GRYD Chapter 4 - Breaking Tradition

Lunch at Beacon. Students filled up the cafeteria hall, sitting with teammates and friends. Not surprisingly, the members of Team GRYD and Team MEAL sat with one another. All were discussing various things and topics. Glyph and Macro were in one discussion, Yasmine, Leilani, Reyson and Diana were in another. Bringing up the rear in joining them was the Lovers, Aaron and Erin. They laughed and giggled as they sat down at the table with the others. Which caused the rest the look at them.

"Seriously, what takes you so long to get your food every day?" asked Reyson angrily, "You're always the last to arrive!"

"My good man, when food incites great memories, how can you not pause and talk about them?" said Aaron boastfully

"What was the memory this time?" wondered Leilani, honestly intrigued

"We had chicken on our first date." said Erin happily

"That's...nice?" questioned Macro, not seeing the significance, "Hardly romantic if I may say."

"Sometimes it's not about the romance," noted Aaron, "it's about the experience. Erin had never had chicken before, so I decided to treat her."

"Seriously?" started DIana in disbelief, "You never had chicken?"

At this, Erin became uncomfortable, she averted the others gaze, "My family is particular about what I eat. So much so that, even when I went to Signal, I found myself eating those meals over and over again. It wasn't until I dated Aaron that I branched out in my palette."

"I showed her a whole new world...of food!" Aaron said with a proud laugh, which made Erin smile, and the others to roll their eyes

Reyson in particular shivered at their interactions, and focused back on his food, "If dating makes me look like you two? I'll pass."

"That would usually require having some that liked you, and was willing to date you." said Yasmine piercingly

The others played up the burn, even making noises and nudging Reyson. To Yasmine's surprise, he smiled.

"Joke's on you, I have had girls like me."

"What happened to them?"

"I...scared them away. I guess they didn't like the "real me"."

"You mean the fighter?" posed Leilani

"More like the, The Berserker." corrected Diana

"Barbarian." added Yasmine with digust

"Bloodthirsty." threw in Macro with a laugh

"...Reyson." finished Glyph

Reyson showed his "appreciation" by giving them a slow clap, "Thank you so much. Love the support."

"Truth hurts Reyson, you can't change who you are." stated Diana with a pat on the shoulder to Reyson

The conversations began anew, but this time Erin didn't partake at first. Her eyes looked sadly upon her food, the words "you can't change who you are" echoed all around her.

Later that day, the two teams attended a new class. The room was much brighter, though the seats were still staged so the teacher could see all of them. Around the main desk were maps of the four main kingdoms, as well as various pictures of major buildings, including the other academies around the world.

The students waited patiently for their teacher to arrive. Sure enough, the doors opened slowly, and a woman walked calm down the stairs. While at first the students didn't react to the teacher's appearance, their eyes soon went wide, and they began to talk with one another in whispers. For behind the woman, was a large orange and black fox tail.

The woman herself was dressed in a business like outfit. A suit of sorts, but one that had a very elegant tone. It too was orange, but interwoven with black to perfectly match her tail. Her hair was also black, yet her eyes were bright orange. She went to her desk and proceeded to her chair. As she straightened herself up to sit, she spread out her arms, and her tail sprang up and wrapped around her shoulders. To which, she smiled and then sat down.

Still not looking at the students, she pulled out a clipboard from her desk, and a pen from a nearby cup. Then, she looked over the papers in the clipboard, scanning them with quickness. Finally she lowered the clipboard and pen down and raised her head to the class.

"Good afternoon class." said the woman kindly, but with emphasis

"Good afternoon." the class replied back

This caused her to smile, "You're surprised no doubt. You've been here almost a week, and yet you've gotten a new class? Well, I was away on important business, and only got back yesterday. So I apologize for that, but, I won't apologize for making you take this class, for this is a very important one. For here, you will learn more and more about the world you live in. This is culture class, sorry if that's a shock."

Some students snickered at this, catching the joke she made. The woman nodded in appreciation.

"Thank you for that, you'd be surprised how many don't get that joke. Now, introductions. My name is Vixi Tod, and yes, I'm a Faunus. Feel free to speculate what I did to get this position, but I think the answer is simple...I know Headmaster Night."

