Episode 8: Lie Ren Joins the Podcast

The episode opened differently from the usual polished introduction. The camera feed flickered to life, showing Yang hunched over the podcast equipment in the middle of setting up the microphones. She had her tongue poking out slightly in concentration as she adjusted the knobs on her sound mixer. The familiar backdrop of Team JNPR's dorm room came into focus, with its neatly arranged furniture and Ren's tea set carefully displayed on a shelf nearby.

In the background, Ren sat cross-legged on a meditation mat, his eyes closed, completely at peace.

Yang tilted her head as she worked, muttering under her breath. "Okay, sound levels look good… mic one is active… mic two is…" She froze mid-sentence, her golden eyes going wide as she glanced up and noticed the blinking red light on the camera.

"Oh. My. Gosh. We're live!" she exclaimed, frantically pressing buttons on the mixer. "How did this even happen?! I wasn't ready!"

Ren opened one eye, glancing over at her. "We're live already?" he asked calmly, his tone completely unfazed.

Yang groaned, running a hand down her face. "Apparently! Ugh, I was supposed to have another five minutes to get this perfect!"

Ren slowly unfolded himself from his meditation pose and walked over to the table, his movements fluid and serene. He pulled out his chair and sat down, adjusting his posture with quiet precision. "It's alright, Yang. You can start now. No need to stress."

Yang sighed and leaned toward the microphone, her usual grin returning to her face. "Alright, alright! No point in panicking now. Let's roll with it."

She turned to the camera and gave a sheepish wave. "Hey there, folks! Uh… surprise! Welcome to an unplanned early start to The Beacon Podcast. I'm your host, Yang Xiao Long, and today we're coming to you live from—drumroll, please—Team JNPR's dorm room!"

Yang gestured toward Ren, who gave a polite nod.

"And joining me today is the calmest guy at Beacon, the master of meditation, the tea connoisseur himself—Lie Ren!"

Ren folded his hands neatly in front of him and offered a small, polite smile. "Hello, everyone. It's a pleasure to be here."

Yang grinned. "Ren, I've gotta say, you're probably the chillest person I know. The room could literally be on fire, and you'd still look this composed."

Ren's smile grew faintly amused. "That's very kind of you to say, Yang, though I think I'd be a bit more concerned in that particular scenario."

Yang laughed. "Fair enough. Alright, before we dive into the serious stuff, let me just say—sorry about the accidental early start, folks. I hope you're all comfy because today we're peeling back the layers of Beacon's most mysterious and zen student. Ready, Ren?"

Ren nodded. "I'm ready."

Yang leaned closer to the mic, her grin widening. "Alright, let's get started!"

Yang tapped the microphone lightly, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Alright, Ren, let's start with something simple for the audience. For anyone who doesn't know much about you—and I can't imagine there are many—how would you describe Lie Ren in three words?"

Ren tilted his head, thinking for a moment. "Calm, disciplined, and… adaptable."

Yang nodded. "Yep, sounds about right. But let's dig a little deeper—what's the story behind the cool exterior? Were you always this collected, or did something shape you into the serene guy we all know today?"

Ren's expression turned thoughtful. "I think a lot of it comes from necessity. Growing up, I faced situations that required me to stay calm under pressure. My parents always encouraged mindfulness and discipline, and that helped me develop the ability to focus even in stressful situations."

Yang leaned in, her tone softening. "That's actually pretty amazing. And here I thought it was just something you were born with."

Ren smiled faintly. "It's a combination of both, I think. But I'll admit, it wasn't easy at first. There were moments when staying calm felt impossible."

Yang smirked. "Well, whatever you're doing, it's working. You're like the human version of a soothing cup of tea."

Ren chuckled softly. "Thank you, Yang. I'll take that as a compliment."

Yang grinned. "You should! Alright, let's keep this rolling. Time for the next question!"

Yang leaned forward in her chair, resting her chin in her hand as she regarded Ren with genuine curiosity. "Alright, Ren, let's dig a little deeper. You've got this whole calm, mysterious vibe going on, but I know there's more to you than just being the zen guy on campus. What was life like before Beacon? What got you here?"

Ren's expression turned reflective, his calm demeanor shifting into something quieter, more introspective. "It's… a long story," he said softly.

Yang gestured dramatically. "Hey, we've got time! Lay it on me—and everyone watching."

