Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY or any other familiar media that is shown in this story. This story is also Rated-M due to swearing, blood/gore, future sexual content, etc. Reader discretion is advised.
~Introduction Arc~
Chapter 9: A Day of Comforton
[Cue BGM: Ambient - Dream World]
Konner once again woke up with a start, he felt that something was wrong with his bed and upon sitting up…he realized that he was definitely not in his dorm room. The place he woke up in looked like something out of a sci-fi fantasy with the sky being constantly night filled with beautiful stars and he could even see various planets in the distance. The flora was also more fantasy-like with the grass being a neon purple as well as the flowers glowing like the northern lights.
All in all, this place was absolutely beautiful.
"Now the question is…what is this place and how did I get here?" Konner muttered before a thought came to him. "Wait a sec, is this Noxa's doing?"
"You are correct, little pup."
The hybrid looked up to where the melodious voice originated and sure enough, he spotted the space owl sitting on a rather large cloud made up of space dust.
"Ok, where did you portal me to this time?" Konner asks, earning a chuckle from the being. "What? What's so funny?"
"I did not portal you anywhere this time Konner, we are in a place where the mind can run wild and free while the body rests and recuperates. This place you are in now is known as the Fantasy Realm, also commonly known as the Dream World which one can only access when in deep sleep or a deep meditative state," Noxa explained to an awed Konner. "With time, you'll be able to access this world on your own and this will be one of the main ways I can personally keep in contact with you."
"Alright I won't lie, this is pretty cool," Konner admits. "But something tells me you didn't call me here to enjoy the view of this place."
"You'd be correct," Noxa confirmed before floating down to ground level. "Walk with me Konner, we have much to discuss."
Konner does so and they both make their way down a never-ending starry-bricked path, passing by star and space-themed creatures like rabbits, deers, and songbirds leaving stardust trails in their wake as they frolic about.
"I suppose congratulations are in order for you Konner, you not only passed Haven's grueling initiation but you became the leader of your own team in KHGM. Quite impressive for one so young," Noxa said with praise.
"Ok first off, initiation had to be cut short because of so many powerful Grimm showing up so I didn't get to truly experience Haven's initiation, and second…how did you know I was the leader of KHGM?" Kon asks with suspension. "Have you been spying on me?"
"Hmmm yes and no. Young Lionheart was the one to inform me," Noxa explained, chuckling when she saw the hybrid's shocked expression. "Oh yes, your Headmaster and I have a bit of history along with a few others but that's a story for another time. For now, we have other matters to discuss, mainly how I can help you and you can help me."
Konner was interested in what she meant but then noticed in the distance a small Mistrilian temple that was overgrown with space-themed flora in the distance and realized that was where they were heading. Upon approaching it the pair stepped inside and Konner could only marvel at its interior as it was much bigger than the outside with many levels with the one above them looked to be a library of sorts and further to the ceiling of the temple was a large orb that looked to be a holographic world map of Remnant along with numerous smaller orbs rotating around it. One of them was in a fractured state and he instantly recognized it as Remnant's shattered moon.
"This place is known as Alter Nexus and is the very heart of the Fantasy Realm," Noxa explained. "There are many other areas to explore here within the Fantasy Realm but at your current level of skill and strength you won't be able to access them but I'll tell you more about that later."
"Fair enough but what did you mean earlier when you said you needed my help with something?" Konner asks.
Noxa gestures for him to take a seat with her at the large meeting table on the bottom floor and once both were situated, she began explaining.
"As I told you before when we first met, Remnant as we know is about to go through some serious changes that will either help it grow or be the start of its downfall. You, Konner, as well as your team and a few others will be at the center of these changes and will be affected the most so I would like to help both you and your team with special training that'll give you more of an edge against these coming challenges. However, with the state of my current power now I'm incredibly limited to what I can help you with at the moment…hell this owl form you see me in now isn't even my true form. I had to convert into it in order to save what little power I had left," Noxa admitted with a sad sigh.
"Wait if that's true then how did you lose your powers in the first place?" Konner asks with surprise.
"I can't tell you…at least not yet. First I would like to regain more of my lost powers and have at least your entire team here in order for me to explain everything to you in full. Speaking of which, it's time I fully explain to you what I want you to do in order to regain some of my lost power," Noxa stated with Konner listening intently.
"What do I have to do?" He questioned.
"For starters, you must first find and reactivate a structure hidden somewhere in the Mistral Kingdom known as the Starlight Sanctuary that will allow you to transport special items I need to restore my power. The items I need are called [Celestial Bygones] and I'm not sure where in Mistral the sanctuary will be located but I'm sure your Headmaster will put you on the path to possibly find clues on its whereabouts," Noxa said, making the hybrid nod.
"Got it…still find it weird you somehow know my Headmaster so well though," Konner muttered making the space owl chuckle. "Ok that's the sanctuary down but what about these [Celestial Bygones], what will they look like and how will I know it's what you'll need?"
"From what I can remember, the [Celestial Bygones] will come in various shapes and forms. Some examples can be a hand mirror, a piece of armor, and even weapons. I sadly don't know the locations to where they may be but I do know that most will be found in Anima," Noxa said. "The only advice I can give is that they will give off an otherworldly aura of sorts that's vastly different from anything you are currently used to."
Konner hummed but before he could say anything, he noticed that his hand started to slowly fade away and he could see through it.
"AH! What's happening to me?!" Konner exclaimed, freaking out.
"Calm yourself, Konner, it means you're waking up now," Noxa reassured, calming the hybrid down. "This may be the last time we'll speak again for a while so for now, I want you to focus and enjoy your time in Haven and not worry about my request for now. Be safe Konner, and may the stars align in your favor."
With those words, Konner fully vanished from the Fantasy Realm with Noxa waving a wing goodbye.
-KHGM-
(Location: Mistral Kingdom, Mt. Refuge - Haven Academy, KHGM's Dorm)
(Date/Time: Thursday, Aug 28, 80 CE - 8:00 AM)
Konner's eyes snapped open as he sat up in his bed, looking over himself to see he was still whole and sighed in relief.
"Thank Oum, that was a freaky experience," Kon sighed.
A familiar weight lands on his shoulder, revealing it to be Betty Swoops who gave a good morning coo before nuzzling his cheek, making the boy laugh.