Another snicker commenced throughout the class, however, this time, there was all some venomous looks shot at Vixi, she saw them and stood up, and headed to the front of her desk.

"I know that some of you may not like Faunus, that's your right. I would never try and force you to change that. However, know this, I will not tolerate disparaging remarks, slurs, or any other kind of hateful acts towards me or your Faunus classmates. Or for that matter...your human classmates. Equality and all that."

She laughed, and some students joined her. With a wave she calmed them all down.

"This is one thing we'll be talking about in this class. The relations between nations, and the relations between people and Faunus. All are important to know as you become full-fledged Huntsman and Huntresses, as changing cultures, changing political climates, tensions between the beings of that land are all valuable information for you to know. You need knowledge for what's to come, I want to help give it to you."

The students talked amongst themselves at this statement, the whispers and murmurs filled up the room. Vixi allowed this for some time, until she again raised her hand to calm them down.

"That's good," she said pleased, "talking is important in this class. Though you will have homework, one thing I encourage is debates, interaction, seeing how one persons views challenge another's. While knowledge is important, knowing when to share yours is just as important. Not everyone out there in the world is good, or will believe what you say is true."

She turned and went back to her desk chair, and again sat down in it.

"I think that's a big enough monologue, don't you? Let's take attendance and begin class, officially this time."

Vixi read off the list of students, each one calling out to state they were present. Once done, she flipped the paper and began her lesson.

An hour passed, with Vixi going on about the various histories of the four nations. While many listened intently to her passionate explanations, others became bored. One student was sleeping, and slightly snoring. Vixi noticed, and threw a crumpled up piece of paper at him, waking him up violently, and causing the class to laugh at him.

"No sleeping in class." she said calmly, "For those who think that's all I'll be willing to do to wake you up if you fall asleep? Well, let's just say I'm quite clever in my techniques. Clever like a...fox."

She swished her tail around to nail the joke, and the class laughed. Once done, she continued her lesson.

As time went on, Vixi stopped her lesson and addressed the class specifically.

"So, now you know basic history. Very basic in fact, but even the basics can help. History is important when it comes to culture, as it influences what people do, say, even treat as tradition. For some, tradition is just as important as eating, or breathing. It's a part of them, to their core. It influences both them and those around them."

Erin shifted in her chair at the statement, Aaron looked at her as she did, but couldn't get a word in before Vixi continued.

"Therefore, your first assignment, which I'd like you to start right now, is to tell me what the culture of your family is."

"What do you mean by "culture of your family"?" asked one student

"Good question," she replied honestly, "the answer is simple. What are your traditions? What does your family do when you're together? Do you watch television? Do you play games? Do you read? Go for a stroll around your hometown? Meet with other families? What is it that makes your family...your family. You don't have to tell me everything, but show me an insight into your lives. You'd be surprised what I can learn about you from what you tell me about your families. You have 20 minutes left in class, get started."

With that, the class began to write, each one talking about their lives and their families. All except for Erin. She sat looking at the paper, not sure how to explain what her family was like. At times she would put her pencil to the paper to begin writing, but would hesitate and pull it back. After several minutes, she still hadn't written a thing.

"Having trouble Ms. Flushe?" asked a voice behind her

Erin turned to see Vixi smiling kindly at her, to which Erin looked at her paper ashamed, "I'm sorry, I'm just...just..."

"Struggling? Yeah, I can tell. Hard to describe your family? Or...hard to describe without feeling pain?"

Erin whipped her head back around at her comment, her expression surprised. Vixi nodded and leaned in so only she could hear her.

"I understand, more than you think. This paper isn't going to be graded, just write what you feel comfortable with. Ok?"

Erin nodded gratefully, Vixi smiled at her, then went back to her stroll around the classroom. Minutes later, the class was over, and the students exited. Vixi watched them all as they left.

"Interesting class." she said with an emotionless face, then proceeded back to her chair.

Outside, many students relaxed as they had time off from work and classes. Several members of GRYD and MEAL took part in this, including Glyph, Macro, Diana, and The Lovers. Though each had their own relaxing mechanism. Glyph and Macro practiced battle moves on one another, with Diana watching with deep interest. The Lover sat under a tree and just talked to one another, their arms wrapped around their partner.

