rosavulpes

[rosavulpes]

Presenting the Redesign of Kali Belladonna I did for @banditqueenfancomic ! Kali makes her first appearance in "Whispers of the Heart", a premium chapter only available for Patrons! "Whispers of the Heart" tells the story of how Summer & Raven met in my AU (Yes, this is a young Kali!) so its a sort of prequel to the main story :) - Sonya

[rosavulpes]

Dragon of the Darkness Flame (Volume 9)

The destructive , eternally burning creature that is bound to Blake's right arm , manifested on his skin in the form of markings no different to a tattoo as he would explain himself if asked .

Encountered during the events of Volume 9 and constrained to him through the use of unique bandages that completely encase his right arm . The wrappings going as far up to his shoulder and then down to his finger tips , keeping the creature's power suppressed to the point where Blake remains in control of it , if at least mostly so .

The bandages were given to him by the Blacksmith due to Blake's own insistence , his defiant multiple refusals to have himself separated from the dragon when offered as attempting to keep it under control without them caused him to feel near constant excruciating pain . The antithesis of the Blacksmith's definition of Balance . But Blake saw it as an opportunity , to obtain a strong weapon he could use against Cinder , and Salem . It was the also the reason as to why Blake was able to leave the Ever After with the dragon as the bandages kept it's presence suppressed within his body .

I've included a summary below of my current headcanons , and ideas for how Blake's abilities improved following the acquisition of his new ability .

Physical Abilities :

Partial Heat Resistance - Even with the bandages still on . Blake's body is able to tolerate higher temperatures much better than before even without having to use his semblance to block it out thanks to the dragon's presence within his body . He is not completely immune to burns or scarring when put against very intense external heat if he is without the stamina needed to use his semblance to protect himself from it but your not going to see him sweating in Vacuo even if he's wearing heavy clothing out in the sun .

Partial Flame manipulation - Even with bandages still on . If touching someone with either one of his hands , or if someone is touching his body . He can channel the power of the black dragon through his aura , burning them with it . Expect intense burns .

Partially Enhanced Physical Traits - Even with the bandages still on . He's able to siphon energy from the dragon , bolstering his aura , and his semblance's defensive abilities with it . Allowing him to move faster ( still not as fast as Ruby ) , and hit harder than before . His reaction time is also improved .

Techniques :

Black Dragon Wave ( Dragon of the Darkness Flame ) - The bandages are removed only for a short period of time . The Black Dragon is mostly released from it's bindings , and directly used against his opponent . Physically channeled in the form of pitch black flames that race towards his opponent regardless of the distance . The flames completely consume anything in it's path . Blake doesn't have full control over it , which is why it isn't possible to fully release it in that state . He can only direct it towards the opponent .

White Dragon Wave , Kirin - The name Blake gave to the special variation of the Dragon born of his technique of using the Black Dragon to heat up the upper atmosphere by constantly releasing strong waves of of the Black Dragon Wave . By heating up the atmosphere so consistently , or by already being within the area of one . He's able to create a localized storm cloud . From there , he draws in the ambient energy in the atmosphere into the form of a White Dragon comprised of lightning that he calls Kirin .

It's an attack that can only be used once per fight , and depending on the scenario before a fight , is highly likely to leave Blake drained of aura , and stamina afterwards . The tradeoff being that Kirin's destructive power , for however brief it is , is far greater than that of the Black Dragon's .

Black Dragon Sword - The bandages are loosened , but remain on . Blake focuses the flames of Black Dragon into the form of a sword , in which he can either use an actual sword as the medium ( though it'll likely break afterwards ) or he solidifies his aura as the medium for it . Thanks to the intense heat of the flames , the sword can pierce through heavy armor .

Black Dragon Absorption - ( Click the read more for visual references ) Blake completely undoes his bandages , and turns the Black Dragon free on himself . Absorbing it , trapping it completely within his body without the aid of the bandages . By keeping it trapped within his body , he has access to it's full strength . Blake becomes the Black Dragon itself . All previously listed physical abilities are boosted to their maximum potential as there are no longer an restrictions in place for either of the two .

