Hello readers and welcome back to the next chapter, first thing I want to say is thank you for reading I've currently reached over a thousand views and I just wanted to thank you all for taking the time to read it, now without further ado here is the next chapter I hope you all enjoy it.
Chapter 7 the mute and the urchin
The next day arrived at beacon followed by the sound of a familiar alarm clock and the team aroused from there sleep, said there good mornings and got themselves organised for the day ahead, Emerald stretched before speaking "so who's hungry because I am", Neo poked Emerald in the side with her scroll out, Emerald turned her head to read it while Neo silently chuckled "you never change".
Emerald grinned "what can I say a girls gotta eat" they both laughed at each other, while Salem and Cinder quietly observed their interaction then looked at each other a chuckled. Emerald turned her head to peanut gallery "something funny you two?" they both shook their heads together Salem spoke first "it's nothing Emerald, I just think they way you two interact is adorable". Cinder nodded.
Both Emerald and Neo went red then turned their heads in opposite directions "I don't know what you your talking about but I mean…" and she turned her head back towards Salem and Cinder and grinned "but our relationship has nothing on you two" and suddenly it was Salem and Cinder who were flustered Salem spoke up in defence "we don't have any type of relationship, we're just teammates, right Cinder? Cinder nodded "y-yeah Salem is right"
Emerald grinned "you stuttered Cinder", Cinder started shaking her head furiously "that's not true, anyway let's go get some breakfast, shall we?" Emerald held her hands up and shrugged "whatever let's get going then" and with that everyone left for the cafeteria.
Once they arrived it didn't take them look to locate the trays of food, it consisted of scrambled eggs, sausages, beans with a carton of orange juice and a slice of cake. They each took a tray and sat down on the table and began to eat. There was a good couple of minutes of solid eating before anyone spoke again, Emerald stopped "so what do we have first today?" Cinder tried to answer with a mouthful of food "i… thnk… it… hitory" Emerald gave a puzzled stare at Cinder "what was that" Cinder swallowed and coughed "I said I think its history with Dr Oobleck".
Emerald rested her head onto the table with a sigh "really, history I think id rather go back to bed", Neo nudged Emerald's foot and she turned her head on the table in the direction of Neo, Who looked displeased with her scroll held up "come on Emerald show some respect for the academy" Emerald sighed again "but history is sooo dull"? Neo started furiously typing "no buts! Just pay attention and maybe you will learn something" Emerald lifted her head "I just can't win with you, can I?" Neo silently chuckled. Salem decided to jump in "hey Emerald I was wondering; how do you and Neo know each other?"
Emerald pondered Salem's question for a moment "hmm it's a long story but here's the gist of it; I tried to mug Neo" Salem turned to Neo confused "really?" Neo just nodded; Emerald continued "you see one day when I was on the street, I noticed Neo walking alone".
(flash back noises) 4 years ago
Emerald was walking the streets like she always did looking for the next chump to pickpocket, then her mark presented itself in the form of a young girl, that looked to be roughly the same age as Emerald but what first drew her to the girl was her split hair colour, half brown, half pink which Emerald found odd but really caught her attention was her outfit. she wore a black, sleeveless top with four white frills that went over her chest and up to her collar, she also wore a black skirt that went to her knees with white inlay, with a black satchel over her shoulder. Emerald grinned looking at the satchel "target acquired"
Emerald decided to keep a good distance behind her as to not arouse suspicion, that and if she needed to, she could blink to the girl but only once as that was her current limit with her semblance. She maintained her distance for some time before the girl turned into an ally. Emerald sped up then hugged the wall as she approached and looked down the ally.
When she looked down, she spotted the girl but what's more she spotted two grown up men cutting her off. "give us the satchel girl and you don't get hurt" said one of them men. The girl took a step back clutching her satchel while scowling at the men but never saying a word. One of the men was starting to get annoyed with the girl "tch are you deaf, I said hand over that bag now!" and shoved her against a wall, the sudden force of being slammed into a wall caused the girl to wince with pain but she maintained her grip on her satchel and gave the man a defiant stare. Which only caused the man to get even angrier "alright you asked for it you little shit!" the man curled his fist and slammed it into the girls stomach causing her to arch forward, eyes wide but what was odd was the inaudible gasp that came from the girl's mouth and she dropped the satchel.
