time since I met her, she looked vulnerable.
I leaned forward and took her hads kindly.
"Weiss Schnee," I said with a tender smile "you didn't do anything wrong and there's nothing to apologize for."
"But the things I said..."
"It's in the past. I don't blame you for having fear because of me. After all, I was too desperate to slay the Reaper so I burned my whole aura for power. But I learned from my mistakes and hope not do it again, as well as trusting all of you everything about me. Go it?"
She nodded tightening her lips as they twitched into a faint smile "Got it."
"That's what I wanted to hear," I replied letting go her hands.
"Umm, Kaiden?"
"Yes, Weiss?"
"That day, before I launched towards the Soul Reaper, you called 'sister'," now I could feel my cheeks heating up. "Did you mean it?"
"Well... I..." I clared my throat. "Let's see: you're bossy, moody, stubborn, hardly accept advice from others." Weiss scowled. "But you do it because you care about us, wanting to keep us safe and also wanting to help all of us. Just like a sister would do."
"Sister," Weiss repeated the word as if it were something for her. "You know, I'm the middle child in my family: before me is Winter, my older sister, and then there is Whitley, my little brother. I haven't had a lot of contact with Winter since she joined the army and my relationship with Whitley was not never the best, and my parents never had the time to talk. My only friend was Klein, my butler, but, beside him, my life in the mansion was lonely until I arrived at Beacon. I won't lie: I had a very bad first impression of all you in the first day."
I chuckled remembering the scene we had after the explosion caused by the poorly sealed vials.
"But now I enjoy each day I spend with all of you, even if you almost drive me crazy with every antic you are scheming."
"Hey, most of it was Yang and Ruby's thing. I just tag along if I'm bored," I protested.
"Sure you do," she said with playful look. "And about Ruby, take care of her. She's been through a lot of things lately and now she seems happier than ever with you."
"Awwwww" I cooedwrapping my arms around her head and using the most annoying voice I could make "you really care about your bestie!"
"Shut up! Don't touch me!" Weiss started struggling pussing away, without success until I released her from my hold. "Sometimes you're insuffrible."
I raised my hands innocently "I'm doing what any little brother should be with his sister: being totally annoying."
"Then you're doing it like a professional, you meathead," Weiss commented with a smile.
"I'll take it as a compliment, ice cube."
We snickered at our weird way of kidness before a growl came out of my stomach.
"Right now I'm craving for a snack. Wanna join me?"
Weiss shrugged "I think I can try a small dessert. The essay can wait for now."
In the end, that 'small' dessert became 3 ice cream cones. Doubles.
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"Bitch."
"Jerk."
Awwww. There's no better brotherly love than the Winchesters'.
It was nice to have peace and tranquility after a long day after classes and being Glynda's slave-I mean,assistant. Good thing the professor allowed me to do my class assigments after I finished her tasks and waited for new ones, so, once I was done for the day, I arrived to the room, left my belongings on the desk, got a change of clothes and headed to thee shower before enjoying what was left of the day.
Weiss dragged Ruby and Yang to the library so they could focus on their studies with Blake as backup and ordered me to stay away for the moment, avoiding to distract my girlfriend and enfuriate her sister. So I fulfilled her wishes and relaxed catching up with Supernatural.
Castiel was doing another badass angel-like stuff when the door opened. As I peeked out, I could see Blake coming in with her book under her arm.
"Hey, Blake. How's the study session?"
The brunette looked at me with a deadpan stare and let out a tired sigh "Ruby complained of being bored and Yang only was texting as Weiss was dangerously on the edge of the insanity, so I got away in case she totally lost it."
"Wow," I deadpanned "in Huntsmen culture, that's a dick move." Obviously Blake didn't get my Rick & Morty reference and gave me a dirty look. (A/N: Birdperson, we miss you. Fuck you, Tammy.) I avoided her glare and returned to my laptop with the episode still on. I didn't notice Blake next to me.
"What are you watching?" she asked curious.
"Supernatural," I answered without raising my sight from the screen.
