Lots of talking and small jumps this chapter, but they are important enough to highlight in any case. It was a fun chapter to put together, but I think next chapter will be more enjoyable to get together.

I hope you enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 25: Vytal Rumblings

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.(Chapter start)

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August 20th

Tuesday

Clear

"You're sure about this?" Summer asked.

Azura was looking out the window of the library, alone. "Yeah, I'm sure. I've been sure for a few days, but I've been taking my time to think it over."

Luna was off in the distance, floating aimlessly. Every so often, however, he could feel her gaze stray over to him.

Summer sighs. "I know you have been, I just worry for you. And I appreciate that you've been sitting on it seriously."

Azura tapped his fingers along the table, watching students walk by for a few moments. "I am taking it seriously, yeah. I'll kind of be leading a double life, in a way. You know, I thought you would be more resistant to me doing it. I thought you would try and sway me away from that kind of decision."

"If I was younger, I would have. As much as I was seen as a completely innocent Huntress, I was not the kindest to those who committed crimes. I saw everything as black and white, with no inbetween at all. Which might seem weird, since I was so willing to help Qrow and...Raven...when we were on a team. But, I don't know…" Summer trails off, lost in thought.

"Summer?" Azura asked.

"Oh, right." Summer said, coming back from her thoughts. "But yeah, I would personally drag you away from this decision if I was younger. I would believe you were being dragged into something unwillingly."

"What changed that, then?"

It took a moment before Summer responded. "Death." Azura couldn't see Summer physically, but he felt the dark and melancholic feelings within her. "Things tend to seem different given time away from living."

"So you think I'm...right to choose this?" Azura asked, trying to get Summer to not linger on those thoughts.

"It's not about if I think you are right or wrong, Azura. Even if I wasn't tied to you, I would follow you out there. As much as I would like to keep my eyes on Ruby, I wouldn't be able to do anything. Your semblance...you as a person, Azura. It gives me a purpose again. You've given me a chance where I thought I would never have one again."

Azura was touched by the words. "Summer...I can't even really say anything in response to that."

Summer responded quietly, her voice seeming to hold several emotions. "I know, Azura." More lightheartedly, she chuckled. "We are bonded all the way down to the soul, you know."

Azura smiled. "Right. I forget about that sometimes."

"Of course you do, Azura. You're a bit dumb like that."

"Hey!"

Summer was about to respond when they felt someone come up to them and sit opposite of them. Azura looked up, seeing Blake. She had a black book in front of her, closed, and her amber eyes were dull. She had bags under her eyes, and she seemed tired.

"You feeling good there, Blake?" Azura asked.

"Never better." Blake responded blandly.

Azura frowned, moving on with the conversation. "What are you doing right now?"

"Searching. Investigating Torchwick further." She responded again, equally as blandly.

Azura nodded slowly. "Anything specifically? Or are you going for a more 'in-general' investigation into him?"

"I'm taking what Weiss found and combined that with his history in the dust robberies. Trying to find a starting point to all of this before anything." Blake said, a bit of energy in her while talking about the topic.

"She's...a little intent on doing this, isn't she? She's clearly skipping out on sleep, if those bags under her eyes mean anything." Summer commented.

Azura nods again. "What brought this on, anyway?"

"A lack of action. I don't see anyone else using the info right now." Blake said, a hint of annoyance in her voice. "At least you're out there, doing something."

"Not for investigating, but let's just brush that off for now." Summer said.

"I suppose. But must you be so…" Azura said, trying to find the words.

"What?" Blake asked, narrowing her eyes.

Azura sighs, just saying it. "You seem annoyed by your team. For nothing that bad, from what I see. You and Weiss haven't been fighting, and I mean, you get along with Ruby and Yang well enough."

Blake rolled her eyes. "And? Being on good terms doesn't excuse how they aren't even doing anything to keep this investigation going."

Azura tilted his head. "Blake, we're all busy, even you. Even if we don't have classes until later this month, we're all training and doing work over the break. Lots of stuff going on, even without an investigation."

