Azure found her bathed in the soft moonlight, her back to the commotion inside. Wisteria's mulberry hair blew gently in the night breeze along with her white scarf; she'd really grown it out since he'd left, an image of glossy locks so short they didn't even touch her shoulders springing to mind. The half faunus's eyes wandered to the delicate shoulder blades visible through the open back of Wisteria's orchid dress. Her forearms were hidden by silken gloves, and a gold diadem sat atop her head. He recalled the young girl wearing the headpiece before, but not often. Azure wondered where she had found the accessory, as well as the outfit, but he shook those thoughts away. They weren't important right now. Walking slowly so as not to spook her, the young man ventured out onto the balcony.
"Hey."
Wisteria's head shifted, but she otherwise didn't respond. Finding no protest to approach Azure ventured over to his old friend, taking a spot next to the young woman.
"You feeling a little out of your element here too?" the cat faunus asked, studying the girl beside him.
There was no trace of his friend in those familiar pink eyes, only a blank hollowness. He knew that agonizing look all too well, having seen it in the mirror too many times.
After a moment, Wisteria nodded.
"It's too... loud," she said quietly.
Azure glanced over with veiled curiosity. The tone, how she carried herself...It was like they were meeting for the first time again, there was so little recognition. It had been over half a decade since they ran into each other, but the scene was still vivid when it came to mind.
"Are you alright?"
The small girl didn't say a word. In fact, she hadn't said anything since the other kids ran off. All she seemed capable of doing was staring warily at him, curled up in a corner and shaking with fear. There was a cut on her right arm that seeped blood, but she didn't seem to notice it. He had to do something.
"Lemme get that."
Azure dropped to his knees to tend the wound, but the girl withdrew from him. After a puzzled moment, he tried again, taking extra care to move slowly. It took a lot longer than it should have, but after a few minutes of holding out his hand, the girl lowered her guard enough to let him inspect the injury. Azure tore off a strip of his ragged shirt for a bandage, and gently tied it around her pale, skinny arm. Once finished, the spiky haired boy got on his feet and glanced around. The girl wasn't in any danger of passing out from blood loss, so the next step was finding shelter. A place to lie low would be ideal. Who knew what the White Fang had in store for them this time...
"Hey! Wait!"
Azure halted; he hadn't even gotten near the exit yet. "Hm?" the half faunus hummed, looking back at the girl to find her eyes on his. Her surge of bravery quickly crumbled, however, withering under Azure's yellow gaze. "What?" he asked.
The pink eyed girl stared at the ground, and Azure finally took a good look at his unexpected patient. Her bright hair was short, brushing her shoulders. He couldn't quite tell the exact colour, but he'd guess it was purple or magenta, and it was surprisingly glossy considering their current environment. The shade of her eyes, when she wasn't hiding them, was reminiscent of gemstones, and were shockingly clear despite the emptiness behind them. At least, that was Azure's speculation after meeting another of her brief glances. He couldn't pinpoint what kind of faunus she was, though. She didn't appear to have any external animal traits.
"You -you're hurt too," the girl mumbled eventually, eyes still fixed downward.
Azure checked himself over. He hadn't noticed the partially healed scab covering his brand had started oozing blood again, and now that he had the pain shot to the forefront of his mind. He placed a hand over it, wincing. To his surprise, that small window of weakness brought the purple haired girl scampering over to him in a hurry. She fumbled around for what to say or do, but Azure spoke before she could.
"It's not bad. I'll take care of it."
"I -oh…okay," the girl murmured dejectedly.
Azure couldn't stop the pang of guilt that shot through him upon seeing her deflate miserably. A resigned sigh escaped his mouth, and he sat down.
"Sorry. Make it quick," he stated flatly.
The girl hesitated for a second before nodding, determination steeling her gaze. Mimicking Azure's own actions, she tore off a portion of her fraying pantleg and folded it into a makeshift pad to soak up the bleeding, if not stop it completely. Azure held still as the girl did her best to be gentle. He still couldn't keep in a hiss of pain as the fabric made contact with his wound, though.
"What...what's your name?"
Azure turned his head in surprise when she spoke. The question was delivered so softly, he almost didn't hear it.
"Azure," he replied sullenly.
"Azure..." it sounded like she was rolling his name around in her mouth, trying out the sound of it and drawing it out slowly.
"What's yours?" he found himself asking.
"Me? I, uh. I'm…"
"Are you gonna tell me, or not?"
"I'm-I'm sorry!"
Azure sighed. " No, it's fine. Nothing you need to apologize for." He recomposed himself and changed his tone. "I'll try again: who are you?"
"I'm, um…I'm number 24."
Confusion flashed in Azure's eyes before he sighed again. "I didn't mean the number they gave you, I meant your name," he clarified quietly.
The girl blinked with unrestrained surprise. After another brief silence, she said "I'm... Wisteria Dawn."
"Wisteria? Hm..."
"What...what is it? Is something -is something wrong?"
"Uh, no. Can I call you Wisty? Wisteria is a little long for me."
'Huh?"
"I won't if you don't like it, of course."
Wisteria shook her head, puzzlement melting away. "Oh! No!" she responded with a squeak, "I'm okay with it!"
Azure raised an inquisitive eyebrow. What was up with this girl? Eh, didn't really matter. He'd received the answer he'd asked for. "Alright then."
The boy got to his feet once more and held out his hand. Wisteria studied it with unveiled caution, but quickly came to the conclusion that if Azure meant her harm he would have acted toward that by now. With a grateful nod the girl accepted the gesture and Azure pulled her to her feet.
"Well, seeya 'round, I guess," Azure said bluntly, going to make his exit.
Wisteria watched Azure go with open curiosity. This boy had swooped in out of thin air and rescued her. No one had done that...well, since everything had started. And now he was just going to leave?
No. No, she wouldn't be left behind this time.
Before she realized she'd even made up her mind, the small girl's legs were moving, and she was making her way after the pale, white haired boy.
Even if he told her later that she wasn't welcome, she would treasure the warmth of his kind gesture and carry it for as long as she needed it.
