Two years have passed and Guts is now seven-teen years old, within that time Guts has been training in every possible moment that he could spare getting stronger along the way. Ruby ever since she unlocked her semblance. She was able to enter into advanced classes and being trained by Qrow, getting her to make her weapon sooner than most, her weapon being the Crescent rose, a high caliber gun that functions as a scythe. This however caused her to be the center of attention in school drawing unwanted attention. Shortly after ruby's awakening Yang unlocked her semblance, she called it burn. It lets her absorb kinetic energy from every blow she takes and use it to make herself more powerful. Guts took interest in her semblance hoping he could get something similar to it, he sparred with her with her semblance however he realized that she uses it as a final move which allows him to get the win in most of their fight, much to her frustration.
With the status quo changing on remnant, Qrow resigned from the school and has made less and less appearance, while the others wonder why Guts figures that it is his 'guardian of remnant' responsibilities that he's attending, but his absence has left Guts in a bad situation. Ever Since he fought Zodd he has been getting nightmares in the following years, at first he thought that they were the result of trauma but they have been more and more frequent and less about zodd and more about an eclipse and a hellish landscape. They are too vivid to be a figment of the imagination and Zodds 'prophecy' made him worry of the coming eclipse that was happening.
He was at godo's getting a new set of armor, training with the help of Erica, she helps him execute training exercise while she does her chores. But today Guts has seemed to be distracted in his training getting himself hurt when he fails to execute them, he is standing in front of a waterfall looking reminiscing in his head, he's waiting for Erica to release some logs that are being held back by a rope attached across the water. Her job is to cut the rope releasing the log for Guts to cut them down
"Ok Guts. Are you ready?" she asked, standing above the waterfall. She gets an absentminded grunt from guts "ok. Here goes." she cuts the rope, guts having the words finally sink in jolted, getting ready for the logs. He hastily swiped his sword above him, missing a few and letting them hit him on the shoulder, until a cluster of them overtook guts causing him to fall.
"GUTS!!!" Erica cried as she rushed to him getting down from the waterfall, she came over to Guts who had logs on top of him staring at the sky furrowing his brow. "Guts are you alright?" she asked. Guts glances at her then raises his hand revealing his sword the blade snapped from the hilt. He lowered his hand letting off an exasperated sigh.
Calling training off for the day Erica and Guts head to godos for a new sword and treating his injuries. Inside the forge Godo inspect the broken blade as Erica is treating his injuries wrapping bandages around his head, when asked why not use his aura he states that it'll be a waste for something so small.
"Good grief, first you pass out from exhaustion for years, then you almost get yourself killed" he stated returning to his work, striking his hammer away. "Heh! If you died at least thing blancece out around here, you freeloader this isn't a gym you know" he continues striking away. Guts sits listening to Godo's rant with a stifle chuckle in the end, he glances around the forge and sees all of his wear's he's done in the years "hey godo, what's a blacksmith like you doing in a place like patch alone."
"I'm not alone, Erica is here with me." he stated "... the hills over there are the only ones that supply the dust ore, as far as i know none like it.' Guts 'hmm' thinking a valid response but he was just trying to collect his thoughts about what he was about to ask.
"Godo, why're you a blacksmith"
Godo remained silent, only observing the blade he was working with before answering. "My family been blacksmith since my great grand fathers day" he explained
"Do you like it?" Guts asked, wanting to get the answer to his dilemma. "I like it's neat" erica added waving a hammer in front of Guts
"Don't know." he simply said.
"Don't know?" guts repeated as he try to grab hold of the hammer from erica
"Before I knew how to talk this was in my hand" he raised his hammer emphasizing his statement. "Before I could decide if I liked it or not, I hit the iron in front of me. After that I was so busy trying to improve and craft better stuff. That one day I woke up an old man. Heh! Simple enough." Guts listens intently more or less understanding what he meant as godo continues. "I've been striking the iron since I was born. Just like folks who don't know they're alive, i don't know why i keep hammering" he stopped Guts assumed that there was nothing more in life except going through the motions-"oh yeah, there is one thing i like about being a blacksmith"
"Eh?"
"Sparks... sparks are nice. I get engulfed by them. It feels like... like my own life, for an instant is springin into the air before my eye" he explained as he hammered the hot blade in front of him with each strike spark light up with a warm glow in his eyes. Guts sat there but gazed at the hot iron being struck.
__________________________________________________________________________
The onyx clad teen walks in the woods with the sun setting behind him with a new great sword on his back, as he's heading home he recounts his dilemma he was having. With school almost ending and he and Yang are near entering Beacon, he started to think that he could never find his goal, his dream that could be on par with his friends. It was taking a toll on him, his thought not in the moment but after his discussion with godo it straightened his mindset for a bit. He reach to a unexpected destination, he found himself in fort GRY which has been overrun by nature with vegetation all over and all the weapons and thing they brought weathered down, he glanced at his hand made training equipment barely sustaining itself
He takes in the sight slightly saddened in its conduction as it was a place that he, yang, ruby built together. He unbuckled his sword and slowly started doing some swings. In the end, this is all there is for me. He continues as he slowly picks up the pace, looking at his sword "dreams, is this what a dream is to me? No. it is not a clear concrete destination like what Griffith said, it is not some lofty glittering thing. he thinks back in his life with the mercenary, at patch, in school and with his family. With all he has been through he always had a sword. This is nearer to me, like it's a part of my body. With this I've kept myself alive through more time I could count, because this was there. Once again threw myself into the jaws of death, almost the entire time I've been alive, this was next to me.
he stopped his strike with the last one blowing the surrounding dirt. He breathed in and out and held up the sword with both hands, looking at it intently. The suffering I should've never been able to bear and moments I could sense death, I came through all of it with this. Unforgettable things, unforgettable people, and all of it by the tip of this sword. I get the feeling I've done it all by grasping a hilt in my hand... No actually compared to what my hand touched, my sword touched a thousand times more. he lowered his sword thinking back to what Godo said "Sparks, maybe i'm drawn to them too."
