Chapter 50: Parasite

Dreadful. Absolutely dreadful, Seraphina thought to herself, grumbling as she waited outside her room. It was early evening, classes dismissed for the day some time ago. She knew her teammates were idling on the other side of the door separating them. She could sense their thoughts, their presences. On any normal day, the psychic would proudly intrude, discuss next targets, perhaps even study with her team. But how long has it been since I haven't been met with spite?

The synergy of team Canvas had always been... ill-defined. But the discord was harmonious somehow, however paradoxical it may sound. Seraphina would poke fun at Viridian, who would lash back with a touch of salt. Coal would chime in after that, which would be followed by Viridian attempting to ignore them both. Azure would mumble something to defend the gladiator, and then Seraphina would pat the assassin on her head and pinch her cheek.

But now the air was heavy, rife with hostility, and has been for weeks. Positively dreadful. Something unfamiliar sat in the psychic's stomach, as though she swallowed the pit of a fruit. Her pacing only wore down her heels and the steel floor tiles faster. She felt certain the others could hear her boots clacking by now, but she cared not. With a quick sigh, she put on her best smile and thrust open the door.

"Good evening, everyone!" She announced with a trill in her voice. One thing she knew well was acting; pretending to be a normal human being. Viridian ignored her bravado, which stung a little more than usual. The psychic expected him to demand she shut up, or at the very least glare. She held her false smile nonetheless, determined. The flipping of a page filled the gap in the silence.

Coal didn't even bat an eye, finding more interest in a novel than her. And at that, Seraphina frowned. Of course, why would today be any different? She unwrapped her weapons from around her waist and tossed them onto her bed. She then seated herself next to her weapons, one leg draped over the other. Even with her arms crossed, she clung to a piece of her hair, rubbing it between her fingers.

No change in anything since that day. Since she ruined everything for Coal and Plum. Purely mischance, of course, but that wasn't her fault. She wished Coal would get that already. Unless he has and he's withholding on her for some reason. There was one way to wring out the truth of the matter. The psychic used her powers to scratch at the surface of her ally's thoughts. If she could only glimpse at what was festering in his mind-

Coal slammed his book shut, finally meeting her gaze. But his eyes held malice like she never saw in him before. Has he become accustomed to my Semblance already? Can he sense my very touch? And then a thought came to mind, loud and clear.

Stay out of my head. The sinking feeling in her stomach returned, and she found herself unable to speak. Still, the feeling felt alien to her, as well as unpleasant. Coal got up, striding towards the door with haste.

"Coal, wait!" She blurted. He stopped, the door halfway open. An opportunity. I mustn't waste this, she thought with a hopeful smile. "Have you forgotten your duties? Lord Sorrell calls on you to assist me with-"

He cast an evil eye towards her. "Take Grouch." And then the door slammed shut behind him. The wall shook, resonating with his outrage. She sighed.

"Do it yourself." Viridian muttered from the other side of the room.

"You're not the one that's needed, though I appreciate your input, brute." She spat back. Still dreadful. Everything is dreadful. Sera had been stalling her tasks for a long while now, even with Sorrell breathing down her neck. The psychic scoffed, one last glance at the door. Coal's presence vanished after moving beyond her range.

What now? Wait another day? Wait until Coal is no longer furious with me? Will that day ever come? Out of options, and with anxiety wearing on her mind, Seraphina stood up and confronted the assassin. "Azure, please. You're closer to Coal than anyone. Is there anything you can do to help me out here?"

The assassin looked down at the floor. "I... I don't think I should overstep my boundaries."

"Azure, I'm begging you. There must be something you can say to change his mind."

"Changing people's mind is your job, witch." The gladiator reminded. Sera clenched her fist, scowling with rage more befitting Viridian than her. The temptation to rend his mind asunder danced in her imagination. She resisted the urge. However sweet it would feel, Sera would never indulge for the sake of anger. Instead, she marched out the door.

"I'm going out. Thanks for nothing." The door slammed behind her, almost as hard as when Coal departed. And now his hateful gaze was stuck in her mind again. She needed relief from this if she were to try again tomorrow. She needed a break. A break from her comrades, her classmates, her entire school. A break from her work. With quick strides, Seraphina left the school grounds.

She wandered the busy streets for who knows how long. No matter how much she tried to avoid the concerns weighing on her mind, they plagued her at every turn possible. How is it that everything around her brings a reminder of some variation? Continuing to frown, the psychic paced the streets of Atlas, further distancing herself from the Academy.

It is all my fault. Deep down, I know I can't deny it. But I'm not denying it. Am I? The psychic slowed her pace. What a cruel irony. With but the simplest use of her Semblance, she could know all there is to know about any individual. Their secrets, thoughts, burdens and fears. Yet Seraphina knew so little about herself. About the darkness lurking within that she struggled to run from. That she needed to escape with whatever feelings she could scavenge to drown it out.

