As stated in the Solomon Game chapter (Number 49), due to recent events, I have set up a . The link is at the bottom of this page, in bold. Can't miss it. If you wish details, head over to SG Chapter 49 for them or join the discord.
Discord: /FVXgdXtMUv
After Aiko finished her shower, Jaune had to pretend everything was alright until she left. Truth be told, he was anything but alright, but Kyu told him the headache would go away by itself if he slept it off. He did, and he indeed felt better. Getting up the next day, he felt like a new man, really. It was quite the feeling.
But then he recalled what he did last night. "Holy Dust!" He shouted as he quickly went to his scroll, checking his bank account, and sure enough, there they were.
He was a freaking millionaire now. Over 800 M to his name. Jaune needed to sit down as he saw the numbers, unable to accept that this was his life now. Not that this was a bad life to live, but he never expected himself to go from zero to something in just a few days! Was this his luck finally kicking in?
"Well, glad to see you are up and going!" Kyu flew on his head, laying down on her stomach. "I must say, you had me worried last night, but you finished things well enough! And the mana we got from that steamy encounter is already doing wonders!"
"Kyu!" Jaune grabbed her from his head.
"Hey, the wings!" He let her go. "Really, dude? Again? I told you before to watch the wings."
"Right, sorry, but look!" He flashed her his scroll.
"So? You're rich, in no small part thanks to my aid." Kyu reminded him. "I admit, this amount of money is bound to make things so much easier going forward. Care to fix the house properly? How about getting some cleaners for the pool?"
"Kyu…"
The fairy sighed. "Fine, I'll bite. What is the problem?"
"Kyu, I never…I never had so much money before, I-...I don't know what to use it for!" Jaune admitted to her. "I know I can use it to renovate the house properly, but after that? What can I use it for?"
"Are you for real right now? Use them to give ladies a good time, duh!" Kyu clarified. "Pay for the meal and gifts, loan them a bit of cash if they need it, you know how it goes!"
"That seems a bit materialistic," Jaune commented.
"Hmm. Fair. Not all chicks like guys who flaunt their money; it might have them think you are overcompensating for something. And I know for a fact you don't need to worry about that." Jaune blushed a bit at the comment. "Still, you did a stellar job with Aiko. Paid off her debt in full, just like that, and got something out of it! I would have preferred if you went all the way, but what I got should be more than enough."
"Wait, speaking of that…You never told me getting more mana would hurt!" Jaune raised his voice slightly.
"Calm down, buster! This method is very unorthodox as is, and it comes with its side effects. For one, as you saw, you can experience headaches. The other potential symptoms you may face are high fever and nausea; in some cases, they get a very nasty stomach bug and blue blood."
"Blue blood?!" Jaune gasped.
"Relax, it is just a color change, no chemical alteration to your blood. Plus, that is the rarest symptom. Legit, only saw it once or twice since I began work." Kyu reassured him. "Now, how about we talk about things that are more productive toward the goal of me getting a very healthy mana supply, hmm? Quite obviously, I helped you get rich - very rich, may I add, so you owe me a lot."
"True, but you didn't mention that I'd be suffering from this process." Jaune countered, but Kyu simply shrugged.
"Withholding information was necessary, seeing how desperate I am right now. Plus, we are stuck together, so is it really worth holding a grudge over it?" Jaune sighed at her statement.
"No, it is not worth it. And you are right in saying I owe you quite a bit for helping me get back on my feet. Heck, not just getting back on my feet; I am so rich now I could probably afford to buy new ones!" Jaune added. "Still, I can't rely on the casino every time I run low on money. Last night, the boss was very generous, but I doubt he will be like that again if I win this big."
"Yeah, I agree. Best not to test the man's limits; he seems to have been in a good mood last night, and we cannot be sure that a good mood will still be there next time. So, best make sure there won't be a next time! You could give Aiko more money to invest more." Kyu suggested it to him, and Jaune weighed it.
"True, we could. I should give her a call and see about setting up a few more investments. How much should I give her to invest?"
"How about ten million? It is bound to be a high-paying amount. And if she is smart and invests in more businesses, you could really make big money. Being stable and not stagnant, with a constant cash flow, is bound to show chicks you can manage."
"Speaking of…What Aiko did last night was…Mind-blowing!" Jaune admitted, a stupid smile spreading across his face. "I never felt anything like that before. The feeling was just so…Woah."
