Disclaimer: Don't own either Rwby or Type Moon. So enjoy or don't
Chapter 28: Morning Reflections and Introductions
The first light of dawn slowly crept into the kitchen, casting a warm golden glow across the countertops. The quiet hum of the refrigerator and the rhythmic chop of a knife were the only sounds breaking the morning stillness. Shirou stood at the counter, skillfully dicing vegetables with precise, practiced movements. His mind, however, was far from the task at hand.
As he worked, his thoughts drifted back to the intense battle from the night before. The image of the hulking monster—Berserker—flashed in his mind, a reminder of the dangers lurking on this unfamiliar path. The memory stirred conflicting emotions within him: the thrill of the fight, the weight of responsibility, and the unease of knowing what such power could bring if left unchecked. Yet, as much as the battle haunted him, something else weighed on him even more—the subtle, physical changes in his body.
While washing his hands earlier, Shirou had noticed the gradual shift in his appearance. Strands of his once entirely red hair had begun turning white, a startling contrast against the rest of his locks. More unsettling was the faint ring of gray encircling the outer edges of his irises, an omen of how his mental state and the strain of his past were manifesting outwardly. It wasn't just the toll of battle—it was something deeper, a reflection of the battles he fought within.
With a sigh, Shirou took a brief pause and ran a hand through his hair, feeling the strands slip between his fingers. He knew he couldn't afford to let anyone see these changes—not yet. Blake, Sun, and Ghira had been kind enough to take him in, and the last thing he wanted was to cause alarm. After a moment's thought, he discreetly placed a glamour over himself, concealing the telltale signs. His hair returned to its usual red hue, and his eyes appeared as normal as ever. The spell was simple but effective, enough to mask the growing cracks in his facade.
With that taken care of, Shirou turned his attention back to breakfast. The kitchen was soon filled with the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling bacon, sautéed vegetables, and freshly cracked eggs cooking in the pan. There was something comforting about the process—measuring ingredients, adjusting the heat, timing everything perfectly. Cooking, to him, was an act of care and focus, a way to ground himself amidst the uncertainties that loomed over him.
He reached for a pot of tea that had been steeping and poured it into a simple ceramic cup. Taking a moment to sip the warm drink, Shirou allowed himself a brief reprieve from his heavy thoughts. The quiet clinks of dishes and the soft steam rising from the stove created an atmosphere of peace and normalcy—something he'd come to cherish in these fleeting moments.
As he prepared the final touches, Shirou couldn't help but think about what the day ahead might hold. New allies, new challenges, and perhaps more revelations about this world and his place in it. But for now, he focused on making sure the meal was perfect. It was a small way to show his appreciation for those who had extended their trust and hospitality, even as he remained a stranger in many ways.
The soft sound of approaching footsteps signaled that the quiet solitude of the morning was about to end. Shirou took one last deep breath, letting the calmness settle over him. He wasn't sure what lay ahead, but for this moment, he was content to find solace in the simple act of making breakfast for those he had come to care about, however briefly.
Blake's footsteps were soft as she descended the stairs, barely audible over the sizzle of food in the pan. She wasn't usually up this early, but the events of the previous night had kept her tossing and turning. When the enticing aroma of breakfast finally coaxed her out of bed, she found herself drawn toward the source.
Rounding the corner, she paused for a moment in the doorway, watching Shirou move effortlessly around the kitchen. The morning light filtered in through the window, casting a gentle glow on him as he worked. Despite everything that had happened, there was a serene expression on his face, as if the act of cooking allowed him a moment of peace. It was a side of him she hadn't expected, given the intense focus and determination he'd shown in battle.
"Good morning," Blake greeted, her voice soft but clear as she approached the counter.
Shirou looked up from the skillet and offered a warm smile. "Morning, Blake. You're up early."
Blake shrugged as she moved closer to see what he was cooking. "I couldn't sleep much. Thought I'd come help—if you don't mind, that is."
"Not at all," Shirou replied, stepping aside slightly to give her more room. "I could use the help. You can start by chopping those green onions for the omelets."
