Author's Note:
Here we are, Chapter 20. May not be that big a number, but that there are people who like this is what surprises me more than how many chapters I have written. Especially given how this fanfiction started, the numerous mistakes I make, and the duration of time between updates. Well, never look a gift horse in the mouth, I guess.
My apologies for this being another chapter more focused on dialogue between characters with little action. Next one will feature the Beacon Dance, with the following chapters more full of action.
Well, that is enough of me; please enjoy the chapter dear reader.
The Sublime Peacock
Faen did not know how he found himself in situations such as this, but nevertheless, he got into them.
Right now, the white-haired Elf stood before an expensive hotel in the upper-class district of Vale, 'The Sublime Peacock', for the simple purposes of retrieving a friend's dress for her. When he got back to Beacon Odori had better be ready to cough up that two-hundred Lien she promised him, for he had been made to endure much. From dealing with crowds of people, daring pickpockets, and the various looks that were sent his way. Since entering this district of Vale, the last of those difficulties had only increased.
Now, for what reason did these people have for ogling him like some creature on display in a zoo?
What were the chances the sight of him wearing a grey longcoat in the midst of Summer was the cause? Did the fact he openly wore a sword on his belt the reason for their gazes being sent his way? Or was it because of his sharp, elongated ears?
Faen did not kid himself, and he was fully aware of why the people in this district looked at him the way they did, for he could hear them whisper about, out of all things, his ears. The populace of the upper-class district of Vale was predominately Human, with only a small minority of Demi-Humans and Faunus residing here. In fact, Faen had only seen a handful of Demi-humans and only one Faunus since passing the gates of this district. So their... interest in him was understandable, but in no way appreciated.
In this place, with the three previously mentioned features, he stood out like a wolf in a herd of sheep. He might very well be one by the one some treated and avoided him.
As he had walked down the district's streets, Faen overheard a couple of those Humans who whispered about him refer to him not as an Elf, instead they called him a 'non-human', a term used by Humans to lump Demi-humans and Faunus together. Very often in a derogatory fashion. That those creatures dared place it after the word 'filthy' made the term an even greater insult to him.
Humans thinking they could look down on him? He would laugh at how ludicrous the thought was if it did not anger him so much. For now, at least, Faen opted to ignore their whispered insults; they were mere fleas biting at a tiger's back after all. That and he had far more important business to complete in Vale. Business that would not complete itself if he just stood around here.
Mustering all the courage and strength he had within him, the Elf took the bold steps through the hotel's doors and entered into its front lobby. Once inside, he saw just why it was people were charged high prices to spend a couple days in here. The inside of the hotel was indeed lavish, and every possible surface seemed to have been polished to a degree that Faen could likely see his own reflection. Despite all that, the hotel had not turned out to be anywhere nearly as overbearing and pretentious in its grandeur as the hotel's name first led him to believe it to be.
Honestly, he seriously expected there to be marble statues decorating the lobby, the finest hand-woven rugs made in Gabbros, and even have a live peacock walking around somewhere.
No sooner had Faen thought of that last one, an actual peacock came into view. The colourful bird, its recognisable tail hung low and scraping against the smooth floor, strut out from the behind the reception desk. So taken aback by the creature's appearance was Faen, he stood at the entrance for a full ten seconds, doing nothing but stare as the peafowl started to preen itself in the middle of the lobby.
Yes, this place was rich, far richer than any hotel Faen ever had the pleasure of staying in, or even stepping inside of. Too rich in fact for Faen to stand for any prolonged amount of time without a suitable distraction, so it was in his best interest to leave this place as soon as possible.
Approaching the reception desk, Faen waited a short while as a family of four Humans, who obviously made more in one year than his father could in three, got the arrangements for their room settled. While the two parents were talking to the receptionist, their two young children looked at Faen with wide-eyed gazes. He did his best to ignore the two brats, but he gave in and returned their stares, making the two turn and bunch closer to their parents. If this sort of thing kept on happening, the Elf was going to request an additional fifty Lien from Odori for making him deal with all this absurdity.
Finally, the Human family in front of Faen were done, and walked over to the elevator while carrying or pulling their large luggage cases behind them. Stepping forward to the front of the desk, the receptionist did her best to hide their surprise at what he was and remain professional.
"Good afternoon, sir. How might I help you?"
"Afternoon, I have a meeting with a guest staying here at your hotel, Hitomi Akagi. Is it possible for you to please inform her I am here to see her?" Faen said, putting up the most amicable face and voice he could manage for a stranger. It was not great, but it appeared to work.
"Hmm, we were told by Miss Akagi to expect a visitor for her. Do you have any way of confirming that you are indeed who she is expecting?" At least he had turned up at the right hotel, although he was now facing a new problem. That being how he was going to actually meet with the eldest Akagi sibling.
"Huh, she is not expecting me specifically, but I was sent in their place." Such a claim would not be enough, and he might be turned away if he did not act quickly enough. Good thing he had already thought of how to handle this situation, all the receptionist need do is accept what Faen had to say next. "Tell her that Faen Tatharion is here on her sister's behalf, I am sure she will understand."
The receptionist, to Faen's own surprise, took his request quite well, probably due to having heard more peculiar things from other guests. She might have even heard the sentences he said come out from mouths other than his own. A weird coincidence if it were true, but so long as it caused him no problems, he did not care one bit.
"Very well. Wait over there while we verify this with our guest, please." With a measured gesture of her hand, the receptionist pointed him towards some couches by the wall opposite the reception desk. Obviously set aside for people waiting for their rooms to be prepared, guests to come down from upstairs, or for a ride to take them someplace else; no one was currently occupying any of the couches right now.
Guessing there was no other choice but to follow the receptionist's instruction, Faen walked over to one of the couches and took a seat. Seeking a distraction to pass the time, he looked about him in search of just that. There was a short table with a small stack of magazines on it, but Faen had no interest in the latest celebrity drama, fashion trends, or whatever was going on in the economy. He had the option of taking in the sights of the lobby, but just from the quick glance around he did upon entering the hotel, the Elf reckoned there was not much worth looking at. Fancy as this place might be, nothing here fit in tastes.
So, with nothing better to do, Faen just sat and practised a breathing exercise he had read about not long ago. It beat just sitting here looking dumb as he twiddled his thumbs together.
As Faen sat quietly on the couch, he noticed the hotel's peacock approach him, eyeing him carefully and striding with the regal dignity the bird was famous for displaying. Or was it being overly pompous because of its own uniqueness? He met its gaze, for there really was nothing else he could do right now, and held it while the bird drew closer. The peacock finally reached him, and while he was sure the animal was accustomed to people, Faen was unsure whether a bird such as this normally came this close to people.