However , this form isn't permanent and it's duration still entirely depends on how much stamina Blake has to endure the strain it puts on his body . Once the technique expires , he'll be very heavily drained of strength , and likely will not be able to continue fighting .

White Dragon Absorption - more to come in the future .

[rosavulpes]

Truth be told , he'd already looked into the origins , and the fabled stories of this infamous power on his own well before he'd ever considered coming to this place .

It was something he'd intended to take on in due time on his own . At his own pace .

However , current circumstances being not only that the Elder Toguro brother had faked his death against his battle with the spirit detective ? but was now challenging " forcing " all of them to enter the upcoming Dark Tournament ?

He could no longer wait for that time to come on it's own . Nor could he do this on his own .

Time was a luxury he could not afford to waste .

He'd initially thought it odd . While Yusuke had managed to best him during their initial fight . That had only happened because of the price he'd paid after first obtaining the mystical demonic eye surgically embedded into his forehead . If he'd encountered Yusuku before that ? When he'd still been at his former A Rank level of strength ? The spirit detective and his friends would've just been play things to him at the time .

Easily dealt with . They'd of stood no chance .

However , he should have known better than to just assume that the spirit detective had somehow overcome his limits again to kill someone like Toguro .

It should have been obvious to him from the start that something was wrong with how those fights had proceeded but ultimately ? Perhaps it had been because he'd admittedly felt such a strong sense of relief in seeing his sister freed from the filthy hands of those disgusting humans .... that he'd ignored his better instincts at the time to look into things further at the time . That , and his rage .

That searing rage he'd made his blood boil as he made his quick advance towards where Yukina had been imprisoned . How fortunate it was that Yusuku and his friends had made it there before him . There'd of been a blood bath other wise .

But regardless of all that ? Now . At least this Dark Tournament was providing him the opportunity to settle the score properly this time around . Not only with the Toguro brothers , and their human benefactors ... but with the Spirit Detective himself .

Yusuke was still on his list of targets after all .

Slowing down , and coming to the pace of a walk as he stood right at the edge of a hill overlooking a vast , broad , dark forest . He'd finally arrived . The place where the witch dwelled .

He could already hear Kurama's warnings nagging in his ear . Be cautious , be respectful , and don't be rash . The witch was neither human , nor demon . Which made her all the more unpredictable . However , if there was anyone that would be able to help him control , wield , and master the power of the darkness flame ? It would be her .

Leaping off the edge , and coming to a soft landing below . Hiei hid his hands within his pockets , and proceeded into the forest . Raising his spirit energy , not as a means of attempting to intimidate her . But as a courtesy . Akin to a knock on a door to show that he was coming , rather than attempt to keep it suppressed as to catch her off guard .

@cursedfortune

[rosavulpes]

How it started V. How it's going ( Blake Belladonna Edition )

[rosavulpes]

“when can i see you again?” (for Bruce)

“call me up at midnight” -late night call dialogue

" Didn't you tell me during dinner that you had an important test coming up tomorrow morning ? Shouldn't you be sleeping Rukia ? Pulling an all nighter to try to make up for a lack of studying before hand won't help . I'd know "

He's half joking of course . And he fully expects Rukia to pick up on that as he replies to her .

However , Bruce knew that he couldn't blame her for her concern either . After all , it was still a miracle that he was able to still walk on his own two feet , much less be alive overall to hear her voice coming through on the other end of his phone as he walked the streets of Neo Gotham by himself at this late hour of the night . The dungeon that he'd survived ? Had been unlike anything else he'd ever seen before .

Rain droplets beginning to pelt away at him on his walk back home , but it all felt numb to him .

Either because he felt physically exhausted ? Or ? perhaps he'd just become so strong within these past few weeks that he now only just barely felt their touch against his hair as he pulled his hood up over his head to protect himself .