Blake picked up a knife and got to work, her movements precise and fluid. There was a comfortable silence between them, broken only by the rhythmic sound of chopping and the occasional clatter of utensils. Despite the simplicity of the moment, there was an unspoken understanding in the air, a sense of companionship that came easily to both of them.
As they worked side by side, Blake stole a few glances at Shirou, her curiosity piqued. The image of him facing that monstrous creature from last night was still fresh in her mind. The way he fought—fearless, decisive, and with a skill that clearly came from experience—was unlike anything she had seen before. He had stepped into a chaotic situation with confidence, yet there was an air of burden about him, something that hinted at a troubled past.
Unable to hold back any longer, Blake finally asked, "What was that thing you fought last night?"
Shirou's hand stilled for a brief moment as he cracked an egg into a bowl. His eyes clouded with a shadow of memory, and his expression turned more somber. "It was… something from my past," he answered quietly, his tone carrying a weight that told Blake there was much more to the story than he was letting on.
Blake noticed the distant look in his eyes, the way his face hardened for just a second before he masked it with a neutral expression. She recognized that look—the look of someone who carried scars too deep to heal, someone who had seen and endured more than most could imagine. Part of her wanted to press him for more details, to understand what kind of past could lead someone to fight like that. But something in his demeanor stopped her. She knew what it was like to be chased by ghosts from the past, and sometimes, prying open those wounds did more harm than good.
Sensing that she had touched on something painful, Blake decided to let the matter rest. She shifted the conversation to something lighter. "You seem pretty skilled in the kitchen," she noted with a small smile. "Is cooking something you've always done?"
Shirou's expression softened again as he focused back on the food. "Yeah, you could say that. I've had to cook for myself and others for a long time now. It's… comforting, I guess. No matter what's happening, you can always count on a good meal to bring people together."
Blake nodded in agreement. "It does have that effect, doesn't it?"
The conversation drifted into more casual topics as they continued preparing breakfast. They exchanged stories of meals gone wrong, favorite dishes, and little cooking tips. For a moment, it was easy to forget about the battles, the monsters, and the looming dangers. They were just two people sharing a quiet morning, the warmth of the kitchen creating a sense of normalcy.
As they finished up, the sounds of footsteps and hushed whispers reached them from the hallway. Blake's cat ears twitched slightly, picking up on the familiar voices of her friends trying—and failing—to be subtle. It seemed they had drawn some curious onlookers.
Shirou glanced at her with an amused look, and Blake couldn't help but smile back. "Looks like the others are up," she said, her voice tinged with amusement.
"Guess we'll have some company soon," Shirou replied, grabbing a plate to start setting the food out.
The comfortable camaraderie between them was clear, and as the meal came together, the bond they were slowly forming felt natural and genuine. For Blake, who was often guarded and reserved, it was a pleasant surprise to find herself opening up, even if just a little.
With breakfast nearly ready and the kitchen filled with the delicious aroma of their work, the stage was set for the day ahead. They might have been on the brink of facing unknown challenges, but for now, the simple pleasure of sharing a meal with new friends offered a much-needed respite.
From the hallway just outside the kitchen, a small group had quietly gathered, each one peeking around the corner to catch a glimpse of the early morning scene. Yang, Ruby, Weiss, Jaune, Nora, Ren, and Oscar huddled together, trying—and failing—to remain inconspicuous as they observed Blake and Shirou from a distance.
"Look at them," Yang whispered, her eyes narrowing slightly as she watched Blake interact with the mysterious stranger who had fought the giant monster the night before. Normally, Blake was reserved, keeping her emotions guarded even around her closest friends. Yet here she was, laughing softly, clearly comfortable around someone they barely knew. It sent a strange pang through Yang's chest—a mix of concern, confusion, and, if she was honest with herself, a bit of jealousy. Seeing Blake so at ease with someone else, especially so quickly, stirred emotions she couldn't fully process.
Ruby leaned in closer, her wide, curious eyes fixated on the scene in the kitchen. "They seem to be getting along really well," she remarked quietly, her voice tinged with both curiosity and approval. "It's nice seeing Blake smile like that." Ruby's enthusiasm was genuine; she loved it when her friends found reasons to be happy, but the mysterious stranger's sudden presence piqued her interest in a way that couldn't be ignored.
