A/N In for a Penny
Alt title: Soon for a pound
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Where'd the Dancing Leaf go?
I released a Kitsu chapter and a Cyril chapter.
Did they blow away?
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Joeytrusty: Why do people keep thinking Salemnism is a cult?
And no, Watts didn't name the unit after himself.
YeTianshi: You are the second person to ask about Kitsu appearing in this fic. To answer simply, chaos.
cassnova5424: Which is worse, to be Qrow or Peter Parker you ask?
Huh. I don't know. Let's let all the people who bother to read this be the judge!
Samejake: Thank you!
Genkiwan: Petals plus a whirlwind sprint is basically just Ruby.
GideonBlackthorn: Yeah, Qrow was paranoid! All it would take is a little bad luck at the wrong time, and boom. Miscarriage, boom, dropped baby. So, he kept his distance until he felt it was safe enough.
Rex-Mortuorum: Oh just wait! Ruby has a plan for, well you'll see.
Gellius G Gloop: Huh, never really expected someone to call my smut wholesome and innocent.
Anyumaaka: Yeah, I tend not to focus on any smut too hard. Hehe.
As for Yang not caring about being politically correct, Ruby did say she's used to hearing worse things than what Cyril's said. Yang's not racist, she just doesn't care if she offends people with her jokes.
Demon lord Beelzebub: As of now, Blake is not a love interest. I'm still undecided, and honestly? I'm leaning more towards Cyril and Blake having an Agua and Kazuma type relationship. Where they annoy the shit out of each other but ultimately develop a semi sibling like relationship.
And yeah, Raven's reasons for joining the Cult will become apparent later.
Don-7: Thank you!
Nastadoa: never really thought of it that way.
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-Date, Time-
'Thoughts'
"Speech"
(Text)
Sounds/Actions*
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-SLBR Dorm, 10/20, free period-
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Cyril Leon POV
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"I've got the silicon disks and vinyl plates." Weiss says as she steps into the room. "I don't see how this stuff turns sunlight into energy like some sort of, mechanical plant. But you delivered before, so I'll trust you."
"Thank you." I say to the shorter girl as I write out on a paper what I remember. "And honestly, neither do I. I just know it works, not how."
"How do you know that something works, and how to make it, without knowing how it works?" Weiss asks incredulously as she walks up beside me at the window desk.
"There are many things in this world that just, happen without us knowing how." I say as I check off the materials I need. "Many of them we still don't know how they work. Just that they do."
"Name one thing." Weiss says as she crosses her arms challengingly.
I look to her with a smirk. Accepting her challenge as I pick up my pencil, hold it out, and drop it.
"That." I say, much to her confusion.
"What? The pencil falling?" She asks. "That's just gravity."
Just as this world never had a Herodotus, it also never had an Isaac Newton, or Albert Einstein. I know, I checked.
"How do you know?" I ask with a tilt of my head.
"What do you mean?" She asks. "I saw it fall. Cyril, what're you are getting at?"
"Simple, answer me this." I say as I rest my hands together. "What, makes gravity, work?"
Weiss opens her mouth and goes to say something. But stops as she fails to come up with an answer.
"See?" I say with a smirk. "If I pick up this pencil, lift it up, and let go. It'll fall. We have a name for the force that pulls it, and we know how to begin the reaction. But, you don't know how it works. Just that it does."
"You're speaking as though you know." Weiss says with a glare.
"That's because I do." I say.
"Cyril you cannot expect me to believe you have knowledge on a fundamental force of nature that not even-"
"Potato." I say, smirking as she goes red in the face.
She goes silent for a long moment as her ears splay back in frustration and barely restrained anger. Before closing her eyes and taking a breath.
"Okay then man of many secrets." She says with a condescending smile and tilt of her head crossing her arms as she taps her foot expectantly. "Enlighten me."
Oooooh, that attitude and ego makes me want to bully her so hard! Just, wipe the smugness off her face!
"Hmm, no I don't think I will." I say as I turn back to my paper, hoping she'll take the bait.
I'm trying to get through the solar power first to get the hard one out of the way. I remember the bare basics. But that's it. I don't know how it works. I just know it does. I'm not even sure what kind of vinyl film I need, or if it is vinyl.
"E-excuse you!" Weiss stammers out, huffy at my disregard.
"Hmm?" I hum as I look back up to her. "Yes? What's up?"
"You don't get to just, have all that buildup and, and, and leave me, urgh!" She huffs.
