Chapter 6: Teach Me How To Spoon
"So, let me recap. You woke up three days ago in the Emerald Forest, with no memory."
"Indeed, milady."
Ruby only blushed mildly at the method of addressing her. "Please, just call me Ruby."
Reshan looked at her with a shocked expression as the group approached the cafeteria. "Milady, you are my commanding officer! It would be a grave breach of protocol to-"
"Reshan, relax." Yang didn't seem to be all that affected by what Reshan had revealed. "We ain't the military over here. None of that 'protocol' nonsense." Weiss nodded absently from her Scroll.
The boy looked at the blonde with a confused look. "So you don't give priority to your commander? That doesn't seem very helpful for the chain of command."
Ruby let out an exasperated sigh. "Reshan, I'm the team leader, not some general! Just call me Ruby, okay!"
Reshan immediately clapped a fist to his breast, almost as if by instinct. "Yes, milady!"
Blake smiled inwardly at the scene. It seemed that Reshan had a long way to go before he would pass for normal.
"Anyways, Dr. Oobleck found you during initiation. He took you back to Beacon, where Professor Ozpin decided to take you in on the spot?" Weiss's tone was full of skepticism. To be fair to the heiress, it was a rather outlandish tale. Blake had her own suspicions, as well. Reshan seemed… a little weird. Okay, a lot weird.
Two things had caught her eyes, however. First had been him eyeing her bow when they first met. Had he figured out she was a Faunus? If he did, how'd he do it so quickly?
Second had been the scars on his arms. They were familiar to her- she'd seen many Faunus with the same marks. They were caused by torture implements the SDC used to extract information from members of the White Fang who'd been captured. Adam had raved against the practice, but that hadn't stopped him from trying to use similar techniques near the end of their time together.
Reshan nodded. "After the initiation with Miss Adel, I was assigned to your team for combat training." If he noticed Weiss's tone, he didn't show any sign of it. Either that, or he was intentionally trying to ignore it. "There isn't anything else I am aware of, I'm afraid."
Her thoughts turned to his past. Who was he? Did he have a family waiting for him, or was he an orphan? Where was he from? How had he gotten those marks? Who had tortured him?
The cafeteria was bustling, as usual. Blake saw team JNPR waving at them from their table. Yang mouthed to them 'save a spot for us', and they went to grab lunch.
When they got on line for food, Reshan leaned over to her. "Pardon me, but what is this 'grub' that Yang mentioned earlier? I would like to try some."
Blake sighed. How did he not know? "'Grub' is just a term for food in general." She leaned over to grab a tray.
"Ah." He fell silent, gazing at the roof with a sigh. Blake rolled her eyes, then decided to give him a hand. She nudged him, then pointed to a slice of pizza.
"I'd recommend grabbing some of that," she said. Reshan smiled in gratitude, then proceeded to do just that. After the team had gotten their food, they went to join team JNPR at their table. If she was being honest, it would be much better if they just ate in silence. Why couldn't she just enjoy her books in peace? Blake didn't want to hear again how Nora had ridden an Ursa.
Hopefully, Reshan would draw some attention away from her. Judging by the awkward glances from the team, she was correct. As the rest of her team started chatting with JNPR, Reshan moved to the end of the table, right where Nora was.
"Big shocker there," Blake thought. It had been entertaining for the first few seconds, but the ginger's tales quickly grew as boring as they were outlandish.
As they sat down, Nora let out a growl before planting her hands on the table. She lowered her voice to a menacing whisper.
"Now listen, you. I don't want any trouble, so you better be on your best behavior. If I catch you nibbling anyone, I'm gonna break your legs so fast that you'll be walking for days before you even notice!"
Reshan stared at her with a hanging jaw and an incredulous look. "I beg your pardon, ma'am?"
Ren, thankfully, intervened as the voice of reason. Sighing, he turned to the new arrival. "Nora is convinced that you're a Grimm in disguise." He turned back to his food, tuning out the rest of the world.
Reshan frowned, looking at Nora. "And you think this because…?"
"You eat your meat with your bare hands, like an animal." Blake growled inwardly at that. She had been the subject of a number of insults like that during her time with the White Fang. Before she could tell Nora off for that, Ren beat her to it.
