Right, as explained in VotA, was really sick and had some personal stuff to take care of. Hence why this is getting out so late. So here you go, no huge chunk of speech. Enjoy.
Of Explanations and Neighbors
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"They took that…surprisingly well." said Inuba as she walked alongside me.
After taking a few quick minutes of explaining this and that to everyone else, my partner and I stayed behind to make sure nothing would follow the rest of the students up to safety. Once that happened, we had a nice talk with everyone. Not birds and bees kind of talk, but still as lengthy and slightly confusing. That's if you're an immature fourth or fifth grader and ask stupid questions for the fun of it. Luckily, it wasn't that type of conversation.
(Ten minutes ago...)
"So… Anyone here gonna ask or what?" Said Yang as she carried Ruby gently away.
"Ask about what?" Nori questioned.
"You know. Pitch black, scary looking, destructoid knight of ultra mega super lasers?" She commented, taking a constant glance at the still conscious and concussed Ruby.
No one was around us, and we were walking a steady pace towards the infirmary. I...guess I could explain. If they really want to know.
"First off, not exactly lasers. Second… Well...you guys sure you want to know about that?" I reaffirmed, Inuba taking a cautious glance at everyone behind us as we continued walking at the head of the pack.
"Dude, you totally smoked that kraken with...whatever that was. Awesome as it was, it's definitely gonna bring up a question or two for all passerbys." Said Nori.
RDGS was at the center of our circle alongside Ruby and Yang, while LMKN and Weiss and Blake covered the sides and rear of our formation, Inuba and I having the front.
We may have taken out the Grimm in the forest, but it was never a bad idea to keep focused and aware of anything, just in case. Although, I could safely say everyone else's attention was focused on potential threats, if there were going to be any. I could feel eyes on me, burning into me with a plethora of questions.
"Will you offer us an explanation?" Asked Bailey.
"Well…"
It's not exactly easy material to divulge to be honest, no matter how badly I wanted to explain this properly so there'd be no confusion.
"Analysis: Beacon Academy Student Dante is hesitant to divulge information regarding his form due to the sensitive nature of information contained." stated SOL as he continued floating a foot above Bailey, "It is understandable as to why he is hesitant to reveal such information, particularly due to the potential of said information not being clearly administered."
"So...he doesn't want to really say anything because we might misunderstand?" asked Blake.
"Pretty much." I replied.
They wouldn't be the first to...well...not enjoy my presence after seeing that form.
"We're not that foolish to entirely take things out of proportion you know."
"You'd be surprised Miss Schnee." I said.
"M-Miss..?"
She almost seemed surprised I was so formal with her.
"Like I said, it's not exactly an easy thing to understand, especially since none of you have seen anything like it before. All it takes is one misunderstanding before people start avoiding you or attacking you for no real reason at all because they don't understand."
"Come on man, we're not that shallow. Right?" Said Nori as he cast a glance over everyone else behind us.
All responses were a collective yes essentially. Even so…
"Past experiences has taught me caution is all. If you guys really want to know…" I looked towards Inuba a moment, my eyes being enough to broadcast my silent question for her, to which she gave a single nod, "then I guess I'll tell you."
I took a deep breath and readied myself to say my piece. And I could tell everyone else had readied themselves one way or another.
"There's a lot more out there than just Grimm. Forces none of you would see naturally unless somehow drawn in by pure coincidence."
"What, like supernatural ghost stuff?" Asked Yang.
"Not exactly, but good on you for guessing supernatural at least." I said shrugging my shoulders, "But yes… The supernatural, paranormal, inter and intra dimensional; all of those exist and more. We've seen them, fought them, and even killed some of them. The evil ones at least. Believe it or not, not everything out of the ordinary is evil. Most are good, some are just confused, others have respectable goals but their methods not as so, then you have the downright pure evil."
"So, which are you?" Asked Blake, "Or better yet, which one's power do you have?"
"More or less 'the bad'. But like I said, not all of them are evil and cruel like many people make them out to be."
"More or less, your power is similar to that of what is considered an evil supernatural being, but you yourself aren't evil or 'bad'." Spoke Weiss.
"Pretty much. My problem, and the problem of some others, is that when people see something scary like, well, me when I transform, they tend to start thinking different things about that person. Know what I mean?"
"We're not that simple minded to think differently of you because you can change form or have some sort of inhumane power." Said Bailey.
"Yeah dude. I mean, who cares? Nothing changes the fact you kicked the crap outta that thing. So in my book, you're a cool guy." said Yang offering me a rather warm smile, "That and you saved my sister, you extra bonus points."
"You know, you guys pretty much made it a lot easier to kill that thing, right? It's not like I took it out on my own." I affirmed, keeping my eyes forward.
"That may be, but the rest was done by you." Said Musashi.
"And dude, let's face it, you looked pretty awesome out there." Said Nori as he gave me a rather forceful pat on the back, "What's that even called by the way? You know, that form of yours?"
"Probably something cheezy like 'Demon Knight' form." Yang said, getting laughs and smirks from everyone.
I even smirked a bit. Though, turning towards Inuba, I could see her giving me a sly smile, her eyes narrowed on me slightly and the tip of her left hand covering her smile slightly.
You cheeky fox of a partner…
I only rolled my eyes and gave them an answer.
