Of Fun and Outings
«»
(Inuba POV)
How does he study so ridiculously and earn such high marks on his exams?! It's...unnatural!
Master had completely forgotten to study for an exam, asked for my book to read the chapter, read it in five minutes, and scored perfectly! I am well educated, mostly in thanks to his help, but…
I wish I can do what he does, then I'd have an incredulous amount of free time as he does…
Who else can match his intelligence in fact?
Mr. Ezdeil, despite his usual demeanor, seemingly can perform marvelously if he cared enough. And Mr. Chroma...well…
I care very little, or rather, to a lesser degree.
He's such a rude cretin… Why is he attending this academy in the first place? It's easily clear he doesn't wish to be here at all with how rudely he behaves towards everyone, even the professors.
I'm surprised he hasn't received any referrals or suspensions yet.
I should go back to studying. The more I'm focused on this, the less time I allow his crudeness to worm its way into the depths of my mind.
…
Wait a moment… That Aura signature..! He actually comes to a library?! With that haughty attitude of his, I'd assume he'd stay in his room and avoid society entirely, like how a vampire avoids light.
I hid my head further in my book for a moment, forcing my fox ears to fold against my head to make sure they wouldn't stick out.
An interaction with HIM of all people right now would surely agitate me…
If it comes to that, just remember to remain calm and ignore most of what he says that's undesirable.
…
Or, I could attempt to converse with him and reconcile any… discrepancies. Even if it was HIS fault. Still though, why would he be at the library currently?
He is reading something at the terminal… Maybe something for school?
I felt the collar of my shirt vibrate slightly, prompting me to bring up my hand, and with it, a white, holographic screen that displayed that I had a new message, which I soon opened.
'I know you're watching me, Fox.'
W-What-?! Who-?
I glanced at the sender's name, seeing it as just a jumble of random numbers and letters. But no one remotely uses 'Fox' as my name with exception to Ciel, which means…
Brilliant, he knows my Scroll number. Now he'll torture me endlessly no doubt.
'I wasn't staring.'
'Taking glances then. Same thing. Do you think I'm blind or something?'
'I think you to be crude and somewhat ignorant, but blind to a degree, yes. Is sarcasm and rudeness the only thing you are capable of?'
'I'm capable of many things, I just limit them depending on the individual I'm conversing with.'
'Clearly you are limited in some capacities… How did you come by my Scroll number?'
'Child's play. Don't think you're invisible when you're connected to this network.'
I'll have to ask Master once again about setting up the private network for us. I really would not like Mr. Chroma to get into my files. Or Master's for that matter.
'Are those images of your partner? Questionable.'
'D-Don't you dare touch those! Or say a word about that! B-Besides, he's very photogenic!'
It's honestly ridiculous how many people ask to take pictures with him… And irking to a degree that man of them are girls…
'Too late, they're blackmail material now.'
…
I might have a legitimate reason now to kill him…
No, I can't do that… Maybe Master can infiltrate his network…
'Please don't do anything rash Mr. Chroma.'
Or cause my blood pressure to rise exponentially…
'You're assuming I have a reason to do anything with these images. They're of no use to me and I wouldn't be caught dead with them saved to my storage devices.'
'Considering I almost burned a hole through your deltoid muscle and cephalic vein, I would have reason to assume you would do something of the sort out of spite.'
'Considering that's not the worst thing to happen to me, I really don't care. You were showing off to impress your "Master" and you know it.'
'I don't need to "show off" to him. He already knows I am very highly skilled in combat.'
'Keep telling yourself that. The second you nearly crippled me, you looked to him for approval.'
'That wouldn't have crippled you. It only would have only caused intense pain to course through your system.'
'Pain is an old friend.'
…
I stared at my holographic screen, wondering if he was insensitive to pain like Master. Or maybe he merely possess a high tolerance for it..?
I may start to feel somewhat guilty for my harshness now…
'In any case, what are you doing here?'
'Why do you care?'
'One, you're not a social person. Two, you wouldn't be in a crowded place such as this without a legitimate purpose or reason, not even to do homework, which you've clearly demonstrated you barely have interest in. The only explainable reason for your presence here means you are very likely up to no good.'
'You didn't answer my question. Why do you care?'
'Gods know if you're planning to shut off the power in the school for a prank or a nefarious science project. I'd at least like to know in case I need to prepare for the worst case scenario.'
Knowing him, it could be for the sake of a cruel prank.
'You're paranoid if you think I'm going to do something as menial as that. Could I interest you in some meditation courses?'
'Experience has taught me caution around your type, Mr. Chroma. Though I may not know your intentions clearly, you could have an array of reasons for being here, good or bad.'
'Why don't you study like a good dog instead of questioning my motives?'
'For the last time, I'm not an animal! I may have an extra pair of ears and a tail, but you don't have the right or privilege to treat me as one! Do you have something against those of the Faunus population?!'
Is he one of the many that don't take kindly to those of the Faunus variety?
'I have Faunus sisters, and one of my closest allies is a Faunus. Insinuating that I'm a racist just further proves that you have no idea who I am.'
I let out a short breath of frustration before typing back, 'Then why do you treat me so poorly? The only grievance I've ever caused you was in combat class.'
'Dante told me where you come from, Inuba.'
He…told Mr. Chroma..? Why did he..?
'Kitsune are extremely rare on this planet. Seeing two in one place is rare. Plus with the way you hold yourself, it's obvious you aren't "naturally occurring". You act like royalty, and yet sovereignty hasn't existed on this world for over 100 years. So don't even bother trying to convince me that you're a Faunus.'
At least he's perceptive to some degree… From what I heard, Faunus-kind here only have one animalistic trait, and yet Kitsuki and I both possess two traits, ears and tails. As far as others are concerned, we're a sort of mutation…
'I may be royalty Mr. Chroma, but I do not flaunt it about or act self-important.'
'Could've fooled me. Your speech, mannerisms, and generic behaviour suggest otherwise. How about you drop the act and reveal your real colours instead of trying to expose me?'