Standing by his feet, the peacock looked up at Faen, and he down at it. What exactly the animal wanted could not be discerned, for he was not exactly knowledgeable on the behaviour patterns and body language of peacocks. Did the blasted thing want him to feed it or something?
Doubtful, for the bird seemed to be at the peak of health, and there was no way it would seek food from an unfamiliar face. Or at least, that was what Faen believed to be the case.
Odd though his present situation might seem, a newfound sense of curiosity welled up in the young Elf. Leaning forward on the couch, Faen slowly reached a gloved hand towards the bird to gauge how exactly the peacock would react. To his surprise, the peafowl did not flinch away as he fully expected it would, but allowed him to draw close and gently stroke a finger against its feathered head. Marvelling at this, Faen started to use his hold hand to softly stroke and pat the peacock's head, and was further amazed at how accepting of it the peacock was.
Spending plenty of his life in pretty urban areas, and not allowed to keep pets, Faen did not interact with animals all that much. Sure he had come across cats, dogs, small birds, and a few small rodents, but not something like a peafowl. Claims his people were somehow able to charm animals by being in their presence alone, or by some secret art, were dismissed by the Elf a long time ago. He still did not believe such claims; it was all a lot of codswallop to him. This probably domesticated and well-trained peacock's behaviour just reminded him of that silly little belief.
Of course, him essentially petting the hotel's resident peacock drew the attention of plenty of the hotel staff and guests in the vicinity. Though he did not look up from the bird, Faen could feel their eyes watching him. To his relief, they said nothing, and just let him be.
Whatever their thoughts they had on what he was doing did not concern him, with Faen continuing to pet the bird as a show of that sentiment.
It was while he was busying interacting with the peacock, that a person approached him. He first noticed them through their footsteps, and then when the peacock tore away from him and began to hurry away from Faen and the individual approaching the Elf. A pity, he was beginning to enjoy the company of the colourful bird.
"Pardon me, but might I take a seat beside you?" The figure, a man with a husky quality to his voice, asked of the young Huntsman-in-Training. Funny, it was familiar for some reason.
Looking up to the man who was before him, the Elf was admittedly quite surprised when he saw him. The man before Faen was no Human as he first believed, though he appeared much like one, for the great snow-white bird wings protruding from his back marked him out as an Angel. He wore a three-piece suit, a gold goat-head pin on his lapel, and over all that he wore a coat with a collar made from either authentic or synthetic ermine fur. Moving on from his attire, Faen saw the Angel had fair skin, neatly combed back tan-brown hair, and black irises.
Faen had little interest in the current politics of Remnant, yet even he was able to recognise the man in front of him to be Azazel Onyx, the Angelic Representative in the Avaloni Parliament. He was a close friend of the late Faery King Oberon of Avalon, and the brains behind several initiatives to make the Enclave not just comparable in political and economic strength to the Kingdoms, but an equal. Among them was the expansion of Avalon's merchant fleet, which had become one of the largest in Remnant, the further mechanisation of Avalon's agriculture and other industries, and even the allowance of any Faunus residing on Avalon to attain citizenship, just to name a few.
He was also a well-known philanthropist, and made regular donations to numerous charities and aid centres that helped those displaced by Grimm attacks, suffering from terrible diseases, or other forms of misfortune that plagued people. Azazel was a politician, though, so Faen was sure these generous acts were not just done out of the good of his heart, and were also performed to gain political clout and support. Still, at least he was doing something useful with the generous sum of money he earned as a member of the Avaloni Parliament.
It was a great surprise to encounter him all the way here in Vale. Whatever purpose Azazel was here for, Faen did not care to take a guess at.
"Take it," Faen replied as respectfully as he could manage, but might have still sounded cold and hostile. There were other couches he could sit on, but he supposed there would be no stopping Azazel if he chose to seat himself besides the Elf.
Gladly Azazel took no offense to his tone and accepted the seat, and was quick to make himself comfortable on it. While the two sat silently, and somewhat awkwardly, together on the couch, Faen took note of how the Angel took out his Scroll and began playing a game of chess on it. With not much else to occupy himself with, Faen discreetly watched the politician next to him play the game on his Scroll. The first thing Faen noticed was his choice to play the black pieces, while his AI opponent played the white pieces.
Faen was an alright player, preferring to use the white pieces whenever he played, but never could he say he was an expert at it. Seeing how Azazel played the game, the Elf was sure he would lose to him if they played against each other, for he quickly dominated the virtual boardgame.
"Do you play? Chess, I mean," Azazel suddenly asked of Faen, his voice taking the Elf by surprise. He had apparently not been discreet enough, causing him to be caught by the older Demi-human.
"I have," said the Elf, his tone even.
"Some may say otherwise, but everything in life can be found in chess. Every move we make, every piece of ourselves we sacrifice; there is no knowing if any of them will be worth it until the end of the game. Just as it is in chess." As he finished, Azazel was able to eliminate the White King using the Black Queen piece, winning the game. An innovative philanthropist and a man who used chess as a metaphor for life? Faen had to be careful, or else he might start to like this politician.
While Faen was thinking over what Azazel had just said to him, the older Demi-human decided to pose another question to Faen. One that had nothing to do with chess.
"Will you be a contestant in the Vytal Tournament?"
"I beg your pardon?" That had caught the Elf off-guard more than the previous question he asked Faen had. Never once had he made mention of the Vytal Tournament, or said much at all to Azazel really, so Faen was quite puzzled by how he had come to the conclusion that Faen would be a part of it.
"You are a Huntsman-in-Training are you not? A young Elf such as your must be brimming with excitement at the thought of fighting in a world-famous event such as the Vytal Tournament!" Mentioning the Vytal Tournament brought a flicker of excited anticipation to flash in Azazel's eyes, obviously the Angel was looking forward to it like most of Beacon and Vale. That had done nothing to disperse Faen's confusion though, only adding to it, and he was quick to make it known.
"How do you know I am a Huntsman-in-Training?" Faen asked Azazel, who now saw the reason for the younger Demi-human's puzzlement. Upon making that realisation, Azazel let out a short laugh and spoke some more.
"My young Elf, there are few types of people in the Kingdom allowed to openly bear arms such as yours in a civilian centre like Vale. Police, military personnel, militia guardsmen, Huntsmen, and Huntsmen-in-Training. It was a trifling affair to identify which of those you are," Azazel pointed a finger towards the sword at Faen's side as he made his explanation to the Elf. "So? What do you think of the Tournament?"
If he put it like that, Faen guessed it was rather obvious, and sort of explained why someone had not approached him about carrying Gwaedh around before his arrival at the Sublime Peacock. Most people would be way more concerned by a youth carrying a weapon around, or anyone for that matter, but he guessed it was a common enough sight in Vale. A Huntsman Academy was situated not far from the city, so that might contribute to the lack of concern.
