Misumichan

Remnants of the Past

“Well Eve seems to trust you,” Yoki shrugged at his freelancer comment. “I guess I was a bit harsh about it before…” That was as close as he'd get to apologizing for his bitterness in the forest. It bugged him a bit but he'd seen Marlin in action enough.
Yoki tossed the chicken into the pot with only a little of the marinade to start so that the chicken could crisp up a bit. When Marlin asked about how they died, Yoki had to bite down his anger for the man that did it. “That guy in the tophat… He sliced them up just like those Faunus in the Emerald Forest ruins. Cyrus was dead when I got there and Rufous…” Yoki stopped himself. Even though he wasn't as trusting in Marlin as Eve was, it wasn't why he didn't want to say anything about what Rufous told him. Yoki didn't even trust himself to say it. “Well...I was there for Rufous’ last breath.”

Remnants of the Past

“We've been team partners since our first day at the academy,” Yoki stated as he peeled potatoes letting the chicken marinate. “We go way back. We were on a team with her brother, Cyrus and there was Rufous, he became Eve's husband.” Yoki started thinly slicing the potatoes and placed them on a baking sheet. “We were Team CERY. Not many teams stick together after graduation. A lot go solo. Partners maybe but not always teams. We managed to stick pretty close even up until Cy and Rufous were killed.” Yoki threw the thin potatoes in the oven and started chopping a few more veggies. “Seems like Oz wants to recreate our whole team dynamic or some shit. Though I'm pretty sure it all came from the 21 years of teamwork. But whatever.” Yoki shrugged and tossed the veggies into a pot starting to cook them a bit. “I trust the guy what he says goes.”

Remnants of the Past

“Ponzu Chicken Sandwiches,” Yoki replied to Marlin as he pulled out the fresh herbs and started chopping them finely. “Think you can survive about an hour longer?” Yoki cracked open a can of pineapple and drained the juice into a bowl. “If you want some pineapple have at it. I just needed the juice.” He placed the can on the bar, closer to the couch. “If not, I'm sure Eve will devour it.” He threw the herbs in as well as a few drops of sesame and chili oil, a bit of brown sugar and everything Ponzu sauce. He mixed it together a bit before quickly chopping up the chicken and tossing it in.

---

Eve stood outside the door to the small spare room around the corner and down the hall from the stairs. Her hand was hovering above the handle. This room was the one that was her son's. Rufous was the only one who went into that room after their boy had been kidnapped. She took a breath and opened the door. This was the first time in thirteen years that she'd been in this room. It wasn't as dirty as she expected. She did recall that Rufous would clean it on occasion. She noticed that the small child's bed was replaced by a twin sized bed of a similar style. She would have been upset at him for changing it without her permission but she just missed them both so much it hurt.
She sat on the bed trying to maintain composure a bit. She looked around the room. The rest of it was still more or less the same as it was just much neater. Her son's scribbled drawings were pinned all over the walls in the way she remembered. The toys were nearly stored on the shelves or in the chest under the window instead of all over the floor. She noticed the small table where she'd kneel at and watch her boy draw so happily was also gone, it used to be in the center of the room. There was the new addition of a desk in the corner. “He must have been adjusting for his age…” Eve mused aloud trying not to cry. “He always did think he was still alive…” Eve bit her lip trying not to cry but a few tears got loose. “You stupid idiot!” She took a deep breath and wiped her tears away. “They are both gone. They've been gone for a while now!” She jumped up, determination filled her face though her heart still weighed her down. “It's long past time to move on! They wouldn't want me to be all mopey anyway.” Eve put on a smile, for them. “Time to clean this place up!”

