Author's Note:

Not a lot I have to say here. Will probably have the next chapter start off the Vytal Festival to spare readers and myself from filler chapters or anything else to further delay it.

Also, if I were to write another RWBY fanfiction with a totally different setting, would it be considered laziness if I reused names and characters from this fanfic and implemented them into the other? I would have new OCs and come with new names and personalities for them, but creating new RWBY OCs can be such a hassle. Abiding by RWBY's Colour Naming Rule can be challenging is all I am saying.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy.

Celebrations and Future Plans

"Whooo! Hahaha, I can't believe it! I can't feckin' believe it!" Friesian joyously cried aloud, his body holding his head high in the air.

"You keep saying that, and I'll gladly bonk you on the head to make sure you do believe it." Nora jokingly threatened the Dullahan, a wide smile on her face as she spoke.

After being revealed as among the teams chosen to be in the Tournament, FFOG and JNPR had gone to Beacon's ballroom to celebrate. With them were their friends, fellow contestants, and others who had come along to celebrate the lucky chosen. True, there were plenty who felt sore about not being among the Tournament contestants, but not even they could dampen the jubilant mood.

Many were dancing to energetic music being played from the same speakers used during the Beacon Dance. Juice and soft drinks were served in abundance instead of punch, though anything alcoholic was expressly forbidden. Despite the ban, a few students had been able to smuggle some in and begun distributing it to interested party goers. All this was past midnight but very few cared for how late at night it was.

Some, specifically among the contestants, took the time to call friends and relatives outside the Academy and tell them of what had come to pass. A certain red-hooded girl and blonde brawler among them.

"C'mon dad, pick up! He better not be doing some late night flower tending, again." Yang grumbled as she and Ruby stared at her Scroll's screen. They had just started the call, but were understandably impatient to connect with their father and tell him the news that they too were among the contestants. The two did not need to wait long, as the image of a blonde man with tanned skin appeared.

"Hey, hey girls!" The man, the sisters' father, happily greeted them. One look on his face was all the two needed to know that their father knew what they had to say.

"Did you see it dad?" Ruby asked anyway.

"See what? Yang finaly hook up with a decent boyfriend?" A shit-eating grin was on the father's face as he watched his eldest daughter's right eye twitch in response to what he had said.

"Dad!" Yang's eyes flared at her father's teasing, causing the man to laugh at his daughter's reaction.

In the midst of his laughter, the white and black form of Zwei the Corgi engulfed the screen. Zwei excitedly barked at the two Huntresses-in-Training and booped his nose against the camera. That drew a squeal of excitement from Ruby, which drew the attention of a few other students who immediately had their hearts melted at the sight of the adorable dog on the Scroll.

"It's okay girls. I know. I know." The sisters' father said after finally calming down, picking up Zwei in one hand and wiping clean the camera with the other. Soon as he was done, he looked proudly on Ruby and Yang. "Gosh, you girls have grown so much. One day you were out playing in the garden with small sticks, the next you're Vytal Tournament contestants. It's enough to make a grown man cry."

"Yeah. Sure wish mom were here to see us right now," Ruby sombrely said, her eyes falling to the floor. Things turned silent for the three, the mentioning of the late mother and wife of the family tended to do this.

"She'd be proud of you both. More so than this, she'd be happy to see the good you've been able to do. Not just taking down Torchwick and stopping the Breach, but also all the small ways you've helped others."

This touching moment was interrupted by the appearance of one of the sisters' friends.

Friesian the Dullahan had noticed the absence of both Ruby and Yang from the main party and went looking for them. This was a momentous occasion for them all, and it would not do for them to not celebrate a little. Finding them through the hustle and bustle of the party, Friesian went over to where they were chatting and made his presence known.

"Hey! What're you girls doin' over here?" Friesian called to the two, his head held in the crook of his left arm.

"Whoa!" The father exclaimed, for on his side of the call a headless body had just appeared behind his daughters. It was only when Friesian took his head in his hands and rose it above Ruby and Yang's shoulders did both understand what was going on.

"Oh, well, dad this is Friesian Bones. Our Dullahan friend we told you about. You know, the one who thinks his cheap ride is somehow better than Bumblebee," Yang smirked at Friesian. The Dullahan gave her an incredulous look and poked a finger at the blonde's side, causing her to lurch in reaction.

"My motorbike's undoubtedly better than yours, Hot Head." Friesian retreated his finger as Yang swatted a hand at his arm, and looked back to the Scroll. "Anyway, it's a real honour to meet you Mr... um, Rose... Xiao Long?"

"There isn't a need for any of that 'Mr' stuff with me. Just call me Taiyang," Ruby and Yang's father replied, waving a dismissive hand at the formal way Friesian had addressed him by. "So you're one of my girls' friends? You keeping them out of trouble?"