Putting those thoughts aside, the Elf started to think on how to answer Azazel. His instinctual drive to avoid conversation with this man Faen knew little of clashed with the side of him who saw potential advantages of becoming familiar with the politician. Especially one as influential as Azazel was back in Avalon. Granted, his black irises were rather unsettling to Faen, and he could not meet them for more than a few seconds, but he had worked with physical measures far worse than a simple eye colour.
"I... do look forward to the tournament," Faen finally answered, those seven words being all he could think of at the moment.
"Are you not participating in it? Do you not hope to win?"
"Realistically, others have a greater chance of winning than I do." Not an easy thing for Faen to say those words, as while his warrior pride screamed for him to take them back, they were sadly the truth in his eyes. There was only so much he was willing to do for pride, and lying to himself and others of his chances in the Vytal Tournament was not among
"Bah, always aim high in every endeavour you become a part of, young Elf! Though you might miss the Moon, there is a chance you may reach the stars. I for one have lived by this rule for all of my life, all of it, and see where it is I stand now?" Azazel said with a smile, his words almost sickeningly optimistic to Faen.
Be that as it may, the words he had spoken latched onto his mind, and try as Faen might to remove them, they clung onto him no matter his efforts.
Before the Elf could say anything in response, the loud jingle of several bells started to ring through the lobby. Taking an interest in this sudden, strange sound, Faen and a few others looked to what was the source.
An imp, a boney, red-skinned humanoid whose hairless head reached up to half of Faen's thigh, had sauntered through the hotel's front door as though it were a palace and he its rightful lord. It was certainly a curious sight to see, for the Imp wore an expensive tuxedo, shoes with long curled up toes, and a wide belt around its waist that had numerous bells dangling from it. Relishing the attention it was receiving, the Imp strut towards Azazel, who wore an amused look on his face, then jumped forward so he was almost stepping on the Angel's toes.
"Sir, your car is here." The imp announced in a voice more high-pitched than Faen expected the creature to sound.
"Ah, thank you, Flann. I am afraid this is where we must part, but take a moment to think on what I said." Azazel stood up from the couch he shared with Faen "Aim high, so that you might reach heights greater than you could have dreamed."
Faen, thinking of no other way to respond, just nodded to Azazel. Seemingly satisfied with his answer, the Angelic Representative turned and began to walk towards the door. The Imp, Flann, followed after Azazel, though not before sending wink and a wide, toothy smile of its own at Faen. Given how ugly and nearly Goblin-like the Imp's face was, it disturbed Faen more than he would care to admit.
Soon enough, both Angel and Imp were out through the hotel's doors, leaving Faen to his own devices once more. Sighing to himself, Faen returned to sitting quietly on the couch, waiting for the hotel staff to... well, do bloody anything about his request to see Hitomi.
Continuing to wait, far longer than Faen had wanted, he had half a mind to walk up to the front desk and ask what was taking so long. As it turned out, there was no need, for the immaculately well-polished doors of an elevator opened to reveal the familiar form of Hitomi Akagi. She took a moment to look around the lobby, and was quickly able to spot him.
Hitomi was wearing a red-and-white Áo dài dress; a long dress tunic with splits down its sides to reveal the trousers the wearer had underneath, and had a pair of slip-on shoes covering her feet. All else about the older Kitsune was much the same as he last saw Hitomi. From the way her hair was done, to the fact she still held onto a sensu fan despite the weather being rather temperate today.
Wasting no time, Hitomi started to stride over to Faen, while he stood up from the couch and walk over to her as well.
"Ah, Faen, this is a most unexpected surprise." Hitomi greeted him with a courteous and sincere smile gracing her face, her seven fox-tails swaying from side to side. The sweet scent of perfume clung to her and assaulted Faen's nose, though it was not terribly overpowering. "I was told you claimed my sister to be the reason you are here? Is that true, or are you in fact here of your own volition?"
"Your sister's I am afraid to say. She was... insistent that I be the one to go pick up her dress," said the Elf, bowing his head as he finished. Being the elder in this conversation, it was only right for him to show some deference to the Kitsune.
"I cannot say I did not expect this, but it is saddening to know nonetheless." Her face fell a bit, the fox-ears atop her head drooped slightly as well, but Hitomi set her disappointment aside and looked up at him again. "Well, no point dawdling here any longer, now is there? Let us go to my room, in there we can discuss things in private."
Nodding to show he agreed with her, Faen moved a hand in a gesture to the elevators the Kitsune had just come from, wordlessly proposing that she lead him onwards.
It was a quiet trip to Hitomi's room, the two much preferring to discuss things within its more private confines.
Finally the two did reach the room which the Kitsune was staying in, and upon entering Faen saw it was more luxurious and spacious than he had imagined it could be. While it was both of those things, the designers of Hitomi's room had made sure it was cosy as well, and had one hell of a view of the Vale cityscape that could be seen from a small balcony outside. A bit much on the images of peacocks; for peacocks were embroidered into the curtains, sown into the bedsheets, and even printed onto the customised sachets of coffee that remained untouched on a drawer of lacquered wood. Still, what did that matter to him? That was a problem for the people who stayed here, and Faen would not be staying for long.
Little else of interest caught Faen's eye in this room, apart from a case placed on top of that aforementioned drawer. It was too small to hold a significant amount of luggage, and too big to simply hold papers or other miscellaneaous items a briefcase might carry. He had an idea of just what could possibly be in the case, there were few other alternatives, but he stopped himself from voicing the obvious. He would let Hitomi have the pleasure of revealing the contents for herself.
"Please, remove your boots," Hitomi gestured to him as she removed her own shoes and placed them near the door. It was while Faen removed his knee-high boots that the Kitsune spoke up again. "I must ask, is it normal for you to carry a weapon when visiting a close associate's relatives?"
"On occasion. Things in Vale have become rather troublesome as of late, and I feel much safer with Gwaedh on my person," said Faen, tapping the butt of the dao's grip as he did. The Dust shop robberies that had been plaguing Vale had died down to the point they had stopped, but the Elf chose to remain cautious whenever he ventured to Vale now. That having the weapon on his person made people keep their distance from him was an unintentional, yet welcome benefit.
"'Gwaedh'," Hitomi repeated after him, letting the word roll off her tongue like someone tasting wine. "That means 'Oath' or 'Bond' in the Common Elf language, does it not? I would have thought it to be more of an 'Eanith' or even 'Isilmë'."
Faen stood stock still, quietly blinking at how Hitomi was able to not just translate the name of his sword, but also provide two other words from the Elf language. In his short life, it was a rarity to encounter a non-Elf who had a fluent understanding of his kin's tongue. Not to say he was assuming Hitomi to be a fluent speaker, for anyone with access to the internet could look up how to say a couple words and phrases. Still, she piqued his interest, and he was interested to learn how much Hitomi knew and why.