The little sparks that spring out when swords clash. All the thoughts of you life and the enemy's, striking and scattering the tiny light of existence itself
" You see life there" he mouthed, lowering his sword and looking up he's met a familiar sight his tent. He approaches it seeing the tarp sun-bleached and hole in them he enters and sees it the way he expects it being damp, dirty and overgrown he comes to the cot there with mold growing. He crouches down and places his hand underneath it feeling it out trying to find something. He perks when his hand grazes over something pulling it out he finds his junk box filled with lien, dust crystals, and his insignia, he rubs his thumb on it wiping the grime away. He smiles on seeing the wolf head and pockets it away.
Guts exits the tent with the box in hand he notes that it dark, he was going to continues his way until he slightly recoils in pain making him drop the contents and clutch his neck, before he could act he hears a twig snapping resulting him to pull out his sword and readies himself looking at his surrounding. The feeling that he's getting is familiar, sending a cold sensation in his body. He thinks of Zodd who also gave him a familiar feel as fog started to roll in. Guts could feel bloodlust rolling in behind him, he pivoted behind him only to see nothing. His thoughts brought up memories of Zodd giving off the same bloodlust, those thoughts were interrupted when he heard something approaching from behind.
"Shit, it blindsided me? So easily" he couldn't react, not yet if he moved then that when- "IT KILLS ME!!" Guts feels the assailant about to strike him down he sitfly ducks and about face slashing where his opponent would be, but once again he disappears. Guts stand stills steading his breath glancing side to side. He looks ahead of himself and sees a heavy wall of fog, guts can see movement within the fog. Staring at the fog he saw something emerge from it he hitched his breath seeing that it was a skull with glowing white orange in its eyes. The figure stood tall wearing black armor the rersemblebs a human skeleton with the chest plate resembling a rib cage, adorned with large shoulder pauldrons, bone-like gauntlets and black tattered cape his helm is of a metal skull. He also bore a marking on his thigh armor, one of a rose with thorns intertwined. But the most alluring this was the he was on horseback, his horse is also as black as night looking somewhat malnourished it also wearing armor with its chest plate of a winged woman and resembles a skeleton as well, it too also has glowing eyes
Guts' mind contemplated on how it should be impossible for it to be behind him, how he nevers misread his enemy's prence. zodd!? No it's not, but this... this weird unreal feeling!!
So the gears have indeed begun turning. He spoke in an unnerving manner sounding too formal with a baritone voice that sounded like it was in Guts head. Gears??? What the hell???
You Struggler take heed. one month hence shall be the time of the eclipse!! you and your friends!! Those yet unseen of the fleshless flesh!! And that unfavorable half of yours shall all be gathered then in that place!! A torrent of madness, a tempest of death for which the human body could never atone, shall sweep over you!!
But take heed, Struggler!! You were born from a burnt corpse and began your life from death in the embers!! You are closer to death than anyone. Thus you excel in escaping!!
THE HELL!!!
Struggle, content, wriggle!! That alone is the sword of one who confronts death!! Never forget this!! Having enough of this 'skull knight' cryptic squabble guts calls him out. "Who the hell are you?? How do you know about me??" he cried out.
In the abyss of despair only he who stands up with a broken sword in hand... perhaps. He turned his horse and rode off into the fog "hey wait!" Guts ran after him soon the fog cleared and saw no ones around he looked for tracks only to find none. Was it real or all an illusion?
__________________________________________________________________________
BEACON ACADEMY
In the highest tower in Beacon. Ozpin sits at his desk, fingers interlocked watching the recent footage of Guts that was sent in, after a while the staff faculty of Signal have been sending footage to Ozpin directly after Qrow's departure. It has been two year and he has yet seen Guts full prowess, not only fights he participates in are barely a challenge but from what qrow remarked he has been going through rigorous training. Although he will enroll to beacon after summer, he doubts that his fellow peers could offer him a challenge and it will cause an uproar if he bumped Guts to the higher classes. There is also the factor to his visions, he believes that they are memories, Ozpin has gathered that Guts is some type of reincarnate akin to himself, however he seeks out suitable vessels. But Guts seems to be one that starts a new life with some or no memories. He wanted to know why Guts was reincarnated, who was the one to do so, the GOL or GOD? He must confirm this, so his plan is to rate Guts battle prowess to see the level of experience and see if it triggers something within. That being said his figments of memories all depicted Guts in battle, what was Guts in his previous life.
As for right now he is waiting for Glynda to bring Qerow who has been doing reconnaissance missions for him. Since the events of Zodd their enemies have further their plans so he pulled Qrow out of his original task of watching Guts. he has a plan in the works, a final stretch effort to see all of Guts.
Ozpin looks up from his screen as he hears a commotion, the door burst open revealing Glynda and Qrow close at hand, both seeming to be in a bad mood. "Glynda, thank you for retrieving qrow"
"Hmph it was no trouble, especially when I found him in a bar. Honestly Qrow don't you have edicate?"
"Hey, I'm here, aren't i. And I figured that I had time to lift my spirits. So, what up ozpin? what was so important that you had to drag me out of my cover" Qrow conveyed
"It about Guts" he stated causing Qrow and glynda to look at him
"What happened? Is he all right?" Qrow inquired " he's fine but he will soon join beacon and so far we have yet to see his all" Qrow sighed in relief before adopting a look of annoyance taking out his flask and taking a swig "you know you should convey information better than that" he take another swig with glynda looking at him annoyed. "And what the point if you want Guts to go all out then have do it here where you control thing"
"Yes, though that is true, his peers are nowhere near the level he is at. all except for one, possibly." qrow clicked his tongue in annoyance knowing that qrow has a point. He of all people knows that Guts is an unparalleled fighter and swordsman, the only way for him to actual give it his all is to face someone whos skilled, not only that is somewhat impossible for that to happen but the only one he know that gaved guts trouble was Zodd and Qrow in not interested in losing Guts.
