Waking up was not particularly pleasant. The mory of what happened yesterday was still at the forefront of my mind, the look on Salem's face when she walked away in particular. While she didn't tell to leave or anything like that, we hadn't exactly parted on the best terms last night.
One step forward, two steps back.
I quickly got dressed and made sure I was presentable. I didn't even bat an eye when I saw Squidward waiting for outside the door. I don't know why he was following still, but I sort of accepted its presence as I made my way to the kitchen area.
May as well get started making so Coffee, I figured I would need the extra pick--up today.
"Squidward, how should I handle this?" I poked the tentacle Grimm as I poured myself a cup. "Salem didn't look too happy, got any ideas?"
It wiggled its arms noncommittally.
"Yeah.....there's a good chance this is my last day ever being here." I sighed, rubbing the bridge of my nose. Once she had ti to settle and think about everything, she may just want to leave and never co back. "I don't think I could have done anything different though. If she's not wanting any part of it, what can I do? It was the best mont to bring it up, being our second...eting or date, whatever you want to call it."
Waiting any longer would just feel sorta scummy. I didn't want to wait until any 'true' feelings were ford, otherwise that would just be manipulative. At this point, I doubt there's anything beyond a simple 'liking', if even that.
"Hey Erald, did you make – " I looked up as the grey haired boy walked into the kitchen, he paused as he stared at .
"Morning." I raised my coffee cup in greeting.
"Hey....." He blinked, a bit surprised to see apparently.
"Made so Coffee, help yourself." I gestured with my head towards the pot.
He quickly reorientated himself. "Doesn't sll like that crap that Erald makes." He seed nonchalant once the initial surprise wore off. "She just grabs the cheapest stuff at the store. I swear, she has no taste."
"Ugh, yeah. I can't stand that stuff either. It's why I usually keep so of my favorite blends on ." I smiled lightly. "So...rcury, right?" I thought I recalled his na being said the last ti we t.
"Yeah and you're that Wilhelm guy that's banging the Grimm Queen?" He looked at .
I let out a snort, barely holding back my laughter. "Not quite." I shook my head. Though, I wouldn't deny the things I'd want to do to her.
"Well, I'm a big fan." rcury quirked a smile.
"A fan?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, I admire the way you can weaponize sex toys." He nodded.
"Ah." Yeah, that's sothing that's never going to go away. "Want to sign a Dildo for you?"
"Pfft." He almost choked on the sip of Coffee he had taken. "Fuck, didn't think you'd say sothing like that."
"I threw a Dildo to take down a Bullhead. You thought I'd be all stiff and highly decorum orientated?"
"Eh, well Queen Boss seems like that, so I just figured....."
"I guess I can see that." I shrugged. "Ti and place for those kinds of things. Though, I'd suggest not asking her if we're 'banging'."
"I'm not suicidal.....mostly." He blinked, looking thoughtful. "Anyways. So, you casually tossed into a wall, the hell is your Semblance? Cause I saw you also blow the fuck out of that Sea Fei-Long and did other things."
I could swear that it was rude to ask a stranger about their Semblance...or it could be different based on region. Well, he's technically one of Salem's subordinates, so I didn't have to be too on guard around him. "You wanna know my Semblance?"
"Yeah, tons of people were arguing about it online. You put 'Space Control' when you registered for the tournant, really fun to watch that by the way. Always nice to see those snobbish kids get their assess handed to them."
Hmm, I sensed so hostility there, oh well. "My Semblance –" He leaned in slightly. "Is being aweso." I smiled smugly, taking a sip of my coffee.
He let out a snort with an eye roll. "Right. Well, doubt anyone could deny that either."
"Maybe I'll just say ridiculous things and see if anyone believe ." I couldn't help but smile at the thought of really confusing masses of people like that. "Been awhile since I've posted online."
"Oh Brothers, please make an official account and start posting. I'd literally pay to see people have an aneurism."
Well, that certainly sounded like fun.
"rcury, where have you been we –" The woman in the red dress burst through the door, looking rather annoyed. She only stopped when her eyes landed on , just like with rcury.
And this was Cinder, if I rembered correctly.
"Good morning." I raised my Coffee cup up in greeting once again.
