There's gotta be a reason, coincidence even. No way I'm remembering things wrong, or could I be imagining what I actually heard?
No, you're definitely certain about what happened, and even if that's the case-you still need to wait till Blake get's back to you.
How long could that take really?
A day or two?
A week?
...
Or did she only say that to keep the peace?
New day, new dilemmas. At least, they were for a certain blonde, who was found to be rationalizing with herself whilst strolling along the cobblestone footpath that ran along the length of Beacon, oblivious to the rest of the world.
I mean sure, let's look at Patch for a second. The place doesn't have that much going for it, so all the tourist attractions are pretty much known to every local around the island- I would definitely describe the soft golden beaches differently than Rubes.
Or how about the closed walking tracks, how if you're not experienced in your sense of direction, you can get lost easily... but, to go so far nearly describing it nearly word for word?
Or am I really getting paranoid over nothing, going so far that I'm distrusting my own teammate...why am I like this?
Annoyance, confusion, agitation and frustration. An ideal choice of words she could use to best describe how she felt in her current state of reasoning.
With some free time before late afternoon lessons and her teammates busy, she spent the last half hour or so in the library, not to relax, nor to study. No, the idea of spending time in the library alone was less than pleasant, but she had one thing in mind...
Now I wish I hadn't followed through with it.
Yang thought before landing in a heap on a nearby bench, face buried in her hands, having no idea what to feel at that moment other than pure dismay.
Was there something she was missing? Was she really making a fuss over nothing?
The blonde couldn't tell, sitting in silence and letting her mind wander.
The first thing it came to rest upon being of course, trying to process just coming from there, head aching whilst remembering what happened.
The warm looking interior, a few murmurs and whispers by students in groups being the only sound that filled the building. With her intentions in mind, the brawler made a bee-line for the front desk, though confident in what she needed to look for, asking was more than likely going to make things quicker then aimlessly searching for where to start.
Approaching the desk, she was thinking what to ask as well as how to best phrase it without sounding too weird, considering she was trying to think two steps ahead of herself instead of the normal 'go with the flow' attitude.
"Hey um, excuse me?"
"Yes how can I help you?"
"Well, you see I was looking for information..."
Way to go Yang, couldn't have been more vague if you tried.
"Well you're in the library, so you've come to the right place at least. What type of information were you looking for exactly?" The librarian responded after blinking for a second, obviously thinking this some sort of joke, but decided to play along.
"Can you point me in the right direction to where you have books that talk about Atlas, specifically the provinces within it and what makes them so...I guess you could say the 'touristy' parts or whatever that makes them standout and unique."
"I see. Planning a holiday for after the Vytal festival?"
"No, not exactly, it's more for an assignment project."
With a nod, the librarian gestured to the geography and culture sections, to which Yang thanked her, and hurried (in an orderly fashion) to where she might find what she was looking for.
"Okay, Atlas, Atlas...At- ah, here we go, now let's see.
This looks promising, but there's a few here."
...
"Might as well grab all of them."
After selecting several books, she went to the nearest table and cautiously placed the stack before she plopped down in her seat.
Spreading out the collection, she then began thumbing through the pages before stopping momentarily, looking away to ponder.
Hmmm
Now where was it he said again?
It was Pleiades, wasn't it?
Ah, here we are, Pleiades...
Most of the books she read appeared to correlate with each other, though one book in particular grabbed her attention by the way in which it was written, seemingly somehow familiar:
A coastal city situated on the eastern coast of Atlas. Due to unique topography, it is the dominant hub for all imports and exports entering and leaving the kingdom by sea.
It is also the epicentre for all marine as well as aeronautical technical research and development, and with respect to the size of the port (serving as the largest port within Atlas, making it the largest in all Remnant), the city must be on the cusp of cutting edge technology.
Below the paragraph was a well illustrated bird's eye view of the port, with a caption underneath that read: The Pleiadesian Port was built upon a naturally formed gulf (roughly one sixteenth the size of Menagerie) , relying on rock formations that act as natural sea walls to allow ships safe passage in land.
Another unique aspect of the province are the seven monuments that double as lighthouses dotted along the shoreline, these collectively are known as 'The Stars of Remnant'.
