A/N: Welcome back to another installment of My Turn!
Well damn, another long chapter, and it took over a week, too. Then again, it's my third year, so yeah. This should be the last time a long chapter happens, but who knows?
This story has reached over 100 favs and reviews! YES!
This is the final year before canon, so let's get it out of the way.
Time to meet Team CFVY!
Disclaimer: I don't own RWBY.
Third Year
Just like the year before, things had returned to normal after Winter Schnee left.
I went back to tending to my farm, and Violet remained the adorable little bunny that apparently has decided to take an interest in my love life.
Once again, these things take time, damn it!
She kept going to random woman in the village to convince them to go on a date with me. Admittedly, a few woman tempted me, but I turned them down….
And I don't even know why. It wasn't just because I held no interest in them. Hell, some of them seemed like women I'd like to get to know.
Yet my heart told me "no".
Either the right woman hasn't come along yet…or she already has and I was too stupid to act on it.
The former seems more likely since the only two women I've met that I actually spent some time with were Neo and Winter, and…yeah, there's no way. I'd count Amber, but all that happened was that she, along with Qrow, escorted me to the village.
Still…maybe I'll see her again?
Unlikely, but who knows?
In any case, the final year before what I know to be the canon RWBYverse has arrived. Just needed to get through this last year before I could properly make a decision on whether or not I should interfere with what may or may not occur. Still not sure if what's depicted in the show will happen here.
Just have to wait and see.
I once again asked Vert to step up my training a bit after our encounter with the White Fang. I needed to be ready for when canon approached….
Or if the White Fang will try to take revenge on us.
From what I heard, the White Fang that attacked had made the mistake of not contacting the rest of their comrades. Therefore, it was unlikely that they knew of my (and the village's) involvement in defending Winter Schnee. And the ones that did were all in prison….
Still, if TV has taught me anything, it's that there are ways for word to get out. That, or the ones in prison don't stay there for long. Seeing as that Fenrir guy had a freaking nickname in the White Fang, he may have been important. Not sure if it's enough to warrant a jail break, but one can never be too sure.
I had hoped that this last year could go without there being any events befalling the village, or me specifically….
Should've known better than to hope for something like that.
I was in the middle of another sparring session with Vert.
He brought his bow about to whack me with, but I blocked it with Lucky and aimed MM right at his head. He shifted his bow to move my aim a few degrees to the left, making me miss my shot.
He struck my abdomen with one end of his bow, then flipped the other around to whack me in the head. I staggered a bit, but was able to bring MM up to aim again.
He grabbed my arm to twist it in an attempt to disarm me, but I was ready. I brought the scythe of Lucky down towards his arms. He quickly let go to avoid the dismembering blow.
I flipped Lucky around and aimed both revolvers at him, but he already had two arrows drawn on his bow. He fired both, with hit my hands and would've seriously hurt them had it not been for my Aura.
"Agh!"
I dropped both guns due to the force and pain, and Vert already had another two arrows drawn and aimed. He fired both, the arrows hitting the edges of my jacket and sending me back against the wall, keeping me there.
I groaned as I rubbed my hands, while Vert holstered his bow and chuckled.
"Well…you managed to last longer than last time. And you made me break a sweat too!"
Huh…guess I was getting better if Vert had to actually try.
"Not much, but still."
Damn it, Vert.
He approached me and pulled out the arrows from the wall, allowing me to roam free. I walked past him to collect Lucky and MM and holster them.
"By the way, I got something for you."
I turned with an eyebrow raised, and found him holding a box out to me.
I took it. "What is it?"
He rolled his eyes. "You're supposed to open it to find out."
I deadpanned at him, then simply opened the box….
And Crocodile Dundee was the first thought I had when I gazed at the item inside.
"You still have that problem where you get disarmed of your gun-scythes easily. You're improving, but it's still there. While I'm making sure you can stand on your own in hand-to-hand, it doesn't hurt to have an extra weapon hidden around.
I was speechless as I pulled out the huge-ass knife. Seriously, I think it was as big as my head! And as an added bonus, it looked similar to the knife that Crocodile Dundee would use!
"Using a knife in combat is easier to learn than most weapons, so you should be able to use that properly in no time."
Before I could thank him, he gestured out the door.
"Alright, let's go Colt."
"…Wait, what?"
"We have an important town meeting to attend."
Oh right…that.
I shrug. "Lead the way."
As we both exited the house, I turned to him.
"Vert…thanks."
He smiled. "Think nothing of it."
I stood beside Vert as the rest of the villagers had gathered in the town hall and took their seats. On the podium stood the village elder (or Chief or mayor or whatever you want to call him), Elder Julius Orion, along with his assistant, who happened to be his son.
"Yes, yes, please take your seats!" the elder's son, Brazen Orion, said.
I stood there, still gazing over the Crocodile Dundee knife I had gotten from Vert. Seriously, am I destined to get lucky only in situations like this?
If the luck I had could be transferred to my training sessions or my times in the forest with the Grimm, then I'd be a happy man.
As I gazed over the knife, I tried to think of a name for it….
"Dundee."
Vert turned to me. "What?"
"Dundee," I repeated with a smile. "That's what I'm naming my new knife."
Vert scrunched up his face in thought. "That's a…rather odd name for a weapon."
He wouldn't think so if he had seen the movie Crocodile Dundee.
"It's a name that only I know," I stated.
He shrugged, accepting my statement.
The townspeople had finally gathered, Violet being the last one to come in. She immediately spotted me and ran to my side, hugging me. I smiled and pat her head.
"Alright, settle down, now!"
The villagers grumbled for a few seconds longer before coming to silence.
"Thank you."
Brazen stepped off the podium, allowing his father to take the stand.
Elder Orion cleared his throat. "Now…as I'm sure you all know, Grimm Week is approaching."
Grimm Week…this was a week in the entire year where the number of Grimm in the area surrounding our village increased exponentially. As in, too much for us, as simple villagers, to handle.
"And as we have for years, we have sent in a request for a Huntsman or Huntress to aid us in repelling the Grimm."
There were several scoffs in either disgust or anger.
During my time here, I learned that the village had done put out a request like this ever since the village was first founded.
The problem? Their request was either denied or outright ignored.
I didn't really believe it at first, but after the past two years…if it weren't for the show and fanfiction, my opinion of Huntsmen and Huntresses might have lowered a bit.
The show…well, I guess I can't really assume that all the students (or actual Huntsmen for that matter) were nice and were willing to help out a village or something by accepting their request, even if it was for a grade or money.
As for fanfiction…the imagination truly is mind boggling. It's because of fanfiction that I learned to actually think about how the world or Remnant might actually be like.
For instance…Coeur Al'Aran. Those few chapters in Professor Arc involving "Professor" Arc and Team RVNN, along with Qrow Branwen and Taiyang Xiao Long- no wait, er "Bran Ravenwen" and "Tai Xin-Lin".
Yeah, they had everyone fooled by changing their names like that…NOT!
…And now I internally weep that I'd never get to finish that fic…or get to read that Jaune/Winter fic he has planned for the future.
(A/N: No really, he does. Go to his profile and see for yourself after this)
WINTER KNIGHT! BEST CRACK SHIP OUT THERE…THAT I STARTED!
…Once again, off topic.
Anyway, they went to that Misenwood village, and the villagers actually didn't like Huntsmen or Huntresses, seeing them as either a source of their problems…or a source of fear.
Not that they weren't justified with the fear part. I completely agree.
After all, it was made clear by Adam in that flashback episode in Volume 3 that Huntsmen and Huntresses (that last one is more an assumption) can stray off the path of good and go rouge.
Just as stated in the Professor Arc fic, a Huntsman or Huntress could probably wipe out an entire village without breaking a sweat….
I really hoped I never found out if it was true.