"Let me see," Blake said sitting at my side on my futon. We spent the rest of the episode watching how the demons were slayed by Dean and Sam Winchester, Castiel's awkwardness and Crowley being a total dick. We were at it until the credits began.
"That was interesting," Blake commented stretching once the episode ended. Obviosuly she was more interested in the Winchester brothers and maybe fueling moreinspiration for her smut.
"You need to watch the previous season to understand the plot so far."
"I'm more into books, but I'll check it later," she said leaning against the wall and the look up to the sheet over the futon. She closed her eyes and asked "Kaiden, are you still mad at me?"
"Why would I?" I inquired bewildered.
"Because the things I said about you. About you were faking your memories. About you keeping secrets. About everything," Blake said quietly but I could feel the pain in her voice.
I wrapped an arm around her and pulled the girl closer.
"I'm not mad at you, kitty ears," I whispered. "You know why? Because you are part of my family. Fighting between us is natural, but also is forgive and apologize."
"Family," Blake said such word with melancoly.
She never commented if she had family and I was worried if I had come up with a delicate subject. As I know, most of the faunus joining the White Fang had their family, or a relative, killed by humans, and I didn't know if Blake was the same.
"I'm sorry if I said something wrong. I..."
"It's ok," Blake interrupted. "If you were wondering, my family is fine."
"Thanks Oum,"I sighed with relief.
"Yes. As I know, my parents are still in Menagerie," she let me know looking up and smiling at her memories. "My father was... the former leader of White Fang."
My face must have been something unique as if she were looking at me amused.
"Ok," I mumbled "I didn't expect that."
"I don't blame you." Her face became hardened "He didn't approved the way the faction was becoming with the methods they were adopting like burning establishments that didn't accept them or attacking humans for no motive. I was too blind for their ideals and called him weak and coward before leaving with the group. That was the last time I saw my father and mother."
I felt her body stiffening so I pressed her tighter.
"But, as the time passed, I witnessed someone important for me changing into something guided by the hatred and rage against the humans as to kill innocent people. When I went on a mission, I defected and ran away. I think that's when I started distrusting everyone. I went on hiding before I headed to Beacon and met you, guys. At first I had my doubts on whether I could trust you so I hid the fact I was a faunus until you discovered that day in the forest, therefore I decided to give you the vote of confidence and tell you, even if I was the one saying half truths. You said no word about it until I accidently told everyone including my former affiliation." A faint smile appeared on her face "Weiss told me that all of you were willing to listen to me and I was happy you wanted to help me to find out about Torchwick and his link to the White Fang... until..."
I knew what she meant.
"Soul Reaper," I let out the undesirable name.
Blake nodded.
"When I discovered you were hiding it from us, I was angry, because I trusted you and felt betrayed, but also I was worried. Then I saw you using that forbidden technique Ozpin told us about and I was scarred of the way you were fighting. So wild, full of rage and bloodlust... just like him."
I could tell she was holding back her tears and I caressed her arm as some thin streaks started lowing down.
"When I saw you lifeless on Ruby's arms, I didn't know how to react. Scream, cry, swear, whatever I could do, I didn't do it. Just stood there still as everyone else was grieving. When every hope was gone, a medic felt your pulse again and everyone was relieved, but I didn't know what to think about you then. I felt like if everything I knew about you was a lie, and that scared me. I thought I'd get answers once you woke up, but you know what happened. Even with you lacking memories, I had my guard up as I figured out how to deal with you, but, as the time passed, I decided to help you. You improved slowly but steady, until the night you were having a bad dream. I was really worried about you but then you called me by the nickname I hate."
"Which one?" I asked grinning. "Kitty ears?"
Blake looked at me angry and flicked me on the forehead.
"Ow!"
"You know I hate it!" she protested.
"Well, I said moments ago and you didn't mind."
"Thanks for letting me know," she said before giving me another flick.
I was rubbing to ease the pain on my forehead when Blake spoke "Kaiden, there won't be more secrets, right?"
"I don't know. Everyone can have things to hide, but I promise that I'll share everything I can. It's that ok?"
She didn't respond but lunched on me with a hug and her head on my shoulder "Please, don't become like him. Don't become Adam."
