A/N – I'm back for The Winter Maiden Vol. 2. As with the previous Volume, all feedback is welcome (Criticism or not) and if you would like to ask any questions send me a PM and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. With that said, I hope you enjoy this Volume.
Elliana's POV
This job is way below my pay grade. Why send me? I'm sure one of that prick's lackeys could be in my place. I was fine snuggling up with Cinder after our magical last night. It was magical. Then those fucking idiots come in and ruin everything, the green-haired bitch and the gray-haired bastard wanting help on a job that was assignment by that prick Torchwick. A waste of time I say. Leave the dog to rot on his own, but no Cinder say's it'll be 'educational' for the kids. Who cares what they think. They'll learn about the truth of the world sooner or later. How the world is there to always fuck you over in life. If it's not one thing it's another. But here I am, in Vale with the two. Urgh... Let's just get this over with.
"Sooooo, how did you meet the Boss?"
"So, the silent treatment, I get it."
"You really don't talk. I'm glad Emerald is here. Speak of the devil. I knew you were lost."
"Mercury! I will seriously pay you to shut up."
"That's not your money."
"But it could be yours for five minutes of silence."
"Enough! We've wasted enough time. Did you get the location or not!"
"Ur... Yes. Place is called Tukson's Book Trade. Just around the corner."
"Good. You're good for something at least. Move it!"
I set off leaving the kids behind. Hearing the green-haired bitch groan made today slightly less shitty.
"So how do you want to handle this?"
"Easy, stay out of my way and I'll handle it!" I took to the sky's landing on the store's roof quietly.
I pulled on my gauntlets of Rasavatham and smirked. Feeling the gauntlets consume and twisting my blood into Mercury is only one word... exhilarating.
Time to put down a mut.
With a simple slash of my gloves a small hole was made, enough to squeeze through. Once in I scaled onto the ceiling and stayed there for the right moment.
"I hear you're planning on leaving. Moving all the way to Vacuo. Your brothers in the White Fang wouldn't be happy to hear that. And neither are we." Emerald spoke to Tukson as Mercury closed the shutters so the windows. We were cut off from the outside, which meant so was he.
Perfect.
"You know who we are don't you?" Emerald asked.
"Yes." Tukson answered.
"And you know why we're here?"
"Yes."
"So... Are you going to fight back?"
"Yes!"
I silently swooped down, landing directly behind him and with a simple slash... It was the end of him.
"No, you're not."
A thin red circle surrounded his neck. He fell to his knees as his head falling into my hands while his body crumbled to the floor, blood leaking out the stump that was his neck. As the blood spurted out of the wound, I cleaned it up with mouth. The taste of his blood sent my heart racing.
"Urgh... That's disgusting!" Emerald mumbled out.
"I feel like I'm gonna throw up." Mercury walked away.
"It's because of your stupid decision to bring me that I used my weapon, so now I'm hungry." I sucked on my fingers to get all the blood.
"We-We'll wait outside. I-I need some fresh air... Oh god." Mercury ran off outside along with Emerald.
More for me, good. I prefer my prey alone. Unless it's on Cinder before sex. Seeing her eyes dilate after feeding on her really gets her going.
Ah well, better not let good blood go to waste.
Nyreen's POV
Being back at Beacon Academy had felt a bit weird at first, after being away over the Summer Break thought After today's classes I quickly settled back into my usual schedule. And my bed felt a bit different more comfortable, well after spending a couple of months on a make-up bed, than anything would feel better.
Also, when we got back to Beacon we told everyone, that we trusted, that Velvet and I had just started dating. Since we were both afraid of telling everyone at the beach, we saved it for the first day back. Thankfully, everyone we told was accepting about us. A couple of our friends might have been a bit surprised at first, but they all were accepting of us. There might have been some... Unsavoury comments made by Cardin and his friends about us, but Coco, Yang, Jaune, Nora, Pyrrha and Blake saw to them.
Since my little confession to Velvet, we have been doing little things together. We went to restaurant that served what I had last time when I went with Blake and the others. Thankfully, this time I didn't spend the days after throwing up, so that was an improvement. Though I have been feeling nervous for some reason, as I have been feeling that someone has been watching me, but as soon as I use my Semblance, they would vanish.