Prior to their use as guideposts for sailors, these monuments served several purposes, including guard towers that repelled enemy offensives (both air and sea) for not only Pleiades, but the inland cities and Atlas during the great war.
As the war came to an end they still served as defensive platforms against incoming Grimm travelling from the south, but with the progression of air defences and dedicated stationary guns provided by Atlas, the monuments became refuges for civilians during the highest levels of Grimm invasion, though they have not been used for this purpose for the last three decades.
Given the importance of this distinct group of structures, as well as playing possibly one of the most crucial roles in safe guarding the city's people and beyond; having the oldest and well documented history of its construction and operation prior to the war (possibly being the oldest surviving settlements built by the first group of humans who graced its shores), it was only natural for the origin by which the province garners it's name came from these seven buildings.
With the region being a coastal province, it boasts the highest number of restaurants that specialise in seafood, whether it be casual take away shops that grace tourists visiting the beaches or fine dining closer to the business district, they will always have the freshest of ingredients.
Given that the number of fishing trawlers (as well as other ships) that pass in and out of Pleiades by the day is in the hundreds, it's hard to argue that most if not all of Remnants seafood has been processed and packaged in Pleiades.
One of the most defining aspects of Pleiades' geography is where it is situated relative to the rest of the provinces, considering it is located within Atlas, it actually has the warmest of climates in the area, only getting to the frigid temperatures the northerly kingdom is known for during the winter months.
The last noteworthy characteristic Pleiades has to offer when exploring the region are its people, described as some of the friendliest in all of Remnant, you feel a sense of friendship even with the smallest of interactions with locals (speaking as someone who's only just visited the region for the sole purpose of writing this book).
Pleiades is definitely a place worth visiting for the atmosphere it brings both by the locals and the surroundings, also showing to the rest of the kingdoms that the heart of Atlas is not the floating city at its' centre, no rather the heart of Atlas is to the east.
Upon reading the entire chapter, all sound in Yang's world seemed to fade. Her eyes fell away from the page, evidently zoning out.
H-how could this make any sense, I need to get some fresh air, a drink...anything to clear my head and remain calm.
She thought to herself as her mind began to race.
So here she was, sitting alone, thoughts drifting between past and present, wondering if things continue the way they were, she'd be falling into the same pattern as her teammate once did.
'We don't have the luxury to wait around for Torchwick...'
This was a wasted effort, maybe I should have just gone to the gym instead. I mean, I have been wanting to up my weights this week and with no one else around, I can do it without Ruby worrying, or Blake's 'I told you not to push it' face.
It's times like these I actually wish I paid more attention to Weiss when she forced me to do a bit of research on my own. Perhaps I really am missing something.
'You need to understand that you can't keep pushing yourself!
I did it once, and it nearly got my little sis killed because I was too stubborn... and just like you, I wasn't going to sit around and wait. I needed answers and I went out to find them before anyone could tell me otherwise.'
'Yang-'
'I'm no -we're, not asking you to stop, just please take it slow and get some rest.'
Maybe I should follow through with my own advice...
A good minute or so later, she sighed heavily before reaching into her skirt pocket and pulling out her wallet, then, sliding her fingers into a hidden pouch within it, produced a neatly folded, yet slightly worn photograph.
As she opened it up, a small lump began to form in the back of her throat as the image stared back up at her.
The picture had been taken during the spring several years ago, with Ruby, Tai, herself and Summer posed near the cliff side, the same cliff side where Ruby would confide her problems to her mother. Whenever Yang needed solace, this photo was the one to always listen. But despite providing comfort in the end, the effects this piece of her life had on her every time she laid eyes on it remained the same.
The memory of going back to the day the picture was taken, Qrow came to visit, for most of the day, they had spent the time out walking amongst the forest and when they came to rest at the view of the coast below, Summer wanted the moment to be captured forever, and being the good uncle he was (and not really one for photos) Qrow offered to take the picture.
And when Yang thought about it, the day itself wasn't as eventful as other times they had been out, it was still enjoyable, however it was only a week later did Summer go on an important mission.
One that she would never return from.
Why did she have to leave?
No matter how many times she tried to recount the many fond memories she spent with her mother; times like learning to dance, mini sparring matches and licking the batter from the bowl to then eating the cookies baked straight after.