In any case, the other villagers have a low opinion of Huntsman and Huntresses. Vert was the only exception because he lived here and made friends with everyone.
"However," Elder Orion said. "It is with great pleasure that I inform you that, this year, our request…has been answered!"
…
…
…
No one was as pleased as the Elder about this.
Most wore looks that outright shouted that they didn't believe him. The ones that did believe him were rather upset.
"Why now of all times?!" one villager shouted. "Why not any of the other times we asked?!"
The rest voiced their agreement with him.
"We don't need no stinking Huntsman from the Kingdoms!"
"Yeah! We've been getting on just fine without them!"
Several other villagers had their say in the matter. I looked to Vert, who simply shook his head in disappointment. I turn down to Violet to find her looking at me with a worried look. I smile and pat her head.
"Now, now," the Elder said. "I'm sure you all are aware that when it comes to Grimm Week, we barely survive…but at a cost."
Yeah. Several villagers had died in the Grimm attacks during this terrible week.
"With our request answered, perhaps we can avoid casualties this year."
He gave them all a look. "And I'm sure none of you want to be the unfortunate few that perish in these attacks were there not to be extra help."
Some looked like they wanted to counter that…but they stayed silent as they all agreed.
They liked living, thank you very much.
Another villager, a woman, spoke up. "Is it a Huntsman or Huntress that's coming?"
"Both, actually."
Everyone gave him confused looks, and I was one of them.
"Our request has been answered…by a team of students at Beacon Academy."
The outrage was incredible.
"ARE YOU SHITTING ME?!"
"THEY'RE SENDING CHILDREN INSTEAD OF REAL HUNSTMEN!"
"FUCK THE KINGDOMS!"
I'm pretty sure that last shout was slightly uncalled for.
I sigh and pull out Lucky and fire a round into the air.
BANG!
That shuts everyone up.
I holster Lucky and look to the Elder. "You were saying?"
He nodded. "Thank you, Colt."
He turned back to the villagers. "Now…I understand how you must feel about this, but we need the extra help. The academies train the next generation of Huntsman and Huntresses with vigor. I'm sure whoever they send will be of immense help to our village."
Everyone stayed silent.
…
…
…
"Did they at least send us fourth-years?" one villager asked.
The Elder shook his head.
"Third-years?"
Another head shake.
"…Second-years?!"
"They are, in fact, first-years."
And the outrage returned.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Everyone shut up as I holstered Lucky again.
"Thank you, Colt." Elder Orion regarded the people. "Now…when it comes to first-years, they don't take missions until their second semester of the school year. Which means that they've had a full semester to learn the basics. And from what I've been told about the team being sent, they are no pushovers. They will be a great asset to the village during the week."
When some villagers made to say something, Elder Orion beat them to it.
"It's either this, or we will be hosting several funerals once again this year."
No one said anything….
"Don't first-years usually shadow a Huntsman or something?" I ask.
From what I remember, first-years shadow either a Huntsman or a sheriff or something. I'm only basing this off Volume 2.
"They will be shadowing Vert."
The man next to me nodded.
"He will be the one who will watch over them and will decide if they are to return from their mission earlier than expected. Any other questions?"
No one said anything.
"Very well, then." He gazed at a paper. "Now, these first years will be arriving at noon tomorrow. I know how you all feel about Huntsmen and Huntresses, but please…do try to be courteous to them. They are only children, after all."
No promises were made on that matter.
"I hereby call this meeting to a close."
With a final nod, the Elder and his son stepped off the podium and were the first to leave. The villagers filed out disgruntled.
The only ones left were me, Violet, and Vert.
"…Well," Vert finally said. "That went better than expected."
"No kidding," I sighed.
Violet looked confused. "Why was everyone angry? We get to have some Huntsmen come over!"
I pat her head. "Not everyone has the same opinion of them as you do, sweetheart."
She pouted. "But why?"
"…Let's just say this village has a bad history of being ignored by them and leave it at that."
I turned to Vert. "So, what now?"
Vert shrugged. "Wait until tomorrow, of course. Unlike the rest of the village, you and I will be sure to give them a warm welcome."
I nodded. "Sure."
"Who knows? Maybe we can convince one of them to fight you."
"…Why?"
"To see where you stand, of course! Fighting against me is one thing. You'll never win."
I glared at him.
"However, these students will be a good measuring stone to see where you stand in skill."
That…made sense, I guess. This way, at least I'll be able to know if I could've made it into Beacon had I been 17 instead of 24.
I sigh. "Oh alright."
"Don't sound so down about it. It'll be good for you! Consider it part of your training."
"Yeah, yeah."
I lift Violet up over my head to let her ride on my shoulders, causing her to giggle.
"See you till then, Vert."
"Bye, Mr. Bowman!"
Vert waved us off as we left back to the house.
(The Next Day)
I was tending to the farm as usual, with Violet spreading the chicken feed around for the chickens.
Fun fact: they stopped attacking me now…though they still give me a stray peck when one is near.
I let out a sigh after finishing the morning work and wipe my forehead. I check my watch.
It's near time for that first-year team to show up.
Still time for a quick shower before I go welcome them with Vert.
"Violet," I say as I stab the pitchfork into the ground. "I'm gonna grab a quick shower. Stay near the farm."
"I know, daddy," she replies as she spreads more chicken feed.
I step into the house and take a quick rinse, cleaning myself of any sweat, dirt, and grime. After I'm done, I dry myself up and put on my usual clothes, and my cap. I put on the belt with my weapons in it.
Making sure I looked alright, I stepped out of the house.
"Alright, Violet. I'm gonna head to the village and see Vert."
"Going to welcome the people coming here?"
"Yeah."
"Can I come?!"
I crossed my arms. "That depends…is your room clean?"
"…"
"I thought I told you to have it cleaned since yesterday?"
She pouted at me, but I quickly closed my eyes.
"Nope, no dice. Go clean your room. You can meet the students later."
I heard a whine and some small stomping sounds. I opened my eyes to find Violet stomping towards the house.
I'll make it up to her later.
With a chuckle, I make my way to the village.
I made my way through the village, seeing Vert standing near the General store.
"Hey, Vert."
He nodded to me and walked beside me.
"So, what do you think the team will be like?"
Vert shrugged. "Either they'll be brats that think they're all that, or brats that might be good people."
"…Brats, huh?"
"All the young people are brats."
I shake my head, chuckling.
We're beginning to near the entrance. I see the Elder and his son standing by, waiting for the new arrivals.
"Are they here yet?" Vert asks.
"Not yet," Brazen responds. "But any minute now, a Bullhead will land here."
"Is that it?" I ask, pointing at an incoming Bullhead.
"So it is," Elder Orion stated.
We waited as the Bullhead approached and landed a few feet near the village entrance. The side doors opened and a group of four stepped out and….
Oh my god.
"Welcome to our village!" The Elder greeted.
The four consisted of two girls and two guys.
The first was a girl with pale skin and brown hair. She had on a beret and shades, and wore a stylish look in clothing: brown sweater, black pants, that…thing over her waist. Over her shoulder was what appeared to be a handbag….
But I knew better.
The second was a dark-skinned guy with dark copper hair and eyes that made him look like he was blind. He had scars over his chest, and wore a sleeveless orang xipper vest with black jeans. Over his wrists were a pair of gauntlets that had blades on them.
The third…had me extremely nervous. She had pale skin with brown eyes and brown hair, as well as a pair of very familiar brown bunny ears. She wore a short brown jacket over a black semi-translucent undershirt, as well as brown pants and black leggings. At her hip was a brown box…that I knew damn well was more than a box.
The last was a giant of a man. He wore samurai-looking clothing with armor over his shoulder, gauntlets over his wrists, and a huge broadsword on his back.
Dear Oum in heaven…it was Team CFVY!
But more importantly…Velvet was here!