"I just kept it simple and called it Shadow Skin, since it's basically a second skin that covers the entire body. It used to be just that, a second layer of skin with high defense and durability."
"So what we saw was an evolved version?" Blake asked.
"Basically."
"Still, Shadow Skin?"
"Come up with something better, and I'll take it into consideration." I answered Yang.
It wasn't long before we approached the main building entrance, where I stopped just short of the doors and turned to face everyone. What I was going to say wasn't going to be easy really. But, fair warning for them and all.
"Look, I'm gonna say to say it. No doubt a bunch of other people saw that ballet-jujitsu nonsense I performed with a side of pyrotechnics," I began, getting a smirk from everyone, "If you want to keep your distance from me when rumors start flying, I won't mind or think any less of any of you. It'd be better that none of you get dragged into it period, least they say-"
"Dude, do we look like the kind of people who care about that sort of thing? As if." Said Yang.
"Yeah man, just like you had our backs out there, we've got your back too. So don't worry about it."
"Right… Thanks." I said before opening the door for them as they finally started to file inside.
"Master." I heard Inuba whisper over to me as she approached, HoloScroll open.
She flipped the screen in my direction so I could see the message for myself.
Apparently Ozpin sent us a summons. Or something like that.
"Hey, Yang was it?" I asked the blonde brawler who still carried her half conscious little sister Ruby Rose.
"What's up?"
"Can you take Ruby to the medical office for now? We kinda need to be elsewhere right now. Don't worry, we'll come back down to help take care of her if she hasn't been helped by the time we get back."
"Alright, cool. Thanks again by the way. My sister would be a little more worse for wear if you didn't help her out."
"Anytime. We'll catch you later."
As the rest entered inside, Inuba and I stayed outside a bit longer as we both overlooked the message one last time. After we did, I just gave a simple shrug and headed inside with my partner.
Where was this elevator taking us up to? I mean really, it feels like it's been forever since we've been in here…
For the past few seconds, Inuba and I remained silent, each of us fidgeting about awkwardly in our own way. Inuba constantly stood up and down on her toes while I just leaned back on the wall and tapped my foot.
"So…" I said catching Inuba's attention, "Anything new with you? I mean, we've got like, what, two class where we aren't together?"
"That does seem to be the case, yes…"
"So...new? Yes? No? Maybe?"
"Oh, well, nothing really to be fairly honest. I mean, it is our first week of school really. And if I recall correctly, you once told me nothing ever really happens within the first week."
"I remember that I did tell you that actually." I said smiling, "Still, good thing you actually didn't go to high school or anything like that and let me quote on quote homeschool you."
She giggled at my statement before asking me "And why is that exactly?"
"Ah, high school was all just a bunch of drama, hormones, and whatever nonsense that could happen at a moment's notice. Totally worse than hell."
"Worse than hell?"
"Literally worse. As we even went there once with that whole nonsense ages ago we had to go through."
"And, what else?"
"What else what?" I asked chuckling.
"Why else would I have not enjoyed high school?"
"Probably a lot of guys checking you out. Constantly."
She laughed at that, almost as if she didn't believe it.
"Really now?"
"Really, no joke. Wouldn't it get annoying if you were constantly being stared at?"
"It would…" she said looking off to the side.
"See? Told you."
"Would it...bother you if others stared at me..?"
"It would… I mean, like…" I looked up at the ceiling to recall some stats I took of my own once as part of an actual Stats project, "About eighty percent of guys that would stare at you are thinking about pretty much one thing."
"And that would be?"
"How to get into your pants. Well, skirt I guess since you pretty much only wear skirts."
"And the other twenty percent?" She asked me as she looked back to me with an amused smile.
"Well, here's where it gets interesting. The rest of the fifteen percent might actually have some thoughts about some form of relationship, while also trying to get in your skirt."
She laughed at that before asking "And the final five percent?"
"Well...they'd at least try to form some meaningful, pure relationship. You know, spend time with you as much possible, laugh together, cry together after watching an emotional movie. That kind of thing. Stuff couples do."
"Stuff couples do?" She questioned me.
"Yeah. Although, I wouldn't really know myself to be honest. I just know what I know based off of what I read and what our old friends told me."
"You've never been in a relationship with someone before?" She asked almost shocked.
"Not once."
"I find that somewhat hard to believe, Master."
"Oh yeah, why's that?" I asked crossing my arms, eyes focused on my partner for her explanation.
"W-Well… You are rather handsome. And really friendly. And easy to approach. And helpful. And…"
"And..?" I asked, curious to see if she had anything else to add.
"A-A-And a lot of other things really!" she said fidgeting with her fingers, her eyes darting back and forth between me and the wall next to her.
"Alright. All good things, I guess." I said curling my lips into a smile.
She took note and pressed me further, saying "D-Did that boost your confidence somehow?"
"A little bit."
"A little bit?!" She asked almost shocked.
"What? You expect me to walk out of here now chasing down girls like a lecher?"
"I-I'd prefer if you didn't do that!" She responded rather quickly giving me a huff.
"No need to fear then. I'm not like that at all."
"I know…"
"Friendly reminder just in case?" I asked.
"More or less."
I just gave her a simple nod before asking, "So, no troubles at all then?"
"No, none at all."
That smile of hers… It gets me all the time.