There was a time, during those last couple of days before we went back to Beacon when I was taking Velvet back to Coco's family estate, since she was staying there with her team, and I felt like we were being watched and followed. Not to alert Velvet, I just acted as usual, trying not to worry her. When we both got to Coco's family estate, Velvet kissed my cheek, causing me to turn into a sputtering mess. Velvet chuckled at my reaction as I felt her wrap her arms around me. After a couple of moments just between us, I split away from her as I sensed her enter Coco's family estate. As soon as she left, I immediately activated my Semblance, but I couldn't pick upon anyone. I stayed still for a bit, trying to pick up on anything or anyone, but still nothing. Since that I couldn't find anything suspicious around me, I quickly blamed the sudden feelings of being watched on my nerves with being alone with Velvet. Though those feelings didn't go away.
Presently, Blake and the others, were in the cafeteria having their lunch. From what I could hear as I passed by, they were having a food fight with team JNPR.
Ruby really will turn anything into a competition between her team and Jaune's team. I bet if I could see, it would be quite the spectacle.
Without realising as I was walking towards meeting the Professor and Miss Goodwitch I walked into someone by accident, knocking me to the floor.
Damn... That hurt. Spending a couple of months without using my Semblance made me forget.
"Sorry, Nyreen. We didn't see you there." I heard a familiar voice say. I activated my Semblance to discover that there was two people in front of me. One I recognised, the other was a stranger.
"Sun!? What are you doing here?" I asked.
"Blake didn't tell you? I transferred. Along with buddy here. Neptune this is Nyreen. She kicks ass and saved my ass fighting the White Fang lackies." Sun said. "Just don't make her mad."
I chuckled. I brushed myself off and held out my hand. "It's nice to meet you Neptune. How do you know Sun?"
"We're in a team together, hot stuff. We're team SSSN." Neptune said.
What is it with the guys flirting with me? Ren and Yatsuhashi are the only ones that keep their thoughts to themselves. Well there is Fox, but I think Coco would beat him to a pulp if he starts flirting with me.
"If I were you I wouldn't flirt with her. Blake will rip something off. She's pretty much Nyreen's older sister." Sun said as I heard Neptune audible wince.
I giggled. "Where's the rest of your team?" I asked.
"Sage and Scarlet are in our dorm room unpacking. They should be finished soon. You'll probably meet them soon."
"Good, I like to meet new people. By the way, the others are in the cafeteria. Though, I would be careful. They're having a... debate with their food." I warned the two.
"Yeah, that sounds like them." Sun chuckled. "Come on, bud. Time to meet the gang." Sun said as he dragged away Neptune to the cafeteria.
It's nice meeting new people, especially ones that don't look down on me for being a Faunus. It's nice to know that Neptune is like those humans that treat us equally.
Eventually, when I got to the Professor, I picked up on only him, which was rather strange. Normally, I would expect at least Miss Goodwitch or the General, but no just the Professor.
"Ah, Miss Surana. I was wondering when you would finally arrive."
"Of course, Professor."
"I remember you deciding on that you will accept my gift. Is that still the case, or have you decided otherwise?"
"No, Professor. I'm sticking with my decision from before."
"That's very admirable, Miss Surana. Please take a seat." The Professor spoke as I sat across from him.
"If you are sure about this." The Professor asked.
"I am, Professor."
"Of course." I sensed the Professor stand up and move over towards me. I then felt him place both of his hands at both of my temples. "Please clear your mind of all thoughts. Only listen to the sound of my voice." The Professor said as I breathed out.
I pushed away my thoughts and only listened to the sounds of his voice. It was quite soothing to hear. I then felt myself grow sleepy and light. As if I was but a feather blowing in the wind.
"Now open your eyes." The Professor said as I felt like my Semblance has grown more powerful. As if they have been enhanced. I also felt a bit weird, like I felt a lot smaller and The Professor had grown. Then there were the feelings with my hands. They felt like there were joined together and were connected to my whole body. That wasn't the only thing I discovered. What really was bugging me, was why my arms felt so... Flappy. It's like my hands had turned to the wings I have on my back.