No matter how much she tried to push those memories to the forefront of her mind.
They always faded, allowing the return of that final day she saw her super mom ... for the very last time.
She could recall it so vividly, as if somehow she was trapped to relive it.
She remembered how she was reading one of her favourite books 'The Breeze in the Brambles', she had just gotten up to the part where Newt was escaping prison by train when -
"Yang honey, could you please come here for a second?"
"Yes mommy."
Running in excitedly, Summer in the kitchen, crucial equipment, ammunition and her prized weapons, a pair Kopis swords, their blades a brilliant silvery white, with the rose insignia etched on the centre of each hand guard.
All of which were strewn out on the table, with a young Ruby standing on tippy toes, fascinated by the sight of everything.
"There you are my child. Now, what were you doing before I called you?"
"Reading."
"Was it The Breeze in the Brambles?"
"Awwwe...how did you know."
Thinking back on it she recalled putting on a pouting face after her mom guessed correctly.
"Two reasons, one, you've loved that book ever since the day I first read it to you.
And two, as a mother I know what you're doing."
"Is that why you're a better huntress than dad?"
Her mother chuckled for a while before looking back at her things on the table as well as Ruby, who's gaze was now upon Yang... a giggle could be heard from the young rose. After a minute or so she returned her attention to Yang with a warm and tender smile.
"Speaking of, which is why I called you in the first place. Do you remember when your uncle Qrow came to visit us?"
"Yeah."
"Well not only did he come to spend time with his favourite nieces, but he was also here to give me my next assignment."
"From Beacon?"
"Oh yes."
"Wow."
"Wow indeed, I'll be going out on a very important mission, it will most likely mean I won't be back for a week or even longer.
So, in the mean time, I want you to be the best helper for me, can you do that?"
"Sure."
"I knew you would."
"Did you want me to come with you?"
"You're too precious child, never change."
Again she laughed warm heartedly, something Yang would give anything to hear once more, even if it was only for a few minutes.
"I'm afraid you're still not quite ready for that yet.
But the task you must undertake is of even greater importance- no, paramount to your first start to becoming a huntress."
She pantomimed, raising her hand in the air, sun rays from the sky light above were shining down upon her for emphasis. Before lowering her arm and crouching down and placing a hand on Yang's shoulder.
"Look after your sister while I'm gone. There are many things in this world that can harm both of you and that is why I have to go out, to make sure those bad things can never get to you two or anyone else.
And before you say it, I know you've told me numerous times that you can look after yourself, I know you will, but your sister isn't quite ready for that yet, so I need you to take special care of her while I'm away alright?
And once I get back, we can do all sorts of things, watching the sunset over lake tranquillity, go out and catch insects or even take a trip to Vale and just explore the city. That is if you do what I ask as well as what your father says while I'm away, is that okay?"
"Yes mommy."
"That's my little Sun dragon."
She replied before enveloping her in a hug.
They both heard the sound of small footsteps coming towards them, to which Summer turned and opened the hug, bringing Yang's little sister in.
"Now the same goes for you too Ruby, remember that while I'm away you need to listen to your father and your big sister, can you do that for me?"
"Okay mommy, I love you."
"I love you too."
She hugged the pair tightly before standing up and looking out the window, possibly at nothing in particular, lost in thought.
"Now you two go wash up for dinner while I finish packing my things. Then afterwards we can watch a movie before bed."
Early next morning, Yang, along with Ruby got up to kiss and hug their mother before she departed, waving a loving goodbye before raising her hood and strolling in the direction towards town, most likely to catch the next airship to the mainland.
...
Three weeks had passed, and no word from their mother, though at first it was normal to not hear a word from her, given the line of duty doesn't allow scheduled hours for calling home, but for her to be away for this long...It must be a really important mission. Then one day, after returning from Vale for the day, their father sat them down on the sofa, kneeling just in front of the pair.
"Girls...there's... there's something I n-need to tell you..."
He fell silent, his voice starting to break, and where Yang was sitting, she could see her father attempt to conceal tears that slowly welled up in his eyes.
"Dad, what's wrong?"
"I-it's about your mother..."