Soon, Leilani joined them, sitting next to The Lovers under the tree, and taking a minute to catch her breath.

"Did you run all the way here?" asked Aaron curious

"Yeah, didn't want to lose a minute of relaxing," said Leilani after a moment, "I wasted enough time trying to get Yasmine to come out. I should've known better."

"Studying? Doing homework?" wondered Erin with a sad smile

"That's my sis. She did this at our last school too. It helps her get grades. Friends? Not so much. We only had each other back then."

"Sounds familiar..." teased Aaron, with a poke to Erin, who smiled and giggled

"You two not popular at Signal? That seems unlikely."

"Context is everything. We had friends to be sure, but, we're...odd...in some ways."

"Not that I mind those oddities." noted Erin

"Likewise."

The two again giggled, causing Leilani to shake her head in confusion, "Whatever you say, you had it better than me and Yasmine, that's for sure."

"Faunus hatred?" asked Erin, her sad expression returning

"Yeah. We had to stick together, it's one of the reasons we're so close. We're a package set. Oh! Which reminds me. Erin, you have a package in the room."

Erin turned from Leilani to Aaron, then back to Leilani, "I do?"

"Yeah, it was big too. You weren't expecting anything?"

"No...I wasn't."

She became very curious about this, then rose up and turned to the school, "I'm going to go check it out. I'll be back!

With haste, she raced away, even holding up her kimono so her legs could get more distance. As she did, Aaron approached Leilani, his expression very serious.

"Leilani," he said, getting her attention, "did you see who the package was from?"

"No." said Leilani after thinking about it, "I could tell it was from Vale though, I saw the special stamp. Maybe it's from her parents? That would explain the size."

Aaron became quite afraid at this, "Oh dear...oh dear."

"What? What's wrong?"

"It's hard to explain, I have to go check on her. Don't tell the others about the package. Ok?"

Leilani nodded, and Aaron bolted away. She watched him race toward the school, then turned to the others, who were still focused on Glyph and Macro's battle. When it was clear they didn't see this interaction, she turned her attention back to the school.

"What is going on?"

Aaron raced through the hallways, bounding off of walls, and dodging anyone who was in his path. His expression full of fear, yet with a desire to get to his destination. Finally, he reached his room. He burst through the door, and to his dismay, Erin was looking at an open package, tears in her eyes.

"It was them, wasn't it?" he asked, knowing the answer

"Yes," she replied softly, "they just couldn't help themselves."

He walked fully into the room, and approached the rather large box. Though it was stacked, he could tell it was filled with various items, trinkets, and even a banner. Aaron shook his head as he saw it.

"Man, they're the limit."

"It gets better, check out the note they sent."

Aaron looked down, and saw there was a note in her right hand, her hand clenching it tightly. Erin handed it to him, and he flattened it a bit so he could read it.

"Daughter...wait, seriously?" Aaron blurted out angrily, "They still don't call you Erin? I could never understand why they call you that."

"Tradition." she answered, still sad

Shaking his head again, he continued, "We went to put some stuff in your room, and found you had left many things of importance behind. We're very disappointed that you didn't take these heirlooms and place them in your new room. While it may be true, that you share your room with others, this does not mean you shouldn't display the proud traditions of your family. We have them all contained in this box. Should we come and visit, we expect to see them. Do your family proud."

Aaron read this a few times, then crumpled up the paper and threw it against a wall. Erin just sat on the ground, staring at the box.

"They just don't understand." Erin spoke out, pain in her voice

"I know," Aaron replied, joining her on the ground, "some people are just rooted in their ways."

"Yeah, I just wish they'd see it wasn't my way."

"I know, they will eventually, they'll have to."

He playfully nudged her, but this didn't snap her out of her funk. Aaron looked around the room, looking for anything that would help Erin. He saw a picture of Leilani's of two people dancing, and lit up.

"Did I ever tell you how I first saw you? Not our first meeting, the first time I saw you."

Erin looked up and thought about it, then turned to him, "No, I don't think you have."

"Good!" he said happily, "I was saving it for a special occasion. You see, when I first saw you, it was at Signal, not exactly a surprise, but it was what I saw that made it special."

"Stop teasing," she said with a small smile, "just tell me."

"Right. Well, I was wondering the campus, just going over things in my head like I was taught, and I looked into the open field we had."