Weiss, standing just behind them, crossed her arms and observed with a critical eye. "It's suspicious, if you ask me," she muttered under her breath. "We barely know anything about him. He just shows up out of nowhere, fights that thing like it's routine, and now he's cooking breakfast like he's always been part of the group?"
Nora, ever the one to jump to wild conclusions, leaned in with wide, excited eyes. "Maybe he's a secret agent sent to protect us from dark forces! Or he's secretly royalty in disguise who's hiding from an evil kingdom!"
Jaune shook his head, half-amused, half-exasperated. "Nora, I don't think it's anything like that. But it is strange how easily he fits in, like he's been doing this for ages. And Blake… I've never seen her warm up to someone this quickly."
Ren, always the calm voice of reason, remained analytical. "Whatever his story is, he doesn't seem like a threat. If anything, he might be an ally we'll need, given what we're up against. Blake's good at reading people—if she trusts him, there's probably a good reason."
Despite his logical words, Ren couldn't deny the slight tension in the air. Oscar, who had been silently observing with furrowed brows, finally spoke up. "I'm curious about how he managed to handle that monster last night. It wasn't like anything I've ever seen. There's something different about him… more than just his skill."
As they continued to watch, they noticed Blake and Shirou move about the kitchen with an ease that felt natural, as if they'd known each other far longer than just a day. Blake handed Shirou ingredients with a slight smile, and he responded with a nod of thanks, the two of them working in quiet sync. It was an image that conflicted with the tension the group felt—the sense that there was more to Shirou than met the eye.
But while most of the group remained curious and cautious, Yang's frown deepened as she watched her usually guarded friend open up to someone else, someone she herself didn't know well enough to trust. It gnawed at her, the protective instincts she held for Blake clashing with the realization that maybe—just maybe—Blake needed this connection, this new friendship. Still, the negative emotion lingered, a mix of doubt and worry that she couldn't fully shake.
Blake's openness with Shirou was something that Yang couldn't ignore. It was subtle—just a slight lift in her voice, the way her posture relaxed—but it was there, and it wasn't something Yang was used to seeing outside of their tight-knit circle. She couldn't help but wonder what this new dynamic might mean, not just for Blake, but for all of them.
Finally, the smell of freshly cooked food became too much to bear. Ruby's stomach growled audibly, breaking the tension and drawing amused looks from the others. "Okay, I can't take it anymore," she whispered urgently. "We need to get in there before all the good stuff is gone!"
Weiss rolled her eyes, but even she had to admit the aroma was irresistible. With a collective nod of agreement, the group straightened up and filed into the kitchen, their "secret" observation officially over. Blake, hearing them approach, turned around and smirked.
"Eavesdropping, huh?" she teased, her golden eyes glinting with amusement.
Ruby scratched the back of her head sheepishly. "We just wanted to make sure everything was okay," she said, trying to hide her embarrassment.
Shirou chuckled as he finished plating the food. "Well, you're just in time. Breakfast is ready."
With the group's curiosity temporarily satisfied, they shifted their attention to the delicious smells wafting from the kitchen. Shirou and Blake were already setting the finished dishes on the table, the aroma of crispy bacon, fluffy omelets, and freshly baked bread making everyone's stomachs rumble in unison. The variety of colors—from the vibrant greens of sautéed vegetables to the rich browns of perfectly cooked meats—gave the table a vibrant and inviting look.
Sun, always eager to be helpful, stepped forward and flashed his usual bright smile. "Need a hand setting the table?"
"Sure," Blake said with a nod, handing him some plates and silverware. "We could use the help."
Sun set to work immediately, darting around the room with his usual boundless energy. He made sure each setting was perfectly aligned, taking extra care to ensure everything looked neat. The rest of the group started pitching in as well: Ruby and Weiss handled the napkins, while Jaune and Ren fetched extra glasses for juice and water. The coordination was almost instinctual, a reflection of how easily they fell into a rhythm when working together.
