AN: How appropriate. I post this right on new year's eve.
Studies and Crime Fighting
Several days had passed since Nia rejoined everyone. Sadly for Nia, it seemed like Dagas was about to drag her to Temperantia next. Because according to the book they found, there was an ancient country named Regideria. Needless to say, Nia was not happy about it. Although when Mòrag returned and was informed about this development, she mentioned hearing news of a stone that was excavated in Temperantia that supposedly mentions Regideria. That information made Nia feel slightly better now that she had an actual lead. Even better, Rex offered to help Nia. Sadly for Yang, this meant that she lost her partner in crime. And the blonde brawler wasn't sure if she could do anything about her little project by herself.
As for everyone else, Nox had returned and revealed that he was unable to find Perceval. Qrow didn't have much luck either. Although they heard through Pierce that a string of events had been happening all around the capital. Apparently, several other money lenders, doctors, and "injured victims" were running a similar scam to Arreth and Celian. Someone handed over paperwork from all these doctors that proved their scams, and the so-called victims turned themselves in. Some of them having bruises. No real proof was found, but Blake believes Perceval was behind these events. Although Pierce mentioned one worrying aspect, apparently some of the money earned from these scams had been sent off somewhere. But where the money went, no one knew.
Finally, Team JNPR revealed the results of Otohime's magic experiments. Something that made Qrow a little relieved to hear that maybe the soul transferring attempt wasn't actually killing Pyrrha at the time. Although that still left the problem of Otohime possibly sealing Salem's powers. Namely, the lack of test subjects. The Imperial Mother wasn't keen on getting smacked around by Herald again, and the Fall Maiden's power has completely assimilated with Pyrrha's Blade powers. Or at least, that's the theory for Otohime not being able to find it from the Fall Champion. Which meant that their only chance was to find a Maiden who is fully human once they return to Remnant.
Speaking of Remnant, Ruby had called Penny who had built-in Scroll to ask if Tora had finally started working on their way home. But to everyone's surprise, Penny said she was at Blue Sky University with Poppi. Why? Something about becoming a proper lady and a grown up. Ruby did wonder if this was another weird thing with Tora or his dad, but she was still hopeful that Kos-Mos would stop the Nopon inventors from doing anything weird.
Now, in the lobby of Spefan Inn, Perceval had finally returned. And while Blake was relieved he had returned, she was also mad at him for leaving the way he did.
"I have successfully apprehended all evil doers. Consequently, Ellenora doesn't have to worry about her debt anymore." Perceval said with his arms crossed.
Blake wanted to yell at her Blade for saying something like that without a care in the world. "...The string of other scammers being turned in was your doing wasn't it?" But instead decided to confirm her suspicions.
Perceval quirked an eyebrow at this, "So you have already heard."
"Yes, and while you did do a good job, why did you have to go off on your own? What if you doing that had put us in danger?" Blake demanded.
"And yet the reason I acted on my own was precisely to avoid endangering you." Perceval stated, earning a surprised look from his Driver, and everyone else.
Dragunov's palm impacted his face. "Do I hear three?" the dragon grumbled.
"What?" Perceval asked.
"Never mind," Blake butted in, "I guess we should go and tell Ellenora about this. I'm sure, she's going to be happy to hear about her debt being cleared at last."
"Yeah!" Ruby cheered.
With that, Blake, her team, JNPR and Oscar moved to the slums to find Ellenora. Qrow wasn't with them because he said that he had some business to attend to.
As they took the stairs that led to Ellenora's apartment, Blake came across a terrible sight. "Ellenora!" Blake cried out, rushing to the woman who was in front her house's door. In the middle of a pool of blood.
"No." Ruby muttered, covering her mouth in horror.
Everyone moved to check on the poor woman. But before they could even begin to check on her, Joana had already used her Medical Scan. "I am sorry, but she has already passed." Joana said in remorseful tone.
"No!" Blake cried out, "Why? How?!"
Perceval moved in to inspect the body, alongside Nox. The dark ninja showed his scroll for everyone to see, "The body has already cooled. Which means that she has been dead for a while now."