There was a visible shift in her deanor. That scowl she was sporting quickly changed to a 'gentle smile'. "Good morning." She replied.
Well, props to her for being able to pivot on a di like that.
"You must be Wilhelm."
"That I am." I said simply. "And I believe you are Cinder."
"Hey there, Boss Lady." rcury nonchalantly greeted her.
"rcury." She said dryly. "You were supposed to et with us twenty minutes ago."
"Oh, right. Sorry, got side tracked." He just shrugged.
"I see that." She glowered, before turning back towards . "I'm glad we have a chance to et. I'm Cinder Fall, I work under Mistress Salem."
"Wilhelm Henry Schweinorg, a pleasure to et you." I gave her a courteous nod.
"Yes, I've heard much about you." Cinder stated. "I believe we will be seeing much more of each other in the future. In the spirit of.....cooperation, I would love to beco more acquainted."
If it weren't for the lack of sexual undertones, I'd think she was coming on to . No, it felt more like she just wanted to get so information from .
"Well, that's up in the air. Salem and I had....a disagreent yesterday." I set my Coffee cup down with a frown. "What happens next is uncertain."
Cinder paused, digesting that bit of information. "If I may be so bold to ask, what –"
"So are you two like actually together? I was joking before, but it sounds like you guys are dating or sothing." rcury spoke up as he leaned against the counter.
"rcury!" Cinder hissed, giving him a death stare.
"We aren't." I said simply. "Not for my lack of trying, mind you."
"Well damn." rcury muttered.
"While I would not phrase it in such a way...such a sentint is shared." Cinder sighed.
"Is it really that strange?" I questioned.
"Scary Lady who apparently has Magic and controls Grimm." rcury deadpanned. "Nah, it's totally normal."
Cinder was actually silent and didn't chastise him. I guessed she shared a similar opinion even if she was more intelligent not to voice it.
"Mmm, she's my type." I shrugged.
"Isn't she like....super old?" rcury said again.
"I prefer Older won." I grinned.
"Huh." rcury just nodded, drinking from his cup. "How'd you even et her? I doubt she'd be on any dating sites. ?"
"Dammit, rcury." Cinder rubbed the bridge of her nose. "Must you word everything so crudely."
"Well, it's a funny story actually." I set my cup down again. "I discovered her existence, and wanted to et her on a whim."
"And she just let you waltz right in?"
"Haha, no. I walked in, saw her, and admittedly fell a little bit. So I did what anyone would do in that situation."
"Run screaming?" rcury offered.
"Started flirting."
"Bold move, how'd that turn out?"
"She started attacking ." I snorted. "So about that good."
"So pretty normal for you?"
I blinked at that. "Honestly....it surprisingly is." Scáthach and I fought constantly. Artoria and I sparred that one ti that opened up the possibility of our relationship. Two out of Six, I think that makes it a sowhat normal occurrence.
"You say that Mistress attacked you? How are you alive?" Cinder questioned, seemingly ignoring the other parts.
Well, context was important I suppose. From her perspective, Salem should have wiped the floor with since she had magic.
"I'm pretty strong." I said smugly. "So we had a little dance there before settling down for a talk. Well, she asked questions, I basically just continued flirting with her the whole ti still."
"Fucking balls of steel." rcury laughed.
"And that was basically it."
"Really, that's it?"
"Well, I also complinted her butt several tis." Her reactions were really fun to see.
"And you're still alive sohow." rcury looked at incredulously. "Can't even bla you either. She has an amazing – " He stopped, his eyes started to widen in horror.
"No, please. Continue discussing the finer points of my rear. I shall wait." Another familiar voice echoed out as I turned to look at Salem who stood at the threshold of the kitchen.
"M-Mistress." Cinder squeaked out.
Salem slowly turned her head towards her. "Cinder." She said sternly. "Take your subordinate, I believe you have more important things to do....elsewhere."
Cinder shot to her feet, and dragged rcury off without a second thought.
I prayed for the silver haired kid.
"Salem." I shot her a smile.
"Wilhelm." She said evenly, looking at with a strange expression before walking over and taking the seat opposite of .
"I suppose we should have a talk then." There was no point in dragging this one out, I thought it would do neither of us any good.
"I believe that would be for the best." She nodded.