Ren smiled faintly, though there was a shadow of something bittersweet behind it. "I grew up in a small village called Kuroyuri. It was a peaceful place, surrounded by mountains and forests. My parents ran a small shop, and life was… simple."

Yang tilted her head, her grin softening. "That actually sounds really nice. What happened? If you're okay talking about it, of course."

Ren hesitated for a moment, his fingers interlacing as he rested his hands on the table. "There was a Grimm attack. A large one. My parents… they didn't survive."

Yang's expression immediately shifted to one of concern, her playful energy replaced with quiet empathy. "Ren, I'm so sorry."

Ren offered a small, reassuring smile. "Thank you, Yang. It was a long time ago, but it's something that stays with you. That day changed everything."

Yang leaned closer, her voice soft. "You don't have to go into detail if it's too much—"

Ren shook his head gently. "It's alright. I think it's important to talk about. During the attack, I was separated from my parents. I remember running, trying to find somewhere safe. That's when I met Nora."

Yang's eyebrows shot up. "Wait—you met Nora during the attack?"

Ren nodded. "Yes. She was hiding in the ruins of a building, alone and terrified. I don't know what compelled me to stop, but I couldn't leave her there."

Yang smiled faintly. "That sounds like you."

Ren's expression softened. "She was so scared, but even then, she had this… spark. We stuck together after that. I guess we both realized we had no one else."

Yang tilted her head. "That's incredible. I mean, you've been through so much together, and you've come out the other side stronger for it."

Ren's smile turned wistful. "It wasn't easy. That day was also when I discovered my Semblance. I remember seeing the Grimm surrounding us, and I felt this overwhelming need to protect Nora and myself. Somehow, I was able to suppress our emotions, to make us invisible to the Grimm."

Yang's eyes widened. "Wait, that's how you found your Semblance? During that attack?"

Ren nodded. "Yes. It was purely instinctual at first, but it worked. The Grimm lost interest, and we were able to escape. After that, Nora and I survived together, traveling from place to place until we found refuge."

Yang leaned back, letting out a breath. "Ren, that's… I don't even know what to say. You've been through so much, and yet here you are—calm, composed, and kicking Grimm butt with Nora by your side. That's amazing."

Ren chuckled softly. "Thank you, Yang. I think what happened shaped who I am today, for better or worse. It taught me the importance of staying focused, of protecting those who can't protect themselves."

Yang's grin returned, though it was softer this time. "Well, for what it's worth, I think your parents would be proud of you. You've come a long way, Ren."

Ren inclined his head slightly. "That means a lot. Thank you."

The camera captured Yang leaning forward with a curious glint in her eye. Ren sat across from her, his posture straight and composed, though the faintest trace of a smile lingered as Yang spoke.

"Alright, Ren," Yang began, resting her chin on her hand. "You've given us some insight into your past and how you met Nora, but now I'm curious—what was life like for the two of you before you came to Beacon? What did you guys do to survive? And don't leave out the good stuff. The audience loves details."

Ren leaned back slightly, his hands folding neatly in his lap as he considered the question. "It wasn't easy, to say the least. After the Grimm attack on Kuroyuri, we had to learn to fend for ourselves. We moved from one village to the next, looking for places that were safe enough to stay for a while. Most of the time, we relied on odd jobs to get by."

Yang tilted her head. "Odd jobs? Like what?"

Ren's smile turned faintly amused. "Whatever people were willing to pay for. I helped repair things—fences, tools, carts. Nora…" He paused, his tone shifting. "Nora's talents were a bit more… unconventional."

Yang raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh, this I've gotta hear. What kind of 'unconventional' talents are we talking about?"

Ren sighed, though there was a flicker of humor in his expression. "Let's just say Nora has a… persuasive energy. She convinced one village elder to pay us in pancakes instead of Lien. She claimed it was part of a 'barter system revival' she was starting."

Yang burst out laughing, slapping the table. "Oh my gosh, she would! Did it work?"

Ren nodded, his lips twitching slightly. "Yes. For about two weeks, we were paid entirely in pancakes."

Yang leaned back in her chair, wiping a tear from her eye. "That's amazing. I swear, Nora could probably talk her way out of anything."

Ren's smile grew softer. "She could—and she often did. But to answer your question, life wasn't just about finding food or work. It was about looking out for each other. We faced Grimm more times than I care to count, but we learned to trust each other completely. That bond is what got us through."

