On Top of the World

Cinder fall smiled as she gazed out from the windows of the Beacon CCTS tower. Below her they battled, man, faunus, grimm and machine. All for her benefit, and dare she say, her amusement. She longed for a glass of wine to go with the show, but alas, had to contend with sobriety.

Flames danced on her fingertips as her new power coursed through her. At last she was complete, the power she so desired, that which was owed to her was finally where it should be.

Cinder frowned and summoned a sword, falling into a defensive stance as the CCTS tower elevator announced its presence the top level. Smoke billowed out of it's doors as they opened, followed soon by the determined visage of one Pyrrha Nikos, weapons in hand and eyes nearly as sharp.

Cinders frown morphed into a smirk, "Well well, if it isn't the maiden that wasn't. Come to congratulate me on my victory, have you?"

Pyrrha's eyes locked to Cinder's as she walked toward her. "By your presence here, I assume the headmaster is dead?"

Cinder snickered, "Beacon's basement is tomb for two this evening."

The two young woman stared each other down as they circled each other, each daring the other to blink first.

Pyrrha let out a breath, her mask cracking as laughter spilled forth. "Good, then all is proceeding according to plan." Pyrrha stowed her armaments, and Cinder lowered her guard, joining in the laughter.

"A pity you were stuck in that infernal contraption of Ironwood's, the look on Ozpin's face as the maiden died was priceless. Though the one he gave as I ran him though was even sweeter."

Pyrrha smiled, "I don't suppose you took pictures, did you? Would look great on my holiday cards."

Cinder shook her head, "Sadly no, you'll just have to take my word for it." Pyrrha shrugged. "Not that you would risk your cover by sending such a thing out, at least until the spring maiden is located. If you do to her what you did to Atlas's puppet, it will be a grisly meeting. Didn't think you had the heart to do such a thing, I was impressed."

"A fan of that where you? I admit it was fun, but it was the mock remorse that really sold it. I think I did a better job at that than your boytoy did with his knee."

Cinder had to give her that one, Pyrrha's performance was exemplary, and didn't need any assistance form Emerald. "Speaking of selling it, I have to admit that whole hero complex huntress thing you pulled off was impressive, Ozpin bought it hook line and sinker."

"For all his self professed power, he was blinded so easily by ego and expectations. He was all too willing to spill the beans to the 'good student and noble huntress' I professed to be. It's amazing he's kept up this little conspiracy of his for so long." In truth Pyrrha had enjoyed playing the part given to her, She met new and interesting people, learned a great deal of information from them, and accomplished nearly all of her objectives. Not a bad way to spend a few months.

Cinder nodded in agreement. "On that subject, I never did get a chance to thank you for the intel on the fall maidens locations, did I?"

Pyrrha shook her head, "In fact you did not. You can buy me a drink later to make up for it, well, once the time comes. We have more pressing matters to attend to at current." Pyrrha walked to the windows, observing the chaos down below, and the dragon grimm still circling. "Impressive work as always, if a bit dramatic"

"What can I say, I like to turn heads."

Pyrrha turned to Cinder, "I don't suppose you beat the location of the vault out of Ozpin before his untimely demise, did you?"

"He was stubborn, even in the face of death unfortunately. Still, it's only a matter of time before it's discovered, Watts is searching the database we took from the Beacon mainframe for any clues, and Hazel is as we speak going through Ozpin's study. They won't think to run an inventory on it as they pick though the rubble."

Pyrrha nodded, removing her weapons and tossing the sword to Cinder, who promptly melted it. She crushed the shield with her semblance, before unceremoniously tossing it aside. Finally she removed her circlet, Pyrrha's long red hair free and waving in the breeze blowing in from the elevator shaft. "Make sure this finds its way to Qrow and Jaune." Pyrrha said, as she handed it to Cinder, who skillfully applied scorch marks to the jewelry.

"An easy enough proposition. Where is that partner of yours, anyways? "

"In a locker bound for Vale. He'll lead our teammates here, where they will find confirmation of my fate in the rubble, and with that, no one will think to look for me for the time being."

Cinder mock cried, "such a cruel thing to inflict on your dearest partner. Still surprised you didn't talk him into your bed along the line, you seem to fancy him."

Pyrrha shock her head, "While I have no doubt that would be a pleasurable way to spend an evening, I know not to dip my pen in the company inkwell." Pyrrha smiled, "At least not without permission. Our mistress has been known to reward her loyal servants for a job well done." Pyrrha licked her lips at the thought of it.

Cinder frieghned shock, "Such carnal aspirations from the invincible girl! What would you adoring fans think?"

Pyrrha huffed, "I suspect I've been party to more than a few of their fantasies over the years, It's high time I'm due my own." She had such wonderful things in mind when her time came.

"Your fantasies will remain just that so long as the spring maiden remains alive. I've no idea why our Queen has eyes for that young man, he seems, well, frankly uninspiring."

"He has potential, and i'm not just talking about potential in the bed chambers, though walking in on him the the shower proved that area. No, there is something else about him, something that was e enough that Ozpin ignored his obviously falsified transcripts and lack of skill to allow him to stay at Beacon, and to make him a team leader."

Cinder guestered around with a hand, "I think we both stand testament to the failings of Ozpin's judgement, but if the Queen desires him, so be it. Are you sure he will come to our side?"

"My death will sow the seeds of mistrust and despair in him. One promise to resurrect me, and he'll give us what we need. Than I'll take what I want from him, and he'll offer it willingly."

"Once you earn it that is." said Cinder pointedly.

"Once I earn it."Pyrrha replied with determination. And to do that, I suppose it's time I be on my way, placed to go, maidens to kill, powers to gain, you know the drill." Cinder nodded, intimately familiar with the process. "The price a girl pays for a pick me up these days."

Pyrrha smiled, "take care of things here, we'll regroup at our mistresses domain, then it's off to find where Spring dwells, hopefully Tyrian has some leads by now."

Cinder put her hands on her hips, "Trust that he has. Despite his fanaticism, he gets results."

Pyrrha had to agree with that. "Enjoy your victory lap, but be quick about the CCTS's destruction, Cinder. Jaune's friends are no doubt on their way." Pyrrha had no doubt Cinder could take them, but their presence would cause unnecessary delays. A part of her was hesitant to see them unnecessarily harmed as well. Months spent in close quarters could do that that, after all.

Cinder nodded as Pyrrha motioned her hands before her body activating the dust woven into her armor and re-configuring it to resemble civilian clothes. With all the madness around, no one would notice one more in the panicked crowds as Pyrrha made her way to the extraction point.

Fire enveloped Cinders hands as she prepared herself for the destructive task ahead "Till next time, Pyrrha."

Pyrrha paused midway across the room. "Till next time Cinder. I'm looking forward to a proper spar once we are, shall we say, in the same weight class?"

"Looking forward to it, though you may have to diet a bit if you hope to get on my level." Said Cinder, a sway of her hips adding to the point.

Pyrrha rolled her eyes as she headed for the exit, her part in the nights events finished. Destiny awaited her somewhere in Anima, and Pyrrha hated to keep it waiting.

Author's notes

The above was inspired by Writing Prompt Wednesday #97 on r/RWBY. The world needs more evil Pyrrha.