"I loved that field."

"I know. You see, it was raining that day, most everyone was inside. I didn't mind it, and it felt too congested inside, so I took a stroll. But when I looked out in the field...I saw you."

She smiled widely at this, and nodded her head in acknowledgement, realizing what he was recalling.

"You were just standing there, in the rain. You weren't even in your kimono, you were in more casual clothes. And you just stood there, in the rain, letting it wash over you and your pink hair. And then..."

"I began to dance."

"You began to dance. I just watched you for a while. It looked at times that the water itself was dancing with you. I know Diana is an elegant person in her steps, but that dance you did could give her a run for her money. It was...it was beautiful. I was sad when you were done. You didn't even know I was there. So you just walked away. But I knew, I knew I had to meet you personally. So I did, and I haven't regretted it."

Erin giggled and smiled at this, then rested her head against Aaron's shoulder, "I'm lucky to have you."

"Funny," noted Aaron, laying his head on hers, "I always say that about you."

The two happily sat there for a while. Then Aaron grabbed Erin's hand, and forcefully pulled her up, then put her close to him. She was confused at first, but then relaxed as he grabbed her other hand, and put his other hand on the small of her back.

"Enough wallowing around. Let's dance."

"Lead the way."

With Aaron humming a slow tune, the two began to dance around the room. Their eyes locked onto one another, just enjoying the moment of being together. Without a care in the world they continued to dance around.

A few days later, classes resumed, and once again the teams found themselves in Vixi's class. She went into great detail about the other realms and their cultures this time around. Talking about the governments, their power structures, and how it usually affects the common folk, both human and Faunus. As time wound down, she stepped in front of her desk to talk to the students.

"Ok class, your next assignment is simple, regale me with what you learned about the four kingdoms. I want a page describing each one. I'll let you pick the details, but prove to me that you listened. Your grade depends on it."

The bell rang, and the students began to leave.

"Ms. Flushe! A word please."

Erin stopped and looked at Vixi concerned. Aaron, Marco and Leilani all added to that concern with looks of their own. Vixi picked up on this and waved them down.

"I just want to talk to her about her paper, she's not in trouble. Go on you three. She'll be out soon."

Slightly relieved, but still curious, the others gave Erin looks of support as they left. Aaron was the last to leave, but a look of confidence from Erin allowed him to move on. Now alone, Erin walked down the steps to her teacher, who was looking at her amused.

"Some nice friends you got there." she said with a smile

"Teammates stick together right?" replied Erin, "I like having them."

"Indeed, more than your family it seems."

Erin's eyes went wide as Vixi reached behind her and pulled out Erin's report about her family traditions. After making sure Erin noticed it, she turned it around and read it herself.

"My family is a proud user of tradition, from our home, to our meals, to our looks, we are the proud embodiment of tradition."

She put down the paper, her expression now sad. Erin's matched it, and she looked away from her teacher.

"Erin, one of my gifts, is to see what people mean when they write things. I used to do it with my father in the notes he would give me. I got really good at it. You see, every pen stroke is an emotion. You can tell if a person is a hurry, or how they're feeling, or even if they mean what they say in what they write."

Vixi held up the paper, making Erin look at it again.

"When you wrote 'proud', it had a dual meaning, didn't it? Your parents are proud of it, but you not so much. You're imprisoned by tradition, aren't you?"

"Yes." Erin replied without hesitation

"I see. Do you defy their traditions?"

"If I think I can, then yes. But most times no."

"So...is the person I see before me Erin? Or your parents child?"

"I...I don't understand." said Erin confused

"Yes you do. You wrote about how your mother wears a kimono. You wear one too. You talked about how your father, and his father, both used Naginatas as weapons, now you have one. So I ask again, is this person before me Erin, or your parents child?"

The two locked eyes, one searching for answers, the other searching for truth. Erin fumbled to speak, often exhaling sharply in impulse, until she shouldn't stay still any longer.

"I don't know.

"I see," said Vixi, walking back behind her desk, "it's not an answer that can come from a question I suppose. But an answer that must be found within. If my father taught me one thing? It's this: "don't be afraid to break tradition when it comes to what the heart wants." Think about that, ok?"

