ThatOneDonut

“Shut up!” Cody finally shouts, an embarrassed blush crawling past his collarbone. He quickly looks around Friar’s Coffee, suddenly aware of the time and place. Turning around, he awkwardly waves to a couple in the booth behind him.

His “best friend,” Sam, snickers while sipping from his blue mug. Cody whips his head to the ginger who meets his gaze unwaveringly. Scoffing, he bites into his chocolate croissant.

It's quiet, his mind racing with thoughts about his crush– whether they're fit to be together or not. It's a dilemma he’s had for years, ever since he got out of high school, left his parent’s house, and met Peter at Empire State University. They worked on projects together when Cody had no one who wanted to partner with him, they studied (and cried) together when finals loomed over their heads, and they searched for internships together just before graduation. Peter means everything to him because they’ve been through it all, struggled through it all. Cody was even there when MJ broke up with him! That's the first time he saw Peter truly hurt, then angry, and then sad. So many emotions in a matter of a few days – he is truly something. Maybe that's when he figured he doesn't know much about Peter Parker, or that Peter Parker doesn't know much about him.

At that, he wipes the crumbs from the corner of his mouth and slouches in his seat. With a pout, he stirs the ice in his sweet tea, watching as it melts, diluting his drink.

Sam starts gathering his belongings, their time limit finally up. Cody lurches forward, gulping the rest of his raspberry tea before slipping on his jacket and joining his friend. He says a departing word to the barista, who smiles, then leaves the warm, conditioned cafe. 

Cody shivers as the autumn’s crisp air tickles his ears and reddens his nose. He buries his face in the fur of his hood, scowling at the sky. He curses the atmosphere, screwing whatever God created the seasons.

“See, that is someone more obtainable,” Sam comments, gesturing to Friar’s.

Cody quirks a brow and briefly looks behind him. Sam guides them across the busy street as he thinks about who he’s talking about. His mouth forms a small ‘o’ and then he’s grimacing.

“Heck no! He’s like, my English professor’s son or something. That is so weird,” Cody sticks his tongue out at the thought of them together. Truthfully, if he were to break the guy’s heart, he doesn't want to face the wrath of his teacher. He can't handle any more readings or stacks of paper.

Sam shrugs, immediately abandoning the topic. They chat about several other things as they make the trek back to their university. What they want for dinner, who's the hottest celebrity, how many hotdogs can they fit in their mouths– all types of stuff. Then, as if on cue, New York’s vigilante appears.

Cody giddily slaps Sam’s shoulder as he tells his story, “So that's why I was thinking of getting back into bass because Peter was astonished when I played a Led Zeppelin song! I think I actually malfunc–”

“Oh my gosh, there he is!”

“Look out, here comes Spider-man!”

“Mom! He’s real!”

Sam gasps and latches onto Cody’s shoulders, “Dude! Be cool, be cool!” he aggressively urges while swinging his friend every which way. Cody’s world spins in circles so he’s unable to witness Spider-man twirl between two trucks and do a summersault through the air.

“What the fuck? Stop! I can't see, you dick!” he pushes Sam’s face out of the way and gapes as the red and blue superhero had disappeared. The crowd of citizens disperse, some talking about Spider-man’s magnificence and others insulting his street cred. For most, it's normal to see Spider-man, but not Cody. All he can do is listen to the stories from passersbys and his campus mates. In fact, he’s never even seen the arachnid, only on social media and the pictures Sam sends him every. Single. Day.

A big smile breaks out on Sam’s face. It's cute and boyish– to an outsider. Cody is feeling spiteful, so he wants to wipe it clean off. Rounding a fire hydrant, he hums and gets in front of the university student, “See, and that is a great example of someone who’s unobtainable. You should aim a lot a bit lower, Sammy,” he says in a matter-of-fact tone.

Sam immediately scowls at him. He jogs to catch up with Cody, who's staring him down.

“Touché, you little shit.”

“My shit’s are quite big, actually.”

Sam recoils in disgust. Cody laughs and adjusts his beanie before it’s smacked off, “You are such a fanboy. What do you expect me to think?”