"She was killed with a single deadly strike. Most likely completely unaware of the attacker." Perceval added his own observations as he also inspected the rest of the body, "No signs of struggle. This is the work of a professional killer."
"B-but. Who would do such a thing and why?" Nora stammered, hands clenched into fists with tears pooling in her eyes.
Dragunov sniffed the air before turning around. "You!" the dragon roared, causing everyone else to look where he was looking. Leaning against the wall, next to the stairs everyone had come from was a man. A Gormotti with a brown hair from which his feline ears peek from. He wore a dark long-sleeved top which didn't cover his torso which had claw-like tattoos coming from the sides across his chest. He also wore black baggy pants with armored boots. The Gormotti also had a cloth mask covering the lower half of his face, similar to Nox's. What little was shown of his face revealed sharp features and piercing green eyes.
"You noticed me faster than I expected." The Gormotti said, standing straighter. "I was wondering what kind of Blade would give a ruthless band of assassins like my Bloody Lobsters trouble. But as I live and breathe, I never expected it to be the Heartless Judge himself. How long has it been? Twenty-odd years?"
"Causing you trouble?" Jaune demanded getting Crocea Moars ready.
"Heartless Judge?" Blake also let out before her head snapped to Perceval. Blake then turned back to the Gormotti, "Are you talking about Perceval?!"
"I'm guessing you're his new Driver." the Gormotti guessed before facing Perceval, "So, what do you have to say for yourself?"
"I don't know what you mean." Perceval said, stepping forward as everyone gripped their weapons.
"Trying to play dumb now?" The Gormotti assassin then said with a dramatic wave of his hand, "You made it very clear that you wanted to wash your hands off our enterprise, so why did you return now to put away our clients and ruining our money-making scheme. Could it be that you simply missed the killing? Mister Heartless Judge?"
"You claim to know my old self, scum." Perceval said in annoyance, "Though in case you haven't heard, I never killed the people involved in this scam of yours. More importantly, I don't recognize you, nor this 'Heartless Judge' sobriquet that you keep using. I stake no power over life and death, and I renounce killing. I am not the Perceval you knew."
The Gormotti looked surprised before bursting into a laugh, "Oh, this is rich! The man who killed women and children without batting an eyelid now renounces killing? Oh, the irony is too delicious."
"Did you kill Ellenora?" Ren demanded, still training Stormflowers on the man. "Why? What was the point?!"
"Why?" The Gormotti man said like Ren asked a stupid question, "Because I got paid to do it obviously."
"That's it?! You killed someone because you get paid?!" Yang yelled, eyes turning red.
"Of course. What other reason would I need?" the assassin said, completely unphased by Yang's fury.
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but since your employers were caught, doesn't that mean that there's no paycheck for you?" Perceval then asked.
The assassin's eyes twinkled, "Hey now, aren't you forgetting something? Whatever the reason, once you enter a contract, you have to do the deed. That's the rule, remember?"
"So you did this out of a twisted principle." Otohime said with an icy tone in her voice.
"Reputation is everything in this world." The Gormotti replied before addressing Perceval again, "Or have you forgotten that too? It's a shame really, seeing as you used to kill not for pay or glory, but because you liked it so much. Man, people sure can change. Oh yeah, but you're a Blade right?"
At that point, Perceval summoned his Chroma Katana, unfolded his war banners and flames spewed from the back of his helmet. "Have you said your piece?" Perceval asked as he took a combat stance alongside everyone else.
The assassin, raised his hands placatingly, "Chill out, Percy. This was just a warning." The killer then turned around, putting his hands in his pockets, "This is what happens if you meddle with our work. Got it? Keep that in mind, Perceval the Pacifist, especially if you care about your current Driver."
At that moment, Perceval charged. His target responded by taking his hands out of his pockets and throwing several pellets around everyone. The pellets exploded in yellow colored smoke that smelled horrible.
"Gah! My nose! My eyes!" Dragunov cried out.
Sure enough, the smell was so horrible that it made everyone's eyes water. Not to mention they all coughed and gagged.
"Get this filth away from me this instant!" Otohime screamed.