Yang's grin softened. "That's honestly really touching, Ren. You guys make such a great team. But come on—there's gotta be something funny that happened during all that time. Something that made you laugh even when things were tough."

Ren's expression shifted as he thought for a moment, then a small, rare chuckle escaped him. "There was one incident. We were staying in a village that had a small marketplace, and one of the stalls was selling Dust crystals. I told Nora not to touch anything because we couldn't afford it, but the moment I turned around, I heard a very loud noise."

Yang's eyes widened with anticipation. "Oh no… what did she do?"

Ren's lips twitched, his attempt to stay composed visibly wavering. "She picked up a Lightning Dust crystal and accidentally triggered it. The resulting surge of electricity shocked her and caused her hair to stand completely on end."

Yang immediately burst into uncontrollable laughter, doubling over in her chair as tears streamed down her face. "Her hair?! Oh my gosh! I'm picturing it—she probably looked like she stuck her head in a lightning storm!"

Ren's own composure began to crack as he tried to suppress a smile. "It was… quite the sight. But what made it worse was that instead of being embarrassed, she started pretending she was some sort of 'thunder goddess' and ran around the market shouting 'Fear me, mortals!'"

Yang completely lost it, falling back in her chair and clutching her sides. "Stop—stop! I can't breathe! That is so Nora!"

Ren, despite his best efforts, finally allowed a small laugh to escape, though he quickly straightened himself and cleared his throat. "It took me an hour to calm her down and another hour to convince the stall owner not to ban us from the market."

Yang wiped her eyes, still laughing. "Ren, that is the best thing I've heard all week. I swear, you deserve some kind of medal for dealing with her."

Ren's faint smile grew. "Nora may be… unpredictable, but I wouldn't trade her for anything."

Yang sat up, still catching her breath. "You're a better man than me, Ren."

Yang leaned back in her chair, her usual grin softening into something more thoughtful as she regarded Ren. For a moment, the lighthearted energy of the room shifted into something quieter, more intimate. She tapped her fingers on the edge of the table before speaking.

"Alright, Ren, let's switch gears for a moment. I've got a serious question for you, and you don't have to answer if it's too personal. But… have you ever thought about going back to Kuroyuri? To your village? Maybe to pay respects to your parents?"

Ren's calm expression faltered slightly, a shadow of something heavy passing over his face. He took a deep breath, his fingers lacing together as he seemed to consider his words carefully.

"I have thought about it," he said after a moment, his voice quieter than usual. "More times than I can count." He looked down at the table briefly before raising his eyes to meet Yang's. "But it's complicated."

Yang leaned forward slightly, giving him her full attention. "Complicated how?"

Ren's lips pressed together in thought. "Going back to Kuroyuri would mean facing everything I left behind. The memories, the loss… it's not something I've ever felt ready to do. When I left, I told myself that looking back wouldn't help me move forward. I needed to survive, to protect Nora, to focus on the future. But now that I'm older, I realize it's not that simple. Ignoring the past doesn't make it go away."

Yang nodded, her expression somber. "That makes sense. I mean, it's not just a place for you—it's where everything changed."

Ren gave a small, bittersweet smile. "Exactly. Kuroyuri was my home, but it's also the place where I lost everything. My parents, my childhood… all of it was taken away in a single day. Going back feels… daunting. I'd be walking into the ruins of my life. And yet…"

He paused, his voice trailing off for a moment.

Yang tilted her head. "And yet?"

Ren sighed softly. "And yet, I feel like I owe it to them. To my parents. They were good people—kind, hardworking, always putting others before themselves. They taught me so much in the short time I had with them, and I carry their lessons with me every day. Going back to pay my respects… it feels like something I should do, to honor them."

Yang leaned her chin on her hand, her voice softer now. "But you're not sure if you're ready."

Ren nodded. "That's the heart of it. I don't know if I'm strong enough to face it yet. And part of me wonders if I ever will be. What if it's too much? What if I go there and all I feel is pain?"

Yang leaned back, crossing her arms thoughtfully. "I don't think there's a 'right' way to feel about something like that, Ren. It's heavy stuff. But… if you ever decide to go, you don't have to do it alone, you know."