"Nora, for the last time, he's not a Grimm. Now finish your vegetables, or there won't be pancakes in the morning." His voice was monotone, as usual. It was unnatural how steady Ren was. During the initiation, he had barely shown any emotion the entire time. Blake wasn't sure there was anything that could stir Ren out of his shell of calm.
"Thank you, sir. Might I ask your name? I am Reshan Oobleck." He held out a hand, face neutral, if a bit disconcerted.
Ren shook it slowly. "Lie Ren."
As they shook hands, Blake couldn't help but notice the similarities between the two teens. Both had shaggy black hair and similar facial features. If she had seen the two out on a walk, she could have mistaken them for brothers.
There were subtle differences between the two, however. Reshan was more stocky than Ren, and a little taller as well. His jaw was wider, as well as his nose. While Ren's hair was tied up in a ponytail, Reshan's was free to flow about him.
"Maybe they're related?" It was unlikely, but stranger things could happen on Remnant.
"A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Ren. How are you?" The dialogue between the two continued as their attention shifted to the meals before them.
"Please, just Ren. And I'm fine." Ren's facial expression didn't change, but he seemed to relax slightly. "Where are you from, Reshan?"
"I am from Mistral." Now that she knew it was a falsehood, she could easily tell how his tone shifted slightly when he lied. How had she not noticed before?
Reshan bit into the slice of pizza, and his eyes widened. "Blake, you weren't jesting! This is incredible," he exclaimed. Blake couldn't help but smile slightly at the almost childlike joy Reshan displayed. He seemed so innocent in the way he saw the world around him.
Blake had once had that purity. That was before she had joined the Fang. A long time ago….
She shook her head, dismissing the thought. Adam was far away. She was safe.
"Hmm." Ren turned back to his food. Nora simply stared at the newcomer, not letting up even as she gobbled up her salad.
"Well, Mr. Grimm, why don't you introduce yourself to the rest of the table?" Nora challenged. Reshan shrugged, then turned to the two remaining members of JNPR.
Jaune went first. "Hey, I'm Jaune Arc. Nice to meet you."
Reshan nodded, smiling politely. "A pleasure to meet you, Jaune. I am Reshan." He switched his gaze to Pyrrha. "Greetings. What is your name?"
Pyrrha smiled, giving a small wave. "I am Pyrrha Nikos. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"The pleasure is mine, Pyrrha. If I may, I observed a small amount of your spar with Jaune earlier. Your skill with the blade is phenomenal. I look forward to the time when we can cross blades." Pyrrha simply smiled in response, then turned back to her conversation with Weiss. Reshan proceeded to pick up his soup bowl… with his bare hands.
Blake quickly realized two things. First of all, Reshan hadn't taken any cutlery with him. It hadn't been an issue this morning, as he had immediately gravitated towards the fruit section.
The second thing she realized was that he was about to drink the soup. Seriously, did he not know anything?
In an attempt to prevent him from embarrassing himself, she reached over and hissed, "Reshan, did you forget your spoon?" Reshan paused midway, bowl tipped precariously towards his lips. He frowned, putting down the dish. He then leaned towards her, and whispered something in return.
"What is a spoon?"
Blake groaned inwardly. What had Ozpin been thinking, assigning Reshan to them? It felt as though fate was mocking her, giving her the role of teacher while still a student. She held up a spoon for him. Reshan hesitantly took it, before giving her a confused look.
"He… he doesn't know how to use a spoon, does he. Crap. Is there anything he does know?"
Blake sighed. "I'll explain it to you later." "When you won't be making a fool of yourself in public," she added inwardly.
Reshan nodded gratefully to her, before whispering, "I look forward to your lesson on how to spoon, Blake."
A blush rose through her cheeks. "I wouldn't use that… particular… expression, Reshan."
"Aww, why not?" Yang chose this inopportune time to butt in. She leaned on her elbow, grinning. "It's okay if you guys want some private time later. Just make sure to give me all the juicy details." Blake slapped her forehead. Why was her partner like this? Why had she been cursed with the most gregarious, outgoing partner possible?
Reshan sighed. "Yang, it's not what you think it is. Blake just wants to show me something."
"Ooh, already giving away the goods? I didn't think you would go so fast, Blakey. You just met the guy!"
Reshan's cheeks darkened. "Yang, there's a time and place for everything. This isn't one of them!"
Blake couldn't agree more. Judging by the noises of assent from the group ( minus Nora, who's Cheshire grin only grew), they agreed. Unfortunately, Reshan continued, trying to embellish. Too bad he was such a crappy liar. "And in any case, Blake was… um… merely telling me how thirsty she was."