We felt the elevator slow to a stop, allowing the doors to open to Ozpin's...peculiar, but grand office. Large, clockwork mechanisms layered the workings of the office, each of them silently spinning and grinding against each other behind the clear light green glass that contained the gears and cogs in both the ceiling and floor. Even his desk was entirely glass paned with some brass lining the glass and moving gears and cogs inside the glass.
Never have I actually seen workings like this really. I mean, I've imagined it at best, but that's about it.
"Good evening mr. Dante, ms. Kitsukami. I'm assuming all is well with you?"
"Pretty much. No injuries or anything if that was what you were asking."
"Those blows you took seemed fairly serious…"
"Like I said, nothing to worry about. Besides, I have my trusty partner to take care of me, right?" I asked nudging her slightly as she jumped a bit.
"Y-Yes…"
"Very well then…" he said with a smile, "In any sense, congratulations on defeating the Drakian Hydra. An impressive display might I add."
"Like I told everyone else, couldn't have done it without them really. They made the process much much simpler in the long run. So really, I owe it to them."
"I see. Where were your siblings might I add? I didn't see them taking part."
I chuckled slightly and shrugged my shoulders slightly.
"To be honest, my siblings can be very competitive with each other over the smallest things really. So instead of coming out to help, they're competing with each other over grades right now."
"Very admirable that they're taking their studies seriously. Although I am slightly disappointed I wasn't able to see them in action, I still was able to see most of your abilities and how the two of you cooperated with each other and the other students. Very fluidly might I add."
"When you have an idea of what people can do, coming up with a way to cooperate can be a lot easier. Still a bit stressful since you need to come up with a way to use each other's abilities effectively."
Ozpin gave me a rather impressed nod.
But I wasn't here for accolades or words of merit or my bravery or whatever. In short, I wasn't here to kiss ass. Being polite however is another story. Still, I did have a question I wanted to ask.
"Was a new member of ELA being tested tonight?"
"And how came you by this information?"
"Heard a thing or two. But mainly because I can recognize Ezdeil's handiwork a lot more clearly now. If anything, I think he's the only other person who could put a hole in it that easily. So then, new member?"
"A relative of ms. Anoel who possess a unique skill set, like the majority of other students. She performed admirably against the Hydra."
"But they weren't able to kill it. I think a slight overestimation was made there."
One lone student to kill a thing of that size and power? Five people could kill that thing by themselves. Me, Inuba, Ciel, Leo, and Ezdeil. I'm not saying the person being tested is weak or anything. They have to be strong if they were put up against that thing. But there's a limit to how far strength can get you.
"Perhaps… Well then mr. Dante, ms. Kitsukami, excellent work together out on the field tonight. However, I would have you remember two things."
Uh-oh. Trouble?
"Those two thing being?" I asked.
"First being that form of yours."
Shit.
"If possible, I would like you to refrain from using that form unless there is an emergency like the one tonight. The amount of power you utilize is rather...devastating given the rather large chasm now outside in the Emerald Forest."
Oh. Well… Alright, that's pretty reasonable. I honestly thought that was going to go a lot worse. Then again...maybe Inuba's mother gave Ozpin a lot of details. Some probably not necessary. Either way, if she did, then she helped make things easier. So thank you, Kareina.
"I understand. And the second?"
"I would prefer that you and mr. Ezdeil keep further altercations off campus. I'd prefer to keep my school intact."
"Uh, right, sure, you got it. Heh. Alright… Um, thank you, we'll be going now."
"Enjoy some rest mr. Dante. After today, I believe you and the other students deserve a break. Classes will resumed in two weeks. Rest well."
Two weeks?
"Um, thank you very much Headmaster. Have a good night." I replied with a wave.
He waved back at us, but I just remained silent the rest of the walk back to the elevator bay.
Okay, so not in trouble or anything for using Shadow Skin. Good. Still, now I have a slight restriction to it. Like I said, understandable given how my power gets insanely boosted when I use it. Well, he didn't say anything about not being able to use Devouring Light… So I guess I'm good there.
Wait, why do I feel like I'm about to get into trouble?
"Master…" I heard Inuba call out in an eerie, sing song voice, feeling her fingers pinch my cheek very harshly.
"Y-Yes..?" I managed to squeak out.
"You said it was simple horseplay earlier… Yet the headmaster calls it an altercation…"
"Um… You see…"
I'm screwed.
"What happened to being on your best behavior?" She asked me, her currently narrow and stern gaze growing more eerie by the second.
The last time I saw an expression like that was from Kareina when I was younger. It'd be best if I not describe the situation. And the fate of those that brought on the stare her daughter apparently inherited.
Lesson to be learned here? Three of them really. One, don't be a child and get into a fight. Two, you can't lie to or trick a kitsune. Three...there's no escaping punishment from a kitsune.
My cheeks are going to be swollen.
(Inuba pov)
The morning for Master and I was fairly early given the work we had to do, even with the two week break we were given. Speaking of which, when we finished speaking with Headmaster Ozpin, Master and I went down to the Medical Wing to see how the other students were faring. Mainly we went in order to keep our promise to ms. Rose and attend to her. Master kept her in place while I set her wrist back in place, although instead of going on three like he suggested, when he said one, I set her wrist back in place, used my flames to heal her other injuries and went about my way.