"Darn it!" Roze yelled right before he called on the winds to blow the smoke away.
"Who does that bastard think he is?!" Yang yelled as she held her nose.
Dragunov ran to the railing to dry heave. "If I get my hands on him I'll-" Dragunov had to stop to gag.
Nora was scowling through her watering eyes as she held now crying Electra.
Perceval meanwhile ran up the stairs to find the now escaped man.
"Perceval, wait!" Blake called out, barely seeing the assassin through the water in her eyes. Then another dark blur went after Perceval, most likely Nox.
"That was wrong." Ruby sniffed, finally getting rid of the stench.
"The stench, or the murder?" Ren couldn't help asking, wiping his eyes.
"Yes!" Ruby shrieked.
"What are we going to do now?" Oscar asked, wiping his own eyes, despite him having been least affected. There were some stenches back in the farm, so he wasn't as teary eyed as the rest.
"...We have to alert the authorities at least." Blake said with a determined look, "Then, we're going to put an end to Red Lobsters."
Upside, Perceval had made it to one of the roofs to get a better survey. Unfortunately, he couldn't find the assassin anymore. The scum got away. "Tch." Perceval let out as he dismissed his weapon and the fires from his helmet extinguished, as well as his war banners folded across his back once again.
Feeling a presence behind him, Perceval turned around to see Nox with his scroll already open. "We should return to my lady. She will worry if we do not."
"...You return to our Driver. I will hunt down the Red Lobsters even if it's the last thing I will do."
Nox rolled his lone eye before rerolling his scroll. "And worry my lady, our Driver, more? No. You will return so that we can all come up with a plan to hunt them down."
"That man's grudge is against me and me alone. There is no need to involve the others."
"Perceval, my lady agreed to investigate this matter first. She is already involved. Besides, do you honestly believe that just because you act on your own, they will not come after our Driver?" Nox's pupil shifted to a cross.
"I trust you to keep her safe." Perceval countered, "If she and her friends involve themselves further, they too might be wrapped up in my problems."
"Idiot!" Nox snapped with his voice, actually discarding his scroll, "This stopped being just your problem the moment that wretch threatened our Driver. Besides, my lady will feel that she failed Ellenora. So she will involve herself regardless of the threat. As will the others. And if you still dare to try and run away, I will rip off your arms and legs, use the latter pair to literally kick your ass and then drag your sorry carcass back to our Driver!" Now Nox's pupil shifted to an X. Though at the end of his speech, the ninja grabbed his throat and made a strange noise that Perceval guessed was coughing. Never before had Nox used his voice this much in one go.
If Perceval was threatened, he didn't show it. The two held their gazes for what felt like an eternity before Perceval sighed, "If I work with everyone, will you ensure our Driver's safety?" Nox's pupil shifted back to a star before the ninja tilted his head. "...Stupid question." Perceval realized before already moving back towards his Driver. Nox keeping his eye on his fellow dark Blade before retrieving his scroll and following.
Blake and the others had just gotten up to the alley that led to the slums when Perceval and Nox dropped down in front of them.
"There you two are!" Blake let out in relief, "Where were you?"
"Trying to pursue the man, but he seems to have disappeared." Perceval said before noting something, "Where are the rest?" Only Blake's team was with her.
"They're staying to keep the crime scene intact." Blake said, "After we have the authorities involved, we were planning to go to Garfont to see about getting a job to investigate Red Lobsters.
"Sounds like you all have a plan." Perceval noted in approval.
"Then let's do this." Ruby said with a determined look.
Of course the gang went through the questioning when they brought the murder to the authorities. Fortunately for them, Pierce happened to be part of the investigation and he was able to vouch for the gang. More importantly, Mòrag heard about this incident and while she herself was too busy with other matters, they did hear that she would assign Pierce to help them to make it official. Needless to say, the young sergeant was happy about it. Especially when he was told that he could go in his civilian clothing.
They could have sent Herald to set the job, but without Mythra around Yang got a serious case of stir crazy. She wanted to go take Bumblebee for a proper test drive. Which meant that she would be traveling to Uraya. Perceval insisted on going with them because he wished to be part of this job. It took some convincing, but Blake agreed. Since Bumblebee only had room for two passengers aside from the driver, Yang, Perceval and Dragunov went by themselves.