It seemed odd didn't it ? Twenty years ago there'd be now way anyone would be stupid enough to do what he was doing at the moment . At least , that was what their parents used to tell them . Unless you wanted a knife in your back , or to lose you wallet that is .

However , Gotham City , as well as the rest of the Earth had changed the day that the first dungeon outbreak had occurred .

Speaking of which . Bruce momentarily stopped in front of a store front displaying high end TV's and other electronics . Being broadcasted right in front of him was an anniversary report marking that very day . Gotham , like many other American cities progressed no differently than any other . Save for it's notorious crime rate .

Steel production , manufacturing , construction , factories , were all in abundance in Gotham and were the main titans of business in the city . However that all changed when the first " Dungeon " appeared . A blue portal , almost like water , manifesting itself in the middle of a busy intersection in Gotham .

Like any portal , it served as a bridge . A gateway . Allowing one place to be connected to another . However as the Earth would some come to learn ? those places that they'd been inadvertently connected to through this portals ? We're far from welcoming . Far from what one could have called paradise .

As one might have expected , it became a news sensation . At first .

Portals to realms and dimensions that defied our understanding of the way the Universe functioned , an act that some could only surmise to be an act of the divine . Or a punishment .

However as the truth of what lay on the other side first came to light ? Monsters , abominations , demons and more ? Attempts were made to suppress it . Hard as it was to explain why the initial exploration parties sent in to explore often didn't return at all , or if any ? Appeared both mentally and physically scarred . However , all those attempts failed once the first " Dungeon Break " occurred .

For whatever reason , the entities that awaited them on the other side couldn't initially cross over once a portal opened . Whereas humanity could do so freely under most circumstances . However , once a certain amount of time was reached . Usually within three to five hours . The portal would " break " allowing the monsters on the other side to cross over without restraint .

Long story short . Gotham , like the rest of the planet . Was turned on it's head as a new harsh reality was thrust upon them . Conventional weapons and firearms useless against their invaders .

Whereas Gotham burned at the hands of these invaders ? Neo Gotham was built anew once humanity's hunters awakened . Humans that became embedded with " magic " a power that crossed over with the invaders , and spread across the globe as portals to different " dungeons " opened seemingly everywhere .

" I'm on my way back home now . Want me to pick up anything on my way back ? "

[rosavulpes]

[rosavulpes]

" I'm here of my own free will ... though it seems like you might not be "

He could only guess for now .

Watching as the human stirred from her slumber , almost appearing as if she'd been frightened or disturbed by his appearance once her eyes focused in on his . It was a good sign . She was alert enough to recognize a potential threat . At the very least she wasn't foolish enough to trust someone she didn't know like most of her kind tended to during times of stress .

Even though it was closed , hidden away behind his white bandana . He didn't need to use the Jagan eye's enhanced perception to take into account how much of beating she must have endured before he'd come across her fight .

The slight trembling in her arms , and in her legs as she pushed her up off of the dirt . The clear signs of physical exhaustion . How long had she been here for ?

With his blade secured within it's scabbard . It remained close to the demon all the same . While Hiei severely doubted that this one would be foolish enough to attempt to take it from him , much less attack him in her current physical state , he doubted that he'd even need to use it against her . Rather ? It was more likely that he'd need it in defense of her depending on what sort of enemy might get attracted to them .

" You were able to hold your own long enough that they didn't finish you off by the time I found you . What's your name ? "

[rosavulpes]

OOC : Gonna start working on replies and owed starters . Going to try to get as far as I can between tonight and tomorrow !

Also , been doing some thinking on what Hiei's Genshin Impact Verse would be since I've been having fun with him and so far I've come up this .

Please let me know your thoughts .

His origins as a child between an ice & fire demon will remain the same . He's forcibly cast out as an infant against the wishes of his mother and is taken in by a demon bandit tribe . He's raised , and taught to fight by them .

He doesn't hold any particular kin ship with them , as demons are still demons in Genshin Impact and he's raised no differently .