I have walked this Remnant for little more than six years. So much have I discovered about the denizens. So little in the grand scheme of things. Still an impossible amount to learn, an impossible distance to cover. It granted her hope while driving more fear into her. A strange headache settled in. I need to stop, she thought with wobbly steps. She leaned against the closest building, looking for anywhere to rest.

A tea shop stuck out from all the signs hanging within her vision. The Jasmine Dragon. The name itself sounded ever so familiar, yet the psychic, renowned for her incredible memory, could not put her finger on its origin. Nonetheless, she stepped inside. The instant wave of aroma that hit her eased her senses. There was a calming silence inside, and not just from the lack of activity. The customers themselves, their brains did not quiver with excitement, worry, or anything. Simply... Content.

The soothing atmosphere pulled her in, almost swallowing her whole. The psychic let herself fall into its lull, feet feeling weightless as she stepped towards the counter. The worker here, a woman as young as herself, with hair hidden behind a bandanna, welcomed her. The other details seemed to fade away, even as she spoke.

"Welcome to the Jasmine Dragon. What can I get you?"

Seraphina caught herself at last. "Yes, hello... Could I get..." She stared up at the menu. Only then did she realize she had never had a cup of tea in her life. All the terms were alien to her. Chamomile is a kind of flower, isn't it? And what in Remnant is ginseng? Noticing her indecision, the clerk cleared her throat.

"Might I offer a recommendation?" She asked. The psychic paused, then nodded, grateful. "We have a spectacular blend with fennel, ginger, and mint that soothes the stomach and eases one's mind. It comes with a sandwich, to boot." The clerk said with a chipper nodding of the head.

A part of Sera wanted to reach inside the worker's head, analyze what it was that let her be so calm and happy. Dissect it. See if she could replicate it. She didn't realize how strong the desire was. Had it always been this intoxicating? She pushed the desires back. "That sounds lovely."

"It should be ready in a minute or two. Help yourself to one of the many seats, and enjoy yourself." She found her feet moving before she realized it. The toxic thoughts still occupied much of her mind. Why was stealing that feeling my initial thought? To take it, steal it for myself. A laugh escaped her, brief and sad.

"Such is the way of a parasite." Sera murmured. A moment to herself might be just the therapy she needed. One leg curled behind the other, she sat down, propping an elbow to support her chin. The psychic didn't take notice of her own change in expression, a first in a long time.

As an agent dedicating much of her facade to seduction, she was always aware at any given time of her appearance and mannerisms. The slightest gesture could have an incredible effect. A trick she learned from Sorrell. A lock of her hair dangled before her eyes. She reached at it, running her fingers down the length of it. It brought her incomparable comfort and familiarity, more so than anything else in her life.

The clerk arrived, pulling the psychic away from her thoughts. The tea presented to her had the most splendid of aromas. Seraphina wondered how potent even a single sip could be. Although it scalded her tongue ever so slightly, the taste of it brought forth a surge of warmth delight. She smiled, pulling the cup away. Perhaps another visit is in order. I may very well have to try out every single brew here.

"It must be divine, for you to be smiling so beautifully." A man declared. Whisked away from her peaceful state of mind, Seraphina opened her eyes to see a young man of her age, smiling at her. Expensive clothing, flashy rings and a chain at his waist, with cobalt blue hair draping over the left side of his face. The smile he wore seemed pleasant and innocent enough. "I'd like to know what else can make you smile like that."

Her eyes almost glazed over. Could you be any more obvious? Sera leaned back, crossing her legs and wrapping one arm around her waist. "I'm a woman of simple pleasures. Some peace and quiet without interruption can really make my day."

The stranger's smile cracked for a second, and he shifted his eyes away in nervousness. "Ouch." He replied with a chuckle. "All right, all right, I can take a hint. Do you mind if I start over?" He extended his hand forward, saying "I'm Henry. Henry Marigold. It's nice to meet you."

But the psychic met his gaze with tedium. He was little more than an eyesore, a bother to be chased off. So vulnerable, too. She could reach inside his mind with such ease, Sera began to wonder if he was some kind of trap of sorts. A pathetic trap, at that. "Sera." She replied. And just after she started to achieve tranquility. She began to wonder what it would take to drive him off. Yet she knew from his statements and his thoughts that that would be a bothersome task.

"May I have this seat?" Henry asked, already pulling back the chair opposite hers.

"Why not?" She replied, staring him down. "I must say, you're rather bold to approach me so easily." Bold and witless. "I can't help but wonder, what do you seek?"

Henry scratched at the back of his head, looking away for the briefest of moments. "Well..." He cleared his throat. In his mind, she could sense him trying to regather his confidence. "It's not every day I get to meet a gorgeous girl."

