Chloe, Rhomson, Leon, and Niklaus were outside on the practice field with the rest of their class for today's gym lesson. Jasper was there with Alani.
"I wonder what is taking them so long?" Jasper asked.
"Having some trouble Jasper?" Leon asked.
Jasper sighed. "Dazz and Dennie are late."
"I'm guessing Dazz will be at fault," Alani suggested.
Jasper nodded. "She is a good at heart...but has the body of a klutz."
"I wouldn't know...I've never seen her be a klutz," Leon joked.
Chloe chuckled. Alani shook her head. Yet Rhomson and Niklaus made no comment.
"Maybe I should go see what is taking them so long," Alani stated.
"HEY!" shouted a female voice.
They look over to see two Faunus running towards them. One had short tan hair with bright, green eyes. She wore a dark blue tank top with black jeans and dark blue shoes. She had a monkey tail and on the back of her shirt was a symbol of a swirl with a crescent slashes around it.
The other had shoulder length black hair with dark yellow eyes. She wore a long sleeve white shirt with matching boots and pants. She had antlers on top of her head.
"Dazz what happened to you?" Jasper asked.
The second Faunus bowed. "I'm so sorry that we are late."
"Why aren't you wearing your normal attire?" asked Alani.
The first Faunus, Dennie, sighed.
"She forgot to do laundry and had nothing else to wear," Dennie stated.
Silence.
It was broken when Jasper face palmed and sighed. "Again Dazz?"
Dazz bowed again. "I'm so sorry about all this."
"Didn't you set your alarm or a reminder using your Scroll?" asked Alani.
The conversation continued as Chloe smiled. "She still hasn't changed a bit."
Leon nodded. "Yup. So Rhomson and Niklaus...why so quiet?"
No response.
"Guys?" Chloe called out.
She gently shook Niklaus and his eyes opened.
"Yes?" asked Niklaus.
"You alright?" Chloe asked.
Niklaus nodded. "Yes. Brother? Are you there?"
Rhomson looked up. "Bro? Yeah?"
"You two have been quiet this entire time...what is wrong?" asked Chloe.
"Are you two not feeling well?" asked Leon.
"We're fine!" Rhomson barked.
"Calm down or else we are going to have a 'ruff' day," Leon joked.
Rhomson scuffed while Chloe laughed. Niklaus rolled his eyes. Spurs jingling silenced the noise as the students looked toward the source. It was a middle age man wearing a tan cowboy hat, a dark red shirt with a yellow poncho over it, dark yellow pants and black cowboy boots with spurs on the back. His hair was black and he had deep brown eyes. On his back was a Windchester rifle, and there was s simple on the front of his poncho. It was as star separated by lines.
"Alright now y'all settle down now," the man called out. "Instructor Kin is here. Now Ah reckon y'all don't want to be here on a Monday. The dreadful curse of Monday seems to sap all yer energy. Y'all will have to pull through. Today we get into some serious trainn."
Niklaus rubbed his chin. Serious? All he made us do last semester was run obstacle courses. Those were not all that challenging.
"Any of you youngins familiar with the Huntsman Gray Switzerland?" Kin asked.
"Wasn't he a powerful Huntsman?" asked Dazz.
Niklaus scoffed. How can she not know? Doesn't she study?
"Gray Switzerland was strong yes but he is famous for creating many different training exercises," said Leon.
Rhomson glanced over. Lucky guess.
Kin smiled. "Excellent shootn there Leon."
Niklaus's eye brow twitched. Why does he think answering is shooting?
Kin tilted his hat up a little. "Y'all are going pair up for an exercise named after him called the Switzerland. Now, what do y'all think yer doing in this hoedown?"
"For a period of time," Niklaus spoke out, "one individual will attack the other in an attempt to land a hit. However, the other individual must dodge and dodge only. They cannot return an attack in any way, shape, or form."
Kin nodded. "Good shot there Niklaus. Y'all ain't allowed to use Ssemblances or weapons for this. Just hand to hand. Yer goal is to land a blow in the chest and chest only. Ah don't need y'all to take a blow to the head. You can't block a punch with another punch same thing with kicks. You can block or dodge if on defense only. Grabbn is also an option for defense so long as y'all don't attack. I will also be picking your parnters."