The table immediately switched their incredulous gazes to her. While Blake stammered, Yang simply wiggled her eyebrows.
After a flustered Blake had denied it completely, the group had collectively agreed to never let Reshan and Blake forget about it. History with Oobleck had been rather boring. He had prattled on about the Great War, but it had been nothing new. Some people had been utterly lost, like Reshan and Jaune. Yang, being Yang, nearly fell asleep. Nora actually had fallen asleep, much to the dismay of her team (and the disappointment of the teacher).
To her credit, Ruby had done her best, even when it was clear that she was bored out of her skull. Weiss had seen her taking notes hurriedly, rose petals blurring into existence as the pen dashed across paper. She had hidden a smile as the scarlet speedster frowned, her pen poking through both sides of her notebook due to the force exerted. After the class, Dr. Oobleck called Reshan over. With an eager grin, he bowed to the team leader. "Apologies, milady. I must take my leave of you."
Ignoring the muffled laughter coming from the other students, Ruby nodded. "Well, it was nice getting to know you, Reshan. See you tomorrow!" The team marched out of the classroom towards dinner, leaving their addition with Professor Oobleck for his remedial session.
Weiss hid a yawn as they exited the building. While she had quite the tolerance for boredom, thanks to the meetings her father had forced her to attend, there was only so much she could take. Unfortunately, the tedium wasn't over quite yet- after dinner, she had to complete the essay Professor Oobleck had assigned.
Ruby and Yang were whispering about something together in front, leaving Weiss and Blake in the back. The monochrome duo walked in awkward silence. They hadn't really spoken to each other all that much, and the unfamiliarity was evident in the stiffness in which the two carried themselves. Weiss decided to try and break the ice.
"So, what did you think of the lecture?"
"It was good." Blake's hand started to inch towards her backpack, where Weiss knew she kept a book at all times.
"Oh, no you don't!" Blake wouldn't be withdrawing into her shell this time, if the heiress could help it. Before her teammate could reach the book, Weiss decided to try another conversation piece.
"What are your thoughts on Reshan?" The question made Blake pause. Eventually, she let her hand hang from her side.
"He's… not what I was expecting."
"How so?"
"Reshan seems rather inconsistent." The statement made Weiss raise an eyebrow. What did she mean by that?
In response to the questioning look, Blake continued. "At first, he was incredibly polite." Weiss nodded. Despite his odd behaviour with Ruby, that was an accurate assessment. "You saw what he did on the sparring grounds, right?"
How could Weiss not have noticed? The whole class had heard Reshan screaming bloody murder at Yang. The three had rushed towards the commotion, only to arrive after their new teammate had calmed down. Yang had motioned for them to make some space, and they'd watched as the scarred teen proceeded to wipe the floor with the powerhouse of team RWBY.
"He completely lost his temper." Blake nodded.
"Right. After Professor Goodwitch calmed him down, he went another round with Yang. This time, he stayed calm, analytical. He used a technique most Huntsmen go their entire lives without ever learning, let alone using."
Weiss paused at that. "Wouldn't that put him above our skill level?" Why had he been assigned to them, in that case? He belonged with the upperclassmen, at the very least.
Blake nodded. "In any case, he loses his cool one moment, then he seems rock steady the next. His style of fighting was completely different during the two rounds." Weiss frowned. They had reviewed the fights during their walk back, and had been shocked to see that Blake had been on the money. Reshan had Aura Cloned during his fight with Yang, much to the surprise of the team. When Ruby had asked, Reshan had merely shrugged with a distant look in his eyes, and said, "I don't know, milady." The look on his face had been so sad that they hadn't wanted to pry.
"Do we even know why he went berserk?" Weiss asked. Blake shrugged. Yang and Reshan had been notoriously tight-lipped about what had set him off. It infuriated Weiss to no end. How were they supposed to work as a team if they didn't trust each other?
"Maybe it has something to do with Professor Goodwitch pulling Yang aside," Weiss posited. "For one, Reshan wasn't mad in general. He was angry with Yang, specifically. Secondly, Reshan seemed more sad than mad after he calmed down."
And he had every right to be sad. What would it be like for Weiss to wake up with no memory, surrounded by things she didn't understand? She would have been morose as well.