So, after taking another boat to Uraya, and getting through the city, Yang, Dragunov and Perceval rode on the road with Bumblebee. Thanks to the Ether Furnace Tora had installed, Yang wasn't running out of fuel anytime soon. Or ever. Which gave Yang the urge to find Tora and give the Nopon a hug. Maybe a peck on the head too, just to see how the furball would react. But then came the unfun part of their journey.
"Whelp, Drag, you know the drill." Yang said as she got off Bumblebee.
"...Do I have to?" Dragunov complained.
Yang gave a dramatic sigh, "Drag, we've been over this. You need to carry Bumblebee across those rocks. Or are you so scared of-" "Don't finish that." Dragunov growled before getting off the bike himself along with Perceval. Then Dragunov picked the bike with both arms, his cracks glowing red as he carried the vehicle. Then ever so carefully he started crossing over the stones over the stream they used when they first got to Garfont. Yang shook her head at her Blade. Then again, if the stream was deeper than Dragunov was tall then he would sink like a rock with all his strength drained. Fortunately for both of them, Yang could estimate the water not to reach her waist if she were to stand in it. Still, it would be troublesome if Dragunov fell in and her bike with him.
"Just be careful." Yang said, feeling stupid for saying that.
Perceval just watched on passively as they all then crossed the stream and Dragunov put the bike back on solid ground, which meant that they could continue on it. With that out of the way, Yang was able to drive them the rest of the way to Garfont.
There was a small roadblock to Yang getting to Yew and Zuo.
"What is that?!" One child screamed.
"How fast does it go?!" Another asked, looking at the wheels.
"Can I try it?!" third one tried to use puppy eyes on Yang.
"This is a motorcycle, I call her Bumblebee. Very fast. And sorry little guy, but no." Yang answered in the order. Yang then got off, took the key and walked to the stall-like structure that the human and Urayan manned. Dragunov and Perceval right behind her.
"Hey you two." Yang said happily with a grin.
"Ah! Yang was it?" Zuo was the first to say. "What brings you here?"
"Actually, we got a job for you." Yang said with a grin.
"A job? You mean you need help with something?" Yew piped up.
"You could say that, but the gist is we need some info on a group of assassins called Red Lobsters." Yang said getting more serious.
"...Are you serious?" Zuo asked first, looking at Yang like she was crazy.
"Look, I know the name sounds ridiculous, but- " "Not that!" Yew snapped, surprising Yang. "Why would you want to find those guys?"
"Their recent job killed someone we were helping, "Perceval butted in, we need to take them down, but to do that we need information first."
"You want to take them down?" Zhuo asked, looking at Perceval then Yang and finally Dragunov. "Fine we can set up a job, but this one is a little dangerous, so we can't do this one for free."
This time Yang looked a little surprised. She was kind of hoping they would help them out with this one. "How about we pay you in gems?" Yang suggested, earning a smack upside her head. "Really?" Yang complained to Dragunov.
"That's my line, blondie." Dragunov growled back, which caused Yang to glare at him. Dragunov glared right back.
"I was planning to go on this job, would that change things?" Perceval asked.
Yew quirked an eyebrow, "Not really, but why do you want to get in on this."
"I have a personal stake in this." Perceval said crossing his arms. After staring for few moments, Yew and Zuo realized that they wouldn't get anymore answers.
However, Yew had a devious idea, "You said you were going to pay in gems. Does that mean you know about them?"
This broke off Yang's and Dragunov's glaring contest. "I do," Dragunov said, "What of it?"
"There's a job that got a little...complicated. If you could help us complete that. Then consider that the payment." Yew said with a grin.
"What's the complication?" Yang asked with a slightly suspicious look.
Instead of answering, Yew rummaged for something beneath the stall before emptying a small pouch on the table, "This is the problem."