Beacon: Before the Fall

“That's pretty cool.” Hansa unloaded most of his clothes, already neatly folded, on the bed until he unearthed his pjs. “I'm from a small town on the edge of Mistral but I've been living here in Vale for a couple months now.” Hansa changed into a pair of shorts and a long sleeve shirt and sat down on the bed, enjoying Glas’ music. When Kaldyr asked how they did, Hansa fiddled with his high tech Atlesian leg prosthetics a bit, making sure there wasn't anything damaged from earlier. “Well I didn't do much out of my ordinary. I guess I did something right…” Hansa trailed off. He wasn't sure he was ready to be leader but he was sure going to try. He shook off his uncertainty and twisted both legs off, setting them down on the floor next to the bed with a bit of a thump and stretched his nub of legs barely sticking out of his long loose shorts. “You know, bed doesn't sound too bad. I mean we do have classes tomorrow! We can't be late!”

Remnants of the Past

“Just outside downtown Vale,” Eve skipped out of the elevator. “Not too far of a stretch to get a few things along the way! We won't be long. I don't think...”
The trio ventured out to Vale’s shopping district. Yoki bought enough food to last them the next couple days. Eve managed to get a new scroll for her and Hansa. She didn't want him to have any ties to the White Fang when all was said and done. She also managed to stock up on her variety of Dust crystals. One of each type and a few more of her preferred Dust Elements.
They made their way to Eve's house. It was a small townhouse on the edge of downtown Vale. Outside it was a pale blue with warm white trim.
“Here we are!” Eve stated proudly mainly for Marlin’s sake. She opened the door and walked in leaving it open for them. “Make yourselves at home!”
“I'll get started on food…” Yoki shrugged and walked in. Off to the right was a living room space with two couches and a coffee table. Across from one couch was a TV that was against the staircase that started a bit in from the front door. The kitchen was just past the living room, separated by a bar that had the other couch underneath the extended counter top.
“Try to not make too much of a mess,” Eve smirked as she stood on the first step to the upstairs and peered over the banister at him. “I want this place clean for Hansa! I'm going to go clean the spare room for him while you cook. Hollar when it's done.” She looked at Marlin, “Feel free to chill wherever. You could watch something down here or hang with me while I clean. Whatever's cool!” Eve bounced up the steps and around the corner.

Remnants of the Past

“I'll handle them, don't you worry.” Eve replied to Diana. “They are a bit… odd... to say the least…”
“Understatement,” Yoki rolled his eyes, settling in the corner of the elevator with his arms crossed.
“Well Rythm is much better than he used to be. It's just… Livid…” Eve was dreading seeing her, she knew how to push Eve's buttons. She shook it off went back to a usual good mood, “In any case I would like to ask them a personal favor as well. Otherwise I might have considered your offer.”

Remnants of the Past

“That is a good question!” Eve replied to Marlin. She paused to condense her mental list. “I was thinking of asking Oobleck if he'd recognize some of the symbols in my notes but if we are heading to Mistral in the next few days I think I might just talk with an archeologist friend of mine there. Resupply and whatnot. Also, I have a couple informants I'd like to talk to on the shady side of Vale. But I think first order of business, we'll swing by my place, need to make sure I can get it in order for Hansa and some food. I haven't eaten in awhile. You guys can come if you want or you can just chill in Vale.”
“Then I will leave-” Yoki started walking toward the elevator but Eve interrupted him.
“Nope you are coming with me!” Eve bounded past him and stepped into the elevator first. “You are making me food!”
“I was about to say that I was going to get some ingredients.” Yoki glared at her for interrupting him. He held the elevator door open in case the others decided to join. “I doubt you have anything good left in your fridge.”
“Good point…” Eve pointed at him and the straight up. “Let's hit the shops first.”

