Here we are at Chapter 28. More fun to be had. I do not own RWBY or Genshin Impact. They belong to their respective owners. Here's chapter 28. Enjoy. Also, it may be a day late, but Happy Birthday Ei (June 26)!
Chapter 28: A Foxy Friend
It's been a few days since Ei and Nilou's 'date' in Vale. The students have been training in preparation for the Vytal Festival which will begin soon. Meanwhile, Ei's been preparing for her next battle with Signora. It is during this time that she gets a surprise call while training behind the school.
"Hmm? Miko? What's going on? Did something happen?" Ei asks.
"Of course you would think that something happened with I called you. We haven't spoken in a while. Is it that bad that I simply wish to hear from an old friend?" Miko playfully replies.
"No, it's not. Just a lot has been happening recently here in Vale. My apologies. So, what did you want to speak to me about?' Ei asks.
"I only wanted to tell you that I'll be in Vale soon for a little visit," Miko says.
"You're coming to Vale? Then... are you also bringing it?" Ei asks.
"Yes, I have it with me. And don't worry, I'll keep it safe until I reach you. I should be arriving tomorrow. We can meet in Vale," Miko says.
"Of course, that's doable. It'll be nice to see you again, Miko," Ei says, smiling.
"Indeed. Plus, it'll be nice to meet your new friends when I arrive. Be sure to bring them along as well. I'm especially excited to meet this Nilou of yours," Miko smirks.
"Hmm, why would you wish to meet her so much?" Ei doesn't get it.
Miko sighs, "Ah, never mind. I'll see you tomorrow," she says and hangs up.
Ei stares at her scroll, "I wish she wouldn't be so cryptic all the time,"
...
Ei informed her friends about Miko's arrival and they were all curious to meet her old friend from Inazuma. As such, the next day, Teams RDCN, RWBY, and JNPR were all in Vale after classes were over to meet the kitsune. They all agreed to meet her in the town square before getting something to eat. In the square, the gang eagerly await Miko's arrival.
"So, Ei, what's your friend like?" Nilou asks.
"Well, she can be quite mischievous at times and enjoys teasing others, so I'd advise you to be wary around her. Despite that, she's very intelligent and competent. She was a big help in making me see the error of my ways and helped me to get back on the right track back home. Aside from that, don't let her appearance fool you. She's much older than you think, and she can take care of herself as well. Just don't let her manipulate you into being her playthings and you'll be fine," Ei explains.
Her explanation only makes them a little worried, "Uh, should we be worried about her trying something on us?" Yang asks.
"I don't think so. Oh, that reminds me. Nilou, Miko noted that she really wanted to meet you more than the others," Ei looks to her teammate.
"Huh? Why me?" Nilou asks, a question mark appearing above her head.
Ei shakes her head, "She didn't say. I told her how much of an amazing dancer you are, so I believe she may want to see you perform,"
"Oh, if that's the case, then I'd be glad to do a show for her," Nilou smiles.
Candace smirks as her golden eye lows for a moment. She knows EXACTLY why Miko wants to meet Nilou. A moment later, a new player enters the game.
"My, oh my; so many people gathered to greet little old me? I must admit I am quite flattered," they look and see a young woman with long pink hair and a pair of fox ears on her head, wearing an elaborate shrine maiden uniform.
"Miko. I'm glad you made it without any trouble. Everyone, this is my old friend, Yae Miko. She oversees the Grand Narukami Shrine back in my home. Miko, these are my friends that I told you about. My team, Team RDCN, Team RWBY, and Team JNPR. They've become good friends of mine during my time at Beacon," Ei introduces everyone.
"A pleasure to meet you all. Thank you for taking care of Ei for me. I'm sure she was quite a handful at times. She can be quite childish at times, but she is a good girl at heart," Miko greets them.
"Miko! I am not that bad!" Ei pouts a little.
Miko giggles, "Oh come now, you can't blame me for having a little fun,"
Ei sighs before Nilou walks up to Miko, "It's nice to meet you Miko. I'm Nilou, one of Ei's teammates,"
Miko gets a certain glint in her eye, "Ah, so you're Nilou. Ei has told me quite a lot about you. It's a pleasure to meet you as well,"
"She has? She did mention that you wanted to see me dance," Nilou notes.
