Roses Can't Bloom In The Dark

by NakaruSoul

Roses are red, violets aren't blue, I'm somehow in RWBY, whatever shall I do? I also find this world that's being threatened to be engulfed by darkness to be very intriguing. What captivated me the most, is a beautiful rose that's fighting to grow in these dark times. And to see it mature, the darkness must be pushed back. It'll be almost impossible but it must be done. After all-

2. Did Somebody Ordered A Mascot Character?

Chapter 2: Did somebody ordered a mascot character?

I heard the bell to the front door rung as I was minding my own business in the kitchen.

I had a knife in one hand and a basket of vegetables on the other. With years of practice back home, I was able to cut them up neatly rather quickly and placed the chopped veggies in the fridge for later use.

I could hear two people talking outside but since they weren't talking very loudly, I couldn't hear what they were talking about and the door and walls between us muffled their conversation even more. But since it's none of my business as to what they were talking about, I ignored it in favor of arranging the cooking utensils so that they are more easily accessible when I need them.

A short while later, I heard someone calling for me.

"Hey kid, your package's here." I heard Boss' voice call out from outside the kitchen and I immediately perked up. A grin was plastered on my face as I drop what I was doing and head straight outside with wide strides.

It was very early in the morning, the sun had just shone through the horizon and coating the world in a beautiful golden glow and we were preparing for the shop for a new day of business...and also to fend off the ever growing horde of caffeine zombies.

They are seriously multiplying in numbers and we have no way to stop them. We even have to set up barricades by the windows so that they don't break through just to cut in line.

Okay, I admit that I was exaggerating there a bit but still, we had to put tables outside just to accommodate the growing customers. Normally any business owner would be happy with the increasing amount of customers since they get to earn more money but not me. It just means that I have more work to do.

Yes, I know I'm lazy and I'm quite proud of it.

Right now it's the calm before the storm. The cafe isn't opened yet and there's no people outside stalking the place like hungry beasts, waiting for it to open so they could pounce on their prey. Unless they're ninjas of course. If they were then we would never see them coming as they steal our caffeine hidden in the back.

I don't know whether or not if Remnant have ninjas but I don't wanna find out. They could be everywhere, watching my every move without me knowing, waiting for an opportune moment to strike. I don't need that kind of paranoia in my life right now, especially when it's already complicated as it is.

We have time to relax before the inevitable two hour long zombie apocalypse before they were given the temporary cure a.k.a caffeine. Usually we use the time to prepare things like brewing the coffee, preparing the food ingredients, last minute cleaning, placing the machine gun emplacement and preparing the pitfalls filled with spikes.

Oh wait, the last two never happened.

I swing open the double doors to the kitchen and walk right out without pause.

The first thing I saw was an empty shop with chairs and tables neatly arranged. The whole place were barely visible in the dim lighting the place have as the lights weren't turned on yet and the only light source was the faint rays shining through the window. Then I saw a green haired woman with a ponytail wiping the windows with a rag of cloth and a bottle spray in her hands.

"Where is it?" I asked, unable to keep the excitement and eagerness from my tone as my eyes dart around the place looking for said package.

"I left it on the shelf." was the reply that I got and my eyes immediately dart to the left. There was a bookshelf there for anyone that fancy reading something when they're here. They weren't really a wide selection of things to read about but at least they would have something to fill the time with when they're chilling.

I saw a box roughly the size of my torso placed one of the shelves and quickly dart over towards it. "Yes!" I exclaimed as I ran, ignoring the amused shake of Boss' head as she rolled her eyes at my childish behavior.

I took said box in my hands and stare at it with anticipation shining in my eyes, a feeling of satisfaction and happiness swelling within my chest as I realised all my hard work here finally got results.

It lasted for two whole seconds before I place it on one of the tables and tore open the box like how you would when you gut open an animal.

What's in the box that manged to get me so worked up you ask?

Porn.

No really. It's porn.

… Alright fine, it's a brand new Scroll that I ordered last week. The latest model too, not that I could see any difference between the old and the new mind you. Three months of hard work gone down the drain as I used up every bit of my savings to buy the damn thing.

Then again, since it's supposedly connected to the internet I wasn't lying when I said it's porn.

Yes, it has been three months since I found myself in this place. There hasn't been much development other than the fact that I found out that you could just go to the library to use their computers free of charge instead of just buying a scroll to surf the net.

But instead of saving money that could be used for something else and going there to do research, I bought a scroll for my own personal use instead.

Why?

Because I can. That and the fact that I really don't wanna go out. If possible I would rather stay indoors all day, everyday. But that is a very distant dream as Boss would sometimes order me to do the grocery run along with Junior because I can't be trusted with finding my way there.

We became acquainted during those three months. Still no idea why he looked as shady as fuck though.

He did look familiar to me somewhat and I did wonder if he's from the main series or something but for the life of me I can't remember. Most of the plot from RWBY has already escaped me as I've never even watched the show besides a few episodes from the first season. The rest of the information I got from the series are from Wiki pages and fanfictions and I have no idea how much of the latter that I've read is actually canon or already changed.

I've spend a few days trying to remember it but gave up afterwards when I remembered that I'm in the past and it would take years before I reach the start of canon. I'll most likely be dead at the point because I did something stupid so why bother.

It's a rather negative view on things but at least it's a realistic one. I just keep getting the feeling that I'm going to be drag into something big at some point since it's the curse or blessing, depending on how you look at it, of a self-inset; so I'm enjoying life while I still can.

"Don't just go and rip the box open kid. It can still be reused for other things." I heard Boss complained as my hands stopped in their tracks.

"A bit too late for that don't cha think?" I commented wryly as I look at the poorly opened box that looked like someone's had just thrown fireworks inside.

At least the contents of the box was revealed. Within the box is...another box. A much small one that could fit in the mail slot of an apartment door.

"Why the heck would they use such a big box to transport something so small?" I couldn't help but ask out loud, my voice filled with confusion as I turn to face the lady behind me.

She just shrugged at me and I return my attention back at the smaller box. I opened that one too, expecting to see the handheld device that I've ordered at the electronics shop that Junior brought me to.

He works as a guide sometimes that helps me immensely because like I've said before, I am shit with directions. The first time I was asked to do a grocery run without any supervision I ended up in the Red light district which is the exact opposite direction of where the supermarket was. Since I was already there I did try and enter a Stripclub but got kicked out by the security guard because of my age.

Rude bastard.

But hey, at least I saw titties before I left.

Sadly, they were ridiculously saggy because they belonged to an old lady. Who the fuck in their right mind would hire an old lady to be a stripper!? Does someone have that kind of fetish in there or something or are they just that desperate for workers!?

Anyho, putting aside my traumatic experience at the strip club, I'm currently staring at the contents of the small box with very carefully hidden confusion. Because what I saw inside looked just like a silver stick. I ordered a phone but got a stick instead. Three months of paycheck gone down the drain just like that.

"Kid, you looked like you've just stepped on dog shit." Boss noted my expression and I just gave her a deadpanned look with narrowed eyes. And here I thought it was carefully hidden.

"Aren't you going to turn it on?" she asked, nodding at the silver stick inside the box.

