Depressed Gray

As I, Silva, packed my stuff for my stay at the Xiao Long-Rose residence until Taiyang gets out of his funk which is going to be who knows how long. First aid kit, check. Clothes, check. Books on various different stuff about Remnant, check. Hmm, I really need some new reading material, preferably on Dust, Weapon Design, and most importantly, Glyphs.

Unlike the Schnee family Semblance that is well known in Atlas, Glyphs, in general, is an archaic practice that requires years of dedication to utilize fully. I only found some odd scraps here and there from some loot from the tribe raids. From what I understand so far about Glyphs is that they come in a few varieties depending on their made of, which is physical material, like metal and wood or other stuff to make it more reactive to Aura and Semblances, Dust which can recreate feats of magic to a degree, and Aura which creates some interesting effects like air platforms or barriers.

Glyphs are still a long way off for me because the research material for them is scarce and hard to find. I may need to tap into the black market and information brokers to find any useful information on the practice. Now, where was I? Oh, right, packing! As I gathered the rest of my stuff, Raven called out to me.

" Silva, here."

Raven tossed something at me, and as I fumbled to catch it, having paws really makes dexterity an issue. As I finally got a solid grip on it, I saw what she gave me, a Scroll. Yes, finally! Hello internet, how I missed you in this backwater nowhere. As tempted as I was to check out Remnant equivalent of the internet, the Cross-Continental Transmit System, it isn't going anywhere, so I looked at Raven for the other thing I asked for, the bank account to but stuff with.

Raven then took out a card and handed it to me as she explained what it was.

" This is a debit card linked to an account that my brother and I will funnel money into, and the Scroll can contact both my brother and me in case of an emergency."

As I reached for the card, she pulled back and warned me with a serious look on her face.

" Do not waste the Lein on something foolish; do I make myself clear, Silva?"

" Crystal."

Raven nodded in approval and handed me the card. I stored it away in a small lockbox I had and locked it because, knowing Ruby, she would use all the Lein in the account to order whole trucks of cookies to her home if she got her hands on it. I wryly smiled at the thought and grabbed the knapsack I filled with my stuff, then headed outside Raven's tent. After I got outside, Raven soon followed, then opened a portal to Yang and told me.

" Just to let you know that this setup is only temporary because if Taiyang does not pull himself together when Qrow gets back from his mission for Ozpin. My brother will look for more permanent caretakers for the girls. Do you understand?"

I nodded in understanding, then went through the portal and found myself in front of Xiao Long/Rose's home. I went to the porch and rang the doorbell to see who would respond. I kept on ringing the doorbell until I saw my current favorite blonde chibi open the door, and she was not in a good state. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying, and her hair was a complete mess. Feeling concerned, I asked Yang in the gentlest, sweetest voice I could muster.

" Yang, what happened?"

Yang's eyes started to tear up, and she hugged me as she cried. I hugged her back, wondering what sort of sh*tshow I walked into now. I stroked her hair and spoke to her gently.

" Let it all out, Yang..."

After a few minutes of crying, Yang started to calm down and told me in between sobs what was wrong.

" D-dad, h-he said, *sob*, that my mom, *snivel* abandoned me f-for, *sob* some other kid, *snivel* when I asked about her."

F*cking sh*t, just bloody freaking perfect, just absolutely perfect! I felt a strong desire to maul the overgrown man-children known as Taiyang and Qrow for dumping this mess on me, but priorities, Yang and Ruby, come first. I sighed, feeling tired already despite just getting started but let's start helping the girls with a good meal to calm Yang's nerves and possibly Ruby as well. I hugged Yang closely to try and help her feel even a little bit better and asked her.

" Do you want something to eat, Yang?"

Yang just looked downcast as she replied.

" I'm not hungry..."