In the case of Master's siblings, Ciel and Leo finally had more than enough time to get ahead with their schoolwork, the two of them headed off to the library for whatever needs they had concerning their homework.
As for Master and I, we spent the whole morning baking. Part of Matser's punishment for lying to me about the quote on quote fight, which he described to me as not really a fight, and for provoking mr. Ezdeil, was that he was to help me with anything I needed, especially the tedious bits.
It would be punishment enough along with the pinches to his cheeks I administered the night before and this morning.
Baking wasn't simply as part of the punishment. We spent the morning baking all sorts of treats so we could "properly" introduce ourselves to our neighbors, ELAA. Since we've never had the chance to meet with them, except for my Master's brilliant encounter with their leader Niro Ezdeil, we didn't know what they would like. So we went with an all around approach and made as much as we could fit into a large basket.
Master and I haven't spoken much at all this morning, save for the occasional order I gave him when we were baking earlier. I am still fairly upset with him. Even so...ignoring him was a bit difficult for me. Still, he deserves it for being a troublemaker.
"I said I was sorry already. So can we end the silent treatment?"
I smiled to myself because of how well this working. Very well. I suppose he's earned respite for his hard work and good behavior.
I took a deep breath, then said "Very well. Your punishment is over."
He let out a sigh of relief as he carried the basket before jogging up to my side.
"I still can't believe you instigated that fight between you two."
"I, well, I didn't instigate it so to speak until the very last second."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"See, we got out into the hall and saw each other. I thought I could introduce myself to him, have a few words over tea and see where we go from there."
"And then?"
"Technically, he started it by throwing the first punch. But for a while then I could tell he was really thinking about it beforehand, hence why I said I didn't sort of instigate it until the end since I was feeling really cheeky after noticing he wanted to hit me."
"So..?"
"Both of our faults really, but mostly him."
"Master…"
I didn't know if this was an attempt to shift blame or-
"Honest! That's how it went. He's a volatile one, so be careful around him if you see him."
"I hardly think he's that violent."
"You'd be surprised."
We found ourselves closing in on ELAA's door, and I stopped just short of it for a moment, turning towards Master as he handed me the basket.
"Be on your best behavior." I said poking him in the side.
"Yeah, yeah…"
I was about to poke him again to remind him he need only confirm once, but he's had enough punishment today as is.
With a small huff, I raised up my hand and quickly knocked on the door five times before taking a step back and waiting. Master and I only exchanged brief awkward glances with one another as we stood together, waiting for the door to open.
And out of it stepped a girl around our age, wearing a matte black leather cowboy hat, an open brown leather jacket, unclapsed and revealing a white shirt beneath it, a pair of dark gray jeans and black combat boots to finish up her attire. As for appearance wise, she had beautiful pale skin, almost like mine, long, black hair that flowed down to the center of her lower back, and even blue eyes. They weren't a bright sky blue like my Master, or his siblings, but it was close enough.
"Oh? Now this is quite the surprise." She said, "After what happened in the hallway, I'm a little confused why you're still keen to say hi, especially with what happened to your leader."
She seems polite...
"O-Oh… Such a thing shouldn't be thought of too much. I admit, I was a bit surprised...and, well, irritated that someone had attacked him… But it was minor at best. So there's no cause for concern. All is well."
"I'm sure Niro had his reasons, he's usually quite calm." The girl replied with a smile, stepping aside and gesturing into the room, "I guess it's fairly obvious, but would you two like to come inside?"
"Oh, yes. After all, the purpose of this visit is to introduce ourselves to you all." I said giving her a quick bow before entering inside.
"And say hello and such." Master added as he followed in after me.
Immediately upon entering, I took note of the other two members of ELAA both females. One looked similar to Anoel, and the other was...a kitsune? Where there kitsune here on Remnant that we were unaware of?
The first one resembling Anoel was almost the same I features; long fluttering black hair that nearly reached her waist, pale skin, and lithe figure compared to her more...developed relative, assuming that they were related. But given the similarities, it was likely the case. The only big difference between the two, besides their figures, was their eye color strangely enough. This ones eye color was orange.
Her choice of apparel was fairly simply. A loose dark green light sweater, sleek black sweatpants and a pair of running sneakers. Casual more than simple really.
The other one, the kitsune, was a very cute look creature. Smaller than the rest of us, at least 5'2 by my estimations, she was lithe and petite with a pale skin tone and frost white hair that reached the center of her back. Her golden-orange eyes stared directly at me with some form of confusion, or rather, curiosity. Like me, she too had fox ears atop her head.
I silently activated my Aura Sense to see exactly what kind of kitsune she was. It looked as though she had one tail, but her Aura showed me she had three tails, where she bundled them together into one, fluffy tail. I myself had nine tails, but using my magic, I made it so that only one was manifested instead.
The young kitsune's attire consisted of a thin light blue sweater, the looseness leaving a wide opening at its neck to reveal her pale shoulders, also showing the thin straps of her white tank top. She also wore a white scarf and black leggings. I was assuming she too wore combat boots.
All of them seemed...unique.
"I'll be the first to say it." said the girl that opened the doors for us, slipping around us as she made her way over to the desk between the sets of beds, leaning against it, "I'm sorry for what Niro did. It was…admittedly out of character for him, but I can see a few reasons why he'd go so far to test you."