Miko sighs now, "I see. Of course she misunderstood my meaning," she mutters, making Nilou confused.
"Um, excuse me," Ruby gets her attention. "Ei told us that you work with the Yae Publishing House. Is that true?"
"Work for them? My dear; I own the company and am the chief editor. If you're fans of my work, I might be able to give you a little deal as thanks for helping my old friend," Miko says.
Blake and Ruby freeze at hearing this. Ei told them that Miko worked with the company, so they might be able to get a sweet deal from her. But this... this was beyond anything they could've dreamed of.
A moment later, Blake and Ruby kneel at her feet and grab her hands, "MARRY US!" they practically shout with reverence.
Miko giggles, "My, my, how sweet. Two lovely little doves such as yourselves asking little old me for my hand in marriage. I wasn't aware that my natural charm was so captivating. I wonder how I should respond,"
Miko looks up with her smirk as she spots Yang and Weiss glaring at her. While Yang's eyes have turned red, Weiss is the one with fire burning behind her. It looks like she's ready to make a fur coat out of Miko if this continues.
"While I'm flattered by your proposals, I'll have to decline. I'm sure your partners standing behind you would prefer to keep you two to themselves. But, like I said, perhaps I can give you a little discount on some of my novels. Or maybe some insider knowledge. I can always use more opinions on future ideas," Miko says.
"Thank you!" Ruby and Blake shout, practically crying tears of joy. Besides, I came here to see my old friend most of all," Kimo pulls out two little boxes.
"Is this..." Ei asks.
"One of them is what you asked for me to bring. The other is a more personal gift," Miko replies.
"Huh? What do you mean?" Ei cocks her head.
Miko scoffs, "Of course you would forget. It's not like you celebrated it in a while, given how busy you've been. Fine, let me stick with tradition here: Happy Birthday Ei," Miko says, stunning the group.
"Ei, why didn't you tell us it was your birthday?" Pyrrha asks.
"Oh, I guess..." Ei scratches her cheek.
"You forgot our own birthday. Again. Why am I not surprised," Miko says flatly.
"Yes, I'm afraid so. My apologies," Ei hangs her head.
"Then we'll have to fix that. Let's go celebrate Ei's birthday right now everyone!" Ruby points to the sky.
"Banzai!" most of the group cheer in unison.
"I'll go get a cake!" Ruby says, with Yang and Weiss coming along.
"We'll find a place to eat," Candace says as she leaves with Team JNPR.
"And we'll go get Ei some gifts," and the others leave, with just Ei and Miko left standing in the wind.
"That progressed rather quickly," Ei notes.
"It's your fault for forgetting your own birthday again. Now, will you please take my gifts?" Miko is still holding her two boxes.
"This one has the Gnosis, correct," Ei grabs one box.
"Yes, and this one..." Miko opens the top of the box, revealing a folding mirror with Ei's symbol on top. "You may be an archon, but you are also a young woman, even if only by appearance. Nothing wrong with ensuring you still have your womanly charm alright,"
"Miko... It's nice. Thank you for the gift, and for bringing the Gnosis," Ei puts both away for the time being. "So, while everyone else is out, what should we do?"
"Well, it's been a while since I was last in Vale. Why not show me around? We can chat and catch up as we walk," Miko suggests.
Ei nods with the sound idea. They walk around town, enjoying each other's company while Ei shows Miko the sights. It's not long before Miko steers the conversation to a topic she is very interested in.
"So, I have to ask, have you and Nilou made any progress?" Miko asks cryptically.
"Progress? What do you mean exactly? We've been training for the Vytal Festival and for my mission against Signora. I know she's after my Gnosis, but after I learned that she was the one responsible for the trouble back home, I don't want her to put my people in even more danger. At least this way, I can better defend it if it's on my person," Ei says.
Miko sighs again, "Of course, that's what you'd think I was referring to. So, I guess that means you two haven't made any progress at all. I swear, for a supposed 'all-seeing' god, you sure miss a lot,"
"Miko, what are you talking about?" Ei is still confused.
"What is Nilou to you, Ei? Think very carefully before you answer," Miko is more direct this time.
Ei rests her chin in one hand as she ponders Miko's question. What was Nilou to her? She's a teammate, a trusted friend, a comrade on the battlefield. Any of those would be a good estimation, and yet, something is telling Ei that those are not what Miko is talking about. But if not those, then what exactly is she looking for? Ei thinks back to all the moments she's had with Nilou. One that comes to mind is the school dance.