"Is she coming back dad?" Ruby asked innocently, Yang could feel her sister's hand squeezing a little tighter around her arm.
"...No honey...m-mommy isn't coming home..."
And just like that, the man that was strong, funny, brave, and the idol of both girls, their father, broke down in tears with both hands covering his face.
This in turn caused the sisters to join in, clasping their dad in a comforting hug.
A few days later came the funeral, and as requested by the late Summer Rose, her grave stone was to placed near the cliff side overlooking the ocean, the first place on Patch where the morning sun's light touched. Uncle Qrow was there as well as several close friends of their mother's.
Yet no sign of Raven.
For several weeks the town's people of patch would offer their condolences, all of them being acquainted with Summer to some extent.
But for the Rose-Xiao Long family, their world felt like it would never return to the way it once was...
"H-hey Mom. It's Yang here, it's been a while, I...I've been having some issues lately.
I don't know if my head's on straight or I'm just feeling the pressure of the end of year stuff going on, exams and the Vytal tournament.
The problem? Well, it's about Ruby.
Oh nothing is wrong per say, b-but I'm worried for her.
It has to do with this guy she met recently, and no, it's not that kind of problem.
I- I just don't know what to make of him, there are so many things that seem unusual about him, and- I know... I shouldn't judge ones character without having the chance to get to know them.
But he's just one of those people that causes alarms to go off.
I know that Ruby needs to live her life and, when the time does come for her to meet someone I should not interfere...but I don't think this is one of those times.
Its days like this where... I- I wish you were still around, that you never went on that mission."
Whilst seated, Yang gently caressed the photo with her thumb, lost in thought, until a shadow loomed above. Looking up, she was surprised to be welcomed by Ren, who merely stood there in silence till he finally spoke after the pair had shared eye contact for a few seconds.
"Hello Yang."
"Hey Ren." The brawler sighed looking at the ground before then staring back up at him with a confused expression, one eyebrow slightly raised as she addressed him.
"What are you doing here, and for that matter, where's Nora? I thought you two were virtually inseparable?"
"Oh we are, but she's with Jaune and Pyrrha, I was on my way to see them, but I noticed you here and wanted to see if everything is okay.
Is it alright if I join you?"
"As I live and breathe, Lie Ren, separated from forever together partner Nora."
She smirked which caused the green ninja to chuckle a little.
Shortly after, Yang resumed to look down as she slumped forward, irked by how apparent it appeared to her friend something was bothering her.
Remaining quiet for a while, glancing at the space beside her, then back to Ren,
finally motioning he was free to do so, she refolded the photo with one hand before stowing it away in its resting place.
After stuffing her wallet into her pocket, she sat up and turned to him.
"So is it that obvious that something is troubling me?"
"Put it this way Yang. In the time we've known each other, you have two distinct moods, you will either be telling jokes, being cheerful and a fun person to be around, or be volatile, looking for a fight if someone has gotten on your bad side.
Honestly, seeing this side of you is definitely different."
"..."
"See this is why I don't talk much."
*Sigh*
"Forget it, I mean you're not wrong about how I can be sometimes.
And you're exactly right that there is something troubling me."
"Well I'm here to listen, so what's the problem?"
" I'm worried, worried for Ruby, or more importantly, it's about her hanging out with that new guy Zen.
I'm guessing things for you have changed after he came here, given how... you know, both of you have similar names."
"No, everything pretty much remains the same. Then again I have not had the chance of meeting him in person yet. The only time I've seen him is in sparring class, and even then that lesson is before lunch, and you know Nora.
I'm sure you've already heard about the match between him and Jaune the other day?"
"Yep."
"I will say he did okay to hold his own, but if I'm being honest, personally, I would focus on the work ahead of me if I were to compete in the tournament.
And that's putting it lightly, since Jaune has a... certain level of skill, though he is able to adapt quickly when needed.
From their brief conversation, he says that Zen seems to be a friendly enough person."
"So I've been told by Ruby, but I dunno, it's hard to... do you ever get the feeling about someone, that there's just something not quite right. I don't know how to explain it really."
Hmm
"Maybe you can tell me when you started feeling this way towards him."
"It began when he first came to ask Ruby for help with building a weapon and yes it sounds random, but I do remember him saying Penny was the one to suggest Ruby would be a good person to talk to about that sorta stuff.