"Then why is he constantly smiling?" Blake asked. Weiss simply shook her head.
"I suppose we can ask him tomorrow," she concluded. Blake nodded, then went to her book. Weiss couldn't resist the urge to have the last word.
"Or you could ask him when he's sating your thirst…."
Blake's ears went bright red. The book's cover crumpled in her grip.
"Sire, why did the Great War take place?"
The two were sitting in the faculty section of the mess hall. Professor Port sat at the table as well, explaining to no one in particular how he had managed to take on a King Taijutsu with nothing but a rotten potato. Professor Goodwitch sat with Professor Ozpin, laughing over a meal of chicken soup and salad. Reshan was practically buzzing with questions. What was this 'Great War' that the doctor had mentioned in class? Whatever it was, it seemed to be a big deal. Reshan had held his questions to himself during the class, for fear of making a fool of himself.
His ears burned at the memory of lunch. He had somehow managed to not only embarrass himself, but also imply that he and Blake were in a relationship. After Blake's explanation, he practically fell over himself apologizing for the unintentional innuendo. Yang had been howling with laughter, while Weiss's face had reddened almost to the degree of Ruby's cape. In fact, almost everyone had blushed to some degree. Only Ren had seemed to maintain his composure, stating that it was a misunderstanding and nothing more. Praise Oum for someone with a sense of decency!
"The Great War took place due to a difference in ideology," Dr. Oobleck said. He was currently munching away on a large swordfish. "The two sides had radically different ideas on self-expression. Atlas, which was then called Mantle, and Mistral were on one side, with Vale and Vacuo on the other. The first side believed that self-expression should be limited so that they could better serve the public. The idea of the many before the few."
He slurped from his ever- present thermos before continuing. "The second side believed that their citizens should be free to express themselves however they please, so that their lives might be lived in happiness."
"The second side won the war, which lasted for well over ten years. After an assault by the Harbinger, the Many, which the alliance of Mantle and Mistral was called, could not continue. Their command structure had been crippled by the attack, and as such surrendered to the Self, the other alliance."
"What is the Harbinger?" Some kind of technology?
Professor Port butted in. "The Harbinger is a Class 10 Grimm, capable of decimating entire villages all by itself." Dr. Oobleck made a noise of agreement.
"Sightings of this Grimm have vanished over the past decade or so. Current theories are that either it has finally been killed, or it has gone to ground somewhere."
Professor Port sighed, a sad look in his eyes. "It has taken the lives of millions over the centuries, including many that are dear to me. I say good riddance!" Reshan nodded solemnly, then pressed on with his other question.
"What was so bad about the Many's philosophy that war broke out between the two sides?"
Dr. Oobleck smiled at the question.
"The Many took the idea to an extreme. Freedom of speech was curtailed, as well as any form of art. Music was eliminated as well. The people were so miserable under their rule that the Self felt that they had to go to war, or risk a massive surge in Grimm numbers that they couldn't handle." Reshan opened his mouth, but his guardian pressed on.
"It may interest you to know that your namesake's book is what inspired the ideology behind the Many. While he certainly didn't express such extremes, he wrote of the few sacrificing anything necessary for the sake of the kingdom. In later times, people started to interpret this as living frugally while in the employ of the government. Ultimately, it evolved into the idea of removing all excesses, leading to the Many."
Reshan paused. "Are there any who still follow the practices of the Many?"
The doctor nodded. "Notably, Atlas still has a small sect who follow this. Other than that, not really. Causing a world war has made it rather unpopular." Professor Port grunted in assent.
"Do you think Reshan would have supported the Many?"
"Child, there is not a chance that He Who Remembers would have followed their practices. Why, he was a hero! Reshan would have charged right into battle, a mighty blade in hand, to combat those ne'er-do-wells." At the moustached professor's statement, Dr. Oobleck shook his head wryly.
"I think he would have supported it, though not so much as to spark a global conflict. He was a knight, willing to lay down his life for the people. That is the soul of the Many's philosophy."
Reshan cocked his head. Just who was his namesake exactly? "Sire, could you please tell me more about Reshan?"
"Certainly." After pausing for a moment, Dr. Oobleck cleared his throat. "Reshan Brawnwen lived approximately 500 years ago. Born on a farm in modern-day Anima, he was discovered after a Grimm attack that left only him and his brother alive by Darius the Content, leader of the Brawnwen clan. He adopted the two as his own, and trained them. It was discovered that Reshan was a natural at combat, and by a young age he was one of the best in the clan." The professor paused to drink, and Professor Port stepped in.