Blake bit her lip in annoyance. "Being busy doesn't mean free time can't exist. There's this thing called less sleep. More time to do things."

A frown makes way onto Azura's face. "Blake, you shouldn't do that. It's important that we get sleep. We're becoming Huntsmen...and training with less sleep in a day could be dangerous if it continues."

Blake sighs. "They won't stop just because we sleep. We need all the time we can get to make sure we can stop them. We have to sacrifice things to get what we want, Azura."

He shakes his head in response. "Blake, come on. You can't be doing this to yourself. Your health is more important than some investigation."

"Some?! This is life or death!" Blake hissed, getting up. "I thought you would understand that."

She picks the book back up, stalking off. Azura watches her go, wondering what he had said wrong.

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.(Line Break)

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August 23rd

Friday

Cloudy

Azura sighed as he made his way to Beacon tower, where Ozpin's office was placed. Something about the day had felt off to him, and he supposed this is what it was.

"No need to be so paranoid about it, Azura. I may agree that he is doing some underhanded things, but he's been strictly professional in regards to you." Summer said.

"I know. But what Weiss said to me is making me think. I mean, I know it's sort of because of you and my semblance, but she was right. It's odd for the headmaster to purely single me out so often, isn't it?" He replied.

"From her point of view, it would be, yes. It just means that he's interested in you, and that's what we should focus on."

Azura nodded. "Yeah, I guess that makes sense. Still, it's something to think about. What do you think he even wants me there for?"

They entered the tower as Summe responded. "I don't know. We'll find out soon enough, either way."

"True."

They approached the elevator, and met no resistance, so he was clearly expected. He entered the elevator, and leaned against the wall. For once, there was no music playing in it. It made him grateful, for some reason.

He wasn't sure why, but he was starting to enjoy silence more than he did as a kid. Even more so than when he first joined Beacon. It reminded him of a simpler time, back at home.

A ding was heard, disturbing the silence, and Ozpin's office was opened up to Azura. He stepped inside, taking notice of Jaune and Pyra also being in it.

"Hey." Jaune said simply, waving his hand lazily at Azura.

Pyra smiled at Azura, with the boy himself walking forward as Ozpin nodded his way.

"Hello, you two." He nodded to Ozpin in return. "Headmaster."

Ozpin smiled as he sat behind his desk. "Still using such rigid names. But that is not what I called you three here for."

Azura made to stand between Jaune and Pyra. He looked at the two of them, before asking Ozpin what was on his mind.

"Why were we called here?"

Ozpin drank from his coffee mug, then spoke. "This is in regards to the Vytal festival, but more about the Vytal tournament that will occur soon after the festival begins." He waved a hand over at Jaune. "Your leader has already been briefed by me, but he asked for you two to be here shortly after getting the information. I apologize if my request for you to come was bad timing."

"Not at all, Headmaster. I was not doing much beyond reading." Pyra responded.

Azura nods. "I was simply on my way to talk to Ren. It wasn't major or anything."

"Good to hear, then. I shall explain what you two are here for." He coughed, clearing his throat. "As per the tournament rules, you are allowed to be tested for placement on the tournament, allowing your team to participate. However, considering how the rules function, I regret to tell you that neither Pyra or you, Azura, will be able to take part."

Pyra blinked, tilting her head. "Is it because we are not officially recognized as members of team Juniper?"

"That is correct, Miss Sol. Think of it like when I told you and your partner that you can be a part of the team, but that you could not always participate in team fights and other such activities." Ozpin sipped at the mug, pausing. "We may be hosting the Vytal tournament this year, but we must follow the rules of Vytal."

Azura looked over at Luna, who shrugged. As he looked at Ozpin again, Summer spoke.

"He's telling you that his hands are tied. Vytal is a specific event to celebrate the unity of the kingdoms of Remnant, and the rules made back then were agreed to by all kingdoms."

Azura nodded to Ozpin. "That makes sense, sir. I don't mind it too much."

Pyra smiled. "Neither do I."

Ozpin nods at Pyra. "That is good." He then shifts his eyes back to them as a whole. "Miss Sol and MIster Arc are free to live, assuming that they have no other questions."