Before they went, Zen made a comment about the poster we have in our dorm, you know who the Achievemen are, don't you?"
"Yes I've heard of them, though I find their music a little over the top."
"Anyway, so he mention's their newest member, Rimmy Tim, right."
"Never understood the purple and orange look if I'm honest."
"But that's the surprising thing, he didn't call him by his stage name. He referred to him by his real name, Jeremy. But after I asked him if he meant Rimmy Tim, that's when he must of realised what he said 'cause I definitely could see he didn't mean to blurt it out like that."
"But I heard that there was a recent press release about his whole name reveal, perhaps he knew as a fan or even someone who knew Rimmy personally."
"Exactly, and that's what Blake thought too, but she only said that after I had stopped at a newsagent that had just put out a special edition detailing the reveal, even Blake appeared startled once she read it."
" And you got angry over this?"
"Well it wasn't just that, he also knew the name of Ruby's scythe..."
"I mean, the way Ruby talks about her weapon, he was bound to find out its name sooner or later."
"Not helping Ren."
"Sorry, anyway continue."
"That moment I felt nothing but anger and confusion, he seemed to know so much about Ruby seemingly only just knowing her, he came from the best military academy in all remnant yet he came here with no weapon and even Jaune, Jaune can beat him in a fight, nothing added up.
But then I calmed down, after Blake told me that she would talk to him about what's been going on."
"And what has she said?"
"She hasn't had a chance to speak to him yet."
"So this has been everything that started it all, correct?"
"Pretty much."
"So what about today?"
"It started yesterday, after we had been debriefed about how our mission went, we were actually returning to our dorm."
"So you think Ironwood enjoyed fighting with us?" Ruby asked while looking towards her team.
"Hard to say, he did seem impressed at least." Weiss replied.
"Impressed or not, we kicked some major grimm butt. And after a day like that, all I want to do now is take a long hot shower and curl up in bed."
"That does sound nice, though I still have to finish where I left off in my recent novel."
"Just saying Blake, the fact you can go through an entire novel in one or two days is somewhat disturbing.."
"I don't read that quick Weiss, but I can get lost quite easily if the book is interesting enough."
"No, I still stand by the idea of you picking up a new six hundred page novel as soon as the sun rises and then by night you've slammed it shut..."
"I mean when you put it like that."
Blake finally accepted her 'addiction' per say once all four of them reached their room, but as Weiss and Yang stepped in, she waited for her leader to follow only for her to turn and look back at where they came from.
"Are you coming Ruby?"
"Actually, I think I might see if Penny and Zen are back from their mission."
"Planning on training with them?" Blake asked with a slight smirk on her face.
"Yep."
"Again?" Yang asked begrudgingly.
"Well... yeah. We gotta continue from where we left from yesterday."
"Really? I'm surprised that you'd still want to train after all you've done today."
"What can I say, I like to help when I can. If they do want to keep training, then I'll be back before lights out."
"Are you positive you want to?" Weiss replied.
"You did take on several Beowolves and three Ursae before we even had a chance to support you, on top of that, you spent most of the fight using Crescent Rose's blade after using your ammunition up so early. I agree with Blake, you've definitely worked harder than all three of us."
"I'll be fine Yang, trust me. And if I get too tired, I'll come back immediately so I don't fall asleep during tomorrows classes, unlike last time.."
Heh heh
"You know if you have so much excess energy, you could take the time to work on that recent assignment professor Peach has given us."
"Sorry can't talk Weiss, just got the message that Penny and Zen are back..." She blurted out behind her, with an outline of rose petals being the only sign she was ever there.
"Have fun." Blake called out as she watched her leader sprinting in the direction of the training rooms before going to her bed to read.
Leaving Yang to stand in the doorway, contemplating before finally closing it and taking a shower.
"What am I gonna do with you sis? You've always been so committed to being just like m-... being the huntress you've always wanted to be.
Sometimes I wish I could be half as focused as you are.
But you can't tell me you aren't tired, maybe even more so than the rest of us, yet you're somehow full of energy while happy to go and help...as if in no way you went on the same mission."
"You really admire your sister, don't you."
