Disclaimer: I own nothing, this is purely a fanfic for enjoyment.
Cross-over from various games, books, anime, manga, and movies.
The familiar characters you see here belong to their respected authors and owners.
'Thoughts'
"Speech"
Time*
Noise*
(Location)
[Mob's Explosion Meter - ?%]
Arc 1 - Chapter 2: This Is A Surprise
A few hours later*
(Continent: Anima | Kingdom: Mistral | Airship)
Looking out the window on my left as I stare at the blue sky, thinking about for a way to support Pyrrha while at the same time figure a way to allow myself to stand next to her instead of hiding all the time.
At the very least, I manage to finish creating my finishing version of my new weapon, as in it actually look like a weapon compared to the prototype version I been using up to now.
Also, the new version is able to create a solid form with hard light technology, but only for a few seconds. Which is enough for me to use as a decoy or an object to take the damage for me while I escape.
My new weapon, which I still haven't picked a name for it, takes on the form of a handgun, with a few attachments to it and using [Gravity Dust] as the ammo. This is what I used to make the holograph feel like it's a solid object.
I didn't know how to solve the problem to make the projections feel the exact same things as the real ones. So that's one of the weaknesses I have to deal with until I figure something out.
But, at least I can just scan things by just holding the trigger lightly for my handgun to scan before I actually pull the trigger and it fires small devices that project the holograph.
Too bad I need to remade these devices due to the fact they are only one-time use before becoming completely useless as the [Gravity Dust] pretty much destroy it after a few seconds.
I let a sigh and stop thinking about my new weapon, then go through my backpack to pull out a comic for me to read, which is the latest volume. Maybe I can get some ideas to use from it. After all, some of the things I learned how to control my Psychic Powers somewhat from these comics. As in how to use my Psychic Powers in an offensive manner.
Because after thinking about it, I have zero combat experience other than hiding and escaping from any battle-related over the years.
So I'm very limited to what I can solve this. Some are long-term, that take too long and I would be behind everyone else while others are short-term, but at the cost of limiting myself to a certain point before others surpass me. And I can't have that if I want to stand next to Pyrrha like before.
Sadly, what stopped me from using my Psychic Powers other than using the basic level of [Telekinesis]. Is that I'm too afraid I may lose control and cause another incident like in the past.
While I read my comic; I notice something at the corner of my eyes that distracted me a little.
Due to my curiosity, I developed while training in the Art of Stealth. I made sure to not make it like I'm paying any attention to my surroundings.
I look to see what caught my interest.
[Mob's Explosion Meter - 48% Fear]
I see Pyrrha sitting from across from me!
'Why is she on this Airship?!' I started to panic and wonder if I should find another spot to seat, but remember how all the first-class seats are already filled with the other passengers and would draw attention for wanting to change seats!
I took a few deep breaths, to calm myself.
[Mob's Explosion Meter - 40% Fear]
After all, Pyrrha hasn't seen me yet, so I'm still safe!
I raise my comic up a bit more, to hide my face, just in case. Of course, Pyrrha didn't even look in my direction at all and just looking on her scroll. What's she looking at, I have no idea at the moment.
"Excuse me, may I get a cup of water?" Pyrrha asks a nearby flight attendant, causing me to tense up.
[Mob's Explosion Meter - 44% Fear]
'Oh, why did I decide to go to Vale early?!' I thought to myself, cursing my luck that I'm actually taking the same flight as Pyrrha, who I'm surprised to find out she already booked a flight to the Kingdom of Vale after the day of the last day of Sanctum Academy.
'Time like this, I'm glad I trained in the art of stealth.' I made sure no emotions show on my face or body, while inside I'm having a mental meltdown.
Slowly, I grab my prototype portable holograph projection from my backpack. First, I place the portable holograph projection on the window, pushing the button to make it attach to the window so it won't fall off, then turn it on to create a holograph projection of me sleeping, but with my appearance being totally different and someone much older like middle age. Making it so whoever sees me, won't the real me.
'There.' I mentally sighed in relief that I set everything up as soon as possible before Pyrrha could see me. I feel like my lifespan has shortened due to the shock of seeing Pyrrha so close without me noticing her before the Airship taken off.
[Mob's Explosion Meter - 10% Fear]
Good thing I didn't leave behind my portable holograph projection. I was right to bring it along, even when I have my new holograph projection to use in its place. Then again, it's better for combat, with this old one being able to last long, but very limited in many ways compared to the new one.
I blink as I feel my scroll vibrating, letting me know someone just texted me.
Taking out my scroll thinking it my Mom, who texted me when I was surprised it wasn't and found out it was Pyrrha herself.
Glancing over to Pyrrha, who is staring at her scroll like she waiting, as in waiting for me to reply to her. I gulp a little, then slowly look down on my scroll to read the text message.