"Heh, that's their teammates' job, not mine. And there isn't much anyone can do to keep them away from trouble, for trouble just loves to find them." Friesian made finger guns toward Yang and Ruby as he paraphrased a comment he remembered the older of the two making some time ago.

This, apparently, did not come as a surprise to Taiyang. In fact, one might go so far as to claim he expected it to be the case, and would have likely been surprised if it were not so.

"Are anymore of your friends here? I'd like to meet them y'know," Taiyang questioned the three. In his hands, Zwei was cutely trying to paw at the Scroll, causing a passer-by to almost collapse out of cuteness overload upon laying eyes on the sight.

"Well..." Ruby started and looked behind her to see just what exactly her other friends were doing at the moment.

Jaune and Pyrrha were dancing together, the former in his combat outfit rather than a dress this time, and both appeared to be having a blast. At the far side of the ballroom, the three could make out a fairly drunk Tora arguing with a Shade student and it looked as though it might turn violent soon. Ren and Akagi were carrying Nora out of the ballroom, who seemed to have put herself in a food coma. Having an engaging conversation by a window were Reuel and Weiss, although a few jealous eyes were directed at the heiress. Blake joined them as the trio looked on, accompanied by Sun and Neptune as well.

Faen, Grey, and Monica had retired to bed shortly after the assembly in the courtyard was over. Chances were they were fast asleep by now. Amarantha was in a similar boat, although she said she would stay outside and appreciate the sight of Amity Colosseum some more before going to bed herself. Their friends had tried to convince the four to be present at the party for a little while. Each stuck to their decisions, however, but wished for those who chose to attend to enjoy themselves.

The three could try to rope those still attending the party into chatting with Taiyang, but they decided against the idea. They were preoccupied with their own things, it was getting really late, and the sisters questioned what their father planned to do as soon as they introduced him to the rest of their friends. If his intentions were to embarrass them, then there was no way they would allow their father and friends to meet.

"Let's just say they're busy for the time being. But we'll let them know you said hi." Ruby finally answered after she and Yang nodded on their unspoken agreement.

"That's a shame. Was gonna ask them if they knew of some embarrassing Academy stories that you girls' are keeping from me," Taiyang sighed. Both sisters feigned surprise, for they had an inkling this was what he wanted to do. Now it was confirmed, the two were determined to prevent him from meeting more of their friends, as they most certainly had left out a few incidents when telling of their time in Beacon.

"That's funny, 'cus I got a couple memorable stories I could tell right no-mph!" Before Friesian could continue further, his mouth was suddenly covered by Ruby and Yang's hands. He kept trying to talk, but all the Dullahan was able to do was mumble awkwardly as the sisters kept their hands over his mouth.

"I think it's time we stopped the call and got back to the party! It was cool talking to you dad! Say hi to our friends back home! Bye!" Yang quicked waved goodbye before abruptly disconnecting the call. The last they saw of the father was him sending both girls a knowing look, all the while Zwei was trying to lick the Scroll.

Both Ruby and Yang let out a sigh of relief once the call was ended. They had dodged a bullet there, and stopped their father from learning of their less brilliant escapades for a few more months. Or so they believed, anyway. That out of the way, the two now looked to the Dullahan standing with them. The same Dullahan who was willing to spill the sisters' secrets to the man who raised them.

"Friesian, you weren't serious about telling on us to our dad, right?" Ruby questioned him.

"What would I have to tell him? The time you accidentally locked yourself inside a classroom without your Scroll for nearly a whole day? Or when we caught Yang smooching a pillow while she was asleep in the common room, and calling it a few interesting names?" Friesian smugly responded, making Ruby's face and Yang's eyes turn red at the mention of those incidents.

"Oh you are so dead!" The blonde girl declared, balling her fists and looking just about ready to punch the Dullahan straight to the Moon. This was not lost on Friesian, and he did the most prudent thing a person could do in his situation.

He ran like hell.

Outside the ballroom, Amarantha stood alone in the courtyard, her Scroll pointed up to Amity Colosseum. She too was counted among those who had taken the time to call their families back home, though in her case, they called her first. It was tremendous, as almost the entire town had gathered to see her. From the youngest hatchling to the oldest of town elders, they were there.

The only other time town had gathered together specifically for her was when she departed for Beacon. It had been a teary day then, but now was a different story.

"It'sh so pwetty!" A Naga hatchling who was still growing her teeth marvelled at the sight of the floating Colosseum. Her thoughts were shared by other hatchlings of the town, and some were starting to push and argue with each other so they might better see what Amarantha was showing to them all.

"I want to see! I want to see!"

"Stop pushing! Wait your turn to see big sister Amarantha."

"Waaaah! Big sister! He pulled my hair!"