That's the best you can come up with? You're wasting your time. More importantly, you're wasting my time. Then a thought occurred. She was her to enjoy herself. A cup of tea is nice, but the psychic recalled a hobby that was leagues more enticing. With a smirk, she brushed a hand past her ear, pushing back the parts of her hair that had gotten in front of her eye. Looking down, she feigned embarrassment.

Henry's eyes lit up, and he smirked as well. Good, fall further under my guise. He continued "When I first saw you, sitting here, all alone, I had a feeling you could use some company."

"You guessed correct." She answered. "Truth be told, Henry, I've been yearning for a little excitement of late." Sera drew closer, both arms folded across the tabletop. "Would you happen to know somewhere a girl can have some fun?"

His grin told her all she needed to know. He leaned back, and answered. "I might know a place or two. Any preferences?"

The psychic sipped more of her tea, which had cooled to the perfect temperature. "None whatsoever, so long as the company is exquisite." Time to take the reins. "It is divine, by the way. The tea. Would you care for a taste?"

Henry tugged at his tie nervously, yet did not pull away. His lust will be his downfall. "You know, I just might." That was all the consent she needed. After another sip, she yanked on his tie, pulling him towards her, and planted her lips over his. Though the two had garnered some attention from the other customers, they prolonged their kiss another second. She noticed him motion to place his hand on her cheek.

Before he could touch her with his palm, she ended it, allowing him to recover. Her actions were not out of disgust, far from it. She simply couldn't let him have it all at once. He must earn the rest. She licked her lips, drinking up the tea that didn't go into his mouth. He touched his own, pressing his fingers against his mouth, as if savoring the taste.

"Straightforward." Henry said at last. "I like that in a woman."

"Honesty." She replied sweetly. "I like that in a man." You will be mine, heart and soul.

(-)

"Can we get more disinfectant over here?!" A Faunus shouted over the noise of other cries and noise of the masses in the Bullhead.

Roman moved through the crowd with a bottle and a towel. "Cool your jets, kid, I got some right here."

"Thanks! Just in time!" The Faunus accepted the items before turning back to assist in whatever it was they were doing. Roman couldn't care less. He hated acting as some kind of lackey, but the crime lord's other duties had to wait.

"Yeah, don't mention it. You seen Clay anywhere?" Someone tapped his shoulder. He let out a sigh of relief, glad to see Neo. She pointed to the back of the cargo bay. He couldn't identify which one of the white garbed Faunus was the Lieutenant, but he must be in that direction. Roman made his way towards the back, past the overflowing numbers of Faunus.

After discarding the former contents and keeping the valuables and rations and medicine onboard, the White Fang wasted no time in preparing for their journey to Vale. The main deck was cleared for the wounded, sick, and elderly. Roman and Neo were forced to assist whenever they could, much to his dismay. The crime lord had hoped this trip would be a simple one. But after weeks of travelling overseas and fighting off the few Grimm that locked the ships in their sights, they would be landing. The Atlas branch of the White Fang would merge with the Vale branch.

Which was one of the topics Roman wished to discuss with the Lieutenant. Adam Taurus led the White Fang in Vale and the surrounding areas. A notorious and renowned human hater. And their ship had two humans aboard. Things may get bloody, and I'd hate to stain this jacket. A dark and shaved head caught his eye.

"Yo! Lieutenant!"

The Lieutenant turned to meet his gaze, and for the first time, he didn't react with disgust or annoyance. Roman hid his relief when he noticed this. "Mr. Torchwick, perfect timing. We'll be landing soon." The crime lord wondered if he would add 'All thanks to you', but he knew he shouldn't test his luck.

"Excellent. Speaking of, if I could have a word with you..."

"Fine, but make it quick." Clay pushed his way through, entering a door at the far side, Roman following close behind. Roman noted that the Lieutenant wasn't the only one to tolerate his presence. Most of the White Fang members, and even several of the non affiliated Faunus they had brought from Atlas, they treated him as another Faunus. All according to plan.

They passed through another set of doors, entering the cockpit. Through the wide window, they could see the crimson leaves of the expansive forest below. Roman wasted no time in getting to the point. "Have you alerted your good friend Adam of Neo of myself? I have a feeling he's not big on surprises."

"You can leave that to me." He answered, crossing his arms. "I've known Adam for a long time. He'll listen to what I have to say. You just have to wait for your cue."

"You're not helping much to put me at ease." Roman replied. "But I trust you wouldn't let him butcher me up without at least a couple final words."

"All will go according to plan. Trust me on this." The Lieutenant glanced out the window, noticing the white tents that caught Roman's eye as well. "We've arrived. Spread the word." The crime lord took his leave, and only after the door was closed, he shivered. He was deep in hostile territory, and anything could happen. Anything could go wrong. He didn't like this, not one bit.