"After he was trained, Reshan was sent to Altus to be instructed as a tactician by Darius's brother in arms, King Samuel the Last. He excelled in this as well. Samuel was impressed by this, and he was knighted. Apparently his character impressed the king, as a year later he wedded his daughter, Valorie."
"The next few years have been described as the Golden Age of Altus. With both King Samuel and Reshan standing ready to defend, the kingdom entered an age of peace. The couple was blessed with a child, and Reshan wrote his magnum opus."
The portly professor's voice took a dark turn. "Unfortunately, it was not to last. Reshan died, along with his wife and child, when his home burned down around him."
"Afterwards, the kingdom entered a period of decline. King Samuel was devastated by the loss, and he passed away three years after the death. He was succeeded by his last remaining daughter, Friga. The kingdom eventually dwindled away, lost to history…"
Reshan paused with his bread halfway to his mouth. The first kingdom that had come to mind when he woke had been Altus. Was there some sort of connection there?
"Young man, I would recommend you not leave your mouth open with food," Professor Goodwitch cautioned.
It appeared that the Headmaster and his assistant had finished their meal. The two had strolled over to their table, the headmaster watching silently with an unreadable expression. Reshan glared at the blond teacher, recalling the shame he had experienced earlier that day.
"Why did you give Yang that information?" The professors sitting with him looked at each other, confusion on their faces. Professor Goodwitch's stern visage did not change.
"She needed to be able to trigger your Semblance." Dr. Oobleck's confusion evaporated, clarity washing over his face.
"You used the Drelnoch Method," he breathed. "GlyndaIbelieveitmaybebestformetoclarifytoReshanwhatwasdone." She simply nodded, then strode out of the mess hall, Professor Ozpin in tow. Reshan did not stop glaring until their backs were no longer in sight. When they left, Dr. Oobleck sighed.
"Young man, first of all I wish to apologize. What Professor Goodwitch did, while effective, is a particularly aggressive method." Reshan nodded, confused.
"You know what she did?" The professor shook his head.
"No, but the general idea of angering someone to trigger a Semblance is well known among the Huntsman community. It is known as the Drelnoch Method. It works, but it is akin to using a hammer to open a wooden cabinet. Effective, but messy." He put a hand on Reshan's shoulder. "Did it work?"
"No, sire. Though not for a lack of trying." Dr. Oobleck shook his head.
"I wish you luck, Reshan. If you should manage to activate it again, please let us know."
Professor Port simply waved his hand in the air. "Child, do not be dismayed. Semblances like these can be notoriously difficult to master. Why, my great-aunt Patricia had a Semblance like yours! One day, she…."
Reshan smiled at the portly professor's attempt to lift his mood. The care he was displaying now was likely the reason he was an instructor here. Despite his rambling stories, at the end of the day Professor Port had a keen insight into the minds of those around him. The banter he and Dr. Oobleck had gotten into before sitting down to eat was a prime example of this.
"Now then, let us move on to today's topic. An essential one, and if I am not mistaken, you have never heard of it." The green-haired Professor set down his thermos, then proceeded to sniff the air experimentally. Whatever odor he detected seemed to confirm his suspicions, if his quick nod was anything to go by.
"It is essential for your time here at Beacon to understand this, so listen closely." The professor leaned forward.
"Reshan, do you know what hygiene is?"
The teen scratched his head. "Erm… no, sire. What is it? Is it some form of combat technique?"
Dr. Oobleck sighed. "This is going to be a long night…."
Ruby sighed as she looked over her homework for the last time. It seemed like she'd gotten all the questions right, but it wouldn't hurt for her to make sure.
"Aha!" She'd been right to check over her work. In her rush to finish before bed, Ruby had said the Many was an alliance between Atlas and Mistral, when Mantle and Mistral was the correct answer. Success!
Weiss was in bed, after a long talk from Ruby to reassure her that the bunk bed wouldn't kill her in her sleep. Honestly, why did she worry so much? She had no faith in her team leader. Not a bit!
Blake had gone to the library for a little peace and quiet while reading her book. When Ruby had asked to read it after she finished, the black-haired Huntress mumbled something about not wanting Yang writing her tombstone before dashing off. What was in there, and why would Yang be writing a tombstone? Blake was perfectly healthy!