A sharp hiss cut through the air before the hatchlings took things too far. The Naga young immediately responded to the hiss by jumping back to their designated seating area and behaving themselves. Their caretakers quickly reprimanded those who had tried to push and shove, and would likely assign those troublemakers to raft duty once this call was done.

The call itself had been going on for some time. Before the young were allowed to speak to Amarantha and see Amity Colosseum, the town elders had come first. A considerable amount of time was spent by Amarantha and the elders chatting with her; most asking what she had done lately, if she were taking care of herself, or what things were like in the Kingdom none from the town except Amarantha had gone to. Several had difficulties with their hearing, so Amarantha had to clarify what it was she said many times, adding to the length of the call.

It was trying at times, with some asking questions that were already answered. Plenty of times it fell to the adults to help the elders understand. Still, Amarantha was experienced in such matters, and did her best to be patient with her elders.

After the elders came the hatchlings and youths, who acted unruly due to impatience. None of them had ventured any further than the shoreline of their lake, so they wished to hear from Amarantha what the lands halfway across the world was like. That was not their only reason, however, for many of them wished to see their 'big sister' again after so long.

Now she did have biological relatives among the hatchlings, yes; but there existed another reason why they called her as such. At the same time Amarantha trained as a combatant, she had helped raise the hatchlings. It was not her official job or anything, yet the town's hatchlings began to see her as a older sister after making numerous appearances at the nursery. The Naga did not perceive herself to have earned such an honourific, all she had done was nothing special after all.

She shared candy with them. Read some their favourite stories. Helped them learn how to swim in the lake and taught the hatchlings how to operate the rafts once.

All had been done because it was what was expected of her. What the town had needed of her.

Well, the hatchlings' turn to speak to Amarantha was done now. It was now the adults' turn to speak to the young Naga, and they were more specific in their line of conversations. The town blacksmiths pressed on whether she was taking good care of Enlightment, for the trishula had been one of the finest of their works. The fishers inquired on how different the saltwater fish commonly sold in Vale compared to those from the freshwater lake. Kingdomer fashion and social etiquette; Vale's many means of transport; whether she had mingled with any Lamias.

All this and more were asked of Amarantha. She answered as best and honestly as she could. There was much Amarantha had learnt in her time here in Beacon, and all that effort was paying off in this conversation.

Throughout all the conversations with her town's age groups, there was one matter that repeatedly cropped up. That being her status as a Vytal Tournament contestant. It was a matter of pride for their largely unknown town, but that pride and any thoughts of personal glory was always tempered by the ultimate purpose of the Tournament.

To inspire the people of Remnant through showing what the future generations of Huntsmen were capable of.

That more than anything was most important about her participation in the Tournament. Such a mindset defined her people and was what set them apart from their cousins, the Lamia. The first thought that would come to the Lamias' debased minds would be the prestige and personal satisfaction they could attain from being contestants. If they ever thought of another reason to begin with.

As she was speaking with her far-off hometown, the Naga took note of a pair of people running to the courtyard. Their heavy pants and tired groans could be heard by the Naga, helping her identify who it was that was approaching. Friesian Bones and Yang Xiao Long.

Rotating her upper body while keeping her snake half stationary, Amarantha rose an eyebrow upon seeing the two. She already knew they were tired from likely a great deal of running, in fact the two were slowing down to the point they practically dragging their feet on their ground in a slow walk. However, it seemed the Human was chasing the Dullahan.

Now this would be an interesting tale to hear.

"Come... back here... Friesian!" Yang panted as she took a couple more steps after Friesian and swung her arm weakly at the Demi-human. The limb barely touched Friesian, and Yang immediately rested both hands on her knees in an attempt to support herself.

"You... You... Oh god, bleh." The Dullahan collapsed to the floor just as he was a few steps away from Amarantha, exhaustion overcoming his will to keep on running.

"Amarantha, is something the matter?" One of the adult Naga, a physician, questioned her.

"Just a couple friends of mine have joined me. May I call you again sometime later, they appear to require my immediate aid." Cries of protest came from the hatchlings upon her speaking those words, and it looked as though it would take a little while for the caretakers to quiet them down. The adults and elders were more understanding and gave their assent.

"Very well. Whenever you have time, please call us again. We would all love to hear more about how you are doing," an elder Naga, one of the town leaders, responded to Amarantha. All began to follow his lead; wishing her well and hoping she would find herself home safe and soon.

Saying her goodbyes to her hometown, Amarantha looked back to her two friends once the call ended. Both were still recovering, with Friesian still lying on the floor and Yang taking her jacket off her sweaty torso.

"So, how did this start?" Amarantha inquired, both hands planted on her hips.

"He started it... By trying to be a little snitch," Yang waved a hand over to the prone form of Friesian. What anger she was feeling towards him was starting to cool, but it might still be necessary for Amarantha to calm both down. A tiring and repetitive task, but if it needed doing she would brook no complaint against it.