And wow, she made her combat uniform look good.
SLAP!
Goddamn it, no! She's seventeen right now! What's more, her little sister is my (adopted) daughter!
It'd be weird!
Vert nudged me and whispered. "Huh…didn't think you were into school girls."
Velvet's ears twitched.
I hissed and dragged Vert to a certain distance that Velvet (hopefully) wouldn't hear.
"W-What?! I'm no-!"
"Nothing to be ashamed of, Colt. They'll be eighteen soon."
Okay, a thousand times no!
"That's not what's happening right now!"
"You sure? You seemed to eye that girl with the shades and the bunny Faunus. Not that I can fault you for the latter. People like bunny girls."
That's not what's- wait, I was eyeing Coco too?
Wait, no I wasn't!
"First of all," I hissed. "I was not eying the girl with the shades!"
"Yeah, sure."
"And second of all, the reason I was eyeing the bunny Faunus…doesn't she look familiar to you?"
Vert turned his gaze back to Velvet to examine her….
"Oh my Oum."
I nod. "Exactly."
"…Well, we'd need to be sure it's her before you say anything."
"She looks like an older Violet. Of course it's her!"
Not to mention I already knew her name and all that.
"One can never be too sure," Vert stated sagely.
Ugh.
"Elder Orion's waving us over."
I turned to find the Elder waving at us, gesturing for us to come over.
Well…let's see how this goes. Maybe I'll just make no mention of Violet just yet. Maybe after Team CFVY gets settled in at the inn.
Vert and I walk over, Team CFVY eying us. Though only Velvet was eyeing me warily.
Goddamn it, Vert.
"This," Elder Orion began. "Is the team of Beacon students meant to shadow you, Vert, and aid us in repelling the Grimm during Grimm Week."
The girl with the shades and beret, who I know as Coco, stepped forward.
"Hello, I'm Coco Adel, leader of Team CFVY."
Vert snickered a bit.
Coco chuckled. "Yeah, we get that a lot, but we represent our team name with pride."
Vert smiled. "Of course."
The blind guy, Fox, steps up. "I'm Fox Alistair, her partner."
Vert smirked. "Ah…I suppose you two do make a good couple."
Fox blanched. "T-That's not what I meant!"
Coco put on a lock of mock offense. "My, my Fox. Are you saying I'm not good enough to be your girlfriend?"
Fox glared at his leader. "Coco-."
She chuckled. "Relax, I'm just kidding."
He yelped when she pat him on the butt.
"COCO!"
I had to cover my mouth to stifle the laughter that threatened to pour out. I was able to ignore the glare Fox sent my way.
Vert simply chuckled, then turned to regard the Faunus of the team.
Velvet stepped up. "Uh, my name is V-Velvet Scarlatina."
Vert frowned for a bit, then gave me a raised eyebrow. I gave him a smug look that said, "I told you so". He rolled his eyes and ignored me.
Finally, the giant stepped up. "I'm her partner, Yatsuhashi Daichi."
Vert made to say something, but the giant beat him to it.
"And no, we're just friends."
Vert sighed. "Such a shame. It would've been adorable. The gentle giant and the shy girl."
I'm with him on this one. There was this anime I had barely started watching (which I would now never finish) where this behemoth of a man somehow got this shy girl to like him. It was sweet and adorable and made me feel warm inside!
I think it was called…My Love Story or something…?
Off topic.
"Yup," Coco said with a pop on the "p", agreeing with Vert.
"A shame, indeed," Fox added.
"COCO!" "FOX!" VY shouted respectively.
Vert chuckled at the team. "Glad to see someone sees what I see…now if only someone here could've seen it as well with one of the last two girls he met-."
"WHY IS EVERYONE INTERESTED IN MY LOVE LIFE?!"
I panted raggedly after letting out that shout of outrage.
Vert's hands covered his mouth, stifling any laughter that would come. I set my mouth in a thin line as I turned to see the Elder and his son give me a smirk and disapproving frown respectively. A glance at Team CFVY showed that they gave me weird looks. When I looked around me, some villagers were either trying to hold in their laughter or give me knowing looks.
Seriously, it's like they think my love life is a soap opera!
Vert apparently decided to poke more fun at me.
"Excuse me, Miss Adel and Miss Scarlatina, do you two happen to be single? Cause Colt here-."
"That's it, I'm gone."
I turn and walk away.
I heard Coco hum. "Well…he seems pretty cute, and he's got a nice backside."
I ignored the warmth in my cheeks and walked faster.
"Oh come on, Colt," I heard Vert shout. "It's just a bit of fun!"
I walked even faster.
"Very well then…Miss Scarlatina, I have something to tell you regarding a relative."
I immediately zipped back to Vert and covered his mouth. "Not yet, damn it!"
Team CFVY gave me weird looks again, though Velvet's was one of suspicion.
"What about a relative?" She asked with narrowed eyes.
I glared at Vert, who didn't look sorry in the slightest.
I sighed. "Er…what Vert meant was…there's someone I need to bring over to meet you."
Velvet looked confused. "Who-?"
The Elder's son cut in. "Perhaps this can be continued after we get you four settled in?"
I owe you one, Brazen.
The Elder, who wore a knowing look, smiled. "Yes, that would be for the best."
The Elder and his son began walking in the direction of the inn. Vert gestured for Team CFVY to follow, then turned to me.
"Bring her over…and prepare for a hell of a reunion."
I nodded, gave an awkward smile to CFVY, who looked curious (Velvet sporting a look of suspicion), and ran off to my house.
Damn it, Vert! Making Velvet think I'm into school girls. I'm not! And all those animes I watched that happened to have the main character in a high school setting proves nothing!
Never did get to watch High School DxD….
Don't judge me! I never had the time! I had to prioritize what I watched. And yes, watching a show filled with large-breasted teenage girls fighting zombies or fallen angels or whatever while pining over this one (perverted) guy was not a priority!
Off topic.
I entered my house and walked up the stairs.
I knocked on Violet's door.
"Violet?"
A small "eep!" was heard, and then some loud shuffling sounded off.
"J-Just a minute, daddy!"
Let me guess…she still hasn't cleaned her room….
I swear to God, she better not be in that rebellious phase I kept hearing about on TV. That's not supposed to be until she's a teenager!
Some more shuffling was heard until it stopped. The door opened, revealing Violet in her purple dress.
"H-Hi daddy," she greeted with a nervous smile.
"…You didn't clean your room, did you?"
She laughed nervously. "Y-Yes, I did. See?"
I stepped inside to scan the room. Sure enough, there wasn't any sign of a mess on the floor or on her bed….
"You didn't just stuff everything in your closet, did you?"
Violet bit her lip. "U-Uh…no?"
One way I can tell if she's lying is if her bunny ears twitch.
And they just twitched.
"…So, if I open the closet door right now, a bunch of stuff won't come tumbling out?"
"…No?"
…
…
…
I begin to walk towards the closet.
Violet suddenly zips in front of the closet, her back against it.
"T-There's no n-need to check!"
"Well, if there's nothing in there, then there shouldn't be a problem with me checking."
Violet stood her ground and blocked the door.
"…You know I can just move you aside, right?"
She remained defiant.
"…Alright, here comes The Claw-."
"OKAY, OKAY!"
Violet slumped. "I shoved everything in the closet."
I pat her head. "There. Was that so hard?"
She glared up at me…which was the most adorable attempt at a glare I had ever seen.
"Now then," I continued. "Didn't you say you wanted to meet the Huntsman team coming over?"
Violet's face lit up like a Christmas tree. "Yes!"
"Well, put on your shoes a-."
She was already at the door, her shoes on and laces tied.
"Come on, daddy!"
I chuckle at her excitement and follow her.
When we had gotten to the inn, I had asked Flan where Team CFVY was. He told me that Vert had taken them to the training hall to see what they were made of.