"Hey girl, you sleep ok?" He asked, stroking the dove's chin.
He suddenly got a whiff of the air and could smell delicious breakfast food being cooked and his stomach growled in want. He jumped up, made his bed up, and then stepped out of his room into the main area of the dorm which was a combination of a living room and an open area kitchen. Cooking away at the stove was Giovanni, decked out in only his sleepwear, a pair of red loose-fitting sweat pants with black wisps, and a white apron with a cartoon Beowolf eating a large ham while Spleet was at his feet waiting for scraps.
"Morning little boss, breakfast is almost ready," Giovanni greets briefly before returning to cooking.
"Thank you Gio, you didn't have to make breakfast for everyone but I appreciate it nonetheless," Konner says, bending down to pet Spleet as he rubbed up against his leg.
"Hey I can't let my cooking skills get rusty," The Grimm eater mused. "Besides I do it for my mom all the time back home so this isn't new."
After petting Spleet, Konner asks the older teen if he needs any help and Giovanni responds if he can just set the table for him. The boy does so and after he places the last plate, Sera and Megumi trudge in, both still in their sleepwear.
"Greetings Giovanni, Konner," Sera greeted in her usual monotone.
Her sleepwear is an oversized white t-shirt that goes to her knees with a sleeping baby seal on the front, black biker shorts, and her signature hat.
"Morning boys," Megumi greeted with an audible yawn.
Her sleepwear consisted of a pink crop top, a silk black sleeping mask, and a pair of teddy bear-themed pajama bottoms.
"The food smells awesome Gio, I hope you made a lot considering my appetite."
"Don't worry I did but we're gonna have to stock up on food again since what was given to us was already pretty limited," The Grimm Eater comments, before bringing over the food. "Order up, hope you guys like a bit of everything cause that's what I made."
It was indeed a bit of everything as Giovanni had made pancakes, waffles, french toast, bacon, eggs, sausage, and even biscuits along with various fruits as well. The team gave their thanks to their cook before they loaded up their plates and began to chow down with gusto. Giovanni made sure to give Betty Swoops and Spleet their own food before sitting down himself to eat.
"So since we don't have any classes until next Monday, what should we do until then?" Giovanni asks.
Konner swallowed his food before speaking. "I suggest we go into the city to explore it and get familiar with its layout since Haven is going to be our home for the next four years so it makes sense we go see what Comforton has to offer. Also, we need to sell the Broilapede mask and get ourselves some pocket money."
"Aw man, do we have to? It looks so cool on the wall," Megumi said, gesturing to the bone mask's place above the TV.
"Megumi, as much as I would like for us to keep our first trophy for slaying a powerful Grimm, Kon does have a good point. We're Hunters-in-training which legally makes us adults, if we want to start getting cash then we'll have to do that on our own time with part-time jobs and such or selling items to people that'll pay us for them," Seraphinite explained, taking a bite of her waffles.
"I guess you're right…still sucks though," Megumi grumbled before going back to eating her food.
"Ah don't sweat it Megumi there's always a chance to get another trophy later…speaking of which who/where are we gonna sell the mask to?" Giovanni asks aloud.
After taking a big gulp of milk Konner answered again. "I did a bit of research online and apparently there's a shop in the city called {Secret Chamber} that will pay a lot of lien for stuff like the Grimm mask. Maybe even more with it being in such pristine condition."
"Then we have our objective…but first we eat," Seraphinite said.
Everyone agreed and they continued to devour their delicious food with gusto. After another ten minutes of eating, the young hunters then loaded their dishes into the washer before going back to their rooms to get ready when a knock on their door made them pause.
"I got it," Konner said, flying to the door before opening it to be greeted by Miwa. "Oh! Hello Miss Braveheart, what can I do for you?"
"Hello Konner, I just stopped by to give this to you as it was addressed to you specifically," Miwa greeted, handing him a medium-sized box that he took. "Also please just call me Miwa, calling me miss makes me sound old. I have to get back to work at my station but if you or your team need help with anything please refer to the Haven Guide function on your Scrolls."
With that said, Miwa leaves and Konner closes the door with one of his tails while looking at the box in confusion.
"I wonder who sent this to me," He looks at the top of the box and finds a note addressed to him so he takes a moment to read it. "Wait…Aunt Regina?"
To Konner,
Congrats on getting into Haven kiddo, I'm proud of you. Sorry I wasn't there to see you off with your grandparents but I'm neck-deep in work right now so you won't be hearing let alone seeing me for a long while. This brings me to the box you have, since I'll be gone for a long time you'll be responsible for taking care of this annoying animal you call a pet from now on since you're in Haven now. Figured your bird could use some company when you're not around. Alright, I have to go now so take care of yourself and try not to get into too much trouble…although knowing who your mother is that's a tall order. :P
With love from your kickass aunt, Regina.
PS: I also put something else in there for you that your Mom wanted me to give to you if she couldn't. Maybe you can figure out what this secret feature she said it has because I sure as hell can't figure it out.
"Something from Mom?" Konner quietly questions longly.
As he opens the box a brown blur bursts out and jumps onto Konner's face making him fall back onto the couch in surprise. Konner pulled off the furry attack to stare into slit pine green eyes.
"Jakker? Is that you boy?" Konner asks and receives a meow in response making the boy laugh and hug the feline who purred at the contact. "It's good to see you again, buddy! I haven't seen you in years, how have you been?"
As the young hybrid talked with his feline friend, the rest of KHGM walked out of their rooms fully dressed and were able to get a better look at the cat that was they could have mistaken it for a mini tiger, but its main fur color was dark brown in color with algae green stripes and a tea green underbelly. Jakker was almost twice the size of an average house cat but one could still see he had more muscle on his nimble form.
"Well isn't this a cute kitty cat," Megumi cooed, scratching the feline behind the ears who purred in appreciation.
"Yeah Jakker is one of my oldest animal buddies but he stayed behind in Menagerie to keep my aunty company at my family home," Konner explained.
"Wait, you're from Menagerie? I thought you said you come from a village here in Mistral," Giovanni asks.
Konner set Jakker down as he rubbed the back of his head. "Let's just say things happened to make us move here…I don't want to go into detail about it."