"Wait, what?" I couldn't help but voiced out. Start a silver stick? What the hell? Does this mean that I actually got my order but have no idea how to use it? But it looks nothing remotely like a smartphone. Is there so sort of hidden function to made it change shape like all the weapons did in this world? How on ear-Remnant am I suppose to turn on a stick? Seduce it? Give it a striptease? Wank it like I'm wanking junior? Not that Junior, I'm not gay.

"Why haven't you start it up yet? You still have to set up your own number before it could be used you know." Boss explained as she cross her arms in front of her chest and raise an eyebrow. Her emerald eyes look at me like she's dealing with an idiot with no common sense. To be fair, I'm not from this world so common sense is beyond my reach at this moment even after spending months here.

"I haven no idea how to use it." I admitted as I held the stick between by two fingers, placing it near by face as I stare at it, hoping that it would do something if I stare long enough.

I heard a very long sigh coming from the lady and I turn to face her with a raised eyebrow. "What? You and I both know that I'm semi retarded. Why are you so surprise that I have no clue how a scroll works." At this point in time I was no longer trying to hide the fact that I have no clue on how things works. Not that I was doing a very good job in the very beginning in the first place mind you. Side's everyone already knew that I understood nothing so why bother pretending to know how shit works and fail miserably later on.

"You've been here for three months. There are plenty of people using their Scrolls here that you could observe. How could you not know how it works?"

"To be fair, I really wasn't paying attention as I was too self absorbed with teasing Summer or falling asleep. Also, when others use their Scrolls they were the size of their palm or a tablet. This looks like a very expensive throwing stick you could play with your pet dog." I told her, waving the stick in front of her.

Boss swipe the stick from my hand and, without any other words to describe it, extended it by pulling the two ends of the stick before handing it back to me.

I stare at the device in my hands in absolute wonder. Visibly, they are nothing more than a translucent, touch-sensitive panel between two solid end grips. It appears that the interlocking design of these grips allows the unit to be collapsible.

I collapse them before extending them again, enjoying the clicking sound that it made whenever the two grip connects and disconnects. The action repeats itself for a few time as I play with it like an over curious child. So that's why they're called Scrolls. Neat.

My playtime was interrupted when someone whack the back of my head and I nearly dropped my super expensive throwing stic- I mean Scroll.

"Ow." I cried out in a monotonous voice as it really wasn't painful.

"Stop playing around and get the registration over with. We still have work to do you know." Boss reminded me of the impending apocalypse due in half an hour and I couldn't help but feel a pang of annoyance at having to deal with more irritating people. I continue to stare at the Scroll despite Boss' prompting as I realised that there is still one issue that I have regarding the device in my hands.

I slowly turn my head away from the device in my hands and look into her eyes with a serious expression on my face. Blue eyes met emerald ones as I hold out the Scroll towards her with two hands like how someone would hand out their business card. "I still have no idea how it works."

-0-

After Boss gave me the 'How to use Scroll 101, the dumb down version' in a way would damage anyone's ego, not that I have one, I was kneeling in despair, both hands along with my scroll on the ground in front of me.

Because during the explanation I was told one very important thing about my Scroll. I kinda stopped listening to her after hearing that piece of news so the rest of what she had said on how to use it may or may not have gone out the other ear.

There's no internet access.

I've bought the wrong model.

I slowly let my forehead rest against the floor as water threaten to flow out of my tear ducts. My hands curled into a fist as they tremble. Boss was looking at me worriedly by the side but did nothing at all. She look at me and towards the unfinished work that she had and eventually made a decision.

She went back to cleaning as I continue to fight against the anguish from overwhelming me.

Three months of hard work...gone because of my carelessness. My Scroll allows most functions like most smartphones back in my world but couldn't do the only thing that I've bought it for. How am I suppose to search for information regarding a way home without arousing suspicion now?

I can't do that in the library because the things that you search there get recorded and possibly tracked down. People might ask questions, eyes might turn my way and I might attract the wrong kind of people. There's still a lot of things that I'm weary of in this world and the government is one of them. I never trusted the government back in my world because the corruption runs deep and I get a distinctive feeling that it's the same here. People might be able to track my Scroll too but according to Junior there are ways to prevent that. Not sure how he knew that thought but whatever.

"Was it really that important for you to surf the net?" I heard Boss ask as she clean the remaining windows. I turn my head to the side, my face still touching the ground and saw her looking at me while her arms are still wiping the grease stain on the glass.

"Yes." I answered her.

"You can just go to the library for that too you know." she reminded me.

"Can't." I answered sadly with a groan.

"Why not?" A hint of confusion entered her voice.

"Looking for porn." I lied with a perfectly straight face.

"Oh." She deadpanned and completely ignored me after that and I returned to my sadness induced moping.

The bell to the front door suddenly rung and Summer walk though in her usual Huntress grab, not that I notice as I was still busy feeling sorry for my wallet. "Hey guys, ready for another day of- Aunt May, what the heck happened to him?" She stopped what she was about to say when she noted the black haired teen that's slumping on the ground, which would be me and turn to look at Boss with a perplexed expression.

"Ignore him." Boss answered without even looking at me. "Why don't you get change and get yourself ready for the day, drag the kid to the kitchen first while you're at it."

"Okay?" Summer answered, sounding confused about what's going on but nevertheless did what Boss said.

My moping was interrupted when I feel someone dragging the back of my collar. I immediately grab my Scroll so that it doesn't get left behind when I was drag away and turn to face whoever's pulling me away like a sack. I saw a cute female, about the age of fifteen with short black hair with red highlights and bright silver eyes. There's also an ahoge on top of her head that seem to be moving on it's own.

"Oh, hey Summy." I greeted her with one of the many nicknames that I came up for her cheerfully, the earlier despair gone at the sight of my coworker. Then it came back in full force when I realised that Summer being here meant we're about to start working soon and I would have to endure another day of filled with boredom and some bothersome customers.

They would made very specific requirements in their meals and when you get even one wrong they would flip out or something. Don't they understand that this is a cafe and not some fancy restaurant? Just thinking about the day ahead of me kinda reminds me of that Sill guy who doesn't get the message that I'm not even remotely interested in him or his stories of past glories. I mean I even laced his food and drinks with laxatives and he still comes back to bother me. If I were to label him as something then I'd label him as a cloud. Once it's gone it's a beautiful day~

"Jerkface." she greeted back chirpily with a nickname she came up for me. So early in the morning and already in a good mood. As expected of Summer. I wonder what's her secret on keeping such a positive attitude but then I saw some cookie crumbs on her face and found the answer.

"You know eating cookies for breakfast is a bad diet right?" I pointed out.

Summer just huffed incredulously at me "Nonsense, cookies are the best thing to have for breakfast."

"For the taste maybe, but you won't grow taller if you keep it up though." I snickered.

"Ugh." Summer made a sound like she had been stabbed by something. "I-I'm sure I'll hit my growth spurt soon." she shuttered as she told me though I get a feeling that she's trying to convince herself that.

"Sure, keep telling yourself that shorty. Maybe it'll come true one day." A wide grin was plastered on my face as I struggle not to laugh.

"Zip it, Jerkface. You know I'm sensitive about my height." She pouted with a faint red hue on her face. "And you're not so tall either." she added.

True, considering the fact that I'm only half a head taller then her at the moment.

"Well, unlike you, I don't care about my height. Besides, I eat a properly so I'd grow up just fine, unlike a certain someone I know but won't mention." I quipped.

Now that I think about it, no one had ever called me by my name yet since I came here.