From that moment onward, Wisteria was always with Azure. Actually, that was a bit of an understatement. She was like glue, which made the boy scratch his head for the first few months of Shadowolf. But from that first meeting, until the young man left, the pair were nigh inseparable. So, knowing her better than anyone else, Azure recognized this behavior and recognized Wisty's true discomfort in her current situation. He may not like people much, but Wisty's introversion was something else entirely.
"Heh, yeah. Loud and crowded. I'd rather be someplace quiet," he admitted lightheartedly.
"I don't want to be here."
"Then why are you here?" Azure inquired seriously.
Wisteria's face cracked a splinter of a frown, and she hugged herself. "Recon. I was the one picked."
Azure did his best to contain a grimace, but he couldn't keep in a silent sigh. Creed was the one that had probably sent her to keep an eye on him. Keep an eye on the others, too. That snake halfblood really wouldn't give him a moment of peace. And to use Wisteria as his own personal puppet? It infuriated him beyond belief.
"-not so bad."
"Come again?" Azure asked.
Wisteria had mumbled something, but he only caught the last few words. He didn't, however, miss the odd, soft light in her familiar eyes as she gazed out into the night.
"It's not so bad," Wisteria repeated. "Compared to...compared to some of the other stuff we've done? This is easy."
Azure hummed in understanding. He knew only too well what she meant. The male half faunus then noticed Wisteria unconsciously chewing her lower lip, and his eyes wandered to her fidgeting hands. He knew what that meant too. She wanted to say something, and was either afraid to do so, or was trying to figure out how she wanted to word it. Nothing unusual there. That was Wisty in a nutshell: the epitome of 'shrinking violet'.
"Actually I was hoping you might...if you wanted to talk, maybe." she eventually managed to articulate, eyes on the ground.
Azure's eyes widened. Somewhere underneath all that anguish, all of Creed's corruption, some small piece of his old friend was reaching out to him. And he was...grateful. Relieved, almost. It had weighed on him, how things were left the last time they talked.
"Yeah, I'd like that," he replied, smiling.
Wisteria's breath caught in her throat, and she finally met his eyes, her own full of genuine astonishment. She truly didn't believe he would agree, especially since she'd seen him arrive with some other girl. Her heart had actually hurt when she laid eyes on that silver-blue haired human. Almost as much as it hurt when she saw Azure spending time with that fox faunus. But she pushed those emotions aside for now. He'd chosen her, at this moment. Who knew how long she had him all to herself?
Now...what to talk about?
The music drifting through the air from inside had changed. The new tune was soft and slow, almost...peaceful. Azure clearly noticed the shift in melody, and he extended a hand, just the way he had when they were still children.
"Actually," he ventured, "would you like to dance?"
For the first time in a long time, Wisteria's quiet apathy dissolved completely, a blush creeping into her cheeks. "Wh-what? Um, no, that's -that's fine. I don't, um..." she stuttered, clearly flustered. "I don't know how." she mumbled eventually.
Azure chuckled warmly, gently reaching out and taking both her hands into his own. The contact sent lightning bolts through Wisteria's limbs, and she stared in shock at their joined hands.
"Don't worry, neither did I till a few days ago," Azure reassured her, his voice soft and patient. "I'll teach you."
Wisteria's heart was beating so powerfully she was afraid that Azure would be able to hear it. She'd never danced before. And to do so with him? But…there was a part of her that was excited. Delighted, actually, that he'd asked.
It was weird.
"Um...Okay," she mumbled eventually.
Azure led her to the middle of the balcony. "Now, this will probably take a few tries," he admitted, "but if I was able to get this, you should be fine. You're better on your feet than I am."
A muted, but amused laugh escaped the short young woman. "I, um...I dunno."
Cracking a grin, Azure began the dance lesson.
"Just trust me," he said reassuringly. "Okay, first thing: you need to put your left hand on my shoulder, then place your feet about shoulder width apart."
"Am I doing it right?" Wisteria asked nervously.
Azure nodded. He thought it looked good, but if he was being honest he didn't have enough experience to be sure. Regardless, it was time to go. Each half of the pair in position, Azure did a quick rundown of the basic steps. Wisteria followed his instructions, the heat in her face spiking whenever she bumped into him or misstepped. They repeated this for a few minutes, just until Wisteria's stiffness faded as the motions became more familiar. Eventually, Azure was able to introduce a few simple dips, swings, and spins. They continued through the silence between songs, and Azure looked over Wisteria curiously.
"Ready?" he asked, a warm smile gracing his face as the next song started.
Wisteria nodded wordlessly, replacing her left hand on Azure's shoulder. The young man pulled her closer, and the two started moving to the beat of the music. The dance went on in silence for a moment, but Azure soon broke it.
"So," he ventured, "what've you been up to? You know, besides the...other stuff."
"Um...Not much," Wisteria admitted.
In her opinion, Vale wasn't anything special. Then again, she didn't really favor anywhere in Remnant. If there was somewhere she could get by in peace, that was enough. There were one or two places in each of the kingdoms that were special to her; secret havens that she and Azure used to visit the rare times they were off duty. She hadn't visited any of them recently though. Not since he left. The idea of going to any of them without him hurt too much.
Azure guided Wisty into a gentle spin, leading her around the balcony.
"What about you?" she asked.
He thought for a moment. "Training for the tournament, mostly. My team's going on our first mission tomorrow, so we've been getting ready for that. Oh, and the endless flow of homework and studies, which are all super fun to stay on top of." Azure quipped sarcastically. The tone of his statement earned something of an amused snort from his dance partner, and Azure hid a smile. She was starting to ease up, tension leaving her shoulders and her words were beginning to flow more naturally.
"That bad, huh?" Wisteria pried, intrigued.
She'd never been to school before, so the concept of assignments and homework were foreign to her.
"Not really. It's just not my strength. I leave all of the excess bookie stuff to Gayle."
"Gayle is one of your...teammates?"
If he noticed the odd hesitation between her last two words, he didn't acknowledge it.