'There is no "act" to drop. I don't use my royalty as an excuse to do as I please whenever I please.'
'The nearest star system to this one is called Eridanus Capui, nearly 247 lightyears away. Scientists still can't determine whether the planets are habitable, and yet you came here in the blink of an eye, right outside my doorstep, establishing a home in less than a day, and yet you have the nerve to tell me that you don't act like royalty? Give me a break.'
'It's not as if you own the mountain…'
Though, us appearing out of thin air does cause people to ask questions…
'That's your response? Can't even give me a logical answer. Typical.'
'We didn't claim it as part of some "royal decree". Seeing as the peak of the mountain was secluded, we wished to establish our home there. How exactly are we supposed to know there is another person located in or around the mountain when there clearly weren't any signs?'
There really weren't.
'It's not even just about me. Your group constructed a god damned shield around the mountain and the village nearby, "protecting" the villagers that I had kept watch over for five years. Your behaviour literally BROADCASTS your belief that you're superior to the people of this world.'
'Again, there were no clear signs of any other significant presence in the mountain. And it would only make sense to protect the villagers below if we're capable of it, and especially since we live there in a basic sense.'
'Funny. Your mother found and broke into my home just fine. Talking shit about making sure my work wasn't nefarious. Maybe you should remind her that she is in no position to judge what's right and wrong in this world when her existence here is limited to quarter of a year.'
'And yet you judge us so freely and unfairly.'
'It's hardly unfair. You all radiate a holier-than-thou atmosphere that I didn't even need special equipment to detect it.'
'And yet you're highly saturated with sarcasm and child-like bitterness.'
'Incredible, you think minor insults will garner you leverage. Please feel free to defend your pride further with nonsensical responses. It's highly amusing.'
'Are you sure it's my pride I need to defend Mr. Chroma?'
Even though he was simply testing me, he would never stand a chance against me in a real fight.
'It doesn't matter in the end, you'll get swallowed whole by the encroaching negativity just like the rest of us.'
'You must be delusional if you think that's the case.'
'You and your ilk have been on this planet for 3 months. I have been here for 17 years. Tell me, who do you think is the delusional one between the both of us? Trust me Inuba, I know this planet far better than you do.'
'And if you actually knew better, you would know that doesn't have to be the case. A difference can be made with the appropriate will, dedication, and effort. Such things are slowly degrading, that much we've realized being here. But it can be done. We just have to try. All of us.'
'You think you can save this rock from its doomed existence? You'll die trying. Immortal or not. If 100 years of countless, highly skilled warriors couldn't do it, what makes you think you can?'
'We saved far more in much less time. Although our own personal circumstances have been grim a few months ago, no pun intended mind you, we can still help in our own way.'
'I'll believe that when I see it. Eradicating a dark force that's existed longer than all of humanity isn't as easy as you make it out to be. Call me cynical, but I very much doubt you, your partner, and two children will save an entire planet.'
'Worse have tried to kill us. And we've always put them to rest, no matter the circumstances.'
'Your words ring hollow to a person like me. Self-assurance will get you nowhere if you don't live up to your own expectations. If you think you're the saviours of this world, I guarantee you're not the first. And I'll be damned to take your word on anything.'
'Did you see the footage of the Hydra altercation?'
'I was there, dumbass. I know what you did. If it wasn't for me, the injured would have died regardless of your actions. Besides, others have achieved more than you have.'
'And I'm grateful for your efforts in protecting the others. But I wasn't speaking of what I did.'
If Master had even a fraction of his old power…
'You are so full of yourselves…'
'You saw what he did, didn't you?'
'I saw, wasn't as impressive as you make it out to be.'
'You would eat your words if you even had the faintest idea of what he's accomplished. He's not as strong as he used to be, and for good reason. But given time, he will be once again.'
'What makes you think I care how powerful he is? This isn't a pissing contest, Kitsune. Killing Grimm is only a small portion of this world's problems. You're naive if you think that Dante can suppress all of them.'
'After what I've seen, and what you and others have yet to see, you'd be naive to think he can't. He can and will very likely be the at forefront, creating the path for the rest to follow close behind. If he can do it, everyone else can too.'
'Spoken just like a fangirl.'
'Maybe I am. But I and many others believe in him for a very good reason. "Impossible" is a concept that is inapplicable to him. For instance, many would think Mr. Ezdeil to be untouchable, which, if he decides, can make it so. But my partner would find a way to make it a reality.'
'Wow that's super interesting, I really liked the part where you perched your boyfriend on an unattainable pedestal.'
…
If only that were the case… Just thinking of it happening makes me...incredibly happy.
'What do you think then? That he was simply given what he had?'
'I'm thinking that... I don't care about Dante. You keep speaking about him as if I'm some kind of heretic plotting against your delusional religion, but in reality, Inuba, I just do not give a fuck.'
'I… understand your connotation with "religion", but we aren't a cult or anything of the sort if that was something present on your mind.'
'Then stop talking about him and his "amazing" feats. The only reason I messaged you to begin with was because you kept stealing glances of me and questioning my reasons for being in the library. But since you're such a poor, paranoid little fox, let me alleviate your concerns, I am in the library browsing the internet because it's quiet.'
He's definitely not here to surf the interwebs. He's up to something devious, indefinitely.
Thank you mother for passing on your sharp, perceptive abilities.
But along with perception…
'Is there anything I can do currently to alleviate the rather powerful tension?'
'Define "tension".'
He's incredibly dimwitted if he believes I meant it in that way.
'Obviously there are frustrations and grievances between the two of us currently, and my mother in a sense. Despite your misguided views of us and our mannerisms, we mean no harm. And if we did unintentionally disrespect you, I'd like to apologize on both of ours behalves.'
'Let me make something absolutely clear to you. ALL of you, have proven to be nothing to me but a pain in my ass. You, your mother, and your insufferable partner all fail to leave me to my own devices, and that is a very quick way to piss me off. So, if you wish to rectify this situation, don't ever interact with me again. Understood?'
