Embers of a Gentle Flame[Mixed Updates]

Chapter 3: Running With Wolves

"Why aren't you going to Atlas? Don't you want to be around your big brother?" "Marrow, I told you before that I can be alone! You, Mom, and Dad don't have to baby me all the time!" "Garn, you--!" "I don't wanna hear it! I'm almost 18. I can be on my own!"

Of all things to dream about, why did it have to be a memory? Groggily, Garnet Amin woke up and rubbed her eyes. Today's initiation. If she can pass, she'd be one step closer to becoming an independent woman. The breakfast wasn't anything special. Just some pancakes. She'd prefer more protein. Bacon, ham, sausage.

Finn, meanwhile, was somewhat wary. Yang could see him at any moment.

"So," Yang opened as she chewed on some of her pancakes, "Who was the other guy you hung with yesterday?" "Uh... Finn Taupe...?" Realization came in like a brick thrown at the skull. That offputting figure was Finn? But why was he with Ruby? Before she became furious, she breathed deeply. "How'd you meet him?" "It was while Weiss was yelling at me, and he was right beside Jaune. He yelled at Weiss to defend me and after the argument, he put his hand on my shoulder before apologizing. Not sure why he would because he honestly helped me out there. Oh! And his weapon is so cool! It's-!" "A Dust chambered naginata rifle with two nagamakis?"

"You knew?" "Ruby, he was my classmate while I was at Signal. I've mentioned him a couple of times before." "...Sis, you know I can get sidetracked when it comes to homework, Dad calling for responsibilities around the house, weapon magazines, or maintaining Crescent Rose." "Rrrright." "But you seem... Angry when he is brought up or when you see him. What happened between you two?" "What happened is that he betrayed my trust."

How could that be? He was so kind -- and while he did seem a little timid, he didn't seem to scream "Malicious." Was this front, or was something missing that she didn't quite understand? Such trivial matters didn't matter to Garnet as she ate her meal.

...

"I know! Perhaps some sort of signal -- like a distress signal! A secret signal so that we can find each other in the forest. Can you imitate a sloth?" "Nora...?" "Yes Ren?"

Ren had opened his locker and grabbed StormFlower: a pair of green machine pistols with sickle-like blades attached underneath the barrels. Slipping them into the sleeves of his combat outfit--an oriental style--he gave his opinion to Nora.

"...I don't think sloths make a lot of noise." "...That's why it's perfect! No one would ever suspect we are working together!" "C'mon Nora. Let's go." "But not 'together,' together.""

An odd duo, to say little. Yang and Ruby were not too far off as the pair passed the sisters within the halls filled with locked. Everyone was already in their combat attire.

"Wonder what those two were so worked up about." "Oh, who knows? So! You seem awfully chipper this morning." Ruby takes Crescent Rose from a locker she used yesterday. Yang already had her weapons out: Ember Celica. The yellow gauntlets were currently unfolded with the barrels, akin to shotguns, exposed on the upper wrist. "No more awkward small talk and 'get to know you' stuff. I get to let my sweetheart do the talking."

Ruby caresses Crescent Rose, giddy with the idea that she can show off her pride and joy. "Well remember Ruby, you're not the only one going through initiation. If you wanna grow up, you're gonna have to meet new people. And learn to work together." "Ugh... You sound like Daaad."

There it was... Tug-o-War. A Multi-Action Dust whip with a Dust chamber in place of the ring. It was a peculiar signal whip, the thong being quite long. The fall hitch was fused with the fall and cracker, creating more of a point than a strand of strings. And what fine leather it was! Multiple colors were added on Tug-o-War for Garnet's choice, all thanks to the Atlesian alloy. The butt knob and handle were black, the ring and thong were a dull orange, from the fall hitch to the fall was a crimson red, and from the fall to the cracker was an obsidian black.