"Yep," Azure confirmed. "She's a bit of...well, a socially awkward bookworm. She can get caught up in the small stuff with schoolwork, but she's a good friend. Heh, she really keeps her partner's shenanigans in check."
Wisteria cracked a smile, and when Azure noticed it, it took his breath away. She smiled. It had been so long since he'd seen her do that...it was easy to forget how innocent it made her look. Not for the first time, he wondered how such a thing had survived those tortuous years in Shadowolf. She had only rarely let her guard down when they were entrenched in the White Fang, in part due to training, in part because of her personality. But when she allowed herself to relax, there was a purity about her no one would have suspected. To Azure's knowledge, he was the only one that had witnessed this side of her; and it had been so long, he'd nearly forgotten how beautiful her smile was.
That wasn't the only thing that grabbed the boy's attention. From the first moment they had met, Azure had always been drawn to those vibrant pink eyes. The analytical clarity in them showcasing the only sign of intensity in an otherwise passive exterior. It flared in them when one came upon her while she was reading or learning, no matter whether she was actually invested or not. That light, that inferno, was so present tonight...but so was something else. Something he recognized all too well.
Confusion.
"Um..." the short girl ventured quietly.
Azure raised an eyebrow, curious.
"What's on your mind?"
"When...when we first met...why did you help me?" the girl continued. "Why did you go out of your way to help a stranger?"
Azure thought he had misheard the questions for a moment. Of all the things he expected she might ask, that wasn't one of them.
"Why are you asking?" he countered.
Wisteria took a deep breath, as if trying to muster her courage. "Ever since I was little, I've always been alone in the world. The Grimm...they took everything from me, everyone. "
Azure's brow furrowed and a frown found its way onto his face. Despite how close they'd once been, Wisteria had never divulged her past to him. There had been so many other things going on that survival always came first, and any breaks were used to prepare for the next inevitable test. Her story was agonizingly familiar, so similar to his own…
She trembled as she continued.
"My life after that is such a blur in my mind," she whispered, "I remember the loneliness. Being shunned and scorned for being what I am. It was like a night terror you can never fully remember…"
"...Wisty…"
If Wisteria heard Azure's voice, she didn't acknowledge it.
"Then you came into my life. You and Creed. And from the first moment, I had to always rely on everyone else to make it through each day. I once thought I could be something, someone, that mattered,"
Azure went silent, the girl's words punched his gut.
"But I'm not. I'm just a doll. Something to be used for a while and then tossed aside when it isn't wanted anymore."
A heated emotion shot through Azure like a bullet at hearing that. "Don't you dare think that," he said harshly. "Do you really think you're so disposable? Replaceable?"
Her eyes snapped up to his, silver lining them, and Azure grimaced inwardly.
"Wisty, you're the only you there is. You're here for a reason that you might now know yet, but it's not to be someone else's plaything," he added more gently.
Wisteria dropped his hand like a hot iron and took a step away. "Yes, it is. You proved it when that blue haired girl showed up and you left us. And now you've done it again by being with a whole new group of friends, replacing all of us." she countered, disgust evident in her tone. "I know I'm just a burden, just some weak thing to protect. I would never have survived Black Claw if you hadn't helped me, and even after we made it, I was only ever a thing to keep safe. I may be that, but I'm not stupid, Azure."
Azure opened his mouth to protest, but Wisteria shook her head vehemently.
"Don't," she said, her voice low and venomous. "Don't lie to me. You know it's true."
Azure was stuck. Wisteria had interpreted everything that happened between them in the most horrid way possible. He was ashamed to admit the truth behind her logic, that he had only seen her as someone to protect in the beginning, but that was only at the very beginning. But this idea that he had replaced her? What could possibly dissuade her from believing that? What could he do to change her mind?
Tension weighed down on them, making the air heavy. Wisteria uncharacteristically kept her unwavering eyes on his face as the silence stretched, and after a moment she spun around and strode for the door. Azure reacted instinctively, reaching out a hand to take hold of one delicate shoulder, and the girl froze. The indignant confusion in Wisteria's eyes clashed with the sober clarity of Azure's golden gaze. Before Wisteria could question him, Azure did the only thing he could think of:
"I'm sorry."
Wisteria blinked in surprise. "Excuse me?" she replied in disbelief.
"I'm sorry. For leaving," he continued, "and for not asking you to join me. I should have thought to bring you, but I didn't. I was so overwhelmed by my emotions, and I stayed like that for a long time. Things were complicated...confusing. And...well, I thought you'd be better off without me." He swallowed the lump in his throat, trying to ignore the butterflies in his stomach as he continued. "I had no idea you would think I was 'throwing you away'. I thought I was protecting you by keeping my burdens to myself. I see now that what I did instead just hurt you and fed insecurities I didn't see. It was the easy way out, but not the best or right way. So I'm sorry. More sorry than I can explain."
Wisteria didn't say a word, seemingly paralyzed as Azure's soothing voice washed over her. The same voice he'd only ever used when they were alone. The one that haunted her dreams and that she had wished desperately to hear again for so long...
"I also wasn't...I was so lost after Creed killed Lynn, the blue haired girl. There's no doubt that he would have gone after you too, if you came with me."
Wisteria continued her silence.
"Wisty, you're not some weak, unimportant person," Azure stated, watching her closely to see that his words got across. "You're a survivor of Shadowolf, same as me, same as Creed. No one knows how strong you are, how much better you are, than me. So to answer your earlier question," he paused, "I saved you because I wanted to. Not because you seemed helpless, or weak, or whatever. I did it because it was what I wanted to do. And to this day I have never regretted it. So please, stop belittling yourself. You might not believe or trust this stupid person ever again, but you are still important to him. "
He let go of her shoulder and gently took one of her dainty hands into his own.
Wisteria's eyes had widened, the silver lining them more present than ever.
"I -Azure, I..."