I returned the embrace wraping my arms around her "I won't. I promise."
We were at it for a while until she let me go.
"I think that's what I needed," Blake said "just talk."
"Sometimes a talk is all you need to feel better," I said putting a hand on top of her head and rubbed it.
"Purrrrrrrr."
I froze right in the moment as Blake's eyes opened wide and blushed in embarrassment.
.
.
.
Oh,
No
Freaking
WAY!
A sly grin grew on my face like the Cheshire cat.
"Blake, did you..."
"No!" she denied, even though I hadn't finished the sentence.
"Purr?"
"NO!" she yelled, grabbed a pillow and attempted to murder me.
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Focus.
Feel the semblance.
Focus.
Channel it on the arms.
Focus.
Just a little more.
5.
4.
3.
2.
1
The 20k dumbells fell on the ground with a deaf thud while the dark arms coming from me disappeared in black smoke. It had became a habit of me to start exercising more my semblance every early morning I decided to train, but still it was so exhausting. Like if I were flexing muscles I haven't used for a long time, which would be the case since I didn't used my full semblance in seven years.
I collapsed on the ground feeling my arms burning and my white shirt sticking to the body by the sweat.
So far everything was going well. My aim using the aura bullet was improving with calluses on the tips of my index fingers by repeated use of the skill. I could control better the darkness mixing it with electric and fire dust. The more meditation I had with Requiem, more I could hear the voice coming from it, almost like if I had a link connecting us through my aura as I could sense where it was and couldn't see it.
I was so inmerse in my thoughts that I didn't notice something cold poking my head.
"Heyo!" Yang greeted me looking me down with a water bottle in her hand. "Want some water?"
She was wearing a black sport bra under a yellow tank top and black sport leggins.
"Yang? What are you dong here?"
She shrugged.
"I saw you leaving the bedroom like almost every morning to train, couldn't sleep and decided to follow you curious about you were up to," she said offering the bottle again.
"Thanks," I said before twisting the cap and feel the refreshing liquid going down my throat.
"How is it going?"
"Good so far," I answered once I was don drinking. "I just need to pratice a little more with what I can do with my semblance."
"I see," Yang said cupping a hand under her chin. "Maybe I can help you with it."
She headed towards the stands, went up to the last step and turned around to me.
"Yang, what are you doing?"
"You'll know what to do," she said with a wink.
She crouch before jumping high with the arms and legs fully extended... before falling fall face first to the ground.
She groaned in pain as she lifted her head and looked at me, with my scroll recording her fall.
"Hey!" Yang called out "What the fuck?"
"What? I thought you wanted me to record it," I replied savinf the record.
"You were supposed to catch me!"
"Why? You have your aura unlocked so you wouldn't suffer any damage."
"But at least you'd make sure that your most dearest friend doesn't get hurt," the blondie replied angry. I stayed quiet. "I'm your most dearest friend, right?"
I started to sweat cold.
"From the most dearest to the least, there's Nebula, Jaune, Pyrrha, Blake, Weiss, Ren, Nora, Sun, Neptune..."
"What about Ruby?"
"She's my girlfiend, obviously she's in another league."
"Alright, so what's my position?"
"Maybe after your dog, Zwei."
Alright, maybe I haven't met the mutt personally, but I had seen the picture and it was cute. Obviously, the thought earned me a hard punch in the gut.
"Sorry, I was kidding," I wheezed barely catching my breath. "If it helps somehow, you're in the top ten."
"You better," she said with an evil smile. "But you still gonna pay for it."
I totally did as I went through Yang's training regime, considered so lethal as her puns. 50 series of 25 squats.
100 jumping jacks.
And now 100 push ups.
With only 10 seconds to rest.
"Straight back! Lower! Smell the scent of the floor!" Yang commanded me sitting on my back. Damn, she was heavy, but I was not saying shit about it if I wanted to survive the morning.
"96...97...98...99..."
"You know what?" my coach said "I'm gonna be easy on ya and let's end it here."
Wow. I only had to do 99 push ups of 100. I was honored.
I fell flat on the ground as Yang got off me. Once free from any weight, I rolled facing the roof.