"Well I was just thinking to myself, I can reveal the secret equation of gravity, but." I say as I let the smirk grow on my face. "What do I get out of it? What's the point?"
"I'm starting to think you don't actually know." Weiss says sassily with a knowing smirk. Probably hoping to rile me into just saying.
"I do." I say as I return to the paper and write it down, pretending to just keep writing about the solar power. "I just don't care to talk about it that much."
All is quiet as I write out the equation for gravity and write down Newton's laws, as well as Einstein's theory of relativity. Of course I'm replacing all of the english characters with Pokemon Unown letters. Because I'm too lazy to actually write it in a unique code, but I also don't want just anyone coming in and finding this.
Prime directive and all that junk. Or, Prime Directive until I can figure out how to monetize this shit and if I can't then I'll release it for free.
"Hmph!" Weiss says as she heads towards my bed and sits down in defiance of, whatever.
Weird that she chose my bed to angrily brood at. But then again, Weiss is weird.
I just continue on the schematics as she pouts. Pouty little fox girl. Over there being all pouty.
Though, it's not even ten minutes until she's back over. Watching me work on the device as she sneakily scoots closer and closer.
And closer.
And now she's touching, her leg against mine. And pretty soon she's sitting in my lap as I pet her head. Comforting the girl as she relaxes in my arms.
"You're horrible." She mumbles as she rests her head against my shoulder. "Making me do this after irritating me."
Can she just, not physically be honest with her feelings?
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Oh who the fuck am I kidding? I find it adorable.
"Yes, I forced you into my lap because I wanted to pet your head and hold you." I chuckle as I lean down and kiss her forehead.
"At least you admit it." She mumbles.
One of these days, I'm going to just, grab her. See what she says then. Like, actually force her into a hug or cuddle.
Because at this point I'm starting to think she's hinting that she wants me to.
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-Beacon, Combat class, 10/22-
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Sitting in class with, a few more teams than normal. And by a few, I mean five. More than doubling our current roster of people. I recognize a few. Like Team SSSN, and that one all girls team from Vacuo. But that's all I saw off the bat. I'm not too invested to search the whole room and see who's here and who I recognize.
"Alright, as you've all noticed." Tai says as he addresses the class. "We've got guests from the other academies. All of you are first years and will be attending the same classes from now, until the end of the Vytal festival in two months time."
Oh yeah, the Vytal festival is a big event. And the tournament goes on throughout the entire thing. The first month is the first half, where the first and second year teams fight. The second month, is for the third and fourth years. All the while people enjoy the games and cultural exchanges of the merch sold.
"As such, I encourage you all to mingle, shingle and jive!" He says with a shoulder shimmy.
"Plehehease shtop." Ruby whines as she brings her hood down to cover her face.
"There there." I say as I pat her head, reassuring the girl in her final moments as she dies of second hand embarrassment. "You'll be fine."
"That being said!" Tai continues. "It is in that vein of thought, that we'll be doing double battles today!"
"This should be fun." I say with a smirk.
"Cyril, Ruby, Blake, I want you to lose every fight from here until the Vytal festival." Weiss says immediately.
"What?" Blake says looking to her. "Why would we do that?"
"Yeah!" Ruby contests as well. "I wanna kick butt and take names! Of their weapons."
"Simple." Weiss starts. "Just about everyone here is participating in the tournament. As such it'd be in our best interest to conceal our strengths from our potential opponents."
"That's lame!" Ruby whines.
"First up! Cyril and Ruby versus Sun and Neptune!" Tai calls out.
"Keep your ears covered." I say as I get up.
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Standing opposite of Sun, Ruby to my right, Neptune across from Ruby and next to Sun.
It's, honestly kind of mirrored. Sun and I dual wield, while Ruby and Neptune utilize a mid range polearm.
And none of us are strong on defense.
"Plan of attack?" I ask Ruby.
"Yeah, you keep them occupied." Ruby starts. "Neptune looks to have a burst shot assault rifle that can transform into some kind of polearm. Mid range to long range support. Stay close to him. Sun seems to be wielding interconnectable nun chucks with single shot firearm integration. Their size says they don't hold much ammo, but there's four of them. So he's a close to mid range fighter. Try not to get too close to him."
Damn, gotta admit. For never seeing their weapons or seeing them fight before, that's impressive.
"What'll you be doing?" I ask.
All I get in response, is her cocking the bolt on Crescent Rose.
"Fair enough." I say.