Wait... Did it work? Did the Professor turn me into a bat?
"How are you feeling, Nyreen?" I heard a familiar voice say.
"Oh Miss Goodwitch, you're here?" I said, but what came out was not what I expected to come out of my mouth. Instead of my normal voice, it was replaced by a series of clicks.
"Woah!? What happened?" I said, but it must have come out as clicks for them.
Wait... What smells good? It smells just like my blood packs, but more... Fresh.
"I thought this might happen. Nyreen, I want you to listen carefully to me. I need you to relax and close your eyes again. Here, listen to my voice. Ignore everything in the background and only concentrate on my voice." The Professor said as I felt him place his hands on my head.
Soon everything returned to normal. My hands and wings were back to normal and the Professor and Miss Goodwitch were their usual size. Though there was one thing that felt off. I could still smell something delicious and fresh.
"Are you alright now, Nyreen?" I heard Miss Goodwitch ask as I felt her place her hands on my shoulders.
That delicious smell just got closer... Wait is it from Miss Goodwitch and the Professor!? Why do they smell so good? I wonder if they taste as good as they smell?
I got up from my chair and hugged Miss Goodwitch. I placed my head on her shoulder. As I grew closer to her exposed neck, the intensity of her smell intensified.
Perfect chance to just take a quick snack...
No!
I pushed myself away from her.
What did I nearly do... I nearly feasted on my Guardian... My teacher... Why? Why did that happen?
"Nyreen, what's wrong?" Miss Goodwitch asked alarmed.
"I-I-I n-n-need to g-g-g-get away." I managed to say as I barged past Miss Goodwitch. I didn't get far as I ran into someone familiar.
"Hey, little wings. Where's the fire?" Qrow said.
"I-I need to go."
"Nyreen? What's wrong?" I heard Miss Goodwitch ask as she placed her hands on my shoulders. As soon as her hands touched me, I flinched and moved away from her.
"I-I tried to b-bite you. You all smell so good. I can't help it. I just lost control of myself." I mumbled out as I wrapped my arms around me and tumbled to the floor.
"I got you kid." Qrow said as I felt all my energy sap away.
Qrow's POV
"What happened!"
"I gave her my gift and passed onto her the transformation of a bat." Oz said. He turned to Glynda. "Glynda, can you take Miss Surana back to her room. Make sure she's not disturbed."
"Of course, Professor." Glynda said as she picked up the kid and left us alone.
"Don't give me that shit Oz, she wasn't ready. You heard what she tried to do to Glynda. You should have called me here, when you started. She's scared and not used to the transformation, so she panicked and gave into her urges. We should have trained her to handle them."
"I know. If we had the time, we wouldn't be having this conversation. General Ironwood and Leonardo are growing more erratic. Grimm have grown more furious on the borders of the Kingdoms and I've started to lose contacts on those borders. They've pressured me into pushing Miss Surana into our ultimate weapon."
"That's bullshit, and you know it. They're fine with destroying her? She's 15, just a kid. Trying to feed on Glynda will only be the start. Soon she'll start attacking her friends. We need to do something. Let me train her to control those urges, or else something like last time will happen again, and I don't think you've got it in you to make everyone forget her."
"I know, but what choice do we have. Salem's influence is growing with each passing day and there's not a lot of contacts I can trust."
"Then let me train her. Ironwood would throw her to the wolves and get her killed then make his 'Agent' take over as the Maiden."
"Fine! Just don't cause a fuss when the General visits soon. He wants to inspect Miss Surana's prowess for himself."
"Why? It'll only fuel his ego.".
"He wants to not only test Miss Surana abilities, but also the Atlesian military. He thought he kept his communication minimum, though I know a few pathways he didn't keep secure. He's building an army of android soldiers. Something Salem can easily turn onto himself and his Kingdom."
"But if she gets hurt in the process, he'll use it against her being the Maiden and find someone more suitable."
"Then you know what you have to do."
"Of course, Oz."
Nyreen's POV
It must have been a couple of hours later from my earlier outburst and attack on Miss Goodwitch, since I could hear the birds outside chirp and the wind whistling. I could also hear the pattering of conversations centred around me and what I did.
I started to stir as the voices started to get a bit too loud.