"'Eanith'; honour, burden, and contest of wills. 'Isilmë'; moonlight. You are... knowledgeable of my people's languages? Why is that so?" The Elf said, expressing his surprise at Hitomi's understanding of his language while also translating what the words she said meant.
"Only a little, after all, your language is one far more complex than that of the Human tongue we use now. Becoming fluent at a couple dialects may prove useful in any future dealings I have with any Elves I encounter as a Secretary of the Ten Ministers of Shangri-La," Hitomi went on to explain to him as she fanned herself with her sensu. Faen found could not argue against her logic and started moving again to stop himself looking like a dumbstruck fool.
"Ah, I see what you mean. Good luck with that," he sincerely meant what he said. There were several layers of intricacies when it came to the Elf languages, from the proper pronouncement of letters to the various meanings a single word could possess. Rather much like some Human languages some could argue, but Faen was of the mind his own was better for the simple reason it was his people's tongue.
"Thank you. Come; let me show you the dress Odori will be wearing."
Moving over to the case resting atop the drawer, the Kitsune undid its locks and opened the case's lid. Faen watched as Hitomi reached inside and pulled out a folded up silken dress from the case with the utmost care. Having removed the dress from the case, Hitomi then took it over to her wide bed and laid it out, unfolding the piece of clothing to reveal its full beauty.
For beautiful the dress most certainly was. A qipao in its overall design; it had a keyhole opening at the front, long form-fitting sleeves, side-splits that would expose much of the legs, and the hem of the dress would likely reach just above Odori's feet if she put it on. Apart from its general shape, Faen guessed it to be woven from a black fabric, likely silk or nylon if his knowledge of textiles was not terrible, with elegant crimson embroidery sown into the dress as well. Yes, this dress was beautiful to him, and he could only imagine how Odori would look in it.
"Marvellous, is it not?" Hitomi questioned him upon seeing the awed expression that fixed on his face for a second, a knowing look on her face before looking down and admiring the dress for herself. "Odori gave us several specifications on its design, and I believe it turned out quite lovely. I first believed she would have ordered a kimono; she loved them since she was a little girl, yet sister ordered her dress be a qipao instead. Still a splendid choice of dress either way."
"I concur. Odori will look... fantastic in this dress," was all Faen could think of saying about the article of clothing before him as he hovered a hand over soft and shiny fabric. Gods this must have been expensive to make, and he was unsure if his hands could ever become clean enough to touch it. Even with his gloves on, Faen did not believe he should so much as scrape a millimetre of it against the dress.
"Your approval gladdens me." The Kitsune remarked as she stood next to him and gazed down at the dress laid down on her bed. "Hopefully Odori will think the same, and, better yet, enjoy her time at this Beacon Dance of yours as she wears it. If such is in your power, can you see to it? It would mean a great deal to me if you do."
"If the situation at the dance calls for it, then I shall see what it I can do." Faen looked up at Hitomi for a moment, his eyes meeting hers which bore a satisfied quality to them. With a new task now placed on his shoulders, he turned away from the Kitsune and focused on the dress again.
For maybe the next minute or so, the two silently stood side by side, admiring the dress meant for the Elf's partner. His mind beginning to wander, Faen did start to imagine how Odori would look in it.
How much would the dress hug close to her figure? Would she wear her hair loose and long as she had always done, or do it up in a style he saw a few women from Anima wear theirs at formal occasions? What sort of make up or fragrant perfume did Odori plan to wear at the dance? Such strange thoughts and questions were peculiar to Faen, and the Elf became startled by how they came to be in the first place.
"This will fit her," Faen said, breaking the silence as he looked up from Odori's new dress and focused his eyes on her older sister. "The sleeves could feel a little tight, and perhaps around the hip area also, but it will fit. Whoever made this did a wonderful job."
"Oh, paying close attention to my younger sister's body are you? My, my, for whatever reason might you being doing that for?" Hitomi teased him, the Kitsune chuckling to herself after she finished. Realising how his words had sounded, and hearing how it could be twisted, Faen mentally kicked himself for not predicting that this would happen. "Do you have something of your own to wear to the dance? You do not seek to go in that, or, gods forbid, your Academy uniform?"
"I have a suit, nothing as fancy as this, however." Shaking his head once, the Elf stepped a couple paces from the bed, though Hitomi did not follow him. Instead, she kept her eyes focused squarely on the dress, while turning one of her fox-ears at his direction. "Will you be returning to Shangri-La once we are finished here? Or do you plan to stay for the Vytal Festival?"
Hitomi, did not say anything yet, instead she reached down and carefully folded the dress up. Treating it with even greater care, she carried it over to the case that previously held it and deposited it back inside, before turning back to Faen.
"I will be leaving, but only just before the Vytal Festival begins. A shame, I have wanted to watch a Vytal Tournament in person for a long time now. However, duties back home always got in the way of my wish." The Kitsune let out a heavy sigh as she opened her fan once again and started to more rigorously fan herself. "Oh well, there is always next time. How about you? You shall undoubtedly be here in Beacon throughout the entirety of the Festival, but will you be a part of the Tournament? Do you at least aspire to count among the contestants?"
"Huh, if I got a penny every time someone asked me that, I would have enough to rub together between my fingers and thumb." The Elf muttered to himself, causing Hitomi to raise a brow at him after he had finished his comment. "The answer is maybe. We have yet to receive the results of our combat assessments, so I have no idea whether my team has qualified for the Tournament or not. My team hopes our performance is enough for a place, yet I am prepared for the eventuality we fail to meet the required standards."
"Well, for what it's worth, I hope you do make it. Watching you all fighting in Amity Arena is bound to be a sight to see." She moved away from him just as Faen opened his mouth to thank Hitomi for her kind words, gliding over to the glass door leading to her hotel room's balcony. Opening it Hitomi walked through and beckoned him to follow after her, apparently wishing to continue their conversation there. Guessing it impolite to turn her down, Faen followed and was immediately greeted by a light breeze that cooled his skin and the warm caress of the Sun.
Looking out from the balcony, the Elf took a moment to appreciate the view in front of him, if he could. Fairer sights had blessed his eyes several times before, smells most certainly as well, but what he could see of Vale could by no means be counted among the worst views he had seen. The upper-class district was situated on higher ground than most of Vale, that and how high above the ground the balcony was, so he could see for miles around. His sharp eyes could even spy the faraway silhouette of Beacon Academy to the East, specifically Beacon Tower.
Rising up from the streets several storeys below him, the hum of car engines were heard, shouts of a rowdy gang of youths, and the faint traces of someone smoking a cigarette irritated his nostrils. That and about a dozen other sounds and smells assaulted his senses while he stood at this elevated perch.