Erin became confused at this, but nodded. Vixi smiled to put her at ease, then motioned that she could leave. Erin did so hesitantly at first, but then fully left.

Hours later, Erin sat alone in her teams room. On her bed with her, was the box of items sent to her from her parents. She looked at it with great sadness, but also, a sense of confusion.

"Who am I supposed to be?" she whispered to herself

"Erin?" called out a voice

Erin looked up, and in the doorway was Leilani, looking at her friend with great concern. Erin put on a brave face when she saw her.

"Hey Leilani, what's up?"

"I...wanted to check on you. You've been off all day since class with Ms. Tod."

"Yeah, I guess I have."

"Does it have to do with what's in the box?"

"Yeah, I guess it does."

Erin looked back to the box, Leilani came into the room, and joined her on the bed. She then carefully started looking through the items.

"So...this is something interesting stuff. I knew a person back home who had similar things." said Leilani as she looked through the items

"I'm not surprised," revealed Erin, expression back to sad, "they're very traditional items. Many families across the kingdoms have similar items. They consider it a duty to pass them down through the generations."

"You don't like them, do you?"

Erin hesitated at this, but then shook her head, "No, I don't. I never understood my families traditions, but I went along with them. Then I started to act out, and I was scolded, sometimes very harshly. I didn't understand, why wouldn't they let me...be me? I thought it was something I did, that I was upsetting them in some unknown way. Then I realized, it was just that they were so rooted in their traditions, that they couldn't believe in anything new. Even if that was their own daughter that brought it."

"I'm so sorry. Did they not want you to be a Huntress?"

She laughed at this, "Oh no, they were all for it. Thankfully, I naturally wanted to be a Huntress. But not for the reasons my parents think. I saw it as a chance for freedom, they saw it as a way to continue their traditions. Even my fighting style is based on what they did at school. That box? They made sure I took the stuff inside when I went to Signal. I tried to leave it behind when I came here, and so they sent it, along with a scathing letter."

"Harsh." noted Leilani looking back at the items

"Yeah. My parents want me to be their legacy, but only their legacy, any deviation, and I'm punished. You should've seen their reaction to my hair."

"They don't like your natural color?"

At this, Erin laughed louder than ever before, even causing herself to cry with tears of joy. This confused Leilani, who looked at her more puzzled than ever before. Eventually, Erin calmed herself down.

"I'm...I'm a natural blond. I dyed my hair pink in an act of rebellion. My only successful one might I add."

"I would never have known, it looks natural."

"This is Remnant, and my boyfriend has green hair, so..."

Leilani clasped her hand over her mouth in shock, and lowered it to reveal a hurt expression, "Do they not like Aaron?"

"That's complicated. I think they like him, but it's hard to tell. He fits their "mold" in some ways. Aaron is smart, in the "right" way. He's proper in his manners, and he knows of much of the traditions of my family. So he knows how to charm them. In truth? I have no idea what they think. But I don't care though, I know he loves me, he's the only reason I smile anymore...before I met you all of course!

They share a laugh, but soon go quiet. Erin looks at Leilani and grows a longing expression on her face.

"I envy you Leilani," she admitted, motioning to her outfit, "you literally wear your personality on your sleeves, and pants...and arms. I've never had the courage to do that. At times, I don't know who I am, or even, who I want to be."

"Be you." said Leilani with a comforting smile, "That's all you need to be."

"That used to be easy, but I'm not sure that Erin is there anymore. Even with Aaron, I find myself being my parents child, rather than trying to be me."

"Then let's help get you back there! We'll start small, build it up, you'll be your own person before school is out. Guaranteed!"

Erin looked at Leilani with a smile, she saw that Leilani truly meant it, and was even eager to help. Her gaze then went to Leilani's drawings. All different and unique, showing the depths of her creativity. One in particular caught her eye. She got off the bed and went over to it. After pulling it down, she held it to Leilani.

"This you?" she asked

"I wish!" Leilani answered with a laugh, "It's a dream outfit. I can sew to a degree, and was wondering what I would love to look like one day, when I'm a full Huntress. This attire is fine for now, but we all have to change our garb someday, right?"

Erin took back the picture and looked at it. Her eyes narrowed as she studied it. Leilani watched curiously as Erin's gaze bore into the picture. Finally, she lifted her head from the picture and looked to Leilani.