"Well yeah, I've been taking care of her most of the time when our dad went out on missions. We've grown up together, and in that time, my little sis has always seen the good and kindness of someone, she never backs away from a challenge, and she worked hard for what she strives for."
"Returning to what happened it was late evening by the time they returned to the dorm."
"Remember Zen, it's always best to be unpredictable in a fight so it throws your opponent off of seeing any regular pattern, chances are they will adapt to your attacks if the fight lasts long enough...I know that's pretty obvious but hey, it doesn't hurt to go over the basics once in a while. Oh and also remember just because you do have a semblance, don't try to rely on it too heavily in a fight, with no aura to draw from, it may take a toll on your physical stamina."
"I'll keep that in mind, though I think I could work on perfecting some of my weaker attacks, won't know how I can improve unless we just keep practicing to see where I go wrong.
Afternoon training session again?"
Please say no Ruby.
"Yeah of course, you think I'd stop now?"
I wish you did.
"Anyway, you two best be heading back, have a good night."
"Goodnight Ruby, and pleasant dreams." Penny replied in her usual Penny fashion.
" I'll see you tomorrow."
"Hey guys before you go, I wanted to ask something. Zen, you're from Atlas right?"
Yang asked, just as the pair were about to turn and walk away.
In that moment, she thought she could have sworn Zen appeared to tense up for a second, as if his heart stopped, looking as if he was preparing to choose his words carefully.
"Yes, I'm from Atlas."
'Which part she'll ask.' HIs eyes seemed to say.
"Which region?"
'There it is.' Eyebrows twitching slightly in response.
"Pleiades. It's a city on the eastern coast of Atlas, it has the largest port in all Remnant, the gulf it was built upon is surrounded by rock faces that act as natural seawalls that then opens up to vast seas and is roughly one sixteenth the size of the island of Menagerie, making it the dominant port in Atlas for all imports and exports. And with so many ships entering in and out of the place, it's known to be the epicentre of research and development for marine and air technology.."
"What else is there?" She replied, with a hint of interest in her voice.
"Well for one thing, it's name comes from the seven monuments that double as lighthouses which are dotted along the shoreline, they're collectively known as 'The Stars of Remnant'.
And prior to their current use for sailors, they served several purposes, one of them being guard towers during the great war, both repelling enemy sea and air offensives, and not just for Pleiades, but for the inland cities and Atlas too.
But when the war came to an end they were then used as defensive platforms to protect the city
from Grimm invasions from the south.
But as the air defences progressed, along with dedicated stationary guns thanks to Atlas, they became refuges for civilians if a large scale Grimm invasion were to take place, though they haven't been used for that purpose in the last thirty years."
"How do you know so much about them?"
"Because... they're just so cool, they're my favourite places to visit."
"I didn't even mention the most interesting thing about them.
As I said before, the city is named after these seven structures, they're the oldest and well documented buildings, maybe being one of the oldest surviving settlements for the humans who arrived on its shores built, plus their crucial role they've played in the history of safeguarding the city, no one would argue how fitting it would be...I mean, c'mon it was only natural for the city to get its name from them."
"Are all Atleasians walking encyclopaedias or is it just you and Weiss?"
Ruby jokingly said while she glanced between the two, which only garnered a glare from the ice queen and a 'really' deadpan stare from Zen.
"Oh and I almost forgot the best reasons why Pleiades is a great place to visit-"
"Since when did this become a travel guide, all Yang asked was where you came from." Weiss said as she turned to face them, not wanting to miss the chance to join in the fun.
"Well she did ask yes, but hey I guarantee she was going to ask me about Pleiades in detail. Were you going to ask me to elaborate, Yang?"
"I kinda was going to..."
"See I knew you would." He triumphantly said raising his index finger much like Dr Oobleck would when making a point.
"But yeah, Pleiades has a few things going for it, one of them being its location within the kingdom, being a coastal city, it has heaps of places that specialize in seafood, be it take away or fine dining. Simply just by the number of fishing trawlers, and other ships that pass in and out of the port number in the hundreds a day, pretty sure that most if not all of Remnant's seafood has been processed and packaged in Pleiades."
As he said this, Yang could tell Blake was glancing over to him, her eyes were practically glazed over at the mention of fish.