Gladly. But…
'And what if there's unavoidable circumstances?'
'The only time I'll work with any of you is out of necessity. Do yourselves a favor, and stop pursuing a relationship with me, and I'll do the same.'
'Very well then… But...what is your reason for being so...hostile and antisocial? Particularly in my case? I've seen how you interact with others and you're much harsher with me specifically. Is there a reason for it?'
'Your nature puts you at a disadvantage because I've met your kind before and the first impressions were less than stellar. I didn't come here to make friends, the interaction I have with my team is strictly professional, and the same applies to other students.'
'I...understand then. I'll make sure to relay this information to my teammates as well. And we'll do our best not to cross paths with you unless it's unavoidable circumstance.'
'Good. I'm sick and tired of playing pretend.'
Pretend..? That could mean many things…But I'll leave it be for now.
'I'm glad we could come to an understanding.'
I closed my holographic display and glanced over once more, seeing him packing up and ready to leave. I, however, was going to remain until he left.
"Hey, did you hear? Our TA Ms. Fey was on that airship that was attacked by that weirdo."
"Yeah, I heard Dante was on that airship too. Apparently he and ms. Fey were dealing with that guy until ms. Fey was thrown out the window."
"Seriously?! What happened after that?!"
"What do you think? Dante saved her of course."
"Woah…"
I let out a proud huff overhearing the three girls a distance away speaking of a good deed Master performed. Though, I didn't hear of this "airship" business until now. I wonder what transpired?
"And get this, Mia apparently saw Dante carrying ms. Fey to the infirmary!"
"What?!"
…
Any sense of pride I just felt vanished in an instant, the wood of the desk in my grasp splintering very easily. I could feel my face twitching slightly as stood there for a moment, grabbing my belongings and quickly walking out.
I quickly opened the door to the infirmary, seeing that the nurse wasn't present before I heard voices in the back. Though, it didn't sound like just simple voices.
I swear I could hear moaning.
There wouldn't be enough to prepare me for what I hoped I wasn't going to see.
My pace slowed into silent steps, allowing me to traverse the distance silently in but a few seconds as I drew the curtain open.
Master was indeed present, as was ms. Fey, and…
They thankfully weren't doing what I thought they were that I've only read about in certain books and the like.
Instead, I saw the long sleeves of Master's shirt rolled up, his hands slowly moving up and down the thin form of Ms. Fey's back, her back glistening in a clear substance.
Why was he here giving her a massage?!
I...want one too…
Wait a moment…
My nose picked up a form of herbal scent from the viscous liquid, which gave me the impression he was rubbing pain relief ointment on her back.
I still didn't like that she currently had no top layer of clothing on, despite her front facing the top of the bed.
"Oh? It's looks like your partner's here mr. Dante."
Master's head turned slightly so that our eyes could meet, "Heya."
Although he looked calm and relaxed, I was anything but that.
"W-What are you doing?"
"Oh. Well, you're gonna find out later either way, so I may as well come clean now."
No..! You can't possibly mean..?!
"We were those two people on the news dealing with that 'guy' that turned out to be a Wraith. Elisia got thrown out the window back first, I rescued her, and here we are with me rubbing ointment on her back."
I looked to our TA and saw her giving me a rather mischievous grin, "Pray tell what else you thought was happening here?"
"N-Nothing! I just heard something had happened and came to see where he was and if he was okay! That's all!"
"Oh? Looks like you're really concerned about your partner ms. Kitsukami."
"She's just that way. And I didn't get into any trouble either." He finished looking at me again as he continued massaging her.
"If I didn't know any better, it looks like she really lo-"
"I-In any sense, is all well with you?" I quickly asked Master, cutting her off.
"Yeah, all good."
"And the Wraith?"
"Banished. Not sure when it might be back, if it all."
"To think there are Wraiths here as well…"
"From what mr. Dante told me, this Wraith isn't entirely the same as the ones like you faced before. Remember the mask it wore?"
"Yeah. It had a white bone mask with numerous red markings. Just like the Grimm do."
"Like the Grimm?" I questioned.
"I heard professor Gladian talk about them before, but that was ages ago. If anything, you should ask him about it since this is his area of expertise."
"Aren't you supposed to know these things too?" Questioned Master.
"Hey, he still hasn't taught me everything yet. Even I've got a ways to go."
A few more moments of silence and Master had grabbed a towel to cleanse his hands of the ointment.
"Alright, any better?"
"Loads. Thanks, handsome."
H-H-H-Handsome?! When did she start calling him that?!
"Hey, ms. Kitsukami, stick around for a bit."
"M-Me..?"
"Well, are there any other ms. Kitsukami's present?"
"No…"
Looking to Master, I could see him glaring slightly at our TA, who returned the glare with her coy smile.
"Relax, I won't do anything to your partner. We're just gonna chat is all. You can go."
Master looked to me, but I only nodded towards him to say it was alright for him to leave.
"I'll see you later then."
A few moments later, and the door had closed, leave ms. Fey and I alone in the nurse's office.
"So…" she began, "How long have you two known each other?"
That was...a somewhat surprising question from her.
"About a decade or more, I suppose."
"Heh, your old fashioned way of speaking is actually pretty cute, you know?"
"T-Thank you…"
She lifted herself up, forcing my head to look away from her bare front as she grabbed her sleeveless blouse and put it back on, buttoning it up.
"So do you like him?"
"W-Who?!" I meekly replied in hurried tone.
"Come on, I see the way you look at him. And the entire time we were interacting, you looked really tense."
"Uh…"
"No, you don't just like him. You love him."
Why is she asking me these questions?!
I didn't know how to respond to such forward accusations… Well, it's… It's a true fact, rather than an accusation, but…
"Your expression says it all. Alrighty then. Do you always get so tense when he's talking to other girls? Nervous even?"
There's no use in lying. She knows full well.
"Y-Yes…"
"Threatened? Jealous?"