"Hmm... Could you guy's quiet it down!" I mumbled out.
"Nyreen!" Ruby and Yang shouted out together. Then I heard them both wince. "Ow! Weiss quit it!"
"Honestly, can you both be quiet."
"Sorry, Nyreen." Ruby apologised.
"It's fine, but what are you guys doing here. Didn't Miss Goodwitch tell you what I nearly... I nearly did to her?" I asked as I felt my ears droop, and I felt someone latch onto my hand.
"Yeah, that's why we're here silly." Ruby answered.
"I thought this might happen leading up to the day, it's your birthday soon. That's why your... Instincts have started to kick in. I was the same at your age."
My instincts? So, it has nothing to do with turning into a bat? Did that just accelerate the process?
"Wait, you started to bit people? Wish I met you earlier." Yang shamelessly flirted which caused Weiss to groan and Ruby's heart rate quicken. Blake on the other hand just ignored the comment.
"I started to... Purr and other things." Blake mumbled out as I sensed her heart rate pick up.
"Oh, and what were these 'other things'?" Yang teased.
"Shut up Yang!" Blake growled.
"It's nice you're trying to calm me down Blake, but I'm different." I sat up and gripped tightly to my bed sheets, feeling my hands shake. "I couldn't control myself. I nearly used Miss Goodwitch to feed on. That's a step I don't cross. I shouldn't cross with anyone. But I did with Miss Goodwitch. I'm a monster!"
"Stop saying that!" I heard Weiss shout and then I felt a stinging sensation on my cheek.
Ow! Weiss knows how to throw a punch.
"Nyreen Surana! You are not a monster. You just need training to control yourself."
Wow, using my full name to scold me, haven't heard that in a while.
"Yeah. If you need help, I'm sure Velvet could help you. She's older so she's got experience with this sort of thing." Ruby said trying to comfort me.
"And if you ever feel like you need to... Unwind"
"Seriously Yang, I will end you." Blake growled out.
"Aren't you all scared? I could attack any of you. I could feed on you. I... I don't want that to happen." I cried out.
"We're friends Nyreen. Friends stick together no matter what. If you need help, we'll always be there. It's what friends do." Ruby said.
I see why the Professor chose Ruby to be the leader. So full of optimism and hope. Let's just hope she never gets involved with Salem.
I sniffled. "If you believe that I can do this, then I'll do it. I don't want to hurt anyone."
"I'm sure you will." I heard a voice that didn't belong to the others.
"Professor?"
"You'll need resilience or else you'll be consumed by your desires. Don't let me down." The Professor said as I sensed him walk away.
"Always so cryptic." Yang mumbled, which caused Ruby and I to chuckle.
"Well he is the headmaster of Beacon. He's probably got a few secrets to keep." Weiss said.
"Anyway. We need to deal with this. Nyreen's our friend." Ruby said.
"Yes, we will." Blake mumbled out as she held my hand and squeezed it.
"For now, though you better have this." Weiss said as she handed me something.
It felt like plastic and squishy.
Is this a blood pack?
"Are you sure about this, what if I try to attack again."
"You still need to eat Nyreen!" Weiss said.
"O-Okay." I mumbled out as I devoured the blood pack. Immediately I felt blood rush through me, it made me a bit excited.
I need more...
Need more blood...
No! No, I don't.
"You need rest. We'll be back later to train your resilience." Weiss said.
"I-I'll try my best." I mumbled out.
"Just close your eyes, Nyreen. I'll wait here until you fall asleep." Blake said as I grew sleepy, suddenly.
I guess after everything that happened today, really wore me out.
"If you're sure you want to stay."
"We'll go. You just get some rest, Ny." Yang spoke as I sensed her, Ruby and Weiss get up and walk towards my door.
"We'll see you guys later." Blake said as I sensed them leave.
"You really think I can do this? Control my Faunus urges?" I asked.
"I did, Velvet did, Mom and Dad did, Your Mom did. Why not you?" Blake said.
"But still... What if I'm not strong enough?"
"Believe in yourself for once. You could have died fighting Grimm during initiation or when we fought Torchwick and the White Fang, but you didn't because you believed in abilities and yourself."