Kyu snorted a bit. "Wait until you get to the real deal. Trust me, you'd get hooked on the stuff. Though, despite what Aiko did, I don't think it is the right time to ask for more. Oh no, you and she are still not on such good terms, and the fact you paid off her debt is bound to be just an easy bonus. Like, come on! How many damsels in distress like that do you think you will find that are willing to suck you off after paying off their huge ass debts? Actually, let me correct myself a bit: How many debts do you think you could possibly pay before you run out of money?"
Oh, there was wisdom there, and Kyu had a solid point. Despite what he did for Aiko, Jaune knows there were likely other women in her position, or similar positions, who could have used a helping hand, but Aiko was the one who lucked out by finding him. Still, the fact he paid off her massive debt didn't mean she'd let him hit just like that! They still barely knew one another, so he had to work on some trust first.
Even now, he doesn't think Aiko would give him another blowjob if he just asked. That was a reward for a good deed, nothing else. He is not her husband or anything like that. Plus, there was an age difference. Ten years is a big difference, but overall, it's not that great. Or rather, not something they should worry about. Jaune was 18, meaning he was an adult and could do what he wanted, being responsible for his own actions.
"Point taken." Jaune replied, getting himself ready to go out once again. "I will pay Aiko a visit, talk to her about the new arrangement. Tagging along?"
"Haha. Very funny, dude. You know I cannot go off on my own." Kyu replied dryly as she hitched a ride on his shoulder.
'By the way, how do you wash your clothes?" Jaune asked.
"I didn't. Since we met, I didn't. Been wearing this stinkin' suit for days now! So prioritize a washing machine, please."
"Noted."
Following their exchange, the duo made their way to Aiko's apartment once again, taking a taxi like last time. Once there, he knocked on the door, yet no one seemed to answer. "Huh. This is odd. Aiko messaged me back, saying she was home."
"I mean, last time, we got spooked for no reason. But hey, didn't she say the door's busted? See if it's open." Nodding to her words, Jaune turned the knob on the door and gently pushed it open.
"Aiko? Are you home?" He walked in slowly.
"Red flags feelings again," Kyu commented.
"Aiko? If you are, give me a sign of-" Jaune didn't get to finish his sentence as he felt the sharp pain of a strong smack and heard the sound of metal echo in the apartment, his aura flaring strongly to prevent any lasting damage and protect him. "Dust, fucking- What the heck?!"
"Jaune?!" Aiko came out from her bedroom, turning on the lights. "What are you doing here - Beli, why do you have a frying pan in your hand?!"
"I thought he was a loanshark!" A new voice echoed in the room, and Jaune finally lifted his head to see whom it belonged to. He was met with a tall woman with black hair, medium brown skin, and fuchsia eyes. Her hair was kept short, and she wore a strange piece of clothing Jaune had never seen before with gold trimming over a dark purple dress, accented with a gold trimming at the bottom. She also wore tan sandals and silver bracelets on her wrists.
"This is Jaune, the guy I mentioned to you!" Aiko said, rushing to him to check on him. "Are you alright?"
"Peachy. Aura, remember? But why ask what I was doing here? I messaged you that I was coming over!" Jaune replied to Aiko, but the woman who smacked him seemed to shuffle nervously.
"I may have replied in her place? Aiko went to her room to get something she wanted to show me, and I heard her phone buzz. I thought it was a loan shark. She did mention someone who paid her debt but didn't mention a name, so I thought, well…You know." The girl put the frying pan she used to hit him down. "I'm very sorry about the mistake."
"Damn it, Beli, I know you wanted to protect me, but a frying pan?! Really? Plus, this is Jaune! I owe this guy a LOT." Aiko replied.
"It's alright, Aiko. Really. How about we get introductions out of the way, shall we? Why not introduce me to your friend here." Jaune suggested.
"Right. Jaune, this is Beli Lapran. She is from Anima, like us, but from the southern regions. Beli, this is Jaune Arc."
"A pleasure to meet you, Jaune. And, sorry, again, for mistaking you for a loan shark." Beli apologized again.
"Apology accepted," Jaune replied. "But you don't need to worry. I have aura."
"Which is surprising, not going to lie. Most people on Bella Dia who have it are usually Huntsmen who come here to catch a break. It is rare to see a civilian with it." Beli stated. "Say, Jaune, did you attend a combat school?"
"No," Jaune replied strongly, not even lying in his words. "Truth be told, the circumstances surrounding the origin of my aura are a bit of a sore spot. I'd appreciate it if you didn't pry."