-Text Messages-
Pyrrha: Hey, uh, just wanted to let you know I'm not heading to Haven Academy. I'm sorry if you're planning to enroll there... But, that doesn't mean we can't talk to each other... right? Um. I'm just letting you know that I'm enrolling into Beacon Academy at Vale. You know how I want to get away with all the fame in Mistral.
I carefully read Pyrrha's text message as mixed emotions run through me.
Pyrrha: I hope we can talk like before.
[Mob's Explosion Meter - 30% Shame]
Pyrrha: I've already left and right now on an Airship to Vale. So... I'm sorry we can say our farewells to each other in person.
[Mob's Explosion Meter - 44% Shame]
Pyrrha: If, uh, you have the time. I mean, if you're busy and all. Text me...
[Mob's Explosion Meter - 50% Shame]
-Text Message Over-
That was the last text message from Pyrrha. I look at Pyrrha from my right, to see her still looking at her scroll, waiting for me to respond back.
I bit my lower lip, want nothing more to text her back, but I haven't spoken to her or even text her for years and to get her message now after for a long time.
[Mob's Explosion Meter - 36% Courage]
I decided enough was enough. My first step in order to stand next to Pyrrha is to reply to her text messages instead of ignoring them over the years due to the fear of making any kind of contact with her.
Even now, Pyrrha still talks to me. So with great effort. I texted back Pyrrha.
-Text Message-
Shigeo: Alright.
-Text Message Over-
[Mob's Explosion Meter - 63% Embarrassment]
I feel like throwing myself off the Airship for replying with just a single word! I can do better than that!
Some of the people who were drinking, end up having their drinks splash their faces somehow.
I peek over to Pyrrha, to see her reaction and hope I didn't make her sad for only sending a single word as a response, not even a follow-up.
To my surprise and causing my heart rate to beat faster. I saw Pyrrha smiling, as in her true beautiful smile.
[Mob's Explosion Meter - 86% Ecstasy]
Some of the people that were eating or just begin eating are devouring them faster due to the sudden taste of their foods suddenly became delicious.
I quickly shook my head and look down on my scroll, to see Pyrrha texting me with more messages.
-Text Message-
Pyrrha: That's great!
Pyrrha: I mean, thanks for taking the time to chat with me.
Pyrrha: How you been?
Pyrrha: Can you forgive me for not coming to Haven Academy with you?
Pyrrha: Do you think we can facetime any chance later on?
Pyrrha: I hope we can meet each other in person again.
Pyrrha: You can reply anytime you're free. You must be busy at the moment.
Pyrrha: Thanks for speaking with me, even through texts, at least I get to speak with you again. Text me later when you can.
-Text Message Over-
I blink and wonder how in the world can I reply through all that! I barely had enough courage to reply, even just a single word!
[Mob's Explosion Meter - 89% Escstasy]
Talk about uncool. I groan to myself, wishing I could have trained in the Art of Speaking, then I would know how to speak with Pyrrha.
If anyone was to see me now, they would see a big smile on my face, which was hard to wipe for a few minutes.
I look over to Pyrrha and found her hugging her scroll, with a blissful smile on her face before she looks back at her scroll, waiting for my response.
I took a few deep breaths and try my best to reply more than a single word. Thus my chance to reach my goal.
-Text Message-
Shigeo: Good.
Shigeo: Yes.
Shigeo: Maybe.
Shigeo: Same.
-Text Message Over-
[Mob's Explosion Meter - 99% Embarrassmenet]
I managed to reply more than a single word, but I only text one word per question! That didn't make any difference! Ah!
People started screaming in shock at the sudden blast of hot air. Expect for certain people.
I sneak a peek at Pyrrha, who looks happier than I've seen her over the years.
For the entire trip to Vale; I tried my best to text back to Pyrrha, who looks like she had her dream come true; well, that's what I'm getting from her facial expression at the time.
A few weeks later*
(Continent: Sanus | Kingdom: Vale | City of Vale: Unknown Hotel)
After a long trip from the Kingdom of Mistral to the Kingdom of Vale. I would say it was my best experience. I got to speak with Pyrrha, even if it is only through texts. Better than nothing, but I was too scared and lack the courage to speak to her in person.
Either way, after arriving at Vale. I scout the area so I could learn which area is best for an escape route and the area where I can hide easily the last second.
While doing that, I made sure to find a hotel to stay at via online and I'm just glad I can speak to other people in person for a few minutes without letting my trained instinct to hide right away. Though, there are some cases where I leave in the middle of a conversation, leading me having to return and apology for the sudden rudeness of me disappearing on them.
So after scouting the area, which will take me weeks and that's enough time for me because the date for attending to the Beacon Academy is just 2 months from now. As it's currently summer vacation for all students; well, some students will have to take summer schools. Be it for Huntsmen and Huntresses or civilians.
I head to the hotel for the night as I start checking on both my handgun holograph projection and the prototype portable holograph projection for any bugs, or anything that needs to be tweaked.
A couple of room services, to order for dinner and after a few training for balance and speed. As it became a habit now over the years and feel wrong for stopping for days.