However , his particular bandit tribe is one of many that invaded Liyue and eventually fought the Yakshas . Because of this , he has a long standing desire to kill them for revenge . Xiao in particular , and Morax by association .

To that end he begins to train intensely after recovering from his defeat against the Yaksha in the Chasm . Going back and forth between the human and demon realm for a time .

During those years of wandering , he gets the Jagan Eye implanted into his forehead at the cost of a significant amount of his own spirit energy akin to canon . From there onwards , he spends a great deal of time partaking in human wars across Tevyat . Avoiding Liyue . Preferring to go uncredited as just a mercenary , stories and rumors sill formed around the " Three Eyed Mercenary " , making him infamous . However his intentions for doing so always misunderstood and tend to paint him as something he isn't .

He fights , and kills not because agrees with the common man's grievances , or underdog in any given situation , but more so because by killing strong opponents ( which underdogs tend to be up against , unfavorable odds , etc. ) , and fighting across different battlefields where death is abundant ? He can regain his lost spirit power faster than he would if he'd just hibernated inside the Chasm . It's also an opportunity to improve his combat skills .

The battlefield also allowed him to test out the powers of his Jagan Eyes against human opponents that tend to be around the same level of power as his weakened state .

However , the powers of his Jagan eye are still unknown as war is war . Anyone that was unfortunate enough to be subject to his " tests " didn't live to tell the full tale . Therefore he's only known by that nickname by those that briefly saw it without his knowing .

After he obtains the Dragon of the Darkness flame in the demon realm , sealing it's power within his right arm . He travels to Inuzuma to seek out the Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island . After he initially used the darkness flame , akin to canon , his right arm was so severely burned , he feared that he'd never regain use of it . No ordinary healer was able to heal his arm so he traveled there in search of Kokomi to have her heal it .

( While Baizhu is technically one of the best healers lore wise in the game , Hiei can't go to Liyue for reasons stated above , and there'd be no reason for him to even risk trying Fontaine )

( Now , because I really, REALLY like bodyguard AU's he strikes an agreement with Kokomi to fight in Watatsumi's War against Inazuma while the healing process is ongoing ) He serves as her personal protection when not on the battlefield , and when he is sent to fight ? He fights according to her exact orders .

This all works in his favor as it may allow him to the chance to fight against Ei and fully test out the power of the darkness flame before he returns to Liyue to seek his vengeance against Xiao and Morax .

[rosavulpes]

OOC : Two down ! more to go !

[rosavulpes]

Continued from here ( X )

A soft , simple , and knowing smile would be his answer to her question . Lumine had come to know him all too well . Perhaps ? Even better than most he'd ever previously allowed near . Not even his own human mother and father could compare in that regard . Yet ? Despite that ? There were moments where a thought arose in his mind when reflecting on her specifically .

... Why ? Why would you smile at me knowing full well what I am ? Why , when if we had met one another centuries ago I wouldn't have hesitated even for a moment to sink my fangs into you . To rip you apart into hundred of pieces and devour you whole . Adding your soul , your voice , to the hundreds I'd already done to same to without thinking ...

She'd even come close ... more than once even , to seeing that same suppressed nature of his come out . Yet , she smiled at him all the same still . Lumine was certainly a strange one . Though , it was that strangeness , that sincere smile of hers , combined with her mysteries that intrigued many all over Tevyat when they heard whisper of the golden butterfly's heroic exploits across the lands .

While perhaps only a foolish fantasy , an impossible dream ... he hoped that one day he might get to travel alongside her . For when the day that the Shuichi the human no longer had a reason to continue existing . So to see what she has , to learn what amazing worlds lay beyond , and to learn for himself what grandiose celestial body she and her brother had originated from .

But ? For now ? It would just be a dream .

" Why not all three ? I'd like be to selfish with you if I may . In aiding you I stave off my own worries for your safety . You're also a special customer of mine so ensuring your travels continue well ensures I'll continue getting to see you ... and ? In helping my special traveler friend I'll be able to continue to listen to her amazing stories each time she comes by during those visits . So . Before you leave for Natlan ,there's something I'd like to teach you "

As they walked together , leaving paimon behind in the care of his parents . Descending the mountainous slopes that would lead to a valley he would begin his first lesson .