All this did not comfort Faen, instead only agitating him ever so slightly as he was made to endure them. Cities constructed by non-Elves were very rarely to his liking. Vale was not bad, especially for a Human city, Faen just found himself preferring the sight of his old hometown. The place he called home before Vigil. Nostalgia started to sweep through his mind and weigh down his heart as he thought of that home, old memories making Faen drop his gaze on the city and focus on the balcony's railing.
"An opportunity of a lifetime, is it not?" Hitomi began, as she leaned on the balcony's railing and stared out at the city with him. Incidentally breaking him out of his silent reflections and bringing his thoughts back to the present. "Just imagine it, you might have a chance of winning the Tournament while still in your first year as a Huntsman-in-Training. You must be excited."
Nothing was said by Faen in response as he saw little need to. He already said he did to Azazel, and the Elf had no interest in repeating that same conversation he had with the Angel down at the lobby. Rude though his lack of an answer may be, he simply felt no desire to provide one at this occasion.
"Anyway, dearest Odori, what have you to say of her? How has she been since we last saw one another?" Asked the Kitsune softly, her eyes locked on the far horizon.
"Apart for maybe a couple problems here and there, she has fully adjusted to life here in Beacon." He answered Hitomi while he tracked the flight of a few birds dancing together in the sky above him. "With each passing day spent in the Academy your sister becomes an even greater warrior, same goes for the rest of us I suppose. She works hard to completes any given school assignment in time, and gets good grades for her efforts. All in all, Odori is well and is in good hands with us."
"That is good to hear. I suppose it is thanks in part to your leadership my sister has grown as much as you say she has. You have my gratitude for that, among a few other things." She was complimenting and thanking him, yet Faen swiftly deflected it.
"No, you should not be thanking me for such a thing, for Odori has learnt to improve herself on her own." Said the Elf, wishing to appear at least a little humble to her, yet there was a little truth to it. Leader of Team FFOG he might be, it was ultimately up to his teammates how much they bettered themselves as warriors. All he did was direct their focus, and keep the lot of them out of trouble and alive.
"Do not discredit or depreciate yourself, Faen. It does not suit you, and I doubt you truly believe such words to be true." Hitomi snapped at him all of a sudden, catching the Elf by surprise, her lips now a thin disapproving line. Shortly after she finished, Hitomi returned to her prior state, and calmly spoke again. "How are you and the rest of your team, might ask? While I know little of them, have you and the others found Beacon to be manageable?"
"I will not speak for the others, yet I believe things to have become interesting as of late. What with the Vytal Festival around the corner, that is bound to happen." Faen said nothing of Yasmin or Halvard, they were matters that should concern only him and his team.
Well, if he could say he had gotten anything out of this conversation, one of the things he could say may be Hitomi's disapproval of self-depreciation. Interesting sure, and perhaps useful later down the line. It at least informed Faen of one type of behaviour he had best avoid to stay on Hitomi's good side.
Lesson learned, Faen guessed.
Remaining on the balcony together, both Demi-humans took a silent moment to consider what else they were to say to one another. Faen certainly had no clue as to what he could possibly discuss with Hitomi. He might end it all here and now, the dress he came for was ready and close by, and there was precious little the Elf had or wished to do in this hotel. Something held him back, though, and what it is Faen could not immediately tell at that moment.
"Have you done anything about my sister's unique problem?" The Kitsune said, grabbing Faen's interest once more. It did not take Faen long to figure out what she meant, and when he did, the Elf crossed his arm and looked down at the floor.
Ah yes, that was the thing holding Faen back from leaving. He realised that now. It was bound to come up sooner or later, this problematic issue Faen was meant to be solving.
"You mean her... You wish to talk of the task you and your other sisters gave me? I am afraid to say I have made next to no progress with it," Faen whispered in response to Hitomi. Part of him wondered whether it was wise to be discussing this on the balcony, but he guessed Hitomi would never have brought it up if she did not believe so. "If Odori is as you claim her to be, then she knows how to hide her affliction better than a Leprechaun does his gold."
"Really now? You never noticed anything that might be considered suspect? No students harmed in fights more than necessary? Any small animals or insects found dead on the Academy's premises?" Yes, the Kitsune must be extremely confident that none could overhear them if she were being this blunt. He too sensed no one anywhere near them, but Faen chose to remain cautious with the words he used.
"Apart from displays any warrior might show as they defeat an enemy, and a few bits of eccentric behaviour. No, I have not seen one indication that she is as you described to me."
Leaning against the railing, Hitomi turned her face upwards and exhaled deeply. Her free hand behind her back while the hand holding the sensu fan snapped it shut and started to play with it in her hands. Not a good sign.
"Hmm, you were a gamble, but you have the best chance of helping our sister. Does she go off on her own from time to time? Return to you some time later with a convenient excuse or says her venture is 'of no importance'?" Asked Hitomi, her questions striking a cord in Faen's head.
Truth be told, yes, Odori would on occasion do as her elder sister just said.
She missed out on quite a few social events FFOG were a part of; the most recent Faen could recall being another session of Dark Paths, because Odori needed to go over something with a teacher. It had struck him as odd at times, yet never had the Elf thought twice about these excursions. Not only that, but his partner did indeed tell him her visits to the professors were 'of no importance', just as Hitomi said. The idea now planted in his head, Faen's mind began to form numerous ideas of what Odori might have done during those times she spent away from the team.
Noticing the expectant expression on Hitomi's face, Faen rolled his shoulders and finally got round to answering her. The previously mentioned thoughts now alike to great weights stacked on top of his head, one on top of the other.
"From time to time, yes. You believe she somehow does some elicit action while she is away from us?" His own question was pointless for it was undoubtedly what the older Akagi sister was implying.
"That is for you to discover, we gave you this task and it is yours to complete on your own." The Kitsune stated, causing Faen to curl the edge of his lips downwards slightly as she strode back into the room. "Try harder and spend more time with my sister, please. You will see Odori's true nature, and know why we feared her for a time. Once you have done that, you will do more to help Odori as I and my sisters hoped you would be able to."
Why yes, now that was very helpful was it not? As the Elf followed after Hitomi, he watched the Kitsune seat herself on a soft-backed arm chair beside a low coffee table, leaving him to stand as it was the only chair in the hotel room. He could choose to sit on the bed, yet he crossed that option out of his mind. This was Hitomi's room and bed, and it looked way to fancy for him to touch.
With him standing, and her sat with both her legs crossed, the two returned to the topic they had been discussing a moment earlier.