"Hey, Kaiden. Can I ask you something?" Yang said laying next to me.
"Well, I can't move after the torture you got me through so yes."
"What do you think about Ruby?"
"In what way?"
"Just say what you thnk."
I took a deep breath. So many thinks could say about her and still I wouldn't be able to end.
"I could start with a single word: amazing. Not only as huntress, but also as a person. She has so much talent despite being so young and still acts so humble without bragging about what she can do. I love she wants to protect people not only killing grimm but also giving them hope and safety. I love she's always there if I need encouragement words or just a hug. I love her smile. I... love her," I felt my face burning, not because the training, but the fact I was telling these things to her sister, who had threated me serveral times that week for being close to her.
"I see," Yang said thinking about my word.
"What? Isn't the answer you wanted?"
"No. It's not that. Actually, I didn't expected that answer."
"What do you mean?"
"I thought you'd talk about her appeareance, her body or something like that, but, in the end, you went much deeper."
"When you say deeper you mean..."
"Dreams, goals, personality. Everything that makes Ruby... well, Ruby." Yang kept silence for some seconds "And now that I think about it, maybe I'd been too hard on you lately."
"No shit," I deapanned before getting a punch on the ribs. "Ow!"
"I'm serious," she scolded me. "I only did it because Ruby is important for me. I've been taking care of her all my life, more after her mother died."
"Wait," I nterrupted her. "Her mother?"
"Oh, yeah. Ruby and me are half sisters only related by our father, Taiyang. She left on a missin when we were kids, and she... never came back."
I remembered a memory of Ruby I saw when she had the Reaper's brand. Qrow telling her father that his wife wasn't going home.
"Yang, I'm sorry."
"It's ok," she assured me. "Through the years, I have always watched over her well-being and making sure she was safe. You must have an idea of my reaction when she decided to become a huntress. But, still, I made my best to get her ready as my uncle Qrow taught her to fight with the scythe. Once she started in Signal, my only worry were... boys."
"So, your attention went towards dates."
"Yes and no. Yes, I couldn't help but hang out with some boys, but I also was aware of who was going after Ruby."
Ok, now I was alarmed.
"Did she have many pretender?" I asked nervious.
"Why? Worried about if you had competition?" Yang asked teasingly. "Well, do not fear. She only was surrounded by the weapons geeks wanting help with their stuff. But also there were those who wanted something with me at any cost."
"At any cost?"
"Ruby told you she had a date before, right?"
"Yeah, with someone whose name sounded like gonorrhea."
Yang chuckled at the commentary.
"His name was Conner Rhea. And he..." I could feel her voice saddening "was after me." I'd have a bloodlust after someone. "He asked Ruby out to know and get closer to me before making his move. I only discovered this when I accidentally heard him bragging with his friends about it. I faced him, punched him through a wall and got suspended a week. When Ruby heard about it, she got home, hugged me tight and cried saying it was all her fault. It had been so long since we both cried. After that, she always was with me after classes, hanging out, chatting and also sleeping in the same bed until my suspension was up. Since then, everyone in Signal academy had the warning of not messing with Ruby Rose, Yang Xiao Long's little sister. And it was nice until I got admitted into Beacon and got worried about her being without me in Signal. But, as you know, she had her first encounter with Roman Torchwick and also got enrolled. It was much better knowing she'd be with me... then you came in."
She looked at me for a second before her gaze went back to the roof.
"It was nice she met a friend in Beacon with almost her age since she always had been a little bit awkward around people and she had one another friend who she'd chat with. When you willingly defended her against that deathstalker during the Initiation, I felt happy that she had a friend that would give his life to protect her. But then I knew Ruby had all her attention on you. I caught her several times giving you small glimpses when you weren't looking and there was that time when you were teaching her to swim in the lake that I felt there was something between you too, and I was worried about it." Then I saw her face grimacing "Sadly, the Soul Reaper attacked."
Through my mind passed immages of events in that day.