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Neptune Vasilias POV
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"So um, we're fighting two Silver Eyed Warriors." I say.
"Eeyup." Sun says.
"Two whom I happen to have hit on their girlfriend, in front of them." I remark.
"Uh huh." Sun nods.
"I'm dead aren't I?" I ask.
"Oh yeah!" Sun laughs.
"Show some sympathy man."
"You'll live." He says so reassuringly. "And if not, I'll name like, a dog after you or something."
"Wow, I'm honored." I say as I flip my goggles down in time for the buzzer to sound.
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Blake Belladonna POV
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"So, who do I root for?" I ask.
"For our team of course." Weiss says. "Why would you even ask?"
"Because I kinda have a thing going with Sun?" I answer her. "In case you haven't noticed."
"I have." She nods as the fight begins with Cyril charging forward while Ruby backpedals. "Now shush!"
"Don't shush me." I hiss at her.
Neptune raises his rifle and takes aim at Ruby, only to have Cyril toss his right axe at the man, the chain extending with the axe. While Sun goes in and closes the distance on Cyril. Who turns and pulls his extended axe with him to hit Neptune's arm while he dodges Sun's nun chucks.
Neptune's aim gets thrown off by Cyril's axe, causing him to miss Ruby. Who takes aim and shoots Neptune's hand. Forcing him to drop his weapon as he shakes his hand in pain.
'Amateur.' I mentally scoff.
One of the first things you should learn to do is be able to ignore certain pains.
While this happens, Cyril gets locked into a back and forth with Sun. Dodging and keeping his axes from getting caught by Sun's nun chucks. Until- he doesn't. And Sun fires the gun, adding recoil and ripping Cyril's left axe from his hand as Sun brings his other nun chuch around to smack Cyril in the head.
Only, that doesn't happen as Cyril raises his arm, catching the nun chuck. The whole time he just stares at his axe on the floor.
Why do I have a bad feeling about this?
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Cyril Leon POV
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"Um, dude?" Sun asks as he tries to pull his nun chuck back.
But, I'm uh, I'm kinda pissed. Like, that slow burning anger you get when you realize your sister used up all the hot water again.
"So uh, huh." I say as I hold his nun chuck, using magic to strengthen my arm as I hold his weapon. My sleeves and glove thankfully hiding the circuit like designs that would normally appear.
"You good dude?" Sun asks with a worried look as I hear the fight stop.
"Is this how people feel when I disarm them?" I ask.
"Yes!" I hear Pyrrha shout, the arena having gotten quiet enough that I can apparently be heard up on the bleachers.
"Huh." I say as I look up at Sun. "I hope you know this means I'll have to hurt you now."
"Uh, what?"
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Weiss Schnee POV
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"Cover your ears!" I shout as I do as I just instructed everyone to do, watching as Ruby does so while also petalling up and into the rafters.
Just in time for Cyril to open his mouth as Neptune looks around in a panic and dives for his weapon. Raising it and taking aim at Cyril.
"Yol Fo Ven!" I hear before a swirling vortex of blue flames explodes out from Cyril.
Though, unexpectedly, there's no heat from the swirling storm of fire. Rather, it's actually rather cold in here now.
"H-ho s-spi-rits a-b-b-bove!" Blake shivers next to me.
Looking over, I actually see quite a few of my fellow peers shivering as well.
I suppose I'm just more acclimated to the cold, unlike most else here.
Including Sun and Neptune who drop out of the swirling column of fire as it fades. Covered in frost and hugging themselves as their aura's rapidly dip into the red. Causing the buzzer to go off as the two collapse to their knees.
"Huh, didn't expect that." I hear Cyril say as he casually goes over to his disarmed weapon and picks it up.
His aura is in the green, down by a third. Showing that for as strong as that apparently was, he can't do it on repeat.
Is it weird that I find the fact he has limits, comforting?
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-Lunch-
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"And then boom!" Nora says as she slams the table, causing Ren to hold his and her drinks to keep them from spilling over. "The tree was gone."
"Okay but why send a whole team to destroy a single tree?" Weiss asks.
"Because fuck that tree." I pipe up, earning a glare from Weiss and a slap on the shoulder from Ruby.
"Yeah~." Nora says with a grin and bob of her head. "This guy gets it."
"Please don't encourage her." Ren says with tired eyes.
I just shrug, offering an unapologetic smile at his words.
"Anyway, the dance is coming up in a few days." Jaune says, changing the subject. "Any plans?"