Test she says… I think I'm starting to side more with Master on this. If that was a test, then surely she doesn't mind if I "test" mr. Ezdeil to see how resistant to my flames he is.
No no, calm down. We're here to make friends.
"It's no problem really." Master replied with a smile, waving his hand a bit, "It wasn't such a big deal. Although, I still don't know what I did to upset him. I didn't even say much and was trying to be nice and all."
True yet not entirely true at the same time. He did legitimately attempt to speak with mr. Ezdeil properly, only it escalated from that point.
"I don't think it had anything to do with what you said, to be honest..." Anoel replied, "If I were to guess, it was probably something that wasn't as shallow as that minor interaction. I've known Niro for the better part of both our lives, I know his tendencies as much as he does."
"Oh… Well, maybe you could tell me what then so it doesn't happen again? Maybe?"
That would be preferable in the case of avoiding any future altercations.
Anoel shrugged her shoulders, "I can't say for sure, not unless you want to ask him yourself."
"I have a feeling he'd try again if I did… But anyway, no need to apologize. Bygones be bygones and all."
"I'd still be cautious, especially since you basically stood up to his challenge, which only made matters worse." Anoel responded, taking a glance to Kitsuki and Arex on their connected beds, "Oh, and before we get too far with anything, I'm Anoel. This is Arex, my sister, and Kitsuki. Arex, Kitsuki, meet Inuba Kitsukami and Dante."
Arex seemed almost...intimidated when she heard our names. Did we have some reputation we did not know of? Or maybe it's the fact Master has no last name? That's always been a cause of concern for most. Maybe it was that instead.
"Good morning everyone." I said focusing my attention to the two, giving them a polite bow.
"Hello." Master greeted as well.
He then suddenly let out a dramatic gasp as his eyes fell to KitsukI, the smaller kitsune, next to Arex. The small girl flinched slightly, tails immediately swirling around her waist as she stared in confusion.
Maybe I should do something more cute and innocent like this now and then to draw his attention...
"It's…nice to meet you." Arex replied, glancing between Dante and Kitsuki for a few moments as she noticed her partner begin to shrink away from the attention.
"Ah, sorry..." he began as he cleared his throat and stood up straight, "You don't see many Kitsune around. Especially one as adorable as her."
It's true. Whether or not there are other kitsune on Remnant has been a complete mystery to us. Although now, clearly there are. Just how many was the next question to solve.
I saw Kitsuki's cheeks flush red now, her face disappearing behind white fur of her fluffy tails.
Is my tail as fluffy? Is has to be...right?
I had to quickly rub my own fox tail to ensure it's fluffiness as well.
"I completely agree, though, this one's rather shy." Anoel stepped in, drawing Arex's gaze back to her sister as the older girl gave a small, dismissive wave, "I could say the same thing about your own partner, but since we both have a kitsune, I feel it's rather unnecessary to state the obvious."
That's right! I too am adorable in my own way! Although…I wish you'd notice more, Master...
"True enough…" Master said, making my fox ears fold against my head in some form of disappointment "but sorry. I'm a little bit biased towards my partner." He finished speaking to Kitsuki in an apologetic manner.
Hope was rekindled, my ears perking up again with satisfaction. With the way my fox tail flicked back and forth now, it hopefully wasn't too obvious with how pleased I was with his answer.
"As am I for mine." Arex responded in place of Kitsuki, giving the girl's head a soft pat, "You don't need to apologize for something like that."
The pat caused Kitsuki's ears to bounce for a moment, along with a momentary, hidden, lull of her tongue.
I have to convince Master to give me more head pats as well...
"And here I thought only Niro and Dante would be at odds with each other." Anoel sighed, brushing the tip of her hat with her fingers before glancing back to me, "I know that smell isn't your perfume, so what'd you bring with you?"
"We bring gifts to satisfy your possibly hungry stomachs! Inuba made them this time since she's better at cooking than I am. I was just the underling for the precoces.
"C-Come now… It's nothing all too special…" I muttered, my tail noticeably speeding up
"Baked goods?" Arex asked, taking her hand from a quickly disheartened Kitsuki's head as she turned her attention back to myself and Master, "How good are they?"
"They...are the very best in the entire world!" Master dramatically pointed to the ceiling.
Now and then his antics were humorous, for me at least.
"Well, I'm always interested in trying good food," Arex replied, "As for my partner…"
Arex leaned forward and glanced behind the fur of Kitsuki's tails, catching a tiny nod from her partner behind them a moment later.
"She's interested too."
I looked off to my side slightly and saw Master look to Kitsuki for a moment, his sclera changing to black and his bright sky blue irises a glowing white for but a second or two before they transitioned back to his normal eyes. He then touched his own throat and grimaced slightly, his glance turning sorrowful for a moment.
When his eyes transition for but a moment or two, it usually means one of two things. One, his power is resonating with someone else's power of a similar Dark nature. Two, he sensed something strange.
Kitsuki clearly was not of a Dark nature. But what did he feel from young Kitsuki?
Anoel and Arex noticed his movement as I did, but it seemed clear that the two of them knew what it was Master was sensing. Kitsuki was still hidden behind her tails, so she had no idea.
Her shyness was a devastating weapon of cuteness.
"Um…" Master started, trying to get Kitsuki's attention.