She couldn't find the right words. Her thoughts whirled in her mind, conflicting emotions rendering them chaotic. Her eyes burned, an unfamiliar sensation nowadays. She had spent so long convinced that her best friend had left her behind, that he had replaced her. But here was a glimpse of the boy she'd thought long gone. He didn't quite match up to the memories she'd clung to, and definitely nothing like Creed had led her to believe when he bothered to talk to her.
Was Creed...was he lying to me?
She needed answers from him, and she had a sneaking suspicion they were long overdue.
Azure nearly flinched in surprise when an appreciative grin appeared on Wisteria's face, only for it to vanish as quickly as it had come. Drying her eyes to clear them, the girl nodded gratefully.
"Thank you, Azure. For the dance, and for the talk," she said, her expression unreadable. "I think I have some things I need to do."
"Before you go, may I ask you something?"
Wisteria tilted her head quizzically.
Azure stared down the girl insipidly. "Are you sure you want to go through with Creed's plan?"
She refused to meet his gaze. "Yes, I do."
He didn't believe her. Wisty's words didn't carry the same conviction they had previously, and Azure didn't need to read her emotions to know it. Even if her tone didn't convey it, Wisteria's body language did.
"Okay."
His one word reply seemed to throw her off guard.
"You...aren't going to fight me on this?" she asked in genuine surprise.
"No. You're your own person, Wisty. I may not agree with you helping Creed, but I do know that you're only acting on what you think is right," Azure shrugged. "I'm not one to berate someone for that. I am curious, though...you told me Creed wants to get rid of the White Fang, yeah? That he needs me to do it. Have you wondered what's going to stop him once he's done that? And have you thought about whether you'll continue to stand by him when he demands you do something you don't want to do?"
Wisteria's silence was answer enough, but Azure searched those kunzite eyes anyway.
"You don't have to answer that now, or even tell me when you figure it out," the half faunus stated softly. "Just...think about it? Please?"
The girl's attention seemed to sharpen, and she studied her old friend quizzically. Wisteria nodded, a small promise she wouldn't voice out loud, and turned to make her leave.
She had nearly reached the door when she glanced over her shoulder and met Azure's steady gaze one last time.
"I'll...see you around," she offered in farewell.
Azure merely nodded, his expression unusually sombre. Her words were another promise. One he wasn't sure how to interpret. Would the next time they met be on opposite sides of their weapons? Or was there a chance that he got through to her?
Only time would tell.
With a flash of violet light, Wisteria departed, leaving Azure alone in the moonlight.
Azure's body sagged, all of his energy depleted. He'd had no idea, not even an inkling, that Wisteria was in so much pain. And it was all because of him. If he had just thought to bring her along instead of leaving her with the White Fang...
Their relationship was far more broken than he could have anticipated, but he was hopeful...She'd seemed receptive tonight. But she would be going back to Creed, and there was no guarantee she wouldn't listen to the person who hadn't abandoned her over the one that had. This could have been for nothing.
Reflecting on this conversation and the one from a few weeks back, Azure regrettably had to admit that Wisty was semi-serious about her loyalty to Creed. If he understood it correctly, Creed was the only one that hadn't betrayed her, in her eyes. Wisteria would follow the snake's lead because of that alone.
Wisteria wasn't stupid, though. She had to know on some level that he was just using her. Surely there would be little things she'd picked up on. And hopefully she'd recognize more red flags after their conversation tonight.
For now, it was in Azure's best interest to mislead Creed as much as possible. What better way to accomplish that, than to be at the center? Azure thought he knew Wisteria well enough to assume that she would keep their personal chats to herself, and if she did then Creed really didn't have much to work with. Regardless, there was still one thing clawing at his mind…
He just wished there was more he could do.
Taking one last look up at the moon, Azure shook his head and strode back into the ballroom. The night wasn't over yet.
Glynda had dragged Jad a good distance out of the dance hall before releasing her grip on the redhead. Jad hadn't fussed or struggled at all, puzzling the professor. With the music faded to a tolerable volume, the woman turned to glare at Jad, the boy showcasing a truly stupefying carefree grin.
"No need to be so rough," he commented. "Just say the word, and I'd follow you to the ends of the world…"
Goodwitch's composure was cracking, and she fought to maintain it. "Why?" she demanded through gritted teeth.
"Hmm?" Jad hummed, tilting his head curiously.
His merry mask didn't flinch, and Glynda exploded.
"Why on God's. Green. EARTH are you doing this?" she demanded. "Never, in my entire life, have I had to deal with such a-a headstrong brat with such a complete disregard for decorum! It baffles me that such a ruffian was admitted to this school!"
Jad said nothing, maintaining his suave smile.
"Well?! What could you possibly hope to achieve, carrying on like this?" Glynda continued, "if this is some joke, it has gone on far too long!"
Jad shook his head mutely.
"Then what?! I don't understand your behavior! What do you stand to gain?! What do you expect others to think of this?"
She stopped to catch her breath, her face red from yelling so much. Struggling to gather herself, the woman glared expectantly as she waited for an answer.
Jad chuckled gently, "well, I've never much cared what the masses think of me. I'm Jad Eclipse, nothing more or less."
Glynda sighed, exasperated.
Jad continued. "As for what I hope to gain? Just a smile. Nothing spectacular or world changing. Well, maybe not to the rest of the world, but to me? Knowing that I gave you a reason to smile makes wading through the mundane worthwhile."
Glynda's brow furrowed and her cheeks flushed. Her anger had not dissipated, but now she was flabbergasted. He thought he was giving her a reason to smile? Oh, that was infuriating.
"You think harassing me is giving me a reason to smile for you?" Glynda asked incredulously.
She didn't have a chance to say anything else as Jad gently took her right hand in his left and the two slowly swayed in place. "For now … let's just dance."
Jad couldn't believe it. He was dancing with Glynda. Confident, beautiful, strong, smart and dancing with him. He didn't know what to say or do next. But past his lips slipped the words, "Of all the gin joints in all the kingdoms in all the world… and you walk into mine…"
"I'm back."
