The Deadly Nightshade of Stephanite

An Eventful Reunion

Carmona's Manor

Breakfast was awkwardly silent since Dewolfe and Blake arrived at the dinner table and after a brief exchange of words with Carmona things have died down significantly. Eating breakfast with Blake at his side, Dewolfe could feel the uneasy vibe emitting from the blonde bombshell sitting opposite of Blake but paid no attention to it and just focused on his plate.

Yang on the other hand was ready to explode and lash out on Dewolfe if he had said anything or even open his mouth to speak. She wanted to kill him so badly all she could think of is driving her fists into his caved in skull once she had smashed his head but no matter how hard she fought the urges she couldn't bring herself to do it because Blake was there, as if she had been easing her rage. Every now and then she would glance at Dewolfe with his anger induced red eyes and continue with her breakfast before glancing at Blake as well.

While everybody else was enjoying Ruby felt that thing's around the table was a little too quiet. When she rose her hand to ask a question Weiss immediately lowered it and when she tried to open her mouth to speak Weiss would give her nudge to her side. The situation was concerning to say the least and Ruby only wanted to make the situation less serious.

Wolfen was the slowest to eat because he'd have to make some tough choices before continuing his contract to rescue Blake. Although he never completely agreed with Dewolfe's decisions and actions back then, he'd always have a motive behind it regardless of it being good or bad. However, he felt torn because he'd have to choose between his brother and the girls which at some point he'd have to make.

After breakfast with little words to say, the tension didn't die down until everyone went their separate ways. Dewolfe left for the balcony to recharge, Carmona and his butler had something up in the Grand Hall, and Blake went to the kitchen. Ruby, Weiss, Yang, and Wolfen all shared the same questioning look as they look to each other. They have to admit the situation is a little weird for Team RW_Y to see Blake dismiss the fact that she's been kidnapped but regardless they still have to deal with the situation. Without saying anything Team RW_Y would deal with Blake and Wolfen his brother and after understanding each other's expressions they nodded and left to handle the situation with both individuals.

Balcony

After a brief search Wolfen open the door to the balcony and seen his brother sitting on the bench overlooking the front fields. He sat there with his eyes closed and Wolfen knew what he was doing, "It's been a while, brother." Dewolfe greeted not moving from his state of tranquility.

Understandably Wolfen wasn't surprised that Dewolfe knew who it was him. Wolfen folded his arms in response, "It has. You look...different. Like you carry weight on your shoulders." He told him with half serious and half sorrowful tone. It's been a while since they last spoken with each other and frankly it was no bed of roses.

Dewolfe chuckled at his response with opening his eyes, "Four years does that to a man." He stated finally opening his eyes to look at his brother whom he hasn't seen in four years.

Wolfen sounded an acknowledging humph before answering, "I suppose." He said dropping his arms and began walking over.

"So, what do plan to do with me now that you've caught up?" Dewolfe asked returning his look to the front fields. Far beyond the meadows just passed the Manor property you can clearly see the Vacuan deserts that divide green and beige.

"That's a good question. What do you think will happen?" Wolfen responded back stopping before the bench. He personally thought of doing something but didn't know how to go about proceeding with it so his only option was to do nothing.

Dewolfe chuckled for a moment before speaking, "I don't know, but something's telling me you're going to do nothing." He said looking back to his brother with a confident grin. Knowing his brother's initial thoughts he assumed the opposite of what Wolfen was thinking and despite being apart from each other for so long they already knew what the other was thinking.

Wolfen smiled back knowing his was right and shook his head in defeat, "You got that right. Tell me something, Brother; What're you doing?" He asked placing his hands on his hips as if he was questioning a suspicious person. He was referring to Blake when he asked.

Dewolfe responded back with a sigh and an aimless look to the deserts, "I ask myself the same damn question every morning for the last four years."

Wolfen shook his head again, "I was talking about Blake." He admitted making sure he'd get the the implication.

"One thing always leads to another, that's just how things worked out." Dewolfe said without pause like he was expecting the question but dodged it in the beginning, "It's bad enough we slept to together." He admitted with a defeated sigh.

Wolfen dropped his mouth the moment he heard that. Of course his implication was off but it still sounded like something else,"You realize you're sleeping with a minor right?" Wolfen stated with a slight frown. He was thinking that a 25 year old was sleeping with a 17 year old which was frowned upon everywhere especially inside the Kingdoms.