As Violet and I made our way there, I couldn't help but make sure of something.
"Hey, sweetie?"
Violet looked up at me in curiosity.
"Yes, daddy?"
"…You still don't remember what your mother and sister look like, right?"
Her ears drooped as she frowned.
"…No, I don't."
"…Would you say that you'd still be able to recognize, say, your sister? Or better yet…know whether or not a certain girl is your sister?"
Violet pursed her lips. "…I remember something my first daddy once said. That I took after both my sister and my mommy."
She shrugged. "That said…I guess I'll just…know."
…Eh, good enough.
We finally made it to the training hall. I opened the doors for us to step through….
And was met with an amusing sight.
Coco was currently laying prone on the floor, but not by choice. Vert had his foot on her back and an arrow drawn and aimed at the back of her head.
Why was this amusing? Because Coco looked pissed as hell while her teammates looked amused.
Guess Coco was the first to be tested…and she failed horribly.
Vert took his foot off and smirked. "Not bad for a trainee. Still got a long way to go."
Coco quickly got up and glared at Vert. "You still haven't apologized!"
…Wait, what?
"Vert," I sighed. "What did you do now?"
Finally noticing my prescence, both turned, with Vert speaking first.
"Well-."
"He ruined my shirt!"
…Huh, now that I'm looking better, she was wearing a white shirt rather than the usual brown sweater she usually wears….
And to be honest, her current shirt was very form-fitting-.
SLAP!
NO! DAMN IT! SCHOOL GIRLS! BAD!
Ignoring the confused looks from CFVY and the amused look from Vert, I cleared my throat.
"Vert…how?"
"Spilled coffee."
"The team or the beverage?"
At least Vert let out a laugh at my moment of being a smartass. Team CFVY were giving me glares that I found hard to ignore.
Vert shrugged. "Eh, it'll be good as new after a good wash."
Coco glared at him. "That was a top-of-the-line designer shirt! That stain won't come off with a simple wash! What's more, it might shrink as a result!"
…I think fanfiction got it right with how much Coco was into fashion.
Then again, this is the year before canon, so maybe she lightened up…just a bit, at least? Have to wait till next year to know for sure.
While Vert and Coco were arguing (well, Coco was arguing while Vert was tuning her out), I looked behind me to find Violet hiding behind me.
"I thought you wanted to meet the Beacon team?"
"I-I do…but that one lady seems scary…and that guy's blank stare scares me!"
I chuckle. "Trust me, sweetheart. They aren't that bad."
At least, I hoped they weren't that bad. They were first-years right now, so I can't really be sure about how they acted at this point in time.
"And that giant keeps staring at me!"
Wait, what?
Sure enough, Yatsuhashi was currently eyeing Violet with an analytical stare….
Almost as though she seemed familiar.
He looked between Violet and Velvet, then turned his gaze to me.
I nodded.
His eyes widened, then went back to his partner, who was trying to calm down Coco.
Well…best get this over with.
"Er, Velvet?"
Said girl turned to me with a raised eyebrow.
"Um…there's someone I'd like you to meet…someone you haven't seen in a while."
Velvet looked confused. "Huh?"
I look behind me. "Say hello to the Huntress-in-training, dear."
Violet stepped out with a nervous smile. "H-Hello."
…
…
…
I swear, Velvet looked like she had seen a ghost.
Yatsuhashi stood near Velvet just in case, and Fox, probably by sensing her or something, noticed something off about her. Coco had ceased her one-sided argument to notice my daughter, and stared with an agape mouth.
"…Velvet?"
"Y-Yes?"
"Why is there a Mini you here?"
HAH! I knew it all along! Mini Velvet!
Velvet took a step forward. "V-Violet?"
Violet looked a bit confused, and perhaps wary, of this stranger who knew her name.
"How do you-?"
She stopped her question and suddenly had a stare-off with Velvet. The silence that followed was deafening. Two pairs of brown eyes stared into each other, almost as though they were having a silent conversation….
Violet finally said something.
"S…Sister?"
That one word was what broke the dam.
Tears poured out of Velvet's eyes as she suddenly zooped towards Violet and wrapped her in a hug.
"V-Violet!"
Vert stared on with a smile. The same went for the rest of Team CFVY, though there was a bit of confusion there. Understandable, since they probably didn't know what was going on.
Violet was unmoving for a moment…then wrapped her arms around her apparent sister, tears starting to form in her eyes.
"A-Are you really my sister?"
Velvet pulled out and gave a joyous smile. "Y-Yes, I am!"
Violet made sure to look into her eyes when she said that…and found no hints of deceit in them. The tears now fell freely from Violet's eyes and she hugged her older sister, who returned the hug with vigor.
Sniff…sniff.
Vert turned to me. "Are you…crying?"
"W-What? No! I-I was, er…I need to step out for a minute."
I quickly stepped out to avoid anyone seeing the tears in my eyes.
After a moment to get some fresh air…yeah….I returned inside to find Violet talking to the rest of Team CFVY, probably wanting to meet the people her (now revealed) older sister was teamed up with.
When that had been done, Velvet had stepped towards me and asked for an explanation. Though I'm pretty sure her team wanted an explanation from her about what just happened.
So…it was time to come clean.
Velvet had started first about how her parents had gotten divorced, and how her father had gained custody of Violet and produced some legal jargon bullshit that somehow made it legal for Violet to never be in custody of her mother.
Needless to say, her team suddenly had a low opinion of her father. Not that I blamed them.
She then finished with how her father had taken Violet outside the Kingdom and had not bothered to inform her or her mother of where they would live, essentially making it so that Velvet would never see Violet again.
This is where I took over, explaining how I had gone to Cole Barton for work as his live-in farmhand, and how one of the conditions had been to adopt Violet, who was made an orphan after her father, the last farmhand, fell at the hands of the Grimm. I had accepted, and so the adoption had taken place.
And so I had raised Violet as my own, with the help of Cole before his passing. The two years had gone by fast, which led to here, when I had seen Velvet with her team….
Speaking of which.
"Er, Velvet?"
She turned to me. "Yes?"
"Um…I don't suppose you heard Vert's comment concerning me did you?"
"…" She crossed her arms. "I did."
"Well, er…he was just spouting nonsense. I assure you, it's not true. Tell her, Vert."
Vert was silent for a moment.
"…It's nothing to be ashamed of, Colt. These two will be 18 in a year or less-."
"VERT!"
"Oh, alright," he conceded with an eye roll. "It was just a comment to get him riled up. He's not a creep or anything."
Velvet stared at Vert, then me.
"…Okay."
Oh thank god.
Violet spoke up. "Why would daddy be creepy?"
"NO REASON!" Me, Vert and Velvet shouted.
I cleared my throat. "Well…that's the whole story."
CFVY took some time to process all this….
"Velvet?"
"Yes, Coco?"
"Your father's a dick."
Vert gave a pointed glare. "I may not condone what he did, but he cared for Violet all the same, and I'd appreciate it if you didn't insult the man."
Coco shrugged. "Whatever."
Vert sighed. "Now then, as much I love reunions, I believe we should get back to what we were doing."
He stood up. "Any of you three want to take me on?"
Fox, Velvet. Even Yatsuhashi hesitated. Coco was no pushover, and yet Vert handled her like nothing.
Vert sighed. "Right…how about fighting Colt?"
"What?" (Fox)
"What?" (Velvet)
"What?" (Yatsuhashi)
"What?" (Coco)
"What?" (Violet)
"WHAT?!" (Me)
Vert nodded. "You heard me. Any one of you want to fight Colt?"
"Vert," I hissed. "What the hell are you-?"
"I did say I'd get one of them to fight you."
Vert scanned the three. "…You there. Giant. You're sparring with Colt."
He's pitting me against Yatsuhashi?!