Kin reached into his pocket and pulled out a list.
"I won't hold back if we get paired Chloe," Leon stated.
Chloe returned the smile in kind. "Same. I would actually like to be your partner here. It has been awhile since we dueled."
Rhomson glanced over. "You guys fought before?"
Chloe nodded. "Training and such. We have done this exercise before."
Niklaus turned slightly toward them. "Why would you two require the use of such training?"
"We both wanted to be Huntsman," Leon replied.
"Why?!" barked Rhomson.
Leon shrugged. "You'll just have to be patient. Your demands will only go 'snow' far."
Chloe laughed while Rhomson and Niklaus groaned in unison.
"Rhomson and Leon," Kin called out.
Rhomson smiled. I'm going to break him and make him answer my question...why do I care?
"Jasper and Niklaus," Kin continued.
Niklaus glanced over at Jasper. Jasper turned toward Niklaus. Kin continued to read off names.
"I do not believe we ever had an opportunity to compare combat abilities," said Niklaus.
Jasper frowned. "All your biggotry kept you busy."
Niklaus scowled.
Kin whistled. "You ain't fightn yet so simmer down. Next up, Alani and Dazz. Finally Chloe and Dennie."
Dazz sighed. I don't wanna fight against one of my teammates.
Alani put a hand on Dazz's shoulder. "It won't be that bad Dazz."
Dazz sighed again. Dennie eyes were locked on Chloe. Dennie began doing some stretches. "Ooooooo this is going to be fun. I'm going to get you Chloe."
Chloe smiled. "We shall see Dennie."
Kin whistled once more. "No more loligaggn now. Each one of y'all gets two minutes a turn. We go down the list Ah read y'all earlier."
Rhomson smirked. Which means I'm up first against Leon. I'm going to win this time.
Leon stepped away from the crowd of students and tied his hair back with his bandanna while covering his eyes. Rhomson stepped closer to his soon battle partner.
"So Rhomson do you want to attack first or defend first?" Leon asked.
Rhomson cracked his knuckles. "Attack. I'm going to get you in ten seconds."
Leon smiled. "Alright."
Kin grabbed his rifle and pointed it at a high angle. "Y'all start at the sound of the shot. Two minutes is the time limit."
Rhomson took a battle stance while Leon seemed to be standing casually.
Rhomson gritted his teeth. Not going to take me seriously? You'll regret that.
Niklaus rubbed his chin from his watching point. Brother...you are falling for his ploy. He is acting casual like this to make you angry. I can tell that it is working.
Kin fired. Rhomson rushed in fast. Leon side stepped and Rhomson flew past him. Rhomson slid to a stop and charged again. Leon side stepped again.
Rhomson stopped with another slide. How is he doing that? He can't see me. Sure he has better other senses but they can't be that good.
"Brother focus!" Niklaus called out.
Rhomson grunted and jogged at Leon. When near, he thrust his fist forward with a gnarl. Leon ducked. Rhomson swung his leg at him growling. Leon rolled to the side.
Rhomson spat at the failed attempts. How is he this good? Sure he did this before with Chloe but surely he can't be that good.
Leon stood up right. Rhomson glared at him.
Niklaus rubbed his chin again. His reflexes are incredible. Yet how does he know...is his Ssemblance something along the lines of true sight or a radar? If so, then he is cheating. Damn dog.
Rhomson rushed in again. Leon jumped to the side again. However, Rhomson firmly stomped his foot to the side and pushed off hard. Leon tried to change direction again, but Rhomson caught his arm. He thrust his fist forward at Leon but he quickly side stepped. Another shot rang out.
Kin lowered his rifle. "Time's up kid."
Rhomson growled. He released Leon's arm like he threw it.
"I'm seriously impressed Rhomson. I didn't think you were going to get that close," Leon stated.
Rhomson turned and glared at him. Kin shot Rhomson a glare of his own.
"No need to be a bad sport about it," Kin said.
Niklaus raised his hand. "Excuse me Instructor. I believe that Leon cheated."