As they set the table, the group couldn't help but sneak glances at the spread. Shirou had clearly put a lot of effort into making everything look as appealing as it smelled. The omelets were packed with a colorful assortment of vegetables and herbs, the toast was golden brown with just the right amount of crisp, and the fresh fruit salad was a burst of vibrant colors—red strawberries, green kiwis, and deep purple grapes.
Nora, always the one with an insatiable appetite, stared longingly at the stack of pancakes topped with a drizzle of maple syrup and a generous dollop of butter slowly melting down the sides. "This looks amazing!" she exclaimed, barely able to contain her excitement. "I can't wait to dig in!"
Qrow, who had been lingering near the doorway with his usual nonchalant air, took a deep sniff of the air and whistled. "Gotta admit, kid, you've got some skills. This might be the best-smelling breakfast I've ever come across."
Shirou offered a modest smile. "I just figured we could all use a good meal. It's nice to start the day with something that brings everyone together."
Blake's expression softened as she handed out the last of the utensils. It was a small but genuine moment—a reminder that, despite the weight of their missions and the challenges ahead, they could still find comfort in the little things. For a brief time, they could enjoy a meal without the tension of battles and strategies hanging over them.
As the last dish was placed on the table, everyone took their seats. The food was ready, the table was set, and the sun was now fully rising, casting a warm, golden light across the room. The combination of the delicious scents, the inviting spread, and the shared anticipation made the moment feel almost like a celebration—a momentary respite from the dangers they knew would come.
They all sat there, waiting for someone to give the go-ahead. Ruby's eyes darted between the food and her friends, her hands fidgeting in anticipation. Finally, unable to hold back any longer, she looked to Shirou with pleading eyes. "Is it okay if we start now? Please?"
Shirou chuckled softly and gave a small nod. "Go ahead, dig in."
It was like a dam broke. In an instant, the table was filled with the clatter of forks and knives, cheerful chatter, and satisfied hums of approval as everyone dove into the feast before them. The group was quick to agree—this was some of the best food they had tasted in a long time. Ruby was particularly enthralled with the pancakes, while Jaune couldn't get enough of the omelets. Nora and Ren shared a plate of bacon, with Nora clearly winning the battle for the biggest pieces.
As they ate, the atmosphere was light and warm, filled with easy banter and the sound of clinking glasses. Even Yang, who had been silently brooding over her earlier thoughts, found herself caught up in the pleasant conversation, her earlier worries pushed aside—at least for now.
The simple act of sharing a meal together forged a stronger bond among the group. For Shirou, it was a chance to ease into this new dynamic and start building a sense of trust and camaraderie. For Blake, it was a comforting reminder that even amidst the uncertainty, there were moments of normalcy and warmth to hold onto.
As the plates began to clear and everyone leaned back, content and satisfied from the meal, the conversation naturally shifted toward their guest. The group's curiosity, already piqued by Shirou's surprising appearance and skills, bubbled over as they prepared to ask the questions they had been holding back.
It was Ruby who finally broke the silence. Her wide eyes sparkled with curiosity as she leaned forward eagerly. "So, who exactly are you? I mean, it's not everyday someone just shows up, fights a giant monster, and then cooks an amazing breakfast!"
Shirou paused, choosing his words carefully. "My name's Shirou. I've been staying with Blake's parents for a while now. Some fishermen found me near Menagerie, and I've been there ever since, helping out where I can." His tone was calm and steady, but there was a guardedness to his words. The last thing he wanted was to reveal too much about his origins.
Oscar, still a bit hesitant but equally curious, leaned forward. "So… what exactly was that thing you fought last night?"
Shirou's gaze darkened slightly, a flicker of memory passing through his eyes. "It was something from my past," he answered, his voice lower and edged with something heavier, something he clearly didn't want to delve into. Blake noticed the shift in his demeanor and instinctively placed a gentle hand on his arm, as if to ground him. Sensing the tension in Shirou's answer, she shot a subtle glance at the others, signaling that this was a topic better left alone—for now.
Not one to linger on awkward silences, Ruby brightened and quickly changed the subject. "So… what's your semblance? The way you fought was incredible!