I pale. "Please tell me we're not doing this…."
"Oh dear god, we're actually doing this."
I stood on one side of the hall, and Yatsuhashi stood on the other. His hand rested on the grip of his blade, while my hands hovered above Lucky and MM.
Vert stood off at the side. "Now, this will be tournament style. First one with their Aura in the red loses."
I suddenly wish I had prepared my will before this. It's never too early to get a handle on the state of your affairs.
I turn to Vert. "I don't suppose I can talk you out of this?"
"Nope," he said, making a popping sound at the "p".
I turn to Yatsuhashi. "I don't suppose I could convince you to go easy on me?"
Before he could reply, Vert interrupted.
"Do that and I'm sending you and your team back to Beacon with a failing grade."
…
…
Yatsuhashi shrugged at me. "Sorry."
Goddamn it, Vert.
With a sigh, I draw my scythe-guns and wield them for melee.
"Let's just get this over with."
Why couldn't I fight Fox? Or Velvet? Hell, I'll take Coco! I don't care if she was just in a spar with Vert. I'll take a hollow victory any day!
Instead…I get Yatsuhashi.
The freaking giant!
Goddamn it, Vert.
"Are both combatants ready?"
Screw you, Vert!
Yatsuhashi nodded.
Vert nodded. "Very well…BEGIN!"
Yatsuhashi drew his sword and made to charge….
Fuck that! I'm not letting him anywhere near me!
I flip the guns around and aim them at the charging giant, firing every single round I had.
Yatsuhashi blocked the shots with his broadsword and continued to get closer. I panicked and began shooting the last two rounds in each gun at his legs. It didn't do anything since he blocked them as well….
And apparently decided to jump towards me- OH GOD NO!
I dodged to the side to avoid the strike that damn well would've killed me. Unfortunately, that sword had some power in its attack. The shockwave damn well sent me rolling!
I was able to get to my feet, only to find Yatsuhashi already upon me, sword raised to strike.
I ducked and jumped through the opening between his legs (can't believe I pulled that off) and was once again thrown for a loop at the shockwave.
I holster MM and focus on reloading Lucky as Yatsuhashi turns to face me. By the time I holster my now loaded weapon and draw my empty one, the giant is already upon me.
"Oh crap!"
"Swear!" Violet shouted.
"Not now!"
I dodged the strike again and was once again sent flying by the shockwave. I rolled to my feet, already having reloaded MM. I drew Lucky and aimed them both to fire.
"Hey, handsome!"
I turned to who called me, which turned out to be Coco.
"You gonna start using the scythe part or what?"
"…No! I want to live, thank you very much!"
Coco chuckled. "Drama queen…also, look out."
Wait, what?
I turned to find Yatsuhashi upon me again, the broadsword raised and dropping.
OH GOD WHY?!
Instinctively, I flipped my weapons around for melee and held them above me in some sort of attempt to defend myself.
BOOM!
The shockwave that followed was intense, the hug broadsword having crashed onto the scythes of my guns…how that worked I don't know. And how the scythes were still intact…I'll get back to you on that.
Yatsuhashi hummed. "Impressive."
"T-Thanks," I said through grit teeth, though I didn't feel impressive.
My face was currently a shade of blue, my eyes were bulging, sweat began to build, my arms might be broken, and my knees were buckling like crazy.
"How…strong…are you?!"
The giant shrugged. "Pretty strong."
He followed this statement with a kick to my gut, sending me tumbling back.
I staggered to my feet. There was no way I could beat this guy! He's too damned OP! And he's only a first-year!
Sure, he obviously had training from some entry school before Beacon, but still!
I only had the training from Vert, which should've been enough really, since he's kicked my ass for up to three years now. You'd think I'd have gotten a bit faster or something. Maybe better perception so that I could better read my opponents and anticipate their attacks or something.
But nope! Getting my as kicked by a giant!
I suddenly felt like those wrestlers in the WWE, back in 2006, when The Great Khali had been a dominating force of nature. I still remember when he had debuted by attacking and completely destroying the Undertaker.
Damn…where did the time go?
Once again…off topic.
In any case, I was not doing well….
Well, I had two options, both inspired by WWE.
I could either attack his legs and hopefully stagger him enough to gain the upper hand, or I could hop onto his back and lock him in a sleeper hold.
One option required me to keep a close distance, while the other would essentially keep that goddamn broadsword off my ass….
Screw it.
When Yatsuhashi made to attack, I quickly dodged by spinning around his side. I kicked the back of his leg, making him fall a bit, enough for me to hop onto his back and lock my arms around his neck and my legs around his midsection.
"SLEEPER HOLD!"
Yatsuhashi began to struggle around. He grabbed my arms and attempted to rip me off him, but I held firm. Turns out, struggling only locks it in tighter.
Thank you Here Comes The Boom.
I felt Yatsuhashi start to slow in his struggling….
OH MY GOD, I'M GONNA BEAT A GIANT!
I tightened my hold, making sure it would knock him out faster. His breathing became ragged.
"Go daddy!"
I smiled to myself. At least Violet was cheering me on….
My smile quickly went away when Yatsuhashi grabbed hold of my legs, keeping them there…which was weird. Shouldn't he be trying to loosen my arms or something?
Why would he be trying to keep me on? Unless….
Oh no. No, no, nonono!
My worst fear came to life when Yatsuhashi jumped into the air, intent on landing on his back…which was where I was on.
Well…this is gonna hurt.
CRUNCH!
Several wincing "ooh's" were heard.
…
…
…
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaauuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuggggggggggghhhhhhhhh….
Yatsuhashi, having regained his breathing, stood up and rubbed his neck.
There was scuffling heard, and the adorable face of my daughter came into view.
"Daddy! Are you okay?"
Vert and the rest of Team CFVY appeared in my view as well.
"Alright there, champ?" Coco asked.
"…Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaauuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuggggggggggghhhhhhhhh…."
Everyone winced at my wheeze of pain, which was rather similar to Loki's when he was smashed around by the Hulk in The Avengers movie.
"Yeah," Vert drawled. "We might have to take him to Doc's."
"Aaaaaaaaauuuuugggghhh," I concurred.
"You big meanie!"
We were currently a Doc's infirmary, where I had been placed on a gurney of sorts and checked on. Turns out, I had several broken ribs.
Doc said that this is what happens when over 500 pounds of pure muscle crashes down on you.
Yatsuhashi had mumbled he was barely over 280.
After my diagnosis and having been told to take it easy for a while, Violet had decided to call the giant a "big meanie" and proceeded to kick him repeatedly in the leg.
What made it funnier was the cute grunts she was exerting and the fact that Yatsuhashi just stood there, looking down in shame.
Everyone found this to be amusing if the snickers were anything to go by.
Hell, I found it funny myself.
Heh heh, oh it hurts to laugh.
Heh heh, ow.
Heh heh, ow.
Heh heh, ow.
Heh heh, ow.
Heh heh, ow.
DBZ abridged reference. Cross that off the list….
As well as a None Piece reference.
"Violet," I said. "Stop kicking the giant."
"He hurt you!"
"It was a spar. It happens."
She pouted with crossed arms and looked away.
Yatsuhashi rubbed his neck. "Er, I apologize for what happened."
I barely shrug. "No harm done…figuratively speaking, of course."
Doc came back in through the door. "Well…I'd say you're technically treated enough that you can walk on out of here, if you'd like."
As much as I didn't want to…the farm needed tending to, and I couldn't do that lying on this bed.
"Yeah, I'll do that."
I winced as I slowly sat up and moved my legs off the gurney.
Velvet and Violet looked worried, with the former speaking.
"S-Shouldn't you be resting?"
I shook my head. "I have a farm to tend to, and Violet can't do it on her own."
Vert pursed his lips…then a mischevious grin formed on his face.
"Well…why don't you have CFVY help you out?"