Blake's right... I can do this. If Miss Goodwitch, the Professor, Ruby, Blake, Yang and Weiss believe in me then I can do this.
"Okay, Thanks Blake. Thanks for being there for me." I said as I felt my eye lids grow heavier.
I guess, I'll take Blake up on her offer. I'm sure a light nap wouldn't hurt.
"Remind me to never take Weiss up on one of her ideas." I winced as I felt pain in my arm starting to flare up again.
"Well it was to test your resilience of your new instincts." Ruby said.
"I still think she went a bit overboard. Some of those marks will stay for at least a week." Blake mumbled out.
"Well let's just hope Velvet doesn't find out, or else she'll freak out."
"Or she'll find it kinky. You never know with the quiet types." Yang said which caught us all of guard. I blush immediately.
"Y-Yang!?" I was amazed by what she said.
"Speaking from experiences' are we?" Blake asked.
"Blake don't encourage her!" I said as Yang chuckled.
"Oh yeah. You're probably into some shit too, Blake." Yang said.
"None that you'll know." Blake said simply. "Come on let's get you checked out before Velvet sees the marks."
"Before I see what?" A new voice said.
Oh god. Please don't be Velvet! Please don't be Velvet!
As I used my Semblance, my fears were confirmed. In front of me was Velvet moving towards us.
"Uh... Didn't you say you were going to help Ruby and I study?" Yang asked.
Oh no, you're not leaving me here.
"Uh yeah... Sorry Ny, but we gotta go." Ruby mumbled, I then heard her, and Yang pull away a resisting Blake.
Great... Thanks for the backup guys.
"What was that, that Blake said... Something about marks? Did you get hurt?" Velvet asked.
"It'll be better if we go somewhere private. I'll explain there." I said as I held Velvet's hand and brought her to my room. I sat down on my bed as I tucked my legs to my chest. I felt Velvet place her hand on my cheek.
"I didn't want to tell you in case you got scared and left me."
"You know I would never do that and why would I fear you? You're special to me." Velvet said as she grabbed my hand and squeezed it slightly.
I sighed. Okay... Here goes.
"This morning I felt strange. Different than I did yesterday. It's kinda hard to explain, but I still carried on like nothing was different about me. That's when Miss Goodwitch called me to the Professors office. That's when I... I nearly feasted on her."
"You what? Why?" Velvet sounded surprised obviously.
"I don't know, it was just... Something I did. I had no control over it. Thankfully, I stopped before I hurt her. Blake said it's something all Faunus go through when they grow up, though she said it's different for all of us."
"Why didn't you tell me, we're together now. That means we don't keep secrets from each other." Velvet said.
If only you knew the secrets I keep Velvet. I pray you never find out.
"I know I'm sorry Velvet. I was just scared that I might hurt you instead of Miss Goodwitch. I-I wouldn't have forgiven myself." I said as I lowered my head.
I felt Velvet move her hand to my chin and raised my head. "I know you wouldn't do that. I trust you."
"I-I... Thank you." I smiled.
"You still didn't tell me about those red marks you had on your back. I'm glad you're Aura healed them partly, but I can tell you're still in pain."
"Weiss came up with the plan to try and help me, control my... urges. It's working but her methods... hurt a lot."
"What did she do?"
"She told me to give into the urges, so I did. I tried to feast on Weiss and the others, but Weiss had set up her glyphs to activate when I stand on them. Her glyphs knocked me around a bit, hitting my back and shoulders. After that, she told me to try and get back in control. After a couple of attempts I started to get back in control. Letting myself lose control and fighting myself to get back in control. It was tiring."
"I won't say I'm thrilled with what Weiss and your friends did, but I'm glad it's working. Just please... next time if it happens again just come to me, okay. This is a thing we'll get through together." Velvet said as she squeezed my hand.
"I know. I'm sorry for not telling you." I leaned against Velvet, our foreheads touching. We stayed together like that for a while, before Velvet pulled away.
"Have you eaten yet?"
"Not since lunch."
"Here." Velvet placed a blood pack in my hand.
I nervously reached out for it. Eventually, I worked up the courage to hold it and consume it.
You know you want more. Velvet is just there... Go and take what's yours. She won't mind. She's your girlfriend after all.