“I don't have a crush on Spider-man,” is an excuse often used to change the subject, but he's been a tormenting ass for the past week. A little mockery won't hurt him.

Cody ‘pshaws,’ “What a lie. You're always on about Spider-man-this and Spider-man-that,” he changes his stance to mimic Sam’s slim figure and long strides. “‘Oh, did you see Spider-man today? His spandex was hugging his ass juuuuust right. I think I could see his gigantic balls.’”

Sam tugs on Cody’s scarf, urging him to shut his mouth as they are still in public, but the other absolutely refuses.

“You even changed your major to become an entomologist! And you call me crazy for liking a man who is dead-set on changing the world,” Cody grumbles that last part to himself, suddenly annoyed by Sam’s numerous jabs at Peter’s work. Doctor Octavius and Peter have done fine work, even if the mayor doesn’t think so. Getting rid of the bad thoughts, he grins, coming up with more nonsense to spout. “Have you told your girlfriend of your little crush? Oh! There she is now!”

Veronica Page is a lovely young woman with a heart of gold. She’s majoring in molecular biology, is damn good at her job, and has a line of internship employees, just waiting to get their hands on her. She is a born and raised scientist. Why is he going so in-depth about her? Well, maybe because she is his cousin. Wa– no! Not Sam’s cousin– Cody’s cousin. Sheesh…

Anyway, Veronica is someone easily admired, and since they’ve grown together, of course, Cody is one of her fans. They act like siblings (she’s only a year and a half older), competing over tenacity about their aspiring subjects, complaining over matching clothes but overall sticking with the color scheme, and weeping into one another’s shoulders when the world doesn’t play the cards in their hands. Although she can’t know he yearns to be in her shoes – satisfied with a positive future.

Veronica waves to them, a fresh cup of steaming hot chocolate nestled in her right hand. Her afro is colorful today, decorated with meticulously woven braids looped through yellow and pink beads. Any curly strands that would fall onto her lively face are tamed by a stretchy headband with a stylish, boho print pattern. She looks like herself, unlike Cody, who tries to blend in. Veronica is tall and slim, her skin a sepia, reddish-brown, much like the cuttlefish. Her posture is straight, her aura oozing assurances aided further by her radiant smile that exudes warmth and happiness. He would go into her style or the beauty mark directly above her left eyebrow, but he’d ruin his mood.

“Hey, you two! Thought you’d be late again!” her laugh sweeps through their ears, cheerful and vibrant. It instantly has her lover grinning and her cousin straightening his black parka.

Cody loudly sighs, “We would be here sooner if Sammy hadn’t been ogling Spider-man.”

Sam splutters while switching making eye contact with his girlfriend and best friend. Veronica holds back another laugh, completely aware of Sam’s obsession with the vigilante but wanting to play along, pretends to be hurt. 

She wipes fake tears from the corner of her eyes, and making the moment more authentic, they become glassy, so it appears as though she’s going to burst, “How could you, babe?! No– Samuel!”

Sam gawks, astonished by her betrayal, and for a second, convinced by her act, “Wha– No! I-I would never do that, V! I mean, Spider-man is amazing, but he’s got nothing on you!”

That’s another thing. Her eyes hold the rich, earthy tones of roasted coffee beans, drawing you in with a magnetic allure. Veronica is captivating, which is why Cody never introduced Peter to her because, like many others, he would be attracted by her field. A bit much (he knows), but since it’s Veronica, that’s mild.

She pouts, poking out her bottom lip, and makes grabby hands toward Sam. Cody quickly directs his attention elsewhere. He watches a pigeon perch on a lamppost, cumulus clouds calmly drift by, and a plane fly across the sky. Letting the couple be lovey-dovey, Cody retrieves his phone from his coat pocket and goes to a familiar contact. He tentatively checks the message he sent at 10:05 AM, hoping he got a reply from his favorite scientist. He’s less concerned because he wasn’t left on ‘read,’ but that doesn’t mean his mind isn’t racing.