Empathy was never my strong suit in my past life. Still, I need to give everything I have because I not only want to help, but I feel guilty that I am partly to blame for Taiyang getting worse instead of better, not that I won't take advantage of this situation to worm my way into Ruby and Yang's heart. Yeah, I am a manipulative b*stard; funny, it took awakening my Aura to realize this; I even got into Raven's good graces for my benefit and possible romance if I can get her to take me seriously. But that aside, I took Yang by the hand and led her into the kitchen.

Yang may have said she is not hungry, but good food makes for a better mood. As I went through the kitchen, I asked her hoping for a positive response.

" Yang, how's Ruby?"

Yang kept silent for a few moments, then answered.

" She's... fine, I guess, but she really doesn't understand what is going on right now, with Dad and Uncle Qrow."

I felt a bit of relief that I didn't have to deal with an emotionally stressed 5-year-old, but I needed to see Ruby and talk to her to make sure. I can't believe that I am playing physicist in my second life at 7-years-old, even if I am an adult on the inside. I am in for a long stay, aren't I? I took out some foodstuffs from my knapsack that I packed to make a few special things I learned from Cookie in the tribe. I then asked Yang softly.

" Yang, can you go get Ruby while I make something for you guys to eat? Even if you're not hungry, wouldn't you like to feel something other than what you're feeling right now?"

Yang despondently replied.

" Okay..."

Yang left the kitchen and went to get Ruby. As I took out a step ladder, I found then put on my special oven mitts to keep my fur out of the food and started cooking something simple but delicious. I got some chicken bone broth and added some soy sauce I packed and some dried garlic and ginger into a large saucepan. I took out some ramen noodles I had and added them to the boiling broth, then grabbed a few eggs and some veggies to make some toppings as the noodles cooked. I soft boiled the eggs for starters and minced the onions and mushrooms then sauteed them. As everything was cooking, Ruby and Yang came down to the kitchen. Ruby saw me and exclaimed as she tackled me.

" Silva!"

Thankfully my Aura helped me balance as Ruby hugged my legs from the step ladder. I then told the red bundle of energy and joy.

" Nice to see you as well, Ruby, but can you let go? I am cooking right now."

" Okay~."

As Ruby let go of me, she started to sniff the air and caught the aroma of what I was cooking. Yang also started to get a whiff of my cooking and commented as she gave a light smile.

" Smells good, Silva..."

" Is it ready yet, Silva? I'm hungry."

Ruby asked as she rubbed her stomach, and I replied.

" Just wait a while longer, Ruby, and it will be ready."

The eggs should be soft boiled by now, and I got them out and took the shells off, then cut them in half and added them to the broth to flavor them a little. I soon added the mushrooms and onions to finish the toppings as I let the ramen simmer on low heat. I got some clean bowls and served the girls their food. If I had more time, I would rather make them something sweet to munch on instead of this b*stardized ramen I made; I always preferred to cook my noodles in broth instead of water; it gives an extra bit of flavor. I then told the sisters.

" Dig in while it's hot!"

Ruby did not need to be told twice as she slurped up the noodles. Yang went for the soft boiled egg to flavored with the broth. As both of them smiled and told me after the first bite, I knew I had done the right thing.

"It's delicious, Silva!"

" Thanks, Silva."

I smiled back at them and started eating as well. I was pleased with my work, and the late lunch went well. After it, I went through my Scroll to find a shop that delivers sweets to here for them both, chocolate chip cookies for Ruby obviously, and a strawberry shortcake for Yang. I saw something strange on the menu, and it is called a Vacuo Sand cake; it does not sound appetizing, but I am curious nonetheless, so I ordered one for myself. Less than an hour later, the desserts were delivered by a drone.

Huh, I guess drone delivery is a thing here in Remnant, but it makes sense since robotics is a big thing here, so drones are not too much of a stretch. Needless to say, the girls were happy, and I was surprised by the Sand cake. It had actual sand in it! The taste was interesting; the sand had a gritty bitter taste while the cake was dry and plain mostly but with a bit of cinnamon in it, not bad, but I may only order this again if I want something different.

So far, a rough start, but it got better.