Weird, but kinda cool since it's like I'm one of those nameless protagonist that get called by nicknames by his companions or by his titles. Boss just calls me Kid while Summer calls me Jerkface and Junior never really talks to me unless I start the conversation but it's more like I talk and he grunts in return, effectively keeping our conversations short.

Very mysterious indeed. I wonder what he's hiding.

"So, think anything interesting is going to happen today?" I asked as Summer continues to drag me. Also, my ass feels a bit warm because of the friction. Hope it doesn't catch on fire.

"You ask me that everyday. Don't you ever get tired of that?" Summer replied with a crooked eyebrow as she turn her head sideways to look at me.

I tilt my head backwards so that our eyes would meet. "Eh, I get bored easily. Nothing I can do about that." I shrugged with a smile. "So, what's you answer?"

Summer put on a thoughtful look, closing her eyes and placing a finger on her cheek as she tilts her head slightly to the side. "Well, nothing much happened for after Wig guy finally grew hair taking a bite of 'Hell's Nectar' last week so I'm going to say no." She concluded.

If you're wondering what that was about then allow me to explain. Wig guy, as the name implies is bald and wears a wig. An afro sudden exploded from his head when he took a bite out of the newest addition in the menu (It was taken out of the menu within the first hour) called Hell's Nectar. It's basically every spicy thing I could find in the kitchen tossed into the pot as some sort of experiment.

It was bright red like lava, cooked till boiling bubbles were escaping from the pot and is hot enough that the wooden spoon that I use to stir the contents spontaneously combusted and turned into ashes within seconds.

Figuring that it would be a waste to throw it away, I put it in the menu along with warnings and disclaimers that we would not be responsible for any damage if you were to order it.

And yes, I thought it was a good idea to test it on people. Yes, I have issues, I know. I have had very interesting results from the people who ate it though, so that's always a plus.

Then I was banned from every experimenting with food without any supervision.

Good times really, good times.

"Oh well at least I can still hope." I said with a small wishful smile on my face, one that went unnoticed by Summer as she had already look back in front of her.

Hope, hope of making it back home safe and sound. As soon as I got the resources that I need I'm going to leave to find a way back. I can't possible hope to survive for long in this world filled with creatures of the night and soon to be born terrorist group *Cough Whitefang Cough* and I don't fancy meeting my end via giant teeth of a Grimm either.

There are things to prepare, plans to be made and mostly, information to search for. I doubt I could accomplish them within the year but it's alright, I have time.

Time is all I have now.

-0-

"This sucks." I murmured in a tired tone as I slump on the counter listlessly.

Lunch hour is already over and there are absolutely no one here. I have nothing left to do as every table is already cleaned and the dishes washed. Boss took Summer away to buy more supplies and I'm left all alone in this place.

With my usual teas- banter companion gone I'm left with nothing to do here until someone comes in. Even then it would probably only take a few minutes to serve the customers needs and I would be left with waiting for more to come in.

Next to my face on the counter is my Scroll, compacted and turned off. The silver stick sat there, reflecting light off it's surface like a mirror as I narrowed my eyes at it. Without any access to the internet it might as well be with an over expensive throwing stick. It's not like I have anyone to call to pass the time with nor are they any apps that already installed that I could play with.

I've already messed around with the settings and such and had already explored everything that it has to offer, which isn't much by the way, seeing that it's still brand new and all. The piece of crap doesn't even have any ringtones in it that I could listen to.

I would have been better off saving my money and buying that delicious looking snack back at the Supermarket.

To think that the company who made the Scroll made a mistake with their latest model and needed an entire month to fix the problem so that it could access the internet like it's suppose to.

Oh well, at least it's still a working phone…not that it would do me any good as I have no friends at all… Maybe I could ask for Summer's number and annoy her whenever she's gone. Good news is I can finally the those blackm- cute photos that Boss took of Summer. I'll go ask her when she comes back. Preferably in front of Summer just for the lawlz.

"This seriously sucks." I repeated with a sigh as one hand went to poke at the over glorified throwing stick. It slide to the side a bit with a clutter but did nothing else and my hand slump down next to it listlessly.

But my bored expression was quickly replaced with one filled with alarm as I got the feeling that I'm being watched somehow. Then feeling of annoyance came because I knew just what's going to happen and it did.

My thoughts suddenly shifted, my emotions forcefully calmed down and I fought back a grimace at all the data that suddenly shoved itself into my mind just to filled every crevice available. Plans started forming inside my subconscious, ready to be called upon when needed; ways to escape, ways to fight back, tactics to be used, maneuver that could be pulled off with my surroundings.

I sighed as I let the surge of information pass so I could clear my thoughts again. This is one of the other things that I've found myself with other than the odd instant calming that prevented me from having a break down. Somehow my mind worked differently than before. Whenever I got into trouble or suspect that I might be in trouble, my mind would come up with ways for me to get out of it on it's own.

Sadly, non of the ideas that was formed could never be pulled off by some physically weak person like me. I mean seriously, one of the plans that was formed requires me to do the split at the right moment. I'd probably bust a testicle trying that and most of them requires me to be fit otherwise I wouldn't be able to pull off the follow up action.

What the hell brain? Why give me all those ideas when you know I could never pull it off? Even if I could I would probably already died because I got distracted by it and took too long to choose which one to use.

Yes brain, I know that it could be solved if I've just exercised but have you ever seen me exercise before? Because I tell you man, you would be cringing like there's no tomorrow and would feel embarrassed for me because I obviously couldn't care less with other people's opinion on what I do. I'd probably be running like a retarded Titan or something.

Too bad there's no explanation on how that mind thing works. Otherwise I would have turned it off already because it's really tiring especially when it's not even a real threat.

There was one time I almost stepped on a puddle of water because I didn't noticed it and wanted to avoid it. Then the planning mode came. So many things barged into my head and one even requires me to do a front flip. A freaking front flip! Needless to say I stepped on the puddle and got my trousers wet because I was distracted. Thanks god for small miracles that it wasn't dog poop.

I let out an annoyed groan as I slowly straighten myself, my Scroll grabbed and placed back into my pocket. It's probably just someone looking in through the window again and it happens more time that I care to count in these three months that I've been here.

I slowly look out to to the front of the store with slight anxiety, hoping that it wasn't that Sill guy again and let out a sigh in relief when I found out that it wasn't.

I saw someone out there like I had expected, peering through the window and trying to look into the cafe. But to my surprise, it was a kid or at least I think it's a kid because the fellow's height didn't even reach my stomach.

Since the glass was reflecting light off it and preventing me from seeing just who it was from the other side I decided that I might as well find out seeing that I have nothing better to do at the moment. At least the kid isn't going 'Dude, let me in. I'm a fairy.'

Alright brain, it's a false alarm like always so stop sending me ways to brutally murder someone with a ketchup bottle. I'm sure I'll never be able to pull it off nor is it even physically possible in the first place even if you repeatedly assure me that it is.

And thus, now relaxed that there is no potential stalker somewhere (mostly a guy named Sill), the ideas that came from nowhere vanished just as abruptly, leaving my head clear for me to think normally again.

I walk over to the door, noticing that the kid wasn't even looking at me as she kept on staring through the window. Her face was glued on the screen, creating an amusing image that you'd normally get when you press your own face against glass. The face of a demon I tell you. Also, the glass is foggy because of her breath just in case anyone wanna know.

