Chương 15: Waking Up
(Please be aware that there is a fair bit of swearing in this chapter. This a warning in advance so if anyone finds it highly offensive I apologise.)
Daemon's vision had gone from white to a gentle pinkie-red as the light above him could be seen through his eyelids. He could a weight centred on the middle of his chest and he began to move to make more comfortable. The instant he began to move however so did the weight before it let out a gentle whimper before a soft sniffing sound could be heard. As he slowly lifted his eyelids, his eyes met a pair of deep ruby eyes before he felt a wet, slobbery tongue drag across his face almost ten times before stopping.
Daemon gently nudged the over excited puppy away from his face with a soft smile before attempting to sit up slightly. As he did so the Lilith started to jump all over him barking happily as he let out a light wheezing laugh at her actions.
As Lilith was barking he looked towards the window that had been open and saw that it was brilliant sunlight outside and there was not a cloud in sight. Despite not really paying attention he could hear the sound of steps in the corridor outside before the door opened to show Ruby standing there who asked "Lilith what's wrong girl?".
Then she spotted him sitting up awake and her silver eyes went wide as she froze before tears began to gather and she lunged forward screaming "Daemon your awake!!!" and slamming into him as Lilith nimbly leapt out of the way. She buried her face into his chest crying "Thank you" over and over again.
Ruby's shout had obviously brought the attention of the whole household as he heard a stampede of footsteps charging toward his room. A bright white light hailed the arrival of Summer who had used her semblance to rush ahead of everyone else. She stood staring at him shock before studying him intently and then quickly dashing forward and hugging him just like Ruby also muttering "Thank you" over and over under her breath.
He managed to croak out a response through his dry throat "Heh, like mother like daughter, ay?" with a dry laugh that quickly turned into a cough. He then looked to his side and saw that Tai was offering him a glass of water with a look of concern on his face. "I am glad you are finally awake Daemon."
Daemon took small sips of the water fighting the urge to gulp it down quickly. He soon finished the glass and handed it back to Tai and said "Thank you" his voice less dry and scratchy this time. Tai then leaned over and gave him a light hug before pulling the girls off of him so that he could finally breath again.
He then looked and saw at the end of his bed Yang. She was shrinking in on herself and tears were building in her lilac eyes and beginning to stream down her cheeks. Her uncertainty was obvious, she looked like she felt out of place and Daemon felt his heart pang seeing this and with a slight protest from his body sat up slightly straighter and held up an arm like he wanted a hug.
Though his voice was slightly hoarse he asked her in slightly teasing tone "So am I going to get a hug from you as well Yang?"
In the blink of an eye a blonde bullet slammed into his chest winding him. A loud sobbing filled the room as Yang began to cry and apologise to Daemon. He just held her in a hug until her crying quietened down before gently holding her at arms lengths and resting a hand on her cheek, brushing a tear away from her eye with his thumb.
He looked her directly in the eye as he gently said "You don't have to apologise or thank me Yang, I am just glad that both you and Ruby are okay." His tone became slightly more teasing as he continued "Besides I am sure that Summer and Tai have punished you enough for you regret it."
Yang had already burrowed her head back into the side of his chest by the time he had finished speaking but he could feel her nodding in agreement. He could see a smirk on Summer's face as she watched this play out but saw that Tai looked conflicted. Ruby however was just pouting at him and Yang. In response he held up his other arm and Ruby instantly jumped back onto the bed and cuddled into the other side of his chest.
At this point Summer was practically shaking with suppressed laughter and Tai was looking less than impressed. This was then broken by a low rumbling sound that was emitted from his stomach which caused Summer to begin to laugh and Tai to smile slightly. Summer looked at Tai and nodded before turning back to Daemon.
"We will go get you some food. We will made a simple chicken soup and some crusty bread. You likely won't want to each to much right now. You have been in a coma for almost two and a half months now. But will discuss that after you had something to eat and rested some more maybe tomorrow."
(Summer POV)
Summer studied Daemon's face as she told this expecting to him surprised by the news but only received a light nod in acknowledgement of what he had just been told. She shot him a small simile before dragging her now staring lug of a husband with her to the kitchen.
She turned around to face him once they reached the kitchen and teased him "So when do you reckon they will get married?" Tai almost fell over and began choking as he heard what Summer said before giving Summer a annoyed glower. After a minute he gave a sigh of defeat and responded in a sulky voice.
"Twelve years. I give it ten years however until they get together." This caused Summer to whip around so fast that her husband worried she might get whiplash. She could feel her own eyes widen in surprise at this response.
"Just checking which of the girls are you talking about sweetie?" She then saw Tai stare at her in the same manner he did whenever she did something that made no sense to him. 'Hmmm, the last time he looked at me like that was when I asked what he thought would happen if I put dust in my cookie recipe.'