"Think what you will but it's not what it seems." Dewolfe replied in his defense , "Just because we're sleeping in the same doesn't exactly mean we're...getting it on." He explained gesturing his hands to get his point across. Dewolfe was an asshole and he knew it but we wasn't a complete asshole and his brother knew that.

"I suppose not. In any event, I'm going to go see if your friend, Carmona needs help with something." Wolfen reluctantly agreed with his brother then proceeded to leave.

After seeing his brother a out to leave Dewolfe stood up and proceed to the door as well, "I'll be in the study if you need me." He told him as they both entered the manor through the balcony door.

Kitchen

Blake was doing the dishes when the rest of her team walked in the room, she paid no attention to them and continued to do the dishes. Ruby, Weiss, and Yang stood in the room waiting for a response but after a moment or two Ruby stepped forward, "Blake, can we talk?" She asked cautiously and with a concerned expression. Ruby internally crossed her fingers hoping Blake would know what she was implying.

"About what?" Blake blandly replied not taking her eyes off the dishes. She didn't want to admit it but she already knew where this was going and wanted to leave it alone but knowing her teammates they weren't going to be dissuaded so easily.

"About you." Yang spoke and also stepped forward. Her approach was slightly more direct than Ruby and also hinting at something regarding the situation.

At this point Blake stopped with the dishes and gritted her teeth with her mouth closed, "What about me?" She asked hiding her frustration although it did show some within her tone.

"You were kidnapped, don't you remember?" Weiss stated stepping forward. Not wanting to talk in circles, Weiss decided to confront Blake directly about the current situation. The room fell silent after she spoke and even Blake stopped with the scrubbing of he dishes.

Blake sighed after a few moments and spoke, "I know where this is going and I'm not going to you dissuade me." She told the trio of friends, "I may have been kidnapped but that was while ago and I've moved on."

"Blake, Why?" Ruby asked with more concern than before. An argument was that last thing she wanted.

"What're you talking about?" Blake asked turning around with a frustrated expression. Gripping her fists she wasn't going to back down.

"You know exactly what we're talking about." Yang said sternly stepping another step forward.

"You wouldn't understand if I told you." Blake stated walking to the counter where the hand clothe was to dry her hands.

"Then make us understand!" Weiss shouted following in behind her.

After quickly drying her hands Blake turned to face Weiss, "Why would I need to explain myself!?" She shouted back now face to face with Weiss.

"Blake, we're your teammates." Ruby said stepping to get in between Blake and Weiss before they could start a fight, "We're always here for you." She kindly told Blake with a soft smile.

She was right, Blake's teammates were always there for her but this time they were only getting in the way. She let out another sigh and slowly walked back distancing herself from Weiss, "I'm sorry, but my decision is to stay." She told them in a calm voice and let that process through the silence.

Nothing was said after Blake's response, Ruby and Yang looked to each other like they knew what to do but neither responded. Weiss shot a glare to Blake and pointed her finger like she was accusing her of something, "You have Stockholm Syndrome." She said breaking the silence.

Once more Blake was infuriated, "I DO NOT!" She cried with an outburst and stomped her feet.

"Then why would you feel affection towards him?" Weiss questioned folding her arms.

Blake froze and couldn't think of a response and stammered, "Well...I...uh...we...we've slept together." She finally said lowering her head in embarrassment. The first thing that came to mind was their time in bed which wasn't all that great because all they did was share one.

"YOU SLEPT WITH HIM!?" The trio of girls outcried in unison. They immediately thought of something else upon hearing those words.

Realizing what she said and couldn't take it back she looked up only to see horrified expression on her team's faces, "It's not what you think." She said in her defense but it was of no use as the trio held their expressions.

"URGH!" Yang sounded before storming off into the dining hall and towards the entrance hall.

"Where're she's going? Yang, Yang!" Blake called out as she passed but Yang paid no attention.

"She's probably going to blow off steam somewhere." Ruby commented now holding a concerned expression. Knowing her sister there were a couple of things she could do in this situation and thought of the things she wouldn't do.

Second floor, Study

Several moments later, Yang stormed back and forth across the second floor looking for the Mercenary, "DEWOLFE!" Yang shouted on the top of her lungs then she entered the study where she saw him standing next to a desk drinking from a mug. Stomping over ready to kill the man she stopped beside him as he lifted a pointed finger for her to wait.

He lowered the mug from his lips and spoke looking into the mug, "Aahhh, This is really good coffee, you should try some." He said turning to face a furious Yang with red eyes.