"The other thing is actually surprising even when I found out, Pleiades has the warmest climates in the area, only getting the really frigid temperatures the rest of the provinces are known for during the winter months, so it's actually great to go to the beach and just walk along the shore with the sound of the ocean in the air.
The final thing I'd say that makes Pleiades special is really the people there. I mean Pleiades is home, I've known nothing else, all my family and friends are there.
But I've seen it's been described as having some of the friendliest people in all of Remnant, like you can feel a sense of friendship with each person you pass, I know that sounds corny but I wouldn't say that it's not an incorrect assumption.
There's be nowhere else I would rather be, but sometimes in order to really appreciate something you have to lose sight of it, and though I may be away from my home, the new experiences , finding out how things work outside of Atlas, and the potential friends I can make, it makes returning home all the more enjoyable when the chance does finally come."
"..."
"Sorry, I guess I got carried away a bit, guess being anywhere other than home seems almost alien to me, but I need to spread my wings, explore the rest of Remnant and meet new people, though I'm still just a little homesick is all."
"Ah don't worry about it, you'll feel like that for maybe the first week or two but after that, you'll not want to leave Beacon once you get to know everyone more." Ruby replied happily before lightly patting him on the shoulder.
"Hang on, isn't Pleiades where the 38th victor was from the Vytal festival when it was held in Vacuo came from? Calypso Kítrinos I believe it was." Yang replied breaking the moment.
"I don't recall if she was, then again, I didn't really pay attention to that tournament that year."
He said, appearing as though he tried not to visibly stutter.
"Whelp, she was and it was actually really cool to see her fight, you should look it up?"
"I might do that, well I think we better head off now, we'll see you tomorrow."
Just as the pair were about to turn and leave, the ever excitable corgi darted out from under her bed and was at their feet in mere seconds, his little pink tongue dangling as he looked up at them with a welcoming stare.
Zen squatted down and started petting him.
"Awe, man you really are a good boy aren't you Z-"
Did he honestly cut himself short from saying Zwei?
"Oh yeah this is Zwei, me and Yang's dog... but don't mention him outside of this room since we're not really allowed to have pets here." Ruby said as she tenderly picked him up so he could be within licking range of his owner and petting range of Penny. A second later she blinked and looked back at Zen with a perplexed expression.
"Hang on, you almost say his name, didn't you?
How did you know that his name started with a Z even though I didn't mention him at all to you."
There it is.
"The...collar?"
"...Well duh, how could I forget." Ruby laughed after palming her forehead.
Not buying that somehow.
"He's so adorable."
"Yep. And he also goes by the name of señor fluffy pants."
"If you're Weiss that is." Blake said, tilting her head in the direction of where the white haired girl sat.
"I do not."
"Yes you do, I've heard you call him that when you've thought no one was around to hear you say it." Ruby teased without breaking eye contact with the girl in question.
"Anyhow, I think we better head off, see you tomorrow."
"Yeah I'll see you tomorrow."
She waved a good bye to them, Zwei still in hand until they were out of sight before she closed the door.
"Think I'll take a shower now. Is it okay if I put you down, señor fluffy pants?"
"Ruby!"
"So... did that sound right to you Weiss...with what he said about his home town?"
"Yes, all of what he said is an accurate description of Pleiades, anyhow why did you need me to confirm it?
If anyone I'd thought who'd be interested would be Blake, and no guess as to why."
"Hey don't act like you wouldn't love to sit on the shores and eat fish and chips while listening to the waves rolling back and forth along the coast."
"Blake, you realise that you're drooling-"
"Can't a girl dream...wait what?"
"Anyhow, if you're that interested why don't you go read up on Atlas- Blake where are you going!"
"I'm going to see if the cafeteria is still open, and if it is, I'm going to get some calamari, I suddenly have a craving for it."
"So let me guess, today you went to the library, read up on Pleiades and you're still not happy despite what he said was true."
"Ren, one of the books I read was almost word for word what he said, now tell me that doesn't raise any red flags?"
"I will admit that is very unusual, I would-"
At that moment Ren's scroll began to hum, a fitting lack of ringtone to match Ren's quiet nature.
"Hold on, it' s Nora. She's probably wondering why I'm late. Hello."