"That's fine we won't pry," Seraphinite replied. "So why did your aunt send your cat in the mail?"
"My aunt does weird stuff…I think she's been hanging out with my Uncle Tai too much though," Konner answers with a shrug. "Anyway, I'm gonna go get dressed, and then we can head out into the city. Time for us to get some well-earned cash!"
As Kon left for his room he remembered the item in the box with Jakker and took it out to get a better look at it. It was an elegant-looking gold-colored voyager compass with a sky blue dial in the center connected by a silver cord, long enough to act as a necklace. Konner also noticed a small message engraved on the badge.
'May the winds of desire guide you.'
"Winds of desire…the heck does that mean?" Konner mumbled to himself before hanging the compass around his neck. "I'll try and figure it out later, time to get ready."
-KHGM-
(Location: Mistral Kingdom, Comforton City - Central Hub District)
(Date/Time: Thursday, Aug 28, 80 CE - 8:46 AM)
After getting dressed and grabbing the Broilapede Mask, KHGM made their way to the city's center where most of the residents were already up and going about their day with Betty Swoops and Jakker hanging onto Konner's right and left shoulders respectively. It was also the location of the store they needed to go to in order to sell the large bone mask Megumi was currently holding, Spleet happily trotting by her side.
"Ok guys this is the place," Konner said walking up to a rather medieval-looking shop with the words "Secret Chamber'' written in elegant cursive on the front.
"Huh gives off a middle-aged era vibe," Giovanni commented.
Seraphinite was the first to step in with the rest following suit and just like the outside, the inside gave off a middle-aged era vibe to it mixed with a bit of gothic charm. There were various items in display cases and hanging on the walls of various Grimm hides and bones along with other creepy stuff that would unnerve a normal person.
"Damn this place is trippy as hell but at the same time it's kinda cool," Megumi comments.
Konner spotted a small bell on the front counter and rang it once.
"One moment, please!" Called the voice of someone from the back.
It was long until the shop owner came out and the four young hunters couldn't help but take a double-take at their appearance. It was a woman around Megumi's height…at least they could tell by her curvy figure but that was it as she was garbed in a black-cloaked robe with a face hood that completely shadowed her face and all they could see was a pair of glowing solid red eyes. The sleeves were so long they even concealed her hands and had six short-length white ribbons hanging from the ends. To finish her attire she wore a white sash around her waist like a belt with a gold medallion with a strange rune marking that glowed green.
"Ah! Hello young ones, welcome to the Secret Chamber!" The woman greeted jovially. Practically gliding behind the counter. "I am Gizem, the owner of this humble shop. What can I do for such young defenders of humanity, hmm?"
"Oh uh…your website said you will buy Grimm parts along with other certain monster anatomy is that correct?" Konner asks which receives a nod of confirmation. "Well, we want to sell this to you, ma'am."
Megumi took that as her cue and held up the Broilapede mask, which made Gizem's eyes widen with excited glee. She raised her arms before the ribbons at the end of her sleeves started to move which surprised the group a bit, then took the mask in them. She looked it over, giving pleasing hums at its condition.
"I'm impressed that you children were able to get your hands on such a rare item," Gizem spoke with clear delight in her voice. "Especially one in such excellent condition, it's not even warped."
"Well we weren't trying to get it per se it just sort of happened," Megumi admitted sheepishly. "Plus Giovanni was the one that was able to decapitate it so the credit should go to him."
"While I did give the killing blow it was a team effort in the end," Giovanni smoothly said. "Speaking of which…how much will this thing be exactly if we sell it to you?"
"Hmm, well due to the mask being not only from a powerful Grimm Breed but also in perfect condition…I'd say about Ⱡ60,000." Gizem answered with an eye smile.
"Ⱡ60,000?!" Konner, Giovanni, and Megumi exclaimed in shock, not at all expecting that amount while Seraphinite just started bug-eyed at the women.
"Are you sure you can offer us that amount for the mask?" The gynoid asks slightly concerned. "It's pretty steep for a humble shop owner."
Gizem merely waved her concern off stating that her financial status was in no danger at all and went to the back for a brief moment with the mask. A few minutes later she comes back with four small stacks of Lien on a tray and sets them on the counter before the still bug-eyed teens.
"Here you are children, Ⱡ60,000 and I took the liberty of dividing it up by four for each of you evenly," Gizem said cheerily while KHGM could only nod slowly and accept the money. "Thank you again for your business children and I hope to see you again for any of your future patronages. Have a nice day!"
The teens gave their goodbyes with Konner promising they'd do business again before stepping out of the store, still reeling at the fact they have so much cash after only trading in a single Grimm bone mask.
"Soooo….what now?" Megumi asks.
"I guess we can all just go have a day for ourselves with our well-earned cash, we can catch up later and have lunch if you guys want," Konner suggests. "I'm gonna head to the weapon shop, I need to stock up on explosives and Dust...maybe update my outfit as well, whichever comes first."
"I'll come with you, I need to head to a weapon shop anyway," Giovanni offers, earning a nod of acceptance from his leader.
"Where should we meet up for lunch then?" Seraphinite asks.
"I saw on the map that the city has a Chokey Chicken, wanna try there?" Megumi suggested.
This earns voices of agreement all around before the group splits up to do their own thing.
-KHGM-
(Location: Mistral Kingdom, Comforton City - Downtown District)
(Date/Time: Thursday, Aug 28, 80 CE - 9:09 AM)
Seraphinite was just wandering around in Comforton's downtown district with no particular direction in mind. Then she saw him. Zed was doing some shopping for a new hat musing to himself whether to get the black cowboy hat or the brown felt fedora.
"Uncle Zed," Seraphinite said, surprising the phantom.
"Look, I…"
"You said your brother was my father and I'm here for answers," Seraphinite said icily, glaring into his eyes.
"I'm going to need a drink…but the bars aren't going to be open for another hour," Zed remarked before paying for both hats and putting on the black one.
"But I ain't got a choice in the matter…my brother has always been a sore subject. We never saw eye to eye on anything. Our last big score before you were born…we went our separate ways. I do know he knocked up a woman but...pfft, I won't call him parent material." Zed remarked with a sigh. "I lost contact with him when he left for Atlas."
"Could you tell me about him at least?" Seraphinite asks.