Dragunov looked at the green gems that clattered onto the booth table. The dragon looked at the uneven-sized gems for a moment before his eyes visibly widened. "No..." Dragunov said so sadly that Yang was taken back by it. "No, no, no, no!" Dragunov wailed, falling on his knees as he gathered the gems and started cradling them like they were something fragile. "Who did this?" Dragunov growled, cracks glowing gold, meaning that he was now very much enraged.
"We don't know, the team said they found it like that in some ruins." Zuo replied, "We did some testing on the remaining shards and only found out that whatever did that must have been very destructive."
Yang got a little worried that Dragunov would go Sun Dragon on his own, but to her surprise, Dragunov's cracks stopped glowing. "Drag?" Yang said as she moved to see her Blade's face. And to her shock, Dragunov had an expression that she didn't know his face was capable of, absolute sorrow. "Drag, what's wrong?" Now Yang was a little scared, Dragunov being sad was an event that shook the creation itself. Even more so when Yang noted that tears were beginning to pool in his eyes.
"This... This used to be the Wind Dragunite." Dragunov was able to say before choking and the first tear was released.
"What?" Yang let out and took a second look. Now that she looked closer, Yang could tell that these weren't multiple gems, but rather shards of a much larger one. And suddenly Yang understood, this was Dragunov's equivalent of Ruby's Crescent Rose being broken.
"I take it you know this gem." Zuo said carefully.
"That's an understatement." Yang said not sure what to do. She had consoled Ruby whenever she was sad, but this is Dragunov. Yang had no idea what to do with him when he was sad, because that possibility never entered her mind. "So... what do you want us to do about this?" Yang then asked.
"...We know what your Blade did when you first arrived here," Yew said before motioning Yang to come closer. Yang did that, knowing that this part was to be whispered to her, "We were hoping that you would be able to make a new one."
Yew must have not whispered low enough because Dragunov's head snapped back up, "You want me to make another Wind Dragunite?" Dragunov questioned with a look of disbelief.
"Quiet!" Zuo let out before looking around. Thankfully no one either heard Dragunov or cared because no one had turned to look at them. "Well, yes, but we need to keep this in the down low. And while you're at it you could also help us find the last two."
"Last two?" Yang said, "You mean you already have the others?"
"The job was to find all eight, and we managed to find six of them, including that one." Zuo explained as he pointed to the shards in Dragunov's hands.
"So if we help you finish this job, you will help us in finding out about the Red Lobsters." Yang summarized.
"That's right." Yew said, "Once you produce the new product and get the other two, we will find the info you need."
Yang looked thoughtful for a moment before having an idea for a counter-offer, "We need that info as soon as possible, so how about this. We give you the remaining two and start working on recreating the gem and you start the job to get the information."
Yew and Zuo glanced at each other before Zuo spoke, "As soon as we get the other two we can get on your job, but you do need to hurry with the new one."
"Great!" Yang said happily before extending her hand. Zuo shook on the deal. "Be right back!" With that, Yang moved to Bumblebee.
At this moment, Dragunov got up and stomped after her, "Hey! Stop!" But Yang wouldn't stop until she reached her bike before opening up the middle of the seat that acted as a small storage space. Yang was about to reach in when Dragunov grabbed her wrist. "What are you doing?!"
"Getting our job done." Yang said with a firm look.
"We are not giving away those two." Dragunov said with a furious glare.
"Drag, we need this info." Yang said, "Besides, as pretty as they are you would never forgive me if I sold them, so this way they are of some use."
"Are you hearing yourself? You are selling them now for information!" Dragunov growled tightening his grip.
"Drag, don't you want to recreate one of your masterpieces?" Yang asked.
"Don't change the subject. I am not selling my priceless-" "This isn't like we're selling them to get rich! We're exchanging them for information on bloodthirsty killers who will keep doing their thing if we leave them alone." Yang interrupted. She must have made progress because Dragunov's grip was loosening.
"...Even if I did agree to this, it took me years just to make the Water Dragunite. How long do you think it will take me to recreate the Wind Dragunite from scratch?" Dragunov then asked.
"I know where we can get some clues," Yang said with a smirk.
"Where?" Dragunov was surprised.