" Lumine . As your travels across Tevyat continue , while I hope with all my heart that you find your brother . I hope you learn to become more unfair in the process "

@nagareboshiko

[rosavulpes]

Listening intently to his new teammate as she spoke . Blake could certainly appreciate the sentiments and reasoning behind her words . Yang seemed sincere and kind . He couldn't detect any genuine malice in them . He could understand why she would think that he held no personal liability in this situation . However , he could not agree with her reasoning . There were actions he could have taken ahead of time to help mitigate this situation . At the very least however ? In his own current opinion , the blonde brawler herself seemed to be receptive and open to accepting a personal apology of her own from Weiss if and when the time came .

Of which he'd do his utmost to ensure would come , and come soon .

Lastly , taking her preference in mind . He'd be sure to keep things a bit less formal between them as time went onwards .

" Sorry . I'll be sure to keep the air less formal between us . I do understand what you're saying Yang . However , I don't think that standing idle is what's best for this situation . For either of us . If I ... we , don't take action to help deescalate , and mend relations between Ruby and Weiss ? Their relations may only continue to deteriorate further . That is why I want to apologize on behalf of Weiss to Ruby . It can be a starting point to build off of . Furthermore , Weiss is my responsibility . Safeguarding her mental well being , her status , her reputation , it all falls in line with my assigned duties . Furthermore , for the sake of team RWBY . It's in the common interest that we all learn to work with one another , and work well "

Speaking of which , perhaps this moment could serve as an opportunity to do what he should have initially done with Yang instead of having waited for their background checks to clear before engaging with them .

" Yang , would you like to accompany me for a while ? I've been thinking that perhaps what we could all use right now are some team building exercises to help start us off on the right direction . If I may , I'd like to learn of Ruby's interests as it could play a key role in what activity we could engage in . I was also hoping to get your input . I was already thinking that a group study session might be good . It may only be the end of our first day , but intensive course work is sure to come soon . In order for us to maintain good standing here , our grades must also reflect our skills in combat "

Beginning to look around as he waited for a response , there were already a couple of ideas coming to mind as to how he might help to enhance their study sessions .

Spotting a cafe , a grocery store , and some other outlets nearby . While he knew that Weiss may not have much interest in culinary preparation , perhaps Ruby did ? Or at least in enjoying it among company .

" By chance , would Ruby happen to like cookies ? "

[rosavulpes]

"call me up at midnight" -late night call dialogue

prompt list by @novelbear ᵔᴥᵔ

"did i wake you?"

"i missed hearing your voice.."

"when can i see you again?"

"i just left like five minutes ago." "yeah, but i miss you already."

"sing to me."

"your voice is so relaxing."

"if i fall asleep, don't hang up." "i never do, love."

"i wish you were here."

"can we talk?"

"is everything okay?" "i just need a distraction.."

"how was your day? i want to hear everything."

"it's getting late, darling."

"are you falling asleep?" "...." "alright."

"you won't believe what i heard from [name]."

"what's wrong? you're never up this late."

"talk to me. what's going on."

"i'll see you in the morning, 'kay?"

"i know you didn't just hang up on me without saying 'i love you'."

"you're the only one i'll talk to this late at night, you know that?"

"only a few more weeks, i promise."

[rosavulpes]

From the very first moment he'd entered this realm , the ambient feelings of negativity he felt assaulted his senses all at once . The feeling was seemingly everywhere , going as far as his eyes could see . Permeating the ground , the sky , the sea , the distant lands , and even it's strange denizens .

He could feel their presence seemingly everywhere too . Strange , insect like creatures made of pitch black darkness . Corroding , and corrupting what they touched .

Even him . Swirling around his feet as he watched them . Starting to tug at the worn corners of his black cloak , attempting to pull him downwards towards the unknown .