“Cody,” Veronica calls, probably for the third time. The 21-year-old hums, listening but not staring. She rolls her eyes, albeit used to this mode of communication. “Did you finish your presentation for Professor Avery?” she asks unassumingly.

He purses his lips. Veronica always gets onto him about everything, even though he’s been on top of things his entire life. He’s never late to an arranged meeting, doesn’t miss any assignments, completes all tasks ahead of schedule, AND does extra on all projects. Cody doesn’t do it because he wants to be a good student – he is exceptional because that is what gets him what he desires. Veronica acts like he’s a slacker when he tries his best on all endeavors even when no one notices. No one but Peter.

Cody sucks in air between his teeth and stows away his device. He ignores the itchy sensation of his irritation settling on his tongue to address his cousin.

“Yeah, of course. And I’ll have you know–” he smugly reaches inside his beige fanny pack – that he expertly swings over his shoulder – to grab a flash drive. The plastic stick is presented to the duo who are in awe, “I did everything online.”

“Everything?”

“Yup.”

“Online?”

“Yessir.”

“Cody Sangster–”

“That’s me!”

“--used the internet for something that isn’t to send emails or text his family?”

“Ohoho, you know it, baby boy.”

Veronica calmly steps before him and places both her hands on his cheeks. She gives him the most serious expression he has ever seen on her, and it kind of unnerves him in a way, “We have to tell Phillip,” she states before dragging him through the courtyard with Sam in toe.

There is an upside to having her around. Veronica is good at making him feel proud.

Suzume holds her position by bending her knees and spreading her arms out. She welcomes Nora as the other slams into her body. They tumble to the ground, giggling uncontrollably. 

The reunion is sweet and emotional, especially for Suzume. All the conflictions she once felt disappeared from her mind as she enjoyed the moment. The scent of lemon zest wafts into her face and mixes with Suzume's jasmine and vanilla -- and it feels natural. Nora squeezes Suzume harder and rubs her cheek against the mantis-eyed girl's face.

"Mata aitai ne," Suzume mutters into the ginger's hair after they settle together.

Nora kicks her legs up and down from elation, "Me too," she gushes before pulling back to stare directly at Suzume. Suzume lays in the grass, her hair a slight mess from being tackled and her clothes becoming grimy from the dirt. Nora casually keeps Suzume pinned to the ground by straddling her waist and planting both of her hands on either side of Suzume's head. The latter doesn't realize their compromising position, instead, too happy about meeting with her best friend.

Nora's cheeks flush a dark pink as she jumps up and strains a laugh, "I mean-- you're here! That's so great because we're friends, and friends are usually this happy to see other friends after not seeing that friend for a while! Yeah..." she trails off after her rant and rubs the back of her head timidly.

The Death Stalker screams at the group of teenagers, causing them to become alert after the surprising interruption. Suzume gets on her feet as the scorpion skitters toward them. The ground shakes from its angry stomps, its target being the same person who gave it a handicap.

Nora stands in front of Suzume as the Grimm gets closer. She leaps forward to spin on her foot and slam the side of her hammer into one of its pincers. At the same time, Ren and a girl in black clothing dash past each other, slicing at the scorpion's bone armor with their weapons. A white circle appears under Suzume, and she marvels at the sharp snowflake that twirls in the middle. Another girl in frost clothing yanks on Suzume's arm and pulls her back by using the circle to accelerate their movement.

As they land a few feet away from the commotion, the blue-haired girl turns to the other teen and stares into her cold, pale blue eyes. They contrast greatly compared to the delicate, sea-green appearance of Suzume's irises.

"Be more careful next time," the frost girl scolds with her hands firmly on her hips. She looks a bit prissy in that position, but Suzume doesn't judge.

Instead, she gives a two-fingered salute, a habitual grin spreading across her face, "Got it. Thank you, Snow White," she says, and without gauging the other's reaction, she turns to begin running in the direction of the other students. 

The frost queen splutters as she stares disbelievingly at Suzume, "Wh-Don't call me that!"