Just then something snapped in Emerald, and before she could think she blinked up to the man's head and planted her knee into his temple which resulted in the man being knocked away then fell unconscious. The other man looked at the new girl in confusion but what surprised him the most was the fire and rage in the girl's eyes "w-what? who are you kid?" Emerald didn't answer right away, she grabbed a nearby pipe and stood in front of the girl who was on her knees clutching her stomach "take your buddy and go and you wont have to find out".
The man's pride wouldn't let him be talked that way by a child "you should have respect for your elders' kid!" he said as he threw a punch towards Emerald who just side stepped and jammed the pipe into the man's stomach, the man took a step back and went on one knee, now he was holding his stomach. Emerald approached the man, as he looked up to meet Emerald's gaze she spoke "you haven't earned my respect" and with a quick crack to the man's head he fell unconscious. Once the man had fallen, she turned around to the girl and approached her who was just getting to her feet still holding her stomach "hey are you alright kid".
The girl nodded at Emerald which annoyed her "what no 'thanks for saving me'", the girl grasped Emeralds hand with both of hers and bowed her head Emerald gave her a small smile "I suppose that will do, your safe now" just as she said that the girl wrapped her hands around Emerald and gave her a hug and Emerald froze. For a moment they stood there, then Emerald felt something wet on her shoulder where the girl had buried her head, then she realised she was crying so she put one hand on the back of her head and started stroking her hair "its alright now, but lets get out of here, I'm not sure I could go round two with these guys"
The girl pulled away to reveal the tears in her eyes and to Emeralds surprise they were different colours one was brown and they other one was light blue; the girl nodded, and they walked out of the ally and onto the street.
They walked in silence for a few minutes before coming to a park; Emerald gestured to a nearby bench, the girl nodded and they both sat down. A moment later Emerald started getting impatient "so why did you dive in that ally" the girl started rummaging through her satchel and she pulled out a tablet and started typing. This caused Emerald to get annoyed "hey I'm talking to you, its rude to ignore someone you know" the girl showed Emerald her tablet "I'm sorry but I'm unable to speak, my name is Neo and I'm forever in your debt" Emerald was taken aback by the sudden revelation "im sorry I didn't know, but still why did you go in that ally"
Neo started to fidget with her legs before typing "well you see I sort of noticed you were following me, and I got nervous, so I went into that ally where I…" she stopped typing and tears started falling from her face. A wave of guilt hit Emerald like she got punched in the stomach. For some reasons she didn't understand she couldn't stand watching this girl cry, she put a hand on her shoulder "it's alright you don't need to cry" Emerald paused and sighed "to tell you the truth, the reason I was following you was to mug you myself"
Neo was suddenly startled by Emeralds confession and a look of concern was plastered on her face, then she started typing "why?" Emerald looked away in shame "I needed the money for food, I haven't eaten in days and you looked like an easy target" Emerald started to sob with guilt. Neo wasn't expecting that answer, nor was she expected her apparent mugger to start crying in front of her. She started to type "why haven't you eaten; don't you have a family? Or a home?" Emerald turned to the tablet to read it "no I don't Neo, I've been on my own for as long as I can remember"
Neo felt sad for Emerald, she almost felt bad she hadn't mugged her, but she shook her head and typed again "that's awful I'm sorry" and she moved closer to Emerald and cupped Emerald's hand; suddenly a spark of genius came over Neo she started typing furiously before tapping Emerald on the shoulder.