I shook those thoughts out of my head.
I guess I still need those lessons from Weiss after all.
"Umm... Velvet?"
"Yes, Ny. Is there something you need?"
"I just wanted to ask if you would go to Weiss's next plan with me next week. It would calm me down if you were there with me. Blake helps but she can only do so. I-I would appreciate it if you came with me."
I felt Velvet's delicate hand cup my cheek. "Of course. I'll run it by Coco, to see if it's fine with her."
Thank god. I let out a heavy sigh.
"Thank you. I appreciate it." I smiled happily.
"It's no problem." Velvet said as I felt her wrap her arms around my neck, pulling me closer to her while she sat on my lap.
Immediately, my heart beat quickened.
She's close now. Just lean in and take what's yours. It's just a little nip, then take all the blood you want. "Ny... Is something wrong? Your heart's beating faster than normal."
"I just... Those thoughts are creeping into my head again."
Velvet pushed herself away from our close embrace. "I caused that didn't I... I'm sorry."
"No... It's my fault. I'm the one that needs to control myself. It's just hard to ignore those voices after eating."
I then sensed Velvet's heart rate quicken. "I-If you w-want I can prepare myself... That is if you really want to."
"Prepare yourself for what?"
"I mean if you want to, I-I'll let you bite me."
"No... I-I can't. I don't know if I can trust myself." I felt Velvet squeeze my hand.
"It doesn't have to be right now. We can wait until your birthday. It gives me time to read about what I should do."
"I'm still not sure about it. W-What if I can't control myself and I hurt you... I wouldn't forgive myself."
"You won't do that. I trust you. I know you won't hurt me."
"Still... I'm scared. I care about you so much. I don't want to do something that could hurt you or worse."
"It won't happen."
"If you're sure about that." I said as she squeezed my hand. She pulled me to her letting go of my hand and wrapped ger arms around me. As we stayed locked together, we started to lose track of time.
"You should go. You've got classes soon."
"Yeah... I suppose." I sighed as I pulled away. "Oh... Be careful on your mission."
"We'll be fine. Coco hasn't let us down yet and I don't she ever will."
"Still promise me you'll be careful."
"I promise." Velvet said as she kissed my forehead. "Now off you go. If I remember right, you've got Professor Port."
"Urgh! Don't remind me."
Velvet giggled. "He's a great teacher and he's amazing at combat training. He just blabbers on about his old adventures."
"Yes, but it's a pain to record. I have to stop recording every time he goes on one of his tangents."
"Well you're just gonna have to suffer through them. Now off you go. I've got to see Coco about your thing with Weiss."
"I guess..." I groaned out.
"Before you go do you want to go somewhere for your birthday? I know it's next week and it's a bit late to book anything amazing and you've been swamped with Missions since the semester started, but what would you like to do?" Velvet asked.
"Honestly, I'm not really big on birthday parties, you know because of loud noises. They don't really mix well with my ears, but I just want to do something special, between friends. Something small and quite." I said as I lowered my head yet had a smile on my face. "T-That is of course if you didn't have something else in mind, then that's fine by me." I said trying to ignore the blush on my face after talking about spending time with Velvet on my birthday.
"W-Well there is a new restaurant that has just opened up. It's in Vale so it's close to Beacon." Velvet said as I sensed her heartbeat quicken.
"I feel there's a but coming."
"I-It's ran by my Mom."
Oh...
"Y-Your Mother... I... See"
We both sat in an uncomfortable silence for what felt like it lasted for hours. Until I bravely spoke up again.
"W-Will she mind that I was in the White Fang?" I asked nervously.
"Honestly, I don't know. My dad was killed by a member last year, and she hasn't really gotten over it. I mean who could blame her. I-I don't even know if she's told Luke and Celestia." Velvet sobbed out.
I squeezed Velvet's hand and rubbed her back. "I'm sorry to hear that Velvet. I'm sure he was a great man."
Another family torn apart by the leadership of the White Fang. First mine and now Velvet's. Who knows how many families have been completely wiped out. I know one thing for certain, this isn't the White Fang Mama and Papa joined. Whatever Sienna has done to the White Fang... There is no redemption to what she's done.