Azure took a seat next to Valerie as he joined in on a conversation she, the rest of her team, and Gayle were currently having. Once comfortable, the girl with red eyes scooted closer and whispered inquisitively "Everything all good now? You were out quite a bit…"
Azure nodded. " I'm fine." he answered, "So, what'd I miss?"
"Well, Rosalie joined us after finally being able to catch a break. But ever since Jad was pulled off and you stepped out, it's mostly just been Gayle and Sonara going back and forth about any random topic. Mostly dancing."
The young man hummed in recognition. He knew if you got Gayle on something she had interest in, she could go on for hours if you'd let her. And Sonara was...well...Sonara. The half faunus tried a venture into what they were saying, but quickly gave up trying to follow. Kyra and Rosalie grouped up with Azure and Valerie, leaving their youngest team members to themselves.
"Hello, Azure." Rosalie greeted, and the boy answered in kind. 'I must applaud you for that excellent show you and your teammates put on!" the girl complimented, fiddling with the hem of her light blue dress. "It was quite fun to watch."
Azure felt a tinge of heat enter his face before absentmindedly scratching the back of his head. "It wasn't planned. 'Least, not by me…"
"So I've been told." Rosalie giggled, "Gayle and Jad seem to have a knack with coming up with….unique ideas."
"You don't know half of it."
Suddenly, the teens began to hear furious whispers directed in their direction as a familiar face drew near, an unmistakable face.
"Oh, speak of the devil…" Rosalie commented with a smile.
With a number of guests watching him, Jad moseyed his way towards his team's and AMBR's shared table. He received several curious looks from his friends when the young man sat down with enough swagger to grab even a blind man's attention. Azure also pointed out the overwhelmingly jubilant aura coming off of his friend. It was similar to when Jad won a fight in class, but magnified a hundredfold. When pushed for the outcome of getting dragged off by Goodwitch, his smile merely widened (Kyra didn't think it could get any bigger) and commented "That's a secret, love...". Even with excessive prodding from Gayle and Sonara, the most they got out of him was, "Not for all the bacon in all the world." so the topic was begrudgingly put to rest.
The seven teens decided to fraternize for a little bit longer before they all decided to call it a night. Sonara and Jad deliberately spurred the majority off a bit early, leaving the team leaders to themselves. Once outside after bidding their 'goodnights', Valerie convinced Azure to take a little detour back to the dorms. While the young man could practically hear his bed calling him, he agreed with a good natured nod. Now the two lazily walked through one of the many gardens dotting around the school, Valerie's arm interwoven with Azure's as they resumed their previous chat from earlier.
"Hehe, you know, I haven't had that fun of a night in a long time…" the steely blue haired girl hummed happily, "Thanks for taking me."
"You're...ah...You're welcome."
"I still can't believe Gayle and Jad hijacked the speakers. They really do have just as much craziness as my team."
"Pfft, You have no idea."
The two teens shared a short laugh, taking a few minutes to appreciate the midnight scenery before Valerie picked the conversation back up.
"Guess it's back to the grind tomorrow, huh?"
"Yup."
"Are you nervous about it? Getting your first Huntsman assignment, I mean."
"Not really. You?"
"I'm actually a bit excited, if I'm being honest." Valerie admitted, "Our first mission as Huntsman and Huntresses...the anticipation is giving me goosebumps."
Azure didn't notice a smile tugging as he felt the girl beside him slightly shake to emphasize her point. "I see."
The two of them took a break from talking, opting to view the flowers quietly. Azure appreciated that any sounds of the dance were over with, listening contently to the wind whistling through the surrounding trees.
"Hey."
Azure perked up at hearing the feminine voice. "Yeah?"
"How about one last secret? Before we turn in for the night."
The young man glanced over at the girl with silvery blue hair. She still wanted more?
"Okay, but you first." he proposed.
Valerie hummed an agreement. "Let's see…" she pondered, "...Did you know I used to be really shy when I was a kid?"
Azure blinked a few times in genuine surprise. "Really? You?"
"Hehe...Yeah. How can I put this...I guess you could say our family is rather secure, financially speaking. Sure, a great deal of people that live in Atlas are. My Dad's a businessman, and helps with the Schnee Dust Company. That kept him busy of course, which I understand now, but….it was a very lonely house, my home." Valerie continued, "And I guess you could say I was the black sheep of the family. Both my sisters were...well, nothing like what I was at that age. Still aren't. They were super talented, gaining praise all day, everyday. But not me. I could never match up."
"Really?"
"Yup. Since my dad was busy a lot, and my mom...well...gone-" the girl soberly added, lights going off in Azure's brain as puzzle pieces began to fall into place, "-I was left on my own in our house, since he didn't know what to do with me."
"...So...you're mom is...?" Azure asked carefully, and Valerie nodded.
"Yeah. She died a few years ago."
"My apologies. May I ask how?"
Valerie took a long time to answer. "...She was murdered. The official story is a faunus who got fired from his job and was looking for my dad for retribution. But it's just a cover. It was a group, and I know because I caught a glimpse of them…"
Azure listened attentively.
"I don't know what their faces looked like 'cause it was dark, and I couldn't move because I was afraid to confront them. All I remember is one of their voices, and then disappearing in a flash of light…"
An alarm went off in Azure's head. A group of hidden assailants? Atlas?
Why does that sound familiar…? No, It couldn't be…It has to be a coincidence...
Valerie caught the harrowed look on Azure's face. "Everything okay? You look like you saw a ghost."
"Y-yeah. Just…that's quite the encounter."
"It was. It's one of the reasons driving to be a huntress. I want to make the world safer, however I can. That way, no one else has to experience what I have...Oh!" The young woman abruptly realized they had veered off the original topic, and reeled herself back in. "Went on a bit of a tangent there. Going back to before, I actually got an idea from my oldest sister, Vivian, to try and make as many friends as I could to get over my shyness. So that's what I did... Heh, I guess you could also say that's why I flirt a lot, too. My kid self found it got more attention."
"...So that explains it." Azure mumbled. He was still trying to shake the creeping feeling he developed upon hearing Valerie's story.
"Mhm!" she smiled, trying to lighten the mood back up. "Your turn now."