Azura could feel both Jaune's and Pyra's blue eyes on him, though he remained silent. Jaune nodded, moving towards the elevator doors.

"You ready to go, Pyra? We can wait for Azura at the base of the tower, if you want."

Pyra nodded slowly, leaving a lingering hand on Azura's arm. She seemed like she wanted to say something, but quickly joined Jaune to the elevator. Once they left, Ozpin spoke up, breaking the silence.

"How are you feeling, Azura? I know it might not seem this way, but a lot has happened to you in just a few short months."

Azura shrugged. "I'll admit, it never crossed my mind. I've kind of just been going day by day." He looked over to Luna again for a moment, then spoke again. "If you don't mind me asking, why do you ask?"

Ozpin gave a small smile. "Nothing major. I was simply wondering how things have been going with you. Do you feel any different...since the incident at the docks?"

Azura wasn't sure what Ozpin was doing, but it felt like two things at once. He was probing Azura for one reason or another, and was probably going to tell him something.

"Not as far as I know. I mean, it can feel different to, you know, have a woman in my head and soul, but me and Summer have adjusted."

Ozpin nodded. "I see. That is good to hear, then."

Azura frowned slightly. "Not to be nosy, but you seem...to want to tell me something, Headmaster."

Ozpin didn't answer for a few moments, but then he gave a small sigh. "It is nothing, Mister Heart. You are free to leave."

Azura nodded, quickly moving to take his leave, but just as the elevator doors open, Ozpin speaks again.

"I will call you here if I find anything in regards to what I am helping you with, Mister Heart. For now, enjoy your time before school starts back up."

Azura nods at the man's gaze, then steps into the elevator, letting the doors close behind him.

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.(Line Break)

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August 26th

Monday

Cloudy

"New students are coming in later today. Exciting, is it not?"

Pyrrha had been the one to pop the question to everyone else. They were seated all around a small table in the JNPR dorm, talking to one another. Nora and Ren next to each other on one side, Jaune and Pyrrha next to each other, with Azura and Pyra on their own side. Nora was practically on top of Ren, right next to his side, while Pyrrha was awkwardly next to Jaune, too close for her to not have a hint of red on her face.

Azura glanced down, a sleeping Pyra slumped against his side. The girl had come back later than usual, so he supposed he couldn't blame her for falling asleep.

Azura smiled as Jaune responded first, looking back up at him.

"I'm kind of wondering what students will come from where."

Ren nodded. "The cultural differences will be unique. We should not waste this chance to get to know and connect with other people from the academies."

Nora giggled. "Come on, silly. You don't need to say 'let's make friends' so dramatically!"

Azura chuckled with everyone, and Jaune responded to Ren.

"You have a point, though. I think it would be fun to see what academy students from other kingdoms think of Beacon and stuff."

"The Vytal festival was made for that sort of interactions. It is quite fascinating to see how wonderful it has been for Remnant." Pyrrha stated, her green eyes bright and her smile large.

Sometimes, Azura loved being the one to not talk much. It gave him time to watch these moments and fully take them in. Clearly, Pyrrha disagreed.

"What about you, Azura? I know of how you were raised away from the kingdoms and a good amount of technology, so this must be very exciting for you."

Azura smiled. "Yeah, it's exciting. Not quite sure what to think about it either, yet. I've decided to just play the game of wait and see."

Jaune laughed lightly. "Not a bad idea. I'm kind of doing the same thing."

"You two are so boring!" Nora said, dragging out the final word. "Why wait and see when you can just be thrown into the fray?"

"Not everyone has your enthusiasm for throwing your body at people, Nora." Ren said simply.

Nora fell back, sighing. "You're all boring…" She whined.

Pyrrha smiled. "Oh, Nora. If only we all had your energy."

Jaune mocked horror. "Not another Nora!"

Nora sat up again, sticking her tongue out at Jaune. "You love me, don't deny it! I'm not queen of the castle for no reason."

Jaune rolled his eyes, leaning back on his arms.