…
I'm not entirely sure if feeling threatened is partly what I feel when I see him interacting with others of the female persuasion...but jealous…
"Alright, clearly I made you a bit uncomfortable here. Understandable since you've got your eye on him. So how about this? To make up for it, you and I are gonna hang out for today."
"P-Pardon?"
"Come on, it'll be my treat. Let's go out and have some fun today."
"I don't want to trouble you and-"
"Nah, it's alright. Besides, while we're out, we can discuss 'strategy'. I do know a thing or two."
…
Well, if she insists…
"I...suppose I can…"
"Great! Let's meet up at the docks in thirty minutes!"
"Are you sure? You were injured and-"
"My Aura healed anything underneath the hood. The ointment just helped with the pain and anything deeper. Just in case. Now come on! Go get ready!"
"But, I'm already ready."
"Really? Is that all you wear?"
"Well, yes and no, but…"
"Okay, add shopping to the list of things to do for the day. If we're lucky, we might be able to snag a sexy pair of lingerie for you."
…
I don't know whether or not I like her or dislike her.
"Alright Inuba, let's see it."
I'm...hesitant to go out.
"Come on girl, don't be shy."
I took a deep breath and opened up the dressing room curtain, stepping out a few moments later.
Ms. Fey seemed impressed given the sound of awe she gave me. What I wore was a sleeveless white blouse with a collar, and a pair of light blue jeans, where the fabric was somewhat thin and soft.
"Nice! Your figure really makes the outfit agree with you."
I couldn't help but shy away a bit, unaware of ms. Fey's attempts to grab me from behind.
"Wha-?! M-Ms. Fey?!"
"I'm sort of jealous Inuba… You have a really nice figure you know? I don't know how you and Dante are a thing yet, but it's clear he's wasting something really good. Of course, I'm fine with my figure as I am, but every now and then you can help but feel jealous of someone a bit."
She let me go suddenly and backed away slightly, allowing me to step back towards the dressing room.
"Alright, try out the other top and bottoms."
"Must I..?"
"Of course! Remember, this is to get you thinking about other tops and bottoms. From what I see, all you wear are skirts. Don't you want to mix it up a bit?"
"Well…"
"Good answer. Now go on! Try them on!"
I let out a silent grumble and moved back into the dressing room, first removing the jeans and setting them to the side before taking off the blouse.
I looked to my side, spotting the pair of silk, black tights first and putting them on first before I put on the rest and stepped out, dressed in a pair of grey shorts over the tights, and a white, casual, pullover cotton turtleneck sweater with vertical line patterns.
This outfit was one I liked more.
"Wow~! You look so much cuter in this one!"
"Do I..?"
"Duh! I wouldn't say it if that wasn't the case! We're buying this one. And you're going to wear it all day."
"But..!"
"Ah! No buts! My treat today, so that's how it's going to be. Okay?"
"Very well…"
"Awesome! She'll be taking this one!"
While ms. Fey spoke with the clerk, I spun around to face the mirror and glanced at myself once more, turning to different angles to further examine myself.
Now that I look at it, the sweater is moderately tight around my form, and is somewhat emphasizing my bust…
And the tights...they were really form fitting…
Perhaps that was the point? Maybe...he'd like it a lot…
The thought of him complimenting me brought about a good feeling, so much so I curled the strands of my white hair from my bangs around my finger. Thinking about it again soon made my fox tail whip about a bit.
"Ready to go?"
"Oh, yes. Where are we heading to next if you don't mind me asking?"
"Well, let's go to lunch first. Then, let's go see a movie."
"Which movie?"
"The Shape of Aqua."
…
…
I wanted to see that movie! With Master if I could!
"Onwards my fluffy tailed friend!"
"That movie...was so touching…"
"Definitely one of the better ones I've seen this year. Heh… You know, that movie kinda made me think of you. And Dante of course." Ms. Fey stated as we walked along the street away from the theater.
"I-In what way?!"
Hopefully the excitement in my voice didn't give me away.
"Well if you think about it, you two are kinda opposites in a few ways. Despite that, you guys really get along together nicely."
"Well, I suppose there are some similarities to be drawn from the film..."
If only I had that woman's courage to proudly and easily display my love…
"Do you two ever fight?"
"No, not really. Of course, we have differences of opinion at times. My partner prefers the more...forceful approach in certain situations, where mainly I prefer the diplomatic approach first."
"Hehe, it kinda shows."
I must admit...I've been having a lot more fun with ms. Fey than I originally thought I would. We went shopping, we went to lunch, we went to the mall in Vale, and saw the movie we just did. And spending time with her is...interesting.
Master did say I should try to meet new people and make friends with them. And so far, I'm enjoying this new friend of mine. You'd think with ms. Fey's carefree, lax attitude, she wouldn't be able to strike up a conversation for an extensive period of time about a singular subject. But she's actually a very sophisticated conversationalist.
It's...enjoyable.
"So, I have a question for you."
"Yes?"
"Are you an Affinity user?"
Affinity user..? Is this an individual that possesses a special ability or power?
"I...don't know what that is…"
"Huh… With that whole thing you can do with fire, I thought you might've been one. But if you don't know… Well, alright. I'll give you a rundown of what an Affinity user is since I brought it up. And it'll be good to know in case you run into one."
We continued down the street under the night sky, the street lamp posts lighting our way with each step we took.
"So then, what exactly is an Affinity? To answer that, Affinities are genetically transferred through a magic system of matching by a being's personality, or soul. The specific Affinity searches for matching criteria it can bond to, and this bond is what fuels the magic powering the genetic elemental fragment it carries. Take me for instance. I'm an Ice Affinity user."
As she said this, while we continued walking, she extended her palm upwards and then used the index finger of her other hand, swirling it around in circular formations as ice formed in her palm, quickly taking my shape. It was as if I was staring at a miniature ice sculpture of myself.
"The criteria, by the way, is super specific. And an Affinity will only bind to someone who matches it perfectly. Furthermore, we can fuel our Affinities through the elements in relation to what we can manipulate, or we can fuel them with Aura. So with me, that'd be Ice and with anything liquid-like."