"He was a partier. You couldn't tell he was a bandit…looked like he belonged in the dance clubs. He was a womanizer, a smooth talker, and an extrovert…now that I think about it I'm pretty sure he knocked up more than one woman so you probably have some half-siblings running around somewhere." Zed said with a sigh.
"At least an answer is better than none," Seraphinite remarked.
"Kid, sometimes ignorance is bliss…but I suppose that's not the case all the time," Zed tiredly. "Oum above I wish a damn bar was open right now."
As the uncle and niece pair continued to walk in relative silence, a familiar oversized lizard came zooming past their feet making them jump before he did a hard u-turn and zipped back towards them and jumped into Seraphinites's arms. Spleet gurgled happily at a familiar face and began to lick the gynoid's face much to her displeasure.
"Ew, what the hell did you eat?" Seraphinite groaned in slight disgust.
Zed meanwhile was chuckling a bit before Megumi comes running up to the pair, slightly out of breath.
"Sorry about that, Spleet decided to steal one of my coffee candies and make me chase him all over the place. Come here ya goofy lizard," Megumi said, taking her pet from Seraphinite who was grateful.
"Thank you…also, did you change your hair?" Seraphinite asks her teammate.
The ranger's hair was still in its normal wild and spiky style but it had gone from a dark brown color to a gingerbread brown color with a single bang on her right side being dyed hot pink.
"Yeah, I decided I wanted a new look to not look so much like either of my 'parents' and since my original style was my piss-poor attempt I decided to get a professional's help," Megumi said proudly. "What do you think?"
"It's fine but…I suggest changing your headwear to something else. The pink makes you stick out way too much and clashes too much with your current attire," Seraphinite suggests.
"Fair enough, I was heading to the {Hero District} to reconvert my cloak anyway. You wanna come with or are you still busy doing whatever you were doing?" Megumi asks.
"You might as well go with her Seraphinite, I gotta get back to the school now," Zed said after checking a message on his scroll. "You ladies have a good day and stay out of trouble."
With that, the former bandit disappeared into nothingness and the two girls went on their way.
-KHGM-
(Location: Mistral Kingdom, Comforton City - Hero District)
(Date/Time: Thursday, Aug 28, 80 CE - 9:45 AM)
The girls stepped foot into the Hero District and immediately they could tell it was vastly different from the others. The shops and vendors seemed to only be exclusive for Hunters in buying weapons, armor, ammunition, and other sorts of cool and interesting items useful for their field of work. Even though it was still pretty early the girls could see hunters, the city guard, and even police officers buying and trading various items and gear they might need in the field.
"Wow, this place is so awesome," Megumi said in awe. "I don't know what I want to get first, there's so much to choose from."
"I suggest focusing on your attire as you said and then go from there," Seraphinite suggested.
Megumi hummed in agreement but then she and Sera saw Giovanni standing outside a building on his scroll that looked to be a combination of a modern weapon shop and a blacksmith called the {Masterworks Forge}.
"Yo Gio!" The ranger called getting the Grimm Eater's attention.
"Sup ladies," Giovanni greeted lazily. "Megumi, I see you got a new hairdo, not bad at all."
"Thanks, where's Konner?" Megumi asks.
Gio points to a shop next door to the forge, this one called {Madam Web Tailoring} and the place Megumi was looking for.
"Cool, I'll check up on him since I need to go there anyway, you two have fun," The ranger said before walking to the store.
"So why are you heading to the weapon shop?"
"Kon suggested I needed something that can give me more defensive options on the off chance I can't use my semblance to help me," Gio explained. "I highly doubt that will actually happen…but there was an idea for something I wanted to have made for myself but never had the cash to get it done so maybe this is the best time to get it."
Seraphinite nods in understanding and decides to follow him into the shop before her scroll rings, the caller ID showing it was the General.
"Sir," Her clipped and professional tone made the general chuckle.
"I'm not your General anymore Sera so you don't have to keep doing that," James said.
"Apologies, a force of habit…but I don't think I'll stop calling you that," Seraphinite admits.
"Fair enough. I actually called to tell you about something we both forgot about, the weapon you commissioned Pietro to make. It's actually been completed and he wanted to know if you still wanted it," James said.
Seraphinite's eyes light up in recognition before they both began to discuss the best way for her to get it.
Meanwhile, Megumi stepped into the shop next door and found various outfits built not only for fashion but also for combat with all being displayed on the mannequins, all in different shapes, sizes, and species.
"Hello! Is anyone here?" Megumi calls out.
"Oh, hey Megumi!" The ranger looks to see her leader step out from a dressing room sporting a brand new outfit.
The hybrid now sports a stormy gray overall jumpsuit with a white t-shirt underneath with patches on both his shoulders bearing his emblem while the word PUPPY is stitched on his left breast in bold black. He wore a pair of black-colored combat boots on his feet, his wrist-gauntlet bracers were now pine green with his fingerless gloves still being black, both arm sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and he had a black belt around his waist with several pouches. To top it off he wore a pine green aviator helmet atop his head complete with black-rimmed aviator goggles with clear lenses while his compass hung around his neck.
"Yo Kon, like the new duds you're rocking," Megumi says, making the hybrid chuckle bashfully.
"Thanks, I've been wanting to change my attire for a while now and the lady that owns the shop was able to help me find one for me," Konner admits before turning to his two animal companions sitting at a bench. "What do you guys think? Do I look ok?"
Betty Swoops and Jakker both gave their respective cries of approval, making the boy hug them in thanks before they perched on his respective shoulders.
"Also I like your new hairstyle Megumi, you look very pretty," Konner honestly says, making Megumi blush a bit.
"Thanks, fluffy. So are you gonna keep me company here, or are you heading next door to the forge?" The ranger asked.
The hybrid then holds up a bag containing his old clothes. "I'm gonna make a quick flight back to the dorm to drop off my stuff then come back. You should be done getting your stuff by the time I return."
"Is this lady that good?" Megumi asks.
"Oh yeah, I'll leave you to it, partner. Have fun!" Konner says before departing.
Now Megumi just had to wonder where the owner of this store was.
"Right here, child." A smooth yet chilling voice made Megumi jump and turn around to see probably the prettiest yet intimidating Faunus woman of her life.