I noticed that she was a girl because she was currently wearing a dress… Unless it's actually boy that's crossdressing, I certain that the kid in front of me is a girl.

But do I really want to test my luck on that? I mean it is entirely possible that it's a guy instead but what are the odds of that ever happening again? Yes, again. It happened before.… and did I just jinxed myself?

God damn it.

Oh well, nothing I can do about that now.

Feeling curious at what she was looking at, I tried to follow her line of sight and shifted my head around. I saw that she was gazing at the cakes on display. Thinking that she's (Or secretly a he) either hungry or is just admiring the beautiful snacks on display but upon seeing the drool on her face I concluded that it's the former.

I opened the glass door and stepped outside, the bell attached on top was ringing when it was moved. The sound alerted the girl and she jumped up in surprise at the sudden noise before turning to face the source quickly.

I saw panic and then slight guilt flash before her face when she saw me. It reminded me of the times I was caught stealing cookies from the cookie jar by my mother and look down in shame while vowing to be better at being sneaky. But that was before and I was young and uncorrupted by the internet. Nowadays I would continue eating it in front of her and give zero fucks about how she was cross with me as we have our stare down. If you've survived a synchronized period of the women in your family, you can survive anything...-ish.

With her face no longer plastered on the glass I can now properly see what she looked like.

The girl's age remained unknown to me because all kids looked about the same to me and I usually just make a wild guesses by using the list of growth stages that I've come up with. Like seriously, I label a kid's age with stages. At birth they are like deformed potatoes and after a few weeks they are like a kawaii potatoes then they would be adorable and energetic little chihuahua on all four and- oh wait, getting side tracked here.

The girl had a light brown complexion that made her look like she spend a lot of time out in the sun. Her hair was brown and short, just barely touching her shoulders. She had a pair of brown eyes and a small little dot which I suspected to be a beauty mark below her left eye.

She's wearing a white-ish blouse that's a bit brown with frills at the end of her long sleeves; she has the same coloured skirt that reached her knees and childish brown sneakers that have pictures of cartoon heroes on them. Heh, cute. She looked just like a dress up doll as she stood rigidly still in front of me. I don't doubt that she would grow up into a beauty just fine. It's kinda the norm here as everyone just grows up into a supermodel or something. Unless you're a background character of course. Because those dude are usually just black silhouettes that walk around unless I focus on them.

It's a tad bit scary now that I think about it. I think some of them even looked the same. Hell, I even thought I saw my own shadow walking around amidst the crowd but I just dismissed it after a while.

I'm guessing that the girl is a main character or something because she's not a silhouette looking through the glass when I look out. I saw that scene plenty of times and it's freaky at first but I got used to it. I really don't like it when they smile at me and wave when they noticed that I was looking at them though.

Imagine a black shadowy figure just outside your window, smiling at you without a face with it's teeth showing as it wave at you.

Nightmare material I tell you.

With that said, she look just like the run of the mill kid that I would normally see everywhere. She, like everyone else in this world, seem to be following some sort of colour scheme. Totally unlike me, as I would wear whatever I want no matter the colour... except pink of course.

Fuck pink.

Purple's okay though.

She looked tensed and most likely about to run away if I made any sudden movement. She thought that she was in trouble, I could tell just by the look on her face. I gave her a disarming smile as I put up hands up in a non-threatening manner. Seeing that I was in no way mad at her for something she thought she shouldn't had done, she visible calmed down a bit but still look at me with caution.

I crouch down after moving the apron that I'm wearing aside so that I would be at the same level as her and look around with a raised eyebrow.

"Hey there kiddo. Where's your parents?" I asked as I look into her eyes. She look at me with a distrustful stare and a frown. She seem to be thinking of an answer as I tilt my head to the side questioningly, trying to make myself seem as nonthreatening as possible.

I haven't seen anyone around that's worried about their kid is talking to a stranger and is accusing me of being a pedophile so I'm guessing that her parents' aren't nearby. It would be a very irresponsible thing to do to leave a kid on their own. But then again, Vale is a safe-ish place for kids to wander around to play with their friends if you exclude the criminal elements that I just so happen to find out about accidentally. They won't kidnap kids without a really good reason because the Huntsmen and Huntress are usually very good at tracking them down if they did.

I'd rather not risk it though. Keep her close by for now until either her parents showed up and failing that...well I'll think of something soon, hopefully.

Even so, I think she's a wee bit too young to be left to her own devices and I don't see anyone that could be her friend anywhere. Is she lost? Should I keep her company until her parents find her? I'm going to need more details from her first though.

"Mummy said I shouldn't talk to strangers." she finally replied, still looking guarded and taking a step back. I gave her an understanding nod as I rubbed my chin. She's feeling apprehensive and for good reasons too.

"Smart woman." I told her. Gotta give props to the mother for teaching her what she should and shouldn't. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on how you look at it, there are ways to deal with that. Especially when you're talking to a naive little child that just look so innocent and uncorrupted.

"Very well then." I said in a mysterious tone as I prop my elbows on my knees and rest my chin on my entwined fingers. I glace at her with a mischievous smile and continued. "My name's Alex, what's yours?" And there goes the longest record of me not introducing myself. Shame, but if my plan worked then I would at least get her name.

"Mine's Amber." she introduced herself to me in a rather chirpily tone and completely unaware that she was already talking to a stranger. "You have a strange name." She added with a giggle, placing both her hands to cover her mouth.

"That's a good name you have there." I nodded, thinking if I know anyone by that name but nothing came up. Then I realised what she had said about mine. "And my name is not strange." I let out an annoyed huff as I cross my arms and look away pouting, ignoring her giggles. The colour naming rule. One of the reasons why I didn't introduce myself I suppose. The other reason was because no one ever asked. In hindsight I should have used a fake name but eh, what done is done.

"Are you a boy or a girl?" I asked in total seriousness, the playful look on my face was gone and I put on the straightest face that I've ever worn since I've first arrived in Remnant. Gotta be certain after all, traps are everywhere nowadays.

"Girl." she answered, looking at me like I'm stupid which, by the way, I'm not. I just have trust issues when it comes to gender. I blame trip to Thailand for that. Never hit on a girl there unless you're absolutely certain that it's a girl and didn't have anything hanging between her tights.

Thankfully my jinx didn't take effect and Amber's actually a girl….it just means it would take effect later wouldn't it?

"Well then, since we both know each other a bit now that means we're not strangers anymore." I turn my sights back to her once I'm done feeling like an idiot for not coming up with an alias, my shit eating grin already in place. "So now you can talk to me without worrying about your mother being mad since you're technically, not talking to a stranger."

The girl was clearly baffled at my logic as her face twisted into a confused frown. "But I just met you." she said as she cutely tilt her head to the side and purse her lips to the side.

"Ah," I let out in a smug tone. "but how can we still be strangers if we already know each other?" I asked while wriggling an eyebrow. "A stranger is someone you do not know but since you know me now it means we're acquainted, so me being a stranger is out of the question." I declare haughtily in a childish manner.

Do I feel embarrassed for being so childish you ask?

Nope, I have no shame.

"Achqwanted?" she said as she narrowed her eyes in concentration, testing her tongue to find the correct pronunciation of what I had said and failed miserably in an adorable way.

Must, resist, glomping the chibi child in front of me! Resist it! Resist it I say!