"Oh, I'm sorry for asking then; I hope I didn't upset you."
"No, no, you're fine, really."
"More than just fine, look at her boobs! It's a crime to keep those puppies locked up in that stuffy dress!" Kyu commented on Beli's physique, but Jaune chose to ignore it for now.
"Now, on another order of business, I am actually here to check on my investments!" Jaune stated, which made Aiko perk up.
"Right! Here!" She brought out her laptop. "You are in the green, and money is rolling in! The investments made are going well, and you should be living well from now on if nothing bad happens to them."
"Well, what if I told you I wanted to invest more money?" Jaune asked her.
"Umm. Excuse me, I don't mean to interrupt, but Aiko did mention you won big at the casino. She didn't give details, but I was curious. Why would you want to keep investing if you are already rich enough to afford living comfortably for the rest of your life?" Beli asked, and in all fairness, Jaune would admit it was a good question.
"I'd rather be secure about my finances. I have money now, yes, but unless I ensure they will replenish, they will run out one day. Investing has done me well so far, and I see no reason to stop. Heck, if anything, I think investing more is the way here." Jaune replied.
"I see," Beli said softly. "Should I go, then? If you and Aiko are going to be busy."
"There is no need for that," Jaune replied, seeing Beli growing nervous. "You can stay. Tell you what. How about you go and prepare us some drinks? Tea, coffee, whatever it is Aiko has around here."
"Only coffee. Ain't a good brand, but should do."
"Got it." Beli left, allowing the two of them to talk.
"So…" Aiko began awkwardly. "About last night."
Jaune gulped. "Umm. Y-yeah, that happened. I need to properly furbish my house now that I got the funds."
"I am not talking about your dance with lady luck." Aiko clarified, not letting him change the subject. "I mean the other thing. You know, between us? How…Was I?"
"Oh! Do-." He leaned over, seeing Beli in the kitchen, preparing the mugs. "Do we really have to talk about it now? You have guests."
"Beli's a close friend, and open minded, so she wouldn't mind. Look, I'm just worried I spooked you. I know how scary a person's first experience can be. Heck, wait until you hear about my first tango."
"I don't know if I'd be comfortable hearing such a tale."
"Even if I told you it was with another girl?"
"Damn!" Kyu shouted. "She swings both ways?! Dude, you gotta keep her. Bisexual women are prime threesome material!"
"You're-"
"I don't know." Aiko replied before he could finish, confusing even Kyu. "I've been with men as well, like, after that until a few years back. And I wasn't exactly off-put by them. Heck, I think the fact I went down on you pretty much confirms I am into men. But I was never bothered by another woman either. I never explored."
"Huh. So, she's curious, but not down entirely. It's ok, we can work with this." Kyu commented once again, and Jaune continued to ignore her side comments to focus on Aiko.
"So, yeah. I know how it can be, and I hope I didn't come off as, I don't know…"
"Aiko, you can relax. I didn't dislike what you did, it just…surprised me. Last thing I imagined on our second meeting was already hitting third base. Or was this second base?" Aiko laughed at his words
"Base shit? Don't trust that, it is too confusing. But yeah, I imagined as much. Glad to know you liked it." She trailed off a bit. "But don't expect another one! That was a one-time thing, got it? I had to reward you for clearing my debt, and I did. From henceforth, we will keep it professional."
"Yeah, no," Kyu replied. "I know bullshit when I see it. Don't trust every word, Jaune. That was definitely not a one-time thing. Though, you're gonna have to earn your next bit of action."
"Coffee's ready!" Beli announced, entering the room with the tray in hand.
"Well, how about we up the investment budget to ten million?" The sound of a tray hitting the ground and mugs shattering distracted them, making them see a stunned Beli standing there in shock, then shame and panic.
"Oh, Dust, I'm so sorry; I heard you say the amount, and I just- Here! Let me pick these up!" Beli crouched down to gather the shards, but Jaune intervened, stopping her.
"Easy there, you can easily cut yourself in those. Aiko, do you have anything to clean with?"
"I do. Let me get it." She left the living room and went into the bathroom. Afterward, Jaune began picking up the shards.
"I made a mess…" Beli whined.
"It's not so bad," Jaune replied. "Gods know how many mugs I've broken."