All four Beacon students gawked. "What?"
Vert shrugged. "It's only fair since the tall one injured my apprentice, and Miss Adel, you're the leader, which makes you responsible for your teammates actions. Miss Scarlatina is Mr. Daichi's partner and also responsible. As for Mr. Alistair…misery loves company."
All four students grumbled.
Vert turned to me. "What do you say? Let them help you?"
…
…
Screw it. I know I'm hurt. I'm not about to turn down a helping hand.
Plus, I may or may not enjoy the shenanigans that will ensue.
"Alright," I nod. "Violet, show them where the farm is."
She smiled. "Right! Come on you two!"
Violet took hold of Fox and Yatsuhashi's hands and began pulling them with her, the students letting her lead them.
I chuckled. "Right."
I stand on my feet…then immediately regret it as I wince and stagger.
Coco and Velvet were immediately at my sides, placing my arms around each of them.
"Easy there, champ," Coco said. "Don't push yourself."
I grunt. "I'm fine."
"Oh? So you don't want two lovely ladies at your side?"
"COCO!" Velvet shouted with a blush.
I stare blankly at the fashionista. "…You're minors."
She shrugged. "I can wait."
Okay, no.
I made to get away from the two, only to hiss in pain and nearly fall.
The two girls were able to catch me before I fell.
"Sorry, Colt," Coco said with a smirk. "You're stuck with us for now."
Velvet let out a shy smile.
Goddamn it.
I…was so glad I let them help me with the farm work. Because now I got to see what Cole saw when he was showing me the ropes.
And let me tell you, this was comedy gold!
"AAAHHH!" Yatsuhashi screamed as he was running away from several cows.
I guess he pinched them too hard.
I laughed and wheezed in pain at the spectacle. Even Coco and Velvet were laughing.
"Come on, dude!" I shouted. "You're training to fight Grimm, yet you can't handle some cows?"
The giant ignored me in favor of running for his life.
I turned to Fox, who was currently climbing out of the pig pen after getting swarmed by the pigs and piglets. He was covered in mud and had a permanent scowl on his face.
"Same goes for you!"
He glared at me.
I turn to Coco and Velvet. "This is absolutely hilarious! I see why Cole had a good laugh when he was showing me the ropes."
Coco chuckled. "You're not wrong."
Velvet let out a giggle at the two male's misfortune.
I let out a laugh. "Yeah…now for you two."
Both turned to me with confused expressions.
"Excuse me?" Coco asked.
"Don't think it's just those two working. You two are joining in on the fun."
…
…
Coco was suddenly up against me, a finger lining my chest.
"Are you saying that you'll make two beautiful woman get their hands dirty?"
I once again noticed how her white shirt was very form fitti- NO!
I grab her shoulders to keep her in place and move back a bit.
"There's no gender discrimination on my land. I mean, just look at Violet."
The three of us turned to find the adorable girl throwing chicken feed around….
Wait.
"Hey Violet! Let Fox feed the chickens."
She beamed. "Okay!"
She skipped towards an annoyed Fox and handed him the chicken feed bucket, then skipped on her merry way.
Fox simply stared blankly at the bucket, before shrugging and grabbing some feed and throwing it around him.
What followed was hilarious!
The chickens immediately swarmed the blind student and began pecking him, causing Fox to scream in terror.
Coco, Velvet and I let out laughter at his misfortune….
I stopped laughing. "Alright, now come on. I need you two to plant some new seeds for the field."
Coco and Velvet gawked at me. "Seriously?"
"As serious as a Serious Punch from the One-Punch Man himself."
They both looked at me weirdly….
Yeah, probably shouldn't have expected them to get that reference.
"Just follow me."
I took them to the field and showed them what they'd be working with. The looks on their faces were priceless.
I handed them the picks and two bags of seeds and told them to get to work. Coco glared while Velvet pouted, the latter actually making me reconsider for a moment before ignoring it.
And so I watched as they began planting seeds….
Yeah, that may have not been a good idea.
You see, when it comes to planting seeds, you have to…well, bend over. And they were girls, so….
Yeah.
I know damn well I shouldn't have, but I couldn't help but stare at their rather firm asses. I didn't help that Coco was taking her time. She even looked back at me, pulled down her shades and winked at me!
DAMN IT, COLT!
Coco had stood up and pulled out a bottle of water to drink…then looked at me with a teasing smirk.
"Gee, I hope I don't accidently spill water over my white shir-."
And like that, I was gone, running back to my house at speeds that would make Ruby Rose jealous.
SLAM!
Rather than slap myself, I had decided to slam my head against the wall of my room to get my head in order.
SLAM!
I.
SLAM!
Am.
SLAM!
Not.
SLAM!
A.
SLAM!
Creep!
"Daddy, why are you hurting your head?!"
And now Violet's here!
She grabbed my hand and pulled me out. "You need to get back out there and sup-uh, super…."
"Supervise?"
"Yeah, that!"
"Fine…but you're supervising your sister and Coco."
"Okay!"
Oh thank god.
I stood with a shit-eating grin as I stared at the tired forms of Team CFVY.
"Farm work isn't so easy, huh?"
They glared at me.
"Well, I hope you enjoyed a taste of farm life."
Coco pulled down her shades to wink at me. "And I hope you enjoyed the show. Shame you didn't stick around. It was about to get good."
I grit my teeth. "And now that you four are done, you can leave."
Fox frowned. "You expect us to just leave like this?"
"They have showers at the inn. You can get cleaned up there."
"But-."
"Broken ribs."
They stayed silent….
Violet stepped up. "Well…they can at least stay for dinner, right?"
…Fuck.
"Violet, I'm sure they've had a long day and would like to re-."
"Actually," Coco interrupted with a grin. "We wouldn't mind a bite to eat."
Her teammates nodded in agreement.
…Goddamn it.
I sigh. "Fine…though I guess now I'll have to let you use the shower since you can't eat dinner like that."
Coco was suddenly at the front door, stepping inside.
"Dibs!"
…
…
I turn to the rest of CFVY. "Is she always like this?"
"Yes," FVY deadpans.
Dinner had gone smoothly…well, there was a bit of awkwardness.
Why?
Well, when I was passing by the bathroom, the door had opened to reveal Coco in nothing but a towel….
Here's the kicker: she was nonchalant about it, simply asking, "How's it going?"
I had immediately gone to my room and began banging my head to the wall.
Okay, so the awkwardness was only me, but still!
I seriously needed to talk to her….
And I got the chance after dinner, when I was sitting on my front porch.
"Hey, handsome."
I sigh. "Okay, I'm sure you think this is funny, but now it's just ridiculous."
"What is?"
I deadpan at her. "Don't play coy with me."
She chuckled. "But it's so much fun."
I grit my teeth. "Look…you're seventeen. A minor."
"…Age is but a number?"
"I'm going to pretend you didn't say that."
She let out a laugh.
I sigh. "Look, I'm sure you enjoy teasing people, but…don't you ever think you're taking things a bit too far?"
"…Who says I'm just teasing?"
Oh shit.
"I was always curious about what would happen if I was with an older guy. And you're an older guy-."
"By seven years!"
"It's not that big a gap."
"Yes it is!"
"You're overreacting."
I gawk at the fashionista sitting next to me. "…What is wrong with you?"
Coco laughed. "That's what my team said when went on our first shopping trip as a team."
She stood up and stretched her arms. "In any case, I suppose I've teased you enough."
Before she left for inside, she turned to me. "By the way, Velvet wants to talk to you."
Huh?
Coco walked back inside, apparently deciding to add an extra sway in her hi- NO! DAMN IT! BAD!
Velvet stepped out as I was mentally scolding myself and took a seat next to me.
"H-Hi."
Done with my mental self-berating, I turned to face her.
"Yeah?"