"However you did mention that you have sparred with him once, which I find odd. I figured that you would keep up with his progression by sparring with him, but you seemed to avoid any chance to do so." Ozpin said looking at Qrow who had a stern look, Glynda glanced at Qrow with a perturbed look. Despite how qrow is, he's always going above and beyond to do what he is asked, but she sees that he came to care about the boy, so his actions are accounted for as a concerned father.
"Why not stop beating around the bush and ask what you want, ozpin." Qrow stated not breaking the look, both ozpin and glynda were taken aback by Qrows response
"Why don't you spar with Guts? Why do you avoid that subject?" he asked
"Tsk, i had trouble keeping up with him... his skill dwarf mines" opin and glynda look at him in disbelief, Qrow is well known to be one of the greatest huntsman on Remnant, to say he was having trouble with a fith-teen year old was somewhat troubling.
"Qrow this has better not be one of your drucken stories-" "it not damnit! guts is literally built for battle. I don't know what he went through with the mercenaries but whatever it was it stuck with him. call it skill, talent, or trauma he has a drive to fight. I know you can see it in the footage. So tell me why you are fixated on seeing his best?" qrow retorted, interrupting glynda. Both Glynda and Qrow looked at the headmaster, Glynda was also curious on Ozpin's fixation, understanding that Guts is an exceptional fighter but that doesn't explain the amount of observation on him.
"(sigh) it because I believe that guts is a reincarnation just like me" He said, causing both teachers to be stunned in silence. Glynda adjusted her glasses while Qrow empties the content in his flack running his hand through his hair.
"Alright Oz where is this coming from and how long did you know?" Qrow demanded pointing at the man
"Since you first told me about his visions. I believe that they are his memories. Unlike me, he might have restarted in a new life that's why he's having those visions and is good at fighting , though I can't tell how many times he has been reincarnated. So that is why i want his full extent, to know how seasoned he is" he explain
"Okay, that's all fine and all but what if it's true and remember who he was. Who's to say he was a good guy or someone worse" the dusty old Qrow retorted
"So you believe that guts is evil?" Ozpin said making Qrow silent, the tensions in the room became tense from both men staring at each other. "There is another factor that plays into this, when I met Guts I sensed some faint of foregien magic within him, that draws in being of darkness with the full intent to kill him. Another reason why I'm fixated on him, something like that can be used by her." Qrow thought of what was just been said if guts is a reincarnation then why be cursed, that when a thought enter his mind.
"Wait Glynda, did you sense any eerie feeling around Guts?"
"No can't say i have" he looked to ozpin for explanation "i believe that those exposed to magic radiate with him in some way."
"Tch, then Guts is some way part of the war without realizing it" Qrow retorted. And Raven has been close to him and pick up on that as well
"Unfortunately he is, though we have the edge she doesn't know of his existence, yet."
"So how do you suggest that he shows his fullest?" Glynda questioned
" Well, once summers start there a off the book tournament on the week of the eclipse, similar to the vytal festival tournament but any one could enter, there will be more experienced fighters that could challenge."
"Are you out of your mind!!! That's as shady as the blackmarket. A whole number of criminals go there!!!" Qrow exclaim going wide eye at the headmaster
"Yes that's true but I'm sure that Guts has experienced a similar caliber of criminal. However I do want to place another prodigy in there as well" he proposes making Qrow confused but glynda eyes widen upon realization. "Ozpin no! There are some things that I will follow you for, but this is not one of them!!" she exclaim causing Qrow to do a double take between the two
"Ok what are you two on about?
"He's proposing to have that mistral girl to enter the tournament ."
"... You mean the pumpkin girl? She's good no doubt, but there's no way she'll be caught dead in a place like that." Qrow commented
"Well I believe that Ms, Nikos and Guts will be interested in joining, they are both prodigies that surpass their peers in many ways and yearn to test their limits against strong opponents." he clarified explaining the two huntmen, earning a nod of understanding from Qrow but a stern look from Glynda '' there is no way that i'll let that girl be in the same place with those... those ruffians!
"But you are fine with letting Guts go?" Ozpin cocked a brow at Glynda who stayed silent, she does not think ill of Guts, he was dealt with a bad hand in life it was not his fault. He has experience more than anyone his age
"Hey." getting the attention of the professors '' don't go thinking that guts is easily drawn by that, he has a good life and wants nothing to do with his past life" qrow said annoyed that ozpin would consider Guts as a criminal
"Qrow i didn't mean that way i was simply implying that they can booth enter there no restrictions as long as you can fight that's all that mattered" ozpin explain, he gets up from his desk and approach the two with files for both of them
"Now I have an assignment for you two. Glynda, you'll have the task of handling Ms. Nikos it shouldn't be much trouble but Mrs. Nikos may need some convincing, i'll have huntsmen in the attendance at the tournament as added security" giving a file to her, she opens to find coordinates and dates of the event, as will as a profile picture and information on one Pyrrha Nikos
"And qrow you do the same with Guts. he may decline but, from the videos that are sent he is annoyed by the 'easy fodder'." giving the second file to qrow finding similar contents inside. Qrow looked conflicted in having Guts to participate in something he has no business in being in. Also that fact of Guts being an experiment for Ozpin did not sit well for him.
"... fine but no promises" he said walking away. Both ozpin and glynda watch as Qrow exits.
"I hope you know what you're doing ozpin" she said looking at ozpin.