Beli remained silent as she watched Jaune gather the shards from the broken mugs, not having to worry that he might get cut due to his aura protecting him. It didn't take long for Aiko to return with some cleaning products to get rid of the coffee stains, and luckily, she didn't have a carpet to stain. "I'm sorry about your mugs, Aiko, I…I have no excuse."
"Beli, no excuse needed. You got surprised by the money this guy here is throwing around, right?" Beli nodded sheepishly. "Trust me, that ain't nothing. Jaune here won over 800 MILLION Lien at the casino."
"E-eight hundred?!" Beli choked on her words, then stared at him. "I reaffirm my earlier words: Why are you still investing when you are almost as rich as the Schnee?"
"Because, as I already said, I want to ensure I have an income. As unstable as investments can be, they can provide me with a stable money flow. Besides, I doubt that kind of money would last as long as you claim it might last." Jaune explained. "Even if I lose money, I am good, and I can recover one day. Plus, Aiko here is helping me! And she seems to know what she's doing."
"I-I see. Forgive me if I offended you with my questions, Jaune. I try not to judge others."
"Hey now, no need to ask me for forgiveness over something so trivial."
"But I also hit you with a frying pan!"
"And I forgave you for that."
"Sheesh. This back and forth tells me plenty about this girl." Kyu remarked. "She doesn't seem to have much in terms of personal confidence and seems to seek your word to reassure herself. Be careful with this one, Jaune; they are the kind to get spooked easily."
Once again, not replying to her words but taking them into account, Jaune continued his talk with the girls. "So, Aiko, is it possible to invest 10 million on the island?"
"On Bella Dia? Are you joking? Jaune, there is no business around worth that much Lien on the entire island. No business with the HQ on the island, at least. Plenty of foreign ones you could look at, though, especially the SDC." Jaune twitched hearing about it this time around. Sure, Beli mentioned the Schnee, but hearing that Weiss' family company was on the island struck a small cord within him. "The Schnee apparently have a vacation home somewhere around the island, but also a small Dust operation in the wilds, on a compound. Helps provide jobs for the people around."
"And the people are good with them, knowing they might be-"
"You are worried about the Faunus?" Beli asked. "Sorry for cutting you off, but I could see the direction you were heading in. For as long as I can remember, Bella Dia has always been very welcoming and supportive of the Faunus. A far cry from Atlas and Mistral. There are laws in place against discrimination, such as a law that forbids all businesses, private or public, from banning Faunus, be it for serving or employment"
Jaune's eyes widened a bit. "This is the first time I heard about it! I did notice a lot of Faunus around, but I figured it was because Bella Dia IS part of the Kingdom of Vacuo."
"I can see why you'd think that, but no. Those are local laws and trust me, there has been more than one scandal that saw an old, racist business owner pull out of the island. It hurts the local economy, true, but the local council would rather lose money than be branded an island of racists. Hurts tourism."
"Correct!" Aiko added. "Tourism is the biggest part of the island's economy, and if people were to think this place is like Atlas, it'd turn cold as that place overnight from poverty!"
"It also helps that most young people nowadays do not care about race differences." At that, Jaune felt another cord inside him being pulled as flashes of Cardin appeared before his eyes.
"Hey, hey! I can hear your thoughts, so I know what you are thinking! Don't. Seriously, dude, don't. Not here. Inhale and exhale. Keep calm." Kyu told him, helping him suppress the bad memories from Beacon. Well, the good and mostly the bad ones of his last days.
"Jaune? Are you ok? Beli asked him. "You seem a bit out of it."
"Yeah, I am alright. I just got lost in thought. Anyway, I don't think I want to invest in the SDC, so are there any other options?" He asked, then watched as Aiko typed on her keyboard.
"Well, unless you are looking to invest less, not really. The casinos are a big no since those guys don't even need the cash. But then again, I could invest them into multiple companies. You know, use the budget for multiple avenues, and we can see what works."
"Yeah, I think that'd work nicely," Jaune replied, but then Beli spoke up again.
"Forgive me for asking, Jaune, but do you frequent the gym by chance?"
"Oh? Curious question." Kyu remarked with a sly smirk.
"I did use to work out, but ever since getting to Bella Dia, I haven't really kept up. Why do you ask?" Jaune asked back.
"Well, I can see you are in good shape but also very tense, like your mind is troubled. I happen to be a yoga instructor at the local gym, so if you'd like to join me for a class or two, Yoga can really help you calm your mind. It can be good for you. Plus, you can also check out the gym if you decide to keep up with your workouts."