In a way, my own abilities are almost like that of an Affinity that manipulates flame. How much stronger would an Affinity user like that be? Would their ability exceed mine?
"Each element derives from two creation energies, those being Aether and Void. Those, by the way, can't be harnessed in any way."
That almost sounds as if she's referencing Light and Dark. Or it may as well be something else entirely.
"Now here's the really important part of this lesson. Overall, there are two types of Affinity users; those that are Ancestral, or Original Fragment users, and Mutation based users. Ancestrals are users that have Original Fragments, which have perfect balances of Aether and Void compositions inside the element they can specifically manipulate. In my case, I'm an Original Ice Affinity user, meaning I can have perfect control of ice with different combinations. So long as there's ice in it, I can control it way better than a Mutation user."
"And what of these Mutation based users?"
"Well, Mutations don't have that perfect balance we Ancestrals do, which means they can't reach the same higher levels we can, they're linear. They can do more or less the same as an Ancestral, just not as strongly. Plus, they're limited to only the elements they posses."
"Meaning?"
"Say there's a Mutation based user who can control ice and lightning as a combo. They can only control combinations that have either fire or lightning. As for what I'm limited to, I'm only limited to things that have ice in them. The big difference between an Ancestral and a Mutation user is potency really. Sure, it takes lots of effort and practice on my part, but I've got the advantage when it comes to strength and control. A Mutation based user has the advantage in variety."
"Then if an Affinity user of the Mutation variety where to face you, you would win?"
"Oh yeah, definitely. It took a lot of effort and practice, but I've got seriously fine tuned control with my Affinity. Which means it's super strong. But it isn't entirely one sided you know."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Well, let me give you an example. Say there's a Wind Affinity user that's an Ancestral, and this guy is super strong. Problem is, he treats his Affinity as a simple tool, nothing else. Now, say there's a little girl that's a Mutation based user who can also manipulate wind, only she doesn't see it as a tool, and takes more care of it. That little girl would theoretically be able to take control of the wind and use it better than that guy would."
"I see… So it wouldn't be far fetched to imply that Affinities are in a way sentient?"
"Nope. Afterall, how do you think they're able to choose people based off of specific criteria? It's kind of like a relationship with someone. The more you love 'em, the stronger the bond is. Someone who cares for and loves their Affinity compared to someone who hates or is afraid of their Affinity is much stronger."
"Then...that means Affinities are in a way fueled by emotion as well?"
"You got it sister. So, how was my teaching? Good? Bad?"
"You certainly made it worthwhile to listen to."
"Yay!" She said giving me a hug as we continued walking.
Speaking of…
"Um, where exactly are we going?"
"One last stop for the night, Inuba. Perfect way to wind down after a good day of fun."
"Why are we here again?" I asked entering the bar known as
The Black Stallion.
"This, my fluffy tailed friend, is our last stop for the night. Part of the whole de-stressing process. Relax, I'm here with you, so it'll be fine. That, and he owns this place." she said, casually gesturing towards the barkeep.
Wait a moment… My word, is that Mr. Ezdeil?! Is he the proprietor of this establishment?!
"Hey guys! What might you all be doing here?" Ms. Fey blurted out as she dragged me across the room.
"Nothing nefarious, I promise."
Wait, that voice…
Turning my head, I could also see someone else I didn't expect.
Ms. Anoel from ELAA, and...someone else…
The other person she was with in a booth had shoulder length, straight blonde hair with dyed lilac ends. Her attire consisted of a tight white t-shirt covered by a long duster coat of the same colour and bleached, distressed jeans. The tails of her coat flowed to the middle of her thighs. For footwear, she had lilac, high-top canvas shoes.
Most interestingly however had to be her eyes, which were a bright pink.
The last person I knew that had pink eyes was...well...a very disturbed individual. I hope she isn't the same...
"We were just fantasizing sexually."
I see ms. Anoel is still as open as ever...
"Oh? Who about?" Ms. Fey asked taking a seat across from ms. Anoel and her friend, prompting me to sit next to my rabbit Faunus companion for the day, "Tall and brooding behind the counter?"
"Whenever I feel adventurous, I have sexual fantasies about most people I see." She replied with a teasing smile, "Just in case I ever come across a mind reader."
A small chortle from ms. Anoel's companion seemingly gave her away.
"Oh~? Am I perhaps eye-catching enough for such an honor?"
"Your flirting game is weak." The woman next to ms. Anoel rejected.
"Depends." Ms. Anoel replied, "I'm already picturing you in lingerie."
"Lucky me, I'm wearing my best right now."
"Lovely. May I see?" Anoel asked.
"This enough?" Ms. Fey replied, tugging down the collar of her shirt low enough for Anoel and Ly to see, showing her milky collarbone and shoulder to peek what she was hiding.
I turned my head away from the display, hearing ms. Anoel let a soft reverberation, "Makes me wonder what else you're hiding."
"Santo dio…" The unknown woman murmured as she pinched the bridge of her nose.
"So, what're you wearing?" She asked, looking in my direction.
"M-Me?!" I asked in surprise to ms. Anoel's question.
"I mean, I can already see your lovely body's curves just fine, this is just for curiosity's sake." She commented, giving me an amused smirk.
"She's wearing monochrome underwear." The woman answered, much to my horror, "Is that string tie I sense?"
"You're quite right, Ly." Ms. Anoel added, her smirk turning very devious, "Perfect for…quickly disrobing."
I feel so ashamed right now..!
I couldn't cope with their words and hid my reddened face behind my hands.
"What are you...?" I heard ms. Fey starting, pausing for a moment, "Oh my goodness..! Aren't you just adorable?" she said hugging me despite the shame I felt at the moment.
I can't believe they now know why..!
"Aside from asking you about sexual escapades, I am curious why you're here. And with Inuba, of all people."