Azure contemplated as best he could, trying to clear his head. What was of similar value, yet safe enough to share….?
"Before I continue-" the young man began, "...What are your feelings regarding faunus?"
Valerie quirked her head. "Mm? Well, I have no issues with them. I am friends with quite a few. Like, half your team's comprised of faunus! All of whom I think are some of the coolest people I've met, by the way."
"...And you still feel that way even after one allegedly killed your mom?"
Valerie momentarily flinched, but quickly recovered. Her face scrunching up in thought, the girl found a reply. "...I don't know that for sure. Even so, It's not a fair thing to punish countless innocents for the crimes of a single man. I'll reserve my judgment for when the misdeed happens." She surmised, and Azure couldn't help but feel a little taken by such self conviction. Finishing her explanation, Valerie asked "Why'd you ask?"
Azure took a moment to take in a breath. No, surely it was only a coincidence her story sounded familiar to his ears. The boy closed his eyes, answering "Because the girls aren't the only one-" only to reveal his natural pair of cat eyes, "-Who're faunus."
Valerie exclaimed something of a startled yelp when seeing the sudden external change regarding her date. She was so used to seeing the sage green look, that this was really jarring for her. Yet the longer she took absorbing the switch...the more enamored she became with them. "Y...You're faunus too?" she asked in wide eyed wonder.
"Half. From my mother."
"H-How many others know…?"
"Just the team. You're the first one after that."
"W-Why show me this? Why now?"
Azure looked at his date. "That's not obvious? You never asked before."
"But I had no idea before!" Valerie exclaimed vehemently.
"Fair point. Though...I guess I'm sharing this because...well...I trust you now." Azure concluded, smiling as he continued escorting a now speechless Valerie. "...C'mon, Val, let's go."
Conversation died down to insignificant smalltalk for the most part as the pair continued on, their walk now exiting the garden and onto the doormat of their dorm building. Azure escorted Valerie all the way to AMBR's room, the young woman reluctantly letting go once there.
"Well...I guess that's it for tonight." Valerie surmised.
Azure hummed in acknowledgement.
"I really had fun tonight. Honest." the young woman openly stated, "Just promise me you won't make this a one time thing!"
Smiling, the boy with white hair answered "I promise. You're an alright person, Val."
Valerie beamed at the rare compliment. "Good to know." she grinned. Looking at her dorm one more time, the woman with steel blue hair found herself growing uncharacteristically bashful. There was just one last thing she wanted to do tonight…
"Hey...You serious about trusting me?" She asked mildly.
Azure perked up an inquisitive eyebrow, but nodded sternly. "I've let you in on a few of my secrets tonight, Val. Including this-" the half faunus emphasised by momentarily revealing his natural set of eyes, "I do trust you. It's not something I give out lightly."
Valerie couldn't stop smiling when a wave of warmth spread through her chest. "Hehe...Okay. Then-" the girl drew her face up close to Azure's, smiling coyly. "Could you close your eyes? Please?" she asked, retreating back with expectant eyes.
Curious puzzlement in Azure's mind flared to life. What on earth was this supposed to accomplish? He could read the girl's emotions to surmise a guess, but...that needed time and a clear head to work. He had neither at the moment. This was probably a 'yes or no' question anyway…
...Eh, screw it. Azure conceded inwardly, shrugging his shoulders at the same time. Doing as he was asked, the young man closed his line of sight. Jad probably would've told him to do the same, anyways. Left alone in the temporary self-inflicted darkness, the cat faunus waited to find out just what kind of plan Valerie had concocted for him. He also could've sworn it was getting hotter around here as well. Was this Valerie's doing? If he remembered correctly, her semblance had something to do with fire. Should he say something? The girl probably wanted-
The young man's thought process was abruptly cut off when he felt an unfamiliar sensation brush across his left cheek. It was...fleetingly soft...small…
Warm.
"'Kay. You can open your eyes."
Azure's vision quickly returned, immediately met by a radiant looking Valerie. As in: her body was actually radiating a soft scarlet red glow (especially from her eyes)...with a noticeable heat exuding off of the bluenette. Bringing a hand to his cheek, he looked to his date with a questioning look, and it only made Valerie giggle.
"Think of it as a little bonus. You'll figure it out." she teased as she opened the door behind her. Once stepping inside she added one final "Goodnight..." before closing the portal behind her and leaving her newly established friend on his own.
Rember was curled in a nest of pillows on the window seat, staring out into the night without really seeing anything. She didn't look around as Jad and Gayle entered the room, laughing and bidding team AMBR a good night before turning the lights on.
Gayle was the first to notice her. The fox girl was wearing an old pair of sweatpants and a sleeveless grey shirt with a strange burn mark on the left shoulder and a tear along the bottom. Gayle couldn't remember seeing the top before, and wondered briefly why her friend had kept such a ratty thing.
Jad quieted down as his partner frowned and walked over to Rember, catching onto the fox girl's strange silence.
"Ber?" Gayle inquired quietly.
No response.
She tried again, a little louder but still gently. "Rember? Are you okay?"
One of Rember's ears twitched and she shivered. Gayle saw that goosebumps covered Rember's arms and shoulders and looked around for a blanket, noting that the window was open. Jad reached up to Rember's bunk and pulled one off, handing it to her silently, concern evident on his usually grinning face.
Rember jumped as the blanket touched her and looked around in shock, her eyes wide and bright and her ears going flat. Gayle was stunned by the fear on Rember's face, and quickly took a step back so her friend could see who it was.
It took a moment for Rember's face to clear and for her to remember where she was. When she did she blinked and shook her head, ears pricking up again as she tried to smile.
"S-sorry." She said. "Did you, um, did you need something?"
Gayle frowned. "You okay, Ber?"
"You okay, Bera?"
"I, um- yeah. Yeah I'm...I'm fine." She replied unconvincingly, not meeting Gayle's eyes.
Jad and Gayle exchanged glances. Rember noticed and looked at the floor, fox ears flat against her head.
"Rem" Jad started.