"Acquainted." I repeated what she had tired to say properly for her while suffocating that strange desire with an imaginary pillow. "It means we're not really friends yet not unfamiliar with each other enough to be considered strangers. And since we're not strangers to each other anymore that means you can talk with me ya?"

Amber just grew more confused and place both her tiny hands on her head as she tries to understand my logic. "I guess so?" She finally said hesitantly.

"Excellent!" I exclaimed as I smirked victoriously. Heh, kids. Always so easy to fool. "Now then, can you tell me why you're here all alone instead of being with your parents?"

I saw Amber grab the helm of her skirt. She slowly look down with a small pout on her face as she kicked a small rock nearby. "I got lost while shopping with mummy." she muttered sadly.

Jeez, parents these days. They should at least watch their kids more carefully so this doesn't happen. Don't they know children have short attention spans? They would probably be distracted by any shiny objects as they walk together and get left behind because they stopped and stare.

"Do you know where was the last place you saw her?" Usually that's the best place to start looking when you're separated from your parents. I have plenty of experience myself even when I'm already an adult. Yes, I still get lost when shopping with my mummy, laugh all you want.

Amber shook her head dejectedly at my question, looking sadder with each passing moment.

Oh well, looks like that's not an option here. Amber did well to last this long without panicking and turning into a sobbing mess. But if she did, wouldn't she gotten help sooner or attract the attention of the parent that was unaware that her child was missing? Looks like I'll have to think of another way to reunite her with her mother but I don't think I can leave the shop unmanned for too long nor can I close it on my own without any permission. I can't call to ask Boss for advices on how to deal with lost children because I don't have her number yet. Now that I think about I haven't even register a phone number for my Scroll yet.

That Scroll that I bought is really starting to look more useless than ever.

My mulling was interrupted when I heard a loud growling noise nearby.

*GRRRRRAAAAWR*

I immediately sprung up from my crouching position feeling startled and alert.

Holy lonely pony eating a macaroni! That sounded like a Nazi T-Rex stepping on a lego block while it's trying to correct someone's grammar. Was it a Grimm!? We're in the middle of a god damned city, why the heck is there a Grimm nearby!? Why aren't the Huntsmen doing their job properly!? I'm so not prepared to face something like that r-

Of course, not even halfway though my panic that weird mind stuff turned on and I calmed down immediately. It's really tiring when your emotions keeps shifting like that without warning. One moment you're scared out of your wits at the prospect of facing a spawn from hell and then you're indifferent to everything around you as you started to plan your immediate survival.

One of the plans even involve throwing Amber to the wolves and run to safety. Seriously brain?

While looking around for any large creatures of the night I saw that no one was panicking or even running away. In fact, I don't think anyone else heard that sound just now. Everything was just as peaceful as before. The pedestrians are walking on the streets, each minding their own business; some were sitting on benches and chatting animatedly or playing on their Scrolls.

My mind processed that information at an incredible rate and concluded that there might not actually be any danger at all and my body relaxes, the weird mind thingy shuts itself off and leaving my mind free to think whatever I want.

I look around one more time to be certain and sure enough, no Grimm. Thank god for that. I've never even seen one in real life before except when they're shown on the news or on picture books. I don't think I'm remotely ready to even survive against one let alone defeat it.

Am I starting to go loco? I don't recall eating any strange mushrooms today. I heard the growl loud and clear and it's very nearby if I were to guess. If I remember it correctly, the sound originated from right in front of...

My eyes narrowed as I realized where it came from and I slowly turn my attention back to the brown haired girl.

Amber was clutching her stomach, looking like she's about to cry as her eyes were watery and her lips were purse into a thin line and trembling.

"Amber," I call out in concern and a pair of watery brown eyes look at me. "Are you hungry?" I asked the obvious and Amber nodded as expected.

Now that I think about it, it's almost lunch time. I suppose it's safe to assume she won't be finding her mother anytime soon and I would need to feed her so that she doesn't go hungry.

'Oh boy, what do I do now?' I wondered as I scratch my head while looking around, hoping to someone would give me a sign or clue on what I should do as I've never encountered this type of situation before. God, if you're out there, give me a sign.

Sadly, no one did. I believed in you God, why hath thou forsaken me in my time of need?

Anyway, the correct course of action is to feed her, that much I know and I'm not that heartless to let a little kid starve. But there's a problem you see.

I would happily give her something to eat from the cafe but I can't since I'd have to pay for it and the last of my savings have been used up to buy that throwing stick so yeah….need a new plan.

Seeing her teary and pouting face made my heart wrench in pain and I wanted nothing more than to feed her until she's too full to even move just like my grandma would always do when I visit her. Even then she would still force us to continue eating her lovely food and would bring in more when we thought we were about to finish.

Truly, I've never met an even more sadistic person than my granny.

Anyway, I'm seriously regret buying that Scroll right now.

*Sniffle*

I froze, my train of thought came into a crushing halt as the sound reached my ears. My head slowly turn back to the kid in standing in front of me and my attention focused solely on her.

Amber was rubbing her eyes as tears trail down her cheek; her shoulders were trembling slightly as she spoke with a cracked voice. "I want my mummy." she uttered between sobs.

Apparently she couldn't handle being lost anymore and finally decided to do the thing she should have done in the first place. But it would cause a lot of misunderstanding if she were to cry right now because I'm standing in front of her. People might think I'm the one who made her cry and I don't want that, nor do I want to see a child cry because I prefer to see them laughing happily.

There will be no crying children in my neighborhood, not when I'm around to stop it!

New plan, feed her regardless of my financial crisis and worry about the money later! I'm sure Boss would understand why the snacks in the cupboard are missing if I just explain the situation to her and support my decision wholeheartedly. After that, I'll search go for her mum once Boss and Summer returned so I can leave my post.

I took action immediately and quickly crouch in front of her. "Hey, hey, hey. Don't cry." I told her I soften my tone and do a calm down gesture with my hands. "I'll get you something to eat, then we'll go find your mummy okay? Do you want the cake that's on the display or a normal meal?" I asked her with a smile, trying my best to reassure her that it's fine.

Amber just shook her head with a sniffle.

"Okaaaay? Why not?" I asked, puzzled at her reply. Kids love food, they usually would gobble up everything you cook for them except for veggies. Why would Amber say no even though she's already hungry?

"I don't have any money." she pouted dejectedly as she stare at her feet.

"I never said you have to pay for them." I rolled my eyes with a small smile.

"But I'll still feel bad and mummy told me that it's bad to just take things without giving something in return." Amber mumbled as she look up at me with wide puppy dog eyes. I had to suppress a squeal because the kid just look outright adorable. Her innocent way of thinking is heartwarming for me because I lived in an age where kids are disrespectful as fuck and would do and take whatever they want without thinking of the consequences.

I place started rubbing my chin as I began plotting of a way for her to accept without causing much of a fuss. I tilt my head to the side as I let out a long and thoughtful hum while Amber was drying her tears with her frilled sleeves.

What should I do in this situation? She won't accept free stuff because of her upbringing and I can't let her starve… or can I? I suppose I could but I'm not that cruel.

While I could talk her into accepting but it would take too long. She looks like a stubborn type and I don't want to leave the shop unmanned for too long. It's a wonder no one entered while I was talking to her. I guess the fastest way is to trick her into thinking that she's not getting the food for free.