The woman stood about seven feet tall with pale white skin, six bright orange-colored compound eyes, and bright scarlet red hair done up in a tsubushi shimada style. Her body was the definition of a perfect hourglass while having a black and red colored opisthosoma above her humanoid buttocks that extends out from the base of her spine along with having eight spider-like legs extending out from her spine which are encapsulated in black and red chitin along with both her arms being encapsulated in chitin up to her shoulder.
For attire, she wears a yellow kimono with various shades of orange flowers scattered about enclosed with a black obi with red spider web designs which she wears loosely to expose her legs, shoulders, and cleavage while wearing a pair of wooden red-strapped geta sandals and white tabi stockings on her feet. The kimono is also cut in the back to allow all eight of her legs free movement but she has her opisthosoma loosely hidden under the kimono skirt.
"Greetings young customer, I am Yatsukahagi Webine the owner of this humble store…you may call me Madame Web if you'd like," Webine greeted Megumi with a slight bow.
"Um…hi?" Megumi awkwardly greeted back. "I-I was wondering if you could help me reconvert my cloak into a jacket of some kind and maybe make it to where the rest of my clothes accommodate my semblance."
"That depends, what is your semblance?" Webine asked.
Megumi explains what her semblance can currently do, earning a nod from the older woman who leads her to the back of a room, with a small podium in the middle which she instructs Megumi to stand after stripping completely naked.
"Why do I need to strip exactly?" Megumi asks with an embarrassed blush.
"You need to be naked in order for me to perfectly take your measurements and for my semblance to work properly in converting your clothing to what you wish," Madame Web explains. "Now strip child, we are both girls here and this won't be the first time I've seen a naked woman or man in my shop. Just try not to be hormonal even if all you young people have sex on the mind constantly not long after puberty."
"So you're calling yourself old?" Megumi snarked back as she began to undress.
"Oh dearie, I have what's called control. When you mature, you'll have it." Webine said, chuckling. "That…and losing the insecurity."
The spider woman then effortlessly shrugs off her kimono and uses her legs to fold it up neatly and set it to the side. Megumi couldn't help but admire the frame and those slender legs…she also noticed that Webine had not worn anything under it while also seeing that she was a natural redhead due to the neat cut tuft of hair down below.
"W-why are you getting naked too?" The ranger asked with a visible blush on her cheeks.
"I'm a Spider Faunus, I have to make webbing and I can't do it with clothes in the way," Webine said with an amused smile as Megumi twitched. "Most tend to feel…more at ease when I do it like this."
"I…I…."
"Don't fret, dear child. I won't eat you…yet." Webine said.
Megumi may not have been the chubby girl she was before…but she still had her insecurities. She was only left in her bra and panties and it was a bad day to wear white. Webine was stifling giggles.
"Well, I'm going to have to wash your panties now," Webine said as Megumi felt more embarrassed. "Aw, there's no shame that you can't control yourself, you just lack discipline."
Webine was having way too much fun with Megumi, and she admitted Megumi was not all too bad. However, she had a job to do as Megumi handed off her undergarments. Webine then let loose her strings from her semblance, dozens of them weaving around Megumi. One could swear it was bondage as they bound her in place.
Semblance Name: Soul Threads | Class: Manipulator | Info: Allows Webine to control powerful yet near-invisible silk threads made from both her webs and Aura to perform various techniques from attacking and binding her target for combat to even creating specialized clothing for someone when feeling out their Aura with her threads.
"Is this really needed?" Megumi asked.
"Are you still telling me how to do my job?" Webine asked playfully, tugging a web which got Megumi to moan a little.
"No…" Megumi said before yelping when a string lashed her behind.
"Then let me work and try to control yourself. Can't have you dripping on the floor, now." Webine said getting on with the measurements.
Megumi had gotten a taste of being strong, but now…this thin woman had pulled her down to the ground with strings all over her body for what felt like nearly a half-hour as she worked.
"And I'm just about done on your clothes…and look at you…you're holding it in," Webine said with a grin.
"Please…I really need to." Megumi whimpered in need as Webine pulled on the string getting Megumi to moan.
"Oh don't worry, you'll get that sweet release you've been aching for," Webine said.
"Then stop the teasing and get me to cum already!" Megumi tired with a hot flush as Webine was chuckling at her plight.
"Ask and ye shall receive.
From outside the shop, people could still hear a low scream. Inside the shop, Megumi was untied and in a chair panting as Webine was adjusting her kimono on her body.
"I swear you young people bolster, but can't take the heat," Webine said, wiping her off her hands. "Megumi, your clothes will be ready shortly. Though considering your semblance, I suggest you come back to buy your underwear from me."
"Yes, Ms. Webine," Megumi said, panting.
"Here's a towel…you're red in the face and you got red on your face," Webine said, tossing her a towel before leaving to get Megumi's clothes.
After a few more minutes, a flushed face Megumi would leave with Spleet in her new upgraded clothes which were the same except she now had a black fitted leather bomber jacket with a pink hood and green inside that was once her cloak, a sexy hot pink tube top with the word Longshot in bold white, and a beige colored beanie hat with on side have a pink streak going down it.
She kept telling herself that Webine was not so tough…but that was the lies she told her not to face the fact of what really happened. Thankfully she managed to not think about it more as Kon landed in front of her.
"I have returned!" Konner announces. "I see Madame Web took care of you huh Megumi?"
"She did…in more ways than one," Megumi whispered that last part while quickly making her way inside Masterworks Forge.
Konner follows after her and once inside he can't help but marvel at the sight of the shop. Various weapons of modern, classic, and even the more advanced mecha-shift were displayed perfectly and neatly for people to look through with the more heavy weaponry being behind the counter. Display cases showed off various ammunition and throwable type weapons like shurikens and darts, normal to Dust-infused bullets, grenades, and even knuckle dusters and smaller firearms like pistols.
"This place is so awesome," Konner says, looking around at the variety of weapons.
He walked to the front counter where he saw Giovanni and Seraphinite conversing with a man who he assumed was the owner of this place. He was a burly, hefty man standing at a solid 6ft with long messy dirty white hair with a matching beard, metal gray eyes, and tanned skin. His attire was that of a basic brown tank top under a black apron, dusty gray jeans, welding goggles on his head, and tan boots.