He'd smiled at the attempt to drown him in darkness . The witch had been right about this place . It was perfect . Perfectly suited for his training needs , a rich abundance of enemies to fight , but most of all ? Perfect ... for a demon to thrive in .

If , for spirit energy sensitive humans , being near or standing within an environment permeated with spirit energy such as a graveyard or haunted battlefield offered temporary boosts in overall vitality . Then for someone such as Hiei ? This place might as well have been paradise .

His body drawing the darkness deep within , feeding , and devouring it . A momentary black and purple aura starting to rise within him as he felt his spirit energy rise for a moment , before settling again .

With the portal at his back closing , and more creature of darkness approaching ? Silver blade was drawn from it's sheath at his side and he began to do what he did best . Minutes turning into hours , and hours turning into days .

All the while , the edges of his blade remained as sharp as ever as he continued to slash , and tear his way through their endless numbers . Small breaks allotted between battles to rest , though ? Truth be told , even during his moments of respite , it felt as though he could keep on fighting if pressed to . That was the luxury of this place after all .

If by some manner he was slain here ? Well ... the idea didn't seem all that bad .

Still , as the days went by . Hiei's spirit energy continued to grow as he fought . Learning by experience that unless fought in massive swarms ? The small insect like creatures weren't worth his time . The humanoid like creatures offered more a fight , but were ultimately not worth taking on unless in big groups . Lastly , the real prizes he was after what he labeled " the heartless giants " .

Massive creatures with strange heart sized markings on them . He didn't know what their fascination , or correlation to the heart was but that didn't matter . For each one he brought down , he could feel his spirit energy growing stronger as he took in their darkness .

Grinning to himself over his latest victory , watching as another titan fell before him . Engulfed in searing black flames . While he was certainly looking forward to killing to Toguro Brothers ... for certainly hoped that Yusuke was having just as much success with his own training . Otherwise ? Their rematch might not end up lasting all that long .

Sheathing his blade back into it's scabbard . Dawning his black cloak once more . The demon resumed his endless hunt . His travels taking him deeper , and further into this realm of night .

Odd . It seemed as though the number of denizens seemed to be going down based on the current direction he was heading . Their numbers had always seemed endless during his prior engagements so why stop engaging him now ? Was he starting to make a name for himself here ? Or ... as he picked up a feeling , a unique feeling emanating further ahead . Was it because they were preoccupied with someone else ?

As he walked , he'd keep his own spirit energy suppressed . Wanting to asses the situation before making himself known . It wouldn't be long , before he came upon the sight , strangely enough , of a human female getting beaten , and tossed around by mob of humanoid sized dark creatures .

The temptation to simply observe , and allow nature to take it's course was tempting . Besides , if she wasn't strong enough to handle this place , why was she here fighting ?

However , as the thought of his current arrangement with Koenma came to mind . There was a chance that by his inaction in allowing this human to be killed , he might still be punished for her death .

Watching as her latest parry seemingly left her in a defeated state . Hiei raised his spirit energy to draw their attention away from her . Leaping off the rocky structure he'd been silently observing her battle with them from and beginning to walk towards the creatures calmy . His blade remaining in it's scabbard , there being no need for it to be drawn as he made quick work of them . Their forms dissipating into darkness as they always did as he slammed , crushed , and beat them down with his hands alone .

" Afraid not . But you should be thankful that the only loss you've suffered today was your consciousness . Next time you might not be so lucky . Off all the places to be . I didn't think I'd find a human ... "

Observing from a distance , as he tossed some dried branches into a camp fire he'd created . His eyes settled on her as she began to stir .

[rosavulpes]

One off Prompts ( x )

With his eyes blinking , adjusting to the ambient light pouring in through the open blinds Blake would stir from his sleep . As he rose from his bed , moving aside the bed sheets that had been covering him , a soft smile spread to his lips as he spotted Weiss asleep within her bunk too .

Judging by the light that was coming in through their dormitory's main , and only window it was already past noon . Likely either one o'clock in the afternoon or going more towards 2 PM .