Summer was starting to get annoyed however and then half-shouted at him "Why are you looking at me like that?" She began to bounce around in front of him waving her arms around in front of her. Tai couldn't help but give a little laugh at his wife's childishness.
Tai then gave a big sigh before answering her "Both of the girls Summer, both of our little girls are no doubt going to end up married to that boy. I can feel it. Yet for some reason I can't even bring myself to be angry at him."
Summer looked at her husband and could see his confusion and annoyance at this realisation. She knew that especially in recent decades, since the fall of Mountain Glenn, grimm had become active and a more active threat to populated areas. This led to the introduction of laws to allow polygamy for hunters, especially those who are strong. In fact it was encouraged in order to help avoid extinction and a further decrease in the population.
Summer and Tai had decided not to be in a polygamous marriage, although by technically Tai was polygamous as Raven had never actually signed the divorce papers, so there was that. Yeah that had been an awkward conversation between the two when they had arranged the wedding ceremony.
Still she embraced her husband in a hug and attempted to comfort him. "Well even if they do we will know they are married to someone who would risk their to protect theirs." A mischievous smirk now worked its way onto her face as she smiled at Tai. "Think this means that at some point he will really be our son."
She looked at Tai who somehow had a small rain cloud above his head and was in the corner of the kitchen, crouching down, poking the ground with a stick as he murmured "My little girls, they're going to leave me." Over and over again causing Summer to laugh at this rather comical scene.
She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders and kissed his forehead, whispering in his ear "Don't worry we will have years before the girls grow. Beside;" Running a down his cheek, her voice taking on a more sensual tone. "We could always have another."
Tai stood and swept her up in a princess carry and began to kiss her rather heatedly, a frenzied gleam in his eyes as he stared down at her. A cough from the back door caused them to break apart, Summer could feel her face turning bright red. Qrow was leaning against the door frame staring them in amusement.
"So nice to nothing has changed since Beacon. You both still act like horny teenagers, huh." His comment was spoke in a long drawn out drawl as his red eyes shimmered with mirth. "Anyway, where are the girls? They haven't really left your side for the last couple of months."
Summer gave Qrow a droll look before she smiled at her old teammate as she began to make a fresh chicken soup, while Tai began to cut and butter some of the fresh bread they had brought the previous evening. "They are both cuddled up to Daemon right now." "Huh, they must still be worried about the lad? It has been a couple of months now I guess."
She saw Qrow pull out a chair and begin to sit down and right as his legs began to bend she spoke again "Actually, he woke up about half an hour ago. We were just making him some soup and bread." Qrow crashed to the floor missing the chair as he was shocked at the new information that just been provided to him.
It was only moments before Qrow was shouting "WHAT THE BRAT'S AWAKE?" and Summer just gave him a cheeky smile "Yep" popping the p sound. "Huh he really is a tough little bastard." "Yeah, fuck you too, you old has been."
(Daemon POV)
All the adults had whipped around at the sound of the hoarse voice in the living room doorway. He was barely being propped up by Ruby and Yang. Yang was now on the floor laughing at what he had just said to Qrow much like her father who was also rolling around laughing at burn Qrow just suffered.
Summer and Ruby however were pouting angrily at him with puffed up cheeks and disproving silver eyes. Ruby some how pulled a swear jar out of no where which he put a lien summoned from his inventory into before poking Ruby's stomach and sides and legs in a vain attempt to work out where she kept the damn thing. A random thought in the back of his mind 'Does she have an inventory or something?'
Before watching as a cheery Ruby skipped towards a pale, horrified looking Qrow. She held out the jar and watched as Qrow absent-mindedly dropped a small hand full of lien into it. His eyes looked lifeless and dull as stared into the distance. He could almost image a sign saying 'old' sticking out of Qrow's heart. Then watched a spark of light appeared back into his eyes and he started to glare at the boy rather intensely.
Everyone had stopped laughing now but Daemon had began to feel uncomfortable and staying silent wasn't going to help this time so he went with plan b. In case of nervousness use humour. "I know I look good old man but please don't leer and me like that." Then dived behind Summer and in a stage whisper "Summer, is the old dude a pervert? Oh no he won't touch me in weird places will he?"
Suddenly laughter filled the room as three crashes followed it shortly after Yang, Tai and even Summer fell to the ground they were laughing so hard while Ruby, sweet innocent Ruby just stared up at him in confusion. Qrow however had gone even paler than before as he began to wave his hand in front of him and shout. "NO! I AM NOT A PERVERT! I AM NOT!"
