CH 10
It was Friday afternoon, and Jaune was doing the same thing any normal seventeen-old would be - counting the minutes until his last lesson ended.
He spared one more glance at the clock hanging on the wall, just above the blackboard.
Only five minutes and thirty four seconds…
It wasn't that lesson was boring. Quite the opposite - while Social Studies didn't sound like something you would have at combat school, this lesson was almost entirely focused on laws regarding Aura users in general, and Hunters in particular.
Jaune sighed and looked at the clock again. Five minutes and twenty five seconds. Turns out constantly checking time does not make it flow faster. Heh, who would have thought.
The blond hunter let out another sigh, and tried to focus on what the teacher, a lean, older man who's name he didn't catch, was saying. Then something hit him in the head.
Jaune didn't have to look to know what it was - he could see a small ball of paper roll and stop next to his leg. He didn't turn around to check who might have thrown it either.
He could hear team CRDL snicker behind him.
It didn't take long for the four-boy team to earn a rather bad reputation at Beacon. It was only four days since initiation and just about everyone knew that they were bullies, racists, and overall assholes. And apparently sore losers. Almost immediately after Thrush lost to Ruby, Team CRDL started bullying the young girl and her team. Or tried to at least. When Yang found out - she was furious. She apparently managed to corner the leader of bully-team, Cardin Winchester, alone in some secluded spot. If his blackened eye and broken nose were any indicator - their talk went about as well as expected.
But instead of learning their lesson, they decided to retaliate - by dumping some kind of stinking gel on Yang's hair.
That day every student at Beacon accepted one, simple rule: do not mess with Yang's hair.
Jaune had no idea why they had chosen to focus on him - but he could guess. Judging team RWBY to be too hard of a target, CRDL somehow came to the conclusion that bullying their friends would be best way to get back at the all girl team. And since it was no secret that team JNPR was close friends with four girls - they were the obvious target.
It started with the occasional snarky remark, bumping into him when they passed each other in the corridors, that sort of thing. Then they started throwing things at him, as well as the taunts.
Jaune didn't know what they wanted to achieve - and didn't care. Team CRDL had gotten in trouble with the teachers quite a few times already - mostly for interrupting lessons. Yet somehow, each time they managed to convince themselves that it was not their fault - but someone else's.
Jaune shook his head to dispel these thoughts, and instead decided to do something productive - that is, to continue to stare at the clock.
Just one minute…
He felt as if every second took twice as long to pass as the previous one. But eventually, time passed and the lesson ended.
Like any normal teenager, Jaune threw his notes into his bag and ran out of the classroom, happy to finally be free of classes, and be able to do something fun.
Unlike any normal teenager, this didn't included going out to the city, hanging out with friends, or trying to pick up girls, but rather getting ready to go out and hunt bloodthirsty monsters with one of his teachers.
Jaune Arc was not a normal teenager after all.
The blond Hunter couldn't stop his grin when he was retrieving his gear from his locker.
Oh, this is gonna be fun.
It was on the way to docks, where he ran into team RWBY.
"Jaune? Where are you going?" Asked Ruby, tilting her head to one side.
"I have… kind of a special assignment."
"Special assignment? With whom?"
"Profesor Port."
This was enough to cut off any further questions. The four girls looked around nervously, as if expecting the portly professor to come out of nowhere and start terrorizing them with one of his tales.
When he didn't appear, they excused themselves and made a hasty retreat. Jaune smiled and shook his head. This scene was similar to when he told his own team about his little bonus assignment.
At first they were curious, even proposed to help him out, but when they learned that it would require spending a lot of time with their Grimm Studies professor - they quickly backed off.
When he made it to bullhead docks, Professor Port was already waiting for him.
"You ready to hunt some monsters, my boy?" He greeted
"I wouldn't be here otherwise." Jaune answered with a slight smile.
"Ha! Good answer my boy. Let's go then - our prey won't hunt itself."
Jaune's foot was tapping nervously. They had been flying for about twenty minutes - and it would take them around forty more before they reached their destination. He asked the older Hunter for any details on their mark - but apparently, Port didn't have anything specific. They were supposed to meet with the overseer of the woodworker camp they were heading to, and learn more from him.
But that meant they had nothing to talk about. Well, nothing neutral. Jaune had a few questions, but wasn't sure how to ask them to not offend the older man.