"Well, I certainly needed a good way to unwind. He may not seem like it, but Professor Gladian can be a real slave driver sometimes." Ms. Fey stated, "I kinda have to pick up the slack in terms of work he leaves unfinished. Like grading papers. As for this one… Well…boy troubles, kinda my fault. So I'm helping her out a bit."
"Is it the hot and bothered kind of problem? If it is, I have a pretty good idea of who this boy is." Ms. Anoel responded, eyes glancing to me.
"After the whole panties thing, I can tell just how serious she is. Didn't quite understand her reaction at first when I 'accidentally' ripped his shirt during class and made him eye candy for a few of the others. Now I do." Ms. Fey commented.
"Well, doing that in front of the entire class really makes a statement, you know. I think some girls even swooned. Inuba came very close…"
"This is why I never want to attend Beacon Academy…" The woman known to us as Ly sighed.
"Honey, I can rip your clothes off whenever I want."
"Only because I gave you unconditional permission."
"In any case," Elisia interjected, "My fault for stressing her out, so we've been out all day as my way of repaying her. And now we're here."
"Oh? So all I have to do is get a little hot and bothered in class and I get to go out on a date with you?" Ano asked.
"For you? Maybe. But really, she was more stressed out about the swooning more than anything."
"Hmm… If you're having this kind of jealousy problem, I guess this really is a big issue… It's only natural though," Ms. Anoel pointed out, "They're all young adults crammed into a singular setting surrounded by bodies attractively sculpted by Aura and training regimes."
"Well…mostly." Ly idly commented.
It's true really. I didn't quite like how the vast majority of the girls in class stared at him, as if he were a piece of meat. Some even took pictures! And still take pictures to this day!
Of course, I'm not entirely innocent either, even though my reasons are more...genuine.
"Well don't you worry. I'll knock the competition down when there's any, if that makes you feel a little better." Ms. Fey offered.
"A little…" I replied.
Ms. Anoel quietly sighed, "You're head over tails for him, aren't you?"
"V-Very much so..." I muttered back, "Many people have had…different reasons for focusing their attention on him. Some not for the best reasons or intentions."
My voice grew quieter, embarrassment slowly rising in my tone as I recalled numerous other instances of such occurrences.
"I…may not have the purest thoughts about him at times, but with how long we've known each other, what we've been through, and how much he's suffered on my behalf… I can't help but feel as intensely as I-I…do…a-about…him..."
Admitting it openly to others was difficult as it was… But I soon leveled my gaze to this "Ly", noticing she was staring at me in a way that was...uncomfortable.
"E-Excuse me?" I managed to squeak out.
"Are they real?" Ly asked, realization now hitting me thy her eyes were staring at my bust for sometime.
"W-What?!"
"Your breasts." Anoel clarified.
I know what she meant! I just couldn't believe that'd she simply ask such a question!
I immediately hid covered my chest with my hands, hiding it from view while Ms. Fey answered with an "ok" gesture, "One hundred percent authentic."
Ms. Ly took a sip from her drink before replying, "Interesting."
Ms. Anoel's gaze quickly switched back to ms. Fey with a flash of intrigue, "You've felt them?" She said with disappointment in her tone.
"Pounced her in the locker room today out of curiosity. The results? Satisfying..."
…
I was caught unaware by her at the time...
"And you didn't invite me?" Ms. Anoel asked, looking genuinely hurt.
Ms. Ly cleared her throat, getting another smile out of her companion.
"Let's swap numbers and I'll let you know when I plan my next 'attack'."
Please don't give her anymore ideas Ms. Fey!
"Honey, just announce it in class. It's not like it's a secret or anything where her true interests lie." Ms. Anoel's eyes slowly traced over to me as a smile formed, "Everybody already knows."
It's almost troubling how everyone else knows...and yet he…
...
"I…can't quite tell him yet…" Inuba replied meekly.
"Of course not." Ms. Anoel's smirk remained, her hand finding her way to her glass as she lifted it to drink, "But I can."
"P-Please don't! I have no doubt you know why by now given your…ability..!"
"It's quite easy to know why, honey." She responded evenly, setting her glass back down.
"Just write it on your boobs and flash him. Easy." Ms. Ly mischievously suggested.
"I-I can't do that! That's...!"
"Lewd?" She interjected, flashing me a toothy grin.
"She's worried they'll bounce too much and distract him." Ms. Anoel offered, "That's why I prefer your size, Ly."
"Trust me, that's already a thing. It's honestly adorable how hard he tries to look away." Ms. Fey cut in.
…
He really does look my way…
Even if it was a minuscule reason, I still felt a sense of great joy within me.
"Does he snap his neck trying to face the other direction then?" Ms. Ly wondered.
"It's hard to miss when he's the only guy in the room looking elsewhere." Ms. Anoel added, "And trust me, you may have also turned a couple girls bi by strolling into this school."
Bi? What does she mean by that?
"Alright alright, we've had our fun. Let's leave her be for now. Can we get two of what you're having?" Ms. Fey asked.
"Speaking of which, I need a refill. Niro! Make yourself useful!" Ms. Ly called out, only for mr. Ezdeil to point down.
A new drink was already sitting in front of her.
That was...actually impressive...
"You said to keep it topped off." he commented idly, moving onto the other two drinks.
They were soon slid in front of ms. Fey and I just as quickly.
"Much appreciated." Ms. Ly responded, giving him a thumbs up.
"What sort of drink is this?" Ms. Fey asked.
Ms. Anoel stirred her glass as she glanced down into it, "Whiskey, bourbon, ice."
"A drink that makes you happy." Ms. Ly added, downing her beverage in one hit and watching amusedly as it refilled before her eyes.
I watched the others for a few moments before I too began slowly drinking my own in one go, just as the others did.
It was...refreshing… But admittingly, I started to feel...quite warm, and slightly drowsy.
"That's the spirit!"
"Triple pun. That's horrible." Ms. Anoel chortled, receiving a nudge.
"Ah! That was good!" Ms. Fey's own glass sat empty, a pleasant sigh leaving her lips.