"Dude, you need to take this," Kyu said swiftly. "If she is the teacher, not only is this a chance to get closer to her, but yoga is an activity mostly done by WOMEN. Heck, just imagine it! So many young ladies, all in yoga pants. Bonus points if you choose a spot in the back. Perfect place to find your next target!"
"Damn it, Kyu, I don't have to go just to scout out my options! I am genuinely considering taking this for the physical benefits."
"Yeah, the physical 'benefits'. I get it."
"Does everything have to be about sex with you?" Jaune asked dryly.
"Dude, currently, unless you nail a bitch, well, I am going to be stuck at the size of a doll! I don't want that, so yes, everything is about sex with me because that is what I need YOU to do for me to get big again! So jump in the saddle, boyo! You need to ride this rodeo to the end so Mama Sugardust can get her mojo back!"
"I-...I am not even going to argue with that argument because, frankly, I feel like it is a losing battle." Jaune replied to Kyu, then made for the actual reply to Beli. "Sure, Beli. I'd be glad to. Any specific time for me to be there?"
"I have classes from Monday to Friday, from five to seven." She told him. "Speaking of, I need to go. I also give private lessons to some of my students for an extra fee, so I need to go to reach my next appointment. It was nice meeting you, Jaune, and I hope you will stay in the green this time, Aiko."
"Don't worry. If anything happens to me, I am sure this guy over here can pull me out of it again."
"Ummm. What?"
Beli sighed. "Make sure she doesn't touch the slots again."
And so, Beli left, leaving the two of them alone in Aiko's apartment once again. Once Beli seemed to have gotten out of hearing range, Aiko let out a long, desperate sigh. "Sometimes, I wonder why she hangs around me. Must be because we are both a mess."
"Huh?" Jaune turned to her. "Wait, what do you mean by that, Aiko?"
"Dude, believe it or not, Beli is 23 and still a virgin."
"FRESH PUSSY!" Kyu shouted in excitement.
Jaune seemed confused by that. "Is that such a big deal?"
"Dude, have you SEEN the rack she hides? Trust me, many dudes tried their luck, but…Beli is not an easy girl; she was brought up to be WAY more conservative than me. Or, well, at least she didn't go wild the moment she could."
"I smell some baggage, dude," Kyu stated.
"Baggage?"
"Things that haunt people. Troubles, ghosts of the past, the stuff. Things that weigh down on their mind. I already figured her gambling addiction to be a pretty big one, but it seems the iceberg goes deeper. Play your cards carefully, and try not to pry more than she lets you. Still, try to learn as much as you can."
Acknowledging her words, Jaune began his inquiry. "What do you mean by that, Aiko? From the things, you told me about your…First experience, you don't sound like a conservative person to me."
Aiko chuckled a bit. "Trust me, I wasn't. But growing up, I had my mother to control, well, everything. She was a very pushy person, especially toward my studies."
"Oh no, mommy issues," Kyu commented.
"Wait, so your mother was the overprotective kind?" Jaune asked, but Aiko shook her head.
"That woman was no stranger to slapping me, pulling my hair, or even leaving me to starve for an evening just for talking back at her!" Aiko recounted, almost looking like she was growing angry from those memories.
"Ok! Mommy issues! 100% mommy issues!" Kyu once again commented.
"I-I see. Not a good mother."
"I think she cared more about my grades than me. Even one small slip, and she was running a tirade with all manners of weird threats." Aiko sighed. "She even had a rule of no boyfriends until I graduate at least THREE UNIVERSITIES."
"Ok, that is just crazy," Jaune admitted. "Didn't you look to move out as soon as you could, though?"
"Move out? That woman would have put me under lock and key if she knew I planned it. No, I packed up my stuff in secret and ran out the window during the night. Crashed with a friend until I could find myself a place, and she even helped me with money until I got my first part-time job! That is actually where I met the girl I mentioned the other night." Aiko recounted. "Best two years of my life. I got a real taste of freedom during that period, which was my last two years of high school."
"And during this time, did she not make an effort to look for you?" Jaune asked with curiosity.
"I had a friend whose father worked in the police department. While we lacked evidence to convict my mother of abuse - which, trust me, she would have been found guilty - he did make sure no search effort ever did anything. I knew my mother's schedule, so I knew when it was safe to go out." Aiko recounted further. "But the part that I guess really stung was…She just gave up."