"What's the matter, my boy? You look anxious."
Jaune stopped looking out of the small window, and turned to his companion. Peter Port was staring at him, an unreadable expression on his face.
"Well…" Jaune began and paused, looking for best way to voice his questions.
Oh, well. I can always just ask. I doubt he will be offended by that.
"Actually sir..." he began, but stopped when Professor Port raised his hand.
"No 'sir's'. We are not here as teacher and student, but as two Hunters. No need to be so formal."
Jaune nodded and continued.
"I wanted to ask you something Peter."
"Go ahead."
"It's about what you said earlier, about combat schools not providing a good enough education. I was just wondering - is it really that bad? And if it is - why academies like Beacon don't adjust their teaching level? I mean, why would you waste your time with lessons that no one will understand anyway?"
Peter just laughed bitterly.
"If only it was so simple." He paused for a moment to collect his thoughts before speaking.
"You see Jaune, the problem is that there is no unified teaching program for Hunters. combat prep schools are basically normal middle schools, with a few added lessons. People who go to such schools don't all decided to become Hunters. Some go on to Police academies, some decide to join military, others become security personnel for private companies."
"That's why these schools have to balance out their classes to accommodate to all those career choices. On top of that, such schools, while founded by the Kingdom, are usually private institutions. And as such, individual teaching policies vary greatly between schools. Some put more emphasis on teaching theory, some less. Some teach basic of first aid, others survival in the Wilds. And if that wasn't enough - they can change their policies from year to year - all depends on who Headmaster is, and who sits on the board of directors."
Peter looked lost in thought for a moment, then scoffed and shook his head.
"That's why the first week is as much an adjustment period for us teachers as much as it is for new students. We have to get an idea what the general level of education that our students are at, and then we adjust accordingly."
"Can't you just make some tests before the year starts?"
"We do. But they are not perfect. Even if we say that such test will not affect grades, students tend to try and… help the odds a bit."
Jaune laughed and shook his head.
I guess a teacher's job isn't so easy…
"So, how bad can it get?" He asked aloud.
Port looked at him confused, so Jaune elaborated.
"How badly unprepared can people be after combat school?"
Port was looking in distance for a few moments, then shook his head. When he looked back at Jaune his expression was somber.
"Five or six years ago, one of Vale's… 'elite' almost entirely removed practical combat classes from their teaching program."
Jaune started at older Hunter for a few moments. Then burst out laughing.
"Yeah, that was a good one. But seriously..." Jaune paused when he noticed one small, but worrying detail.
Port was not laughing.
"That was a joke, right?"
The older Hunter didn't answer.
"Please, tell me…" Jaune sighed and hid his face in his hands. "You're not joking, are you?"
"Sadly, no."
"How could an elite school do something so stupid?"
"Because this was a school for social elites. One day a kid of someone influential got his ass kicked too hard during a spar. I don't know if this was in fact something serious, or the kid just threw a tantrum after losing, and went to daddy to cry. Daddy turned out to be influential enough to force such an idiotic teaching doctrine so that no harm would come to his precious son - be it to body, or pride."
"How did those people even get passed initiation after that?"
"It's simple." Port answered with a shrug. "They didn't."
Any further talk was interrupted by the pilot announcing they are about to land.
A few moments later, they touched down in a large clearing and Jaune took in the camp. Two wooden houses, around ten or so tents, and a lot of logs drying in the sun. There were almost no defenses - only a large fence made of wood.
Well, it's only a temporary camp. No one would bother with luxuries. Thought Jaune.
They said their goodbyes to the pilot, and walked towards two burly men standing not far from them.
"Mr. Cobalt Grey?" Peter called out.
One of the men looked up, winced and spat to the side.
"Ya, tha Hunters who 're supposed to 'elp us?"
"Indeed we are good man! My name is Peter Port, this here is Jaune Arc."
The lumberjack just tsked and spat again.
"Then I 'ope you folks are 'etter than the last one. Said beast's dead, took the money. And now we have two of 'em instead of one."
"Don't worry sir. We are professionals. We guarantee that we will solve your problem permanently."
"Ya, sure. We will see. Anyway… take this." He said, handing a piece of paper to Port. The old Hunter unfolded it, revealing a crudely drawn map. There were drawings of few houses, and few 'x' around it, with different numbers. Some had a few notes next to them too.