"Oooh!" Nora says perking up. "Yeah, any juicy secrets? Perhaps a tantalizing tale of trysts and-"
"Stop." Ren says calmly, cutting her off.
"I need to get a suit." I say, going along with the discussion. "Other than that, was gonna go, see how it turned out, might turn in early if it's boring."
"I'm on the planning committee." Weiss says proudly. "I was selected to help decide the decorations and confections that will be present."
She's omitting the fact that only two other people signed up for the role. And one of them is Blake.
"Same." Blake says.
"I'm going." Ruby says, demurely. "But uh, fancy formal events aren't my thing. So, I'll probably turn in with Cyril."
Looking to my partner. I see her fail to look me in the eye as she gains a small blush. One that, I don't even know. Ruby is weird.
"Oh not like that!" Nora whines, throwing her top half on the table. "Who are you going with?"
"I'm going with Sun." Blake says.
"Cyril and Ruby." Weiss says.
"Weiss and Cyril." Ruby says.
"Me, myself and I." I say, earning another light smack from Ruby, and a roll of the eyes from Weiss.
"Ooh!" Nora says, looking to us with a devious grin.
"No." Ren stops her.
"Aww." Nora pouts as she sits back up. "You never let me have any fun."
"Because if I did the school would be on fire three times a week." Ren counters.
"Me and Pyrrha are going with each other." Jaune says. "And Ren and Nora are going as well."
"As partners!" Nora quickly corrects. "We're going together as partners, on a team. Not like, partners, not that there's anything wrong with Ren! I'd love to be his partner and, but that's not what we're talking about and why is everyone looking at me?"
We all stare at Nora after the rant. All except Ren who has his hand up to shield his face from Nora as he hides a blush.
"I give it two months." I say.
"I'll take that bet." Blake says from the other side of Weiss. "Two weeks, I say something happens on prom."
"Don't be crass." Weiss says with a small blush.
"What do you mean?" I ask innocently. "Something could mean anything. Mara's blessing can come in many forms."
"Who?" Pyrrha asks.
"Mara is Cyril's goddess of love!" Ruby pipes up. "Or is that Dibella?"
"Dibella is the goddess of beauty, women, love, and sensuality." I correct, causing her to blush. "Mara is the goddess of love, marriage and family."
"You have two gods of love?" Nora asks with a raised brow.
"Well, technically three?" I say, remembering that Hircine is the Daedric Prince of the pursuit. And that does canonically include courtship.
And no, I am not counting Sanguine. He is the prince of hedonism and debauchery. He's all about having a good time and making yourself feel good.
"Technically?" Ren says, having schooled his blush enough to look up.
"Well, Hircine isn't really a god. But, he is in the same vein?" I say as I try to think of the best way to explain it.
"What do you mean?" Pyrrha asks. "How can an entity be a god and also not?"
"Well, Hircine is a Daedric Prince, so, he's godlike and many people pray to him." I explain. "But, he's not necessarily a good entity."
"So, you worship evil gods too?" Blake asks.
"Some do." I shrug. "Depends on the Daedric Prince. Some are good, some are bad, some are just their own thing. Like Sheogorath."
"What are Dayrick princes?" Weiss asks with a raised brow.
'Fuuuuuck.' I think to myself as I realize I haven't discussed them yet. Only the gods really.
"Okay, so, cliff notes?" I say as I look to her. "They're godly, but they're not necessarily good. So, they're not called gods. Well, some are, but, that's not important. They sort of, do their own thing."
"So who's Hircine and how's he a god of love?" Weiss asks.
"Hircine is the Daedric Prince of the Hunt, the patron of pursuit, and the father of manbeasts." I explain. "He is the Huntsman of the Princes."
"Then how is he not a god?" Ruby pipes up. "If he's the Huntsman, then he should be like, the best god!"
You know, looking at Ruby. I think I might need to be careful with what I say, otherwise I might convert her to daedra worship.
Is it wrong that I find that idea kinda funny?
"Because he doesn't care for people or even other Hunters." I explain. "He only cares for the thrill of the hunt, those who impress him through great skill. There is even a tale to reflect this. There was a Hunter, one who set out to find a beast who was hiding amongst people. The beast had been hiding his savagery, and one night, he could no longer contain his desire to hunt, and slaughtered a little girl in a moment of frenzy."
I'm mostly paraphrasing the quest to get Hircine's daedric artifact.
"That's horrid!" Weiss gasps.