"Come on Yang. I... would have only... only told the least incriminating stuff." Friesian rose a hand up but dropped it back to the floor a mere second later. His voice was muffled somewhat by how his face was being pressed against the ground. "Like how you nearly totalled your motorbike while doing tricks, and how it was me who stopped that from happening."

"You are now going to get a boot up your ass for that." The blonde Human tried to take a step forward, as though to follow through with her threat, but almost lost her balance while walking.

"I'd like to... see you... try." Rolling onto his back, the Dullahan tried to get onto his feet, however, like Yang, lacked the energy to make such an effort.

As the two were arguing, the forms of Ruby, Weiss, Neptune and Sun walked up to the three. Either because they were looking for Yang and Friesian, or because the party in the ballroom was coming to an end. There was no sign of her own teammates, Reuel and Tora, though she could imagine they should be fine without her or the others for a time.

"Hi Amarantha," the young red-hodded Human called to her. The others accompanying her making their own greetings to the Naga.

"Everyone. Care to help me talk sense into your sister before she gets herself suspended from the Academy?" Amarantha replied to the four approaching her, gesturing a hand toward the two beside her.

"Good grief, Yang. Must you really cause trouble tonight of all nights?" Weiss sighed upon hearing her, placing a hand on her forehead and shaking her head.

That sparked off another round of arguing from Yang and Friesian. The two debated who was at fault while they were being led over to a bench for them to rest a while on. The two stopped arguing a couple minutes after they were seated, because they had resolved the issue by agreeing their argument was ridiculous and laughed it off. Really, Kingdomers could be so odd from time to time.

With that out of the way, the group looked up to Amity Colosseum and changed their discussion over to the fact they were Vytal Tournament contestants. Yes, the four teams here had qualified and would be fighting in the Colosseum before millions of people. A highly daunting prospect now that they all thought about it, but they had stared into the jaws of the monstrous Grimm and been fearless, so they should be able to get a hold of their nerves once the Tournament began.

As she gazed up at Amity Colosseum, Amarantha sighed deeply while Weiss went into detail about how the structure was able to float. The end of the school year was going to be memorable, that she was absolutely certain.

"Thank you, Akagi. Normally I can do this myself, but Nora's feeling a lot more heavier tonight." Ren thanked the Kitsune team member if FFOG, casting a glance over his shoulder to the form of Nora who was lying on her bed.

"Ren! Did you just call me fat!" Nora called out to him, apparently having recovered enough from her food coma to hear and respond to them.

"No Nora. I didn't," Ren sighed while slumping his shoulders. "Have a good night, Akagi. We'll see you tomorrow."

"Hehe, goodnight Ren." Odori smiled, bidding the Human farewell as he closed the door of JNPR's door. He too gave Odori a small smile before he disappeared behind the door, leaving the Kitsune alone in the corridor. Her business here concluded, the Demi-human turned and began to walk off to her own team's dorm.

She liked Ren. Not in the way Nora seemed to, but in a respectful manner between friends and peers. If Ren were born in Shangri-La and of Demi-human stock, she could imagine he would make a fine addition to the Zhongwei, Shangri-la's police force. In fact, if he were ambitious enough, Odori believed he could pass the strenuous exams of the Shan hu, the guards of the Amethyst Palace, and become one of them. He had all but a couple qualities that would make him a near perfect choice.

He was born a Kingdomer however, and all those thoughts remained as mere speculation.

The Kitsune had done the same for all her friends. Imagining them in all manner of positions in Shangri-la society and went so far as to draw a few of them down. She could not help herself.

That was enough about Ren. Her bed called to her, and Odori was more than ready to fall into its comfy embrace. For today had been quite a day, one she had come to enjoy.

She was delighted to know she and FFOG qualified for the Vytal Tournament, it being the main highlight of the day. All of that training and sparring having proved worthwhile in achieving the prestigious position. Yet there was another reason for why Odori had found today to be good. The walk the Kitsune took earlier today had been enjoyable as well.

Choosing to trek through the woods outside Beacon, Odori had chosen to venture further than she had before. It was not as though there were any rules forbidding such a decision. Anyway, the Kitsune had found there were far more animals the deeper into the woods she went, using her Semblance to remain undetected in order to observe them without scaring them off.

With her Semblance, she was able to watch a red fox as it slinked through the undergrowth and follow it to its den. Come close enough to almost touch a thrush with her finger. Even sit down to watch as a lynx ambush and ultimately bring down a roe deer

Normally Odori would do far more than just watch when on these walks. One could say she would often 'play' with some of the animals she ran across. Yet she refrained from indulging herself, for those parts of the woods were still unfamiliar to Odori, and she wished to learn its layout before going ahead with her normal walk routine. With what she knew of that region of the woods, Odori was looking forward to returning.