"We marked spots where folks saw monster. We added directions and info on any landmarks nearby. It's not prettiest thing, but should be enough."
Peter nodded.
"Yes, indeed, this will be enough. One question - could you tell me where you saw it for the first time?"
Cobalt looked lost in thought for a few moments.
"Here is when we 'aw it for first time. Saw it my'elf, It looked like big ball of blue 'moke." The lumberjack pointed at spot farthest north from camp.
"Ball of smoke you say?" Peter asked, stroking his chin. He cast a glance to Jaune, who nodded. This sounded like one of the beginning phases of Wraith forming. If it was true, they knew where to look for their mark.
At least one of the two.
"That's very useful information. Thank you good sir."
"One more thing."
"Yes?"
"We saw the second one only once, around here." Cobalt said, pointing at one of the marks.
" 'ome folks might have been mistaken, since monster shows up only at night, but…" he trailed off.
Both Hunters just nodded. Twins could travel very far from each other, so it was not unlikely people from camp were encountering only one.
"So, what now?" Asked Jaune. They were sitting in one of the two buildings in the camp that turned out to be cafeteria.
"We have about an hour and a half until it gets dark enough for Wraith to come out. Guess its a good time to make some planning. Tell me Jaune, do you know how to flash your Aura?"
"Yeah." blond knight answered, looking at his older companion surprised. "Isn't it like a basic Aura control exercise?"
"Yes, indeed. But did you know you could use it to locate things when you can't see?"
The blond hunter blinked, and shook his head slowly.
"No…"
Peter nodded and took sip of his tea.
"It's a rather useful technique, but requires very good Aura control. It's a similar action to when you focus your Aura to block attack. But instead of focusing it on a single spot, you have to send out several bursts from your whole body at regular intervals. You can use it to locate an object that you can't normally see."
"So it's kinda like sonar?"
"That is… a rather good comparison, I'd say. Though it's not easy thing to do. Not only you have to make sure you spread your Aura evenly in all directions, and at the same speed at that, there is also the problem of the amount you expel. Too little, and you won't get good enough feedback. Too much, and you will run dry fast. It's an advanced technique that I usually teach people in their third year. Sometime earlier, if someone has especially good Aura control.
Jaune nodded.
"Well this certainly sounds useful. I guess it helps a lot when fighting in the dark?
"True. Also good against these pesky illusions. Well, that reminds me of this one time in Mistral…"
From there Peter Port started a tale of yet another of his great adventures. Jaune leaned closer, absorbing every word.
Seriously, how could anyone find such tales boring?
"Better. Now try it again. Remember - whole body my boy!"
Jaune nodded and focused. He could feel his Aura coursing through his body, strengthening and protecting it. He focused on this power, took hold of it. Then tried to push it out, like a wave.
Results were mixed. Most of his Aura come out of his hands, and shot out in a straight stream, rather than disperse in all directions like it should. While he managed to send out wave from his whole body - it wasn't a perfect dome like when Peter did it.
"Ok, that's enough. Now rest, we will be hunting soon."
Jaune nodded, and sat on a log. After around a hour, when Peter finished his tale, the young Hunter immediately asked to be taught how to use this 'Aura sonar'. While he had his own methods to deal with invisible enemies - one couldn't have enough tricks up his sleeve.
Peter was all too happy to comply, but warned that this is not something that can be learned immediately.
"I must say that your Aura control is remarkable."
Profesor Port was considering his young companion for few moments, then spoke again.
"But don't think you will be able to master this technique anytime soon. It will probably take you few weeks, maybe months before it's at the level it can be used effectively."
"I understand." Jaune answered. And then he recalled something that he meant to ask earlier.
"Hey, Peter, there is something I wanted to ask you."
"Oh?"
"During initiation, why you didn't kill the Harrowed yourself? I initially assumed you just couldn't locate it since it's true form was invisible. But with this Aura sonar of yours…"
The older Hunter humed.
"Well, two reasons. First of all - this technique is not too precise. You can tell where something is, and in what direction it is heading, but it's vague. I could tell that there was something there after I killed its material body - but it was hard to tell where exactly, or its shape. Plus range is limited, and the damn thing was fast - couldn't get a good read on it."
Jaune nodded. That made sense - if not for his Aura vision, he doubted he could take damn thing out.
"And the second reason?"
Peter just smiled.