Emerald turned to Neo "what?" then she read the tablet "why don't you come live with me?" Emerald shot up from the bench and took two steps forward and turned around with a genuinely shocked expression and red cheeks "what do you mean live with you, I barely know you and more importantly I tried to rob you" Neo kept a smile and shrugged her shoulders then stood up from the bench, she walked up to Emerald while typing "I suppose but you didn't" she took her free hand and held Emeralds while she showed her the rest of the message which made Emerald begin to tear up "you saved me, now its my turn to save you"
Emerald was stunned by this series of events, she never thought mugging someone would result in something like this "I can't just arrive at your doorstep, what about your parents? Wont they have something to say about you bringing a stranger to their house? And what's more telling them that I'm moving in"
Neo didn't hesitate to reply "no, probably not, they've always talked about expanding the family and I've… always wanted an older sister, one that will protect me when times are tough" she closed her eyes and smiled at Emerald.
Emerald couldn't believe what she was reading, it was all she ever wanted, something that couldn't be bought or stolen, something she had been looking for her whole life. Family. She was about to burst out crying but she composed herself "I… can't… Neo I don't deserve something like that but thank you". Neo frowned, shook her head and typed "look your coming home with me like it or not, I wont have you sleeping in the streets, I'd never forgive myself, at least spend the night, get some food and decide what you want to do tomorrow"
Emerald sighed in defeat "alright you win", Neo started jumping with joy before grabbing Emerald's hand and started dragging her off with her tablet in Emerald's face "so do you have a name?" Emerald offered a light chuckle "my name is Emerald" Neo smiled and moved up to Emerald's ear and her eyes went wide.
"p… r… e… t… t… y…"
It was almost impossible to hear but it hit Emerald like a train which caused her last wall collapsed and she immediately hugged Neo while balling her eyes out. After a couple of moments Neo broke off and spat on the ground, Emerald turned to see what she spat, to Emeralds shock, it was blood. Emerald was confused "are you alright" Neo was still smiling as she wiped her mouth, then went to her tablet "yeah I'm fine, anyway enough about me lets go home shall we. Emerald nodded "take me home Neo" and the two walked off in the direction of Neo's home.
After about half an hour of walking they arrived at a pretty normal one-story house, the sun was beginning to set in distance. Neo let herself and a voice of a man travelled through the house "Neo is that you?" Neo tapped her foot twice on the wooden floor and the sound of two sets of footsteps came into view as a middle-aged man with brown hair, brown thick moustache and brown eyes, he wore a light grey flannel shirt and denim jeans. Along side him was a woman with pink hair that draped passed her shoulders and a light blue sundress.
They both approached Neo and gave her a hug the father spoke first "I'm so glad you're alright we were getting worried when you didn't text me at your usual time. Neo shook her head and typed on her tablet "I'm fine dad really" as the family was having their embrace the mother looked up to see Emerald standing at the door "who is this? Is she a new friend of yours? She spoke with a soft voice.
Neo nodded and replied to her mother "yes she is, she saved me today" her mother looked at her puzzled "what d…" before she could question Neo broke away from the hug and took off her shirt to reveal a large purple bruise on her stomach; both parents gasped with horror, her mother started crying and grabbed Neo to inspect the bruise "what happened to you?!". The father was blindingly angry seeing Neo's bruise, he turned his gaze to Emerald "what happened to her!" Emerald stuttered before Neo broke from mother's grip and stood in front of Neo with her arms stretched put as if she was protecting her this time.
Neo started typing furiously and gave it to her dad "dad it wasn't her fault!, I was walking down the street and as I was heading back two adults tried to rob me and when I refused one of them hit me, but then out of nowhere Emerald came to my rescue, if it hadn't been for her I'd still be there" he read as Neo put her shirt back on. Neo's father's expression changed from angry to relief and actually moved Neo gently away and walked up to Emerald and gave her a big hug as he began to sob "thank you, thank you for saving my little girl". Emerald had never experienced a proper strong hug from anyone before, in that moment she was paralyzed, unable to move a single muscle.
The man broke away which gave Emerald room to speak "it's no problem I only wish I had intervened sooner then your daughter might of not been hurt" the man shook his head "dwelling on it wont help but even still thank you so much for getting Neo out" the mother spoke up still sobbing "really though thank you so much, is there anything we can do to say thanks". Just then Neo popped up and started typing, then she showed her parents "Emerald here is homeless and has nowhere to go, can she live here? I told her she could at least spend the night". Both of the parents were stunned to read that she was a homeless child.
