Earlier Ruby wanted to include me in another trip around the festival grounds before their next match, much like the previous day. However I had been tasked with my reading lessons, and Winter was rather passionate when it came to tutoring. We didn't have time to waste.
"Uhh." Qrow collapsed onto the stool. "Finally, some time to relax."
"Can you stoop any lower?" Winter remarked as the man ignored her, to which she let out a sigh.
Clover and I sat on each side, and immediately he tried his best to cheer up the agitated woman; mostly by pointing out that they were making a scene. In all honesty we caused a scene just by walking in, with all eyes zeroing in on me the moment I stepped around from behind the - usually - drunk hunter.
Most of the bar goers looked guarded at best, and downright malicious at worst. Of course they stayed to themselves, with a few letting their grumbles reach a audible level. But considering the fact that our group consisted of two soldiers, a well known hunter, and a man rumored to hold control over Grimm I highly doubted they were willing to try anything.
Taking my eyes off the other patrons I cast a glance to Qrow, only to see him downing a drink without a care in the world. Deciding I would hold off on any questions I looked to the screen in the top corner above the counter. Much like my scroll it had moving pictures, and I assumed these screens were how information was made widely available as I had seen several of them all over the place throughout our walk earlier. If they were public it made sense to spread important information across them as there was no worries about the people without access to scrolls.
Certainly more effective than the midday preachers back home, less noisy too.
"Take a look ice queen, princess is showing off." Qrow commented as Winter grumbled and faced the screen.
Looking over I was able to see who he was talking about, assuming of course the 'princess' he referred to was Weiss, who stood diligently alongside her team on what looked to be a massive arena. If I wasn't taught earlier I might have assumed the girls were trapped in the screen, but knowing how they were used put that stupid notion to rest before it was even formed.
"Ain't that your niece there Qrow?" Asked the bartender as he brought forth another glass, to which Qrow nodded and took it.
"Yep. Not too shabby of a team either."
Qrow looked rather proud, even as he brought the glass to his lips. Despite all the time spent training with me, as well as sitting through Winter's lectures he never really talked about Ruby. Not really an issue of any kind, but considering that I nearly murdered one of her teammates I was surprised he never really brought it up.
"And another question if you would."
"Shoot." Qrow replied as the man faced me.
"Are the rumors about him true?" He asked as Qrow shrugged.
"Probably not, but fill me in on 'em anyway; there might be some fun ones I can laugh at."
"Well, common word around the streets suggests he's related to the Grimm in some way; others say he's just dressed up to grab attention; some say the scene on the news was staged; some think he's part of a secret experiment; some sa-"
"Alright enough." Qrow stated with a sigh as the man halted his words, giving a nod as Qrow lowered his drink. "First and foremost all of that's bullshit. Secondly, as the general said it's just the kid's semblance. He's still a student, so believe me when I say he's not nearly as crazy as all that makes him sound."
"True, but that won't stop the people from talking." The man explained as he refilled Qrow's glass.
"No, but I don't think any of us really care about that anyway." Qrow took a gulp once more as the man moved down the bar, tending to others as I looked to the screen again.
I was able to pick out some of the words, but ultimately the message passed me by. What didn't pass me by however was the celebratory expressions of Ruby and the others, and I assumed they won their match. I remembered earlier how excited and nervous they had been as they told me about it, as well as the pep talk from Nora before they left.
That was the second one down, and if I recalled correctly their next match would be a two on two. Honestly I didn't know which of them would be competing, but if I had to guess I'd say Weiss was one of them, based on just how versatile her semblance was.
Back home it was drilled into me by both the queen and my teachers that strategy was one of the defining aspects of success in almost everything. Having a plan of some sort as well as as backups for each scenario heavily increased the odds of victory. Weiss's glyphs could be used in nearly any scenario from what I'd seen, and made up for her lack of physical power.
Qrow suddenly stood, stretching as he turned and cast a look to us.
"Alright c'mon, let's get back to Beacon. I'm ready to beat some skill into you, even if it kills me."
"At least now you're taking some urgency." Winter let out as we followed him out.
.
.
"Another victory in the bag!"
Yang's enthusiasm had generally been shared by all of them, but it was clearly visible that she was the most excited. Her cocky smirk told it all, and it appeared she had no qualms with letting the world know of her chipper mood.
"We heard you the last time." Commented Weiss as Yang's smirk grew.
"I know, just wanted to say it again. Feels good."
The heiress simply rolled her eyes, and Ruby seemed embarrassed at just how much of a scene they were making. Not that anyone seemed to mind as most of the crowd throughout the festival grounds would either smile and be on their way, or giggle to themselves.