"Old Torna. Surely they would have some kind of records. Maybe even instructions on how to create them." Yang said with a look of someone who knew what they were doing, "I mean, you were their national treasure. Surely they would keep some kind of record of that kind of accomplishment."
"...That's a big if, considering you know I don't like to share this ability" Dragunov said, "Besides, even if that was true, Old Torna is all the way back where the World Tree used to be at. How would we even get there? I don't think we can have Mòrag charter us a ship around those parts this time."
"I'll ask Azurda for a lift," Yang said, without missing a beat. "Now hands off, before I punch you in the face." Yang added with a sweet smile.
Dragunov growled but ultimately let go. With that, Yang was able to retrieve the Water and Fire Dragunites. She had to admit, giving up these beauties was hard, but it was for a good cause. Besides, the thought of those killers running loose was much worse than the feeling of giving these up. Yang brought the gems to Yew and Zuo who got wide eyes at the sight of the two Dragunites.
"...How long did you have those?" Yew finally asked.
"Got the blue one from Brighid and the red one I've had for a while now." Yang said with a grin.
"We'll get on with the job, and your friend can join if he wants." Zuo said as he reached for the two gems. Only for Dragunov to snatch them up. "Hey!" Zuo complained.
"Dragunov." Yang said in a warning tone.
But the dragon ignored his Driver. "Who wants these gems and why?" Dragunov demanded.
"That's confidential," Yew said with a hard look, "But I'll say this much, the client is a collector of priceless gems, who I guess wants the gems added to their collection."
"Is that so?" Dragunov growled, then he returned the gems and Zuo snatched them quickly. "Just get the job done, and I will see about remaking this one." Dragunov shook his fist that still had the shards. "And you." Dragunov then turned to Yang who dared to point at herself while looking innocent as if saying "Me?". "You dragged me into this, so you better pull your weight on this." Dragunov said in a threatening tone.
"Yeah, yeah. I know that already." Yang said, not feeling least bit threatened. She then talked to Perceval, "And Percy, just like we agreed, you get the info and then return to Blake. If Drag and I aren't back when you get the info, go without us."
"Very well." Perceval said before turning to Yew and Zuo, "I look forward to this job."
"Bye, bye." Yang then said with a grin as she walked off.
"Hey, where are you going?!" Zuo got up from his seat.
"To find clues on our gem problem, of course." Yang said like it was obvious.
"And where do you think you'll find them?" Zuo then asked, quirking his eyebrows above his glasses.
"That's for us to know, but we do need to get to Temperantia." Yang said with a grin.
Yew took a look at Yang's bike before talking, "If that thing can go for days, then you might want to travel on land."
"Oh? Why is that?" Dragunov asked.
"If you go up the coast for about a week, on foot anyway, you should be able to get to Temperantia." Yew explained, "No boat is currently taking people there unless they're Ardainian or Urayan officials. Besides, the mouth of Uraya isn't far from here, and that has been open since the Joining."
"Darn it." Yang complained before getting a more devious grin, "What do you say, Drag? Up for a road trip?"
"You crazy bimbo." Dragunov shook his head with an unamused look. "Just know that I'm not happy about your plans." Despite saying that, the idea of a road trip was tempting for him.
"Love you too." Yang said not taking her Blade's mood seriously. But there was one thing she had to take seriously, "First things first, we need to get some supplies for a few days, just in case we need to camp outside."
"Uh-huh." Dragunov agreed, "We also need to tell the others of our plans."
"I thought that part was obvious." Yang said before taking out her Scroll.
"By the way, how can you think of a road trip while a band of assassins is on the loose?" Dragunov then asked.
Yang let out a sigh, "Look, I want those guys out of the picture asap, but until we get info, there's nothing we can do. And I for one am not going to sit idly and wait while I could do something useful in the meantime."
Dragunov was a little impressed at Yang's reasoning, "Fair enough."
"Besides, you recreating one of your masterpieces sounds like an adventure, don't you think?" Yang then asked with a devious smile.
"You realize that if we can't find any clues then it could potentially take me decades to make it. For all I know you will be a wrinkly hag by the time I finish it." Dragunov warned.
"It's fine, I believe in you." Yang said nonchalantly, which surprised Dragunov.