Daemon was now laughing as well, even though his throat sounded rough and it hurt to laugh. After a few minutes the laughter died down and even Qrow had a smile on his face. He was happy to see how happy and excited everyone was now the boy was awake. It was like an invisible shadow had lifted off of everyone now he was awake.
"Huh its good to see you alive and well kid. You had everyone worried for a while after you got caught by that tinctorious, you almost died. I also owe you an apology for not getting there sooner to help." Qrow's eyes showed a lot of guilt in them as looked at Daemon.
Daemon however didn't blame Qrow for what happened even if he blamed himself for it. So he waved it off and said "Don't worry about it. It was my own fault for not being aware enough and carelessly blocking a surprise attack with my forearm. Also, Summer is there like a bestiary or codex or something similar about grimm. If so can you pull it quickly please and look up the tinctorious please."
Summer gave a nod and did what he had asked while Qrow said to him "Daemon it was my fault and I want to make it up to you. If not for me this would never have..."
Here Daemon cut him off again and instead response with a answer. "How about if you want to make it up to me, even if I don't blame you, you help teach me how to use a scythe beyond the basics and also help train Ruby and Yang to avoid this type of situation in the future. Doe's that sound okay. You can also help teach me about mecha-shift as Summer told me your weapon is a really advanced mecha-shift."
Qrow looked at him searchingly and then at Tai who gave a light shrug and then Summer who merely nodded at him. "Okay that sounds fine. We will start training when you have recovered. I will also help teach the girls." Daemon gave him a nod and a smile while Ruby cheered and Yang looked shocked and stared at them all.
Summer came and passed him her scroll and showed him a page that contained all the information known on the tinctorious grimm. He quickly read the page as he listened to Summer explain that this was a guide on all grimm published by the large Huntsman guilds and academies. It contained all known information on the types of grimm. As Daemon read through it however he realised it was missing something quite important or so he believed.
"Erm... Summer this is missing something that seems quite important." This drew a surprised and curious look from all of the adults. Daemon quickly explained what he meant "Well when I caught the tongue I had covered my arm in aura to protect myself but it went straight through it. I don't think aura can block their attacks or poison. Or from their tongue at the very least."
This caused them to all look at him in surprise and then Qrow asked with a serious tone. "Are you absolutely sure about that kid?" Daemon looked him directly in the eye and gave him a slow nod. "Hmm, you have your semblance don't you? And you want to be a huntsman?"
Daemon gave him an unsure look at where this was going but nodded nonetheless. Qrow looked him up and down. "Kid, me, Summer and Tai are all considered S-rank huntsmen. This gives us the ability to grant a special 'sponsor or trainee license'. This allows you to build a record of all contributions, missions, kills and battles which will be a deciding factor in your rank. If you want I am willing to vouch for you as will Tai and Summer so you can have one of these.
Of course you will still have to go to Signal and Beacon but it will also you better opportunities. However, you will to talk to Ozpin. He will likely take an interest in your abilities and eyes. But this discovery would be a huge contribution and we could accredit it to you.
It is up to you however."
Daemon though about what Qrow had just told him and admitted to himself that this was an excellent opportunity for himself. He also knew that Ozpin would learn about his eyes at some point anyway. At least this would benefit him. He looked at Qrow and nodded before releasing a deep sigh. "How would we have to do this? What would I have to do and how long would it take?"
Qrow just smirked and answered "Only a day. Summer and I would fly you to Beacon and get the record filled out the same day and the license given. Oz wouldn't bat an eyelid. Again we can go as soon as you have recovered."
Daemon gave a smirk "Well then mind helping me outside then please." All the adults looked at him and asked collectively "Why?"
Daemon smirked before saying "Why do you think I got the girls to help me down here. You will realise in a moment." Then he took a slightly sheepish look and asked "Err... could we go to the very end of the garden?"
Tai just shrugged then picked him up and began to carry him outdoors and to the end of the garden as the others followed slightly exasperated at how Tai acted. Tai carried him right to the end then asked "This good?" Daemon just nodded so Tai set him down on his feet and then stared at him.
Daemon gave him a slightly sheepish grin and then asked "Could you guys stand back? Like maybe by the house or something? Or at least 50 metres for you guys but the girls further."
Tai shrugged and walked back towards the house with the girls in tow. Once they were far enough away he activated his aura and light wind began to come off him as the grass waved and then he activated his semblance.
(Qrow POV)
After Tai set the kid down at the end of the garden and then walked back towards the house and gestured for all of them to follow. I didn't know why but I decided to follow him as he likely knew something I didn't.
After we were all back on the porch the kid looked at us and then he flared his aura and I was shocked. He had more than me and Tai combined. Maybe even more than that even if we added Summer into the mix and we all had large aura reserves.
That kid is an absolute monster.