"I-I, um…well…."
I patiently waited for her to speak her mind. Truth be told, Velvet was actually my third favorite character in the show…well, actually she was tied for third with Coco, who, after dealing with her for a while, I might actually move up the lis- DOWN! I meant down the list!
Ahem….
Anyway, Velvet was shy (obviously) and her actually speaking to me was a miracle in itself. Just like how I got to meet Neo and Winter….
Oh yeah, can't forget Qrow and Amber, though that was only for a short while. Ten, fifteen minutes?
Huh…Amber. Still need to think about whether or not I should do something about what happens to her….
Off topic.
Back to the now, Velvet seemed to be fidgeting a bit, as though unsure of what to say or do.
"Velvet? Are you alri-?"
I froze when she wrapped me in a hug.
"T-Thank you!"
Now…the warmth in my cheeks indicated that I apparently ignored the fact she was a minor at this point.
I can't help it! She's a pretty girl, damn it! And a bunny girl on top of that!
"F-For what?" I shakily ask.
She pulled away and smiled gratefully at me.
"For taking care of Violet."
…Oh.
I scratch my cheek. "W-Well, it's no big deal, really."
"It's a very big deal, Colt."
I kept my mouth shut at the stern look she was giving me.
"You didn't have to adopt Violet when that condition was given to you all those years ago, yet you did…why?"
I…huh. How do I answer that?
"Well…at first, it was a combination of fulfilling the condition of being Cole's farmhand and the idea that I could somehow raise a child."
She stayed silent as I continued.
"With the former, I had nowhere else to go. I considered it a godsend that I had been near this village with this golden opportunity that Cole had given me. I was afraid I'd end up homeless or something."
"As for the latter," I continued. "…I have an older brother who had three kids, my nephews. They were…well, to be honest, they were a pain to deal with."
She glared at me.
"N-Not in a bad way," I added hastily. "Just…they could be mentally draining at times. One was five, the second three, and the third was barely one. The middle one kept biting the oldest, resulting in the latter hitting the former and making him cry. My mom kept getting after them because of it. As for the youngest…he actually wasn't as mentally draining as his older brothers. It was really nice to see him. He always wanted to be carried, which I was happy to oblige."
I chuckle. "Overall, though…it was always nice to see all three of them. And it always made me wonder what it would be like if I had a child of my own to take care of. I guess I got to find out when I adopted Violet."
I turn to Velvet with a warm smile. "And honestly…I don't regret it one bit. I don't care if we're not blood related. She's my daughter, and I'm her father."
I shrug. "And that's all there is to it."
…
…
Velvet looked down at her feet, and if I didn't know any better, I'd say there was a hint of a blush on her face.
"…I'm glad you chose to adopt her."
She looked at me with a warm smile. "Thank you."
Wow…her smile was nice.
I turned away. "Er, right. No problem."
We were silent for a moment.
…
…
…
"But I have to ask."
I turn to her with a raised eyebrow.
She bit her lip. "My mom and I really missed her when she was gone…and we want her back."
…Oh.
She was suddenly waving her arms at me. "I-I'm not trying to be a b-bad guy or anything! I'm just-!"
I raised my hand. "Calm down."
She took a few deep breaths and waited.
"…Continue."
She sighed. "What I wanted to ask is…if there was a way for Violet to come back home with me and my mom…would you let her go?"
…
…
…
"That's kind of a moot question to ask thanks to your late father."
I still don't understand what Mr. Scarlatina did to somehow make it so that Violet could never return to the custody of her mother. There's no way that should be possible. I don't care if Earth and Remnant might have differences in laws. This kind of bullshit shouldn't even be possible.
I even had a copy of the papers that the late Mr. Scarlatina had whipped up and had tried to understand them...
Which I didn't.
Goddamn legal jargon bullshit.
Velvet lowered her head. "I know…."
She looked back up at me with a determined look. "But I'm not one to give up when it comes to her. After seeing her again after all this time, I'm more determined than ever."
I look at her with a blank expression, but inside, my emotions were all over the place.
Happiness that Velvet still cared for Violet all this time.
Sadness that there was a chance Violet might leave.
…Anger that someone was trying to take my daughter away from me.
That last emotion was both fair and unfair. She was my daughter, and I wanted to take care of her.
But…could I really live with not letting her be with her family again?
I sigh. "Well, you certainly know how to make a person feel several emotions at the same time."
Her face fell. "I-I'm sorr-."
"Don't be." I smile at her. "You just want your sister to come home. I can't exactly fault you for that."
I frown now. "But still…what about the legal jargon?"
She frowned. "I…my mother tried to find a way to overturn what he did, but it was for naught. Still…I can't give up. I'll go to every single lawyer I can find if it means bringing Violet home."
She looked at her feet again. "I'm sorry."
…
…
"Look at me."
She did, and I made sure to look her in the eyes.
"…What if you fail?"
She started a bit. "W-What?"
"You heard me…what if you fail and that legal bullshit isn't overturned?"
…
…
She smiled. "Then at least I know I tried, and that Violet's with someone that cares about her."
I stare at her for a moment…and sigh again.
"Well, I should really be telling you to not even try and let me take care of Violet…but I can't, in good conscious, do that."
"So I say…good luck."
Velvet looked shocked. "O-Oh…I thought you would be angry."
"I should be, since you're basically gonna try to take Violet away from me…but I've learned from experience to get the whole story before judging people."
Experience that came from television.
"And so…I guess I'm not that angry."
I shrug. "Besides, I can't stop you even if I wanted to."
And besides, I have the papers that say that I'm Violet's father, so even if that legal jargon gets overturned, the only way she could go back is if I chose to give up custody to her mother and sister….
That thought scared me.
If the time ever came for me to choose…could I let her go, or would I fight to keep her?
I shake my head. This is for future me to deal with.
I turn to Velvet and smile. "So you go ahead with what you plan to do."
Velvet stared at me…then hugged me again.
"Thank you."
I blush a bit, but hug her back. "Don't thank me. A part of me actually hopes it isn't overturned."
"I don't blame you."
The hug lasted…longer than it should have, really.
"Um…should we let go now?" I asked.
"Probably."
We broke the hug, both of us with equal blushes.
She stuttered "T-Thanks again."
I cleared my throat. "N-No problem."
She quickly stood up and made to look for her team….
She stopped and turned back to me.
"You still didn't answer my question."
I turn to her with a confused look.
"Would you let Violet go?"
…
…
"I…I don't know if I can answer that."
She nodded. "I understand."
Without another word, she went to look for her team.
Grimm Week had gone…rather smoothly.
For first years, Team CFVY showed that they knew what they were doing.
I had gone out to the outskirts of the village to watch CFVY duke it out with the multiple Grimm each day, and I was honestly amazed. While I'm pretty sure this wasn't the level of skill they had in canon, I could safely say that they deserved to be at Beacon.
To be honest…I may or may not have paid more attention to Coco and Velvet. The fashionista just oozed confidence in battling the Grimm, while Velvet showed she wasn't the shy and fragile girl she portrayed herself to be in school life.
Overall, nothing had gone wrong during the week….
Except for one thing.
"BERINGEL!"
Wait, what?!
I looked to see a large gorilla Grimm come out of the forest and charge at Team CFVY.
Beringel…shit.
Coco had immediately aimed her minigun at the and fired, but the Beringel turned out to have some tough skin, since it powered through the bullets and straight-up punched the girl several feet back. Fox made to attack as well, but the Beringel caught him in midair and slammed him to the ground before tossing him like a rag doll.
Yatsuhashi came forward and was somewhat more successful. He turned out to be nearly as tall as the Beringel…when it was hunched on all fours, anyway. He matched its strength at first, but the Grimm soon overpowered him and- was that a body slam?