"Well then, let's get those supplies and prepare for our road trip," Dragunov said with a grin, and with that, he and Yang started to go about getting the necessary supplies for a few day road trip. All the while Yang made the call to Ruby about the deal she made to get Garfont's help.
On Argentum's Flight Deck, Penny and Poppi were attending Bluesky Nopon University. Well, calling it a university is an overstatement by Remnant standards, because the class consisted of a chalkboard and some seats with desks. And their teacher was a Nopon named Fleecyflossy. A yellow Nopon wearing an expensive looking pink outfit with a hat that had a blue and turqoise feather on it.
"Now then, Poppi and Penny. Second period lesson is observation class." Fleecyflossy said. "You be greeted by three Nopon now. Task for Poppi and Penny is to deduce which Nopon is merchant."
"Poppi is ready." Poppi banged her fists together with a metallic clang.
"Penny is Observation Ready." Penny added in.
"Master, when referring to oneself, you should say, I am." Kos-Mos corrected. The more time Penny spends around Tora and Tatazo, the more Penny has started sounding like a Nopon. Kos-Mos has done her best to rectify that, but it seems that her efforts are merely slowing the conversion.
"I know, Kos-Mos, but this is more fun." Penny said with a happy smile. Then she leaned in raising to her tiptoes to whisper the next part, "It also makes me feel closer to friend Poppi."
"...Master, that does not compute." was the most intelligent response Kos-Mos could come up with.
While this exchange happened, Fleecyflossy had called three Nopon in front of them.
One was a pink Nopon with a long tuft of hair tied upwards. One was an orange Nopon wearing lavish clothes. Last one seemed to be wearing some kind of work clothes.
"Lulumu is Lulumu. Pleased to meet friends." the pink Nopon introduced herself. Penny had started to learn the small differences between Nopon sexes.
Then the Nopon in lavish clothes put his stubby arms on what Penny can only assume to be hips. "Yo, friends. Me is cool Nopon, name of Kalukalu. Friends not be strangers, yeah?"
Then the worker leaned forward, "Me is called Yatata."
With the introductions over with, Fleecyflossy then said, "One of three is merchant. Can Poppi and Penny tell which one?"
Poppi immediately pointed to the one called Kalukalu.
"What about Penny?" Fleecyflossy asked.
Penny took her time to assess information. But then Penny pointed to Kalukalu. "Kalukalu has expensive looking clothing, which would indicate that he is not only a merchant, but a successful one too." Penny voiced her obesrvation.
"Penny and Poppi correct." Fleecyflossy said while Kalukalu puffed his chest with pride at Penny's observation. "But next question will be harder." Fleecyflossy warned before motioning for the three Nopon to leave.
This time, there were three Ardainian soldiers in front of them. Penny was eager for the challenge because the soldiers all had identical uniforms. Still, the artificial Driver was ready for anything.
"My name is Beltran." said the first soldier who saluted with the introduction.
"Name's Gruth and don't you forget it." the second soldier said, slightly arrogantly.
"Hi there. My name is Cheelo." the third one greeted more cheerfully than the other two.
As soon as the introduction was finished, Fleecyflossy's question came. "Now, which of these three posed while introducing self?"
This time, both Penny and Poppi pointed to Beltran at the exact same time.
"Correct answer!" Fleecyflossy said, "Poppi and Penny very good at this. Highly refined skill of observation. Always noticing slightest change, never missing a single thing. Good sense of observation very important in life and learning. Should try to hone observation skill more in the future."
"Yes, teacher Fleecyflossy!" Poppi and Penny said enthusiastically. Penny is now finding school most enjoyable. Was this what it was like at Beacon?
AN: I always felt it was weird that the gang just let the assassin go, even if some of them could tell he was dangerous. It made much more sense to me that he had prepared a vanishing trick. And with that, Perceval is doing the Merc quest to find the Red Lobsters. Yang and Dragunov on the other hand are on their way to Temperantia to get a lift from Azurda to Old Torna.
Lastly...Penny is going to School with Poppi. I probably don't have to tell anyone what's up with that XD.