"H-He was. H-He was the one that said I should become a huntress. Mom was against it at first. S-She was just trying to protect me, but I was naive and didn't understand that. So, I went behind her back and joined a training school. She wouldn't speak to me for days. Though she soon came around to the idea."
"She sounds like she's a strong woman. It's mustn't have been easy letting you train to be a huntress knowing you'll be put into danger."
Velvet giggled through her tears. "Yeah, it's how she won over Dad. They used to be at Mistral Academy. Mom said they used to fight over everything. Then Dad challenged Mom to a match. Mom won the match and won Dad over. And then the attack happened."
Velvet broke out into tears.
"It was last year, and I had just got back from a Mission with Coco, Fox and Yatsu when Professor Ozpin pulled me to one side and gave me a letter. It said that Dad... Passed away, after a lone White Fang member assassinated him. All the Police officers new was that it was a woman with dark red eyes and a Faunus. I didn't believe it at first. I thought it was a prank Coco did, but she walked over and pulled me into her. That's when I knew. I broke down right there. I went back home the next morning. Mom was heartbroken. Luke and Celestia didn't know what was going on. Gods... They're just think Dad is going away to Menagerie for a while. Mom and I don't know how to tell them."
Hearing Velvet talk about her deceased Dad, I can't help but think about Mama and Papa, slaughtered at our home. I don't even know if any of our neighbours know I'm alive.
No... I must stay away from those thoughts.
"Tell me about your brother and sister." I wiped away the tears from Velvet's face.
"Hmm... Luke and Celestia are both 7 and have just started school. Since the semester, I haven't had the time to talk to them. I'm a bad big sister."
"Nonsense. You're just preoccupied with Missions, that's all."
"Still... I should talk to them." Velvet said as she squeezed my hand. "Thanks for being here."
"It's no problem. You're my girlfriend Velvet. I want to be there for you, when you need me."
Velvet chuckled. "And I thought I was supposed to be the one comforting you."
"Mama and Papa did say I act older than I am."
"Shame you can't say that about Yang and Coco." Velvet giggled.
I laughed. "Yeah." I then squeezed Velvet's hand. "I'll happily visit you family."
Velvet gasped. "You will!? I-I thank you Nyreen!
Velvet immediately wrapped her arms around me tightly.
"It's fine Velvet... Though I am a bit nervous. It'll be the first time meeting your parent's, well the first time meeting the parents of my girlfriend." Velvet squeezed my hand.
"You'll be fine. My little brother and sister will love you. You just need to be honest with them. Mom will know straight away if something is wrong."
"I know, and I will, it's just that I'm... I'm scared she'll split us apart for being in the White Fang. I-I don't want that."
"She won't. She'll understand, I know she will."
"Thanks, Vel. I'm looking forward to it." I squeezed her hand. "I wonder, would you call it a date since it's at a restaurant?" I said as I felt my cheeks heat up.
Though as it turns out, I wasn't the only one slightly embarrassed as I seemed to catch Vel off guard as I sensed her heartbeat spike. "I-I g-guess. I-I'll have to a-ask Coco to pick something out for me."
"You don't have to that far. I can't see so I don't see the point of wearing anything fancy."
"N-Nonsense, you'll no doubt be dressed up, so I should too. It doesn't matter you can't see, you would do the same for me." Velvet said not backing down.
"You'll not back down from this, will you." I mumbled.
"Nope. Coco learned that I can be stubborn. Now it's your turn. I'm not dropping this, we'll do this together."
I sighed in defeat yet smiled at her. "Okay... I'll talk to Weiss. She'll think of something."
"Good, in the meantime, you better head if for class, for real this time. I would feel bad if you get held back."
Vel squeezed my hand. "Okay, I'll message you after class to work out everything for next week."
"I'm going to make sure you have the best birthday ever!" Vel declared.
I chuckled. "I know you will."
We both then pulled each other together in a lasting embrace before we split apart a few minutes later, splitting up to focus on our own studies for the day.
Elliana's POV
As soon as we got back to the base, Torchwick's White Fang men were unloading Dust in to the factory at the back.
"Can we just get this over with, I remember enjoying myself lying in bed with really pleasant company before you both dragged me out."