"Hey, sis." Ruby looked up from the desk to see Yang grinning behind her, Scroll in hand. In the light of the moon, her hair took on an otherworldly gleam. "Any idea why Dad is swinging by?"
It had puzzled the pair deeply. After class, they'd checked their phone to find a message from their father. He'd said that he'd be dropping by on Sunday, without any clarification. They had been scratching their heads about it all evening, with no success.
"Maybe he just wants to drop off Zwei?" Ruby got up, yawning. It had been a long night, but she was finally finished with her work.
"Nah. If he wanted to do that, he'd just send him in the mail." Yang turned her Scroll to show the message from Dad.
"I guess," Ruby said. "Ooh, maybe he found some cool gadget for my sweetheart!" Yang chuckled.
"Ruby, you upgraded her just before we got here. Don't tell me you want another one already!" Yang put her Scroll on the desk, looking over Ruby's shoulder at her homework. "Pretty good, Rubes. Keep it up, and I'll get you some cookies before Dad gets here."
"Thanks, sis!" Ruby was incredibly lucky to have a sister like Yang. She'd been there for her every step of the way. Her first Grimm, that time when she'd gotten sick from eating too many cookies, when she'd gotten into Signal….
Yang had been there for all of it. She'd been the one to pack her lunches, kick butt whenever someone picked on her for being a Faunus,and had calmed her down when her pet rabbit Whiskers had died.
She'd effectively raised her when Mom hadn't returned from her mission. Dad had shut down, leaving Yang to pick up the pieces. He'd gotten better after a few years, but it had been touch and go for a while.
"Yang?"
"Yeah?"
"Why is Dad coming?"
Yang sighed, crossing her arms as she leaned against the wall. "I dunno, Ruby. It's really weird for Dad to be coming up like this. I called him, but he didn't pick up."
"Maybe he's on a mission," Ruby reasoned. He'd started taking missions over the past few years. Now that both of his daughters were out of the house, he needed some way to keep himself occupied.
"Maybe, but how'd he get here in time? Unless it's a mission in Patch, he'd never be able to get here in time. And if it's back on Patch, he'd pick up or call back." Yang stretched, letting out a yawn of her own. "I dunno, sis. I guess we'll find out when he gets here. Who knows? Maybe he just wants to make sure we're okay."
Ruby sniggered at that. "Like we'd have any problems." Striking a pose, Ruby declared, "We're the best Huntresses in Beacon!" Yang smiled, then ruffled her younger sister's hair. Ruby groaned.
"Yang, I thought I asked you not to do that!" While she did enjoy it, it was also embarrassing! What if someone walked in to see Ruby practically being petted? She'd get picked on for sure! Ruby tried to evade, but Yang knew her inside and out. She had no trouble keeping her hand scratching just behind Ruby's wolf ear, just where she liked it. Despite her best efforts, a pleased whine built in the back of Ruby's throat.
"Looks like someone has a problem right now," Yang crowed. Ruby ducked away from her, pouting.
The golden Huntress stretched, giving a soft laugh.
"Would you two quit whatever it is you're doing? Some of us are trying to sleep!" Weiss glared at the sisters, trying to determine who was responsible for the childish antics.
"Sorry, Weiss," Ruby apologized. "We'll try to keep it down." The heiress grumbled, then disentangled herself from her bedding.
"What is it that's keeping you two up, anyways," Weiss asked. The two sisters looked at each other, then nodded.
"Our father is coming to visit us this weekend, but he isn't saying why," Ruby admitted. Weiss frowned, crossing her arms.
"That is rather odd, I'll admit," Weiss pondered. "I don't know. Is he protective?"
"Kinda, but not like this," Yang said. "I mean, he'd happily scare off anyone trying to hit on us, but he wouldn't take a Bullhead to do that…."
Weiss shrugged. "Maybe he'll tell you tomorrow. I'm going to bed." Glaring at the two, she added, "Please try to be quiet this time."
"Goodnight, Weiss," Ruby said. Yawning, she decided that it would be best for her to do the same. Climbing up her (totally safe!) bunk bed, she tucked herself in.
"I hope everything's okay." It was probably fine. Uncle Qrow had probably 'borrowed' Tai's phone to prank them. It wouldn't be the first time, and it surely wouldn't be the last.
With that thought firmly in Ruby's mind, she drifted off to sleep.