"I guess the first question should be – would you like to leave?"
She frowned as I said that, a look of uncertainty flashed across her face. "No." She stated, not elaborating.
While I was happy she didn't kick out, she was still being more distant than usual. "Should we talk about what we are then? Or rather, what you want us to be?"
She opened her mouth then closed it again. She let out a breath of air, tapping her finger on the table. I think she was still have trouble putting her thoughts into words. "I am not a trophy." Her words were very direct, eyes locked with mine. "I am not a bauble to show off. And I am certainly not a notch in your belt to brag about." She practically growled that last bit.
"Do you think I see you that way?"
"No." She denied. "If I had such an inclination, we would not be speaking." She replied. "I am rely...." She closed her mouth, not finishing.
A sore spot for her maybe?
Well, maybe I should be the one to express myself then? "I like you, Salem. I believe I told you my feelings yesterday."
"It has been.....a very long ti since a man has shown any interest. It has been even longer since I have humored such fanciful thoughts as well." Salem stopped her tapping, her arms naturally crossing as if to cover herself. "I enjoyed your presence. I found myself anticipating your return since we had last t. The ti we have thus spent together had been...pleasant." Her words were stiff, like she didn't have much experience with this sort of thing. "That does not an I'm accepting of certain 'things'." She glowered. "But I am.....contemplating."
"I like spending ti with you as well. And if possible, I'd like to continue coming to see you when I can." There was no declaration of love or anything so ridiculous. Just simply, a desire to spend more ti together, which was more than enough for now. Take it slow, figure things out as we go.
"Yes, that would be welcod." There was the faintest hint of a smile that crossed her lips.
It wasn't a really a resolution of everything, but it was a point forward. Whether she's okay with having a harem or not, she hadn't said, and I'm not inclined to push her there. She's aware, and she'd make decisions based on that information. I'll spend more ti with her, and we can just figure things out slowly.
"However." She spoke up again. "Please don't speak about my rear with my subordinates." She said dryly.
"I.....willl hold myself back." I held back a laugh. "I'll make sure to only talk about it with you."
She let out a sigh. "Why did I expect anything different? Just as you have said before, you are upfront about your perversions and I have grown used to them by this point."
Said the won who intentionally swings it so I can get a better look. Though, I decided not to call her out on it this ti.
"I have so things I need to do back ho. I can't stay much longer since I have a few other things to take care of before I go back and I'll be gone a little while before I can return. But....until I need to leave, I would love to spend that ti with you." I slowly reached my hand out across the table, putting it atop of hers.
She flinched a little at the touch, but she didn't reel back or say anything.
"I see." She said quietly. "If that is how you wish to spend your ti, then I shall be a proper host and accompany you." She said without much expression. But as I've co to learn, that was Salem basically saying she'd enjoy it as well.
Salem acted cute without even trying.
***
Lets see, she should be around here....
"Hey there, Red." I had many ways I could have gone about this, but I thought this was the best one.
"W-WILHELM!?" A certain red-haired girl jumped in fright.
Spooking her by opening a portal right behind her was definitely the correct choice.
"That's my na." I said cheekily.
"Y-you!" She stomped her foot with a huff. "Do you have any idea how much you just scared ?"
"Well, I saw how high you got, so yeah." I laughed. "So how you been, Red?"
"I was fine until you just popped in like that." She huffed.
"Really?" I looked her up and down. "Cause you look covered in bruises.....do I need to go have a chat with soone?"
"No!" She quickly denied. "They're from training."
"Ah, I can relate then. My teacher used to kick my ass to get the lessons ingrained." I wonder what Scáthach was doing right now? I hoped she's having fun, she deserved to have all the excitent she could find.
There was a beat of silence as Pyrrha and I stared at each other before I opened my arms. She broke out into giggles as she went in and accepted my hug.
"Alright, seriously, how you been, Red?" I asked her again without the jokes.
"I've been well." She smiled happily. "I've been looking forward to going to Beacon."
"Oh? You decided to go to school on another Continent? I know you said that before, but I didn't really have much ti to talk to you about it." I questioned. "Wouldn't they treat you as royalty here? I've seen all the popularity you've gotten since winning the tournant."