"We just have to report back to Torchwick." Emerald answered.
"He's right over there." Mercury pointed out.
And there he was, standing over a map of Vale, plotting the heist under Mountain Glenn.
The stupid humans think this'll make a difference to plan to take over Vale. I serve a higher purpose with my love by my side.
"Oh goody, she's left the kids to me."
Torchwick walked towards us and hung his arms around Emerald and Mercury. "This is turning out just like a divorce."
"Spare us the thought of you procreating." Emerald and Mercury shrugged off his arms.
"Or being with Cinder, you don't deserve her!" I growled as Mercury started to form from my gauntlets.
"Okay, Okay wings calm down! It was only a joke, damn!" Torchwick backed down as he walked away from us yet stopped a few steps away. "You'll have to tell me the story on how you managed to bag a beauty like her."
"Not on your life." I growled out as the Mercury dissipated.
"Oh... would you look at that?" Torchwick said ignoring my comment, as he held a piece of paper in his hand. From what I managed to catch was the address to Tukson's place. "This might tell me where you three have been all day."
"Wha- How?!" Emerald was astonished as checked her pockets.
"I'm a professional sweetheart. Pay attention, maybe you'll learn something." He sighed. "Why do you have this address?"
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Emerald asked.
"Yea, I would. Now where have you been all day?"
"Cleaning up your problems. One of them at least." Mercury spoke.
"I had that under control." Torchwick said.
"Wait, you didn't ask them for this job?" I asked.
"No, why would I? I had my best men on it." Torchwick answered.
"I see..."
Those bastards...
I raised both of my hands in front of Mercury and Emerald. Mercury started to farm. "Next time you waste my time killing someone, you'll end up dead!" Mercury started to burn into their flesh.
Then the Mercury dissipated as I lowered my hands. "Thank you wings, saves me the trouble of beating them myself." Torchwick said as he patted my shoulder.
I shrugged of his hand. "I didn't do it for you. Next time you touch me, you'll get the same treatment."
"Oh, someone's in trouble." Mercury mockingly mumbled.
"Listen you little punk." Torchwick raised his cane at Mercury. "If it were up to me I would take you and your little street-rat friend here, and I would-" Torchwick was cut off by my approaching love.
"Do what, Roman?" Cinder spoke descending down the lift.
Roman laughed nervously. "Hehehehe... Not kill them."
"Cinder!" Emerald called out.
"I thought I made it clear that you would eliminate the would-be runaway."
"I was going to. Uh-" Torchwick was cut off by Emerald.
"He was going to escape to Vacuo, Mercury and I decided to take it upon ourselves to kill that rat."
"I think he was some sort of cat actually." Mercury chimed in.
"What like a puma?" Emerald joked.
"If you two had any brains in those thick heads of yours, you could tell he was a wolf." I growled out to them.
"Quiet!" Cinder scolded. "Did I not specifically instruct you two to keep your hands clean while in Vale? Furthermore, you got my darling's hand stained in the mutt's blood."
"I just thought-" Emerald said but was cut off.
"Don't think, obey."
"And next time, do your own fucking jobs. Leave me out of it." I growled out to them.
"Y-Yes Ma'am. It won't happen again." Emerald mumbled out.
"See to it that you don't." I said turning away from them. I looked back at Cinder. "I'm going back to our room." I turned away again and took to the sky, back to our place.
It had been a couple of hours later before I picked up on a familiar sent.
"Cinder..." I mumbled out as soon as I saw her. Immediately she smiled at me and kissed my hand. She gazed at them.
"I see you've found a new hit to your collection." Cinder smiled as she licked my fingers.
"Not as good as yours. Your blood tastes... exquisite." I sighed.
"You're just saying that because of what happened last night."
I moved my licked hand cup her check. "You know I respect you too much than just something to use and throw away. I love you too much to do that. And then there is that power of yours." I chuckled as I wrapped my arms around her stomach, pulling her closer to me.
"Oh, you love me?" Cinder teased. "Why don't you prove it."
I smirked. "Oh, I wonder why I could do." Fainting ignorance, pushing her down on my bed. "You had your turn last night, now it's time to show you what I can do."