"Isn't it obvious, my boy?" When Jaune looked at him quizzically, the old Hunter just shook his head.
"I didn't try to kill it because you were the one who encountered it first, and you didn't give up on hunting it. And it's rude to steal someone's else prey."
Jaune nodded. This might have sounded like stupid reason, but a lot of people followed it. It was part of the Code of Hunter afterall - a set of unwritten rules that almost everyone living far from the Kingdoms' safety knew.
"So, while we are at this topic, there is something I was curious about myself. How could you track down the beast? Initially, I thought you used this technique I told you about, but now it's clear to me you must have some other trick. Mind sharing it with this old man?"
Jaune smiled. Another rule from the Code - pay back your debts. If someone helped you - you should help too. If someone gave you something useful - be it tool, food, or knowledge - you should repay in kind.
"Sure I will. Before I explain, let me grab something."
It took only a moment to grab the box with his elixirs. When the older Hunter saw its contents, he raised an eyebrow.
Jaune smiled, and, with not a small amount of pride, started explaining.
"It starts to form." Said Peter Port three hours later, observing a small lake with ruined house standing next to it.
"Yeah, I can see it." Jaune answered with a nod.
Just a few moments later, the Harrowed formed fully, and both Witchers could take a good look at their prey - well at least half of it.
From this distance, someone could briefly mistake it for a woman. Though a few details, like the fact it was almost two meters tall, floating in the air, slightly see-through, had long, sharp claws and was missing half of its body were quite good indications that it was not a person.
The Harrowed floated in the place for a few moments, then started to wander aimlessly around the ruined house.
This has to be the place it died. Thought Jaune.
"Ok, Jaune, my boy, it's time to put this poor soul to rest. Can you see anything that you could use to track the other half?"
"Not sure. There is a lot of residual corrupted Aura around there. And it leaves a trail behind it when it moves. I guess I'll just circle around the clearing and see if I can find anything."
"Start from over there." Peter said, pointing to the east side fo clearing. Seeing his companion's questioning glance he continued.
"Look at it's hair. Normally they just float with the wind, but in the case of Twins they tend to twist towards other half."
Jaune nodded, and jumped down from the branch he was sitting on. The night was clear, but the forest was still very dark. Not that it mattered much for the young Hunter - with his Aura vision, he could see as clear as if this was a day. It took him around ten minutes to find what he was looking for - a thin trail of Aura going from clearing in vaguely east direction.
Jaune smiled and pressed on the earpiece in his right ear.
"Port?"
"Yes?"
"I think I found the link. Will follow it now."
"Understood."
Jaune broke into a light sprint. It was still early - sun set only about an hour and a half ago, but this was a race against time. The more time passed, the more Aura the Twins will be able to gather from its surroundings. The more Aura it gathers - the stronger it will be. If it gathers enough it will be able to leave its spawn area, and will start wandering around the forest.
It would be a pain to try to find it if that happened, so Jaune was running faster than he would usually allow himself in an unfamiliar forest.
Around thirty minutes later, he finally found his target. It was wandering around a small clearing, with a simple wooden cabin, that was in surprisingly good shape. It looked like it was abandoned only recently. After a brief examination, Jaune noticed big stone, with a mound of earth in front of it.
A grave? Did someone bring a body - or at least part of it - from the other cabin, and bury it here?
Jaune shook his head. This was not time for such thoughts. He activated his earpiece again.
"Port, I found it. It is in a small clearing with a new-looking house. There is something that looks like a grave there, but I can't get a closer look without it noticing me."."
"Roger. Get ready to engage on my mark."
Jaune pulled out Eclipse and started reading it with his Aura. Slowly the blade morphed, black mist surrounding his hand. Moments later, a low hum could be heard, and a blade darker than night itself was surrounded by thin glow of white light.
"Jaune?"
"I'm listening."
"I'm in position. Judging by its density and size, it should start dispersing very fast after death."
Jaune nodded to himself. This was normally a good thing - it meant there was less chance for some residual corruption to remain in the area, and cause the Harrowed to respawn.
Unfortunately, in the case of Twins, this also meant they would have to time killing both halves more precisely.
If they messed up the timing, the Harrowed would reform as a whole in one of the spots, or, in the worst case scenario, burst out in a wave of corrupted Aura that would reform somewhere. Possibly in two whole. And it could take few hours, as well as few years to do so.