All the class gasped. Rhomson was silent.
Kin turned toward Niklaus. "That is a large claim yer throwing out there."
Niklaus stepped forward.
"I find it hard to believe that Leon had such an easy time dodging his attacks," Niklaus began, "yes being blind has heighten his senses yet I feel he dodged them too easily. Like he knew where the attack was going to be. His Ssemblance could also have a factor. Yes we didn't see anything out of the ordinary; however, his power may not have a visual effect at all."
Chloe stepped forward. "His Ssemblance can't help him with that blindfold over his eyes."
Niklaus turned toward her. "How so?"
"He needs to have his eyes unobstructed in order for his Ssemblance to actually work," she began, "Its a type of radar. He sends out an aura wave no one can see that outlines everything around him for a few seconds. It shows him what is there. Obstructions, people, Grimm, etc. But it doesn't allow him to see through solid objects. Like a wall, a pillar, or in this case a bandanna."
"That is it in a nut shell," Leon said gleefully.
Jasper smiled. Useful information right there.
"But using it is still against the rules," Niklaus stated.
"I just told you that it's impossible for him to use it like that!" Chloe barked.
Another shot went off. The class looked at Kin. "Simmer down. Yer acting like bulls in a rodeo."
Rhomson sighed. "It's fine."
Niklaus turned toward him. "Brother?"
"Bro...it's fine." Rhomson looked at Leon. "Tell me...how many times have you done this with Chloe?"
Leon turned his gaze skyward. "Mmm...at least thirty times. Of course we haven't done it in a long while so I was a bit slow."
Niklaus gasped. Slow? How can he say that was slow?
Rhomson remained silent.
Kin whistled. "If y'all are done with accusn, let's switch your roles."
Rhomson and Leon moved back to their starting positions.
Rhomson smirked. I know how you got me...it was sound. I made a lot while charging. All I have to do is not move and you won't find me.
Kin raised his rifle again and fired. Rhomson nor Leon moved.
Niklaus grinned. Brother you are brilliant. He finds you with sound and thus can't find you if you don't move.
Ten seconds passed with neither combatant moving.
"Bored!" Dennie shouted.
A breeze flew past the class and Rhomson toward Leon and Kin. Leon smiled and dashed toward Rhomson who gasped. Leon swung his leg from the left. Rhomson quickly blocked it. Leon jumped up and swiftly thrust his free leg forward landing a hit on Rhomson's chest. Leon flew back a little, flipping his body vertically, and finally landing on his feet. Niklaus's eyes wide with disbelieve while everyone but Rhomson were amazed.
"What was the time sir?" asked Chloe.
Kin looks at the stop watch. "Sixteen seconds."
Rhomson gritted his teeth. The rest of the class minus Niklaus cheered.
"That is impressive," Jasper stated.
"Awesome!" chimed in Dennie.
"That was amazing," Dazz said with stars in her eyes.
Rhomson turned toward Leon. "...how?"
Leon pointed to his nose.
"That breeze that flew by. I was able to smell you," Leon replied.
Rhomson's mouth dropped. "Smell?"
"Being blind has its advantages," said Leon.
He removed his bandanna from around his eyes and tied his hair into a pony tail.
"Way to go Leon!" shouted Chloe.
Leon smiled. "Give credit where credit is due. Rhomson, you had a good idea standing still. I couldn't find you with sound. You just got unlucky."
Rhomson looked at him with confusion in his eyes. "What?"
Chloe nodded.
"He is right," Chloe stated.
Kin clapped. "You both did good. But now we need to move on. Next pair up please."
Meanwhile, at Roy's restaurant. Roy was taking orders from the patrons. He slid the slips into a slot for the kitchen staff. The day goes on the same. The doors open for a new patron and Roy gazed up. It was a bald man wearing solid black sunglasses. His height barely let him in through the door frame and he had a muscular build. Not as much as Roy yet still it was noticeable. His dark blue shirt had no sleeves and his pants were cut off at the knees turning them into shorts. Comfy sandals were strapped onto his feet. At his side, a lever action shotgun holstered.
This new man walked up to the counter and looked at Roy.