"Please don't remind ." She let out a groan. " I didn't even technically win.....you would have won had we fought."
"Eh, semantics"
"It's not! You would have beaten . If the roles were reversed, would you have accepted the championship like that?"
"Without a second thought."
"Will!"
"Lavish in that fa and fortune." I laughed.
"You're teasing ." She puffed up.
"Hmm, only a little." I poked her forehead. "But Beacon, you sure about that choice? I don't want my actions to have swayed you." She said she wanted to go there to be closer to , but I hoped that wasn't the entirety of the reason.
"Well.....I know you were in Vale, so I wanted to be a little closer." She said quietly. "But I also wanted to get away from this place. Mistral's just as bad, I don't think I could handle so many people fawning over for four years."
"Well, that sounds like a good decision as any." As long as it wasn't solely because of I wouldn't argue. "And Beacon is pretty nice from what I've heard. But, you can't expect it to be perfect either, you know. It was broadcast all over the place, you're going to have fans regardless."
Pyrrha slumped her shoulders. "I know, it's just...I'm hoping the people there will be able to see past it."
"Just don't close yourself off." Stretching my arms, I walked over to a nearby bench as I looked around. It was the sa place I'd caught her the last ti I went away, so it was easy to find her again. "You better have atleast....30 friends when I co visit you at Beacon."
"Visit at Beacon.....30 friends!?" She exclaid. "How am I supposed to make 30 friends when I can barely make one." She sighed, sitting down next to .
"Don't worry, I believe in you, Invincible Girl." I shot her a thumbs up.
She dropped her face into her hands. "I hate that nickna." She groaned. "They make it sound like it was so easy. It makes it sound like the other competitors weren't worth ntioning."
"Got so blowback from them I take it?"
"No." She huffed. "And that makes it worse."
"Or, are you just assuming?" I nudged her with my shoulder.
"Well...." She gave a pout. "It's still disrespectful."
"Uh huh."
"It is!"
"Sure."
"Fine. Maybe I just don't like it because it sounds too ostentatious."
It was always fun to tease Pyrrha. "Could be worse." I pointed out.
"I don't see how it –"
"Crimson Haired Warrior Princess."
"..."
"Undefeated Magical Shining Fighting Champion."
"....."
"Ultra –"
"Brothers, please stop." She whined, pulling on my sleeve. "I would rather die. Just.....take my gun and shoot right now."
"Invincible Girl then?"
She let out a long sigh. "And since I've gained a new perspective, I've realized, I don't quite mind being called 'Invincible Girl'."
"Hmm, I'm just gonna call you 'Red'." I laughed.
She puffed up again. "You know....I'm not the only one going to Beacon either."
"I imagine quite a few people are, otherwise the school wouldn't be open."
She playfully swatted my shoulder. "You know what I an." She huffed. "But Rufus, Cobalt, and even Gundy and a few others all decided to go to Beacon too after finding out you were from Vale."
"Wait, really?" I blinked at that. I rembered them from the competition. I didn't think I left that much of a lasting impression. "Wait, who's Gundy again?"
"You...erm.....blew him up in the first round."
"Oh, oh!" I couldn't help but start laughing. "Well, fuck him."
"He seems to have calm down after that...fight. He's always been rather arrogant, but he's beco a bit more withdrawn and soft spoken. I think it might have really bruised his ego."
"Among other things...." I muttered. "Well, maybe he turned over a new leaf and doesn't try to antagonize people for no reason." I just ended it with a shrug. I barely had an impression of the kid, and I wasn't going to seek out any kind of 'vengeance' just because he insulted my mom. I blew him up within the rules of the tournant, that was enough.
"Are you.....going to be around when I go to Beacon?" She hesitantly asked.
"Maybe? I an.....the heat should have died down. But regardless, I'll make sure I'm up and about even if I have to be sneaky about it." I reassured her. "I wouldn't want to miss the celebration when you get admitted."
"You know, when I do officially join, I'm given certain authority. I'd still a Huntress in Training, but I could arrest you." She smiled. "So you better be on your best behavior. If I catch you doing anything illegal again I-I won't hesitate to stop you." She poked at my shoulder.
"Oh my, does the Huntress in Training admit to being friends with a nefarious criminal? What would your soon-to-be teammates think?" I couldn't help but laugh as I reached over and pulled her into a one-ard hug.