I snap my fingers as I thought of an idea that would benefit us both. The sound effectively gained her attention and she's now looking at me with slightly wet cheeks.

"Since it's like that, how about I give you work to do for the food instead?" I suggested.

"Work?" Amber echoed, brown eyes blinking.

I nodded, "Yes, since you wont accept things for free then I suppose you can help out in the cafe to pay for the food. Employees get free meal here so if I were to hire you then you don't have to worry about eating it without paying since you'll be paying back through your services in the cafe." I'm aware that I can't just randomly hire people off the street since I'm not the owner and Boss isn't around to hire her either. But Amber doesn't know that I'm not the owner and she's just a kid, they're always easily fooled.

Eh, what's telling an innocent white lie compared to starving an adorable kid.

Amber shifted her weight between her feet, fidgeting with a contemplating frown on her face as she think about my offer. She seem to be having a battle with her inner conscience, wandering whether or not it's alright to accept.

Seeing that it might take a while for the kid to decide and I just saw some random dude entered the shop, I knew that I can't afford to wait for her to make up her mind. I decided to used a method that would get any kids to agree to something almost instantly, one that I have been using since the birth of my little siblings to make them do their chores.

"Employees get free candies." I deadpanned.

"Yes." She immediately answered with stars shining in her eyes, her earlier desire to see her mother again temporarily forgotten.

Ah sweet, innocent youth. If only I retained that quality from my childhood...I'd probably be exploited more times than I could count back home. Eh, whatever; being morally handicapped is much more fun anyway.

-0-

Here I sat silently; my ass firmly placed on one of the many stools in the back of the kitchen as I placed my elbow on the table and rest my chin on my palm, fingers drumming on my cheeks. My eyes were staring at the spectacle in front of me with amusement clearly written on my face along with a warm smile.

Sitting in front of me was Amber. Her eyes were closed as she made an expression of absolute bliss, almost like she was floating in heaven; all her worries were gone and nothing else mattered other than savoring this moment. Her mouth was chewing on the food that I have given her while her legs were kicking in the air energetically and her tiny hands gripping tightly onto the plastic cutlery I had given her; the ones we have for kids to use.

When she finally finished chewing she snap opened her eyes and I saw stars shining brightly in them; they were so bright that it made me wish I brought sunglasses with me.

She turn her attention back to the plate on the table immediately, almost as if she was afraid that her meal would disappear if she were to wait.

In front of her, was a half eaten steak -that's coated with mushroom sauce since she couldn't handle black pepper yet- and she eyed it like a predator. She bought down her fork towards it, stabbing it like she was using a dagger before trying to separate the portion of meat with her knife.

But sadly, even after using it for a while she's still having trouble with the knife. She would need to try multiple time to slice the meat as it just wouldn't cut through for some reason. She was using it like a saw and uses way too much strength when cutting. The sauce was flying everywhere when she was dragging the knife and staining the table and her blouse.

I can't tell whether she's using the knife wrongly or maybe it's because it's made out of plastic but either way, she now has orange coloured stain on her clothes and I know for a fact that her mother is going to be very upset when she sees it.

Yes, I gave her steak to eat out of all the other things I could have made for her. It's mainly because the other guy ordered it so I thought I might as well make hers while I'm at it since it's more convenient that way.

You know...I should at least scold her for making such a mess or at least help her...then again I get to see an adorable scene where she tries to get her plastic knife to work and it comes with annoyed pouting and cute glares she sent towards the steak.

Finally, after the fifth attempt to slice the meat off she did it. She raise the fork up into the air with the piece of meat still sticking onto it as if showing her triumph over the steak for the world to see. Her face was filled with pride and delight as she huffed proudly with one hand on her hips and her eyes closed. The area around her mouth had been stained with mushroom sauce, or rather, smudged with it as it had already spread to her cheeks.

I can tell that she's taking in the moment and letting it sink in before she devours her food with rigorous vigor.

…..

I took a picture of her moment without her noticing. It was just too cute. Looks like the throwing stick wasn't so useless after all.

Maybe I should teach her how to hold her cutlery tools properly but I don't wanna interrupt her when she looks so happy right now. Maybe I could do it later. Yeah, later is a good choice, for now I have work to do. The counter isn't going to man itself after all.

-0-

"Did you enjoy the meal?" I asked the bubbly looking girl in front of me with a raised eyebrow.

Amber nodded excitedly with a bright smile, a greasy and still sauce smudged smile to be exact. "Yes!" she replied chirpily.

I turn my attention towards the table and saw her plate. I don't know how to describe it but it kinda looked like the aftermath of an animal being butchered there with all the sauce being scattered everywhere.

"I'm glad that you did..." I laughed wryly, thinking of the mess that I have to clean up because of her. Just how in God's saggy balls did the sauce even get to the ceiling? I shift my gaze back to Amber and saw tilting her head at me, looking confuse at my tone as she clap her hands together behind her back.

Good thing I've already put up the taking a break sign outside so I won't have to worry about customers coming in while I clean the mess up. Then I remembered that I have a handkerchief in my pocket that she could use to clean her face with.

Without further ado, I took it out and handed it over to her. Amber look at the yellow hankie in confusion, unsure of what to do with it as I handle it in front of her. She shift her sight from it to me and tilt her head in another direction. The innocent look on her face made it really hard not to just glomp and cuddle her right now. But I didn't, mainly because she' still covered in sauce and it's really hard to wash sauce out of my uniform.

I just rolled my eyes at her before leaning over to wipe her mouth myself. Amber, being the child that she is, resisted my attempts to clean her off and squirm around playfully with childish giggles as she tries to swat off my hand.

Of course, her resistance only cause me to plant my hand on her head to head it from moving too much and causing her to let out a ticklish squeal as I clean her off.

Anyway, it would seem that giving her food seem to gain me her trust or something because she's not staring at me suspiciously and not back away when I get near. Kinda reminds me of those stray dogs that I've always fed back home. I'm not sure of I should be comparing Amber with stray dogs but whatever; if she had a tail I'm sure it'll be wagging like mad right now.

Today I've learned that you can gain a kid's trust with food….I'm not sure what to do with that knowledge. I feel so dirty and ashamed for some reason.

"Just how in the world did you even get yourself so dirty with just one meal?" I couldn't help but ask out loud in wonder.

"It was delicious! I can't help it!" She defended herself with a pout.

Aww~ Ain't she just a cute little angle. I wanna pinch her cheeks so badly right now.

Once I'm satisfied that she no longer look like she had just slamed her face onto the steak -which I suspected that she did- I finally let go of her head and she move to fix her hair that I've messed up with an annoyed huff.

"Well, that's one problem solved but we still have to do something about your clothes. I imagine your mother wouldn't be happy when she sees you with brown splotches all over your blouse."

Amber let out a shocked gasp at my words and quickly snap her head down to see the state of her attire. She let out another gasp, this time filled with dread and panic as she tug on her blouse to get a better view of her blouse. I thought that it's quite a pointless action as you could see the stains just fine as it's quite literally everywhere, even on her back.

Just how in Satan's rainbow coloured underwear did it even get there? You know what? I'm not even going to bother trying to find out. It must be witchcraft I say. And thus, the mystery of the random stains that appeared everywhere has been chalked up into the category called 'shit only kids could do when you weren't looking'. It's less of a headache if you think of it that way.