A soft spoken " Good Afternoon " given to Ruby , whom was sitting with her back against the wall , playing games on her phone and Yang who was sitting beside her , watching her play .

Normally ? He'd have been awake at the crack of dawn to begin his usual routine of exercise to prep himself both physically , and mentally for the day . Even though he'd gone to bed much later on than he normally would , it had become a dedicated habit for him quite a long time ago to rise early . Regardless of how he was feeling or how much sleep he'd gotten in the night before hand . Nothing related to Sleep Apnea , No . Just part of his morning routines .

Why had he woken up at this hour ? Well , it hadn't gone unnoticed that his teammates had attempted to mask his scrolls set alarms when they'd gone off . He'd noticed of course , even without his normal routine , his sense of hearing had stirred him the moment he heard their bed frames creak . As it would have if an intruder were to attempt to enter their dormitory . But , quickly guessing what it was they were attempting to do ... rather than wake up anyways . He'd decided to remain in bed , the kind gesture appreciated .

Speaking of which , as he raised his hand up to feel the ambient temperature of his forehead , he could tell that his fever had finally broken . It hadn't been enough to slow him down the day before , nor had it be enough to stop him from carrying on with his daily duties in safeguarding Weiss but ... that hadn't stopped Weiss , Yang , and Ruby from scolding him for doing so after getting him to stop so they could take his temperature .

It wasn't that he didn't trust anyone else to safeguard Weiss's safety . No , he had come to confide in Yang with safeguarding both Ruby and Weiss but that didn't mean that they should feel as though that they had too at all because he seemingly couldn't . Ultimately it was his responsibility to serve as her protection , and that was why he persisted in spite of the setbacks .

With the length of his ebony tail lightly brushing itself against Yang's , coiling itself around hers just for a moment in greeting before retracting , he'd move to start the day .

While it was already late , he could at least get some exercise in , and while he normally would had gone out to cook breakfast or lunch in this case for the rest of the team the thought of taking them out to eat in Vale as a ways of saying " thanks " and apologizing for their troubles sounded like a much better idea . Though , before all of that ? It was time for one of his favorite parts of the day .

A cup of much needed coffee .

He wasn't a caffeine addict of course , but just one cup in the morning ? Helped put the rest of the day into perspective before he could set off to do some light training . With his scroll in hand , but kept in it's closed , off mode . Any messages that needed his immediate attention could wait until he was done .

Making coffee for him wasn't as simple as just grabbing a scoop of already grinded black beans , and waiting for a pot to rise . No , he took a lot more pride in what he filled his mug with to down just any old set of coffee . He'd scoured through the supermarkets , grocery stores , and even local coffee cafe's of Vale for these particular set of beans . Ones that only grew in Anima , a regional specialty , and had a particular aroma to them with a distinct taste .

They needed to be fresh , unroasted . As once roasted ? They could only be enjoyed within one to two weeks at the very most before they started to lose that wonderful aroma that accompanied them . Making the taste of the coffee more dull as time passed .

Washing his hands thoroughly before hand , he'd start to bring out some supplies , laying them out on a desk nearby . It'd be easier to make in shared kitchen area that the school provided but he didn't feel like going to the trouble of it for today . A kettle , a set of portable heating pads , two mugs , white paper coffee filters , a grounder , and last but not last his bag of coffee beans which was kept safe in a few layers of paper wrappings to keep them preserved .

The first thing would be filling the kettle with some water , which would then be set on one of the portable heating pads so it could get hot .

Scooping out a handful of beans with a plastic spoon unto his open right palm . The beans would not make contact with his skin , instead his aura would serve as a buffer between himself and them . The bandage wrappings on his right arms partially undone , fingers closing around the handful of beans . Eyes closed as he exhaled , heat being dispersed between the small spaces between his fingers as he made use of his " special ability " to roast the beans himself .