"You up for drawing something for me?" Erin asked with clear intent

"Sure!" replied Leilani happily, "You know me, artists mind never rests! What do you want me to draw?"

"Something...special...and maybe...very special..."

The next day, various students, including GRYD and MEAL, clamored into the amphitheater. Lochen was again primed and ready for competition.

"So, shall we begin?" he asked, and got mixed reactions from the students, causing him to frown "Wow, love the enthusiasm. Just for that, dealers choice first!"

He selected two students, and they went downstairs to fight. Several matches followed, each one being dissected by Lochen afterwards, going after what was good, and what wasn't. After many matches, Lochen looked pleased, and again turned to the body of student before him.

"Ok, one last match. I'm thinking...people who haven't fought yet. There can't be too many left. Raise your hand if you haven't fought yet in a 1v1 or 2v2 battle?!"

Of the precession, eight students raised their hands, this caused Lochen to raise his eyebrows, "Wow, I apologize. I'll be sure you'll have been cycled in before the end of next class. But for right now, only have time for one. So let's see...how about...Rita Garnet and...ah, Erin Flushe. Ladies, come on down."

The two rose up, and after some words from their teammates, proceeded down to the stage for battle. Once on the stage, Erin readied her naginata, then observed her teammate. She was a tall girl, with very tanned skin. She wore a headband around her head, with a feather protruding out of it. Her garb was a mix of fashionable attire, but with a practical style. For example, she had friend on her sleeves, but they were a good length, and thus covered her full arms. Rita had dark brown hair, while her outfit with a mix of browns and reds. In each hand was a intricate tomahawks.

"Don't expect me to go easy on you because you're a girl." noted Rita readying herself for battle

"What's that supposed to mean?" asked Erin confused

"Oh...uh, nevermind, let's just battle."

Still confused, but happily accepting the offer, Erin prepped her naginata, and went into a battle stance. Lochen hopped onto the stage, then turned to the audience.

"Alright, last battle of the day. Let's see what these ladies can do. Have at it girls, begin!"

A buzzer sounded, and the two dashed towards the other. Once in range, Erin thrust her naginata forward, then proceeded to slash at Rita with very precise strikes. Despite her skill, Rita was able to dodge or block them. This allowed her to get into closer range, and then return the strikes with her tomahawk.

Erin was no slouch though, and she begin to dodge and block as well. Even using her naginata's long handle to absorb the attacks. The two went back and forth, both trying to get the upper hand on the other. In the crowd, Aaron watched the fight with extreme nervousness. His hand gripping the rail he was standing behind.

"Shine your light Erin!" he shouted

Hearing this, Erin smiled, and after dodging an attack, thrust a now empty hand into Rita's face. This caused her to stop and just look at it confused, as Erin stopped it an inch from her face.

"Don't blink." joked Erin

With sudden intensity, Erin's hand began to glow, it soon became too bright to look at, causing Rita to back up in shock. She tried to rub her eyes, but she was blinded. Taking the opportunity, Erin unleashed a flurry of strikes. Ending it with a massive slice from her naginata, sending Rita flying backwards.

Taking a breather, Erin looked up at the scoreboard and saw that Rita was down to half health. She turned to her opponent to see her getting back up, her eyes still askew, but beginning to return back to their true state.

"Ok, that was good," admitted Rita angrily, "now for my party trick."

Rita let out a battle cry, then began to shake her tomahawks in her hands. Erin watched as she did, but then was taken aback when the tomahawks began to multiple in Rita's hands. While she started with two, it soon became four, then six. Now armed to the teeth, Rita began to chuck her weapons at Erin. Reacting quickly, she blocked them, and knocked them out of the way. But Rita kept creating new ones to throw.

Erin became so focused on blocking them, that she failed to notice Rita getting closer. Once in range, she struck at Erin with great intensity. Nailing her in the arms, legs, and even one shot square in the chest. With a kick, she knocked Erin to the ground, leaving her groaning in pain.

"Looks like my trick is better than yours. Anything else you got to show? Or you going to stick to what you got?"

Hearing this, Erin grimaced and got up. Her hands shook with fear, though she didn't know why. Doubt began to creep in her.