"You want me to go into detail?" I ask with a flat stare. "Because I'm giving the cliff notes right now."
Weis gulps a little and shakes her head. Before coughing into her fist and motioning for me to continue.
"So, where was I?" I ask.
"Slaughtered little girl." Nora pipes before resting her head in her hands.
"Right, thank you Nora. So, he slaughtered the little girl. And when he awoke from his frenzy, was so appalled by what he did, he allowed himself to be locked up." I continue. "But, when his grief subsided, he knew he wouldn't be able to stay there. The whole reason he was able to blend in with the people, was because he had stolen Hircine's ring. A ring that was supposed to allow him to fend off his inner beast."
"You're getting awfully into this storytelling." Blake pipes up. "Also, manbeasts? The hell is that?"
"Questions at the end please!" I raise a hand to block her face from view. "Now, Hircine had gifted this ring to one of his Hunters long ago. But the man stole it from his grave without permission. This, disgusted and offended Hircine. To rob the grave of a great Hunter, and not even take it from him in combat or in a hunt. To Hircine, it was a disgrace. So, he cursed the ring."
"Good." Pyrrha says with a sagely nod. "Grave robbing should be punished."
I give her flat stare as I sigh through my nose. Annoyed at being interrupted again.
"Oh, I'm sorry!" She says with a small blush.
"Anyway, the ring, rather than allow the man to control his inner beast, merely stored it." I continue. "And the man realized this, he knew it was only a matter of time until he killed again. Even locked up. but the ring, could only be passed on, willingly. Thus, the hero gets involved, the Hunter went to investigate the crazed child killer. Found the man pleading for them to take the ring before it made him kill again. That Hircine can remove the curse, but that he could no longer seek Hircine's favor because he stole the ring. So, feeling pity for the man forced to be a monster, the Hunter accepts and takes the ring, and the manbeast shifts into a beowolf and flees."
"A what!?" Ruby shrieks.
"One more time and I'm done!" I say, earning a soft apology. "Anyway, to wrap it up, the Hunter goes out and kills a large white stag that reveals itself to be an aspect of Hircine, and Hircine tells the Hunter they can remove the curse, but in exchange they must kill the manbeast who stole it. The Hunter tracks down the manbeast and finds a bunch of other Hunters there as well, all pulled there by Hircine's call. The story has two endings at this point. In the first, the Hunter hunts down the manbeast who promised to never again bother people. The Hunter kills him, and Hircine turns the beast's pelt into a set of magical armor, taking the ring back and removing its curse. In the other ending. The Hunter, moved by pity towards the manbeast, turns on the other Hunters, and kills them. Afterwards, they confront Hircine and tells them, I refuse to play your games or be apart of them, now take your ring. To which Hircine says, That's where you're wrong! You turned the Hunters into the hunted! I could not ask for a better show of skill, strength and guile! You may keep my ring and all its boons, child of mine." I finish up.
I look around and gauge everyone's reactions. Nora seemed to enjoy it, Ren looks to be thinking. Jaune, seems to be impassive on the subject. Pyrrha seems to be, torn on the story. Same as Weiss. Ruby seems to still be think.
"Okay what is a manbeast?" Blake pipes up.
"People who can turn into Grimm." I answer as best I can, fearing the whole lycanthropy subject might set her off. "Or Grimm who can pass as people."
"Okay, um, how does, any of that make Hircine a god of love?" Weiss asks.
Sensing an opportunity to tease Weiss. I turn to her with a smirk and rest my head on my fist as I regard her.
"What?" She asks, her ears slowly splaying back.
"He's the Prince of the hunt, the champion of the chase." I say as I start to lean forward, and bring my hand to gently hold her chin. "The prince, of pursuit. He revels in the natural way of things, and courtship, is just another hunt." I say as I get closer, her eyes widening as her face goes red. "One where you either win, or lose. That is his interest. To see the natural challenges, and the conquerors of those challenges."
I finish with a gentle kiss on her lips. And pull back to enjoy her shellshocked expression.
"Understand?" I say as I move my hand away from her.
She doesn't say anything. Rather she just turns back to her food and keeps eating. Face still red, eyes still wide.
"Wowza!" Nora says with a wide mischievous grin. "Can you teach me how to do that? Asking for a friend."
"Nora!" Ren raises his voice.
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-Vale city, 10am, 10/25-
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"Do you see them?" I ask as I look around the crowded square.
"Nope." Blake says.