She smiled brightly as she leaned against . I didn't think she cared much to think about the consequences right now when I ntioned the 'friends' part. "What about you, Wilhelm? Why'd you suddenly pop up?" She asked. "N-not that I don't like you being here." She quickly added.
"Had so free ti so I wanted to co check up on you, see how you were doing." I said idlily.
"...I tried contacting your scroll, but I couldn't get ahold of you." She whispered. "I thought...."
"Hey." I playfully flicked her ponytail. "It's not what you're assuming. I was out of range of the towers, so you wouldn't be able to connect with ."
"You weren't doing anything dangerous were you?" She looked up at . "Or illegal." She added with a small huff. "If you went around stealing again, I'm going to be upset."
"Hey, I've been on my good behavior." I chuckled at her expression. "But I may have gotten into so dangerous situations. Fought so things that I had to struggle against."
"Really?" She looked surprised. "I an....I guess that Sea Fei-long wasn't the strongest Grimm out there, but I shudder to think what would actually be scary enough after seeing that."
"Oh you know, just so Gods, nothing much." I said nonchalantly.
"I was being serious!" She huffed, swatting my shoulder again.
"What, don't believe I can throw hands with so Gods? I'm hurt Pyrrha, truly hurt." I dramatically clutched my heart.
"You're ridiculous." She snorted, letting so giggles slip through. "Fine, Mr. GodSlayer." She accompanied that with an eyeroll. "And why did you 'fight' so gods?" The sarcasm in her tone was palpable.
"Well, funny story actually. Both tis, it was because I talked about their moms." I scratched my head. "Whom I am actually friends with."
"Sure." She said dryly.
"I'm serious!"
"I completely believe you."
"You need to work on your lies, they're really obvious."
"You need to work on yours." She retorted.
"....touché" Well, I'm glad she'd opened up a bunch since we first t. "So, et any boys?"
"Y-you can't suddenly just ask that!" She squeaked out.
"Or Girls." I added with a smirk.
"Will!" She turned red. "You're just doing this to get back at ."
"Maybe a little." I admitted. "But seriously, no crushes? No love interests?"
She let out a sigh, her face still a tad red. "How am I supposed to et anyone when I'm surrounded by fans who won't give space? All they see is the Invincible Girl."
"Well, it's decided." I stood up, clearing my throat.
"What's decided?" She looked confused at my sudden actions.
"After you go to Beacon, I'm going to take you out and be your wingman." I straightened my tie and fixed my hair. "With my help, they won't see you as the Invincible Girl. No, all they'll see is the Crimson Haired –"
"You bully!" She threw herself at , with a groan. I couldn't help but laugh as she tried to keep my mouth shut. Eventually, she settled on just wrapping her arms around , squeezing tight. "Thanks, Wilhelm." She whispered. "Thanks for coming to see , I really needed it. I couldn't even go to my normal gym to train because there were crowds waiting outside for . I just.....wanted to fee like a normal girl for awhile."
"Of course, Red. What're friends for?" Maybe next ti, I would tell her the truth. I'd love for her to et my family. I think she'd absolutely love Kunou.
Speaking of.... "Hey."
"Hmm?"
"Wanna see pictures of my daughter?"
"Bwahh!?" She made a strange noise in response.
***
Ozpin POV
"I'm glad we could get everyone together." I cast my gaze around the room, and towards the screens that had Jas appeared on. "I know it's been a trying few weeks and how busy everyone's been. But I believe it important to have a eting since the new year is coming around."
"Except Leonardo is once again absent." Jas looked annoyed. "How many tis is this, Ozpin?"
I let out a sigh. "I know, Jas. But he's having his own difficulties. He's had several of his top Huntsn die recently."
Jas grumbled but didn't push the matter further. He should know just how dangerous these 'Mutant' Grimm that had popped up could be.
"Should we start with any good news?" I offered to alleviate the tension.
"We've had a record number of students registering for the entrance exam." Glynda pushed up her glasses. "Among those, several popular ones such as a few finalists in the Tournant."
"Well, can't help but be happy about that." Qrow sat in the corner, taking a drink of his flask. "More brats running around the better, I guess."