"Yes, Nora. It's done out of love. We don't keep eating pancakes for no reason, you know." Azura said simply, chuckling.

"Azura means that we're running out of pancake batter, so he's trying to be nice." Ren said. "Speaking of...I should get more soon."

Pyrrha nodded. "True. But you should do that soon, aren't classes starting up again soon?"

Jaune almost fell back. "Wait, what?!"

Pyrrha gave Jaune a look that showed endearment and a soft pity. "Oh, Jaune…"

"Don't give me your 'oh, Jaune'!" Jaune whined. "I forgot that classes were starting up again soon!"

Pyra shifted from the noise, and Azura adjusted his arm. "When do they start again, Pyrrha?"

"I believe it is on the first of September. Giving the students from other academies some time to adjust to Beacon before starting again. Though, the Vytal placement tests are coming up tomorrow. And just after that is the dance, I think."

Azura nodded, ignoring the idea of a dance for now. "You're right. What are you guys thinking on doing? There's a few placements, right?"

Pyrrha looked at Jaune, Ren, and Nora for a moment before responding. "Well, we know that we are going to sign up to go as a team. The only placements right now are the team ones, but I think the singles placements is also up for grabs."

"That's cool. You going to steal another tournament victory, Pyrrha?" Azura joked.

Jaune laughed. "If she does, it'll hopefully be us as a team."

Pyrrha smirked, elbowing Jaune. "That means even more training."

Jaune finally fell back. "Have mercy on me…"

Azura smiled at the interactions, though it was quickly turned back on him when Pyrrha turned to him.

"I am glad to know that you and Pyra took the news so well. I felt bad that you were barred from being able to participate."

Azura shook his head. "It's no big deal." He looks down at Pyra. "I don't know about her, but I really don't mind. I kind of expected it, to be honest."

Pyrrha smiled. "And it's also nice to see you and Pyra being so close. I understand that you are both busy with things, but it's good to know that you guys are so...friendly with each other."

Azura chuckled. "To be fair, neither me or Pyra are the most talkative. But I have her back if she needs it. Just as she has mine."

He looked back up at everyone, and he could see Jaune and Pyrrha smiling at each other, as well as Nora widely smiling at the barely smirking Ren.

Jaune spoke up next, looking at everyone around the table. "Just like we are all here for each other. As a team."

Azura could get behind that thinking.

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.(Line Break)

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It was just after dinner, several hours since the talk in the JNPR dorm. Pyra had been left to sleep in, with Jaune and Pyrrha going off to train just after they ate. Seeing that Ren and Nora had vanished, presumably into Vale, Azura found himself with team RWBY again.

He was walking along the grounds with them, looking at all of the new students walking around. Seeing the groups of four wasn't shocking, since it was easy to assume that they were keeping together for now.

"So many new people with these amazing weapons!" Ruby exclaimed excitedly.

Weiss sighed. "Yang, your sister is being a weapon nut again. I think she'll explode at this rate."

Blake made no comment, simply reading from her book tiredly. Azura took notice of a distracted Yang, who was looking at Blake with a hint of worry. Though, it quickly vanished as she turned to Weiss.

"Nah, Rubes will be fine. Unless she starts drooling, then someone would need to step in."

Weiss blinked, a look of disgust and surprise on her face. "Has...has she done that before?"

"Yep." Yang said.

"Absolutely." Summer said just after Yang.

Weiss shook her head. "Don't want to know. Never mention that fact to me again. And don't go drooling, you dolt!"

Ruby quickly turned and sped right next to Weiss. "But, Weiss! Think about how amazing those weapons are! What do you think they can do? What about why they look the way they do? What if they have some super awesome name for their weapon?!"

Weiss pushed Ruby away gently. "I don't think I should encourage such behavior."

"You put some time into making your weapon, and you don't even care." Ruby said, clutching her chest dramatically.

Yang crossed her arms behind her head as they walked. "I don't think Weiss is as uh…"

"Obsessed." Azura provided.

"Crazed." Weiss said, glancing at Azura.