They run to another abandoned structure in the middle of a canyon. Suzume sees a wide array of stone towers, each connected by a series of stone bridges. A lone bridge leads to a central tower, and smaller towers with long, stone walkways lead to the main one. Behind the ruins is a large cliff, and it takes Suzume a moment to rethink her decision about aweing at the historical piece.

A girl with bright, red hair skirts to a stop. She takes out a golden rifle and aims at the Death Stalker, "Go! Go! Go!" she insists before shooting at the creature, gaining its attention so Ren and the monochromatic girl could get on the bridge. Ren rolls to a stop near the girl as well, shooting at the Grimm with his fully automatic pistols.

When the Death Stalker swings at the three with its pincers, they get up to back away. The chase begins, once more, across the main bridge. Suzume feels the wind kick up and she looks toward the sky. The Nevermore has fully circled and is headed their way. The bird Grimm roars as it tucks in its wings and rams into the bridge, sending most of the group to one side and the other to the location of the Death Stalker.

Ren, the redhead, and the monochromatic girl don't have time to rest as they begin battling the large scorpion. Suzume and Nora had dove forward to avoid the gap in the bridge. The blue-haired girl rubs her head as she looks around. A girl with a red cape shoots at the Nevermore with a sniper rifle, and Suzume follows her line of sight, watching as the Grimm goes towards the cliffs.

She looks at the array of towers next -- the long line of walkways that connect them intriguing her. 

"Hey, Little Red," she calls to the girl with the cape. The girl stops shooting to stare questioningly at Suzume, "I'll boost your team, so be ready," she says with a sure salute before looking towards Nora.

She begins stretching her legs out, bending one foot behind her and then doing the same to the other, "Nora!" the said girl perks up immediately. Suzume gives her a thumbs up with a bright grin, "Beam me up, Shawty!" She plants one foot behind her before running at the orange-haired girl.

Nora extends her hammer and smirks slyly, "Got it." Laying her hammer flat, she allows Suzume to jump on the headpiece. The blue-haired girl crouches in her spot, getting into a mock-running stance. Nora giggles as she twirls around, swinging her hammer in a circle. Suzume holds on tight until Nora stops, and with one powerful turn, she's thrown in the air, high above the fog-infested canyon. 

Suzume enjoys the breeze with jovial laughter, "Weeeeeee!"

Without missing a beat, the Nevermore catches up with Suzume, its jaw hung open, ready to devour the human. Suzume snickers as she opens her sensu's. Activating the frostweed, she feels a chill crawl up her fingertips. Taking that as an indication, Suzume slashes at the air, sending waves of ice at the Nevermore. The blades connect with its open mouth, and it's sealed shut by jagged, frozen water.

The Nevermore's high-pitched whines echo throughout the canyon as it begins to fly away. Its back becomes revealed, and Suzume uses it as a platform to land on. She tucks her legs in, shielding her head before unraveling as she collides with the Grimm. Not wanting to waste any time, she runs down its back until she makes it to the tail. The stone walkway she had been aiming for comes into view, and she leaps off the Nevermore, seeking to land on the path.

Suzume hadn't accounted for the ice breaking. The cracks were loud in her ears, a warning of certain doom if she hadn't made it in time. She then smelt the stench of rotten meat, and an uncomfortably warm breath tickled the left side of her body. She doesn't look over to the Nevermore, instead, waiting with bated breath as it gets closer.

Gunshots ring in her ears as swirls of bright, colorful lights fills her vision. Suzume takes the moment of distraction to straighten her body like a toothpick and dive through the Nevermore's open mouth.

She lands on the walkway ungracefully with a few scrapes to her knees. Pouting, she wipes the dirt from her stockings, "Gosh, that didn't go as planned."

"Wow, ya think?" Michael wonders sarcastically, and Suzume sticks her tongue out at his remark, "What is your plan anyway? Surely, not to get us killed."