We're in Vale getting outfits for the prom. Only one problem. Weiss insisted that we all, as in her, Ruby and I, were not allowed to see each other's outfits until the prom. Some sort of Atlesian thing that she wouldn't drop. So, against everyone's better judgement. We all split up.
Against everyone's better judgement because Ruby is the only one who really knows her way around Vale.
I managed to meet up with Blake. But neither of us have been able to find Ruby or Weiss. And calling has proven useless.
"Oh wait!" Blake says as she stands on her tiptoes. "I think I see them!"
She then proceeds to run off ahead of me.
"Hey, Blake!" I call after her. And watch as she barrels into another person.
"Damnit Blake." I say as I catch up and extend a hand to the girl currently flat on the ground. "Aren't cats suppose to-"
"Finish that sentence and I'll stab you." She says as she nevertheless accepts my hand and pulls herself up.
"Lighten up sour puss." I say, earning a glare. "Oh fuck off that wasn't a race thing."
"It better not be." She says in a low tone."
"Blake!" We hear Ruby's voice before the girl appears next to us with Weiss beside her, looking ready to puke. "And Cyril."
I look from Ruby to Weiss, who is currently holding an arm to her stomach, while her hand is to her mouth.
"You good?" I ask as I notice her tail is tucked between her legs.
'Aww, that's adorable.' Half my brain notes.
"Never, again." She heaves.
I go to step forward, only to nearly trip as my foot hits something. And, looking down I see-
Oh fucking hell!
"Salutations!" Penny says as she salutes, while still on the ground.
We, as in me and my team. All stare down at the girl as the crowd moves around us.
What the fuck else did you expect? It's a girl, android but only I know that, laying flat on the ground and smiling at us as she salutes.
"Um, do you, want to get up?" Ruby asks.
"Yes! I would!" She says before doing so as we step back.
"Um, are you okay?" Weiss asks, concern clear in her voice.
"I am operating at the best of my current capabilities!" She says with a smile. "Thank you for your concern!"
It's like siri, if she was an adorable anime girl. No, something else. I've no doubt someone already made an anime girl siri.
"Oh!" Penny says before looking to me. "I recognize you! You were the boy under great stress and talking to yourself."
"I mean, an apt description I suppose." I mumble.
"Why does that not surprise me?" Blake sighs to herself.
"What?" Ruby says as she looks back to me. "Cyril are you okay?" She then turns to Penny. "When did you meet him? How come I don't know about you!?"
"I bumped into him a few weeks ago!" Penny answers. "I attempted to console him, but he ran off and jumped into the middle of traffic."
"What!?" Weiss says, tail perked up as she looks to me with wide eyes. "Cyril! What did, I, why would you do that!?"
"It was for a good cause!" I throw my hands up in mock surrender, deciding to fuck with her for a bit.
"I have little reason to believe there would ever be a good reason to throw oneself into traffic!" Weiss shoots back.
"I can assure you it was!" Penny says with a smile.
Ruby is, awfully quiet as she turns to me. Before stepping forward and looking up with watery eyes.
"Was this on the day you got upset?" She asks in a small voice. "Was, were we that bad that you tried to throw it all away? Were you trying to take your own life while I was making out with Weiss!?"
Okay too far! Reel it back in.
"I was stopping a robbery." I say as I bring my hands up to cup her cheeks and look her in the eye. "I got on the side of the road, and hooked my axe into the side of a passing get away van. Okay?"
That clears some of it up for her. Seeing as she goes from ready to start bawling, to quiet acceptance and realization.
"O-oh, why didn't you just say so?" She asks.
"Because you lot jump to conclusions too fast." I say as I remove hands and ruffle her head, earning a blush from her and Weiss. The latter choosing to look away and cross her arms with a hmph.
"I feel I should add that I also assisted in the apprehension of the criminals!" Penny interjects.
Ruby steps away from me and turns to face Penny. Coughing into her fist before dusting off her skirt and composing herself.
"Well, thank you for helping Cyril." Ruby says before a pause. "Um, we never got your name."
"Oh!" She says with her eyes widening, before giving another salute. "You can call me Penny!"
And, cue more awkward silence. You know, I don't get why people consider a brief pause in conversation awkward. Gives people time to think.
"Um, okay. I'm Ruby and uh." Ruby says before slowly turning around. "Um, thanks Penny, I guess. We'll uh, see ya 'round friend."
You see, ninety percent of people would take that as the cue to end the interaction. Recognizing the disengage.