"Well, I went with Nilou to the school dance not too long ago," Ei says.
"Good. But why her specifically? I don't have to be a psychic to know that you received many offers to go to the dance with someone else. And yet, you went with her. So why. Think about it," Miko says.
Ei thinks more on it. She remembers how she did receive many proposals. And yet, she rejected them all, but accepted Nilou's. She thought back to how she had really no reason to reject the others, but that it felt wrong to accept them. And how it felt so right to accept Nilou's and to go to the dance with her over everyone else.
"It just felt so... right by accepting Nilou's proposal. Like I was meant to accept it. Does that make sense? I still don't quite understand it," Ei says.
"And did you enjoy yourself when you went to the dance with her?" Miko says.
"Actually... yes. I found myself having a wonderful time. We danced, spent some time alone outside, just enjoying each other's company. And then we went back inside to continue enjoying the party before it ended. It was truly a time worth remembering," Ei recollects.
"Good. What else? How do you feel whenever you're around her?" Miko digs deeper.
"Hmm..." Ei thinks really hard on this one.
Ever since coming to Beacon, she's come to enjoy her time with her new friends. Even if she will outlive them by leaps and bounds, she knows that's precisely why she must cherish her time with them and not make the same mistakes as she did in the past. But, as she thinks about her friends, her thoughts drift more and more towards Nilou for some odd reason. She then remembers when they were getting measured for dresses for the dance and Chiori's shop. When she walked in to help Chiori, only to see Nilou in nothing but her underwear. The thought brings a warm feeling inside. Without realizing it, a blush forms on her cheeks.
"I feel... strange," Ei mutters.
"That might have something to do with the blush on your cheeks," Miko teases her.
"I'm blushing?" Ei feels her cheeks and senses the warmth in them. "Oh, I suppose I am. But why?"
"Well, what were you thinking about?" Miko asks.
"I was thinking about my friends, and then I was thinking about Nilou. My thoughts kept drifting back to her. I think... that I get happier when I'm around her, if that makes sense," Ei answers.
"It does. If that's the case, then you're getting closer to your answer. For now, I suggest you ponder more about it later. I think it's about time we meet back up with the others. I'm sure they've finished their preparations by now," Miko says.
They continue on their way, though the conversation leaves Ei with much to think about. They find the others at a local cafe and get a bunch of tables together for the occasion. Ruby brought along a strawberry cake. Ei found out it was the second one after she and Nora ate the first one all by themselves. Everyone brought gifts, though a lot of them were kind of last minute, so they weren't much. Not that it mattered to Ei. She understands that she never told any of them since she forgot herself. Small little items that Ei could use or have on her desk. However, Nilou surprised her when she brought her gift.
"Here. Happy birthday, Ei," Nilou hands her a small gift.
Ei unwraps it and she finds a small box inside. Opening it up, she gazes in awe as music starts playing from the box.
"It's a music box. There are a few melodies installed in it. You can play it when you're studying or just want to relax and rest. I hope you like it," Nilou explains.
Ei listens to the gentle tune being played from the box. She finds herself almost lost in it. Her gaze slowly turns back to the girl who gave her such a gift. Her thoughts dwell on her prior conversation with Miko. How did Ei feel about Nilou? Nilou is important to her, true. But, just how important? Well, best not dwell on that right now as it may just complicate things. For now, Ei just wants to enjoy the moment.
"Thank you, Nilou. I promise to treasure it always," Ei closes the box.
Nilou smiles, happy that her secret crush liked her gift. It's not long before more food fills the tables and everyone digs in. Ei can't remember the last time she really celebrated her birthday. Maybe it was shortly before her isolation. Maybe it was after her sister died. She can't remember if she ever did before her isolation. Seeing everyone smiling and laughing around her, it made her more acutely aware of everything she missed as she tried to claim eternity for her people.
"So, Ei, how old are you now?" Jaune asks, getting everyone's attention.
"Dude, that was not smart," Yang shakes her head.
"You never ask a girl her age like that? Talk about lack of subtlety," Dehya rolls her eyes.
"Huh? What did I do wrong?!" Jaune freaks out.