They both thought for a moment, looked at each other and smiled, the mother spoke first in her soft tone again "but of course she can stay, we have a spare bedroom". Emerald suddenly backed up a step and started waving her hands while shaking her head "you really don't have to, and I wouldn't want to intrude". The father walked up to Emerald and out a hand on her shoulder "nonsense your staying with us, besides you've already qualified to be a big sister, so come on in, get warm, get some food, and some sleep ok?"
Emerald couldn't believe what she was hearing, a moment ago this man was roaring at her now he's offering her a place to live "i… c…" before Emerald could say another letter Neo came up to her, cupped Emerald's hand with both hands and looked into her eyes, they looked desperate but the look said "please".
Emerald let out a sigh then a small smile "I really can't say no to you" Neo's face lit up with joy and started guiding Emerald into the house.
As soon as Emerald crossed the threshold a sudden warmth hit her, tears started falling subconsciously, it was a warmth she almost thought she remembered.
It was the warmth of a family.
(flashback ending noises) present day
"and that's how I kicked an ursa in the face" Emerald boasted while both Salem and Cinder looked at each other in confusion while Neo was hiding behind her hands in embarrassment. Salem raised a hand with one eyebrow raised Emerald noticed, "yes Salem? Salem put her hand down "so you were going to rob Neo when a giant ursa attacked her and you kicked it in the head? Emerald nodded "exactly".
Neither of them bought it for a second "alright then good story Emerald I cant wait to know how this ends" Salem said while chuckling a little, Cinder jumped in "oh but look at the time Salem we've got class now", Salem let out an exaggerated gasp "oh damn that's a shame next time then Emerald".
Emerald puffed her cheeks "very funny guys, well anyway, let's get history out of the way, because it is sparring again after it, and I really want to cut loose". Neo nodded in agreement with a determined look on her face. With that everyone got up from their table and went to class.
Two hours later
The girls left their history and were in the hallway. Emerald let out a huge sigh of relief "I pretty sure Dr Oobleck ran a marathon in there" Salem jumped in "for what moving or speaking" Salem's response made everyone laugh as they made their way to sparring class.
When they arrived the professor was standing in the middle of the room like she did yesterday "good morning class today we'll be continuing from yesterday but those who participated yesterday will not be sparring today so I advise you watch and learn, now everyone to the stands and wait to be called".
So, the class filed in and took their places in the stand in order of teams.
The sound of the random generator made the class wait with anticipation 'bling', 'bling', 'bling'. 'blink' it came to a stop to reveal the two names "Emerald Sustrai and Neo Politan come to the middle. An eerie silence filled the room as the two girls looked at each other but surprisingly both of them gave each other a determined grin "show me what you've got girl" Emerald taunted, Neo typed on her scroll "bring it sister". The two made their way to the centre where professor Goodwitch was standing "do you need me to go over the rules again" both shook their heads "good now go to either side and wait for the buzzer" so they moved to the edge of the arena.
Once Neo made her way there, she pressed a button on her rifle which caused the stock to fall off, followed by the scope and barrel, it now had the appearance of a revolver. She picked up the barrel and wielded it like a baton.
Emerald attached two medium sized blades which were about fifteen centimetres. she slotted them into her gauntlets, she extended the blades then retracted it to test the gears. Both girls were ready.
The professor began the countdown "5, 4, 3, 2, 1 begin".
As soon as the professor ended the countdown, Neo fired three quick shots towards Emerald, but she ran forwards and dodged to the side, anticipating this she fired another three shots in the place Emerald dodged tp. Emerald blinked to avoid the second volley then appeared behind Neo "gotcha" she said with a grin.
She was about to slash Neo but was met by Neo's barrier, which caused the weapon to bounce off, Neo used the microsecond of time to undo the barrier and slam the baton into Emeralds stomach, pushing her back, Neo then spun the revolver in her hand to reload it and fired three more shots which connected with Emerald knocking her back further.