"What did you call me?" Penny says as she steps around Ruby, putting herself between Ruby and us as she leans in.
Penny, is not ninety percent of anything.
"Uh, Penny?" Ruby says as she leans back. "Your name?"
"No, after that." Penny says.
Weiss is side-eyeing me with concern. And I have to put my hand out to Blake to keep her hand steady as she reaches for her weapon.
"Uh, friend?" Ruby squeaks.
"Am I? Am I your friend?" Penny asks with all the energy and vibes of Dexter.
Ruby looks past Penny to eye us for help. Weiss shakes her head vigorously while Blake pulls out her weapon slowly. And I, give her a thumbs up.
"Um, yes, maybe, no, I don't know?" Ruby says desperately.
Penny stares Ruby down for a tad longer than what would ever be considered comfortable. Before shooting up, hopping on her feet and clapping.
"Oh joy! I've never had a friend before!" Penny says excitedly.
'Out of sheer curiosity.' I begin to think to myself. 'How old is Penny? Like, physically. And, what counts as her birth? When she was thought of? When she was built? When she was first turned online? Because by that logic, babies don't start forming memories as we think of them until like, at least a year or two after they're born. And even then, they're splotchy and short term.'
I'mma stop myself before I drop too far down that rabbit hole.
"And we can do our nails together and discuss all sorts of mundane topics we take interest in!" Penny keeps going off. "I can't believe it! My first girlfriend!"
"Okay no!" Ruby says as she steps back. "We, can be friends but we're not girlfriends."
'Oh this is gonna be good.' I can't help but think as I feel the smile growing on my face.
"But, are you not a girl?" Penny asks with a tilt of her head.
"Oh she is." I call out. "I can assure you." Causing Weiss to slap my shoulder as I chuckle at Ruby's expense.
"That's not the point!" Ruby says as she gets more and more flustered.
"So you are my friend?" Penny asks curiously.
"I guess?" Ruby offers with a shrug.
"And you are a girl, correct?" Penny asks as I start to walk around to stand beside Ruby.
"Yes but-"
"Then are you not my girlfriend?" Penny asks as I cross my arms, intent on enjoying the show.
"We're not dating!" Ruby says desperately.
"I never claimed we were." Penny says as she tilts her head in question. "Friend Ruby, are you alright? You seem quite confused and distressed."
"I just, you, and, we're not." Ruby gets flustered as she tries to explain to Penny, but can't find the words. "Ugh, this is like Cyril all over again."
"Okay how is this like me?" I ask the frustrated girl.
"Remember how I had to explain how we were all dating?" Ruby says as she gives me a tired look.
Oh, I guess this would seem similar from her perspective. Just, in reverse.
"We are?" Penny asks. "I'm sorry Friend Ruby, but I do not recall agreeing to any such arrangement. I'm sure you are a wonderful girl! But I just became your friend! It would be inappropriate to initiate any courting so soon."
"No, not, you and, and me with Weiss and you just." Ruby tries to explain while making wild gestures to all of us, before giving up with a groan as she lets her arms fall. "Cyril you deal with her."
It seems she's reached her capacity.
"Why me?" I ask as Blake and Weiss approach.
"Because weird and weird should work." Is all Ruby says as she steps away.
Looking back to the very confused Penny. I give her a smile as I decide to escalate.
"Guess that makes us friends by association." I say as I hold my hand out for a shake.
"Really!?" Penny asks as her face brightens, before taking my hand in both hers and shaking it vigorously. "Oh joy! Two friends in one day! Today has been most excitable!"
"I bet, it, is." I say as I do my best to keep my shoulder attached.
Girl's got a grip like a vice.
"Oh, but what do boyfriends do with girlfriends?" Penny asks innocently. "Do we also paint each others nails? I must admit I'm not well versed in the subject."
"Obviously." Blake mutters.
"Okay, stop." Weiss says as she places herself between me and Penny. "Cyril, stop. Penny, Cyril is not your boyfriend, he is mine and Ruby's."
Before Weiss can continue, Penny speaks up.
"So if Cyril is the three of yours boyfriend, why not can he be mine as well?" Penny asks. "Would that not be his and my choice?"
"Three?" I say as Weiss blanks. "Oh, no Blake isn't my girlfriend."
"You two are not friends?" Penny asks with a sad face. "That is most unfortunate and sad."
"Yeah, Blake is pretty sad." I snicker.
"Fuck you." Blake says with a glare.