All in all things felt like they were finally getting better, and after the past few bits of excitement Blake couldn't be happier.
However that sense of joy was wiped clean, and replaced with a cut of worry as she knew what she needed to do. She put it off for long enough, and what better time than their break between matches.
"So, how about we hit up the stalls and see what we can find hmm?" Yang started as she faced the others; all the while Weiss raised a brow.
"Didn't you just eat before the match?"
"Yep, and mama's feeling something spicy." The brawler thumped her chest, receiving an eye roll from Weiss.
"Fine, but if this impact's our performance the blame's on you."
"Then let's go." Yang spoke as she started the march.
"You all go ahead, I'll catch up later."
The others stopped and looked to Blake with curiosity.
"Something the matter?" Yang asked as the usually quiet girl shook her head.
"No, but I need to check on something back at our room."
The others looked between themselves, with Ruby turning to face her.
"Alright, but try not to be late for the next match. We need to be there to cheer on Weiss and Yang."
"Right. And don't worry, I promise I'll be with you in the stands." She responded, turning with a nod as she set on her course.
The festival was in full swing, with everyone moving about and having a good time. Both Human and Faunus strode through the grounds, seeming to hold no hostility towards one another as they enjoyed the attractions. It was a pleasant surprise for the once freedom fighter to see that people could put aside their hatred, even if momentarily. It gave her hope that they'd one day be able to look past their differences and live together free of scorn.
Yet for as much of a smile as the event put on her face she couldn't shake the feeling of worry that creeped across her skin. As she stepped into their room she let out a nervous breath, walking over and taking a seat on her bed.
Blake brought out her scroll, staring at the thing as if it would bite her. She didn't know why she was so afraid, it was a simple thing really, and yet she could only stare as the seconds ticked by.
Come on, you can do this. It's not that hard.
Yet it did nothing to alleviate the apprehension that consumed her like a ravenous beast, and she found herself shaking with each passing moment. It was such an easy thing to do, so easy in fact that she didn't even need to return to their room. Blake knew she could have done it back at the festival with the others, but instead she returned to her bed.
As much as she cared for her friends the issue wasn't something they needed to be involved in, nor was it something they should; it was a problem for her and her alone.
She was stalling, Blake knew it and still she simply gazed at the scroll.
But should I really? Do I even have the right?
It was those thoughts that brought something back. A small scene came to her, and a gentle warmth coated her form as the memory made itself momentarily visible in her mind, a memory of warm arms and soft voices that lulled her worries away.
There was nothing to be afraid of.
Her scroll flicked to life, and in an instant she sent forth a call, waiting patiently as the rings went through. She had been worried for nothing, she knew it even as her nerves began to burn once more. Even so she held fast and awaited the call, knowing that if she didn't deal with it then and there she might not ever do it.
The silence was broken as a calm voice answered from the other side.
"Hello?"
Letting out a nervous breath she spoke.
"Mom."
.
.
Kali didn't know how to feel, and even as Ghira caught her she found that her grip on the scroll was tighter than ever; almost enough to shatter it had she been a tad stronger. It would seem that all the strength in her legs left in favor of the arm which brought the tiny device closer.
It felt so surreal, and even as her vision blurred Kali didn't know whether she was dreaming or not. She fought to steady her breathing, doing her best to return some of the strength back to her legs as her husband carefully guided her to the couch.
As her back hit the cushion she quietly let her only thought be heard.
"Blake, is that you?"
It was so soft, so deathly quiet that if it weren't for her Faunus biology she doubted she would have heard her own words at all. It was so desperate, pleading almost as she felt her breath hitch in anticipation. It just had to be Blake, it couldn't have been her imagination.
It needed to be Blake.
"Yeah... it's... it's me."
As her prayers were answered Kali couldn't help the warmth she felt leaking down her cheeks. Each trail of tears glistening across her face, washing away the pain that dirtied her for so long. The woman knew then and there her wait had come to an end.
Her baby came back.
"M-mom."
The voice sounded worn, tired, and even though she knew she couldn't do anything about it Kali still held the scroll close. Even if her baby was far away she'd still find a way to coddle her and save her from whatever she feared.
"Yes dear?"
"I... I want to talk. I want to tell you where I've been... and what I've done."
Author's note
...
Unfortunately we have another short chapter this time, but luckily we were able to leave it on a better point.
I'll try to get the next chapter on Monday to a better length, but I'm not entirely sure. Some good news is that we are coming to the next major moment, just a few more to go.
Also managed to slip Qrow in once again, for better or worse.
That's all for now.