Let's not fuck this up. It would be embarrassing as hell. Thought the young Witcher, listening to his companion instructions.
"Listen Jaune, we probably have only about two minutes before they disperse. Whoever kills first, contact the other person."
"I understand."
"Good. Don't hesitate to just rush it after you receive contact - its special abilities will be much weaker than a normal Wraith, you should be able to take most of them head-on. But don't be too reckless otherwise."
Jaune smiled. Once teacher, always teacher, huh?
"Got it." He said aloud, taking a few deep breaths.
"You ready?"
"Yes."
"Then let us begin."
Jaune smiled and dashed out of the woods. The Harrowed spotted him almost instantly, and with a loud screech, charged ahead.
Jaune ducked under the swipe of its claw, and slashed at its torso. The Wraith hissed and briefly turned into smoke, dashing away. The Witcher followed, scoring another hit as soon as the Harrowed formed again.
Its 'hair' lit up in a pale blue, and Jaune could feel a shiver run down his spine.
It must have been an ice-type. He thought, stabbing towards the Harrowed's chest. It dashed back, its bottom half turning into smoke and sinking into the earth. Jaune jumped to the side, narrowly avoiding a few shadowy spears that erupted from the earth where he was standing just a moment before. He rolled, jumped to his feet, continued to run in circle, spears hot on his heels.
Just before Jaune completed a full circle, the Harrowed stopped its attack, and instead dashed forward. The blond Witcher slashed, but it turned into smoke and passed through him, running towards the house.
He followed, catching it just before it reached the wooden wall. Eclipse pierced through its back, eliciting a painted screech. The Harrowed's hair twisted, and sank into its head.
Jaune jumped back, four tentacles erupting from the Twin's body and chasing him. He sidestepped one, ducked under another, and rolled out of the way of a third. The fourth latched onto his left arm - and immediately started sucking out his Aura.
Jaune winced. He focused, on his Aura, taking hold of it and stopping the flow. This brief tug of war was interrupted when Eclipse cut through the tentacle. It erupted into smoke, and the Harrowed let out another painted howl.
The remaining three tentacles shot towards him. Jaune dashed forward, dogging two, and ignoring a third that latched onto his stomach. It couldn't hurt him in any way, as long as he didn't let it drain his Aura - and he had a firm hold on it, not only thanks to practice, but also his Semblance.
More spears shot towards him, but he continued forward. He swung Eclipse in a wide arc, cutting most of them down. They shattered, turning into smoke - but more formed, some of them going past his guard.
Those impacted Aura, hardened with his Semblance into an impregnable wall.
The Harrowed rose about one meter in the air and pulled its head back, its body emitting a soft glow.
Jaune ignored urge to turn around and cover his ears.
That would be grave mistake when facing a regular Wraith - but instead of releasing a powerful wave of sound and light that would leave its prey stunned and disoriented, the Twin managed to let out only a brief flash of soft light and a loud screech.
Eclipse removed its head a second later, before impaling its chest yet again. This time, the Harrowed had no answer, and the Witcher pushed his sword deeper, pumping more Aura into his blade.
There was a sound like shattering ice, and wave of shadow erupted from the Harrowed.
"I am guide for Damned…"
Jaune felt cold. Impossibly cold, like there was no shred of warmth left in his body. And it was not only physical warmth - it was like he lost all hope. What was the point in doing anything? He would just fail again.
What was the point in helping people? They would just use him.
What was the point in having friends? They would just abandon him.
What was the point in living? He/she would just die anyway.
Alone. Cold. Hungry. Lonely. So lonely. With no one to rely on, no one to help her when she was alone and cold. What was point in struggling to live on? She could just disappear and no one would notice. And if they did? They would probably be happy that she was finally gone.
It would be nice to feel warm one last time tough. Just a tiny little bit would do.
It took him a good few minutes to be able to stand up. Even then, he was shaking violently, his teeth clattering. He staggered towards the stone he noticed earlier - and true enough it was a grave. He could barely make out the name and date of death - over ten years ago.
"Jaune? Are you alright?"
He took a deep breath before answering.
"Yeah. Rebound hit me hard, needed a few moments to get a hold of myself."
There were a few moments of silence.
"How?"
"She died from hunger or froze to death - not sure which one, possibly both."
"Alone, cold and hungry. No one should die like that." Jaune could almost see old hunter shake his head somberly.