"Yeah...Weiss isn't like you, Ruby." Yang said.

Ruby hung her head in a similar dramatic fashion. "Betrayed by my own sister...oh, the cruel irony!"

Yang laughed. "You'll be fine, Rubes. You drink milk, remember?"

Ruby smiled, giggling. Yang smiled in return, then moved over to talk to Blake quietly about one thing or another.

Weiss rolled her eyes, stepping back to walk with Azura as Ruby and Yang kept their banter going.

"Well, how about you? You were working pretty closely together with Ruby while making your new weapon, and even upgrading your sword, right?"

Azura nodded, looking at Weiss from the side. "Yeah, I did."

"Was she this crazy about it?" She asked.

"Oh yeah. She was rather excited about the whole thing."

"Including the names?"

"Yep." He said, as if repeating Yang.

Weiss smiled slightly after a few moments. "That's Ruby for you."

Azura smiled in return. Though as he went to respond, he heard a thud and looked to see Ruby on the ground.

He moved forward, noticing, but not acknowledging, the three people she had run into yet. Bending down, he grabbed Ruby's arm and helped her up. She was quick to look at the person in the center, speaking.

"I'm so sorry! I wasn't really paying attention to where I was going…"

"It is not a problem. I'm sure you are not used to so many students being here after so long." A silky voice responded.

Azura himself looked at the three, studying them. The one that spoke had a flaming orange-yellow color for eyes, pale skin, and long and clearly cared for hair. Beyond that, she had a red dress that had gold trimmed designs along the arms and edges, as well as a black choker around her neck. No weapon in sight either.

"That's true, yes." Azura said. "But, who are you? My name is Azura."

Her sunset colored eyes turned to him, and a small smirk appeared on her face. "I am Cinder Fall. How very nice to meet you."

Her eyes were entrancing, Azura admitted to himself. Such a unique color that seemed to blaze brilliantly. He smiled back, not wanting to stare.

He looked over at the dark skinned girl behind her, her dark red eyes acutely looking at him. Her mint green hair was made into several bangs, with a more olive green crop top to match. A white top was wrapped around her crop top and went up to twist around her neck. On her arms were some golden beads, and light green gloves that slid over her middle fingers and palms. She also had a brown belt, with leather legs that went over white pants, and two weapons were clear to see hanging on the back of her belt.

She placed a hand on her waist. "Emerald Sustrai."

Azura waved at her, and turned to the last person.

A quick scan showed that he had silver hair that was mostly slicked back, but almost lazily left alone upfront. His eyes were more of a grey, with a dark, two-toned, grey and black jacket that he left partially open. Black pants and shoes covered his legs, and a sash was seen on his hip. He had metal vambraces and rerebraces on his arms.

He waved lazily at Azura. "Mercury Black. How are ya?"

Azura wasn't given a chance to speak, and Ruby was now slightly behind him, watching with a slight nervousness.

"Well, it has been good to meet you, Azura." Cinder said calmly, looking down at Ruby. "And I must say, your eyes are simply a sight to behold. Silver...quite rare, since I have not ever seen a person with silver eyes."

She moved a bit closer to Azura, lightly putting her fingers on his cheek. They were soft, but Azura still felt rather uncomfortable with the proximity. Her eyes stared up into his.

"And you have just one, with a yellow eye in tow. Very unique, to meet a person with different colored eyes. Silver is such a pretty color, I must say."

She pulled away. "Now, us three must leave. I do hope to meet you two again."

They walked off, and Azura looked over at Yang, then over at Weiss. A glance at Blake showed that even she had looked up to see what was happening.

"That was...weird, right?" Azura asked.

"You're telling me." Yang said, chuckling.

"What an odd girl." Weiss commented.

Ruby shuffled on her feet. "Felt weird."

Azura shrugged, patting Ruby's shoulder. "Well, it was nothing to worry about. Perhaps she's just awkward, like you."

"Hey!" Ruby said.

Azura rolled his eyes. "Might as well go to the library?" He suggested, once he saw everyone looking at him.

"Sounds good." Yang said, waving to him. "Lead the way."