The day was over now, and the Kitsune needed to sleep. Tomorrow, and the days after it, were likely to be very busy.

Coming within view of FFOG's dorm, Odori paused where she stood upon spotting Faen and Monica stood in front of their door. Both said they were going to bed when everyone else announced their intent to join the party. So why were they still awake? Moreover, what were they doing together?

Now over the course of their friendship, the Kitsune had grown to like Monica. Helped by how the Vampire had a very cool weaon, too. She also concluded Monica was not out to steal Faen away like a certain someone, for she seemed to truly be interested in Faen as only a friend. Still, Odori felt a light sting of concern in her gut upon laying eyes on the two alone together.

"Thank you for your aid, Monica. Are you sure you are alright?" Faen's voice was weary and his words of interest. What had he needed help with?

"It was very frightful, but I should be okay. We are blessed that no one else was around," Monica answered. Raising Odori's sense of intrigue higher.

"Hmm, well, I apologise for forcing you to go through that. Tomorrow I shall see about-" Pausing mid-sentence the Elf turned his face over to Odori as she approached him and the Vampire. "Odori. I thought it was you that I heard earlier."

"Hello you two. Aren't you supposed to be in bed as you said you'd be?" Odori questioned both of her fellow Demi-humans, casting curious looks while she did so. The answer came quick and its contents very unfortunate.

"An issue came up while on the way here. The Wolf-Change came over Grey, so Monica and I had to rush her to the cell. It should run its course over the night." The Elf crossed his arms and frowned deeply, his heart most probably sinking in his chest at having to say those words once again.

So it had come again. Odori was not too surprised, the signs of an impending transformation were there. Well, now that it had happened, the only thing left to do was wait just as Faen had said. With luck Grey would recover swiftly after reverting to her humanoid form, for there was plenty to do and not much time to do so.

"I see. No wonder she so eagerly turned down an invitation to the party," Odori thought aloud. Eyeing the two closely she found they appeared unharmed, although there was a tear on Monica's headdress where there never was one before. "Oh Monica, where did that come from? Was it... when you were getting Grey into the cell?"

"T-This? Yes... Yes I am afraid this came from Grey," Monica answered, raising a hand to touch the torn fabric. "We had her in the cell, but I made a sudden move and she... lashed out at me. Faen pulled me away in time, although one of her claws caught my habit."

Yes, making sudden movements around a changed Werewolf was highly discouraged according to both Faen and the books on Werewolves. Thank goodness Faen was there and able to act quickly as he did. Monica would have been protected by her Aura, however, that would not stop any pain the attack would deal.

Looking to the Elf, she saw his jaw tighten and eyes lock on the tear. Or maybe his eyes were on the saddened look on Monica's face. No matter the case, they did not need such negative thoughts on such a good night and sleep called to them all.

"Well you are unharmed, thankfully. And we are all the wiser on what has to be done in a future incident like this, so there is that." Trying to find an upside, that was all Odori could manage.

"That is a positive, certainly. Well it is now getting late, friends, I suggest we all retire for the night." Soon as the Vampire finished speaking she let out a wide yawn that exposed her fangs. By the Gods they looked sharp. Odori wondered just what it felt like for Monica when she fed from a living blood donor.

"Goodnight Monica." Faen's simply said, unfolding his arms and offering a hand to the young nun. She took it and both shook hands as Odori took her turn in saying farewell for now.

"We'll see you in the morning. Heh, knowing the taskmasters we have for team leaders, we will need the sleep for what they likely have planned." At her remark; the Elf gave Odori a half-lidded stare, while Monica looked torn between deciding to either express amusement or not react at all. She had seen worse reactions, so this was nothing Odori would fuss over.

Having now exhausted conversation topics and looking to get to bed, the three finished their farewells and the two FFOG members opened the door to their dorm. Both Odori and Faen quickly entered it, with Monica heading off to her own team's dorm, and began preparing themselves.

Little was said between the two as they did so. When at last the two were in their sleepwear and both in bed, Odori was about to pull her blanket over herself when she saw Faen had taken three notebooks and a pencil to bed with him.

"What in the world are you doing?" Odori frowned when she saw these notebooks were the same he used to plan and organise their team.

"There are a few ideas I need to finish and just get just of my head. Please, do not mind me." The did not bother looking away from his now open notebooks as he replied to her question, and had started to write something down on one of its pages. She had seen those pages before, they detailed his plans for if FFOG and HONE were ever to fight each.

"Get some rest, Faen. Weren't you the one who said 'a warrior's steel must rest, lest it break under too much pressure'?" Sitting up on the edge of her bed, Odori frowned when she saw that, despite her words, Faen was still writing. His response was even more frustrating to hear.