"...ok Giovanni, your order will be ready by tomorrow morning and yours should be delivered here around the same time I finish up his Miss Seraphinite," The man says.
"That is fine Mr. Masterworks, thank you," The gynoid said.
"Please call me Devon, my last name is a bit of a mouthful," Devon chuckled before noticing Konner and Megumi. "Well hello there kids, welcome to my shop! What can I do for you?"
"I'm just browsing it all sir," Megumi says.
"Well, I'm here looking for a weapon that will allow me to lob grenades and other types of explosives," Konner says. "I have a good throwing arm but sometimes it's better to have perfect accuracy when you're chunking bombs around an active battlefield."
"Really now? Well, I think I have something for you," Devon said giddily before he began rummaging behind the counter. "I made this as a joke a few years ago but it is a good weapon but no one had any interest in it as it was too childish. But with you son, I think it'll fit you just right."
Devon then pulled up a sturdy-looking metallic recurve bow with the center stabilizer at the very center. It was primarily black in color with sky blue tribal-like markings decorating all around it. Konner tenderly took the weapon into his hands, getting a feel of its weight before drawing the string and then releasing it making it give off a soft TWANG sound making the hybrid smile.
"This bow feels great but how will this help me lob grenades?" Konner asks.
"Grab it by its stabilizer and then click the button," Devon says.
Konner does so and to his surprise, the bow turns into a slingshot.
"My inner four-year-old self is very happy right now, I'll take it!" Konner gleefully says. "I probably won't use the bow mode for much but it doesn't hurt to have it. How much will it be?"
"I'll cut ya a deal and say Ⱡ100 just to get it out of here and not collect anymore dust," Devon said which Konner quickly hands over. "Alright now let's see about getting you some bombs to go with that new slingshot."
"Leave that to me, my love," A rough yet feminine voice said from the doorway to the forge area.
Team KHGM turned to the source only to have their eyes widen at who they saw. Standing the same height as Giovanni was an Orcess with an extremely well-built yet shapely feminine body with dark olive green skin, gray eyes, and black hair styled in a high crest look. Her attire consisted of a black sleeveless polo shirt, sand-colored cargo pants, brown and yellow gloves, a tan apron, and gray work boots. On her left shoulder was a tattoo of a Grimm skull with a hammer indented into it.
"What's wrong little ones? Never seen an Orc before?" The woman teased with a smirk earning negative shakes from team KHGM sans Megumi. "Oh? You know of my kind young archer?"
"Yeah, I actually encountered an Orc trader one time when I was younger and he's the one who gave me Spleet here," Megumi said as the lizard dog in question gave a happy gurgle. "I think his name was…Nag I think?"
"Small world, Nag happens to be my kid brother," The Orc woman said fondly.
"Wait so then is your name Prudy then?" Megumi asks, making the woman snort.
"That's just a stupid nickname he calls me to annoy me. My true name is Prudence and I'd appreciate it if you only called me that," Prudence said with minor annoyance. "Anyway, you need a quiver and the little one needs something for bombs don't you? Both of you come with me, I might have what you're looking for."
The two followed the Orc woman into the forge area and they were impressed by the clean yet slightly cluttered setup of weapons from swords to axes and even war hammers and spears. Prudence led them to a cash-out table and pulled up a leather brown-colored waist quiver with a tribal scorpion picture on it and a large black-colored leather waist bag with the initials B.O.B. on the front in white.
"The quiver is called [Endless Quiver] and the bag is called [Bag of Bombs] hence the initials," Prudence answered their unspoken question. "Now tell me, do you both know how to flare your magical aura?"
Konner nods firmly but Megumi made a so-so gesture, saying she actually learned from Nag when he was in the area but never had a chance to truly sit down and experiment with it.
"It's fine you don't need perfect control just enough to see if these items will bond with either you," Prudence explained. "Now, both of you do so, and let's see what you'll get."
The teens do so and Konner was able to form his magical aura around his hand with Megumi following behind with some difficulty. Konner's magic aura then travels to the bag with initials going from white to a sky blue color while Megumi's magic aura travels into the quiver making the scorpion picture turn from white to a crimson red color.
"Alright that's enough," Prudence says and the teens do so. "Very good children, you've successfully bounded the quivers to yourselves. As you can probably guess the quiver and bag are special as they have a hammer-space magic to them as the former allows you to carry as many arrows as you want with the latter doing the same but with bombs and other types of explosives."
Konner and Megumi were ecstatic that both managed to obtain a piece of very useful gear almost right off the bat.
"There's also a sort of inventory magic window that allows you to see what kind of ammunition you have, how much of each type you have, and allows you to freely pick which one you'd want to use no matter the situation" Prudence explained. "I know this because I tested them out myself, so if I were you I'd stock up on plenty of different arrow types and throwables to have a variety of ammunition. You'll find more of the latter in my husband's side of the shop."
"Thank you ma'am but are you sure it's okay for us to be taking these things? I mean we're only first-years…and we haven't started classes yet!" Megumi exclaimed.
The orc woman just snorted in amusement. "Call it a woman's intuition or a blacksmith's gut feeling but I know you two kids will use these items well. Besides, you've already magically bonded the quiver and bag to yourselves so they'll only work for you now unless you pass them on to someone else or you die. They're yours now so do with them as you wish."
"Well, thank you, Mrs. Prudence, how much will these cost anyway?" Konner asks. "I'm sure these were hard to come by."
"Ⱡ3,000, each," Prudence stated making the two teens breathe in sharply.
"I think that's worth it," Konner muses with Megumi humming in agreement. "You got yourself a deal ma'am."
"Good, now let me show you the arrow and bomb selections we have," The orc woman said with a fanged smile.
Megumi got her seven hundred [Standard Arrows] before picking out sixty [Bang Arrows] and sixty [Piercing Arrows]. Heading back over to Devon's side of the store, Konner got a hundred [Standard Grenades] and a hundred [Dynamite Sticks] before picking out thirty [Smoke Bombs] and thirty [Gravity Dust Grenades].
Once their purchases were complete and goodbyes were given, Megumi and Konner left with the rest of their teammates.
"So before we do anything else I think we should all go grocery shopping since we're already low thanks to me making a big breakfast for everyone," Giovanni says.