"I'm going for a run." Rember interrupted, getting to her feet abruptly and pushing past her teammates.
Azure was walking through the door when his partner rushed past. He moved aside as Rember all but ran from the room, exclaiming "Rem?"
Rember either didn't hear him or didn't care, and disappeared into the hall.
"What just...?" Azure asked his friends.
Jad and Gayle shrugged and shook their heads.
"We just came in and she was...weird." Gayle replied.
Azure raised an eyebrow. "In what way?"
Gayle shot him an unimpressed look.
"...Ahh." Azure nodded, swiftly changing out of his dresswear. "Got it. I'll be back..."
Azure saw his partner out on the cliffs, where she usually went at times like this. He knew by now that unless she was too shell shocked or didn't mind Azure coming to get her that she would have hidden somewhere he couldn't find her so easily.
Rember didn't look around as he walked up behind her. She was staring out over the Emerald Forest with wide eyes, completely still. Azure could see that her skin was covered in goosebumps. Unsurprising, really. It was past midnight, and she hadn't stopped to get a jacket or even a pair of shoes.
Without saying anything, Azure settled himself cross legged on the ground beside her and pulled out a bag of Rember's favourite chocolate chip cookies. To his surprise she didn't even flinch as he opened the bag, maintaining her wide eyed stare out over the forest. Azure's brow furrowed and he set the treats down between them. He considered saying something, but decided to wait and see if Rember reacted to his presence without further prodding.
It took a few more minutes, but eventually Rember reached for a cookie. She still didn't speak, munching on her snack in silence, and Azure let her be until she shivered, at which point he stood up, unclasped his cape, and draped it around her shoulders. Sitting back down he caught a glimpse of her pulling the cape tighter around her body and hid a smile. They stared out into the night a little longer before Azure broke the silence.
"Nice night."
Rember nodded in response and Azure waited a minute before trying again.
"I get if you don't want to talk about it right now," he told her kindly, "but if and when you're ready...go ahead."
Rember closed her eyes and let out a quiet sigh. "I know." she replied softly.
Azure stretched his legs out in front of him, resting his weight on his hands as he leaned back. Moments like this he often found the temptation to read Rember's emotions, though he'd found more and more often that if he waited long enough she would tell him what she was feeling, and explain her emotions better than he could ever read them. He pushed the temptation to the back of his mind and listened to the sounds around them.
The music that had been so loud in the ballroom was inaudible out here. Party songs and heavy bass were replaced by rustling leaves and muted animal chatter, complimented every so often by the hoot of an owl or the howl of a lonely Beowulf. Azure let the sounds soothe him, the excitement of the evening slowly seeping from conscious thought and into the subconscious. On his left he could hear Rember breathing, and the rustle of cloth as she fidgeted with the hem of his cape.
It was...peaceful. Something that Azure didn't experience often. There was always some problem occupying his mind, some issue demanding his attention, but for whatever reason everything seemed far away for the moment. Like it could be dealt with sometime in the future, near or distant. It was...nice. Different, but nice.
Whether Rember was experiencing the same thing as Azure or not, she maintained her unusual silence for a while longer, occasionally reaching for another cookie. Eventually, though, she sighed again and looked over at Azure, who returned her gaze openly.
"Do you...do you remember when I told you about my brand?" Rember said quietly.
Azure nodded.
"What about the friend I had at Sanctum?"
"The one who tried recruiting you?" Azure ventured.
"Yeah…" Rember looked away. "He was in Goodwitch's class...and tonight he was at the dance." she let out a deep breath and her shoulders slumped.
Azure's alarm spiked and he sat up straight. The last time Rember had seen Lupin Grey she'd had a full blown meltdown. Clearly that wasn't quite the case this time, but the fact that she was out here instead of back in the dorm room said that something had happened.
"What did he do…?" Azure demanded sharply.
Rember either didn't notice the change in his tone or didn't acknowledge it. "Nothing, really. He just wanted to talk." She snorted. "Apparently he was sent by the White Fang."
Azure went silent for a moment. While hearing that Lupin didn't try anything did put him a bit at ease, the wolf man was the cause of her anxieties. He also had a sneaking suspicion who the White Fang were looking for. But that could be worried about later. For now, Rem was hurt, and that's what was important.
"Really?" He asked cooly, "Your ex-best friend from the White Fang was there too? Tonight really was eventful..."
Rember studied the boy beside her, one fox ear swiveling towards him.
Azure focused his gaze on the forest beyond. "Yeah...She was there alright...honestly, I was kind of expecting it." he continued, a touch of sadness in his voice.
It took a minute for Rember to respond, and it was with the faintest hint of interest.
"Wisteria?" She asked.
Azure nodded slowly.
"I spotted her during the night, and I was actually able to get a moment alone with her."
Rember lifted an eyebrow. "...What happened?" She inquired. In all honesty, she would rather not be thinking about what happened with Lupin, so this was a welcome distraction.
Azure couldn't hide the small smile creeping onto his face. The half cat faunus fell softly onto his back, the grass acting as a cushion.
"Same answer as yours," He replied wryly, eyes closed as his smile grew. "Just wanted to talk. Had a dance. Heh, I actually had to teach her the steps too. Talk about blind leading the blind."
Rember kept looking at Azure, now cracking the softest of an amused snort as she reached for another cookie.
"Yeah... It was actually...nice to talk to her again." The boy admitted somberly. "Not caring about being on opposing sides...no underlying agendas or motivations...just talking."
Rember felt her heart jump. Why did those words stick? She didn't want to think about it, but...on some level...did she also enjoy speaking with her own old friend? The fox girl quickly shook her head clear. No, she wouldn't dwell on it.
Azure continued recapping his outing with Wisteria.
"I actually got her to smile…" the boy's demeanor abruptly dampened, "But she's hurting, and I know I'm part of the problem..." He mumbled condescendingly, absentmindedly rubbing his right forearm.
There was silence for a minute, and Azure picked the conversation up again.
"Want me to keep talking? It's fine if you want some quiet. Don't really know if my rambling helps anyway..."