The girl in question slowly lowered the tips of her fox tails, glancing over the expanse of fur in her grasp toward the source of the voice directed toward her.
He then signed out with his hands, "Do you like baked goods?"
Kitsuki was startled slightly, Arex and Anoel given surprised glances towards Master as his hands flashed through the symbols with fluid ease.
One of our friends who was a mage had her voice stolen from her since she was young. The cause was a rivaling family of witches that tore down the foundations of our friends family, leaving her as the only survivor. When it became clear the same coven of witches was after her, we managed to band together and defeat the witches, and in turn were able to restore her voice.
Until we did however, she was mute for the majority of her life and learned sign language to speak with others. Being a Mage, she was also a Seer and could perceive Master's power, which is what drew them together in the first place. After their first conversation together with texting, Master spent a good two days to learn sign language and different expressions available.
I too had an interest in it, which I why I could understand the conversation between Kitsuki and Master.
"It usually depends on what it is."
"Well, what's your favorite then? We baked a lot of different things, so we might have it."
Kitsuki was still taken aback, but she continued anyway, "I'm afraid that's impossible. Someone used to make it for me... It was a family recipe."
"Well, if you remember what was in it, much less remember the taste and such, we could try to make it for you someday if you'd like." he offered kindly.
"That's kind of you, but..." she wanted to leave it as just that, "I'd be fine with something else." Kitsuki continued.
Again Master flashed a quick sorrowful glance, but immediately smiled after.
"That's alright then. We hope you like the goods we made instead."
I brought up the basket we filled with baked goods and opened the lid, allowing the sweet mixture of different aromas fill the air.
I had noticed this earlier, but I think ms. Arex has been staring at me considerably for some time now. Maybe she's being wary of me? We may be well acquainted with one another now, but it would be obvious still of why they'd be wary of us.
Cakes, biscuits, donuts, we had a,large variety of pastries for their consumption.
"I have to ask, what kind of icing did you use for your carrot cake?" Arex asked, spotting one of several cakes in the mix.
"Cream cheese" I responded, picking out the cake in question and handing it to her.
"Good." Arex hummed, giving a small nod, "That's always the best choice anyway. In my opinion."
Your opinion is both agreed with and correct. I've taken a liking to cream cheese ever since I started living with Master in our old home.
Ms. Anoel leaned over for a moment, searching through the variety of goods before spotting something she found herself suddenly craving, reached in, and pulled out a small peanut butter trifle parfait cup, paired with its own plastic spoon and wrapping.
It seemed I was also right to add that to our selection.
"You know, you didn't have to go through all this effort just to introduce yourselves." she pointed out, carefully unwrapping her serving and poking around with her spoon.
With how she poked about it with her spoon, it was almost as if she were checking it for anything.
Did they think we were up to nothing good?
"We just kinda wanted to make a good first impression is all. That, and...well...hopefully you wouldn't get the wrong idea of us by some chance. But also as a sort of apology just in case. Speaking of which… He isn't here… Of course…" Master responded, speaking of mr. Ezdeil.
"I think it's probably better that way, for the time being." Arex commented before taking another bit of her carrot cake.
I then brought the basket closer to Kitsuki and set it down in front of the girl, letting her decide on what she'd choose to pull out. And after a few moments, Kitsuki finally set her tails aside and glanced into the basket, sifting through it with her own eyes before finding something she liked. She withdrew a small cheesecake, plain, but with a topping of whipped cream.
"And for you?" I asked turning to Master.
"Hmmm…" he hummed as he looked inside, "Aha! There you are!"
He reached in and grabbed a rectangular maple flavored doughnut, going at it just as quickly as he grabbed it.
I smiled and shook my head slightly as I thought to myself that he only made the maple doughnuts for himself.
"He must really like your baking..." Arex said in a whisper leaning over to me, the two of us watching the doughnut disappear from Master's hand.
"To be honest, he only ever eats when I make something. Other than that, he really doesn't eat all that much. He told my cooking and baking was just absolutely heaven-like and…" I paused for a moment, trying to still understand the meaning behind her my next words, "he says everything else doesn't taste all too well for him. As if it's bland...or rather...it didn't even have a taste…"
It's why he only ate whenever I made lunch for school or dinner at home.
"To each their own, I guess. I'd bake something to challenge that theory, but with a bar already set so high, I don't think it'd matter."
"Nonsense. I assume you are as skilled or better."
"An assumption like that is difficult if you don't know where my baking skills lie." Arex replied, "Or if I have any to begin with."
You already proved your skill with the question you asked earlier. I'm more than certain you have equally superior skills.
"She's being modest." Anoel interjected, catching a small glare from her little sister in return, "Arex owns the best bakery in town. Just ask the locals."
"We'll have to visit sometime then, yes?" I asked, looking to Master as he stopped about midway of eating another doughnut.
"Right, of course," he said nodding before devouring another maple doughnut.
"It's closed right now, considering I'm the one who runs it." Arex informed, "Besides, I didn't want to talk it up in the first place…"
"It's the life essence to most of the locals." Anoel commented again, already halfway through the cup of delectable trifle in her hands, "They were pretty disheartened when they heard it'd be closed for a while. Most of them even complained there wasn't any other place they could go with the same quality, let alone the pricing along with it."
Anoel happily smiled, taking another bite of her treat as Arex stared at her, glare slowly forming behind her disbelief.
