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It’s not that he’s dissatisfied, rather it’s the opposite; with his brothers and sisters, regardless of how far they are, and the friends he has made even though they eventually will leave, Chongyue can say that he is happy… “Mmm; however,”
“However?” Questions the Doctor. The two relaxed within Rhodes Island’s main office, the day was calm by Rhodes Island standards, but the paperwork continued to be endless. Training, trading, clue searching, placing operators in optimal points, and rotating them about. It was a lot to do, but ever since Chongyue boarded Rhodes for his retirement the feranmut found himself a tad restless at simply relaxing about the ship, despite many saying that it was fine for him to do so, and eventually found himself as the Doctor’s assistant. It both eased the workload for the Doctor who has been so helpful and welcoming to his sisters, as well as allowed him to engage in conversation that was often philosophical with the mysterious doctor. Not often do they speak about more personal matters, but as such in this moment, one of those rare topics has come up.
Chongyue has a slight redness to his face that the Doctor really wants to tease him about, but they are also curious about where their assistant will go with this. Chongyue bites his lip for a moment, giving away grandly on how this has been bothering him, before sighing and attempting to put his feelings into words. “It’s not that I’m dissatisfied… Actually, let me start over. Rhodes Island has offered me a place for me to truly relax and engage in many interests I wouldn’t have been allowed before…” The Doctor tries to not show their anger at that, reminding themselves that Chongyue is somewhere that treats him better, with people that treat him as the human he wants to be. “With some of my sisters, and hopefully more of my sisters and even my brothers might join me. Ah, even though it would just add trouble onto you as we all can’t be in one place-”
Chongyue stops himself as the doctor raises their hand. “Chongyue, it would be no more extra trouble upon me than anything else everyone does. You were here after all, for the infamous kitchen war.” Chongyue gives a chuckle at that, tinged with the slight trauma that was many of the operators battling in the kitchens over who-knows-what, everyone came out unscathed and the food was delicious, but it was difficult to make headway through all the dishes that were made. The Doctor makes a continuing motion with their hand and the mirth dissipates. “You see Doctor, even though I’m somewhere good, with good people, and many good memories made and being made… I find myself not as content as I thought I would be.”
“There isn’t always a reason why we feel the way we do, nor is it wrong to feel the way we do.”
“I understand, but I feel like… something is missing.” The Doctor tilts their head at that before something comes to mind and they straighten. “Chongyue, when you first became my assistant, it was out of a need that you felt to busy yourself with work you considered to be helpful, yes?” Chongyue blinked at the question which was more like a statement and slowly nodded, the Doctor leaned back again and brought their fingers together. “Then a proposition, in the morning I understand that you train by yourself. You are a very skilled martial artist,” the Doctor raised their hand to keep Chongyue from downplaying himself, the humble man that he is, “It is true, I have both seen you in action as well as from the testament of Miss Lin and your sisters, all whose word I take very highly. And thus I would like you to extend your morning training sessions to include other operators, who would do well to learn from you.”
“You mean like… a teacher?” The Doctor nodded. Chongyue thought for a moment, it wouldn’t be the first time he would take on a student. In fact, he found joy in passing on all that he’s learned, and many operators would benefit from learning hand-to-hand in case they are without ammunition or weapons never mind the benefits on one’s body. The more he thought about it, the more excited he got over the idea. “I think that would be a good idea, Doctor. However, how would we go about such a thing? I know how to train others in martial arts, but not so much on creating a class.”
The Doctor waved their hand flippantly, “I’ll take care of that.” Already the Doctor has a few ideas on who they would give the offer to. It would be best to start small so to get Chongyue adjusted to teaching a group and also starting with those who would be interested in learning will keep from something horrid like no one showing up, even if the Doctor doubts that would happen, but since this concerns Chongyue’s mental health it was best to not take any chances. “Well then, operator Chongyue, let us get back to work.”
When Chongyue walked into the training room, he wasn’t really expecting much past a normal training morning, but that goes to show that he should have more faith in the Doctor. Already he could see the op A4 captain Yato in a simple white robe with her mask on for the moment, conversing with her comrade. Husband? Noir Corne, who was also matching her in attire. Chongyue assumes the defender-turned-guard came to support Yato and he wonders if Noir will join them or just support his wife(?). Chongyue walked past all the heavy training equipment, giving a slight nod to Gavial who was punching a sandbag, making his way over to the large pad designated for hand-to-hand training where the… pair conversed.