"Perhaps... you were not given enough incentive," Hitomi pondered aloud. Where she planned to go with this did not sit well with Faen, and reminded him of another conversation he had not long ago. "Do you wish to be compensated with a reward for undertaking this task for us? Is it money or even status that you look for? If so, I can personally arrange it myself."
"I do not require either from you, or your family. Helping Odori is sufficient enough reward for me," Faen said, turning down the Kitsune's offer. This was the second time in two days that someone, specifically a Kitsune, had gone on to offer him some sort of reward for a special service they wanted him to complete. A part of him wondered if this was a thing Odori and her family did, offering money to others in exchange for the completion of tasks like an NPC from a video game does.
"Truly? Hmm, perhaps you are a slight bit more different than I first perceived you to be, or maybe not." She hummed whilst eyeing him with an analysing look in her eyes, probably to see whether he was lying or not.
He was lying, and the Elf did his best not to show it.
Maintaining eye contact with Hitomi, Faen made sure not to change his facial expression or even his body language. A single slip up might give away his lie, or even the secret deal Faen made with Odori. Now that was not something he wanted her or anyone else for that matter to know about. It was not illegal or anything, as far as the both of them were concerned, yet the Elf would much rather keep the fact Odori was paying him two-hundred Lien just to deliver this dress to her. Goodness knows how the Kitsune in front of him would react if she discovered said deal.
He guessed she had her suspicions of his truthfulness, given the way Hitomi eyed him, but what she thought was never made known to Faen. Instead, the Kitsune unfolded the sensu again and started to fan herself.
Once again, as it always seemed to be with every conversation he got into, Faen was left searching for a topic, any topic, to keep it alive. Problem was he had more or less exhausted every possible subject the Elf had an inkling of interest in bringing up. There was nothing more that Faen believed the two had to talk about, and his eyes started to shoot glances over to the case that held his partner's dress.
Finally resolving to just end it, Faen walked over to the case that held his partner's dress and delicately picked up by its handle. This did not go unnoticed, but Hitomi remained silent as she watched him take the case from the drawer.
"I think I should get going. The next airship back to Beacon will be leaving soon, and I would very much like to catch it." That was not true, he had a long time until the next flight back to Beacon, it was just the best excuse he had for leaving. Thankfully, she did not appear to know or realise this, and let him carry on.
"Very well. Give my regards to Odori and your other teammates for me," Hitomi nodded once at him. He was not so sure Odori would receive well any regards Hitomi wanted him to relay, but he was sure the others would be more receptive. Glancing over to Hitomi, there was no sign that she was going to get up from her chair, so he guessed he should say his farewells here and now.
"That can be easily done. Till our next meeting," Faen returned her nod with a one of his own. Opening the hotel door, he briefly paused before closing it behind him just in case Hitomi had something to say. There was nothing, and the Elf shut the door and carried on towards the elevator that had taken him here.
So much like the journey to the hotel room, his return to the hotel's front lobby was silent, blissfully so. No one was present in the corridor as he walked to the elevator, and none were inside the elevator when it arrived on his floor. As he waited for the elevator to complete its descent to the ground floor, Faen pulled out his Scroll and checked for any messages or calls. He had kept it muted throughout the entire time he was inside the hotel, not an easy decision given his responsibilities back at Beacon, but one he made regardless.
To his relief, no calls or messages had been sent. No distressing news that Grey had turned into the Wolf. No Friesian complaining about history class. No Odori pressing him on where he was or who was he seeing right now. Better yet, no Yasmin complicating his life more than it already was.
Pocketing the Scroll in his jacket the moment the elevator stopped and its doors slid open, Faen walked into the hotel's lobby for the second time today. As had been the case when he first arrived at the Sublime Peacock, there was little activity here. There was a balding Human guest at the reception desk voicing a complaint about how the steamed hams he ordered up to his room tasted like the grilled burgers from a fast-food restaurant, but apart from that, not much else struck his fancy. With nothing of interest to him here, Faen stepped out from the elevator and made for the front door, case in hand.
He had to be halfway to the door when a familiar shape stepped forward and intercepted him. No Human or anything of the sort did so. As it turned out, the hotel's peacock was not done with him.
Strutting directly in front of him, the peacock stared up at him as it did when they first encountered each. He could easily sidestep the bird and be on his way, yet Faen momentarily stopped and returned the peacock's gaze. Odd it indeed was that this bird seemed so intent to approach him for no reason Faen could identify. Well, no matter its reason, Faen wished to leave and no exotic bird was going to impede him.
"Strange bird," the Elf muttered as he moved on past the peacock and exited the hotel for the first and last time.
Ozpin, the acclaimed Headmaster of Beacon Academy, stood with members of his Order's Inner Circle in his office atop Beacon Tower as they read through Faery King Oberon's eulogy for the fourth time. Of the Order, only he, Glynda Goodwitch, James Ironwood, and Kallisto Taupe were physically present. The two others, Professors Theodore and Lionheart, the Headmasters of Shade and Haven Academies respectively, had called in through a channel accessible only to the Order's members.
"A very sterling account by whoever wrote this," Leonardo remarked, breaking the silence that had hung over the office for the past three or four minutes.
"Oberon would not have liked it; even so, he would have appreciated the act." Ozpin intoned, having known the Faery King better than any of the others in his office. Truthfully, Oberon would have preferred a much grander portrayal of his life in his eulogy, but Ozpin guessed he would rest easy knowing he had received one as positive as this. "Onto the matter at hand, our investigators have made discoveries about Oberon's killer. I am sure you would all like to see what they found."
"He is due to go on trial tomorrow, correct?" Glynda asked in a steady voice, crossing her arms as she brought up the impending trail.
"Correct, but not only on the charge of regicide, however." Beacon's Headmaster wearily said as he walked behind his desk. Sleep had not come easy to him as of late, and he found himself awake long into the night. "Charges of arson shall also be levelled against him, for a fire erupted at the apartment where he resided in on the same day as Oberon's assassination. Emergency services stopped it before it could spread far, but damage was done and lives lost despite their efforts. Evidence points to the fire having been started deliberately."
The room went quiet for a second time, not out of respect this time around, but out of a quiet disgust towards Oberon's killer, a Harpy named Peregrin Slate. It had not been enough to kill a close ally and friend, apparently. Slate had to take several innocent lives as well.
Not wishing for his fellows' minds to linger on such negative thoughts, Ozpin planted his Scroll on his desk and tapped on its screen. The purpose for this meeting appearing at the centre of the room through a holographic projector built into the office. Enlarged so they could also see its details clearly, the Order members were shown what at a first glanced appeared to be a standard Lien coin. One subjected to great heat as nearly half of it had melted somewhat.
