~Rikku~

First week down and I was starting to get into the routine for school. Classes could be interesting, I was finally able to get Shiva to wear pajamas, and we had a couple team talks. But for today, we just finished our first real combat class, which was exciting even if I didn't get to go a round. Red was the only one from our team that got a chance to show off today, even if he had to use his fists. Which reminded me that his sword broke back during initiation. I wonder if he misses it? Although, he did well with no weapon today. I wonder if he really needs one or not, because Shiva doesn't use a weapon either. Well, only way to find out is to ask.

I jogged down the hallway in-between other students to catch up with him just as he got outside. "Hey Red!" I greeted him when I got next to him.

He looked at me with a small groan and asked, "what do you want?"

Ignoring his attitude I answered him, "I wanted to know how your fight went."

"You were watching, I won. What else do you want to know," he asked rhetorically and facing forward again.

"That's not what I meant," waving off his snarky answer.

"Then say what you DO mean," he said with a building annoyance.

"Heh, right. What I was wondering is if you miss your weapon?"

He looked at me with confusion on his face and asked, "what weapon? You mean that sword I had in the woods?"

"Yeah! I saw it break on that alpha, and I wasn't sure if you are unhappy about it or if you even really needed it because you fight well with just your hands too."

"Pft," and shook his head slightly. "That thing was a piece of junk. I only took it because it would have just sat around otherwise. Now if that's all, I need something to eat," and entered the cafeteria before I could answer.

"I was going to ask if you wanted a new weapon, but if it doesn't matter then, whatever," I said to the door and shrugged. "I had some good ideas too. Well, I suppose I'll get a snack while I'm here," and followed him into the cafeteria.

x

Later that afternoon in our room I was working on my homework, Ammy was at the desk on the right working on something, while the other two were out. Only half done with my work but getting too bored to focus, I decided to talk about my first weekend in Vale with Ammy.

"Hey, Ammy what'cha working on?" I asked across the room.

Without looking up she responded, "I am writing a letter."

"That's neat but, why not just call?"

"The people I am writing to are not very interested in technology," she answered while still writing.

"Ah, I see." Not much for conversation I suppose, but she answers my questions at least. "You have anything planned for this weekend?" I asked, getting to the point.

"I plan to finish my assignments and train," she answered the same way as before.

Not sure what else I should expect from her, I thought with a grin. That is all she has done all week, "well I was thinking of visiting Vale and I wouldn't mind having company," I implied.

Ammy swung around in her chair ears perked up and eyes wide and asked, "you mean we are free to just leave here on our own and go whenever we want?"

Taken aback by her sudden answer I replied slowly, "yeah, it's not like we are prisoners or anything. I mean we shouldn't just skip class for a trip into the city for no reason though. Why do you ask anyway, didn't you know that?"

"No one mentioned going into the city, only missions to destroy Grimm in the wilds. So I assumed we were not allowed," she answered getting back to her normal calm.

"Well of course we are allowed," I laughed. "Like I said we're not forced to stay here, they have shuttles to get there and everything. What made you think that anyway? Did your parents keep you locked up in a tower or something, never to see anyone ever again?" I said teasingly.

Though I immediately regretted it when I saw the nervous look Ammy had in her eyes and how her ears went back defensively. "I wasn't exactly locked up or anything, I just could not go into town without special reason is all."

"It's alright," trying to remedy the situation. "It was just a bad joke. I'm sorry I brought it up."

She sighed and said, "it is fine, I should not have got so worked up. I still have things that I would rather not mention."

"Well don't worry about it, everyone has secrets. But, if there is anything you decide to talk about, your teammates are here to back you up." I offered, trying to be a good teammate, even if I'm probably not the best secret keeper around.

"Thank you for your offer," even though she didn't put much emotion into her words, I did notice a small smile tugging at her lips. "I would also enjoy accompanying you to see the city tomorrow."

"Alright! I hope it lives up to our expectations though. Oh, and we can invite the others and have it be team day or something!" Getting excited about going out again.

"That is a good idea, though if they have plans, I would not like to force them."

"That's why we ask if they are busy with work first. Besides we have our own work to finish first anyway," I reminded myself mostly.

"Ah yes, my letter, thank you," and she twisted back around, long hair swinging wildly, and started writing with renewed vigor.

I suppose I don't know her as well as I thought, I realized. Well, I can't let my homework get in the way now can I. Returning back to my school work spread around my bed. Let's see what you got homework!