"Laugh all you want…" I replied, not caring for the hiccup I let out, "It doesn't matter to me in the slightest..."
"Are you a lightweight..?" Ms. Anoel asked.
"N-No...!" I quickly defended with another hiccup, a pout forming on my face, "Most certainly not…"
They already know what I wear underneath… They don't need to know anything else...
"Well, while you're easing away from sobriety, might as well ask you a few questions. With Dante always on your mind, I take it you've never kissed anyone yet? Saving it for him?"
At this point, my drowsiness grew stronger, allowing me to only nod rapidly in response, making me sway back and forth slightly.
"Are you ever afraid someone might steal your first kiss?" Anoel continued.
Constantly! It's why I reject everyone who confesses! Because I don't want anyone else!
"Mmmmm… Yes...?"
"But what if Dante steals it?" Ms. Ly questioned, raising an eyebrow.
"He can…steal it whenever he wishes to…"
Why does he never ask..? If he did, I'd always allow it...
"Do you think he'd stop anyone else who would try?" Anoel asked.
"Probably… I… don't really know what he thinks anymore…"
Ironic given we're both connected to each other by our souls… I can barely hear his thoughts these days...
Ms. Anoel shook her head at that, "Trust me, you don't want to know. But there's really only one way to find out."
"H-How...?"
She has experience in this field, doesn't she? She'd know what to do..!
I heard ms. Anoel sigh in response as she slid her way around the booth's interior, making her way over to our side before looking over me, "If he's as fast as I think he is, I think he can stop me from kissing you. Right?"
"Wha...?"
"Best to not question the logic, just as long as it works." she said leaning in closer to me.
Her hand reached over and lightly turned my face towards hers as we were but a few inches apart.
"I'm very good at stealing things… So don't be surprised if I can actually steal this."
I...I think she's trying to kiss me…
I don't really want to her… I'd prefer it was Master… More than anything…
She was just about to...until a hand slid in between us.
(Dante POV)
What could Inuba be doing in this place? It was the question of the lifetime for me at the moment as I stood outside the Black Stallion bar, a bar that Nosferatu, aka Niro Ezdeil, owned.
Not only that, but that TA Elisia is with her too, along with Anoel and...someone else's Aura Signature I couldn't recognize.
Though something was off… Inuba's signature was...frantic. Was she being bothered by someone?
I opened the door and entered inside, not even glancing in Ezdeil's direction as I spotted the party of four I was looking for. I was relieved to see everything was okay.
That was until I saw Anoel noticeably getting closer to my partner.
Wait...is she...trying to kiss Inuba?
…
I don't know why, but that actually made me angry a little.
And I almost never get angry.
Before Anoel got the chance, my hand immediately rushed between their faces, stopping Anoel's advance as she looked to me with a mischievous smile.
"Now just what might you be thinking of doing?" I asked.
Her smile quickly grew wider as she leaned away, lightly tapping Inuba's cheek before bringing her hand back into her lap.
"Mind explaining to me just what you were about to do?" I asked.
She glanced towards me again, this time with an innocent gaze, "Afraid she might've liked kissing a girl?"
Which would have been the case if she woke up and remembered that happened.
"No… I'm more than sure she likely would've been mortified that she did something like that without remembering."
"Awe, comments like that hurt you know." Anoel pouted.
I think you fail to realize the fact I honestly don't care.
"And what if I actually kissed her?"
I let out a chuckle, my eyes closing for a moment as a smile formed on my face, "Well…" I started as I leaned in closer to Anoel, making damn well sure she heard me and would remember my words carefully, "I'd probably have to do something unpleasant..."
The air felt colder around us as my eyes opened to glare at Anoel with my Shadow Eyes present. The lights even flickered for a few brief moments as the wooden table creaked loudly under the force of my grip.
I didn't really care if Ezdouche was about to fly halfway across the world in a second to try and clock me. I would have thrown his emo ass out the window if he so much as touched me…
…
Why am I almost always getting violent thoughts when I see Niro?
Stop it brain.
Whether she was playing off her intimidation, oddly enough Anoel gazed back with a widening smile, "Worked like a charm, then."
Before anything else could be said or done, I heard an audible chomping noise, and felt a slightly wet warmth on my forearm. Considering I felt the pain starting to set in, this could only mean one thing.
Everyone turned their heads towards my arm as the quiet chomping noise continued, all the while I contained my silenced wince as I too then looked down.
Inuba had her lips clasped onto my forearm as she gnawed on it. In a muffled voice, we all heard her say "Don't be mean!"
It's bad enough she's drunk, worse that Anoel tried taking advantage of her. But she thinks I was being mean?
Say that to the one that was trying to take advantage of you!
I tried to move my forearm, but Inuba seemed keen on the idea of continuing to hold her bite on me. Seeing that my "condition" wasn't going to change anytime soon, I let out a sigh and sat down, helping Inuba scoot over as Elisia made room for us in the booth.
I then heard my partner let out a muffled grow, her bite having gotten more forceful as her teeth went deeper into my arm.
"Ouch! Alright!" I said as I felt my eyes return to their normal bright sky blue, "I get it already. But if you're gonna keep doing that, can you at least take it easy?"
Her ears perked up suddenly as she let out a muffled gasp, her gaze growing more apologetic rather than pouty as she let out a muffled "Sorry…"
Her iron-like bite relaxed, the pain vanishing almost immediately. Even then, she still didn't let go, and instead decided to playfully nibble on my forearm, as if she were trying to make up for biting me too hard, her fox tail whipping about as she did so.
"I mean…biting can be pretty kinky. We've tried it. But, I don't see the appeal." Anoel commented, resting her head against her friend's shoulder now as she looked at the three us from across the table.
Huh… So she's into other girls? I figured she had a thing for Linkin Park over there in the corner, but my guess is that Niro isn't the kind of person who likes relationships.
For him, he'd likely avoid them like the plague.
"You finally remembered I was sat here? How considerate." the woman unknown to me murmured as she took a sip from her drink.