Jaune kneeled, taking closer look at epitaph engraved on stone.
"At least she was not forgotten."
"That's good to for any other possible sources of corruption, I'll do the same on my side. Then head back to camp, we will meet there."
"Roger."
Jaune ended the transmission, and walked towards the house. It wasn't big, and there was little in terms of furniture. It didn't take him long to check the whole place - and besides one photo he didn't find anything interesting.
When he reached camp, Port was already there talking with Cobalt.
"..one?"
"Yes. But I say it again - do not take anything from either house. Best thing would be to burn both down."
The woodcutter nodded few times, stroking his chin.
"I guess ya right. No folks would wanna sleep in a haunted house anyway."
He spared a single glance at Jaune
"Or one that used to be haunted." He added. His tone clearly indicated that he was not convinced the Harrowed was dealt with, but was willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.
Jaune shared a look with Port, and both just shrugged. They bid farewell to Cobalt and walked to the tent he pointed out. They left their things inside, and started a small campfire. A few people looked at them strangely, some pointing out there was a perfectly fine cafeteria just a few steps away.
They just didn't understand.
Port disappeared inside the tent for a few moments, then walked out with a thermos in hand. He filled two metal cups with its content - black tea judging by the smell.
He handed one to Jaune, and took a long sip form other. He then sat on the log they dragged in front of their tent earlier and let out long, satisfied sigh.
Jaune joined him, and took a tentative sip from his own cup. He held the warm liquid in his mouth, judging taste.
"Whisky?" He asked finally.
Port looked at him with surprise, then smiled and nodded.
"It is, my boy. How could you tell? I purposefully added less than usual, seeing as you are underaged."
"Leon - Hunter that was training me - used it often when he prepared Camp Tea for me. That or vodka. Was always saying that if he has to give alcohol to the underaged, he could at least give them something good."
"Ha! I already like this Leon." He took another sip.
"But there is one more thing you can add to make it taste even better."
"Oh? And what would that be?"
Jaune smiled. It was his turn to go inside the tent. When he walked out, he was holding a plain glass bottle, with some dark liquid inside. He opened it, and poured a bit inside his cup. He raised the bottle towards the older Hunter, a question in his eyes.
After a moment of hesitation, Port offered his cup. Jaune smiled and poured a bit of the dark, syrupy liquid.
"Hmmm. Is it... Black elderberry? And something else…"
"Cherry."
Port took another sip, and held it in his mouth for a moment before swallowing.
"I must admit, it really tastes good."
Jaune hummed in agreement.
They spent a few moments just staring at the fire, sipping their teas.
"Jaune?" Peter said finally.
"Yeah?"
"Since you know about Camp Tea, I'm sure you knows what comes next?" He said, his voice serious.
"Of course." The blond answered. He took one more sip, and mused for a few moments. He smiled when one particular memory came to mind.
"So, me and Leon were on this escort job in Mistral…"
He might not be able to mach the older Hunter - but he had a few stories of his own.
And that wraps up this week chapter. It's shorter than usual, and I briefly considered adding some more text, but it felt forced. As it is, ch 10 in focused solely on Jaune's first proper hunt since joining Beacon - and I liked it.
Anyway, here is this week omake:
The Bag
She watched from her place on his bed as he wandered around the room, collecting various odds and ends that he'd need for his journey and placing it in the bag.
That bag.
She didn't know she could hate an inanimate object so much.
Each item placed in the bag, each pocket filled, was a promise.
A promise that he'd be leaving soon.
The bag continued to betray her as it started to reach the brim, Jaune nodding in silent approval of his work.
She'd thought about hiding something, to delay the process even a little…but it wouldn't have stopped him, he wanted this too much, he NEEDED this too much.
It didn't stop it from hurting.
She had to be strong.
"Almost ready to go save the world?"
He turned and smiled back at her. "Yeah, I think so."
They sat in silence for a few moments, each realizing what this meant.
"You're going to write me, right?"
"Every chance I get." He promised.
"You better."
She pushed off the bed and walked over to the boy, looking up into his eyes.
She threw her arms around him. "I'm going to miss you, you dummy."
He gently stroked her hair. "I'm going to miss you too brat. I'll be back before you know it."
She squeezed him tighter, no longer able to hold back the tears.
"You promise?"
He squeezed her back.
"I promise."