"Good idea, after that I'm gonna see about getting Jakker and Betty Swoops her some Pet Armor," Konner said while petting his pets.
"Wait, there's armor for pets?" Megumi asks in surprise.
"Any animal that's in any sort of martial service with Aura has options for some form of extra protection. I've seen a lot of that for the military dogs back in New Atlas," Seraphinite adds.
"Cool, I think I'll join you for that Kon…that and get more food for Spleet as well," The ranger says.
The lizard dog gurgled happily beside his owner as the newbie team made their way to get groceries.
-KHGM-
(Location: Mistral Kingdom, Comforton City - Red-Light District, The Whipped Willie)
(Date/Time: Thursday, Aug 28, 80 CE - 10:23 AM)
We now move our focus to Team SSSI who find themselves within a bar called {The Whipped Willie}. The team was dragged there by Bleiss to celebrate their new status as hunters-in-training but in reality, she just wanted to get shit-faced drunk without her parents giving her shit for it.
While Ilia and Shae didn't have a problem with it, Whitley was annoyed at his sister's antics and had no problem bemoaning it to the bartender.
"Man this blows, I thought being the leader for a team of girls would be awesome. But no, one's my degenerate older sister...and the other two prefer sucking each other's faces," The young Schnee grunted, taking a swing of his drink.
"Are they going to let you watch?" The bartender asked.
"I'm not going to ask them for that...I'm not that desperate." Whitley said.
"For what it's worth, at least you have standards. You want my advice...offer to do their hair and nails. Girls love a man who can pamper them. Or you could hedge a bet on a miracle that your teammates want to experiment with a guy." The bartender sniped as Whitley groaned.
"I'm pretty sure they will prefer a strap-on," Whitley said. "Isn't it kind of hypocritical for them to use that if they supposedly like pussy?"
"It is hypocritical, most just don't want to admit it." The bartender said as Whitley asked for another drink.
"Whitley, stop being a lil' bitch." Bleiss said, slurring her words.
"I hate when you get like this. You act just like mom when she can't control herself." Whitley said, sipping his drink.
"I need to get like this to feel good…" Bleiss said with a wide grin.
"There are healthier ways to deal with your boredom than drinking yourself to a stupor," Whitley said finishing his drink. "Remember when Mom got on a bender a few years ago?"
He knew full well that their mother should have been arrested for breaking into Atlas Academy and leaving a giant steaming turd on Ironwood's desk. Winter being Ironwood's favorite was the only reason that was covered up.
"Yeah but makes you wonder how she was able to get there while drunk, stupid." Bleiss snorted at the memory.
"It doesn't matter. You need to stop or I'll make you." Whitley said sternly. "You know what mother will do if you if she finds out you got this vice you can't control."
"You going to cry to-"
Whitley grabbed her by her collar glaring at her with Bleiss glaring back at him.
"No, I'll tell after I-"
"Is something wrong?" Shae interrupted while Bleiss gained an evil grin.
"Yeah, he was asking if he could watch you and Ilia fu-"
Whitley had decked Bleiss in the jaw, sending her to the ground.
"I was trying to tell Bleiss not to get shitfaced. Seems I might have knocked out a tooth." Whitley said as Bleiss stumbled up. "I'm going to get some air."
Whitley got up and left the bar as Bleiss asked for another drink but the bartender told her that she had enough.
"You might be legal to drink now that you've become a hunter-trainee but I still have the right to not serve you if the situation calls. This is one of them, so why don't you go and walk your buzz off and do something productive," The bartender stated.
Bleiss growled in annoyance before stomping out with a huff, Ilia and Shae would soon follow after her to make sure she wouldn't do anything stupid.
-KHGM-
(Location: Mistral Kingdom, Mt. Refuge - Haven Academy, Hard Knock Forest)
(Date/Time: Thursday, Aug 28, 80 CE - 12:30 PM)
As the day goes on, we find Team CPSE hard at work repairing the section of the forest that was destroyed by Elanor's bomb. They have been up since 4 am replanting new sapling trees under the stern gaze of Jase. The man was also keeping an eye out in case there were any more straggler Grimm about.
After the last sapling was planted by Camilla, Jase told them they were done for now which makes the four collapse into a heap.
"Thank Oum, that was tiring," Juna groaned. "How much more do we have to do to pay off our debt?"
"Until Saturday evening and if you continue doing what you're doing now you will be done sooner," Jase answered, making the liger girl groan even more. "Now I have to go to a staff meeting and I'll be back later so we can get the replanting done. You girls already did a good job in getting almost half of it done so do what you were doing later and you'll be finished with this portion of your punishment."
"That's a relief," Elanor sighed.
"You four are relieved until I come and get you later so go do what you want until then…provided that it's legal and doesn't cause any property damage of some kind. Before I forget, Elanor, it's time for you to choose what prize you'd like to get," Jase said.
"Prize? For what?" The dino girl asks.
"Your 'little' bomb was able to take out a good chunk of initiates as well as any nearby Grimm still around which in turn gave you the highest point count of all the others put together. You also managed to secure yourself and your team in first place with Team KHGM being second," Jase explained, making team CPSE stare at him in disbelief.
"How many points did she rack up exactly?" Savannah asks.
Jase showed them the number on his scroll and poor Eleanor almost fainted at how ridiculously high the number was.
"Damn that's pretty cool," Juna awed.
"You mentioned that she would be receiving prizes, what are they exactly?" Camilla asked.
"She has three options, a book on advanced Aura techniques, a voucher for a free weapon at the Masterworks Forge, or a voucher to receive a Hunter Pet," Jase lists off.
The last option immediately got Eleanor's attention, she had always wanted a pet of her own and figured this would be the best time to get one. Plus with it being a Hunter Pet it could help with various tasks both in and out of combat.
"I'll take the Hunter Pet Voucher please," Elanor answers.
"Good choice, now show me your scroll," Jase remarked as Elanor did so as he tapped his scroll on hers, sending the vouchers to it. "There, it's sent and you'll find the shop in the Hero District. See you, girls, in a few hours."
With that, the group made the trek back to Haven before going their separate ways. The girls of CPSE decided to make their way back to their dorms to clean themselves up before going out.