"Sorry, what?" Jaune asked, looking both stunned and confused. "What do you mean by that? She was your mother, so I don't imagine a parent would give up on their child just like-" Flashes on his father appeared before his mind, making him bite his tongue. Right. His father threw him aside. He was in no position to go using that angle.
Aiko seemed to notice that, and a meek smile appeared on her lips. "Looks like I am not the only one with issues. Say, I spilled some of my guts on you, so how about you do the same? It's only fair."
"Well, we learned more than I am comfortable knowing, but she is right, dude. It's only fair, and you do want her to be able to trust you."
"Right," Jaune replied to both of them. "Well, I grew up in Ansel. In a family of eight children-"
"Woah there! Ok, I don't think you mentioned that, and if you did, I forgot. But eight children? You included?" She asked.
"Yes. All others are my sisters, all of them older, too." Aiko flinched, giving him a relatively apologetic look. "I loved them. But I always…My father is a Huntsman, Aiko. And around half my sisters are either Huntresses, in training, or tried and failed."
"That explains your aura!" Aiko stated, thinking she had put two and two together. "You wanted to be a Huntsman! That explains how you are in such good shape and why you have an unlocked aura-"
"My father refused to train me. Heck, he even sabotaged any possibility for me to get trained." Jaune cut her off, stating the main detail that was bugging him. "The way I got my aura unlocked? Trust me, my father would have thrown a fit if I wasn't hundreds of kilometers away when I got it unlocked. I was in Vale."
"Beacon Academy? I heard only the best of the best get in." Aiko said. "Heck, they say Pyrrha Nikos is in Beacon!" Again, Jaune heard a name he wished to put behind him.
"Yeah…However, if I were to keep things short, nothing worked out. That is how I ended up in Bella Dia, actually. My last gamble."
"Woah there, I feel like some things are missing from your story." Aiko noticed. "Are you not comfortable talking about it further?"
"Aiko…I can tell your issues with your mother affect you, but the simple fact you told me so much tells me you had time to heal. For me, things are still too fresh to recount in great detail." Jaune explained. "I'm sorry if it seems unfair, especially after you revealed so much about yourself to me, but that's just how it is."
"I see. Don't worry, Jaune, I won't pry further. But, tell me this: Is your father and you on good terms right now?"
"No." He didn't even need time to think about his reply. "No, we are not. I don't know what my mother and sisters may think, but I know that my father won't want to see me any time soon. Or ever, if he could help it."
"I see. Well, I hope he comes around. You are his only son, right? My mother might have missed her chance to be a good mother, but hopefully, your father comes around." Aiko told him, but Jaune highly doubted that. His father could be a very bull-headed person once he made his decision.
"Well, I think we had enough sensible talk for now. So, everything is set with the investment plan?" Jaune asked, and Aiko replied.
"Yeah, I can work with ten million and see about investing in multiple businesses around the island, both big and small. Don't worry, I haven't disappointed you so far, and I don't want to start now."
"Thanks, Aiko. I know you will do a good job. I will go now; I have some money to burn to get my place in proper order." Jaune began heading to the door. "I will see you later, alright?"
"Alright. Take care!" With that, Jaune left, leaving Aiko alone in her apartment with her laptop to manage the money he was going to be sending her way. However, before she could get to that, she opened up a chat app on her laptop. A cross-platform program meant for everyday chatter between people. She had a message from Beli and one more person.
From Beli, it read. "Jaune seems like a really good guy. But, Aiko? Please, try not to let your vice get the better of you and drag you down along with him. He was kind enough to get you out of debt, so be careful, alright? I hope to see you soon. Love, Beli."
Aiko told her before that this was not some letter, so she didn't need to sign it, but habits die hard. The next message, however, was different. She knew who it was from, and she didn't want to read it, but she opened the private chat room and read it anyway. "Hey, Aiko? Sorry for messaging you; I just wanted to check up on you after the whole deal at the University. I hope you found your way in life because…Well, I sure as Grimm did a 'good' job with mine, didn't I? I just don't want you ending up like me."
Aiko sighed. "Thanks, Jessie." She closed her laptop and decided to reply to the messages the next day. She didn't need to be reminded about her issues. She had already dug a bit with that story about her mother, and she was not even at half of the entire ordeal.
"Well, that went well!" Kyu stated, seeming more positive. "You got yourself more acquainted with Aiko and even got a new chick to pursue already! At this rate, I will get big again in no time!" He remained silent. "Hm? Dude, are you being mopey due to the entire recounting of your life shit?"