Remnants of the Past

“Good Morning Ms.Seraph.” Ozpin nodded in her direction. “I was informed due to inclimate weather your supplies won't arrive until tomorrow.”
“Diana, I'd like to thank you for going through the effort in getting a new set of legs for Hansa.” Eve smiled brightly at her. “It honestly made my day to hear that!”
“How noble,” Yoki said sarcastically as he put his arms being his head and looked out the window.
“Can you not!” Eve lightly backhanded his side. When she heard yelling from the elevator she looked over. “You don't look so good...” When he asked about Hansa her expression of concern lightened, "He's doing great. It's surprising how well he's dealing with it."
Yoki pulled out a small bottle of pills and chucked it at Marlin. Eve gave him a bitterly confused look. “What? It'll shut him up!”
“You going to be a team player now?” Eve asked, annoyed.
“Do I have a choice?!” Yoki raised his voice.
“There's always a choice,” Ozpin stated.
“The creep in the hat is going to be after this band of nuts.” Yoki gestured to everyone. “If I don't keep an eye on them, they'll probably get killed and I can't stand looking more to that bastard!”
“If you are going to stick around you can't do this half-assed!” Eve pointed up at him. “Your flighty attitude won't fly here! I need you to be honest with me, with this team!”
“Fine,” Yoki crossed his arms. “If that's what it takes to keep you safe…”

Remnants of the Past

“Are you the ones who brought Hansa Agouti in?” A doctor walked up to Eve and Yoki.
“Yes!” Eve stood up hoping the news was good. “How is he?”
“He's doing fine. He just got out of surgery,” the doctor looked a bit unsettled. “Were you aware that he is listed as a spy for the White Fang in our system?”
“Yes,” Eve nodded. “He's actually my informant. After this though I will be pulling him out of there. So please treat him with the utmost care.”
“I see,” he looked a bit more at ease after hearing that. “We will.”
“I will be acting as his guardian for the time being,” Eve informed him. “All medical costs will be paid by me personally. Also if you would, I'd like for him to be able to walk again.”
“He'll need a couple weeks of recovery before we can start that process,” the doctor stated. He smiled at Eve, “We can make it happen. You might want to look into getting some better prosthetics for him. The ones we provide might not be as good as you might want for him.”
“Thank you!” Eve smiled back. “If we can like for him to have the best prosthetics on the market.” Eve started rambling to herself aloud. “Atlesian if possible. Maybe as soon as I get my scroll replaced I can try and see if Ironwood would be willing to do me a favor on this. I mean unless Diana is willing.” Eve paused and slumped back down in her seat, “You know now that I think about it there's a lot to do right now…”
“I'm sure you have your plates full,” the Doctor chuckled. “I won't waste any more of your time. Hansa will be in room 237 soon if you wish to see him.” He walked off and Eve couldn't help but light up. Hansa is alright and now he can start a new life soon.
“What’s the plan now?” Yoki stood up.
“Probably spend a couple days here in Vale,” Eve started thinking about it. “I want to make sure everything with Hansa is set up,” she started counting her list on her fingers. “I need to get more dust crystals and a new scroll, we've got some things to discuss, I'd like see if Oobleck can decipher any of the ancient text if not might have to head to Mistral and visit Bisque, we need to head there anyway and look for Rose, also I’d like to see if our friends on the shady side of town know anything about the White Fang and our mystery man.” Eve took a breath. “There’s a lot…”
“How about we just start with the, kid,” Yoki huffed and started walking.
“Yeah I guess you’re right,” Eve bounced after him. “There’s a lot more to that than what I listed. I need to see if someone can keep an eye on him while we are away. He’ll need a place to stay when he’s released. Should see if he’s willing and able to get some form of huntsman training. I think he'd be good at it. Maybe-”
“Eve,” Yoki interrupted her, placing a hand on her head, “You are over thinking it.”
“I can’t help it! You know I ramble when I’m tired…” Eve huffed.
“Deal with those things after he wakes up,” Yoki turned her head to see that they stopped outside Hansa’s room. “Until then, no one would fault you for getting a bit of rest.”
“Only if you do,” Eve glanced over my shoulder as she opened the door. “We both have been up way too long.”
“I don’t think I would oppose that idea,” Yoki shrugged and they both stepped in the room.
Hansa was sleeping peacefully. It put Eve's heart at ease seeing him so calm. She stood next to him and brushed his hair out of his face.
“I haven't seen you look like that since…” Yoki paused not wanting to bring him up but he already started. “Since your boy was still around.”
“What?” Eve was a bit surprised. She didn't realize just how motherly she was being. “No! I-! He-! It's-!”
“Why don't you take a second to let your brain catch up,” Yoki looked annoyed. Eve stopped and took a deep breath. She looked back down at Hansa again a solemn look on her face.
“He’d be about his age by now…” She sighed and sat down in one of the chairs in the room. “He reminds me a bit of Rufous too. I guess in some ways I can't help but think if Jack grew up he'd be a bit like him.”
“That's pretty wishful thinking,” Yoki sat next to her.
“You know me!” Eve let out a sad laugh.
Aside from the sounds of the various monitoring equipment, it was silent in the room for a while after that. Yoki wanted to tell her the truth about Jack but he knew she couldn't take it. He looked over and saw that she was finally asleep. He slumped down in his chair a bit and fell asleep too.