Velvet tried to user her hand-to-hand skills and speed to take the creature down, but it caught her and slammed her to the ground. Coco had gotten back up and swung her metal bag at it, but it caught it and slammed both girls together, tossing them aside….
I was pissed.
Ignoring the fact I was injured, I stupidly marched forward with Lucky and MM aimed. I fired every round I had at the Beringel. It looked like it hurt it (.44 magnum rounds, bitches!), but it was more angry.
The Beringel charged at me, and I quickly reloaded my weapons. I aimed and fired again, and the Beringel seemed to slow….
Only to gain speed and look even more pissed.
This was a terrible idea.
I flipped my guns around for melee and tried to defend, but it backhanded me, sending me flying and crashing to the ground.
And there go my ribs again.
I groaned and opened my eyes, only to find the Beringel glaring down at me. It raised both its hands to beat me to death.
I futilely shielded myself with my arms, instantly regretting getting involved.
My last thought was of what would happen to Violet.
…
…
…
Well, it should have been.
I opened my eyes to find that Yatsuhashi had blocked the attack with his broadsword. Fox appeared next to me and placed my arm over his shoulders to take me back to the village.
As we retreated, I saw that Coco and Velvet were helping in fighting the Grimm, and they looked pissed.
I guess they didn't take to kindly to me getting hurt….
It also meant that I may get a tongue lashing after this.
"What were you thinking?!" Coco shouted.
Yup, I knew it.
I was currently laying in Doc's infirmary, getting quite the berating from Coco and Velvet.
The Beringel had been defeated when Vert finally decided to get involved, killing it with multiple explosive arrows to the head. I had been taken to Doc's and treated as well as I could be. I now sported two more broken ribs.
Which leads to now.
"You were hurt enough as it is," Velvet scolded. "And now look at you!"
"…It seemed like a good idea at the time?"
Coco and Velvet both gave me a slap on my injured midsection.
"Ow! Okay, I get it! Jeez."
They gave me stern glares. "You better."
Violet came running in.
"Daddy! Are you okay?"
I smiled at her. "Yeah, I'm fine…for the most part. It'll take more than that to keep me down."
Violet smiled…then looked angry and began beating on my injured ribs with her little hands.
"AGH! VIOLET! STOP!"
"YOU DUMMY!"
I looked to CFVY and Vert for help, but their looks told me I was on my own.
Goddamn it.
Despite my…unfortunate incident, I turned out alright in the end and the rest of Grimm Week flew by with no casualties.
With my injured ribs, Team CFVY had helped out more on the barn, resulting in more hilarious shenanigans. Seeing those chickens try to peck Fox to death would never get old.
Pretty soon…the time had come.
"We once again thank you for your help," Elder Orion said.
We were giving Team CFVY our thanks, though the rest of the village did so begrudgingly.
Turns out their opinions on Huntsman and Huntresses hadn't grown…but at least they didn't lower either, so that's something.
Coco had gotten her old shirt back, and the stain…well, it wasn't completely gone, but she said she'd take care of it.
After the farewells, it was down to me and Vert and Team CFVY.
"You four did well," Vert complimented. "I made sure to send my report to your headmaster."
They nodded.
I smiled. "Thanks again for helping me with the farm."
Coco waved it off. "It was no problem handsome. I just hope you enjoyed the show."
I grit my teeth as I blushed. "I thought we went over this."
"We did…I just didn't listen."
"Coco-." Velvet warned.
She raised her hands defensively. "Oh alright, I'll stop. I guess it couldn't really happen realistically, anyway."
I sigh. "Finally, you see rea-."
"Not now, anyway."
Wait, what?
"I'll just have to wait till next year," she commented with an impish grin. "I'll be 18, then."
My eye twitched. "…What makes you think we'll even meet again?"
"Your village puts out a request every year, doesn't it?"
Oh shit.
She grinned even wider. "You can't escape me next year."
I facepalm and groan. "Goddamn it."
Seeing as my face was covered, I didn't see what was about to happen.
I felt a pat on behind, which obviously made me jump. I barely noticed that it was Coco that had done that before her lips were suddenly pressed against my cheek...
WHAT THE FUCK?!
I fell on the ground and backed up quickly, causing her to laugh.
I seriously hoped the fact my face felt on fire didn't mean anything.
She turned towards the Bullhead and waved at me. "See you next year, Champ!"
She sauntered to the Bullhead, and I unfortunately noticed the sway in her hips.
I look to Fox and Yatsuhashi, but they only gave me looks of pity, a nod in farewell, then departed.
Velvet stepped up to me with an apologetic smile and held out her hand. I sigh and take her offered hand and got up.
"Sorry about her," Velvet apologized.
I grunt. "Don't worry about it."
Velvet bent down to Violet's level. "I'll see you again someday. I promise."
Violet beamed and hugged her older sister. "Okay!"
Velvet returned the hug before standing back up to face me.
"I hope you take good care of her."
"It's what I've been doing for about three years now."
"…And again, I'm sorry, but I have to try."
I wave her off. "I understand…just as long as you understand that a part of me hopes it doesn't work…which I'm ashamed of, actually, but I can't help it."
She smiled. "I don't blame you."
We stood there awkwardly for a few seconds….
"Well, I guess you shou-."
I froze when Velvet wrapped me in a hug.
Once again, I hope the heat on my face didn't mean anything.
She let go (I think the blush on her face was just my imagination) and smiled shyly.
"W-Well…bye!"
She turned and ran back to the Bullhead…where Coco decided to have a few choice words.
"So, trying to move into my territory, huh?"
"COCO!"
I simply watched as they argued, the Bullhead lifting up into the air. It flew off towards Vale, disappearing from sight.
…
…
…
"Well," Vert finally said. "That happened."
"Vert-."
"It's okay, Colt. They'll be 18 next year."
Before I could say anything, Violet spoke up.
"You know, daddy, those two girls were very pretty."
Great! Now she's joining along!
"One of them was your sister!
Violet looked confused. "Is that weird?"
"It's wrong!"
"Well," Vert began. "Velvet's not related to you, so it's not wrong. It would simply be weird since Violet's your adopted daughter."
Violet looked to Vert. "Is that right?"
"Indeed, child. I'm a Huntsman-."
"You're retired!" I shouted.
"-so my word is law," he continued, ignoring my outburst.
Violet nodded. "Okay! You must be right!"
Vert chuckled, then turned to me. "Good to know I'm someone whose word can be taken as fact."
I glared. "You're trying to corrupt my daughter!"
"No, I'm not. I'm just pointing out how it wouldn't be a problem if you and her sister got together. Velvet could act like a mother. Though there is Coco. She seems to have taken a liking to you."
Violet beamed up at me. "See daddy! Vert knows what I'm talking about!"
I spent the rest of the day chasing Vert all over the village, spouting about how the bastard was corrupting my daughter.
A/N: Whew! And done! Finally, we can get to canon!
This marks the end of the "Beginning" arc. Next chapter begins the "Intervention" arc.
So yeah, Coco and Velvet…anyone want to try to ship me (Colt) with either one of them?
And I got another weapon, this one a Crocodile Dundee knife, which I named…Dundee.
It'll be a nice surprise to pull out if I ever get disarmed again.
So…I got my ribs broken by Yatsuhashi and a Beringel, and Velvet will try to find a way to overturn that legal jargon bullshit that's keeping Violet from returning to her family.
If it gets overturned…will I be able to let go? Will I want to?
Oh the drama!
And now canon comes around next chapter. This next chapter will be important, for it involves a canon event, and I must decide whether to intervene or not.
What could this canon event be? I'm sure you all can figure it out if you've been reading this story carefully, but let's just say that if I intervene in this canon event, so much could change as a result of it.
Quite the decision I'll have to make.
If you enjoyed reading this, be sure to follow and fav. Leave a review to tell me what you thought.
See you in the next update.
LATERS!