"No," she huffs, "We need to get to higher ground if we want everyone to hear our music," she crosses her arms as she watches the four maidens who saved her. They continue sending volleys of bullets at the bird Grimm. The creature uses one of its wings to knock over the central tower, causing the girls to stop shooting and climb their way to another platform.

Suzume watches with interest as they propel themselves up with either their semblance or through the recoil of their guns. An explosion could be heard coming from Nora's grenade launcher. Each group seems to be fighting its own battle, and it feels like the perfect opportunity for Suzume.

Nodding firmly, she looks straight ahead to another tower, "Switch."

Michael strains their body to jump high in the air, and he latches onto the corner of the small tower with a sensu. Pushing themself up, Michael lands on the rim of the outlook before hopping down to be in the circle.

"Alright, let's do this," Michael sighs as he splays out their hands in front of him. They glow a green light, and slowly, a set of musical instruments manifest before them. The drums appear transparent, the bass being the largest of the pieces, and Michael uses it as a seat. Circular disks float through the air, each disk being different sizes to represent a drum's anatomy. They carry their own sound, and Michael tests out the high tom to make sure it works. He grins with new vigor as the familiar beat comes into play.

The tower is half broken at the top giving a good view of what's happening below. It also allows the sound waves Michael produces to be heard nearly everywhere. He cracks their knuckles before taking out their fans and using them as drumsticks to switch between the hi-hats and snare drum. He keeps their arms crossed, using their right hand to also hit the crash cymbal at certain beats. With their hands preoccupied, Michael uses the heel of their geta as a bass pedal to hit the bass drum.

The rhythm stays like this until Michael takes a deep breath, and closes their eyes.

"Repeat after me," Suzume instructs, and Michael wordlessly nods. He clears their throat until Suzume's feminine voice could be heard.

(Red Like Roses Part II [by Jeff Williams]) (Time Stamp: 0:00-1:21)

There's a dramatic pause as the Death Stalker falls into the void of the canyon.  

🎶

I couldn't take it, couldn't stand another minute Couldn't bear another day without you in it All of the joy that I had known for all my life Was stripped away from me the minute that you died

🎶

Their voice rings throughout the canyon, sending a wave of electricity through everyone's mind. It left the blonde firecracker feeling empowered as her semblance came to life. Red eyes bore into the Nevermore as she shot at the creature. 

🎶

To have you in my life was all I ever wanted But now without you, I'm a soul forever haunted Can't help but feel that I had taken you for granted No way in hell that I can ever comprehend this

🎶

The group consisting of Ren, Nora, a boy with blonde hair, and the bright redhead, look up to the tower where Suzume sits. They see the ripple of the bass drum every time she hits it, and they marvel at the fluent motion of her hands. Her voice is booming as the neon glow from her body shines high in the sky.

🎶

I wasn't dreaming when they told me you were gone I was wide awake and feeling that they had to be wrong How could you leave me when you swore that you would stay? Now I'm trapped inside a nightmare every single f'ing day

🎶

The Nevermore crashes into the cliff and roars with fury. The snow princess zips past the blonde firecracker, switching places with her to attack the Grimm. There's a sense of duty in her eyes as without a beat missed, she sinks her rapier into the stone steps and ice crystals climb up the Nevermore's tail to keep it in place.

🎶

It's like a movie, but there's not a happy ending Every scene fades black, and there's no pretending This little fairy tale doesn't seem to end well There's no knight in shining armor who will wake me from the spell

🎶

The monochromatic girl hangs onto a pillar as she shoots her gun at the blonde firecracker, who instantly catches it. The girls grip the string tightly as the caped female uses the recoil of her gun to land on the ribbon with her scythe. The snow princess keeps little red in place by using a black glyph.

🎶

I know you didn't plan this You tried to do what's right But in the middle of this madness I'm the one (I'm the one, I'm the one) You left to win this fight

🎶

Michael's voice crackles with a second input being added. The caped girl reloads her sniper rifle as the snow princess gets ready to propel her forward. The glyph changes from black to red, indicating the switch of its original components. Blue crystals follow the blade of her weapon when she sends little red into the sky.