---

Hansa woke up to sun on his face. He looked around the room unsure of where he was until he realized he was in the hospital. He saw Eve asleep resting her head on Yoki's shoulder as he was resting his head on hers. He couldn't remember much leading up but he remembered after saving Eve with her own weapon, he briefly saw the fox Faunus.
Yokis ears twitched, catching the sound of movement and his eyes cracked open. His shifting caused Eve to stir. When she opened her eyes and saw Hansa sitting up looking at them, she lit up.
“Hansa! You're awake!” She quickly leaned forward and ended up banging her head against Yoki’s. “Ow! Damn…!” Eve cried as she hunched over holding her head.
“Damn it woman!” Yoki hissed in pain placing a hand on the point of impact.
“You two okay?” Hansa laughed a little.
“We should be asking you that!” Eve looked up. “How long have you been awake? Why didn't you wake us?!”
“Not long,” Hansa smirked. “But you two looked kinda cute. I didn't want to disturb.”
“You should have!” Eve pouted. “I've been worried!”
“For someone who just lost his legs you seem pretty chipper,” Yoki looked to the side and rested his chin on his hand, trying to hide the slight embarrassment.
“Well maybe it's the drugs but it's not the worst thing that could happen,” Hansa shrugged. “I mean, I know robotics are pretty good these days. Pretty sure I'll be back at it in no time.”
“What exactly are you going to get back to other than walking?” Yoki asked bluntly. “You're done with the White Fang, right?”
“Yoki!” Eve shot him a glare for pushing it so soon.
“You wanted to know too!” Yoki glared back.
“It's fine,” Hansa smiled. “I want to get my sister back from the White Fang…” Hansa looked out the window.
“Don't worry about that!” Eve stood up. “We are going to go get her.”
“Your recovery is going to take a few weeks anyway, kid,” Yoki pointed at him. “Focus on that first. Let us worry about her.”
“Us huh?” Eve glared over her shoulder at Yoki. “You going to stick around this time?”
“Yes because I know that creep is after you now,” Yoki growled bitterly. “Can we discuss this later?!”
“Fine,” Eve shrugged and looked back to Hansa. “See I figured it would be best to not wait. We'll probably leave in the next day or two after I set a few things up for you here and we resupply.”
“I guess that works,” Hansa smiled sadly.
“I know you probably would like to do it yourself but you'll see her soon. I intend to keep my promise!” Eve place a hand on his head and beamed. Hansa felt a bit better with her to look after them. “I'm going to come back later and you are going to tell me all about your sister!”
“Where are you going?” Hansa was a bit sad to have her leave so soon.
“Well lots to do, have to swing by Beacon first,” Eve swung around. “There's quite a bit to set up. I'll be back later and maybe with Diana and Marlin. Hopefully you can meet them properly.” She opened the door but stopped and pointed at Hansa. “Get more rest!”
“Not like I can go anywhere,” Hansa shrugged with a slight smirk. He plopped back down on the pillow.
“At least he can joke about it,” Yoki shook his head and walked out.
“I'll be back soon!” Eve smiled as she closed the door behind her. She noticed Yoki kept walking without her so she bounded after him to catch up. “You couldn't wait!”
“What? Not like I can get far at this pace,” Yoki shrugged her disdain off.
They made their way to Beacon pretty quickly, not that they were in a rush. Yoki tried to avoid talking because he didn't want to discuss his manhunt with her. Eve just kept going over her mental to-do list until they stepped into the elevator to Ozpin's office.
“You know, I never expected to be a leader…” Eve reflected on recent events to better report to Ozpin.
“You know you kept Team CERY together not your brother, right?” Yoki could still be amazed by her obliviousness. "He might have been a beter strategist but you were the one who could get everyone to work together."
“Ozpin used to tell me that too…” Eve sighed. She was feeling the responsibility for keeping everyone safe while trying to complete their mission. It looked like it was getting more difficult to do with this mysterious man after them. She almost felt bad for wanting to take everyone on this side-quest to get Rose. “Was the weight of being leader always like this?”
“I wouldn't know…” Yoki shrugged.
The elevator doors opened as they got to the top and despite the heavy mood Ozpin greeted them warmly. “Eve, Yoki, I'm glad to see you both well. How's the boy?”
“He's doing remarkably well!” Eve started moving faster than Yoki towards Ozpin's desk.
“I heard some of the story from Ms. Seraph. Also she wanted me to put in a word to General Ironwood to help get him walking again.” Ozpin leaned forward with a slight smile. “It seems he agreed.”
“Really?!” Eve lit up with excitement. “That's great! I was worried I'd end up owing him a favor. I might try and do something nice for him anyway because it means a lot.”
“This young man sounds rather impressive. If he has any interest in becoming a huntsman consider his invitation to Beacon extended.” Ozpin smiled at Eve.
“I'll be sure to let him know!” Eve felt a bit better knowing she wouldn't have to inquire about two things for Hansa any longer. One less thing to do.
“Oz, about this team thing…” Yoki glowered as he brought it up. “Why? Haven't Eve and I been more effective just the two of us?”
“Yes and no,” Ozpin stood up from his desk. “You see, even after your team graduated this academy you never truly parted ways even if you didn't necessarily work together you had a tendency to get things done on multiple fronts and assist each other when needed often without even asking. We don't truly know how powerful our enemy is and I would like a strong team like that again if I can. You four were very effective. I'm hoping you two can help bring those qualities back again. I know it might be tough at first but think of it as necessary in the protection of humanity.”