"Really now? Well, if they think that, then we definitely have to go over once you open it back up. Call us over when you do." said Master.
"I…might..." Arex replied with mild consideration.
"If you don't mind us inquiring, from which parts do all of you hail from?" I asked, finding a blueberry muffin for myself to partake of.
"Arex and I are from just outside of Vale, Kitsuki from Mistral."
Interesting… She deliberately left out mr. Ezdeil… I wonder why..?
"Judging by your last name, I'd assume you're all part of the Kitsukami Estate in the north-eastern mountain range nearby."
W-What?! How does she-?!
"Oh?" started Master quizzically, "So you know a bit about us then?"
Know about us a bit is an understatement! Where did she learn of this? The only people who know of us are the people in the village below the mountain and headmaster Ozpin. So how does she know of us?
"More or less." ms. Anoel replied cheekily, enjoying her treats.
"Still though...how much do you know?" Master asked with a coy smile.
"That depends." ms. Anoel took another small spoonful up and ate it, "How long do you plan to stay here?"
"Well… For a long, long time…" replied Master, resting his chin in his hand.
"I was referring to this room, not your banishment." ms. Anoel replied with a grin,
I almost jumped out of my seat were it not for Master placing his hand over mine to keep me in place. He dropped his usual smile, only leveling a glare at ms. Anoel.
"Now how would you know about that?" His tone losing its carefreeness, bordering on a new level of seriousness he rarely ever turned to.
It was then I could see for myself why he kept me in my seat. Unseen to the other three, dozens of invisible Aura Swords were now focused upon ms. Anoel from all directions and in numerous different angles, each of the Swords points just mere inches away from her.
Master…
"Because there isn't a soul on this planet that can withstand a single punch from my partner." ms. Anoel replied evenly, stirring the remains of her dessert around, "You may not know this, but you stick out like a blot of black on a white canvas. And if anyone had any Aura Sense to them, they'd easily pick you out of a crowd for how unique it seems to be."
Unique was but one of many words to describe Master's Aura...
Ms. Anoel finished off her treat, setting the empty cup aside as she crossed one ankle over the other.
"It also helps that you're not human."
I wanted to stand up myself and question her, but all I managed was a worried glance at Master for a moment. He only kept his eyes trained on Anoel, studying her carefully and calmly before making a decision on whether or not to clench his fist.
If that happened...
"If you're worried about anyone finding out about this, you need to only look as far as Niro to get your answer." ms. Anoel continued, crossing her arms beneath her chest as she lowered her hat at us, "He couldn't care less about the matter, and neither do I."
Master continued staring for a few more seconds before he closed his eyes, chuckling to himself before opening them again. Then, the Aura Swords surrounding ms. Anoel all vanished within a second.
"How interesting… You could tell as many people as you'd want, it wouldn't make a difference to me at all. The only reason we were concerned was because of our previous 'affiliations'. As for your partner...well… I'll admit he managed to give me quite the tickle…"
If anyone from Primordial had followed us here, then our chances for a new life may be ruined.
I would never allow that to happen. No matter the person.
"If it hurt you, he'd probably be disappointed, considering he held back quite a bit." ms. Anoel stated quite dismissively.
"Why do you think I said tickled? He didn't really do all that much with his punch."
"It doesn't matter much, he usually just does what he wants anyway." She replied, looking up for a moment with a tilted gaze, "In any case, I suppose some of your other secrets are more sensitive than that one, really."
"Not really. I'd tell you if you ask, considering I'm not bound by any restrictions anymore."
"Like I said before, I couldn't care less about it." She restated, bringing her gaze back down to Master's own, "Though, your willingness to prove its pointlessness is admirable."
"Well, I wouldn't say pointless. Like I said, not bound by any rules anymore. Well, except for the rules here at Beacon that is."
"You've already broken one of them by fighting in the hallway." ms. Anoel pointed out, another cheshire grin flashing across her lips.
"Fighting you say? I wasn't aware that we were fighting... Horsing around would be the more accurate term if anything."
He's still going with that term?
"I don't think horsing around sends what's widely recognized as a gunshot down the hallway of this dormitory." ms. Anoel replied, but she soon tilted her head and dismissed that thought, "But that's what the general public thinks. I'm not talking in regards to what you or I think. There's a reason why there's a term for public opinion or a general audience. They don't know the specifics."
"True enough I suppose. So then...if I'm not human...what exactly might I be?" he asked with interest.
"It takes more than just looking at you to figure that one out." ms. Anoel stated, turning her gaze away now as she glanced to Kitsuki and Arex on the bed, who had long since finished with their own desserts by now.
"It's something I'll need to do a little digging for, if it's an answer you actually seek." she finished.
Dante chuckled once more before he broke out laughing for a short bit.
"I like her." he said to me.
W-W-W-Wait! What?! Master..!
"If you do find out, please, do tell me."
He can't mean..! In that way?! Right?!
"That depends how much you're willing to pay me for information that valuable."
"Oh?" Master smiled, "What's your price then?"
"Depends on the information, but it can either be money…or something else." Anoel explained, giving Master a final cheeky smile, "sometimes favors, sometimes other services."
"Hmm… Favors or services you say… Such as?" he asked with an equally cheeky smile.