"Glynda, I promise that I'm not taking any unnecessary risks" he reassured the blonde professor. "Just know that Qrow sees that boy as his son" Glynda then walked away with the task at hand, leaving the headmaster alone, he then walked to the window and looked at the moon. "New pieces are added in this game we call life... but which ones will be aligned to our favor?"
__________________________________________________________________________
XAIOLONG'S RESIDENCE
In the living room Yang was laying on the couch watching tv, with Zwei sleeping on her feet. In the two years that passed she matured into a young lady with an impressive physique. She was wearing her sleeping wear which consisted of some black basketball shorts and an orange camisole. she no longer ties her hair, letting it loose.
She was lazily channel surfing through the channels, she was actually waiting for Guts to come home since he comes before dark but today he hasn't and it is past eight. She knows she shouldn't worry especially for someone like Guts... then again it Guts, someone who somehow seems to get himself in dangerous situations. But since the two year that passed things have been normal, for the most part. With what happened in the picnic, the state of things were normal, but many things changed. For starters with the awakening of ruby's semblance it allowed her to enter advanced classes, but now this draws everyone's attention, seeing the idea of her little sister being someone special. Ruby is now under stress of people's expectations and hearing people talk about her, she was not like Guts' in that department Guts was not affected by this, sometimes seeming oblivious to his reputation.
And speak of the resident swordsman. He has been distant with everyone, not intentionally. He has a good relationship for the most part whenever he's with them. He spends every free moment he has training, early in the morning, in the peak of the afternoon and late in the evening he is always training. They always miss him throughout the day only speaking with him during lunch and that if he doesn't skip it to go and train. On top of that Qrow left the academy unceremoniously and he barely visited their home anymore, however that is not the problem, Guts seems to be troubled. She came to this when she walked by his room one night and heard him having nightmares. She thought nothing of it, but when it was a recurring thing she was worried, Yang approached Guts about this but he waved it off saying he's fine. Although they have been friends for a long time, Guts was much closer to Qrow.
Then there's her, Yang inwardly sighed. She too has problems but not as bad as the other two she returns in her search for her mother, Raven Branwen. So far the trail is cold. The only thing that has a sliver of hope was a bar in Vale owned by a man named Junior, but she needs more info before confronting him. But what troubles her is what both Ruby and Guts are carrying inside. When yang and her family came to see Qrow and Guts in the hospital, Guts noticed ruby's quiet state and confronted her, then she revealed her grief, she had no idea that ruby felt that way on top of that Guts swore that he'll be there for her. She felt useless, she could not stay the same to protect her sister and let Guts carry the burden. She felt anger and resent toward herself, thinking that there was no way she could make up for her incompetence until...
...2 years ago...
It has been a month since the slaughter, and Yang is sparring with her father, both trading blows, but Yang was harder on her strikes so much that Tai had to use his aura. Yang came forward with a right strike and a left jab followed by a open palm strike, tai promptly blocked the assault followed with a low kick making her lose her balance
"Come on yang you got to keep focus, again." he ctritzied going into a boxer stance, yang berates herself getting up and taking a similar stance. Her focus was not with the fight but with ruby and guts. She hated seeing them burden Ruby's in advance classes but drawing unwanted attention making her uncomfortable and Guts is distance to everyone going in and out of the house tired or injured gods know what he's doing.
She growls out dashing forward releasing haymaker at her father. Tai simply slaps them away , fueling her anger as she tries to hit him in the midsection only to be caught by Tai who pushes it and her away. She grits her as she goes low trying to get a strike from underneath. Tai jumped away, as Yang continued her anger fueled assault. Tai knows that she is not in the fight, he hopes that a little sparring will help in opening up but it seems to get worse. Not only that but he has to figure out how to help to other two who are in a similar state.
Tai delivers two roundhouse kicks and a punch to the face making her aura flicker a bit seeing this he continues with a flurry of attacks delivering fast strikes. Yang only got more frustrated as her grief with her friend, her sister, her fight and the states she's in life all just piled up, until she couldn't handle it any more, she wanted to scream. something inside yang snapped as she yelled. letting off an explosion of aura, causing her father to stumble back and the ground beneath her craters.
Tai peers through the light that is being emitted his eyes widen in shock seeing his first born on fire. Yang stood still burning a glorious golden light with her eyes closed as tears streamed down only to have them dissipated by the heat coming off of her. Once gone she opened her eyes revealing a pair of sharp piercing red eyes narrowing at her father, Tai slightly flinching at the stare reminding him of his first wife. Yang said nothing as she took off toward him reeling her fist back, letting out a battle cry. With barely any time to think or act, Tai quickly raised his arms to a X formation with his aura going all out.
Yang threw her punch at Tai at the point of contact creating a shockwave, sending Tai creaning to the forest with such speed that he went through and obilerated several trees. Yang's breathing heath's heavenly her fiery state was calming down, her eyes shot wide upon realizing what happened. She ran into the forest not paying a second thought to the destruction around her.
"DAD!!!" she cries out, getting a haggard cough in response. Getting her attention she ran towards it finding her father in an elongated crater in the ground laying on his back with a dazed expression. Yang kneels down to him. "Dad! Dad! Are you okay? Are you alright?" He was snapped out of his dazed stupor looking at his daughter who still has red eyes and smoldering flame in her. "Y-yeah-(cough). What about you?" he strained. Yang glanced at herself seeing a fiery aura around her, she then looked up at the trail of destruction wide eyed at the result of her power. A hand landed on drawing her back to her father, her appearance returning to normal. "I think we should stop for today... and probably all week," Tai weakly said, receiving a nod from Yang as she helped him up.
...Present time...