"So you were listening in on that." It was not some acceptance of her advice, but a statement. He even still appeared determined to spend some of the night scribbling in his books when he needed to sleep. That would not do.

An idea then struck Odori's head as she was thinking. A sly idea that would force the Elf to get a some rest tonight and indulge in a guilty little desire of hers. Faen was likely to resist it at first, but he would come around to it in no time.

Getting off her bed, the Kitsune crossed the dorm and snatched all of the books from Faen. He gave her an annoyed look and watched as she dropped them onto his study table, but when the Elf tried to get off his own bed, Odori had returned to him and pushed him back down with a hard shove of her hand. His annoyed expression was gone now and replaced by one of surprise, which was just adorable to her.

"What're you-" Was all Faen was able to get out before he froze then and there as she jumped into the bed with him.

"You need to sleep." Odori insisted as she made herself comfortable and attempted to pull the bed's blanket over them. She was stopped by Faen, however, for he had recovered enough of his senses to grab hold of her arm and question her on what she was doing.

"I understand that, yet I do not see why you need to be in my bed." Beginnings of what looked to be a red blush were growing on Faen's face, and, even more funny, the Elf was being extra careful about not touching her. He did not need to for Odori would not have minded at all if they did.

"Hehe. Know that I trust you Faen, but I cannot allow you to get out of bed and take up those books again as soon as I fall asleep in my own." The Elf stared incredulously at her, but Odori was quick to counter him. "Don't give me that look, you've done it before. My being here will alert me if you do try to sneak out and work. So don't think of doing so, or else you'll have me to answer to."

Faen continued to wear that look on his face for a few seconds longer, but finally seemed to have resigned to the situation, let her arm go and lay down on his back. Glad the Elf was starting to see reason, Odori pulled the blanket over them both and adjusted her position so she was more comfortable. To do so, and to better stop him from escaping, she shuffled closer to Faen to the point her arm was touching his.

To her amusement, he immediately stiffened at her touch and gave Odori a wide-eyed sideways look. He looked so positively flustered the Kitsune could not help but flash a coy smile at her team leader.

For several minutes the two remained this way. Both spending that time adjusting to the fact they were together in a bed both physically and mentally. Odori was ready to nod off, yet was determined to stay awake so she could be absolutely certain Faen did fall asleep as well. As the minutes passed however, the Elf gave no sign that he was fall into sleep's embrace. In fact, he seemed troubled.

Concern for her team leader reared its head up again. She had known him long enough to identify when Faen was thinking about very heavy subjects, and this she knew to be one of those moments. Was it her or Grey that was the cause of his sleeplessness?

"Do you want to talk about something?" Odori asked the taciturn Elf, inching closer to him so that their legs were now touching. This did not go unnoticed by the Elf, and he responded by shifting a few centimetres away from her.

"I suppose I do. There has been an issue that has been plaguing my mind." Faen uttered shortly after he spent a moment in silence.

"Okay, well why don't you talk to me about it? There's no one else but us here, and I swear I will not tell anyone." Positioning herself so she was on her side, Odori put a hand over her heart as she spoke. Hopefully that would convey just how sincere her promise was.

A heavy sigh came from the Elf as he shut his eyes and quietly arranged his thoughts. That or he was likely listening for anyone who might listen in on their conversation. Fifteen seconds passed before Faen reopened his eyes again, turned his head to face Odori and spoke of his troubles at last.

"What do you plan to do once we graduate from Beacon?"

Now that was a curious choice of question. This early into their education as Huntsmen, and already the Elf was grappling with this idea. Sure he was not alone, with Odori giving the idea some thought at times, yet Odori had not expected him to count among their number.

"I guess I will be like any other Huntsman. Travel the world, take jobs, kill Grimm, and live life the best I can." This plan of hers was nothing special and really just pulled from the top of Odori's head, but a plan nonetheless. A little more thought and it would be workable. "Are you... having trouble with the thought of what to do after graduating? We have four years until we have to make such decisions. Do not worry about them at the moment,"

"But all of us are almost legal adults, and such time passes quicker than we expect it to." Faen was quick to respond, thumbing his chin and staring up at the dorm's ceiling intently. Gods, he was being difficult.

"Well, what are the ideas you have in mind right now?" Odori drew closer to Faen, though not close enough that they were touching each other again. She would try again later when the Elf was in a less angsty mood.

"Keep Grey company," came the Elf's answer, still staring up at the ceiling.

This came as no surprise to Odori. The closeness displayed between Faen and Grey was obvious to all, and she would have been surprised if being with the Werewolf was not one of his ideas. In fact, Odori guessed that Grey felt the same toward Faen. If both had their way, they might choose to spend the rest of their lives together.