Remnants of the Past

Eve didn't let go of Hansa's hand until they got to the medical center. When she did she was so drained she could barely stand. She sat down waiting, refusing to sleep despite being up for so long. Yoki was pacing rather slowly up and down the hall. He seemed more bored than anything.
“You can leave if you want,” Eve waved him off. “Just don't leave Vale. I still need to talk with you I'm just too tired to deal with it right now.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” Yoki stopped in front of her.
“He’s my responsibility now and I let him down…” Eve sighed. “I said I’d keep him safe.”
“You aren’t blaming yourself are you?” Yoki sat down next to her.
“What?! No!” Eve leaned forward quickly. When she settled she rested her chin in her hand. “It’s just, I shouldn’t have put him in that position. He's too young for this stuff.”
“Age doesn't hold any restrictions,” Yoki said bitterly. He sighed trying to not let his need for revenge take hold. “Things probably would have been fine if I'd been there sooner. Or if I never even left.”
“You aren’t blaming yourself now are you?” Eve gave him a slight smirk with a teasing tone.
“I’m just saying if you need someone to blame you can blame me,” he shrugged with a coy smirk.
“Let’s agree it was no one but that evil creep’s fault,” Eve leaned back and yawned. “As much as you annoy me I couldn't blame you for anything.”
“Rest will you? You make me tired just looking at you.” Yoki huffed.
“Not until I hear word on how he's doing.” Eve looked at him with determination.
“I'll wake you if anything happens,” Yoki huffed.
“No you won't,” Eve called him out on it.
“You're probably right…!” Yoki grumbled.