Locking onto another set of red eyes Yang was thought of throwing a swing but Dewolfe quickly swung the mug into the side of Yang's head smashing the mug. The impact knocked her away but Dewolfe then grabbed her shoulders and slammed her body into the desk beside the duo and after bringing her back upright Dewolfe then grabbed her head and brought it down and sent a knee to her face. When she retracted back Dewolfe booted her leg causing her to lose her balance and drop on one knee but he wasn't done yet as he send a full force side kick to her head she finally dropped to the floor unconscious.

"Women." He commented dusting himself off walking over her and proceeding to the exit. Just as he reached the door he felt a sudden grab and was immediately thrown over to his left with enough force to slam against the walled bookcase.

After regaining his composure he looked up to see Yang bleeding from her head where the cup impacted and she looked pissed as hell. Not only her eyes were red but her hair was slightly glowing and emitting a murderous vibe. Dewolfe grinned and stood up only to have Yang dart towards him and send a fist to his face but Dewolfe deflected it and pivoted around her. Yang came back around with an elbow but Dewolfe reacted by ducking down and spun around to send a kick to her head after complete 360. The impact knocked Yang on her back but Dewolfe wasn't finished and proceeded to stomp Yang's head but she quickly reacted and dodged it. Using her leg she kicked his back causing him to lose his footing allowing her enough time to get back up and start fighting again. Dewolfe hit against the book case again only to pull out a 6-inch table end using it as a knife. Yang darted towards him ready to swing and Dewolfe charged back ready to thrust.

Entrance Hall

Ruby and Weiss were persistent on having Blake back and change her mind, "So that's it then? You're gonna just give up being a huntress and leave?" Weiss questioned following in close behind Blake.

Blake stopped and sighed looking to the floor, "I'm not giving up, I'm letting go." She said turning around to face a frustrated Weiss.

"What's the difference!?" Weiss shouted putting her arms out and with a large enough gap like the two were one in the same.

Just as Blake was about to speak two bodies fell from the second floor of the entrance in between Weiss and Blake separating them a bit. Once they landed it became clear who they two individuals were. Both of them looked like they just walked out of hell; beaten, bleeding, and bruised.

"Yang!/Mercenary!" Blake and Ruby called out and attempted to throw the duo off each other but with little success.

With Dewolfe on top and Yang at the bottom the two just so happen to be evenly matched. Yang couldn't send a forceful swing because he was too close and Dewolfe couldn't jab Yang because she had her arms redirected it. For a mintue or two, the duo continued to wrestle with their respective companions trying to get them off each other until the owner of the manor appeared out of nowhere and threw them off.

The two stood up and was about to go at it again but Carmona intervene before hand stopping them midway, "I let you into MY house, MY house! You and your half-assed boyfriend destroyed MY things that I bought with MY money!" He furiously ranted keeping both individuals at a reasonable distance.

"She/he started it!" Dewolfe and Yang said in unison pointing to each other and attempted to attack each other but Carmona held them back

"Don't gave me that he-she started bullshit! Both of you are responsible and right now, you're going to make up and apologize to each other or so help me by the Sun God; Solar, I will kill both of you where you stand!" He shouted. The two individuals saw that we was serious and realized their mistake.

Seeing that this was childish, Dewolfe sighed in defeat and look to Yang, "You good? I hope I didn't rough up your face to much." He stated with a calm but apologetic look.

Yang narrowed her eyes on Dewolfe then wiped the blood running from her mouth, "I'm good. You're resilient I'll give you that." She said reaching for a hand shake.

The small crowd watched cautiously as Dewolfe returned the hand shake and with one firm shake the two went their separate ways. Returning to the study, Dewolfe headed back up the stairs with a minor limp and following in behind Blake, Yang proceeded to the Library.

Library

Closing the door behind Yang watch as Blake as she headed towards the lounging area, "Blake, can we talk?" Yang asked with a soft tone as she quietly closed the door.

Upon hearing Yang, Blake stopped and let out a sigh, "We already talked about this. My decision remains." She said turning her head to look at her partner.

"What do you see in him?" Yang questioned taking a step forward, "What makes him so important you feel obligated to help him?"

Having enough questions Blake turned to Yang with a frown, "You want to know what I see in him!?" She shouted, "I see myself! I see someone who's doesn't who where they're going, I see someone who lost someone importantly in their life, more importantly I see someone who understands." She explained with her reasoning of seeing Dewolfe.

"Blake, I-" ; "No, you don't understand. If you're anything like him it's your attitude." Yang was about to respond but was cut short when Blake interrupted her. Comparing him to her, they were similar to each other personality wise and Blake saw that.