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.(Line Break)

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A simple night stroll had sounded great to Azura. Summer had been quiet all day, so he decided he would walk around campus just to stretch his legs and take in the sights once more. The Beacon grounds were always beautiful, so he didn't mind the fact that the sights weren't exactly new.

But he did not expect to see someone at the cliffside that was becoming common in his life. Not many people came to this little side of the campus.

Especially not a newcomer.

"Hello, Azura. Good to see you again." Cinder said, keeping her back turned to him.

Her smooth back was turned to him, and he could not help but admire the girl's natural beauty. A black tattoo was also clearly seen, shaped like a horseshoe, but more jagged and sharp.

"You too, Cinder." Azura said, coming closer. "What brings you to this part of Beacon?"

She played with her fingers with one hand, as if distracted already. "Just a little...exploration, is all."

Azura looked out at the view of Vale, the bright lights of the city drawing a smile on his face. "Beautiful sight, isn't it?"

"Yes. It makes one think about what they are doing." Cinder replied, her voice calm and with a slightly inquisitive tone.

A Huntsman was made to protect these things. The people. The cities. The kingdoms themselves. As Azura thought of how important it was to keep those things alive, he responded.

"It really does." He turns his head to look at Cinder. "What do you think of Beacon so far?"

Cinder glanced at him. "It is quite the grand academy. Reminds me of Haven."

Azura nodded slowly. "Haven academy? You're from Mistral, then?"

"Correct. My team came from there." She responded.

"Does Mistral not have teams of four, then? I recall that you only had two others with you."

Cinder slowly shakes her head, seeming amused. "No, we do have a fourth team member, but she is simply not here yet. She was given a special leave for a...I believe it was a family issue."

Azura shrugged. "Fair enough. Will they be joining your team again soon? It would be a shame for them to miss out on the festival."

His words drew a chuckle from Cinder. "Yes, she will likely be here in time for the festival to officially begin. Perhaps to even join the tournament."

"That's cool, I suppose. I can help to keep an eye out for your teammate when the time comes, if you need it." Azura replied.

"Thank you, Azura. You are a kind person, much kinder than you initially seemed. I think she'll be easy to spot for you."

Azura frowned in confusion. "Uh...why's that?"

"Call it intuition. You have sharp eyes, if your gaze means anything." Cinder explains. "Either way, she'll be easy to spot. Ebony black hair, eyes as green as you'll ever see. She's rather short as well, but you'll see her."

Azura nodded, mentally noting the traits. "Yeah, I'll keep an eye out for you. Give you an extra pair of eyes."

Cinder actually turned to him now, moving to be close to him. She smirked, looking up at him. "Thank you for your help in the coming days, Azura. I'm sure I will enjoy getting to know you while I am here."

Azura blinked, watching her. "Yeah, sure. That's the purpose of the Vytal festival, I suppose."

Cinder gave a quiet laugh, moving past him. "Of course. I shall see you at a later point then, Azura. It was good to meet you again."

Azura smiled, waving her off. "See you later, Cinder."

She left, and Azura shook his head, turning back to look at Vale.

"Already meeting new people. Though, that Cinder girl is a bit...odd."

Summer laughed. "You aren't wrong. She seems kind of wrapped up in her own mind. Though, that comment on the silver eyes was weird."

"Good weird or bad weird?" Azura asked.

"Probably nothing. She might just have a thing for silver eyes." Summer said, a little quickly.

"Doubtful, but okay. You sure I shouldn't read romance novels for you?"

"Funny, Azura." Summer said dryly.

Azura laughed, slinging his legs over the cliffside and sitting down. "You know, I like this cliffside. Makes me oddly nostalgic."

Summer hummed in agreement. "You might just be feeling that way from how I feel about it. This cliffside has...a lot of memories."

"Your team?"

Summer sighed gently. "Sort of. But, also Qrow. He and I spent a good amount of time here, when he needed it."

Azura remained silent, simply letting Summer speak as much as she wanted to.