Thank god for aura. she mentally sighed. After that her and Tia spoke of what's going on, they came to a solution where they help ruby and guts with there situations but before that they had to wait, It took a week and a half for her father to recover. After with everything she helps with ruby dealing what happening in school, she misses her older friend in the other classes so it was hard to start from scratch but the pressure of high expectation was still a problem she hoped that ruby talked to Guts about it she always listen to him especially when it to advise her.
Zwie ears perked up as his head shot up, he jumped off the couch and ran to the door wagging his tail and barking in excitement, Yang sprung up, knowing full well who it was, as she opened the door revealing the Guts who had a bandage around his head. Yang was in a sour mood upon seeing it "what happened ?" she ask monotony.
"Had a little accident, why are you awake?" he asked, as yang stepped to the side letting guts in as he undo his scabbard from his back
"I was waiting for you. You didn't come home on the usual time so i was worried" she admitted Guts looked at her and sighed. "Yeah sorry i uh...i stopped by the fort and got caught up with the memories" he said leaving out his encounter of 'skullknight'. Yang perked up at this, thinking it a perfect way to talk to him.
"Oh, really? That cool. It it still standing?"
"Yeah the tent, weapons, the sign all there but cant say the same about the magazine you guys brought" the both share a small chuckle, feeling the sense of awkwardness. "Well then i guess we should turn in for the night " he said heading to his room
"Guts! Wait!" she said running up to him he turned to meet her and looking down. In the two year Guts got a huge growth spurt making him six feet and eight inches dwarfing everyone in the household including qrow. When she closed the distance she couldn't help but look at his muscle that were fully developed. She would admit that Guts did get handsome and attractive over the years, and his 'loner bad boy' persona drew in other girls, much to her annoyance.
She blushed slightly trying to compose herself. "Umm... can we sit and chat for a bit?" she asked motioning to the dinner table "Hn, sure"
Sitting down they looked at each other, unsure how to pick up a conversation. "Sooo... how's things with training? i noticed that you got a new sword" she inquired
"Good i guess, And yeah the swords new... and what about you?"
"Yeah things are good... just the thought of us going to beacon soon is pretty exciting"
"Heh, is it really that soon?" He leans back on his chair looking up at the ceiling thinking how the years have gone by, but slowly realizes that in recent years he has not been around the girls that much. "Yeah and ruby will be sad that we'll be leaving her alone" she said hoping to get a reaction
"... yeah... I'm sure she'll be fine. She always find the bright side of things"
"I'm sure she will, but she really want us to be with her" she enforced the statement
"... how is she doing... in general? " he asked, curious of the little redhead rememberings the interaction they had, most of them taking place in school. "She doing fine for the most part, but she's having trouble making friends though"
"Really, she was good with people" Guts was surprised that Ruby was faulting with friends. "Will shes going through a lot the kid in class don't want to be with her thinking that she's better than them"
"I dealt with the same thing, it didn't bother me so it shouldn't bother her," he stated. "Yeah, you didnt care what people say, but she does."
"Tsk" He looked away drumming his fingers on the table, He chastised himself for being neglectful, then again he has been training, though it doesn't excuse it.
"So far i was able to help her out making the process smoother, she start to be more open and has some friend but never the same level as before"
"... right, sorry that i left you with the bagage" He apologized, making Yang wince a little. She knows that Guts is dealing with his own issues. "(sigh) it's fine i know that you're dealing with some stuff" She sighed, as Guts looked at her. "Come on, your not that good in hiding it" she committed with a cocked brow
"You're away from the house, coming home tired and having nightmares almost every other night" the blonde listed, counting her fingers as she did. Guts remained silent clenching his fist, letting out a deep breath through her nose. Not only was she worried about Ruby but she's stressing over him. He pinched the bridge of his nose. He did not want to trouble her with his situation.
"Guts, I don't know what you're going through and whatever it is you only feel comfortable confining with Qrow... but know that i- we are here for you, Guts. You're not alone." She reached across the table and grabbed hold of his hand, rubbing her thumb on his knuckles. She could feel the rough calluses on his palm, his hands were rough and coarse but warm and gentle. She flinched slightly when Guts squeezed her hand in return. She turned her gaze at guts. "... i know that i can't make up for lost time, i felt that i needed to push myself so much that i got lost into it. And lately i've been thinking of the future and my own dream" Yang perked up, finding a dream has always been something that guts strife to look for. "But I think I've found something, nothing concrete but it's something that I can start with. Like a spark to a flame." Guts said, giving a small smile to his friend who also smiled back. She was glad that he is aware of his state of mind and to have found a goal. Unbeknownst to her, her cheeks were turning pink
"Yang, I promise that thing will be the same as before" He stated as he pulled his hand back and stood up. "I'll talk to ruby and get things sorted" before he could go to his room and turn in for the night, he looks back at yang.
"Hey yang... do you want to hang out at Vale tomorrow"
"W-what? Do you mean together-just us two?" she stuttered, pointing back and forth between the two. The black-eyed teen stared at her oddly giving a nod, her eyes widened before she shook her head composing herself, "yeah sure i'm not doing anything tomorrow" she said acting nonchalant.
"Hn, alright... good night yang" he walked away leaving the blonde brawler to collect her thoughts. Oh. my. Gods. Are we going out on a date!? She mentaly screamed as she tuck her face on to her hands. Then she thinks about what he said 'hang out'. Her mind stops racing upon realization. She had feelings for Guts for a while but she only acknowledged it recently, at first she thought it was guts' action giving her grief, until one night when talking to her father about her mother. He explains the feelings that he had towards her mother. She realized that she shares those feelings toward Guts and she can't deny it, but does Guts share those feelings too.
It's evident that Guts doesn't recognize his feelings, the only ones he knows are the ones on the surface like anger and happiness. She starts to believe that he might , she hopes so.