"What about us? That meant nothing to you?" Yang shot back with another question but this time her tone was more sincere, "All the fun times we had, All those nights we spent together. That meant nothing?"

Blake looked away so she couldn't see that pained expression on Yang's face, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean for any of this to happen, or for you to get hurt." She said placing her hand to her mouth to hide her expression.

"But you let it happen anyways...and either way one of us got hurt." Yang said turning to the door and opened it, "I just hope one day you'll see the light and realize that what you've had is gone." She told Blake as she left the room.

Not looking Blake heard the door slam as she left and Blake couldn't help but feel the guilt of her actions. She began tearing up knowing that what she insisted on doing betrayed her teammates. No matter how hard she fought those tears they slowly began building up and eventually ran down her face.

Study

Resting his hands on the desk, Dewolfe stood hunched over like he was down on his luck, "You alright?" A familiar voice asked from behind.

Turning to the door where the voice came from, he found his brother standing in the door frame, "No, I am not." He responded looking back down to the desk's surface.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Wolfen asked walking into the wrecked study. Things were tossed off the bookcases, end tables were smashed, and even the chandelier managed to hit the floor. The whole room look like a renovation construction site.

Dewolfe let out a depressing sigh before turning around, "I didn't ask for any of this. I wanted nothing to do with this." He explained looking to his brother with defeat, "This was supposed to be a walk in the park, but instead it wound up being something else."

Stopping in front a few feet Wolfen caught on to what he was implying despite the subtlety, "You're talking about her aren't you." He asked with emphasis in her. He knew who Dewolfe was talking about, after all she was suppose to change his change his life.

"I gave her my heart and wanted to start a normal life but the White Fang had other plans." Dewolfe stated leaning back and slumping in the desk's side.

"I had nothing to do with that." Wolfen stated crouching down and looked to Dewolfe with concern.

Dewolfe darted his eyes to his brother and smiled, "I know, that was the first thing that came to mind and I knew that if I think of something you'll be thinking the opposite." He said which was true. Dewolfe's thinking was the exact opposite of Wolfen's no matter the moral.

Wolfen tilted his head with curiosity regarding the situation, "What does this have to do with Blake?" He questioned.

"She reminds me of her so much; determined, strong-willed, wanting to do better, and someone who understands." Dewolfe answered with no room for pause, it was like he spent time pondering on it, "The question now is; why?"

Wolfen frowned in response, "I'm sorry?" He asked with curiosity like he didn't understand the concept.

Once more Dewolfe let out a depressing sigh, "I kidnapped her from her friends and life, threatened her, place her life in danger several times, and yet she shows me kindness, mercy, patience." He explained softly before standing back up, "A lot of people would've let me to die but not her."

Wolfen walked over and lightly tapped his chest, "When the White Fang killed her it broke your heart and within four years many said that your heart's cold but I just she saw through that didn't she? She saw that your heart wasn't cold, but broken."

"Yeah." Dewolfe acknowledged before nodded, "Enough brotherly talk, I believe there's something in the Grand Hall Carmona set up to help ease tensions." He said to his brother before heading to the exit.

Grand Hall

Entering the entrance hall with Wolfen as his side and Blake waiting patiently at the door, Dewolfe proceeded to the front of what appeared to be a makeshift stage with speakers, a terminal, and a microphone stand. Seated in the front row were Ruby, Weiss, and a cleaned up but still battered Yang. As Carmona and his Butler finished setting the stage he held the microphone and gestured for someone to take it and that's when Blake stood up and headed over. As she took the mic from Carmona and stood under the spot light she tapped the terminal's screen and as the music started playing she swayed side to side accord to the tempo.

Nobody knows who I really am

I never felt this empty before

And if I ever need someone to come along

Who's gonna comfort me and keep me strong

We are all rowing the boat of fate

The waves keep on comin' and we can't escape

But if we ever get lost on our way

The waves would guide you through another day

Tookude iki wo shiteru toumei ni nattamitai

Kurayami ni omoe takedo mekaku shisarete tadake

Inori wo sasagete atarashii hi wo matsu

Azayaka ni hikaru umi sono hate made

Nobody knows who I really am

Maybe they just don't give a damn

But if I ever need someone to come along

I know you would follow me, and keep me strong

Hito no kokoro wa utsuri yuku nukedashita kunaru

Tsuki wa mata atarashii shuuki de fune wo terashidasu

And every time I see your face,

The oceans heave up to my heart

You make me wanna strain at the oars,

And soon I can see the shore

Oh, I can see the shore

When will I... see the shore?