Rember took a thoughtful bite of her snack. "Yeah." she said eventually. "Keep going. It doesn't make the problem go away, but it does help some."
Azure nodded. "Alright. But maybe something less depressing..." He said, putting a finger under his mouth in contemplation. The young man felt his eyes searching for a conversation starter, but found nothing. Idle chat really wasn't in his comfort zone. He then glanced over to his partner, the girl's shivering slowed thanks to the protection of his cape. Wait...his cape…
Suddenly, an idea popped into Azure's head, the boy humming with a smile.
"Hey," Azure began, gesturing to the white cloth. "Have I ever told you why I wear that?"
Rember shook her head. The question peaked her interest, fox ears up and attentive.
"Heh, didn't think so." Azure chuckled. "I'll tell you on one condition: try not to tease me too much after, okay?"
A glimpse of Rember's impishness flew across her face, but soon vanished and she bobbed her head.
Azure sat up before explaining.
"When I was younger, my mother used to read me and my siblings bedtime stories. We all had our favorites, but I always liked the heroes. Those that were clad in shimmering armour with a cape billowing in the wind. I also liked it when the characters wore hoods, 'cause they were always cool and badass. So I wore a hoodie everywhere I went. Figured that if I had one, maybe I'd be cool too."
Rember didn't notice a smile creeping onto her face as she listened.
"So that's how it started…. but there's a little more." Azure continued. "See, my father was...not a present parent. So whenever I was hurt or sad, I'd go to my room, flip my hood up and close my eyes. Eventually I added wrapping myself in a blanket, which helped. I did it 'cause...well...I felt safe. Even after going through the White Fang, it's stuck with me. Without it...I don't know..."
Azure took a pause, catching his breath and giving his partner a smile.
"So yeah, the assassin has a childish secret. Pretty ridiculous, huh?" He joked, hoping to lighten the mood.
Rember let out a quiet laugh. "It is kinda funny." she admitted. "My little sister used to be kinda like that. Whenever she got scared or upset she'd go wrap herself in a blanket and hide under her bed or in the cupboard." A smile graced Rember's face and she fiddled with her necklace absentmindedly. "Once I learned why she did that I would always try to build blanket forts that we could hang out in. The best ones were the ones that we built during thunderstorms. We would set them up in the living room and move the tv into the fort. My stepmom would make us popcorn and we'd spend the whole storm inside our fort watching movies."
Azure grinned at the image of little Rember and her sister sitting together in an elaborate blanket structure munching on popcorn, their eyes glued to the screen in front of them. It wasn't often that Rember talked about Sylva, and Azure always enjoyed listening when she did.
A small frown came across Rember's face suddenly. "I miss making those blanket forts." she said quietly. "I stopped after Sylva died."
It was a minute before Azure spoke up, his voice gentle and careful.
"You loved her a lot, didn't you?" He asked.
The fox girl nodded. "Yeah." She confirmed, whispering.
Azure strategically paused again, looking for the best follow up.
"Well, I know it wouldn't be the same, but I'm sure Gayle would be all in for a pillow fort one of these days. Jad too, probably." The young man replied, seeing if the idea stuck. He then reached out and pulled the hood on his cape over Rember's head, her fox ears lying against her skull.
"There, better. If you're going to wear my hood out here in the cold, I expect it to be worn properly." Azure mock scolded with a hint of a playful smile. "After all, our first mission's tomorrow. You're gonna be able to watch my back and make sure I don't do anything stupid, right?"
Rember snorted and reached over to shove him. "Like anyone else could do it better."
With the good natured push from the fox, Azure felt a feeling of relief spread throughout his chest. Rem was seeming to feel better, and that was good enough for him. He could feel the dark feelings in her heart slowly clear away, but he knew she would need a bit more time.
"Heh, yeah you're right." The half faunus stated. Picking himself off the ground, Azure extended a hand to his partner, "Come on," he spoke softly, "It's late, and we should get going."
Wordlessly, Rember accepted the gesture and was helped to her feet.
"Ugh, I'm such a mess." She sighed, trying to spark a tone of humor back into the mood.
Azure chuckled, "Join the party." He quipped, the both of them sharing a brief laugh.
As everything settled, the fox girl slipped out a yawn, her body growing heavy. A part of her wasn't looking forward to the walk back, as it wasn't exactly short.
"That tired, huh?" Azure inquired.
"Wha? No, no, I can...*yaaawn*"
Another yawn made its way out before Rember could complete her answer, eyes going a bit droopy. Guess all that drama was more draining than she first thought.
"Uh huh, sure you can." Azure commented, laced with sarcasm. "Well, I can't have you spontaneously falling asleep while we're walking and hurting yourself..." the boy thought aloud, pretending to not notice the unamused look his partner gave him. "So...guess I'll carry you."
Rember raised an eyebrow.
"You're serious?" She asked.
"Yep."
"And... you're fine with it?"
"Yep."
"...I really am-"
"Rem, just get on." Azure sighed, rolling his eyes.
No longer protesting, Rember compiled and hopped onto her partner's back, the boy walking back towards Beacon.
A few minutes passed by in relative silence, with only the cool wind and occasional sound of wildlife. Rember had her eyes closed, half asleep while Azure kept quiet, so as to not disturb her.
"...Hey..."
Azure peeked over his shoulder. Rember seemed to be looking at nothing in particular as she kept talking.
"Thanks," she whispered, "For...putting up with me."
Silence.
Azure turned his face back around. "...Heh, well that's one way of putting it." The young man replied. "Makes it sound like I shouldn't be your friend."
"Well...I did tell you I haven't had many friends...and my last one...well..."
"...Yeah...I get it." The pale haired boy answered quietly.
Rember nodded. "So, yeah...thank you."
Azure bobbed his head as he kept walking.
"Don't worry about it. Besides..." the half faunus looked back at his partner to flash her a smirk. "I could say the same thing about you putting up with me. How bout we just say we both drive each other nuts and call it even?"
"...Deal." Rember agreed sleepily.