Anoel looked a bit troubled for once, and brought her lips close to Lylac's ear, making an almost inaudible response, "I can make up for it, if you'll let me."
"Depends on how busy you are..." the blonde girl responded in an even volume.
"I'll find a workaround in my schedule. Just for you." Anoel returned, "I can make it an all-day thing."
A small smile crossed the woman's lips, "Do you promise?"
Anoel hummed in affirmation as she lightly nipped the edge of her "friends" ear, "Promise."
We all focused on Elisia, who suddenly cleared her throat to ask, "So… What brings you here handsome?" she said, looking my way.
Truth be told, I was chasing some pudgy assclown that robbed a Dust store nearby, who ironically enough had a Semblance that let him jump really high and really far, making it very hard to catch.
Having had enough of his shit, after fifteen minutes of chasing him around town, I finally got him and strung him up for the cops.
But they don't need to know that.
"I needed a drink, so I drove down here for one. Then I felt all of you clustered up in here, felt this one's Aura Signature spike a little…" I said nodding towards Inuba, "Then I saw you trying to kiss her. So… Can I assume this was your harebrained scheme to bring her here?" I said looking to the somewhat petite Elisia next to me.
"Caught me red-handed officer. Wanna cuff me just for safety?" the rabbit faunus asked me with a wink, her arms extending toward me with a rather sly smile.
"Not in the slightest. Why'd you come here with her?"
"Girls night out. Hence why it's us girls here only until you showed up."
"We're actually innocent in this mess." Anoel affirmed quickly, "She joined us."
"Right…" I said glancing over them all, finally calm enough to ask, "Who are you again?"
"Wouldn't you like to know?" the blonde girl responded evenly.
"I always love to know." Anoel slipped in.
"Of course you do." the woman retorted, "But you know more than just my name…"
"True… I know your favorite position…" Anoel said with a smile.
"Okay." I said quickly interrupting, not wanting to hear the details, "I asked for a name, not how you get kinky with each other. Do us the honors? Please?"
"Very well, since you're the only one that's actually taken the time to ask that question, my name is Lylac." she said introducing herself.
Anoel leaned her head back against Lylac's shoulder as she hugged her arm with her own, "I like to call her Ly."
"Can I call her that?" I asked.
"No. She's mine." Anoel's hold only grew more protective at that.
"Keep her. You said that as if I actually wanted her or something."
I just wanted a shorter name reference, not her phone number or anything.
Seriously, wrong impression Anoel.
"I'm just being careful. It's hard not to want her." Anoel responded earnestly, getting a blush out of the girl wrapped in her arms.
Really now? The can you explain why I have no interest in her at all?
"In your case maybe. Either way, I'm not interested." I bluntly replied.
We all heard a happy giggle from my partner, as if she were happy to hear that. She finally released her hold on my forearm, plopping her head into my lap and nuzzling her head to make herself comfortable, her eyes closing at last to sleep. Her fox tail flicked happily about in slow motions against the booth as she giggled silently.
"I swear… Sometimes I don't know which one of us is the actual devil…" I muttered.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Ly asked with a slightly defensive tone.
"Figure of speech in a sense. That, and it was part of a nickname I used to have."
That was a half truth at best.
"Nicknames aren't the same as titles, Dante." Anoel corrected.
…
I really need to find a way soon to keep her out of my head.
"Yeah, well, it's not one I like too much. Or wanted for that matter. It's easy to make people afraid of you. It's a lot harder to make them smile when you're present. Personally, I'd prefer people smiling rather than running."
"Were you demonized or something? I don't know you, but I feel like that was the case." Ly spoke curiously.
You're sort of on the money with that hypothesis Ly, but you're more than likely guessing the wrong group of people.
"Well… Sort of if I think about it. Don't really know what people were afraid of most though. The person, or the power. Or maybe even both. Who knows?"
"There's a lot of things people are afraid of…" Anoel sighed quietly.
"Sorry, but I think people would be more likely to run from a Devil rather than a flaming bird."
I think she's still under the impression I haven't figured her or her sister out. I only had one question really.
Why go to such great lengths to hide it?
Anoel couldn't help but breathe out softly and turn away, "I wasn't talking about me."
"Huntsmen are living proof that there's always someone stupid enough to take that devil on…" Ly stated.
On that we can agree on. To a degree at least.
Ly sighed before lightly grasping at her glass, swirling the glowing amber liquid around before slowly bringing it to her lips to take a sip. But before the rim of the glass could touch her mouth she froze, her eyes suddenly widening as she dropped the glass.
"No…"
Fragments of glass scattered across the wooden floorboards underneath the table, its contents spilling in between the cracks as her fingers shook.
Was she having a seizure or something? No…
Looking more closely at her, I knew full well what it was now. How could I forget it?
It was fear.
Lylac was genuinely terrified by whatever it was she saw, prompting Elisia, myself and Anoel to turn our gazes to the table she was staring at.
A woman silently gazed back at us, sitting alone at the back of her own booth. The burning light of a cigarette illuminated her face briefly for just a passing second, traces of a small smile curling across the woman's face.
Whoever she was, I knew this woman was bad news. I could feel it from her. And unfortunately for me, considering Lylac is Anoel's "friend", that means I'm gonna have to be prepared to make a stand if it gets to that point.
Just when I thought I was going to relax for tonight...
Well well, looks like Ray and Inuba had a scene together at the start. Are they becoming friends? Don't know.
And hey! We even learned about a sort of special ability today called Affinities! FYI, Affinities were created entirely by Xera Stark, so give him props for it.
It looks like we also met a new character today from HydraFlow's cast. This is, after all, a sort of continuouscollaborative project between Xera Stark, HydraFlow and myself. So we're definitely going to be seeing their characters here and there.
But who be that woman at the end that has Lylac so scared? Find out more next time folks.
That's it for now. 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. I've said it once and will say it again, you won't want to miss out on this story.
Not only that, but check out his other awesome and highly entertaining story Rogue Huntsmen. 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!