"While I would word it differently, I agree with Qrow." Jas replied. "I've also seen a 7% increase from last year. However, I will admit to the quality being noticeably inferior compared to your current batch."
"Now, Jas." I raised my coffee mug to hide my smile. "There's no need to be jealous."
Jas frowned. "I find it absurd that so many of this years talent all decided to go to Beacon."
"Well, public talent." I pointed out. "Don't think I don't know that you've secretly been recruiting these past few years and keeping your best under wraps." I lightly chided.
Jas, actually held a smirk at my accusation. "It isn't just the ones in training, either. As infuriating this hunt for that Wilhelm has been, we've also found quite a few Huntsman who aren't registered, but are very strong in their own right. Not all of them wanted anything to do with us, but I've managed to recruit a handful which should really bolster our forces."
"That is good news, Jas. I'm pleased that sothing good has co about this manhunt." The more Huntsman we have, the better prepared we are for the inevitable. "Is the council still giving you a hard ti over your continued investigation?"
Jas finally scowled. "I don't know what the sudden shift was. But they just wanted to drop it after all the ti and effort I put in to tracking him down."
"Yes, sothing is certainly fishy." I nodded. "I suspect that so foul play was involved as I have heard whispers of so of the Council mbers wishing to repeal the warrant on young Wilhelm."
"Ozpin!" Jas shouted. "We can't let that happen!"
"I can't do much Jas, my hands are tied." I sighed, rubbing the bridge of my nose. "Nor is it under the purview of my Huntsman to dictate the Council's interests. Even if they are – obviously – corrupt."
Jas just growled in annoyance.
"Is it really that bad?" Qrow asked. "It's not like he's going around killing people.....other than those mobsters which I don't think anyone's going to lose sleep over."
"He's dangerous." Jas replied. "Not to ntion his usage of Magic and he has a Relic! We can't let him walk free without any constraints. Just think what would happen if we lost him to Salem and her people? The only reassurance I've had is that he's probably avoided Salem's people in extension of my own with his disappearing act."
"Has there been any luck on his known associates? That Roman and the other girl? Or even Junior and his people?" Glynda asked.
"There had been so sightings of Roman, but those didn't go anyone. It seems like all of them went to ground and we've completely lost their trails."
"And I've scoped out Junior's bar a few tis – " Qrow interjected.
"I'm sure you have." Jas said dryly."
"—And he's been clean....relatively speaking. Been up to so shady shit, but that's just normal Vale underworld crap."
"Which we are apparently ignoring." Glynda sighed. "And we aren't going after him, why...?"
"Well, he's actually not that bad." Qrow shrugged. "Doesn't like to kill people, stays away from the stuff that'd piss the higher ups off. Not like his dad who just left bodies all over the city. Anyone who'd replace him would probably be worse."
"Surprisingly well said, Qrow." I was impressed with his deduction and analytics. Despite his insistence of not staying sober, he was quite the intelligent young man.
Yes, when needed, Qrow always asures up. He can –
"Are we still assuming he's a chick?"
And it's gone.
"You're the one who made the assertion." Jas snorted.
"I was joking."
"And it's a plausible scenario!"
"Whatever."
I let out a long sigh. While I couldn't.....disprove of that little theory, I also didn't truly believe It myself. All the evidence was circumstantial at best. However.....I suppose it's best not to cut off any ideas before we were absolutely certain.
"I also have sothing new to report." Jas spoke up, a shift in his tone. "As you know, we've been tracking down rlot's labs."
"Crazy scientist that's been experinting on Grimm." Qrow said nonchalantly. "I've taken a few of them out myself. Pretty nasty things."
"Yes." Jas said dismissively. "As I was saying. We've been tracking down his Labs, and the most recent one appeared over by Argus. I sent Winter and her Team to go investigate."
"How'd Ice Queen screw it up this ti?" Qrow said with a grin.
"Branwen." Jas glowered. "Watch your words, she almost died."
Qrow, for his benefit, realized he was in the wrong and dipped his head. Jas seed to take that as a cue to keep going.
"The report she gave was...interesting."
"This rlot." I sighed. "There is more news about him then? It's already causing a rise in negativity since these 'Green Grimm' had been made public knowledge. Thankfully, the more sensitive information had been given a gag order.