“Lady Yato, sir Noir Corne. How has your morning been?” Noir gave an abashed smile, Yato huffing in amusement at the blond, “Just Noir’s fine, and it’s been good. Yato here has been wanting to readjust her body to the new armor she got, and the Doctor mentioned that you would be willing to help with that?” Congyue nodded, he didn’t know Yato before her new attire as she left for her mission just before he arrived, but has heard of the two’s exploits in meeting monsters from another world when they returned. “Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to assist me.” Said Yato, and Chongyue gave a slight chuckle. “It’s no issue at all. I always train in the mornings and have trained students before.”
“If I recall correctly, you refer to operator Quibai, yes?”
“Correct, though-” Congyue didn’t get to continue as FEater, real name Wan Shêng-shêng, walked over in her drop star outfit, “Good morning everyone! This is very exciting, to train with you all!” Wan came to a stop on the pad, a big smile on her face that was easily returned by the others. “I find myself excited as well. The Doctor said they will handle everything, but I admit I didn’t expect many.” Chongyue turned his head to Yato, assuming the stalwart woman might have the most information, “Actually do you know how many the Doctor has asked?”
Yato thought to herself for a moment while Wan went off to set her training bag down where the others had, “I believe the Doctor is keeping it small for the time being, the only ones missing right now are Waai Fu and Mountain.” Chongyue’s eyebrows raised slightly. Those were names he was somewhat more familiar with, Waai Fu more so for her father and Mountain mostly during brief literary discussions with the feline. He supposes he can’t find himself all that surprised that Waai Fu would join, the diligent woman she was, though he finds himself interested in Mountain joining, Chongyue knew the feline was a strong fighter, but often the two only discussed literature.
Speaking of the feline’s here they come, with a perro behind them, dressed in their usual fight wear. While maybe not as best to train in as the others, Mountain’s simple shirt and jeans shouldn’t cause too much of an issue Chongyue mused to himself. Jeans were a tad more restrictive compared to Chongyue’s more loose pants, but based on the tall feline’s appearance, most of his technique is centered on his upper half. Strong, with wide shoulders that slimmed down to an equally strong waist, and long trunk legs that he could tell that in looser pants, could easily make quick small movements. Chongyue didn’t realize his thoughts were slowly turning away from evaluating to something more appreciative until he realized he was thinking too much about what those hands could–Chongyue pushed the thoughts to the side as he greeted his last students. “Waai Fu, it is good to see you, I haven’t much since last in Yumen.” Waai Fu gave a short half-shrug, “Ah well, I don’t work directly with Rhodes, but rather through Lee’s detective agency. And so not many opportunities to be on the landship. Oh, speaking of, this is my coworker Ko, codenamed Hung, he’s basically the agency’s guard.” Ko stepped forward and gave Chongyue a handshake, surprising the feranmut as not many wished to be so personal with him, “I hope you don’t mind, sir, if I also join in.”
“Not at all, and just Chongyue is fine.” He said, giving the perro a relaxed smile before addressing his last student. “Anthony, it is good to see you outside of the library.” We should do more of that, why haven’t we already? “Me as well, and it’s an honor to learn from you.” And spend time with you . Anthony and Chongyue shook hands, it’s said that those proficient in martial arts are able to grasp the truth of their opponent; in a flash of realization Anthony saw a great beast above, teeth where a tooth alone is bigger than him, part of a great form that stretched off endlessly, covered in beautiful black scales that seemed to shine in the storm, and barely he could see horns atop that great head that looked much like… “Are you okay? If you are not well, we can put this to another time.” Anthony snapped out of it, before smiling endearingly at—black horns that broke off like a falling mountain revealing gold—Chongyue. “Don’t mind me, I found myself thinking. I am fine to continue.” Ko took Waai Fu’s and Anthony’s bags while Wan and Noir were chuckling together as Yato stepped up to bring their teacher’s focus back, “Well then, since we are all here, we should get started.”