"Well..." Ei remembers that Team JNPR don't yet know that she's a god that's lived over 3,000 years, so she can't say that. "I'm eighteen now," Ei replies.
Best go with that for now.
"Anyway, come on. It's time to blow out the candles!" Ruby cheers as she pushes the cake in front of the archon. "Come on, make a wish!"
They light the candles and Ei thinks about her wish. Good thing this is one of the things that Miko told her about before she came to Vale.
"I wish... for the eternal prosperity of my people and for all of Remnant," Ei decides before blowing out the candles.
Everyone claps together before Candace starts slicing out the cake and handing pieces to everyone. The rest of the party goes off without an issue and everyone had a wonderful time.
...
Meanwhile, Arlecchino meets up with Lyney and Lynette to go over the findings of their investigation.
"Father, we have returned from investigating the girl, Ruby Rose," Lyney bows his head to her.
"Good. What have you uncovered?" Arlecchino asks.
"Ruby Rose. 15 years-old. Has an older half-sister named Yang Xiao long and a father named Taiyang Xiao Long. A veteran huntsman, graduated from Beacon Academy, and now teaches at Signal Academy. Mother... Summer Rose... worked as a huntress... Listed as deceased," Lynette hesitated to say the last part.
Arlecchino stares at them for the longest time before rising from her seat, "I see... Well done. Give me what you have collected so far. I will continue the investigation myself,"
"Father... forgive me for asking, but do you believe that this Summer Rose is in fact Her Majesty? If that's the case, and she is in fact dead, then... what will we do after that?" Lyney asks.
Arlecchino turns away from them, "If she is in fact gone, then I will find out exactly what happened to her. We can't make assumptions until we have all the evidence before us. I'll decide our next move after that. You have done your part, now I will do mine. You may go. Get some rest, children,"
"Yes, Father," the twins say together before taking their leave.
Arlecchino looks out as the sun drops from the sky, "I will discover the truth, Your Majesty. Just a little bit more," she mutters.
...
Later that evening, everyone had returned to Beacon to rest and prepare to head in for the night. In Team RDCN's room, Ei finds herself listening to the music box Nilou gifted to her again. The melody Nilou chose was for it was truly beautiful.
"Still listening to that thing, huh," Dehya smirks, walking by.
"Yes. I quite enjoy it," Ei replies.
"Man, Nilou sure has good taste. Makes my gift look like something I grabbed from the $1 lien store," Dehya notes.
"Oh? And you think you have better experience when it comes to the performing arts, Dehya? I remember you telling me about how when you were younger, your father would-," Candace says.
"Ei doesn't need to know about that!" Dehya covers her mouth, looking embarrassed.
Just then, Nilou comes out of the restroom after brushing her teeth. She notices Ei listening to her music box, which makes the red-head smile. She did really good on this one. When her gaze turns to Candace, the young woman gives her a wink.
"Hey, Dehya, come on, let's get some tea from the kitchen," Candace gets up from her bed.
"Huh? Uh, okay," Dehya doesn't resist when Candace pulls her out of the room.
"Hmm, I wonder what that was about," Ei wonders as she watches them leave.
"Oh, it's probably nothing," Nilou says with a slight blush. She sits down across from Ei on her bed. "So, Ei, I was wondering..."
"Hmm?" Ei hums, waiting for her.
"Have you... ever liked someone? I don't mean like with friends or family. I mean it more romantically," Nilou asks.
"Hmm, no not really. I believe I understand your meaning, but there's never been anyone like that. Before and after I became an archon, I was always focused on other matters. I never gave it much thought. Why do you ask?" Ei replies.
Nilou scoots a little closer to her, "Well... have you ever thought about... giving it a try? Being with someone in a... romantic sense?"
"Well, considering that I'm a god who will outlive them, I don't know if I'd want a romantic partner. Plus, my duties would make it difficult," Ei replies matter-of-factly.
"Oh I see. Then... if I can become an archon, would you be willing... to give me a chance?" Nilou comes right out and says it, looking Ei in the eye.
All Ei can say is, "...Huh?"
And that's the chapter. Ei celebrates her forgotten birthday with her friends, only to end up with a crazy confession from Nilou. Is this the start of a budding romance? Until then, please Read and Review. Again, a day late, but Happy Birthday Ei.