"Blake!" Penny gasps. "I understand you desire companionship with Friend Cyril, and to no longer be sad, but social norms must be observed! We are in public after all!"
"Excuse me!?" Blake scoffs, not understanding where that came from.
"You're doing this on purpose." Weiss accuses softly as she stares me dead in the eye.
"Kinda, yeah." I admit easily.
"Fix it." Weiss demands.
"Why?" I ask with a laugh. "This is the most fun I've had all day."
"Because if you don't then I'll, I'll, I'll, hmph!" Weiss huffs as she realizes she doesn't have anything to threaten me with.
"Friend Cyril, I am confused." Penny says with an innocent look of confusion. "Why is everyone upset with me?"
'Oh fuck all the ducks!' I mentally curse. 'Why do you have to look cute and make me feel responsible!? I hate being responsible!'
"Do you have a scroll?" I ask her with a sigh as I resign myself to my fate.
"I do not." She says.
"Okay, hard way it is." I sigh.
Hard way for me that is. Just gotta activate my semblance and think real quick.
"Okay, so everyone here is frustrated over a miscommunication of phrasing." I start explaining quickly. "In common speech, when referring to a friend it is unnecessary to include their gender when referring to them as a friend. Boyfriend and girlfriend are common nouns to refer to romantic partners."
"Oh!" Penny says as she starts to understand. "So, when I refer to Ruby as my girlfriend, it implies romantic relation between me and her?"
"Yes." I say.
"So then how do I let others know that Ruby is a friend of mine who is a girl?" Penny asks.
"You don't." I shrug. "Unless you deem the distinction necessary for whatever discussion you are having, then Ruby's gender need not be mentioned."
"I see now." Penny says before smiling. "Oh! That must have seemed rather silly of me to keep referring to Ruby and you as my girlfriend and boyfriend!"
"A little." I nod.
"Friend Ruby!" Penny says as she turns to the girl. "Why did you not inform me of the distinction?"
"I tried!" Ruby whines before pouting. "Words are hard okay?"
"If that is the case, might I recommend speech therapy, Friend Ruby?" Penny suggests.
This girl is just a treat.
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Bonus
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Team DARK, first year from Shelter Academy (Menagerie)
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Name: Dorian Gainesboro
Snake Faunus
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6'4"
130lbs
Weapon: Silver snake sword.
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Primary semblance: Wild's favored, can summon aura based familiars in the form of animals similar to the Schnee Glyph summoning.
Secondary semblance: Secrets on the wind, has a near precognitive sense for his surroundings.
Inspiration: The White Snake, Grimm fairy tales
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Name: Alice Blue
Rabbit Faunus
5'7"
90lbs
Weapon: Magnetic Chakrams
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Primary Semblance: Diversion, able to take a single hit without receiving damage, works once every ten seconds
Secondary semblance: Can sense when others are lying
Inspiration: The Hare's Bride, Grimm fairy tails
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Name: Bruder Rake
Bee Faunus
6'8"
220lbs
Weapon: Tower Shield and Warhammer/machine gun
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Primary Semblance: Stone Skin, when active, negate half of any damage done to aura at the cost of not moving
Secondary Semblance: Empathy, can sense the distress of nearby allies and how far they are from him as well as any obstacles in between
Inspiration: The Queen Bee, Grimm fairy tales
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Name: Nix Kalt
Fish Faunus
4'11"
100lbs
Weapon: Chainsaw spear and an overly healthy supply of grenades.
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Primary Semblance: Wall, can cause an impenetrable wall of aura to manifest
Secondary Semblance: Slippery hold, is capable of escaping nearly any binding or trapping that restricts movement
Inspiration: The Water Nixie, Grimm fairy tales
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A/N
Funfact! At one point in the Korean War, the U.S. sent out its forces (don't remember if it was all of its forces stationed in Korea at the time or not.) just to cut down a tree on the demilitarized zone. Google it.
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Nora has learned of Sheogorath
And Ruby has learned of Hircine
How will this effect the story?
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Probably not at all.
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Keeping this here for me.
Fus, force
Ro, balance
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Wuld, whirlwind
Nah, fury
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Yol, ingnite
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Fo, frost
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Gaan, stamina
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Ven, air
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Rii, essence
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Faas, fear
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More comments drive me to write faster! All the comments! Every one of them!
Fuel me my NOOBS!
Please.
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Find me in my channel, newb's-grotto, on the discord.
Link to the discord: discord .gg/DarkWolfShiro