"Qrow was a troubled man. He's still a troubled man, even more so after my death. But he came from a tribe of bandits. He never talked about them, unless Raven brought them up. He had all these ideas of how to be a good partner to me, so much so that he couldn't possibly have lived up to them. I remember the first time we came here, just the two of us." Summer chuckled, her tone sad and nostalgic. "He was annoyed with himself over his lack of control with his weapon. He used to fight so brutally and without care, which can be bad for any teamwork. So I promised him that I would teach him that control. He still uses that damn scythe-sword combo, that bastard."

Azura smiled at the words. "Sounds like an interesting guy."

"He is." Summer agreed. "Though, I don't know how he'd react...to knowing about this. Our situation, that is. From what I know, Tai was never told about this situation. So it's safe to assume that Qrow doesn't either."

Azura dropped the smile. "Should we worry about that?"

It took a few long moments before Summer finally responded. "Let's save that for a later point."

Azura knew when to not argue with Summer. He decided to simply keep sitting there, looking at the bright lights of Vale.

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.(Line Break)

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August 27th

Tuesday

Clear

Azura watched team CRDL shuffle quietly off of the arena, with Pyrrha standing there with a smile on her face. There was something satisfying about how Pyrrha had singlehandedly taken on team CRDL and won.

"An excellent display, Miss Nikos. Now, why don't we have one more match for you. Let's see…" Goodwitch said, looking out at the crowd. "Would anyone like to go against Miss Nikos?"

A few seconds of silence hung in the air, and Pyrrha's smile dimmed. Though, a hand quickly went up as someone spoke.

"I'll fight her."

Azura turned to see Mercury sitting there, a bored look on his face. Weiss whispered to Azura as silence quickly turned to murmurs.

"The guy's got a death wish, it seems."

Azura shrugged in response to Weiss as Goodwitch spoke.

"Of course. Come on down…" She paused, looking at something on her scroll. "Mister Black."

As he did that, Azura leaned over and whispered back to Weiss. "I think he'll have some tricks of his own. But Pyrrha hasn't even struggled too much in her fights, other than against you, Yang, and in some team fights."

Weiss nodded. "Correct. I think it'll be a sweep for her."

Yang, who had been behind them, leaned forward. "Yeah, but look at his stance right now."

A look over at Mercury showed him hopping on his feet before stancing up and loosely crouching. He sat on front side of his feet, his arms up like a brawler.

"He's totally composed and his stance suggests fighting with his feet. Honestly, he seems rather practiced and trained for fighting." Yang continued.

Azura nodded, taking in Yang's words. A moment later, Goodwitch made the call for the start of the match, and Mercury shot off towards Pyrrha.

The sounds of gunshots was suprising, and the heavy clang of Mercury's foot crashing into Pyrrha's shield was heard. The engagement that occurred was rapid, and Pyrrha was jabbing in and out at Mercury while the boy backflipped and dodged to and fro like he personally knew how to dodge stabs from weapons in particular.

He quickly re-engaged, and Pyrrha lifted her hand up, Azura barely seeing the shift in Mercury's kick to carry more momentum that normal. Though, the boy was quick to recover, landing on the overspun foot to attack with the other leg, and another clang went out on her shield.

"He can't seem to land an actual hit on her. Is she...using her semblance?" Weiss asked herself quietly.

"Seems like it." Yang said. "Though he's got great balance, almost as good as Blake does."

Azura glanced up at Yang. "And his leg attacks have a good amount of strength behind them. Makes me think of your punches."

Yang laughed. "So that's what it looks like to others."

Another loud clang and several gunshots were heard, and Azura snapped his head back to the fight, seeing Mercury launch himself away from Pyrrha off of her shield. He crouched down, sighing, and threw a hand up.

"I surrender."

As Goodwitch called the match, Azura raised an eyebrow.

"That was...short." Weiss said.

Yang shrugged. "That's Pyrrha for you."

Azura watched Mercury walk off, a smile on his face.

He wasn't sure how to feel about someone who smiled from losing.

.

.(Chapter End)

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Nothing to say here, soooo…

Have a nice day/evening!