The others were staring at me with disapproving looks and I realised that I had said that out loud. I hastened to clarify what I meant. "I didn't mean that as an insult. I meant it as reference to his aura reserves. He has more than all of us combined."
The girls looked at me in shock and then stared at Daemon in aura. While Summer grimaced and Tai looked surprised before focusing intently on the boy and I watched as his eyebrows crept up and a horrified look spread across his face as he realised the truth of my words.
Then the sky lit up in a silvery-blue colour as a large dragon made out of sliver-blue flames rose from Daemon's body and coiled upwards into the sky as pillar of flames the colour shot upwards. The heat could be felt from here and he was awed by the power this boy possessed.
He looked at Tai and Summer who were both watching in fascination and awe like himself. 'So they didn't know about how powerful he is huh.' His nieces on the other hand watched in complete awe and almost worship. 'Yeah we lost them.'
The dragon then disappeared as the blue began to fade out and the silver flames began to turn more white than silver. The heat slowly began lessened to lesson, until the flames were pure white and the heat could no longer be felt.
A minute later the flames died down and Daemon was stood there looking completely fine. Qrow then realised that he looked better than he had before as he waved and walked towards them with a confident and trained gait.
Yang and Ruby both rushed towards him and tackled him in a hug once he was only a few metres away. Qrow was prepared for the boy to fall over only for him to catch them and then pick them both up and twirl them around laughing before smiling at them.
"All better now." The boy, no Daemon said this with a slightly smug smirk. 'Not that anyone could blame him.' "I used my semblance to burn out the remnants of the poison and infection before using the healing aspect of my semblance to heal the deterioration to my muscles and any damage to my body.
I felt my jaw drop as I gawked at the boy, an action being replicated by Tai while Summer hid a light laugh behind her hand. 'This absolute bullshit. His semblance is so unfucking fair. I am stuck causing perpetual bad luck while his can heal and probably burn a titan to ashes. That wasn't even accounting for the fact that he apparently had another overpowered, extremely versatile semblance. Fucking lucky bastard.'
The kid then smirked at me and asked "So Ozpin tomorrow and then training from the day after?"
"Yeah, sure" Qrow said between gritted teeth. 'Smug little shit'
(General POV)
Summer and Tai were attempting to pry the girls off of Daemon as they sat on the sofa so they could all talk. Ultimately however they gave up and stopped as the girls refused to let go. Tai and Summer had ordered pizza for everyone as they didn't feel like cooking and also to celebrate Daemon waking up.
Over the last half an hour they had explained how he had been in a coma for two months and how Yang had been punished. Yang had explained to him, he had missed her seventh birthday and he hadn't gotten her a gift.
He ultimately asked that Yang be un-grounded, well with exception of her scroll still being limited. Tai and Summer were a bit confused but decided to agree since Daemon was the one wronged the worst. It also helped that Yang seemed to have learnt her lesson and behaved throughout the last two months.
Daemon then smiled at her and said "Well that and getting you training with Qrow will count as my gift to you. So Happy Late Birthday Yang." This caused all the adults to smile at this as Ruby and Yang laughed before Yang hugged him.
The doorbell then went off and Tai then left to get the door and returned a few moments later with pizza in hand. Daemon had of course been shocked by the idea of take-away delivery existing on Patch and had asked about it.
Tai and Summer had then explained that it cost an extra twenty lien plus an additional cost calculated on the distance from the shop. Tai and Summer had to pay an seventy-seven lien for delivery but gave a hundred to the boy and let him have the rest as a tip. Daemon learnt that delivery people were often actually huntsman-in-training who did it as a way to earn a to earn extra money while in school. Delivery fee would only be paid on delivery however and was actually separate from the order cost.
He was also told that it is considered customary to tip an additional hundred lien if the delivery person had had to fight any grimm. That is provided the food survived. He did find it quite amusing admittedly.
The rest of the night was spent in a blur of laughter and a couple films and some board games. When the clock finally reached around eleven-pm, Yang, Daemon and Ruby were all cuddled up on the sofa with a blanket thrown over them. Lilith and Zwei were curled up by their feet.
A soft flash from a scroll caused Daemon to stir lightly but he didn't wake up.
Summer Rose crept up the stair with a soft simile on her face which was illuminated by the screen of her scroll which showed a picture of three children cuddled up together on a sofa. All them with happy content and peaceful looks upon there face. The family pets asleep at their feet.
The peaceful scene warmed her heart.
(So guys hope you all enjoyed the chapter. The first seeds for romance have been planted even if nothing will happen for a while yet due to their age. Daemon will not be a huntsman-in-training due to license but I will explain more in the next chapter.
I am also getting the ball rolling on the girls training. They will have slightly different skill sets to Canon or maybe rather improved skillsets. Anyhow, hope you all enjoyed.)
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