__________________________________________________________________________THE NEXT DAY
Both Guts and Yang are leaning against a rail, Yang leaning back and guts leaning forward gazing to the sea, on a ship heading the vale. Yang was wearing an orange shirt showing her midriff with her flaming heart symbol. With blue torn jeans, her left knee exposed, with long brown boots and wore Guts' jacket. Guts grew too big for the jacket so he gave it to yang who wears it with the sleeve rolled up to her elbows
With guts he wanted to go with his regular look, consisting of a black sleeveless shirt, cargo pants and his combat boots along with his sword. but Yang insisted on having him in different clothes so she went to his closet and pulled out more 'suitable' clothing consisting of a tight fitting light gray long sleeve shirt under a black shirt with dark gray pants and black military boots. Although he never liked wearing any tight fitting clothing, he trusted Yang's judgment, however he wanted to take his sword along. With a bit of back and forth Guts manage to take his sword with him
They were sailing near the port of vale and had planned to walk around the plaza, eat, go shopping, and finaling visit Casca. It has been awhile since Guts saw Casca and has never seen the orphanage, yang suggests to surprise her not announcing his appearance which he doesn't mind.
They walked to the plaza and did a bit of sightseeing. There were vendors selling food and clothes with families going in and out of the shops. But as they were walking many young women looked at both of them with a sense of jealously and lust, although guts wore a long sleeve shirt it fitted him tightly. Wanting to get away from the public eye, Yang spots a bistro and drags Guts over there. They grab a table outside of the restaurant and read through the menu
"Hmm, anything that peaks your interest?" Yang asked looking over her menu, Guts looked intently in his menu. "Uh, nothing much except for the BLT melt"
"That sounds good... i might get this'' she then shows and points at the menu showing an icecream sundae making Guts raise an eyebrow " your eating that?"
"Yeah there's nothing wrong with eating ice cream plus i'm supposed to enjoy myself" she defended herself, Gots only shrugged she is right there nothing wrong with that he just figured that'll she would've picked lunch. He looked back at his menu on the same page, when something caught his eye.
"Hey yang how about this" he showed the item to her, it was a large banana split bowl with different flavor ice cream topped with various toppings. "Geeze guts that at least a gallon of ice cream you think you can take that on."
"Actually I figure if we split it" he suggested, shocking yang. Before she could respond the waiter approached with a pen and pad. "Hello there, are you folks ready to order?" The waiter asked for a pen at the ready.
Guts glances at Yang then the menu, she gives a hesitant nod " yeah we are, can we get this one?" He pointed at the desert showing the waiter. who leaned and saw the item, upon seeing it grew a smile across his face. "Ok then, so I suppose that you'll be splitting it with the young lady here?" motioning his pen at Guts and Yang.
Guts gives an affirmative nod, the waiter then asks for their drinks which they asked for water. He then left the two with their own devices. "Hey... Guts don't you think that you're giving that guy the wrong idea?"
"What do you mean?" he asked, giving a puzzled look. "No, nevermind" she waved it off not wanting to make thing awkward
"So, where do you want to go after this?"
"Hmm, well I want to hit the music store then go clothes shopping. anywhere you want to go?
"I might hit the dust store for my crossbow, I need dust crystal for my arrow heads. But back to you, clothes? Do you need some?" he asked "no, i'm thinking of getting something for you specifically a new jacket" she explained tugging on the one she has
"No. There's no need for that. Im fine thank you"
"Come on, you been needing one for a while, and besides you always wear those tank tops- muscle shirt" She stated but in truth she wanted Guts to cover his toned body, ever since he stopped wearing his jacket and only wear his regular attire, he unintentionally draw gazes from other girls. "First there just shirts with no sleeve and second there no need for you to bother with that-" "Hey, come on i want to get you that jacket and nothing you'll say will stop that" she said with no room to argue, Guts sighed "fine i can't stop you anyways"
Soon after, the waiter returns with the ice cream they ordered. "Here we are, a king's deluxe banana split, for the lovely couple" He announced, placing the dessert on the table then presenting the two with spoons which they took. Yang slightly blushed at the statement she looks at Guts who didn't even notice.
She shook off the blush and dug into the ice cream. After that they paid and left the bistro. Guts cheekly suggested they dine-n-dash which Yang denied. They soon head towards the music store, they enter seeing an assortment of albums, CD's, tapes and vinyl. They both went their separate ways Guts just scanning through the aisles and yang searching for what she was looking for. Guts was in the rock selection, he was just a casual listener to music so he's not too familiar with bands and singers except the ones that yang and ruby mention. However one caught his eye, he picked up the CD case to read the name, '9mm Parabellum Bullet'. It was the name that drew him in, he flipped over the case and saw titles like 'Inferno' and 'Sacrifice'. Though odd he seemed interested.
"Hey Guts. over here you got to listen to this" yang shouted. Guts placed the CD back and headed to Yang who had a pair of earphones on and was holding another pair. "Hey, listen to this. 'Penpals' came out with a new single check it out" she said loudly getting a few odd looks from the other customers, she hands the headphones to Guts, he wears them, looking at the display seeing the name of the song, 'Tell me why'.
A/N: PICK YOUR PICK OG OR 2012 REMAKE
Guts listens to the song bobbing his head slightly while listening to the song play out. He doesn't know why but he is drawn by the song, he turns to yang who was getting into it, bobbing her head and swaying her body side to side with a small bounce. He smiled at sight seeing her enjoy herschel, he looked over and saw the song was part of an album, giving him an idea.