Eyes closed to carefully focus on how much heat he was dispersing . Not wanting to over cook the beans or under cook them either . The heat needed to be dispersed perfectly between each individual bean to ensure the best taste possible . After a few moments ? Blake opened his hand with a smile , his nose blessed with a wonderful aroma as he placed the now cooked beans into his grinder .

Feline ears perking up as he slowly grinded the beans to get the right consistency for them as they were reduced to powder . Ears twitched in response to the sounds of grinding , as the beans were pressed between two tight spaces to break them down . Just like with roasting ? This too required precise action , and his full attention . If grinded down too much ? The taste of the coffee would be over extracted which would result in a brew that was too sour , salty , or over acidic to taste . Too little ? and there'd barely be any taste extracted from the powder once it was time to run hot water over them .

But with just the right amount of force , pressure , and work ? He'd stop turning the crank on his grinder . Placing two coffee filters over the top of the two coffee mugs . Gently laying the coffee powder over the filters .

Lastly ? The kettle would be removed from the heat . It's pouring spot tipped into the direction of the mugs where hot , steaming water would run over the grinds . His hand's adjusting the position , moving the kettle in a light circle for each mug when pouring the hot water to ensure all the grinds were sufficiently soaked in the water . With that done , all that remained was to wait just for a moment . Turning off , then unplugging the portable heating pad . Placing the kettle back on in case either Ruby or Yang wanted to use what was left of the water for tea .

Removing the coffee filters over both mugs , that wonderful scent would soon grace his nose once more . Placing once of the mugs on a small paper plate , he'd set Weiss's mug on the large book stand near their window next to her bunk . She was already starting to stir , a look of confusion on her expression as she looked at her scroll to get a gauge of the time .

" Good Afternoon Weiss . Since you were all so kind as to muffle my scroll's alarms I though that it would be best if we all had a late start today . So I took the liberty doing the same with all of yours too ~ "

Speaking with a smile , and perhaps a bit of a sly grin too he'd return to his own coffee mug now . When had he done it ? When they'd all been asleep after attempting to muffle his alarms . How had he done it ? Moving without making noise ? All too easy .

Raising the mug to his own lips to take a sip of the brew . He could feel the taste dancing on his tongue , invigorating his senses . Providing alertness , energy , and vitality all in just one sip .

Now ? Now was the time that he could catch up on any pending messages sent to his scroll that he might have missed due to his late start . Switching on his scroll . There were the usuals , some messages from his parents as he usually would have had a face time call with them earlier on due to the time zone differences . Some messages from some of his friends from Atlas , and some other ones that required his attention or oversight related to different projects related their armed forces .

Though the one his amber eyes fixated on once they'd finally found it ? A confirmation message from Atlas's central bank . Updating him as to the successful link of Weiss's Bank Accounts to his own . An action that he had spent a considerable amount of time undertaking yesterday , calling in favors he was owed from those in power back home . As it hadn't been all that long ago that when Weiss had attempted to settle the bill for one of her purchases that her cards had been denied . It hadn't taken much thought to come to the same conclusion she had . Even though she didn't say it , and he didn't ask to spare her feelings . He'd quickly stated that there must have been something wrong with the teller's machine to keep the rest of the team , and their friends from questioning it further .

Jacques had likely started or perhaps had limited Weiss's financial allowances at some point after her departure .

It had been a blow to her pride , to which he'd decided in that moment to safeguard against further attacks as was his duty . Thanks to his own connections with the central bank Jacques wouldn't be notified , nor would he be given any access that would show that Blake's account was now also linked to hers . On paper , digital , or otherwise . If he attempted to financial restrict her again without her knowing ? The charge would instead be automatically rerouted to Blake's bank account instead , as if he were the one making it , preventing it from being declined as any lien needed to satisfy the charge would be pulled from him instead .

" Make sure to drink it while it's still hot Weiss . Ruby , we still have some hot water left . Would you and Yang like me to make you each some hot cocoa before I leave ? "

@wintereign

[rosavulpes]

OOC : Pray for me yall. Trying to get into a studio apartment before June.

[rosavulpes]