Easily could the item be mistaken for an ordinary Lien coin if one took a cursory glance at it. However, if one were to take a closer look, they could see it bore no other similarities with Lien coins apart from sharing the same overall shape. One of the differences that marked it out as different was instead of being made of copper, zinc, or nickel, the coin was made solely out of iron. The second, and most noticeable difference, was etched onto the still intact parts of the coin's faces was an image of an open hand, with a perfect circle in its palm.
This coin was not the first Ozpin had seen, having seen numerous such tokens many, many years ago. To the others, this small coin was wholly new to them, and immediately started to gaze at it analytically. Of particular interest was Kallisto, whose eyes flashed with recognition the second she laid eyes on the image etched onto the coin.
"This is..." Theodore began, but quickly trailed off soon as he started. In faraway Vacuo and Mistral, the coin was currently being displayed on his fellow Headmasters' Scrolls so they too might see what Ozpin wished to show them all.
"A token that identifies the bearer as a member of a cult Oz has been watching for some time now. The New Moon," James stepped in and informed his compatriots. At this, Ozpin noticed Kallisto turn her gaze from the others for reasons he knew well.
The Cult of the New Moon was a religious movement said to have been started in Avalon prior to the Great War, if their intelligence of its origins was correct. Though the Cult might have been started in Avalon, its members were not restricted to that particular Enclave. People in other Enclaves were also followers of the New Moon, with even Kingdomers counting among their number. Again, if their knowledge was accurate.
Except from Avalon, where the cult supposed first sprung forth from, the New Moon had a strong presence in Themyscira prior to the Enclave's destruction. Order search parties had discovered many coins such as this in the homes of Themyscira's deceased residents before the Enclave was officially cordoned off due to the insurmountable number of Grimm that flocked there. It was through the ruins of Themyscira that the Order first learnt of and knew anything about the New Moon cult at all.
Kallisto Taupe, the last remaining citizen of Themyscira, had never once brought up the cult before. Not because she had anything to hide, Qrow had done a good job at making sure of that. Instead, it was because the Gorgon had nothing to do with the cult to begin with, at least, not directly.
"What is it we know of this cult, professor? Would they have motivation for murdering Oberon? Could they be affiliated with Her?" Glynda asked him, her questions anticipated by the Headmaster prior to the commencement of this meeting.
"The answers to your questions cannot be easily given, I am afraid. The cult is secretive, and the precise number of followers it possesses around the world is unknown to us." Tapping the screen of his Scroll for a second time, the image of the coin shrunk and was joined by various boxes displaying all information he had gathered on the New Moon cult over the years. Each box was filled with text or other images related to the chosen topic.
It spoke of how little the Order knew when one considered how half of the fifteen text-filled boxes were full of questions; same went for the small annotations attached to the images. Among the images was a hazy picture of a robed figure in an alley, the interior of a ransacked cult gathering spot, and the cult's insignia.
"The cult's central belief, or so I have been led to believe, is that the moon will be made whole one day. On that day, all people shall be judged and receive a punishment or reward appropriate to their actions in life." Not too outstanding as religious beliefs go, there were others who believed in something similar. Yet his instincts had told him to keep an eye on the cult the moment he learnt of it. "I've long held suspicions towards the Cult had some dealings, knowingly or unknowingly, with the Enemy, but never have we stumbled across any evidence that warranted a greater deal of interest into it. That is, until now though."
Pointing to the various pieces of information he collected with his cane, Ozpin drew particular attention to how two of Oberon's best agents died with a coin similar to the one found in Slate's scorched apartment near their bodies. The agents, both Vampires with only mild religious leanings, were not members of the cult. That the coin was on their person puzzled both Ozpin and Oberon when it was discovered, and had been the start point of his cautious interest.
"So, what is it you wish us to do about this cult? Should we launch an official investigation on its activities?" James suggested, the bluntness of his idea a thing Ozpin and those who knew him long were accustomed to.
"Launching a public investigation of the Cult would draw to much attention, and might create an opportunity the Enemy will take advantage of. More covert methods, such as sending undercover agents into the Cult could be attempted. Yet conditions for joining the Cult are exacting to a degree that would make infiltration difficult." Ozpin knew that last piece well, for his agents who had attempted to gain entry into the cult were rebuffed at every attempt. "One can only join at the recommendation of a cult member, specifically one the recommended is related to. No one in the Order is of the cult, so investigating by that means is not viable."
"Then a public investigation is out only choice," the Atlesian General spoke up again. Ozpin sighed in response, Glynda sent him a critical glare, Kallisto shared a look with two of her snakes, and Ozpin could only imagine his fellow Headmasters had pinched the bridges of their noses at James' words. "The Vytal Festival is just around the corner. We do not have the time to organise a more time-costly alternative."
"James, were you not listening to Ozpin? Such an approach will draw far too much attention, especially if you intend to use your entire military for this harebrained plan of yours." Glynda was quick to step forward this time around and criticise James.
"It will be better than doing nothing, Glynda!" James responded, raising his voice at her, though not enough that he was shouting.
Ozpin took a sip from his mug as the two confronted each other, the contents of which had actually gone cold. He had feared James might start something, and now the Headmaster had to calm the two of them down. Easily achieved if all the previous times had to break them up meant anything, but it could be tiring having to do this time and again. Especially when over matters they should be united together in.
"Enough you two," Ozpin calmly yet firmly said. Hearing him, the two backed down, though not before shooting a look at one another as they stepped back to where they had been standing. Believing it time to bring it up, Ozpin turned his head over to Kallisto and continued where he left off before James interrupted him. "Kallisto, would you please fill us in on what you know of the New Moon cult? You are not a follower, but you of all people here are the most familiar with it."
The Gorgon stiffened when he addressed her, and the eyes behind her mask sent a look of shocked surprise his way, which he met with a reassuring look of his own. He had not initially wished it to be this way, but recent events had forced his hand.
When the Order search parties rummaged through the ruins of Themyscira, they had searched the Gorgon's old home on the Enclave, and was one of the places a New Moon coin was found in. It first meant little to Ozpin, and remained that way until one's discovery on Oberon's deceased operatives. Again, she was not a follower of the cult, having stated as much to sweep away any dangerous thoughts his colleagues might have, but she could be a source of new insights on it regardless.
Kallisto, having overcome the shock of Ozpin's knowledge regarding her connection to the cult, looked prepared to do as Ozpin asked. The others in turn looked ready to listen to the Gorgon, trusting in Ozpin's judgement of the Demi-human.
"There is little for me to say on the cult. The cult was prolific back at Themyscira, in fact, it was claimed half of our epilektoi were followers. My grandmother was a member, and she, alongside to family friends, attempted to convert me several times. Both before and during my time as a Beacon student." Kallisto told the other Order members, all of them listening intently to her.