🎶

Red like roses Fills my head with dreams and finds me

🎶

The caped girl shoots forward to hook her scythe on the neck of the Nevermore. She uses the momentum to plant her feet on the wall of the cliff and begins running up its surface with the help of pale blue glyphs.

🎶

Always closer To the emptiness and sadness That has come to take the place of you

🎶

Little Red drags the Nevermore up the wall, and as her feet touch the sky, she pulls the trigger on her sniper, decapitating the bird Grimm. All is quiet, the rhythm of Suzume's semblance having settled and Michael wipes a drop of sweat from their brow. He looks up towards the edge of the cliff and they watch as the Nevermore's body falls to the ground, black ash emitting from its body.

"Wow..." Suzume gasps at the display, watching in envy at the performance of the young girl. Speaking of her, she stands proudly above the canyon, staring at the group triumphantly.

"Alright, sorry kid," Michael says before switching their bodies abruptly. Suzume nearly falls forward, but she quickly catches herself, "Aura's depleted."

She feels how much energy it took to perform that long, and she shakes her head thoughtfully, "You did great, Michael. Thank you," Suzume insists as she begins climbing down from the tower. The god groans in response making Suzume giggle.

She makes it back to the central tower by running across a walkway. Once regrouped with the three remaining girls, Suzume gets to work checking them out.

She enthusiastically hops over to the blonde firecracker, "Wow! I've never seen yellow hair before! Blonde, sure, but yellow is just so bright! And your heartbeat -- I can practically feel the passion!" she hyperactively bounces to the monochromatic girl next, "I love your bow, and your vest looks super cute -- like a butterfly! Your heartbeat is so quiet too, how do you do that?" she doesn't wait for an answer as she finally zips to the snow princess, "I think you're the prettiest person I've ever met! Your eyes are so cold, and your attire is white like snow. Are you actually a Snow Princess, or just Snow White? Either way, your heartbeat is so tense, like you're reaching for something so close, but so far." She ends her ranting by leaning against the white-haired girl with her right hand held out to the horizon. 

No one talks, too stunned by Suzume's energetic actions. The snow princess gets out of the bluenette's hold, taking refuge near the golden firecracker and the monochromatic girl.

"Who are you?" the black-haired girl asks with an accusing finger.

Suzume catches herself from falling, but plants her fists on her hips after, "Well, it's rude to point, but I'm Suzume Ana--uh, wait- Ana Suzume!" she replies with a sure nod of her head. The three girls blink, dumbfounded but the golden firecracker speaks next.

She sheepishly rubs the back of her head as she steps forward. Confidently holding out her hand, a small smile forms on her lips, "I'm Yang, it's ice to meet."

Suzume tilts her head at the joke before a small 'o' is created from her lips, "And I am de-lighted to meet you as well," she ends with a small giggle and grabs Yang's hand. She 'ooh's once more at the blonde's strong grip and glances at her gauntlets, "Ooo, what are those?"

Yang pulls away from their handshake to pump her fists and activate her weapons, "Ember Celica. Dual ranged shot gauntlets," she presents the yellow arm guards, readily showing them off. Suzume observes them when they deactivate, becoming a pair of bracelets.

"So personable," she regards, and her attention gets turned to the girl with a cold exterior.

"My name is Weiss Schnee. It's nice to meet you," she says with a formal posture and firm, blue eyes.

Suzume tilts her head curiously, "Ano, are you a princess?" She wonders.

Weiss appears surprised by the question but smirks brazenly, "Why yes, I guess you could consider me one," she plants her hands on her hips, exemplifying her status.

Suzume's eyes widen, and she quickly stiffens her body into a perfect 90-degree angle. The contents in her backpack clink together from her quick movement, "Gomennasai, Schnee-sama! I didn't know," she frets with a conflicted expression.

Weiss blinks confusedly before huffing haughtily, "I don't know what that means, but at least someone recognizes my superior status."

Yang scoffs, shaking her head at the other's statement, "Don't let it get to your head, Ice Queen."

The white-haired girl stares exasperatedly at the blonde, "What!?"