"Do it Erin!" cried out a voice, Erin recognized it as Leilani, "Do it! You're ready!"

Erin bowed her head in joy, then jabbed her naginata into the ground, making it stand upright.

"Your right, let's change it up," said Erin, beginning to undo her kimono

"Uh...what are you doing?" asked Rita, now very uncomfortable

"Breaking tradition."

Once her central strap on her kimono was loose, she threw it away, then grabbed her kimono and threw it into the air. Gasps filled the room, and Rita's jaw dropped as Erin revealed to have another outfit under her kimono.

This was one very stylish, and very new age. It glittered, and sparkled, and shined as bright as her hands did during her Semblance. It was a mix of pinks, greens, and even some blues. All combining to make one very unique outfit. It was also much tighter, and less restrictive. To finish the look, she flicked her braid to the other side of her body, and picked up her naginata and held it behind her shoulders.

"New look, new game," said Erin now more comfortable, "let's go."

Rita was still stunned, but was able to focus enough to get back into battle position. With a smirk, Erin again rushed forward, but this time used her naginata to spring over Rita, catching her off guard, and allowing Erin to land some strikes before she could recover.

Though surprised, Rita rebounded with her Semblance, forcing Erin back onto the defensive. However, Erin kept her cool, and used her new mobility to dodge and weave around them in ways she couldn't before. To counter, she focused her semblance onto not only her hands, but her outfit, shining out lights in nearly every direction. She became a fighting strobe light. The randomness of her lights confused Rita, even blinding her at some points, each time allowing Erin more and more strikes.

Eventually, Erin saw a big opening, and released a volley of jabs and thrusts, until she knocked Rita to the ground with a kick, and pinned her naginata blade on her neck.

"Yield." said Erin

Rita tried to resist, but knew she couldn't, "I yield."

A buzzer sounded to show the match was over, and after releasing Rita, Erin helped her up. Though clearly disappointed, Rita kept looking at Erin's outfit.

"Nice...nice look."

"Thanks, a friend made it for me."

With a smile, Erin went to grab her kimono, then left the stage, and headed out of the theater. To her surprise, the rest of her team was waiting for her.

"That was a great match Erin." said Macro honestly

"I'm glad the outfit held up!" proclaimed Leilani, "I know we were worried about it when we made it."

"It was great Leilani," said Erin graciously, "and the idea to use the my Semblance through it? That was brilliant."

"I thought it would work, and it did! New tactics! Ha, ha, ha."

"Everyone has to evolve in battle," noted Macro with a smirk, "I think this evolution is even better though."

The three laughed, but then Erin noticed that Aaron was still looking at her, but hadn't said anything. His face was emotionless.

"Aaron? Everything ok?" she asked worried

"Depends." he said simply, "Does your outfit change your personality as well as your look?"

"No! I mean, I'm going to be different for sure, acting more like me, rather than what my parents want. I'm just...being me, for the first time in the longest time."

Aaron continued to stare, then smiled and laughed, "That's all I needed to hear. Just wanted to be sure I didn't lose my girl."

"Never."

He held out his arms, and she happily ran into them. Leilani made a pleased noise, while Macro rolled his eyes and shook his head. Once they separated, Aaron grabbed Erin's hand, then took a more serious look at her.

"I do like the new outfit, I can see your true personality in it. Very "girl in the rain"." he said approvingly

"Ironically, it was that story that helped inspire it." revealed Erin happily, "So thank you."

"My pleasure. So what are you going to do with the kimono?"

Erin looked at it unsure. Then cracked a smile and draped it back over her, even tying on the strap to secure it. This caused to become a bit worried, but she smiled even wider and waved them down.

"Don't worry, I'm not reverting, but in truth, I always liked the kimono. It just wasn't what I wanted all the time. Once I'm fully...well, me, I'll lose it. But for now, I don't mind wearing both. And heck, it'll be great for battle strategy, having two different styles to use. That'll throw my opponents off balance!"

They all got a laugh out of this, and Erin looked at herself with pride and contentment.

"Change is good, but it doesn't need to happen all at once. This was a good first step. Now? It's time to start letting Erin shine through once again."

"Can't wait." said Aaron with clear love

The two held hands again, then along with Leilani and Macro headed down the hallway to rejoin their other friends.

*credits*