Ren looked at her, a flicker of surprise in his usually calm eyes. "You mean that?"

Yang smiled warmly. "Of course. Whether it's me, Nora, or anyone else on our teams, you've got people who'd have your back. You don't have to carry that kind of weight on your own."

Ren's expression softened, gratitude evident in his gaze. "Thank you, Yang. That means more than I can say."

Yang leaned forward, her grin returning, though it was gentle this time. "Hey, that's what friends are for, right? Just say the word, and we'll take a trip to Kuroyuri. Who knows? Maybe it won't just be about the pain. Maybe you'll find some peace, too."

Ren nodded slowly, his voice steady but thoughtful. "Maybe. And when that day comes, I'll be ready. I think… I think they'd want me to remember the good things, not just the loss."

Yang's smile widened. "I think you're right."

For a moment, the room fell quiet, the weight of the conversation settling in. Then, as if to lighten the mood, Yang clapped her hands together and straightened in her chair. "Alright, Ren, thanks for sharing that. Seriously. But don't think you're off the hook just yet. We've still got plenty more to talk about!"

Ren chuckled softly, his calm demeanor returning. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

Yang leaned back in her chair, letting out a deep breath as the heaviness of the previous conversation settled into a calm silence. She glanced at Ren with a soft smile before clapping her hands together lightly, breaking the mood.

"Alright, Ren, let's shift gears again," Yang said with a spark in her voice. "Don't get me wrong, I love the deep and meaningful stuff, but let's bring back a little of that lighthearted energy. Let's talk about the future."

Ren tilted his head slightly, his calm expression not faltering. "The future?"

"Yeah," Yang nodded, her grin widening. "When Nora was on here, she said that after Beacon, she wants to keep fighting Grimm, but she also dreams about finding a place where you two can settle down. Somewhere safe, where you don't have to worry about the next fight. Maybe even next to the world's biggest pancake house."

Ren chuckled softly, his expression softening. "That sounds exactly like her."

Yang leaned forward, her grin mischievous. "So, what about you? Do you have the same dream, or is Nora dragging you into her pancake-filled fantasy life?"

Ren smiled faintly, his hands folding neatly on the table. "It's funny… I've never really thought about what comes after Beacon. Nora's idea of finding a peaceful place where we can live without constantly looking over our shoulders does appeal to me, though. I think she's right—after everything we've been through, we deserve that kind of life."

Yang tilted her head. "So, you're saying the 'peaceful tea shop next to Pancake Manor' dream could be a reality?"

Ren chuckled, shaking his head lightly. "It could be. I'd be perfectly happy running a small tea shop somewhere quiet, away from all the chaos. But I also can't see myself stepping away from protecting people entirely. It's a part of who I am now."

Yang smirked. "Let me guess—Nora drags you into fights with Grimm even after you retire?"

Ren raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching into a small smile. "That sounds about right."

Yang tapped her fingers on the table. "Alright, here's a fun twist on the question. Let's say you and Nora never went to Beacon—what do you think you'd both be doing instead, based on your skills?"

Ren leaned back slightly, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "That's an interesting question. I think, if we hadn't come to Beacon, we'd still find a way to work together. It's hard to imagine us going separate ways."

Yang waved her hand. "Obviously! You two are inseparable. But come on—what jobs would you have?"

Ren hesitated for a moment, his expression softening with humor. "I think Nora would've ended up as a demolition expert."

Yang immediately burst out laughing, nearly doubling over in her chair. "Oh my gosh! That's exactly what she said! You two really are on the same wavelength!"

Ren allowed himself a small smile, clearly amused by her reaction. "It makes sense. She's good at breaking things, and she has more energy than anyone I've ever met. I can't imagine her doing anything quiet or calm."

Yang wiped a tear from her eye. "No kidding. Alright, what about you? What's Ren's alternate timeline career?"

Ren tilted his head slightly. "I'd probably be a craftsman. Repairing things, making tools, maybe even building furniture."

Yang smirked. "Of course. You'd be the guy in town everyone goes to when something's broken. 'Ren, my cart wheel broke! Ren, my door won't close! Ren, can you fix my life?'"

Ren chuckled softly. "I don't know if I could handle the last one, but I wouldn't mind helping people with the rest."

Yang grinned. "So, basically, Nora would be out there destroying things, and you'd be the one fixing everything she leaves behind."