"I…Sorry, remembering that stuff brought up bad memories." Jaune replied vocally.
"Use your inner voice so people do not think you're nuts." Kyu reminded him. "But yeah. I can understand there are things you don't want to speak about, but if a girl spills her guts to you like that, you do need to show trust back. You might need to make your peace with what was."
"Easier said than done," Jaune replied bitterly. "Sorry, Kyu, but can we avoid such subjects in the future? For my sake."
Kyu sighed. "Fine. I guess you do need your head in the game. Now, how about we change the subject to something else? Like, let's say, oh right! GETTING A WASHING MACHINE SO THAT I CAN CLEAN THOSE STINKY CLOTHES!"
"In theory, couldn't I buy some doll for you to strip and wear its clothes?"
"Asshole! I am not some doll! I am a Love Fairy! A living being! Not some piece of plastic. Ugh. Talking about plastic? Avoid fake boobs and shit, Jaune. Trust me, nothing good comes from it, and natural ones are always better."
"Can you tell the difference between them?"
"Prime example? Before us, you got two women with fake breasts, a blue shirt, and a red shirt."
"Really?! They look natural to me."
"They lack any realm jiggling of fat. Trust me, my eyes can tell."
"I guess you ARE the expert in those matters. By the way, are you into girls?"
"Ummm. Well, technically, I am into a lot of stuff. Including animals."
"WHAT?!"
"It was one time, I swear! I just got stuck in some fence once, and this bull came and shoved it right in my-"
"No, no, no! I don't want to hear how you committed bestiality, Kyu! Just no! Let's just get to shopping, and hopefully, I don't hear you did more fucked up shit! Like being a necrophilic person!"
"Hey! For your knowledge, he died mid-action! Oops."
"Why…Did you-"
"Not for an hour."
"Fuck…Fuck, you know what, no more. I am shutting my brain down from this conversation and focusing ONLY on shopping. Tomorrow, hopefully, this discussion will be only a bad, bad dream."
In the meantime, a couple of developments took place at Beacon Academy. Firstly, Jaune's former team received their new leader, and Pyrrha, her new partner. Alice Arc, Jaune's twin sister. Now, they were Team AVLN (Avalanche), led by Alice Arc. In looks, they were very much alike, safe for their eye color. His sister had vibrant green eyes inherited from their father. She kept her hair short, just below the chin, and sported a plain white shirt covered by a green vest, with a visible strap going right across her chest, which keeps it in place.
Her pants were blue jeans but cut below the knees, where Alice placed armor instead. She had armor stretching from ankle to knee, well polished to a shine, with a pair of black boots on her feet. She wore a belt on her pants, which had the holster for her weapon, a gun of some kind she named Azure Dawn.
Currently, she was talking with her team, with Pyrrha having confessed a certain set of details that didn't seem to please her that much. "You mean to tell me that Jaune, MY IDIOT brother, is in Bella Dia. And rich?"
"Won the lottery," Ren stated. "Though we already agreed that what he does right now is none of our business."
"Why?" Alice asked. "I doubt he deserves that money, and he likely cheated somehow to win the lottery. My brother is smart; I will give him that."
"Umm. Hello? What can we do about it?" Nora asked, not to antagonize Jaune as well but to draw them back to reality. "He is on the other side of Remnant, living his life! Besides, what right do we have to show up there and take his money away, anyway? Last I checked, Huntsmen-in-training do not have such rights."
"Nora is right. Again, I will repeat myself. What he does there is none of our business. We should focus on our studies here, at Beacon, and not let ourselves be distracted by him any longer. It's not worth it."
"The fuck it's not worth it!?" Alice shouted internally. "Dad was FUMING when he got the news, and he thought Jaune was still in Vale, ready to be picked up whenever he got over his anger to drag him back and have him continue the Arc name, as is his duty. Now, he is on the other side of Remnant, AND RICH? Plus, Bella Dia has laws against Huntsmen brutality, meaning that Dad cannot just go and get him anymore if he doesn't want to come."
"But how did he know to head to Bella Dia? Moreover, how did he know about the yearly lottery, and to that extent, how did he win? It was a random extraction; the balls were all the same, and that place takes its security seriously. Assuming he won fairly, it must have been his yearly stroke of good luck. But if he cheated, how'd he do it? No…Lie Ren is right. It's not worth it now. I will tell Dad later where he is, and he will see what he can do. For now, I better focus on Beacon."
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