The Wilted Rose

Chapter 24: Quiet Night

Vale

10:37 AM

326 Days before the Fall

Y/n Pov

The days after visiting mom, I was just wandering around Vale. Normally I would be asleep right now but just couldn't. The city had been quiet. Crime had went down since I came around but this was weird. 

Juniors was closed at the moment and Torchwick and Neo have been radio silent for some time now. I wonder how things are getting on with them. I was in the downtown district. The place was busy for a Friday. Weiss still hasn't contacted me which was starting to feel like she was avoiding me. I should be happy about that but a part of me was a little upset. 

With nothing to do, I went into some random coffee shop. The place was pretty well decorated. I sat at a table towards the back facing the door. So long as my back was to the wall and I could see who's coming and going, I'm good. The waitress came by and took my order. I figured I should go ahead and have breakfast while I was at it. Granola bars were nice and all, but some real food would be amazing right now. 

Before my order came back, in walked a group of four. All of them Huntsmen. How did I know that. They were at the initiation. In fact, I remembered Ren and Nora. They were fairly easy to remember since one dresses like a ninja and the other is bat-shit crazy. I still didn't know the blonde dudes name. The redhead that was with them, I swear I've seen before but I cant place were. 

The group actually sat at the table next to me. I just kept my head down and tried not to draw their attention. The last thing I wanted was to interact with Huntsmen. I wanted nothing to do with them. It just so happens that I seem to attract them. 

Redhead: Jaune... Are you sure your ok? 

Jaune: Y-yeah, I'm ok...

Nora: You don't really sound like it.

Redhead: Your still upset about Cardin, aren't you?

The name caught my attention. Cardin Winchester was someone I had my eyes on. I was waiting for him and his family to fuck up. Roy told me all kinds of things about them.

Jaune: No, no.... like I said, Cardin is a jerk to everyone.

Y/n: Excuse me, are you talking about Cardin Winchester?

Redhead: Yes, how did you know?

Y/n: Had a few run-ins with him. He's a real piece of work.

Nora: I want to break his legs!

....I like this girl.

Ren: Yes, he is a bit.... much. Might we get your name?

Y/n: Y/n Todd. Nice to meet you.

Jaune: I'm Jaune Arc, short, sweet, rolls off the tongue. Ladies love it.

Y/n: ....Do they?

Jaune: Your not the first to ask me that....

Ren: My name is Lie Ren.

Nora: And I'm Nora Valkyrie! Nice to meet'cha!

RedHead: I am Pyrrha Nikos

I looked at Pyrrha, finally recognizing her. She was on the box of Pumpkin Petes marshmallow flakes! I love that cereal! Waitwaitwait, get back on track. I nodded and smiled. I was reserved about speaking to them but I wanted to know what Cardin was up too. Maybe I'd get something actionable from them. 

Y/n: Pleasure to meet you. Anyway, about Cardin....

Pyrrha: He's a bully who only goes after those weaker than him. Especially if their Faunas....