Now this did not cause Odori any concern. Both acknowledged being best friends was the ideal relationship they should keep, and in some ways they might act like siblings toward each other. Having Grey around posed no threat to Odori's own plans for Faen.

"That should work fairly well. Really, I do not see why this is causing you stress. Unless there is more you it than just that?" Odori asked him, curious of what his answer was going to be.

"I want to stay with Grey, but I must also consider where she wants to go. Where we might live. What Huntsman jobs we will take. How we'll support ourselves if we are injured or reach retirement age." Faen's hands moved up from his chin and covered his eyes, a finger massaging the end of an eyebrow. It looked as though he was going to list off more of these future issues and Odori could not allow that, both for his and her sake.

"Faen. Faen! Calm down a little, please." Reaching a hand toward him, Odori took the hand covering Faen' eyes in her own and lifted it from his face. She felt his muscles tense again, and the white orbs of his eyes darted to look at her with lightning speed. "I know all that is important, but you stressing over it helps no one. You least of all."

Silence came upon the two again, looking intently into the other's eyes as Faen's thoughts reorganised themselves. Odori was more than aware of how getting carried away could affect Faen's judgement. Such a thing happening here and now would not turn out well, and Faen needed a clear head if he were to sleep as she intended him to.

As Faen was pulling himself together, he had not relinquished his hand from her grip. His muscles slowly eased and the Elf repositioned himself so he could more comfortably gaze at Odori. No longer did Faen rest on his back, but his side and shoulder, much like how Odori lay. Now any one of their teammates could walk in on them and cause a commotion at the sight of the two, yet Odori found she did not care about that right now.

All this was nice. Very nice. The Kitsune would not mind if they stayed like this for a while longer.

Though that may be the case for Odori, it did not appear to have crossed Faen's mind however. For he just had to open his mouth and talk, bringing their minds back to the conversation they had been having. By the snowcapped peaks of Shangri-la's mountains, just why could he have not let them stay like this for even another minute?

"Apologies." Faen said to her with an even tone, his eyes looking to the hand holding his own. There was not some code of etiquette dedicated to handholding in Elf society was there?

"No need. Especially after all the times you've calmed me down. How the tables turn, eh?" She cracked a smile at the Elf, doing her best to hide the frustration she was feeling at his choice to interrupt their moment. He did not seem to notice, but if Faen did he was doing a good job of hiding it.

"Hah, yes. The tables do turn," Faen's words were mirthless, and his eyes had now returned to looking Odori in the eyes. Their hands were still together and it did not seem he was going to try to change that anytime soon. Even so, Odori savoured the experience as much as she could. Who knows when this sort of thing would happen again.

"So what does Grey want to do? I know Friesian wants to learn how to pilot an airship after graduating, but I have not learnt what Grey wants." Their moment of silence was over and the conversation continued. Much as she might not like it, Odori went along with it. The sooner it was over, the sooner she could get Faen to fall asleep and stop worrying about the future for a time.

"She wants to see what the rest of Remnant is like. Visit other Enclaves and explore the Kingdoms. There is much on Avalon, yet she wishes to see more than what our home can offer." Highly understandable, Odori thought, and one of the reasons Odori also wanted to be a Huntress.

Now she was aware of what both Faen and Grey wanted to do, she could start thinking up ideas of what to do. Faen had no special desires apart from being with Grey. Meanwhile, the Werewolf hoped to see the rest of the world which could be arranged given their line of work if they succeeded in graduating. Now what could she come up with that?

Well it honestly did not take long for Odori to come up with something. Their wants were not overcomplicated and she did like to think she was smart in her own way.

"How about this... Why don't you, Grey and I travel Remnant together? You get to stay with Grey; she enjoys the world; and we can earn three times what solo Huntsmen make if we take separate missions from time to time." There were plenty of other benefits to the three of them sticking together, but those three would do. Faen could infer the rest on his own.

"Hmmm. It is worth considering and not unappealing." To her delight, Faen hummed approvingly at her proposal, although there did seem to be something else on his mind. "But wait, what of Friesian? It would be prudent to have him with us, especially if he were to earn an airship pilot's license. If we go by your own idea, we have the potential to earn four times what lone Huntsmen make."

"Yes, I guess we can have him with us. Just so long as he doesn't stain my clothes in motorcycle oil again." An ugly frown came over Odori as she remembered the incident where the Dullahan had done just that. He had mistaken a top of hers to be a rag and gotten his oil-stained hands all over it.

"Haha, yes. It took you forever to hand-wash that top. You also wore one hell of a manic look on your face." A genuine smile formed on Faen's lips as he let out a short, low laugh at the memory of the incident.

"Don't laugh! Oil stains on white are nearly impossible to get rid!" Odori wanted to pinch the Elf's nose for laughing at her. Acting fast she was able to save that top, but by the gods had it been a pain in the ass.