I want you to know who I really am

I never thought I'd feel this way towards you

And if you ever need someone to come along

I will follow you, and keep you strong

Tabi wa mada tsudzuiteku odayakana hi mo

Tsuki wa mata atarashii shuuki de fune wo terashidasu

Inori wo sasagete atarashii hi wo matsu

Azayaka ni hikaru umi sono hate made

And every time I see your face,

The oceans heave up to my heart

You make me wanna strain at the oars,

And soon I can see the shore

Unmei no fune wo kogi

Nami wa tsugi kara tsugi e to

Watashitachi wo osou kedo

Sore mo suteki na tabi ne

Dore mo suteki na tabi ne

On the final note, Blake finished her song standing still under the spot light. She placed the micro back on to the stand and walked off stand not saying a word letting the song speak for itself. She may have been the quiet one but she did have a voice and it was as soft as a nurturing mother cradling her child.

Shortly afterwards Weiss stood from the front of the stage and as she walked passed Blake she felt a bit of uneasiness and stopped for a brief pause before continuing. Once she reached the stage and the spot light, she tapped the terminal and let the music play. She was reminded of her father and how expectant he was before she opened her mouth to sing.

How can you see into my eyes like open doors?

Leading you down into my core where I've become so numb

Without a soul my spirit's sleeping somewhere cold

Until you find it there and lead it back home

(Wake me up)

Wake me up inside

(I can't wake up)

Wake me up inside

(Save me)

Call my name and save me from the dark

(Wake me up)

Bid my blood to run

(I can't wake up)

Before I come undone

(Save me)

Save me from the nothing I've become

Now that I know what I'm without

You can't just leave me

Breathe into me and make me real

Bring me to life

(Wake me up)

Wake me up inside

(I can't wake up)

Wake me up inside

(Save me)

Call my name and save me from the dark

(Wake me up)

Bid my blood to run

(I can't wake up)

Before I come undone

(Save me)

Save me from the nothing I've become

Bring me to life

(I've been living a lie, there's nothing inside)

Bring me to life

Frozen inside without your touch

Without your love, darling

Only you are the life among the dead

All this time I can't believe I couldn't see

Kept in the dark but you were there in front of me

I've been sleeping a thousand years it seems

Got to open my eyes to everything

Without a thought, without a voice, without a soul

Don't let me die here

There must be something more

Bring me to life

(Wake me up)

Wake me up inside

(I can't wake up)

Wake me up inside

(Save me)

Call my name and save me from the dark

(Wake me up)

Bid my blood to run

(I can't wake up)

Before I come undone

(Save me)

Save me from the nothing I've become

Bring me to life

(I've been living a lie, there's nothing inside)

Bring me to life

Weiss finished the song and with a cheerful shout from Ruby and claps from her teammates she stepped off stage with a warm smile. What she didn't notice was Dewolfe passing her by and focused on her teammates. She became surprise when she took her seat and looked to the stage only to find Dewolfe standing under the spot light tapping the terminal. By now the cheers became quiet and whispers were heard from everybody except for Blake because she knew he liked Karaoke.

Once the song started Dewolfe nodded his head according to the piano like a metronome. He then tapped his leg in rhythm to the drums that started playing. Before lone he brought the micro phone to his mouth and started singing.

In this farewell

There's no blood, there's no alibi

'Cause I've drawn regret

From the truth of a thousand lies

So let mercy come and wash away

What I've done

I'll face myself to cross out what I've become

Erase myself

And let go of what I've done

Put to rest what you thought of me

While I clean this slate

With the hands of uncertainty

So let mercy come and wash away

What I've done

I'll face myself to cross out what I've become

Erase myself

And let go of what I've done

For what I've done

I start again

And whatever pain may come

Today this ends

I'm forgiving what I've done

I'll face myself to cross out what I've become

Erase myself

And let go of what I've done

What I've done

Forgiving what I've done

Shortly after Dewolfe stopped, he placed it back he microphone and stepped off stage and with RWBY in surprise along with Carmona, his Butler, and Wolfen. Nobody took the stage after that performance and instead left the Grand Hall wondering with curiosity. The Butler instructed team RW_Y and Wolfen to the guest wing as Blake and Dewolfe went back to their room. Nothing else was said as the day ended, it was an eventful day and nothing more.

Sorry for the late post. (^~^;) my bad. After Volume 3, My feels got shattered but after playing some GE I bounced right back up! I haven't forgotten about this yet, and intend to shorten the story to finish in the next few chapters. I'Ve been working on other things lately so it'll be a while yet. Chao!