The 'epilektoi' Taupe mentioned was the standing military force of Themyscira, who stood above the Enclave's regular citizen militia in regards to their equipment, professionalism, and overall effectiveness in combat. The claim half of the force, which always numbered around one-thousand-five-hundred, was a worrying prospect.
"Not much else is there to speak of, as, apart from boasts such as that, grandmother never revealed too much. Batty old woman though she might have been, she kept many things close to her chest." Reaching a hand up, Kallisto adjusted how her clay mask fitted itself on her face, a sign of discomfort he had come to learn. Themyscira was a touchy subject for her, and Ozpin was prepared to let her speak to him alone if she wished it. "She spoke of the Moon becoming whole just as you said. How there were 'brothers and sisters' all over the world, and always spoke highly of the 'Hierarch' who led them from Avalon. Although she failed to ever reveal their name, gender, or species."
"Is there nothing more you can tell us?" Glynda inquisitively questioned Kallisto, beating Ozpin to the punch.
"I am afraid no. When she died during my third year in Beacon, she was still trying to induct me into the cult and left me nothing but her own ashes after we cremated her." Kallisto planted both hands on her hips; her voice was thickly laced with bitterness when she uttered that last sentence.
Doing his best to conceal his disappointment, Ozpin drank from the cold cocoa in his mug to help do just that. It was worth a shot and by no means could the Headmaster say he learnt nothing new about the New Moon cult. Making a mental note of all that Kallisto had told him, Ozpin would make sure it was all added to his notes.
"While I believe Kallisto's insights to be useful, I think we are jumping to conclusions too quickly and not considering another probability. What if this coin was planted and another false lead left so we expend valuable resources and time following after it? It would not be the first time the Enemy has misled us." Leo chipped in, raising a very fair point. Yes, She had sent the Order on false leads before, much to their expense and sorrow, yet Ozpin felt sure there was more to this.
"I have toyed with the possibility, yet I wholeheartedly believe the cult is worth investigating." Ozpin responded to the scepticism shown by the Headmaster of Mistral. The conviction behind his words seemed enough to sway Glynda and Ironwood of its importance, yet he was unsure of whether Leonardo and Theodore were on the same boat as them.
"I... for one cannot help but agree with Leonardo." Headmaster Theodore's voice slowly said through the scroll, displaying his ever cautious nature. "But I must also say we know too little of the New Moon. Is there really no other way to learn more?"
There were, but as Leonardo expressed, that would mean diverting Order personnel and resources. One idea was to discover and infiltrate the places where the cult congregated to worship, a task easier than getting into the cult itself. Again, however, the cult was secretive, and the Order had barely any information on the cult as it was. Finding where they gathered would be difficult for even some of the Order's best.
"How about... Qrow? Can he not help us in this?" Glynda hesitantly asked. That was an idea, and as one of the Order's best agents, this was the sort of task he was accustomed to and excelled at. Despite that, there was a problem that made it difficult to enact.
"We may try, but I am afraid we do know where on Remnant he is exactly. His last assignment was to learn more on the activities of the Queen, but he has been out of contact for weeks. All attempts to reach him have been fruitless so far, likely because he is outside the range of the CCT Network." Ozpin informed them all, taking a moment to rub his forehead while he spoke.
As a response to that revelation, Glynda and James sighed in both disappointment and relief. Qrow could be difficult at times, especially after he had taken a swing or two from his flask, making him even harder for the two to tolerate. James in particular, as the two men were almost always at odds with one another.
"What about that new agent of yours, Oz? That Elf-Dracon girl? I hear you have been utilising her as of late," James now suggested.
"The current capacity that she helps us achieve our goals is adequate enough for now. Making her do anything further than that carries more risks than benefits for the Order," Ozpin immediately turned down James's proposal. That girl was trouble enough as it is, the Headmaster was not keen on putting her in a position to cause more. Especially if it meant learning too much of the true reason behind the Order's existence.
It was the way with all minor agents of the Order. The full members of the Order were a part of the Inner Circle, those who knew the truth of the world from Ozpin. Minor agents like Yasmin only knew they fought a secret war against an enemy who sought to wreak chaos all over Remnant. Each had a reason why they were not meant to learn more, and Yasmin was no exception.
Her loyalty was not guaranteed, and the manner of her recruitment was not to his liking. Perhaps the Elf-Dracon's time here in Beacon would temper some of her more negative traits, yet that might be a slow process from what Ozpin knew of her current behaviour. A great shame, but not the first time the Headmaster had seen this sort of thing in people.
As the Order were about to continue on discussing the matter of the New Moon cult, Ozpin's Scroll started to ring, the tune he set telling the Headmaster immediately who it was that wished to speak to him. The Council of Vale. Without a doubt they were calling to talk about some new policy they were implementing or wanted to go over another minute detail of the approaching Vytal Festival. While he understood the great importance of that last one, it had become very bothersome.
Everyone else in the room, upon being notified who was calling Ozpin, started to leave the conversation. Theodore and Leonardo disconnected after saying a quick and cordial goodbye to their comrades in Beacon. Meanwhile, Glynda, James, and Kallisto said their farewells before walking into the lone elevator done from Ozpin office together.
Sitting himself down at his desk, Ozpin finished the last of cocoa that remained in his mug. If he had time, the Headmaster would have made some more for himself, but the Council would be less than pleased if he did not answer them quickly.
With luck, this would only take an hour.
And voila, Chapter 20 done.
Little else for me to say here, apart from what I have already said in the Author's Note at the start, and one other thing. Has anyone reading this ever read or watched those wuxia dramas? Those Chinese martial arts movies where people fly around while fighting each other?
After having decided to research on the genre a bit thanks to the quarantine, I can positively say I am in love with the idea of wuxia. Thanks to that, I will be looking into incorporating some of its themes into this fanfiction, though I might have been doing that already.
That is enough from me now. Good luck on your endeavours and stay safe.
I will see you all when I next see you.
References:
Epilektoi - Word means something along the lines of 'Picked ones' or 'Chosen' in Ancient Greek. When compared to the standard Hoplite, they were the elite and far more professional soldiers used by the Greek poleis, or city states, when at war.
A Guide to Demi-humans by David Silver
Imps - Short creatures often mistaken as red-skinned Goblins. Despite what their appearances might suggest, Imps are a species separate from Goblins and even Demons, who they are often mistakenly lumped together with. Truth is Goblins are more alike to the Faery species of Demi-humans, a realization that shocks many a Human or Faunus from the Kingdoms. Apart from some minor similarities in genetics, Imps share the Faeries' natural penchant for mischief and want for attention.
I once shared a hostel room with an Imp during my research on Demi-humans, and would always find my personal possessions and my research to not be the way I left them. Sometimes they would be under my bed, inside a drawer, and haphazardly stacked atop each other. While annoying at first, it became a game between us, one he still plays whenever I come over for tea.