A Little Shopping Excursion (private w/ Nero)

[Aurum Dasheng]

The bustling shopping district near Beacon Academy was alive with activity, its cobblestone streets lined with vendors peddling wares under brightly colored awnings. The crisp scent of freshly baked bread mingled with the tang of metal from nearby smiths’ shops, and the chatter of students, merchants, and townsfolk created a lively symphony of sound. Aurum Dasheng stood at the entrance to the district, his golden eyes scanning the rows of shops and stalls as his tail flicked lazily behind him.

Clad in his usual out of school outfit, a sleeveless tunic and sandals, Aurum’s imposing frame cut through the crowd with ease. People parted unconsciously, casting curious or wary glances at the towering Faunus. Some recognized him as one of Beacon’s students; others simply noticed the way he held himself that seemed at odds with his relaxed, almost playful gait. Aurum was used to the looks. He let them roll off his shoulders like the mountain wind, his focus on the task at hand.

He wasn’t quite sure what he was looking for. That, perhaps, was part of the appeal.

The Dasheng heir had never been one for aimless browsing; growing up in the family compound on Mount Huaguo meant most of his possessions were chosen for practicality or tradition. But Beacon’s shopping district was a different world—a kaleidoscope of possibility that invited him to indulge in curiosity. As he strolled past stalls displaying trinkets, weapons, and exotic fabrics, he found himself drawn to the little details: the sheen of finely crafted brass fittings, the delicate embroidery on a scarf, the flicker of Dust crystals glowing faintly in a merchant’s case.

Aurum stopped in front of a weaponsmith’s stall, his eyes catching on a set of intricately crafted throwing knives. He picked one up, turning it over in his hand. The balance was flawless, the blade sharp enough to cut the air with a whisper. It wasn’t something he needed—his staff more than sufficed in battle—but the craftsmanship intrigued him.

“Fine work,” he said, his voice a low rumble that carried easily over the din. The merchant, an older man with a grizzled beard, looked up from his workbench and grinned.

“Only the best, lad. Made with reinforced Dust alloy—light as a feather, strong as steel. Interested?”

Aurum considered the blade for a moment before setting it back down. “Impressive, but I’d probably lose them before I even got to use them,” he said with a wry smile. “Thanks, though.”

The merchant chuckled, waving him off good-naturedly, and Aurum continued his stroll.

Further down the street, a splash of vibrant red caught his eye—a small stall selling silk ribbons and sashes. The sight of the crimson fabric brought a smile to his face. His thoughts drifted to his sister, Genni, and the way she’d always admired the sashes their family tailors made for him. The ones she received were always simpler, more practical, befitting her Silver status. But this…

Aurum stepped closer, running his fingers over the fabric. The silk was smooth and cool under his touch, the embroidery depicting swirling cloud patterns in gold thread. It was elegant, understated—a reminder of home without the weight of its expectations.

“Looking for a gift?” the vendor asked, a Faunus woman with cat-like ears that twitched with curiosity.

“Something like that,”” Aurum replied, picking up the sash and holding it up to the light. ““How much?”

“For you, handsome? Fifteen lien,” she said with a playful wink.

Aurum chuckled, reaching into his pouch. He handed over the lien and folded the sash carefully before tucking it into his belt. “Thanks. I think she’ll like it.”

The vendor’s ears perked up. “A lucky girl, then?”

“My sister,” Aurum clarified, his smile softening. “She deserves something nice.”

As he moved on, the streets seemed a little less crowded, the air a little lighter. The small act of buying the sash felt like a victory—a way to bring a bit of brightness into Genni’s world. He wasn’t sure if he’d find anything else today, but for now, that was enough.

The sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the district. Aurum glanced at a nearby bakery and considered stopping for a snack. Maybe some fresh peaches, if they had them. He smiled to himself and continued walking, the red sash peeking out from his belt as he window shopped.

[Nero Zine]

*Nero, her, was trying her best to not get annoyed. The crowd was too loud, the heat to much, the light too shiny, and the noise....
Deafening.
She regretted on one hand to not have her brother nearby, to have him at least regulate her heat with his Semblance, but on the other hand she would probably get annoyed by his loud tendancies, so.... Meh.
While her bright red hair and blue faunus tail, she stood up a little bit, but not too much.
Headphones on her ears, cig in mouth, grumpy expression, hands in pockets.....
Even her weapon was tied to her belt. She clearly sent unfriendly signals as she approached the dust shop.
There, finally, she seemed to relax a bit.*

"Hello sir.... You asked for me ?"

*It was sort of a little side-job her semblance would allow her to do. Whenever there was too much of one dust, and not enough of another, she would... Balance the scales. It brought her some pocket money.
The man nodded.*

"Yes, my latest cargo of electric dust has been stolen, so I need some. Ten bottles, that ok ?"

*Nero raised her shoulders and got to work. Touching a bottle of powdered red dust, it quickly changed colour, becoming yellow.
Working allowed her to relax, and she got to daydream, heaphones on her ears, as she kept on changing the bottles...

It wasn't hard, but it took some time. Once she was finally done, she saw how late it was, so she got her pay, waved goodbye, and rushed out of the store, bumping into someone as she was drawing her staff.*