𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 [ʀᴡʙʏ x ᴍᴀʟᴇ ᴏᴄ]

Chapter 54

KLAUS POV

The train station was alive with movement—people rushing to their destinations, voices blending into a constant hum, the scent of street food wafting through the air. I glanced around, taking in the scene. Holographic screens flickered overhead, displaying different locations: Argus, Wind Path, Kuchinashi, Shion... and Vale. My eyes lingered on that last one. Out of Service.

A reminder of everything that had been lost.

It's been two weeks since the attack on Haven. The official report states that the plot to destroy Mistral's CCT Tower was thwarted by Ghira Belladonna and the Faunus militia group from Menagerie. A Huntsman and some students coincidentally visiting the headmaster were also able to lend some assistance. Unfortunately, Leonardo Lionheart lost his life while trying to defend his school. And those responsible for organizing the attack managed to escape.

Sitting on one of the benches near the gate, I took a slow sip of my hot chocolate, letting the warmth spread through me. The station buzzed with noise—announcements, conversations, the occasional clatter of luggage. But amidst all of it, I could feel a particular gaze burning into me.

I glanced to the side.

Weiss was staring. Not subtly, either. Her eyes flicked between me and my cup, going up and down like she was debating something in her head. I raised an eyebrow.

Klaus: "I did ask you at the café if you wanted a cup."

Weiss: "I thought I didn't."

She huffed, crossing her arms but still not looking away. I smirked, lifting the cup just slightly.

Klaus: "Regrets?"

She didn't answer, but the way she kept eyeing the cup told me everything I needed to know. I sighed dramatically and held it out to her.

Klaus: "Fine. One sip."

She took it without hesitation, and as soon as the warm liquid hit her tongue, I could see her shoulders relax just a bit.

Weiss: "...Okay, maybe I did want one."

I chuckled, watching as she took another sip.

Klaus: "I knew it."

Juane: "Ok so me let me get this straight. Can you use any other elements besides lightning?"

Klaus: "Fire, gravity and creations all require high energy output. Even lightning too but compared to those lighting is much easier. I do believe I can use one more."

I leaned back on the bench, watching the steam rise from my cup as Weiss took another sip. Before I could tease her again, a red blur zipped past the gate, stirring a small gust of wind in its wake.

Ruby skidded to a stop in front of us, humming to herself with a triumphant grin, something clutched in her hands.

Ruby: "Mission accomplished!" she announced proudly.

Klaus: "Do I even want to know?" I raised an eyebrow.

Weiss: "What an absolute waste of time--"

Yang: "What did you get me?"

Ruby: (singsong) "You'll have to wait and see!"

Yang: "No fair!"

After Ruby sticks her tongue, Yang attempts to snatch the bag from Ruby, who recoils; then Nora jumps from between them

Nora: "Oh, I can't believe we're taking the train to Argus! The beautiful northern coastline... You really think it's too early for beach season?"

Ren: "Unfortunately, but we will be one step closer to Atlas."