Once that's done, I head to the shower before sleeping, as I plan to continue my scouting of the City of Vale, then after that, stalk-follow-checking on Pyrrha. Maybe send her a gift or two, just to show my support to her.
But, then again, that would be weird for me to gift a girl for no reason. So, I gave up on that idea and just do my usual things after scouting the area.
The next day*
(Continent: Sanus | Kingdom: Vale | City of Vale)
'Okay. Let's see.' I thought to myself, as I start writing down in my new notebook about my scouting progress.
So far, I have visited 10% of the City of Vale up to now, including yesterday's afternoon.
I tap my chin with the top of my pen, thinking about a way for me to enter the buildings around me because it would be foolish of me for not scouting out the inside of the buildings. In case I need to enter one while escaping/hiding from others or at one point, I would be in a building and have no idea where to find the shortest and easiest escape route to get out of the building.
I can't bribe people because that requires talking to the person, with a couple of people nearby watching me. That's a big no for me. Also, I'm limited in money to even consider the idea of bribing others.
Mom is willing to provide me with the Lien to support myself, to the point of being able to stay in any hotel for 2 months if I spend the money right. This includes food as well.
So, I may have a few holes in my escape routes and need to be adjusted.
After thinking about that and writing a note about it in my notebook. I close the notebook and put it in my backpack, then start scouting the other areas before returning to the hotel by nightfall.
A few hours later*
'Okay, I stand corrected.' I thought dryly, as it looks like the security in the City of Vale is kind of lacking compared to the City of Mistral.
Then again, Mistral is known for containing unsavory characters like thieves and assassins from all across Remnant who has come to Mistral to remain undetected. Also home to the largest black market in Remnant.
Nevertheless, I somehow gained a complete detailed map of the City of Vale from a weird girl, who should be a criminal, like a high-ranked criminal of some sort. I wasn't paying too much attention to that and just wanted to get away from her as soon as possible after making the exchange.
Who knew that a criminal would exchange for such valuable information for just a truckload of Neapolitan ice cream? Nevertheless, there goes half my money and I will need to find a way to earn more than ask Mom for more Lien, even if she willing to give me more without hesitation.
But, just to be sure the map is real and I haven't been scammed. I decided to check it out tomorrow after I try my best to escape that scary ice cream theme girl.
For being a quiet girl, she emits a dangerous presence that almost caused me to hide instantly the moment I saw her, but I needed to meet one of the criminals in this kingdom.
As the saying goes: If you want something and got the cash, then make a deal with the dark side, where you can get anything you want.
Well, that's what most people say in Mistral. No idea what the saying is in Vale. I just know that even with weak security, that doesn't mean it's not less dangerous.
This is why I didn't return to the hotel I'm staying until it was midnight. While I did my best to move all around the places to make sure that the scary ice cream girl isn't following me.
I learned my lessons back in Mistral, never think that you're not being followed. So by midnight is when I use my Semblance as the last method for my getaway.
(Continent: Sanus | Kingdom: Vale | City of Vale: Unknown Hotel)
I let out a sigh of relief the moment I enter my hotel room, not before I did another quick check around the place for any hidden cameras. But, found none after a few minutes of searches. I could go for hours, but I need my sleep.
With that said, I grab the extra pillows from the closet and slide under the bed. No way was I'm sleeping out in the open.
Part of the Art of Stealth training I did. Always stay out of the open when possible or risk being ambush when you least expect it.
Once I was under the bed and taking my backpack with me as well. Always needs to be prepared for a quick escape and not have enough time to pack things to leave.
And the reason why I didn't bring many things with me. Well, Mom should be sending my things over to Beacon Academy 2 months from now.
After finishing putting my backpack in a good spot within reach, but won't disturb me while I'm sleeping, along with the pillows I grab. I came out under the bed and quietly head over to turn off the light before quickly returning back under the bed.
It's a relief, that the Art of Stealth includes training one's eyes to see in the dark.
It took me a few seconds before I got into a comfortable position, then I pull out my scroll to check if Pyrrha texted me while I was busy scouting the City and see I got a couple of unread text messages waiting for me to read and maybe reply.
Checking the time and decide to read them tomorrow, because I need all the sleep I can get, and plus, I do need to wake up early in the morning as well.
I close my eyes before snapping them open and quickly take out my scroll since I forgot to call my Mom tonight. Who knows how worry, she is, better call her now and lose some sleep than cause my Mom a panic attack.
Quickly, I slide out of the bed and turn the light back on, then sit down in one of the chairs in the room before dial my Mom's scroll numbers and readying myself for a long call tonight. Maybe get a few hours of shut-eye by trading out a few hours of scouting tomorrow.
I let out a yawn before hitting the call button and my Mom picked up before the first ring.
"Hey, Mom." I greeted my Mom, already waiting for my Mom questioning if I was alright or not, along with why it took me so long to call her. Yup, going to need to sacrifice a few hours of scouting the place for sleep.