Suzume ignores any more banter in favor of introducing herself to the girl with a big, black bow. The blue-haired girl leans on the back of her geta, easily balancing herself and holding her hand out expectantly.

The monochromatic female takes Suzume's hand, her movements remaining calm but skeptical, "Blake," she states and swiftly pulls back. 

It doesn't agitate Suzume; instead, she feels encouraged to speak further, "I really like your bow. I was going to wear a light blue one, but it didn't match any of my outfits, so I gave it to Nora. It fits her better and pairs with her eyes!" She emphasizes her point by gesturing to her best friend still on the other side of the canyon.

"Right..." Blake flatly says and trails her eyes away disinterestedly.

Suzume bites her bottom lip and grips the edge of her kimono. She only frowns slightly when their interaction grows awkward.

"Well, that was rude." Michael pipes up, making Suzume shrug.

She rolls her shoulders back with a sigh, "We only just met. It's to be expected."

Blake notices the odd conversation Suzume has with herself and gives her a once over. The two surprising things about her is the huge bag on her shoulders and her previous entrance. 

"What did you do?" Blake inquires, and her vague question flys straight over Suzume's head, "Your semblance. I felt... different when battling the Nevermore." Her elaboration is instantly recognized by the shorter girl who snaps her fingers.

"Oh! I manipulated your brain waves!"

It takes a moment for Blake to comprehend what Suzume said, and Yang and Weiss stop to process it as well, "'Scuse me?" The amethyst-eyed girl wonders with a puzzled expression.

Suzume simply waves off their concerned looks, "Don't worry! It's not like I was going to shut them down. That'd be pretty bad, now that I think about it." She taps her chin lightly at the notion.

"Why are you so nonchalant about that!? You could've killed us!" Weiss exclaims, glaring heatedly at the blue-haired female.

Again, Suzume waves off her worries, "Michael would never do that. He only manipulated your Beta brainwaves. Those deal with your outward concentration, basically your awareness. So he really only helped with your cooperation, and that's why no one had to speak when defeating the Nevermore. You already knew what to do by basic observation." She takes a deep breath after her splurge of dialect and then gives a thumbs up to the group, "So no worries!"

The three ladies appear further lost with the situation, and they gawk at the fact their lives were put in a random person's hands, "What!?"

"Who's Michael?"

"Why would you do that without our permission!?"

"Is it permanent!?"

Suzume covers her ears from all the shouting and numerous questions. She holds her hands out in surrender, hoping the three would calm down, "Please calm down! I can't answer all those questions at once!"

She sputters as she tries to appease them, and when she plants her right foot on the stone ground, she slips. An invisible rock stood in her path, and her bag dragged her down so she couldn't catch herself. Although, something peculiar happens. Suzume doesn't taste aged dust or feel the impending headache colliding with a hard surface would cause. She instead floats above the bridge, her left leg being held tightly by a purple light.

Suzume hears an unfamiliar heartbeat, and it elevates to show the tension that person feels. In the next instant, she's pulled higher into the sky. The straps of her bag slink up her shoulders, and she struggles to keep anything from falling out. With one hand on her bag, she uses the other to hold down the skirt of her kimono -- keeping her dignity. Next, she's spun around to face an older lady with platinum blonde hair and piercing, light green eyes. 

"Uh, oh..."

"Uh, oh..."

"What do you think you're doing, young lady?" It was a rhetorical question, but Suzume couldn't stop herself from answering it.

"Well, funny story--" She begins but is interrupted by the crack of the lady's crop against the open air. Suzume squeaks as she's brought closer to the woman. She hangs above the foggy canyon, and she flicks her eyes between her demise, and her captor. 

"That wasn't to be answered. You snuck your way into Beacon and disrupted the Initiation for what? All students were to arrive on time yesterday, so you had your chance. That being said, I will personally escort you back to the dropships and send you to wherever you came from." She leaves no room for arguments as she drags Suzume precariously to the other side of the broken bridge, "The rest of you, return to Beacon Cliffs."