Ren raised an eyebrow. "That's not too far from reality."

Yang threw her head back, laughing. "True! You're already living that life, Ren. Alright, alternate timeline settled—Nora the Demolition Queen and Ren the Handy Craftsman, taking on the world one broken house at a time."

Ren smiled, the calm humor in his expression making it clear he was enjoying the conversation. "It's a good thing we found a different path."

Yang leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "Yeah, but you've gotta admit, it's fun to think about what could've been. Honestly, though? I think you two are exactly where you're supposed to be."

Ren nodded, his tone steady. "I think so, too."

Yang leaned back in her chair, tapping her fingers on the table thoughtfully. A spark of mischief and curiosity lit up her expression as she regarded Ren.

"Alright, Ren, I've got one more question for you before we wrap this up. It's more of a personal project thing, and I think you might be able to help me out."

Ren raised an eyebrow slightly, intrigued. "I'll do my best. What's on your mind?"

Yang leaned forward, grinning. "So, I've been thinking about getting a permanent podcast space here at Beacon. You know, somewhere I can actually set up shop and not have to move from the gardens to dorm rooms and back again. I already talked to Professor Goodwitch, Professor Port, and even Ozpin, and they all had some solid recommendations. But…"

She pointed a finger at Ren, her grin widening. "I wanted to ask you, because if there's anyone who knows quiet, peaceful spots that might work, it's gotta be you."

Ren tilted his head, his fingers lightly tapping against the table as he considered her request. "A permanent podcast space… I can see why that would be useful. Let me think."

Yang waited patiently, leaning her chin on her hand as Ren's eyes narrowed slightly in thought. After a few moments, he nodded.

"There are a few places that might work," Ren began. "The first is the old study hall on the second floor of the east wing. It's not used very often anymore, and it's relatively quiet. You'd have plenty of room to set up equipment without interruptions."

Yang's eyes lit up. "The east wing? Oh, I like the sound of that. What else you got?"

Ren continued, his tone calm and thoughtful. "There's also a storage room near the training grounds that's been empty for a while. It's not as large as the study hall, but it has great acoustics, and it's far enough from the main areas that you wouldn't have to worry about outside noise. You'd probably need to clean it up a bit, but it could be a good option."

Yang nodded, her grin widening. "Ooh, I like that one too! A little fixer-upper could be fun. Anything else?"

Ren thought for another moment before adding, "There's a space near the library annex that was once used for student meetings. It's not as isolated, but it has a nice atmosphere—calm and comfortable. If you don't mind the occasional background chatter, it could work well for your show."

Yang tilted her head, mulling it over. "The library annex, huh? That could be a vibe. I mean, I'd have to figure out how to make it more soundproof, but it's worth checking out."

Ren smiled faintly. "I can show you the locations if you'd like. You could see which one feels right for you."

Yang gave him a playful finger gun. "Ren, you're the best. I knew you'd have some killer ideas! I'm definitely taking you up on that tour offer."

Ren nodded. "It would be my pleasure."

Yang leaned back, tapping the table once. "Alright, with that settled, let's bring this episode home. Ren, before we go, I always like to leave my guests with a chance to offer some final words of wisdom. For anyone out there struggling, especially with big challenges or tough decisions, what would you say to them?"

Ren's expression softened, and he took a moment to think, his calm demeanor making his words feel measured and meaningful. "Life can feel overwhelming at times. It's easy to lose sight of what's important when you're faced with hardship. But if there's one thing I've learned, it's this: You don't have to face everything alone. Lean on the people you trust. Let them help you carry the weight. And remember, even in the darkest moments, there's always a way forward. Sometimes it's hard to see, but it's there."

Yang's grin softened as she nodded. "That's some solid advice, Ren. I think a lot of people needed to hear that."

Ren offered a small smile. "I hope it helps someone."

Yang sat up straighter, turning back to the camera. "Alright, folks, that's a wrap for this episode of The Beacon Podcast! Big thanks to Ren for not only giving us some killer stories but also dropping some serious wisdom. Stay tuned for the next episode, and maybe by then, we'll have that permanent podcast space locked down. Catch you all next time!"

The screen faded to the podcast's logo, upbeat music playing as Yang gave Ren a thumbs-up, and the faint sound of their conversation continued in the background, leaving the audience with a sense of inspiration and warmth.