Shirou gave a small, thoughtful smile. "You could say that's part of it. My semblance lets me recreate objects I've seen before—primarily weapons. I can analyze their structure, composition, and even the memories attached to them, and then I reproduce them almost perfectly." He glanced at Ruby's wide-eyed expression and decided to clarify without revealing too much. "It's easier for me to work with swords. They're more in line with what I'm comfortable with, both in terms of design and how I use them."
Ruby's eyes sparkled with excitement at the mention of swords, her enthusiasm bubbling over. "Wait, you can just make swords out of thin air? That's so cool! Could you show us?"
Shirou chuckled softly at Ruby's enthusiasm, which was infectious. "Sure." He closed his eyes briefly, focusing on the image in his mind. As he raised his hand, shimmering lines of light traced the outline of a sword in the air. Within moments, a perfectly forged blade materialized in his grasp—a sleek, simple sword with a polished steel blade and a leather-wrapped hilt. He handed it to Ruby, who accepted it with wide-eyed wonder, examining every detail as if it were a priceless artifact.
As Ruby inspected the sword, the rest of the group watched Shirou with renewed interest. The process he went through—the focus, the glowing light, the sudden materialization of a weapon—was unlike anything they had seen before. Even Weiss, who prided herself on understanding a wide range of combat techniques, found herself intrigued by the unique nature of Shirou's semblance.
Jaune, who had been quietly considering everything, reached into his pocket and pulled out the Berserker card. He eyed it cautiously before holding it out to Shirou. "Speaking of weapons, this showed up after the fight last night. I think it belongs to you."
Shirou's expression remained neutral as he accepted the card. He studied it for a moment, his gaze unreadable. "I'm not sure what this is," he said finally, a hint of mystery in his voice as he tucked the card away, not wanting to reveal too much about what he truly knew. "But it's probably better if I hold onto it for now."
The group exchanged puzzled glances but didn't press further. They could sense that there was more to the card—and to Shirou—than what he was letting on, but now wasn't the time to dig deeper.
The questions continued, flowing naturally as the group sought to learn more about this new potential ally. Nora leaned in, her curiosity evident. "Where are you from, Shirou? What's your home like?"
Shirou's expression softened, a wistful look passing through his eyes. "I'm from a small town… or at least, it used to be. It was quiet, nothing fancy—just a place where people tried to live simple, honest lives. I learned a lot there, but it's… complicated to explain."
He trailed off, leaving an air of ambiguity around his answer. The group sensed there was more to the story, but they respected his choice to keep certain details to himself. Despite his cryptic answers, there was something about Shirou's tone—a sense of deep loss mixed with quiet determination—that made them feel he was someone who carried burdens not unlike their own.
Weiss narrowed her eyes slightly, still skeptical. "Your semblance seems powerful, but is there more to it? How exactly does it work?"
Shirou leaned back slightly, considering his response. "My semblance is complex, and it's more than just copying weapons. I can reinforce objects and enhance their strength, durability, and effectiveness. The swords I create are not just replicas—they're fully functional and can be adapted to different situations." He chose his words carefully, staying true to the truth while still keeping the nature of his magecraft hidden. "There's a lot of mental focus involved in creating and maintaining them, and it's not something I can do endlessly."
Everyone listened intently, absorbing the explanation with a mix of fascination and respect. They had seen many different semblances in their time, but Shirou's seemed to blend creativity, combat skill, and something uniquely personal all at once.
Ruby's eyes lit up as she finished inspecting the sword Shirou had created. "This is amazing! You said it's easier for you to make swords, right? Could you make other kinds of weapons too?"
Shirou nodded, though with a slight reservation. "I can, but it's not as efficient. Swords are what I'm most familiar with, so they're usually my go-to. But if needed, I can replicate other types of weapons—though they might not be as strong or as stable."
The room buzzed with interest as everyone processed the new information. There was a sense of understanding starting to form—a realization that Shirou was more than just a fighter. His abilities, while still shrouded in some mystery, were undeniably valuable, and the group could already see how he might be a key asset in their ongoing journey.
The conversation naturally wound down, leaving a sense of curiosity satisfied but also a mutual understanding that there was still more to learn about Shirou. As they finished the last of their breakfast, the group's thoughts turned toward the challenges ahead, now with the faint hope that this new ally might be the key to overcoming what lay in wait.