Amber finally got over her shock and let the cloth she was pulling on drop. She look up at me with panic spreading rapidly throughout her face, her big round eyes seem to be pleading for help as she seem to be at a lost of what to do in this situation.

I let out an amused smirk at her, a brief sense of nostalgia hit me as I was reminded of the times I had too look after my younger siblings that would make a mess just like Amber did.

The amount of chaos those brats could cause is beyond normal. One moment I had to pull one of them out of the toilet bowl because he fell in while shitting, then I had to stop another from mimicking superman and jumping off the table with a tablecloth as a cape; after that I had to comfort a crying one because his penis was hurting when the toilet lid slammed onto it like the jaws of a crocodile.

Heh, kids. It's a wonder I haven't gone insane yet; or maybe I have but didn't know it. The weird things going on in my head could be a sign but meh, as long as I don't start wearing pink out of the blue I can still consider myself sane and everything is A-Okay.

Amber seem to have interpreted my smile as something else because she got angry, why wouldn't she be when someone was apparently smiling at her misery.

"It's not funny!" she whined pitifully as she throws her hands up in the air "mummy's going to be so mad at me when she sees me like this." The fear was in her voice was almost palpable as she started to panic, looking like she's going to start running around screaming at the top of her lungs until a solution presents itself. Amber continued to talk about what her mother would do if she caught her with her dirty outfit and how her fate would be if she didn't find a way to clean it up as she pace around the place and ruffled her hair in trance. But I've stopped listening around the part where she said there wouldn't be any snacks anymore.

Looks like a distraction is in order since I don't want her to run around like a headless chicken; thankfully I have just the thing to stop her.

Before she could freaking out even more over what her mother would do to her, I took out something from my pocket. "Here's the candy I promised." I dangled the piece of sweet in front of me.

Amber clamp her mouth shut and swivel her head towards my direction. Her attention was entirely focused on the sweet with the eyes of a hawk and she appears to be almost drooling. At least she's no longer going on about how her mother was going to ground her for a week.

"Yay! Candy!" she cheered and had practically leaped over from her spot to grab the candy from my hand like an eager puppy. Amber shot forward like a missile, her arms shot out ready to catch her prize; her eyes were wide and sparkling along with a look of anticipation plastered onto her face.

But before she could grab it, I lifted the sweet away and she shot through empty space. I winched when I saw her crash into the stacks of conveniently placed cardboards that softened impact. Worried that the crash might actually hurt Amber, I quickly made my way over to check if she's still conscious only to see her sprung up like a spring, completely unharmed and well, as she turned around to pout angrily at me. I silently thank the earlier version of me for placing those cardboards there for recycling.

"Why Amber," I called out to her, sounding scandalized as I regarded her with a disappointed look. My gaze seem to have some sort of effect on her because she dropped her angry-slash-adorable pout and flinched. "You don't just take things from people's hand like that. That's very rude and ill-mannered. You should wait until they hand it out for you to take, not just grab them from their hands the moment you see it." I continued as I wave a finger at her in a chiding manner, tsking as I did so.

Amber look down at her feet somberly, her tiny hands grab onto the helm of her skirt as she shuffle uncomfortably as I scold her; a look of guilt flashes across her face as her lips pursed into a thin line.

I bit back a grimaced as she did so. She looked like a kicked puppy and it felt worst knowing that I'm the one that made her that way. I never really like scolding children, it's just not in my nature to do so but someone's gotta do it when they did something they shouldn't. I know that it's necessary sometimes but scolding them only makes them more guarded or careful when they're around you; afraid that they would do something wrong in your presence and get reprimand because of it. It takes away the fun of being with them.

Oh well, might as well get it over with.

I fixed her a stern glace and was surprised at how unnatural and uncomfortable it felt on my face. "And what do you say when you've done something wrong?"

"Sorry." Amber mumbled, looking at the very interesting patch of dust on the ground as she shuffled her feet in a circle.

"Good." l said with a gentler tone and nodded in approval and walk closer towards her. At least she's listening. My stern expression softens into a small, whimsical smile. "Now lift up yous hands." I continued.

Amber hesitantly did so, slowly lifting both her hands together, palms up and sending quick glances my way with mild curiosity but I can still see the wariness in them.

I suppressed a dejected sigh at the sight and lean down towards her. Once I'm close enough I clamped both my hands around hers, one hand closed into a fist placed right on top of her palm and the other clasp underneath it. Amber jumped, startled at the sudden contact and snap her head up to face me. Confusion was clearly etched onto her face as she look at her hands that was being covered by mine and then towards me; her head snaps up and down repeatedly until she eventually settled with watching me with an inquiring look.

Then realisation struck her as she understood that the candy was in my fist and she started skipping excitedly with pursed lips, eyes shining brightly again with childish glee.

I smirked, opening my fist with deliberate slowness just to watch Amber stare at my hand with nervousness and anticipation. Apparently I took too long and she was now skipping impatiently on her spot to the point where she's nearly hyperventilating while sending pouts and glares my way.

I'm a sadistic bastard, I know.

Without further stalling, I opened my fist and to Amber's surprise and delight, instead of the one piece of candy that she was expecting she received a fist full of them that came out of nowhere. She started squealing happily as she clutch the sweets close to her chest, apparently already forgotten about her dilemma regarding her clothes.

"Yay~! You're my best friend now." she happily declares as she pop some sweets into her mouth.

Okay, new knowledge. Instantly befriend a kid when you give them candy. Again, I feel so dirty and ashamed for no reason.

"Where did you get them!? I thought you only had one on you." Amber asked while moving the sweet inside her mouth from one cheek to the other.

"Magic." I replied smugly, puffing my chest out in pride as she stared at me in awe. But in reality, the true answer is really, really deep pockets. I'm deadly serious. The pockets in Remnant are like connected to another dimensional space or something because I could stick an entire arm inside the pockets on my pants without them bulging. Hell, you could stick your entire arsenal of weapons inside and bring them everywhere with you and everyone would be none the wiser. It's almost like magic, kinda like Weiss and Ren's sleeves. Oh, so that's why they could store their weapons in there.

While I was busy contemplating the mystery of the dimensional pockets Amber spoke up once more. "You sounded a lot like my grandpa when he saw me doing something wrong." she observed.

"Oi! I'm not old! I'm only fifteen! (in this body anyway)" I shouted out in horror, feeling every bit scandalized as I sounded and causing her to erupt into a fit of giggles. I did my best to glare at her but sadly, my angry face needs a lot of work because she tried to suppress a snicker at the sight of my expression.

"Let's...let's just go find you something to wear so I can clean you clothes." I said with a dejected sigh, wishing to change the subject as I walk towards the stairs leading towards the second floor; Amber followed closely behind as continued to giggle at me.

"Okay grandpa." she replied cheekily with a grin.

"I'm not that old!" I groan out in despair. "Ye better keep yer trap shut be'for I jab yer with mah walking stick." I told her, mimicking an old man's voice and slouching my back while pretending to wave an invisible walking stick in the air at her in mock anger. Amber burst out laughing, unable to restrain her amusement any longer. The cafe empty cafe was filled with Amber's sweet, joyful laughter as we made our way up the stairs while I complained about back pains and what it was like back in my day and how the teenagers in this generation were spoiled, causing Amber to laugh even more.