How lucky we were to stumble upon them during one of Jas's almost routine investigations into Wilhelm. He thought he had a lead and sent his team, only to discover one of rlot's labs that housed the abominations.
"The Lab itself wasn't too difficult for my n to clear. Winter did a phenonal job as always. It was tough, but they did it without any casualties nor any serious injuries. The only issue was when they climbed to the surface, there was a massive Nuckleavee waiting for them. At that point, They were exhausted and running low on Aura."
"Oh Jas, tell they're okay." Glynda said with a very concerned tone.
He let out a sigh. "So wounded, but nothing life threatening nor anything that will force them to retire. We have a stranger stepping in to thank for that."
"A stranger?" I asked.
"Winter wasn't able to get much out of her. She appeared to be at least in her late twenties to early thirties. Red Eyes, reddish-purple hair. She wore a sowhat revealing purple body suit and wielded a red spear that winter said, and I quote – 'Made feel like I was about to be stabbed at any mont.'." Jas stated.
"A curious windfall then." I nodded. "We're lucky she was able to help alleviate so of the burden and work with your team to slay that monster then."
"No, you misunderstand." Jas had a strange look flash across his face. "She slayed it, practically on her own. AFTER she apparently killed another Mutant Grimm a little distance away."
I set down my mug and blinked at that. "That's.....impressive. Do we have a na? I can't imagine a Huntress with such skill to be an unknown, especially at her age."
"She said her na was –" Jas looked down at so notes. "Scáthach. According to Winter, she didn't have a last na, nor did she refer to herself as a Huntress. Hell, her weapon was just a plain spear!"
"How'd she take down a Mutant Nuckelavee? I had trouble with just so normal Mutant Beowulfs." Qrow spoke up.
"According to winter and backed up by her teams' reports. She apparently was very fast and strong; we suspect an all around physical enhancent Semblance." Jas looked like he was reading off a report.
"How rare." I praised. "Perhaps we can try to invite her at an opportunity?" It is truly rare for one to get such a Semblance that was so broad in application. I know Qrow's niece had a speed-based one, but to have speed and strength is sothing special.
"Winter tried, but she disappeared after they gave the woman a ride back to Argus. We completely lost track of her, but there had been reports of soone matching her description out in the wilderness, helping anyone she ca across and killing Grimm whenever she crossed their path." Jas shook his head. "But that's not the strangest thing. The won didn't even look winded or haggard after her fight. And she finished it in one blow. Winter had trouble describing it, but the won thrust her spear and the Grimm was filled with holes made of this red energy, we suspect it was so kind of Aura manipulation technique, however...."
"Jas, you aren't going to suggest Magic again, are you?" Glynda rubbed her temples. "How many tis has it been in the past couple weeks?"
"In my defense, one of those tis was a Magic Artifact that was unearthed in Vacuo" He retorted.
"That's a fair response, Jas." He was a little quick to jump the gun sotis, but if he didn't follow his gut, we would have missed a young man wielding a Magic Amulet that still had so juice in it. It didn't an much in the grand sche of things, but it was able to give a little pick--up since my powers had been severely drained after giving them away all those years ago.
"I just don't see how an Aura Manipulation Technique could have done what Winter described. I'll send you a copy to look over her own words." Jas stated.
"That would be helpful, thank you Jas." I smiled. "I won't tell you not to chase the lead, Jas. But just keep in mind the tis you have been wrong and don't focus too intently."
"I know." He sighed. "I was just going to send so feelers out. It's not like she's a criminal, and she saved my team. I'm in her debt at the very least. She may be a Maiden, or she may not be, but I think in the worse case scenario, we could beco friendly with a strong huntress, or whatever she calls herself."
Logical. I couldn't refute his words at all.
"I appears that we have so good news then, which is quite a welcod reprieve amongst everything that has been happening. Now, does anyone have anything to add before we start talking about the new year and the Vytal Festival that we'll be hosting here in Vale?
I didn't see anyone speak up, so I continued. It wasn't quite as exciting as what Jas had been up to, but it was sothing we needed to work out.
***
If you want to read 7 chapters ahead or support , visit my /astoryforone
User Comments
0 comments from readers