"When you collapsed cluching at your chest, Ruby was the first one standing up and dashing in your direction and helped to hold you as Goodwitch was checking your mark. As we waited for you to wake up, she couldn't stay still and decided to get your belongings. When you told me that Ruby was in danger, I just wanted to kill you, but I couldn't do anyhting as you ran to rescue her. When I finally found her, I felt relieved, but I still was scared. That grimm was totally different from what I had seen before. I could felt the death coming from it. In the end, I was totally useless against it and allowed my sister was marked by a monster..." she stopped as her voice was cracking.
"Yang," I placed a hand on her shoulder. I couldn't anything else because my body refused to move after the hellish training.
"I'm fine," she replied regaining composure. "It was a hard day for all of us." She breathed deeply and continued "Weiss had launched you when Ruby passed at full speed in your direction and we followed before the distress signal leaded us where he was. When I found her... gosh, I can't get it out of my mind. She was cradling you in her arms as she cried bitterly and you had that peaceful smile in your face. In that moment, I just wanted to hate you. I really wanted to. I wanted to hate you for leaving us that pain. For making me remind that feeling of losing someone dear to you. For making Ruby cry. But I couldn't because I knew you gave your life for us and for her."
"Yang, I'm sorry," I aplogized. It was hard to hear her, because she was doing her best to hold her feelings and remember the nightmare from previous weeks.
"Don't," Yang exclaimed. "You don't have to. You fought to protected someone important for both of us."
"But I caused you a lot of troubles these weeks."
"But we decided to support you no matter what," Yang extended her hand and squeezed mine "Memories or not, you're our friend. We'll be your family. Whatever we face, we'll do it together."
Now I was the one holding back the tears, but it was useless as a stream came out.
"Thanks, Yang."
"But, promise me you'll take care of Ruby and won't hurt her."
"I'm sorry, but maybe there's a problem with it."
"What do you mean?" she said almost growling.
"I admit it: I'm an idiot,so I may do something stupid that could hurt her," I answered sincerely. "If that's the case, you can hit so hard as you can."
"I'll take your word," Yang replied after a light chuckle before falling into a silence as we stared at the ceiling.
"Uhm, Yang?"
"What's up?"
"Would you mind if I ask Ruby on a date?" I asked after gathering some courage.
Yang was thoughtful some seconds before she answered.
"Yeah, it's ok." I thought I was safe before she added "But if you try something funny with her, I'll bust your balls."
I could have laughed at the comment, but I heard how she cracked her fingers and two sensitive part of me below the waistline almost screamed of fear.
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Tap tap tap.
It was the 4th day of punishment and the sound of the computer keys echoed in Goodwicth's office as I filled out the forms based on the information the teacher had given me. Identification number, description, area to which the property belongs, etc. I had been updating the inventory record for nearly an hour when I finished entering a 4mx4m cage in Professor Port's name. Better not ask what it is for.
"I'm done here," I let the professor know saving the file.
Glynda lifts her sight from the documents on her desk and looked at her watch.
"You finished sonner than I expected," she said surprised. "You are dismissed then, since there's nothing else I can ask you to do."
"Understood," I said turning off the computer and grabbing my backpack. "I'm leaving then."
I was almost at the door before Glynda called me.
"Kaiden, I almost forgot," she said opening a drawer and taking out a small package. "Professor Ozpin asked me to deliver you this."
It wasn't so heavy once I had it on my hand, hich didn't surprise me because I knew what was inside.
"Are you sure about this?" Glynda asked concerned by the decision I made a week ago.
"I think it's the best," I said putting the small parcel in my bag. "It's time to leave the past behind."
"Very well," the depuy headmaster nodded. "And seeing how much work you've done, I think you learned your lesson so let's end your punishment today."
"That sounds good," I said relieved by those word.
"After all," she continued smirking "you'll be having your date with Ruby."
It was a rare sight seeing Goodwitch with another face besides the expressionless and the stern one.
"Thank you, ms. Goodwitch," I said heading to the door. "See you o Monday."
"Enjoy your weekend," she said kindly before I left the office.
I walked around for a while until finally getting to the dorm, feeling my bag heavy like if the package was made of stone. I wanted to see its content as soon as possible. Once inside the room, I left my backpack on a desk as I looked arund to see who was over there. Weiss was studying as always on another table. Yang was laying on my futon as she watched videos in her scroll. Blake, as usual, was reading a book on her bed. Ruby was cleaning her scythe, Crescent Rose.