"REN WHERE ARE YOU? ARE YOU CAUGHT BETWEEN THIS WORLD AND BEYOND!"
"No Nora I am not, also remind me to never let you watch Sunportal again, no I'm actually just sitting here talking to Yang, rather listening more than talking, seemed like she just needed someone to talk to."
"WELL ARE YOU DONE TALKING AND LISTENING, WE'VE GOT THE SPARRING ROOM BOOKED AND I NEED YOU HERE ASAP, OTHERWISE YOU WON'T SEE ME MOP THE FLOOR WITH THEM."
"Okay, I'm on my way. See you soon."
"YOU BETTER, OTHERWISE YOU'LL MISS THE FIGHT OF THE CENTURY."
"Well looks like that's my queue to head off."
"Thanks for stopping Ren, and...I really did need someone to talk to about this."
"Just a word of caution to you, misplacement of distrust of the right person can be equally dangerous as misplacing your trust in the wrong person."
"You know after what I've told you there is no way I can easily do that."
"Yang, before I go, I'm going to say this to you as a friend, you remember when you once told us about the mission to mountain Glenn, how Doctor Oobleck asked each of you why you wanted to become huntresses?"
"Yeah, but I don't see how that-"
"Well right now I'm asking you, why are you feeling the way you do when it comes to Ruby and Zen training together?
Yes I'll admit it's somewhat odd that he seems to know things about Ruby, but don't forget he is living with Penny, and she's bound to have talked to him about her, and given its only been a short while they've been together, by the sounds of it, she seems to be having fun and perfecting her own fighting techniques while teaching someone else. Also you mentioned how much you admire your sister, and one of the things being she see's good in everyone, if you want to be a little more like her, maybe start from there."
"..."
"First off, think how this new friendship affects Ruby, then work from there."
In spite of her own reasoning, Yang hated to admit it to herself, there was one silver lining in regards to Zen's involvement with her little sister.
Ever since Ruby started helping Penny train Zen, she got to spend more time with the red head, which considering beforehand Zen entered the picture, the girl from Atlas was virtually MIA as far as Yang was concerned, with her private lessons (whatever they were).
"Maybe, for now, the best thing to do is wait, this is causing you stress and as you said, Blake is going to talk to him. Blake later comes back with nothing out of the ordinary, you should try to get to know him, have a better standing than you currently do."
He said before pushing himself up and preparing to leave her to consider what he said, only getting a few steps from the blonde before she spoke, only causing him to turn his head back to her and respond.
"And if Blake does come back with something unusual?"
"Then what I would have to say is, it's up to you how you handle the matter, but make sure that if you do something... just be sure you won't get yourself, or those close to you in any trouble, or worse, potentially something you may regret."
And so it appears that I have returned to my creation, and a lot has happened...quite alot fires here in Aus, and well, Idon't think I need explain any further.
All I can say is please just follow medical procedures and keep safe.
Second, Thank you so much, as of writing this, Foresight has hit 5,400 viewers (I don't want this to come off as a numbers thing, but I am happy to see that many people have taken the time to read it)
Also I have (originally intended but never got round to doing it) change the chapters to give them titles.
So the actual foot notes of the story:
Sunportal = Stargate (favourite sci-fi show- SG1 to be specific)
Just in case anyone was confused with the book that Yang read that talked about Zen's 'home' ,the convention I am going is that the name of the capital city of a Province is also the name given to that province. And for a kingdom, it means both the continent and the capital city, so for example Vale is the capital city and Vale is the continent.
It's like saying (for the provinces and city) if the state of Texas had its capital also called Texas (as oppose to Austin)- I know it's a little confusing, but I wanted it to seem as though the history of cities were the result of early humans naming their first settlement after the continent they landed on (then changing the province names as they spread out, but keeping to the same convention).
I remember in history class at one point, Australia was given the name of New South wales for a good portion of the country but the started froming the states we know today.
I wanted this chapter to be out ages ago but of course the fires happened, I was safe, but that didn't mean I could relax about what was going on, also been working on those other fanfics also, so maybe you might see those pop up, whether I decide to publish them soon.
Any how I hope you like this chapter and be hoping to get the next one out in less than 6 months.