"It's determined upon the transaction of the information, so I can't say." she replied teasingly.
"But it can be anything, right?"
"Only if I think it's worth the effort of obtaining the information."
"Well, if you do find out, I will promise to make it worth your while."
Anoel nodded, tilting her head again as she hummed, "You can try. Very few men can satisfy me."
S-Satisfy?!
"Lucky for you...I'm not like other men."
"I'll be the judge of that." Anoel smiled.
N-No! Don't let her be the judge of that! Don't let her be a judge period! She can't do that! Anything but that! Find someone else! He's! He's..!
I felt someone pinching the tips of my fox ears, playfully spreading them apart back and forth as apparently Master tried for my attention, "Hello in there! Wakey wakey!"
And just like that, I was broken out of my heated stupor and wild imagination, my eyes refocusing on Master's own irises, my cheeks flushed to the red. A silent squeal almost escaped my lips had I not stifled it last minute.
His touch has always felt electric like; tingly and gentle… I wonder if he'd rub my tail next…
No! If he did that here, I don't know if I'd be able to control myself any longer!
"You alright there?" Master asked, as he let go of the tips of my fox ears.
Before I could answer, both my attention and Master's, along with ms. Anoel, turned to the door, the presence of two others lingering behind it.
Hold on a moment, is that-?
"I don't suppose those two are here for the two of you?" Anoel asked, leaning away from her desk and glancing past us.
"Guess so…"
"Alright! Come out with your hands up, and we might not just try to tickle you to death!" said the voice of an eager girl behind the door.
"You didn't even read me my rights. And assaulting me by tickling? You'd make a terrible officer Ciel." Master replied.
There was a silence behind the door for a few moments.
"No! You would!" responded Ciel.
"Yeah yeah…"
"She sounds adorable." ms. Anoel noted, before gesturing toward the door, "Looks like you need to go though."
"Apparently. Well, thanks for having us then. Let's do this again sometime. It was fun."
"Maybe, it'd depend on Niro being here or not." she pointed out, "He's the only factor at the moment. I'd rather not have you and him in the same room."
"Not yet anyway… Well, goodbye for now. We hope to work well with you all and such in the future." Master said, extending a hand to Anoel.
"Keep bringing treats, and we'll see about that." Said ms. Anoel as she took Master's hand with her own.
For a brief moment, I felt some sort of strange outward connection from ms. Anoel as she grasped his hand.
I see now, that's how she knew so much about Master without directly meeting with him at first.
"Oh~ So that's how…" he replied.
"It's a little more advanced than that honey, but you're close." Anoel smiled, before letting his hand go and nodding to the door.
She read him… She's a Sensory type. Not exactly similar to a Seer, but close enough in some aspects.
"I know it's not through direct contact or anything, but I know enough now to the point I've got it nearly figured out entirely. You're not the only person who can read people extensively you know…" stated Master.
"I never said I was." ms. Anoel replied quietly.
Master then opened the door and moved out of the way, allowing Ciel to nearly fall in and stopping just short of the ground as her older brother caught her by the waist. The girl had a little cat-like grin, contentedly dangling in her brother's grasp as he walked out of the room, her small feet dangling limply off the ground as I followed behind him.
"One last thing..." he paused, glancing back into the room, "I was serious about before you know. Before I came here, I was told I would eventually find out more about myself that I haven't been able to figure out yet. If you do find anything...anything at all...I will promise to make it worth your while."
"You can try." said ms. Anoel waving at us goodbye.
Before I myself could fully leave the room, she pulled me aside slightly while Master, Ciel and Leo were distracted with one another.
"Oh, and Inuba honey…" she whispered to me, "I have some extra panties if you need any. But, I'm sure you can find a dry pair quickly enough considering your dorm's right there."
I went completely rigid as I could feel the intense heat building up in my face, trying to say something in response to her statement. But no words came out, only incoherent babbling from my part and some embarrassed shivering was all I could offer her in response.
She let out a more teasing smile for me before closing the door shut, Master's attention focused on me.
"What'd she say at the end there?" He asked me.
"N-Nothing worth mentioning!" I squeaked out as I quickly moved my legs towards our door.
That woman… She's a complete menace… I can't let her near Master.
Especially not alone!
Right, nothing to say here at the end except scheduling should be back to normal.
So with that, I highly recommend you all go check out the freaking amazing collab Xera Stark and I are currently working on concerning his story XSRA's Flame. His story overall is absolutely fantastic and is a must read, so I suggest you read from the very start. But, if you're just interested in the awesome collab our two minds put together have created, then mozy on down to chapter 53 of his story for the start. I've said it once and will say it again, you won't want to miss out on this story, and especially this exciting story arc we've created.
Not only that, but check out his other awesome and highly entertaining story Rogue Huntsmen as I mentioned above. It's just pure awesomeness bundled into one story. Trust me, you'll love it. And hey! Go check out HydraFLow's story Lost in Binary! It's equally as awesome and entertaining, definitely worth spending the time reading and enjoying.
Questions? Ask them anytime. I will try to answer without spoiling.
Please remember to review, follow and favorite this story if you really enjoyed it and want to continue seeing more of it. And hey, even tell others about this story! Remember that your support is what helps make this story grow even larger and what helps improve it. With that, I bid you all an excellent week/weekend!
Bye-bye now!