They both stopped to take a breath, Emerald wiped the sweat from her brow "not bad Neo, to think you would use one of my moves to hit me" Neo gave Emerald a determined grin. Emerald cracked her neck "let's play for real" she stood still then suddenly she vanished. Anticipating an attack Neo readied herself then Emerald appeared in front of her, Neo swung first but just before she connected Emerald vanished again this time behind her, Neo tried hitting her again, but she blinked causing her to hit nothing.
Neo waited for the next appearance of Emerald but she couldn't see her, then something shifted in the lighting; Neo just happened to look up to see Emerald's foot mere inches from her face, she was too late to react and the foot planted in her face causing her to fall to the ground with Emerald standing perfectly balanced on her face as they fell.
Emerald stood over Neo, with one foot on her chest and one blade pointed at her neck she let out a sigh of relief "do you surrender Neo?" Neo's were burning with anger but surprisingly she smirked at Emerald who sighed again "have it your way" she went to stab Neo, however just before she could strike Neo's barrier expanded outwards blocking the blow, but also encasing her along with Emerald's arm.
Emerald tried to pull away from the barrier, but it was no good, she was stuck. Neo got to her feet with the same angry grin on her face, Emerald looked at Neo "so now what, we going to have a staring contest now? A vain pulsed in Neo's head in response to Emerald. Neo grabbed Emerald's arm and pulled her into the barrier, just as she entered Neo had her revolver pressed into Emerald's stomach 'bang', 'bang', 'bang'. The three shots caused Emerald to arch forward also winding her a bit. Neo was about to reload when Emerald planted her knee into Neo's stomach, the sudden shock from the attack almost made Neo drop the barrier but instead she widened the barrier about ten feet.
There was a moment of pause, the two looked at each other both looking pretty exhausted. Emerald undid the straps in her gauntlets, and both fell to the ground, it took Neo a moment to sus out what Emerald was doing, she nodded and dropped her weapons also.
The two stared each other for a moment before charging at each other. Emerald went for a straight jab to the face, but Neo knocked it out of the way and punched her in the chest. Emerald grabbed Neo's arm and flung her over her shoulder slamming her into the ground. Emerald went for a curb stomp, but Neo rolled out of the way and kicked her in the shin before rolling backwards to her feet; Emerald ran at Neo and both started punching, blocking, parrying and reposting at a frightfully fast pace.
There was a moment where they were so close to each other Neo decided to change her tactic, she headbutted Emerald in the chin, but Emerald had also decided to change things up and went for a uppercut; the two blows connected at the same time, they both staggered backwards before collapsing along with the barrier.
There was a long period of silence, even professor Goodwitch didn't believe what she just witnessed, she quickly came to her senses and proceeded to walk to the arena, where the two girls were still on the ground. As the professor made her way to the centre to check them, both started to rise at the same time then sat up in the middle "well you two", the girls looked at the professor "that was quite the match, though I must say I wouldn't go about disarming yourselves in an actual fight. In any case I'm calling this match a draw".
The two girls looked at the monitor and both were exactly on the same bit of the red, they both looked at each other and smiled. Emerald and Neo got up at the same time walked over to each other and fist bumped; they picked up their respected weapons and went to the stands to join their team.
Salem and Cinder were still stunned by the time Neo and Emerald came back to the stands Salem spoke first "geez guys what was that?" Emerald grinned "a fight that's what" Neo nodded in agreement she grabbed her scroll and typed quickly "that was the best fight we've ever had". Emerald nodded in agreement "it sure was, I had a great time, you're not the same scared child you used to be"
Neo silently chuckled and typed in response but only showed Emerald "haha well I did have an excellent big sister to help me"; Emerald went scarlet in response, but still maintained a smile "damn straight, now how about we get a drink I'm thirsty after that workout". Neo nodded and they both left, leaving Salem to ponder what just happened.
And that's the end of chapter 7, thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed it and I will see you in the next chapter.