-0-

"It would need to be hand washed." I explained as I search the storeroom for a box that I had found in my room while I was doing some spring cleaning months ago. Amber just stood by my side as she watches what I was doing in curiosity. If I remembered correctly, I saw some kids clothes in there. Not sure whose it was but no matter, since it's stored away then I suppose no one needs it anymore.

I showed it to Boss when I found it and she looked kinda sad when she saw it, staring at the box with faint hint of remorse and grief. I would have asked what's wrong but seeing how sad she looked and how hard she was trying to hide it made me change my mind. She told me to put it in the storeroom that day so here I am, searching through the stuffs inside just to find that box again.

"But why?" Amber asked with a tilt of her head, her bangs sliding towards the side her head was leading at.

"Weeeeelllll," I stretch out the word as I carefully rearrange the contents of the storeroom so it doesn't fall on top of me when I accidentally moved something I shouldn't, just like the Jenga blocks I used to play when I was a kid. Holy crap there sure is a lot of stuff in here.

"It's mainly because I don't think our washing machine would wash away the stains properly since ours is very cheep, so is our detergent. We're better off washing it off by hand unless you want the stains to spread instead of being clean off."

Amber just made an 'oh' face with her lips spread into an O before she went back to watching me rummage though the storeroom while popping another piece of candy into her mouth.

I turn my head to face her with an unamused look. "Amber, stop eating so many sweets. I know that I gave you a lot but you don't have to wolf them down in one day." I chided, only causing her to pout at me as she hold her sweets closer to her chest as if guarding them.

"It's not good for your teeth." I continued but a thought entered my brain and a mischievous smirk graced my face as I regarded her. Amber actually took a step back when I look at her with an oh so innocently smile. "But who am I to stop you from enjoying yourself. The worst that could happen from eating too many sweets is either a tummy ache," I told her as I rubbed my belly for her to see and she looked rather uncomfortable as she goes to pat her stomach to check for any incoming aches. "Or," my smile turned devious as my eyes sparkled playfully. "A trip to the Dentist!"

"Noooooo!" Amber cried out in absolute terror; her hands shot up to cover her ears to stop herself from listening to me, causing the sweets dropped onto the ground. She just keeps on stretching out the one syllable word for approximately a full minute or something (I lost track of the time) and I've learned that she can really go on without taking a breath in bet- oh wait never mind, she just took a breath….and then she continued screaming out like a person that had just been denied the very thing she was craving for all her life.

Once she's done screaming out the syllable like Darth Vader from Star Wars she look down at the sweets in on the ground, a very panicked look appeared on her face as she seem to be struggling to decide what to do with the sweets.

Ha, payback for calling me old brat.

Oh crap, she looks like she's about to cry.

"Don't worry about it so much. It should be fine if you brush your teeth regularly." I tried to placate her panicky.

"Really!?" She snap her head up to face me, a look of hope etched onto her face.

"Yes, now calm down before you pee yourself in excitement." I gave her a roll of my eyes before I turn back to the storeroom. God knows that it happened before with my siblings. I saw Amber picking up the candies out of the corner of my eyes but she's stuffing them in her pockets instead of eating them so I guess that's a good thing. I briefly wondered if her pocket is an endless wormhole like mine but shook the thought away and went back to searching.

"Ah ha!" I exclaimed as I took out the box I was looking for, gaining curious looks from the little girl next to me.

I quickly set the box down on the ground and opened it...normally this time. What greeted me was a stock of old clothing, sizes fit for children. I think I can guess where they came from seeing that Boss used to have a son. I have no idea what happened to him but all evidence points to the fact that he died at some point in the past. Bringing it up or even mentioning her son always sours Boss' mood so I tend not to do that.

But should I really use the belonging from the deceased so casually without permission from the Boss? I mean, they belonged to her dead son for Christ's sake... Eh, if I could loot the corpses of the dead and wear their stuff without batting an eye in video games I can do it here too; granted that the difference between the two realities are vastly different but meh, I'm not the one wearing it anyway. Side's Amber doesn't need to know that it belonged to a dead guy and I'm the ask for forgiveness kind of person instead of permission.

I started ruffling through the clothes to find one that would fit Amber. I found one that would match her size but the look is… Oh this is going to be great! I took it out with a wide grin on my face as I showed what she's going to wear for her to see.

Amber raise an eyebrow at the sight. "Am I really going to wear that?"

"Oh course you are, just think of it as your work uniform. Now quickly get change so I can wash your blouse." I handed the outfit over and Amber carried it in her arms with a reluctant look. Then I started guiding her towards the bathroom so she can change.

"But it looks so..." she trailed off, unable to find a word to describe what she's holding as she walk by my side.

"Oh I know. It'll be brilliant." I nodded in agreement even though she didn't finish her sentence, snicking to myself and thinking of all the pictures that I could take later. After that my mind was already thinking about what to do later and how to explain to Boss and Summer why there's a kid in the cafe without sounding like a pedophile. But even though I knew that I should be planning on how to reunite Amber with her mother but a certain… mischievous side of my brain thought up of something that I just can't ignore. But I shall shelved it away for later because for now, dealing with the problem at hand.

"So what does your mum look like?" I asked Amber and she place a finger on her chin as she let out a thoughtful hum with her eyes closed.

"My mummy's really pretty, has the same hair and skin colour like mine, really tall, her hair is-" And I've stopped listening at that point because man, the kid can keep on going without stop.

"Yeah, I have no idea how to envision her so I'll have to bring you along when we go out searching." I interrupted her as she was describing what her mother was wearing in complete detail. It'd probably be more easier this way as she would know who to look for.

"Okay then." she nodded enthusiastically, delighted at the prospect of searching for her mother.

Without anything else to talk about the idea that I had shelved away came back into my mind. I went over it multiple times, trying to find out the pro and cons and calculating whether or not it would be worth it to pull it off. Seeing that there's nothing to lose if it was executed except for some...payback from an agitated coworker, the plan was given the green light.

"Hey Amber,." I called out to get her attention and she turn her head to face me. "Wanna pull a prank?" I asked with a grin.

A playful smile appeared on her seemingly innocent face.

Apparently this little angle has a mischievous side.

-0-

AN: I've heard that you all enjoy light and heart warming scenes. I hope that you enjoyed this one then and prepare for more to come as shit doesn't hit the fan until Summer goes to Beacon. I still have to introduce the rest of the cast too so expect the rest of the story to remain light and fluffy until...oh well, we'll never know what's going to happen in the future now will we?

If this chapter seem kinda rushed that's probably because it is kinda rushed. I just wanted to get it out before the next Volume of RWBY comes out. It actually goes on a bit longer but I decided to cut it off.

On a relating note, any new info revealed by Volume 4 will not be implemented unless it could fit in the story. This fic is AU by the way just in case no one really notices.

Thanks for reading and do review. More reviews means more motivation for writing. I have posted quite a few new stories but no one ever reads them and it really dampens my motivation for writing for the past month or two and ended up playing games instead. I've written one for Kanaberi Of the Iron Fortress and Pokemon but no one ever reads them so I'll be putting them in the low priority list.

On a side note, I've got a job whose work hour is 60 hours a week. So expect updates to be very slow or just a bit faster but no longer over 10k in length. Choose either one for I can't decide myself.

Do check my profile once in a while because I'll be updating it when I have the time to show which fic that I'm working on and their progress.

That is all, please have a good day. Ta ta.