He tapped Yang's shoulder, getting her attention, lowering her earphones. "I'm getting you this album"
"W-what you don't need-" "i want to" he simply said, grabbing a case and heading to the checkout line. Yang stood there frozen at the act, soon she snapped out of it and joined the line all the while thinking in her mind was he trying to be affectionate or is he just being a friend? As the event of today played out differently in her mind, with a romantic perspective
Soon the duo went to get Guts dust crystals for his bolt, then head towards the clothing store and saw a section of jacket, they went through many but found one that suited guts the best. It was a similar fashion to his old one, but the color being an ash black color with a interior callor and fur-lined hood.
A/N: OF COURSE WITHOUT THE EXTRA ACCESSORIES AND THE DOG ALSO THE WHITE HAIR
An employee came and offered to have a design on the jacket. Guts thought about it for a moment before deciding to have his insignia placed on center in the back of the jacket with a weathering effect. Soon when it was done yang paid for it and guts sported it on, both satisfied but for different reason
"Alright I guess we should head toward Casca now, have any idea where she is?" asked yang
"She told me once. I think it's this way." he started to walk in the direction of the orphanage after a while they spot a man sweeping outside of the building
"Excuse me, I'm looking for casca." Guts said. The man looked at him in surprise.
"Another visitor? When did Casca get so popular?" he muttered to himself.
"What? Someone else is there?" Guts asked in confusion.
"Yeah, some sketchy looking guy came in just a few minutes ago. I don't know who he was, but he looked like a total vagabond. Anyway she'll be three buildings down." the man said. If he said anything else, Guts didn't hear him. He was worried about casca. As he rushed to the orphanage, with Yang following him. They were a few meters away, but Guts dashed towards it. Yang lagged somewhat behind, but made good time herself.
He stood in front of the building, it being four stories high. He was close enough to hear a commotion. "... ah... please..." Something was happening to casca. He had to help her.
The door was locked. He was forced to open it, kicking it down, splitting it fairly easily. "casca!"
He shot through the stairs, unbuckling his sword reaching the top floor. He slammed the door with so much force the frame cracked.
"Guts! What's wrong?" Yang was a little behind him, and had only seen him open then close the door.
Guts' face was unnervingly blank with a thousand yards stare. "I'm going to kill him." He said, his tone neutral and monotone.
"What?" Yang asked. "What happened? Is casca okay? Why aren't we inside helping her?" Yang said. She moved towards the door, but Guts' hand clamped around her arm and pulled her away. "Guts?" She asked in confusion.
"It can't be immediate. He has to suffer." Guts said, not looking at Yang or the door. "Tie him up. Make sure he can't get any booze. Make him suffer from withdrawal. " He said, his voice dripping with malicious intent.
"Guts! What's going on!?" Yang demanded. As if in answer, the door was hurriedly opened.. Out came a disheveled Casca and an equally messy... Uncle Qrow?
What?
"Guts!" Casca exclaimed. Her face was the brightest shade of red possible on a person. Even Qrow looked embarrassed. Wait, Guts wanted to murder Qrow. Their clothes were messy. Both looked sweaty and flushed. Yang's eyes widened.
Oh... ohhhhhhh
"What the fuck?" Yang said. Whether it was from accusation or confusion, she couldn't say. Casca's dread increased upon seeing Yang was also there. Qrow facepalmed. He was gonna get so much shit from Taiyang later.
"Guts, I-I didn't want you to find out this way." Casca said.
Guts looked at casca for several long seconds before turning towards Qrow. "No one will find your body." in a cold tone, slightly aiming his sword toward Qrow
"Look kid, this is awkward, but we're both adults. These choices are our own." Qrow said, adopting an authoritative stance.
"... in an orphanage? Uncle Qrow why?" Yang said, her face blank with disappointment. Qrow deflated, covering his face in shame.
"W-well... we were only going to have lunch together, but... ah... one thing led to another..." casca tried to explain. Did it feel cold in the hallway? Casca could swear that the temperature was decreasing.
"... how long has this been going on?" Guts asked.
Qrow paused in thought. "A little over a year, I'd say? Definitely before we went to vale. We ran into each other and, well, the rest is history." He said, pulling at his collar. Couldn't the kid cool down? It wasn't that big a deal.
"So are you two a couple now, or what?" Yang asked. Casca sighed, curling a strand of her hair between her fingers.
"N-no, it's... goodness I shouldn't be telling you two this... well, life can be stressful. And sometimes, you wanna relieve that stress. Qrow and I are in an... arrangement. Neither of us really want a relationship, but we've agreed to engage in more... intimate parts of relationships. It's a mutually beneficial agreement." Casca tried to explain as delicately as she could.
Guts raised an eyebrow. "Your friends with benefits?" He said, causing Yang to look at him in surprise.
So he's at least aware of this stuff, Yang thought to herself.
"I was trying to be discreet, but yes that would be accurate." Casca said, wincing at how bluntly Guts put it.
Guts didn't speak for several seconds. He simply stared at Cascas and Qrow. "... okay, I'm good. What I saw in that room will scar me for life, but I can live with it." Casca apologized profusely, while Qrow had the decency to look sheepish. Guts took a deep breath, stowing away his sword. "I'm sorry for overreacting." He said while facing towards Casca but looking away.
"Guts, I'm to blame here." Casca said reaching over ruffling his hair. She thought it was sweet that even though they rarely see each other he cares for her deeply. Even as a young boy, he acted as her little knight. "I should be apologizing to you." Guts smiled at his surrogate mother, but that smile disappeared when he looked at Qrow.
The grizzled huntsmen raised an eyebrow, expecting an apology. "... I'm blowing up all the alcohol you have in your room." Guts said.
"Kid no!" Qrow cried out. His room was where he'd put the good stuff! Some of those bottles were older than Yang! That was tantamount to burning history!
"Guts please." Casca said. If it were anyone else, she'd call it an empty threat. Unfortunately, this was Guts. He'd do it without hesitation.
"You seem busy. I'll visit another day. Come on, Yang. if you want we could hit the arcade." Guts said, ignoring the protests of Qrow and casca.