Ears burning with embarrassment, Reshan wished Dr. Oobleck a good night. After his guardian left, he softly closed the door before putting a hand to his forehead.
"Let's hope we never have to do something like this again," he thought. Turns out hygiene wasn't some form of combat technique.
It was far more difficult. And cold.
During their three hour session, Dr. Oobleck had explained to Reshan how to brush his teeth, floss, use mouthwash and myriad other tools with which he could groom himself. Worst of all….
He'd been taught how to shower. And had been told to do it daily. The indulgence of these people! They had so much water that they could afford to dump it all over themselves every day. Reshan shook his head at the thought. It appeared that technology had progressed the standard of living far beyond what he believed possible, or practical.
Thankfully, Dr. Oobleck had taught him other things, as well. They had discussed the political system in place, which had devolved into a philosophical debate on which mode of government was the best one possible.
The doctor had explained the idea of a democracy to Reshan. Apparently, the people of today did not believe that one man (or woman) was responsible enough for a kingdom. Instead, a council of individuals elected by the people ruled. In addition, there were numerous committees responsible for the various institutions that society required to function.
At first, Reshan hadn't believed him. A stable line of ascension conveyed a sense of security. Constantly changing opinions caused by rotating members of the council would only cause confusion. And in any case, how could the nations of today be called Kingdoms if they were not governed by a monarchy?
It was then that the scarred teen learned how the modern day system had come to be. Apparently, they had been ruled by a monarchy once upon a time. After the Great War, it had been decided by the people that the monarchy would cease in favor of a council elected by the populace. Reshan had frowned upon hearing this. What had happened to the divine monarchy? Where was the Brother's Creed that a king must rule, or chaos would ensue?
Dr. Oobleck had almost laughed when he heard Reshan voice his thoughts. He had quickly caught himself, stating that the Brother's Creed had been considered defunct for almost three centuries. The divine mandate, apparently, was a hoax propagated by the rulers of an earlier era in order to quell dissent.
Reshan had tried to argue, but the professor had come prepared. With his Scroll, he showed the teen pictures of documents from a long-forgotten age in which the kings laid out the idea.
It had sent a mild shock through his system to discover this. How could this be? If it were true, maybe then it was right that the monarchy had fallen.
Despite this, Reshan still tried to argue the case for why a monarchy would be the ideal government. He had said to the professor that while a democracy might do what the people want, that might not necessarily be what the people need. Only someone beyond the whims of the commoners could do something like that.
The professor, surprisingly, nodded at this. He'd then said that while that might be the case, history was replete with cases where kings and queens had abused their power, to the detriment of their kingdoms. For this reason, he said, democracy was the superior method.
All of this took place while Reshan was shivering in his towel, as a consequence of learning how to shower.
As the night dragged on, he and the doctor had traded back and forth in their debate. In the end, they arrived at a stalemate. Reshan conceded that democracy was better on average- if there was an obviously corrupt officer, he could be deposed by the people simply by electing another. However, he still maintained that a good king was better than a good democracy, on the grounds that he could operate without needing any checks and balances, thus allowing him to act without limitation.
Dr. Oobleck had argued that while a good king might be superior, a democracy was more of a moderate approach, while a monarchy was a situation of extremes. A good king could lead his people to a golden age, but a bad king could destroy his kingdom. A good democracy might not rise to be a world power, but the worst democracy wouldn't topple on the whim of one person.
They had concluded that the subject required further investigation. Dr. Oobleck had wished him a goodnight, reminding him about the homework assigned. Reshan had nodded wearily, responding in kind.
After getting dressed (thank the Brothers for pajamas), Reshan sat down at his desk, sighing. The work, while not long, would be difficult.
Unlike the rest of the cadets at Beacon, he wouldn't have the advantage of knowing the minutiae of the Great War. He would have to make up for it with a great deal more work. Pulling out the textbook he'd been given along with his room, he started to work.
Reshan worked deep into the night, learning the modern history of Remnant. With his textbook to keep him company, he reached far into the vision of the past that was A Modern History of Remnant.
As he worked alone at his desk, he failed to notice his eyes. They weren't his customary brown.
For that matter, they weren't red, either….
A/N: Ah, foreshadowing!
Hope you're all doing well. Sorry about the late chapter- next chapter will be released this Sunday.
Please read & review!
Next Chapter: March 6