-KHGM-
(Location: Mistral Kingdom, Comforton City - Hero District)
(Date/Time: Thursday, Aug 28, 80 CE - 1:00 PM)
We now find Elanor walking through the Hero District by herself towards the Hunter Pet Store address. Juna and Camilla had dragged Savannah to the Masterworks Forge to get the badger girl and actual range weapon. Elanor promised she'd meet them up again later for lunch.
"Ok, the address says it should be right here," Elanor mutters before looking up to find her destination, {Ruff It Up Junction}.
It was a rather large building with a simple modern design to it with the shop's name on the front with the symbols being the heads of a dog and cat with swords in the mouths. Upon entering she was with sounds and smells of various animals from cats, dogs, birds, snakes, and other animals in their cages or pens. She also noticed along the walls various pet items like food, collars, and such but on the opposite wall were special pet armor, weapons, and gear meant for a different variety of species.
As Elanor looked around the store in awe, she didn't notice the store door opening nor did she notice Konner and Megumi walk in with their pets until Konner spoke up.
"Hey, Elanor! What are you doing here?" The hybrid asks, making the young girl eep in surprise before composing herself to answer.
"Oh um…I received a voucher that would allow me to get a free pet and I'm trying to figure out which one would be good for me," Elanor explained. "What are you guys doing here, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Pet food for me," Megumi said.
"Some armor and maybe some weapons for my cat Jakker," Konner answered, gesturing to the swamp cat.
Jakker gave a meow in greeting before he started rubbing up against Elanor's legs and purring, making the dino-girl coo and scratch behind his ears.
"Ahem."
The three turned to see the shopkeeper, a rather cheerful-looking middle-aged woman with her pink hair styled in a short bob. The clothes she wore along with the expensive-looking jewelry were an indicator of her being from money. She wore a wedding band on her right hand.
"Welcome to {Ruff It Up Junction}, I am Kaneyo Azara." She said, being rather formal. "What can I help you, children, with?"
"Elanor was here first so you can help her first ma'am, we'll be fine for a while since we just need simple stuff," Konner says.
Seeing attention back on her, Elanor shyly shows off her pet voucher making Kaneyo's eyes light up in recognition.
"Ah yes you were the prize winner said to be stopping by. Well, follow me to the back young lady and I'll allow you to pick out some of our bigger pets. It would be a shame for you to take one of these little ones since you're already going to be a student soon," The woman says, gesturing for Elanor to follow her.
Elanor follows her to the back and upon entering it the young girl noticed that there was a variety of more significant and stronger-looking animals in various pens from grown dogs, to wolves, horses, raptor birds like hawks and falcons, and Elanor even saw a bear and a moose…that last one confused her a bit. Still, she ignored it due to being overwhelmed.
"Oh my…I don't know where to start."
Kaneyo urges her to walk around and mingle with the animals and if she needs help she was to ask the workers stationed back there to do various tasks. Elanor begins her walk around pens to look over the animals and saw some workers cleaning the pens, feeding the animals, or giving them medical checkups. Little did the dino-girl know that she was being tailed by a particular animal that Elanor had unknowingly caught the interest of.
"There are so many animals here I don't know who to pick," Elanor groans. "This is gonna be harder than I thought."
A sudden bark, which sounded like it came behind her, made the girl look around but then she just shrugged it off due to seeing multiple dogs barking all over. She begins to move on her way…until something nips her on the tail.
"Ow! What the?" Twirling around, Elanor looks down to come face to face with her assailant.
It turned out the tail nipper, to Elanor's surprise, was a Standard Poodle with soft cream-colored fur and red-brown eyes with an indigo-colored collar around its neck.
"Oh! Hello there," Elanor says, reaching her hand out slowly.
The dog sniffs her hand before yipping and then licking it affectionately making the dino-girl giggle.
"Well, you're a sweetheart. What's your name puppy?" Elanor asks.
The dog proudly shows its collar and Elanor saw its name tag, Aresia.
"Aresia huh? That's a pretty name." She smiled and started petting the poodle's fluffy fur.
The poodle puffed her chest out proudly at the praise making Elanor giggle a bit. Aresia then began to sniff out the dino-girl, tail wagging rapidly as if showing her interest in Elanor.
"Do you…wanna come with me?" Elanor asks.
Aresia barks once before nodding her head once in confirmation as Elanor took her back to the front where Kaneyo just finished cashing out Konner and Megumi's purchase.
"Hey Elanor, oh…I see you found your new friend," Konner says, noticing Aresia next to her.
"Ah, she's cute," Megumi cooed.
Spleet, Jakker, and Betty Swoops stepped up to greet the canine and the four seemed to get into a conversation with one another. Meanwhile, Elanor was filling out the necessary paperwork before handing it over to Kaneyo.
"There we go sweetie, you're now the proud owner of a Hunter Pet," The woman said before handing the dino-girl a rather large bag. "Here you go, this bag is a free starter kit we give to new Hunter Pet owners starting out for the first time to help them out. It has food, toys, books, and other nifty things to help you out. I should also mention that whenever you do need to do a checkup for Aresia you are to come here and not to a normal vet, they are trained to care for animals with active Aura like we are."
"Got it, thank you, ma'am. Konner, Megumi, I'll see you guys later," Elanor said before picking up the bag and walking out the door, Aresia trotting after her.
Konner and Megumi were quick to catch up to her and take the bus back to Haven together as that's where they were all going.
-KHGM-
(Location: Unknown - Date/Time: Unknown)
"My Lord, I bring news of the four targets you seek."
"Speak my dear."
"We have obtained the scheduling of when they will be transported as well as where they will be taken on the prison convoy. Please, see for yourself."
"Hmmm... they are going to Vacuo?"
"Yes, it is home to one of the two most secure prisons in the world. Forgive me my lord for I thought we would have had more time but it seems they want to get these four in maxim security as soon as possible."
"Considering who they are, I'm not surprised. But this means we'll have to move things along ahead of schedule. Tell your sisters to be at the ready, we leave two hours before the first rays of sunlight touch the night sky."
"Of course…my vita dantis."
TO BE CONTINUED…
Author's Note: Phew, finally got this done! I was originally gonna add more stuff to this chapter but I decided this was good enough as I wanna get this arc wrapped up. On that note, the next chapter will be the season finale of this arc so stay tuned for that!