"... I'm totally gonna blackmail you with this." Yang said.
"I expect nothing less." Qrow acknowledged. She was his niece, after all. Taking a deep breath, he turned and faced casca. "So, what now?"
Casca smiled, bumping his hip with hers. "Well I don't know about you, but I wanna finish what we started." Qrow grinned, and stepped towards the faunus. She put a hand on his chest. "At my apartment. I told you doing it here would be a bad idea." She scolded.
"Fine, fine. What about work here?" Qrow asked.
"I've still got forty-five minutes for lunch. We have time." Casca said. Qrow wasn't going to question twice. He followed after casca with a hop in his step.
ELSEWHERE
"So..." Yang said as they walked away from the orphanage, "... that was a thing."
"I never figured Casca would be open to a 'friends with a benefit' type deal. Always thought she was more into commitment." Guts mused. There it was again. He knew what this stuff was. Now the question was whether he felt himself,
"What are you?" Yang asked carefully, feigning nonchalance.
Guts thought about it. He holds bonds, friends and camaraderie close to him. Something so unfamiliar to him but something he always sought out for, even at a young age so idea of a relationship with a significant other wasn't to strange
"Commitment, I suppose." Guts said with a shrug of his shoulders. "I guess I'd prefer if it meant something." He decided. Internally, Yang was doing somersaults. He was into romance! Guts wasn't as asexual as a rock! There was hope!
"Sounds nice. I'd say I'm the same." Yang said, hiding the dumb smile on her face with her hair. They talked about what transpired, and other small things while they made their way to the arcade. They entered, and Yang paid for their admission with more glee than Guts thought was necessary. Still, he was grateful nonetheless.
"Anything you wanna do first?" guts asked, raising his voice so he could be heard above the din of the crowd. Yang looked around the arcade. It was multi-floored, with the regular video game stuff on the ground and upper floors. The more physically demanding games were in the lower floors.
"... I wanna dominate laser tag." Yang decided. Guts grinned. Laser tag sounded fun, even for him. He gestured, and Yang led the way.
LATER
By the time they exited the arcade, it was close to sundown. Glancing at her scroll, Yang whistled. "We'd better get going, school might be finishing but that doesn't mean we should slack off." She said.
Guts shoulders slumped. "Yeah, yeah. Alright, I think we will go this way." Guts said, pointing in a general direction. The sky had turned a warm orange as it grew closer to dusk. As they made it to the port, the sunshine glittered in the water.
Yang let out a sappy sigh. "This is nice. Today's been nice." She said,
Guts grinned, nudging her with his elbow. "Only nice? Today's been great! Well, except for the part where I saw Qrow's bare asscheeks." He said, mouth curling in distaste. Yang laughed. She couldn't help it. She was sorry that Guts had to go through that, but holy hell was it funny.
"Is that what you saw!? Oh my gods, I'm so sorry!" Yang exclaimed through laughter. "Was it as hairy as his face?" She asked.
Guts scowled at remembering. "There were some hairs. Most notable thing was the bird tattoo on his left cheek."
Yang's eyes widened, her mouth forming into a huge smile. "No way! You're joking!" She said while pushing Guts.
"No. It's all black, has three feathers falling off the wing, and his symbol for the bird's eye." Guts said. Yang laughed, and laughed. Then, she laughed some more for good measure. Oh, she was going to abuse this knowledge.
"Guts you poor thing! Do you need some eye bleach? We can get to Zwei and Ruby in a few minutes if we hurry!" Yang said between chuckles.
"I think I'll survive." Guts replied. "I do wanna hurry up though. I need to get to Qrow's stuff before he has time to move it." He said, his smile holding a malicious glint.
"Oh, you were serious?"
"Completely. His booze is as good as dead." Guts said.
"Well in that case, I'll race you to the boat!" Yang said, sprinting immediately.
"You're on!" Guts called out, quickly catching up to Yang. He grinned running past her. In response Yang blew a raspberry at him. She pushed herself further, dipping into her aura. Guts matched her yet again. If only she had her gauntlets, Yang thought, then she could go even faster. Still, both were sprinting faster than any ordinary human could. At that rate, it wasn't long before they reached the boat
"Ha! Made it!" Guts exclaimed as he watched Yang stumble towards him.
"Yeah... yeah... whew... like we didn't see... that coming..." Yang said in between gasps. For him, Guts seemed fine, barely fazed by the run. "You and your infinite energy." Yang grumbled. After composing herself they stood on top of the boat watching the sunset as guts glanced back at vale. He enjoyed himself and hope to do this again with ruby this time, thing seem to be heading up for him.
__________________________________________________________________________
XIAOLONG'S RESIDENCE
Qrow walked into the house, tired but happy. That lunch break with casca had led to an equally enjoyable dinner and supper. He couldn't wipe the dumb grin off his face, but needed to speak with guts, Walking into the kitchen, he found Tai reading a book on the table.
"Hey Tai, have you seen the kids anywhere?" He asked, rummaging through the fridge.
"I saw them leave a little bit ago. They had these huge bags with them." Tai said, not looking up from his book. Qrow's head whipped up in alarm, and ended up bumping into the fridge. "Ow. What!? Do you know what they had in those ba-" An explosion was heard in the woods, followed by a small fireball.
Qrow fell to his knees, hand clutching his chest. He felt faint. The room was spinning. Was that a light? Should he go to it? Does he see Summer? "Tai," Qrow choked out, "did you know?"
"About your booze? Oh yeah." Tai replied, not looking up from his book.
"Tai." Qrow said, his voice thick with betrayal. "Why?"
Tai put down his book, looking him in the eyes. "An orphanage, Qrow? Really? What the hell, man." He said, his voice absolutely brimming with disappointment