"Hey," Roy greeted.
"Hey yourself."
The patrons went silent. Roy walked around the counter and strode up to the new man. Moments passed and the patrons grew tense. Finally Roy and the man smile and braced each other in a hug.
"Krison!" cheered Roy.
"Good to see you Roy!" Krison cheered back.
The patrons sighed in relief and went back to their meals. Roy and Krison broke their hug.
"Like wise man," Roy stated.
"I haven't seen you since your wedding," said Krison.
"And who's fault is that?" asked Roy.
"Yours," replied Krison.
They each playfully hit each other. Roy asked the other workers to take over and took Krison up to his apartment above the restaurant. They were in the living room.
"So where is your loving wife?" asked Krison.
"Sleeping at the moment," Roy replied.
Krison frowned. "Oh but I wanted to see her again. After all, we are family."
"She has had a hard time sleeping lately. She is pregnant," said Roy.
Krison's face lit up. "I'M GOING TO BE AN UNCLE?!"
Roy hushed Krison.
"Chill man chill," Roy said.
Krison rubbed the back of his head. "Sorry sorry."
"You should be," said a new voice.
Roy and Krison looked toward the hall way to see a woman around the same age as Roy standing there. She wore a light purple night gown with her pregnancy clearly showing. She had bright green eyes and long purple hair. Her fox ears matched the color of her hair.
"There is Lilac," Krison spoke happily.
Roy sighed. "Sorry that he woke you love. You know how Krison gets."
Lilac nodded. "I do."
Krison walked over and gently hugged her. "It's good to see you again."
Lilac smiled. "Same."
They broke the hug. Lilac smacked Krison into the ground.
Roy nodded. That's about right.
"Never...wake...a pregnant lady," Lilac growled.
Krison twitched in pain. "Right...got it."
"Would you like something to eat?" asked Roy.
Lilac shook her head. "No...thanks though." She began crying. "You are so good to me love."
Roy walked over and gently hugged her.
"Only because you are so good to me as well," Roy stated.
He gently wipes away her tears with a finger. Lilac then scowled. "Yet you can't keep our house guests quiet."
"Yeah...my bad," Roy said nervously.
She then smacks him to the floor.
Roy twitched in pain. Damn you mood swings making my wife crazy.
Lilac took a deep breath than exhaled. "Now, I'm going back to bed. Be quiet."
She walked back to the bed room. Krison and Roy sit down at the table with large bumps on their head.
"Mood swings really get you I see," Krison stated.
"Yeah but she is due soon," said Roy.
"When?" Krison asked.
His eyes beamed with excitement.
"She is eight months soon it can happen any day now," Roy stated.
Krison smiled. "That is awesome. I look forward to meeting the child. Do you know if it is going to be a boy or a girl?"
Roy nodded. "Girl."
Krison's eyes watered up. "I'm going to have a niece?"
Roy quietly chuckled. "Yeah...Uncle Krison."
Krison sighed happily and was back in reality.
"I take it then that you two won't be joining us for cards any more?" Krison asked.
Roy shot him a glare. "Krison not this again."
"Come on Roy you two were so good. Those cheaters need to be taught a lesson."
Roy's glare continued. "Krison listen to me...no. Lilac and I are starting a family and running our own business. We are no longer part of that."
"I know and the dealer understands but the group misses both of you," Krison argued.
"My answer is still no. If you have come here to change our minds then your visit is over," said Roy.
Roy stood up and walked toward the door to the restaurant.
Krison stood up. "One of the players got hurt. Took a nasty fall."
Roy stopped. A solid minute of silence passed. Roy turned back toward him. "Will they be alright?"
Krison looked down. "Hard to say at this point. The odds are not good though."
Roy looked back toward the door. "Then I will hope for a speedy recovery. Thanks for the visit but I need to get back to work." Roy opened the door and hesitated. "...next time you come to visit...I hope it will be a more sociable visit. You are family Krison."
Krison frowned. "I know...sorry. I won't bring it up again. You have enough family trouble to deal with."
Roy left without another word.
Krison sighed. Dammit. I screwed up. I'll have to sincerely apologize before leaving Vale again.