Looking at her team leader, Odori saw that the idea she proposed appeared to have taken root in his mind. It was his eyes. There seemed to be an inspired light in them, although now it was accompanied by sleepiness. They had not been talking too long, but it seemed his body was finally starting to acknowledge it needed rest. All that was left was to convince the mind.

"So, the team may stay together after graduation. What then?" It sounded as though Faen was asking the question to himself, and might try taking the conversation even further. Odori mentally shook her head at this, and de ided now was the opportune time to end it.

"A question that will need time and a clearer head to answer. You neither right now, for you are in desperate need of sleep Faen." Pulling her free arm from out of the blanket, the Kitsune tapped a finger on the wrist of the hand she was holding. Reminding the Elf that it was getting late, and there was a reason why they were on the same bed.

"Right. Right. I was starting to feel tired anyway," Faen mumbled to himself, prying his hand out of Odori's grip. She was reluctant to let go, but had to release him.

Soon as their hands had separated, Faen turned his body so that his back was facing her. Odori would rather he sleep facing or on his back, that way she could know if he was truly asleep or secretly doing something she could not see. Since she could not make him do that, the Kitaune decided to stay awake a while and not fall asleep until she was sure the Elf truly was sleeping.

As Odori waited for Faen, she reflected on the plan she and Faen had just gone over. It was not definite, they had four years before they had to decide on whether or not that was what they planned to do. Plenty could happen between then and now, and their aims for he future might change.

If Faen became troubled by questions of the future like he had earlier, Odori would be there to help him. They were teammates and friends after all. It was her responsibility to help him, just as much as it was his to help her.

Minutes passed and Odori began to feel her eyelids grow heavier by the second, and had to suppress theurge to yawn. Faen sounded like he was asleep, but she was certain whether or not he was. Trying to keep her eyes open became too much for the Kitsune as her own body demanded she get rest, so Odori finally gave in and shut her eyes. She was not asleep, however, for her mind was still active despite how drowsy she was feeling and tried to stay that way until she heard Faen let out a single snore.

Some more time passed, and just when Odori thought to give up and fall asleep, she heard the bed creak as Faen moved. He did not move much, but he moved nonetheless. Odori was ready to pull him back into the bed if he so much as tried to leave it, but that was not what he did. Instead, the Elf chose to say a few words.

"Thank you for the talk-" What came next was an unfamiliar word to Odori. A three syllable word that was obviously of the Elven language, yet one she had never heard before. Although she could not figure out what he had said, the Kitsune knew the emotions behind the words.

Faen's voice was full of warmth and affection. Affection directed to Odori, which made her grin uncontrollably as she took the plunge and pressed herself against the Elf. Her tails also went over her legs and touched his as well. Faen was either asleep or did not mind, for he did not stiffen or jerk away from her as she feared he might, but allowed Odori to do this. In fact, she believed he might be leaning onto her.

Yes, today had been a good day.

Atop the roof of the dorm block occupied by the students from Beacon, Cinder sat and watched as the night's festivities began to die down. The supply of fireworks from the Amity Colosseum had been exhausted. The energy of the partying youths mostly spent.

Still, there was time for her own little celebration.

Producing a thin glass as dark as the night sky, Cinder filled two thirds of it with champagne. The bottle having been smuggled into the Academy by one of the students. She had been somewhat surprised such smuggling enterprises existed in Beacon when she first learnt of it, yet Cinder could not complain. It had gotten her this bottle and a few materials which Cinder had troubled over how to get into Beacon.

A chime came from the Scroll resting on Cinder's lap. Looking down, she saw the data transfers to her allies had been completed and fully received by them.

The data in question being profiles on all of the students registered on Beacon's database. Both past and present. Not just that, but also what information she and her underlings were able to personally gather on the students currently attending Beacon. Some of Cinder's allies had requested specific information, and she had, begrudgingly, provided it to them.

That animal, Adam Taurus, had demanded detailed information on the doings of one Blake Belladonna, and Cinder provided what she could. It was highly personal, and while she would not normally care, this could be useful in the future. Especially if Adam became mistaken about his place in all this.

One who infuriated Cinder more than Adam was another ally of hers, Abaddon. Another member of her Mistress' cabal. Like Adam, he had requested information on certain students as well, and had the audacity to demand the information from her. She gave it to him regardless of her own feelings on the matter, although his choice was a curious one. Team FFOG, one of the Beacon teams was what Abaddon demanded.

The team led by the Elf.

What Abaddon's plans for them she did not know, yet she already had plans for him. Come the end of the Vytal Festival, the Elf would get what was coming to him. He and all his kind would.

Raising her dark glass up to Amity Colosseum, Cinder smirked. Soon everything would be in place, and her plans would bear fruit.

I will see you all when I next see you.