"Hey, everyone," I greeted the presents in the room.
I got some mumbled salutes from everyone, except from my girlfriend, who left carefully her weapon aside and walked in my direction to wrap me in her arms and soft kiss in the lips.
"Hi," she said sweetly after releasing me from the kiss "how was your work?"
"Great. I'm not grounded anymore so I have day off tomorrow," I said with a smile. "Perfect for a date."
"Yay!" Ruby exclaimed once again hugging me as she jumped on me in hapiness wrapping her legs and arms around me. "I can't wait for it!"
"Me neither," I said placing her on the ground.
She giggled before grabbing my hand.
"Let's go to grab a bite," she said pulling me towards the door. "I'm starving."
"Wait a second," I told her staying in my place, letting go her hand. "I need to do something first."
I grabbed my bag and took out the package ebfore I opened it. Several envelopes fell on the surface of the table. I was only expecting to get a certificate but also there were other things like driver license, school id and even debit card.
"What's all this?" Weiss asked curious getting up from the table.
"A new beginning," I said with pride giving Ruby the certificate on my hand. "Read it."
She took the paper and started reading it out loud.
"By now, the citizen formerly known as Kaiden Azabache, by statutes blha blah blah, henceforth will be known by the name... Kaiden Noir," Ruby looked at me with surprise in her eyes.
"I wanted you to be the first one to say my new name," I said getting back the document.
"How come you changed it?" Weiss asked.
I shrugged "Well, Nathaniel banished me from the family so I thought it'd be better to adopt Alice's. She told me once that she didn't have the opportunity to be a mother, but she always considered me as her son. So this is my way to honor her and her name. Thanks to Ozpin, who pulled some strings ease the process, it was easy." My gaze went towards the envelopes scattered on the table "But I didn't expect to get my driver license and bank account updated."
"It sounds awesome, but what would think your mom if she knows about this?" Yang asked getting up from my bed.
"I got it covered," I assured. "I talked to her some days ago. Actually, she called me."
"How's she?" Blake joined us.
"She's fine," I answered remmebering our conversation. "Just a little worried about what happened that day. I told her about the name change, and yes, she was sad about it, but she said it was ok if I had to do it."
I still remembered the words she told me: 'It doesn't matter the name you have or the person you become, you'll always be my little fox.'
"I don't think there's any difference," Ruby said. "Azabache or Noir, you'll be always the boy I love."
"Awwwwww!" Yang cooed as Weiss and Blake rolled their eyes.
"Oh! Shut it you!" Ruby exclaimed pouting at her sister.
"Wait a second," Wess exclaimed grabbing a letter from the desk. "Why is there an envelope from Vale police department?"
"Let me see," I extended my hand to receive the envelope before opening. First I thought it'd be the drive license because the new one was from Vale instead of Aztlan. But I was wrong. So wrong.
As I was reading the letter, I sense who the girls were getting worried at me since my eyes were open wide and my hands trembling. I brokedown the moment when I saw the piece of paper that was attached and, before I knew it, passed out.
Dear Mr. Noir,
It is a pleasure to greet you again and thank you once again for your efforts that resulted in the capture of Clayton Zaule.
After analyzing it carefully, we have reached the decision to make valid the reward for its capture for the amount that was established at the time the events occurred. This in the hope that these funds will be used to support you with the expenses incurred during your studies at Beacon Academy and your training to become a huntsman.
Without further ado at the moment, I send cordial greetings and hope to count on you in the future to work together for the protection of the kingdom.
Sincerely,
Cameron Perl,
commissioner of the Vale Police Department.
In another piece of paper, there was a note.
P.S. The day when the arrest occurred, a change was made in the reward. Enjoy it.
Next to the letter, there was a check.
A check of 500,000 lien.
Well, that's a wrap.
Now let's check the reviews:
Gizmo Gear: I'm glad you liked it.
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Guest chapter 37 . Jun 19: Ah, I see you're a man of culture as well.
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See ya.