It didn't take long for the Faunus to begin unloading the supplies and the less capable off of the ship. Roman stepped off, stretching his arms, glad to breathe fresh air once again. But whether he could continue breathing after today rested on Clay. A gamble he did not like. The Lieutenant motioned for Roman to follow as he made way for the main tent. Swinging his cane once, the crime lord tailed his only hope.

As he walked, he could feel the eyes of the other Faunus upon him. He knew they would be itching to cover and kill him, but for some reason, the bloodlust was missing from the air. Was being near Clay making that much of a difference? Either way, Roman kept a note on possible escape routes if this went South. Clay raised a hand to stop him, before entering the tent himself.

"Hmph." Roman muttered in distaste. To ward away the swiftly building stress, he lit a cigar and waited. Had to keep an eye on the numbers watching him like a hawk. A part of him wondered how Neo kept her cool 24/7.

"Adam." He heard the Lieutenant announce from inside. "We've arrived."

"Lieutenant. You've no idea how glad I am to see you." That can only be Adam Taurus himself. During Roman's crime spree, he had made note to steer clear of the human hating brute. Even when speaking with a close friend, the anger in his voice never once wavered. "What of Atlas?"

"We've abandoned Solitas for now. The military presence and word of your exploits drew us here. We've brought twenty thousand strong."

"Good, good. If what we're planning here is to go without a hitch, we'll need all the help we can get. Vale will fall."

"About that..." Clay murmured. Oh, c'mon, don't get cold feet already. "In Atlas, we found assistance through an unlikely ally. He's made himself a great asset. He can help us with the destruction of Vale, I'm sure of it."

Now's as good a time as ever. Roman pushed aside the flaps of the tent, making for a grand entrance. The two Faunus turned around at the same time. Adam looked much younger than the crime lord had figured him out to be. But young also means fiery. "Is this a bad time?" He asked in a satirical manner.

"A human?! You brought a human to our encampment?!"

"Adam, stay your weapon! Let me explain! Roman-"

"There's no need to explain." Adam growled. Roman took a step back, ready to defend himself at any given moment. Did Clay even have a plan? But the crime lord studied the Faunus leader, looking for any sign of movement. Any sign of aggression. Yet, there was none to be found. He eventually grumbled "I can't believe I'm not the only one who had to recruit humans..."

There's other humans here? Under Adam's watch? A light went off in Roman's head, and with it, clarity. The hidden third party. The whole reason the crime lord was sent on this joke of a mission. "Other humans, you say? Well, I'd love to meet them as soon as possible."

"Soon, it is." A woman said, voice silky and seductive. New company had arrived, from right behind Roman. He turned to see a beautiful woman, probably late teens, with jet black hair draping past her shoulders. Wearing a thin, red dress, the mystery model studied Roman with amber eyes. He could sense a ravenous greed in her eyes.

"Well," Roman said, wasting no time. "Hello, gorgeous." He snickered while continuing to stare her up and down. A little young, but a damn fine woman, indeed.

"What is this?" Adam interrupted. "I explicitly told you three not to come here today!"

"We came," Another said. A young woman with pale green hair and dark skin. "Because of your new arrivals."

"The arrivals have nothing to do to you!"

"His presence says otherwise." A male with grey hair asked, pointing to the crime lord. "Last I checked, we were the only humans you guys employed."

"Oh, I'm a rather recent addition." Roman explained. "Ro-"

"Roman Torchwick." The male interrupted. "I'm familiar."

"Oh ho? Always glad to see my reputation precedes me."

"Enough." The first woman declared. "Adam, it would seem we have ample reason to investigate your newest additions. And if they're already accustomed to a human ally... All the better." Her tone and way of speaking was smooth as silk, as if every sentence was predetermined for the most illustrious result. It reminded him of a certain someone back in Atlas.

"It doesn't matter." Adam spat. " This Roman is not to join us."

The crime lord turned to the Faunus leader with confusion and irritation written all over his face. "Beg your pardon?"

"As you can see, we already have more humans than we need."

"Aw, don't be like that, Adam." The woman in red cooed. "We haven't even seen what he can offer us. And if your Lieutenant can vouch for him, then surely that's enough. Tell us, Roman Torchwick. What do you have to offer?"

"This matter is not up for debate!" Adam shouted.

"Cinder has spoken." The other woman said in a cross tone. Cinder... Cinder... The name did not ring any bells whatsoever. But from how she is treated, it's not hard to assume she's in charge and not Adam. But in charge of what?

"Thanks, kid. Now, where do I begin... Roman Torchwick, at your service. If you're looking for Dust, weaponry, or anything else to make life Hell for humans, I'm your guy. My specialties are merchandise acquisition, though I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty. And if that's not your thing, then I've got plenty of intel on whoever you might need dirt on."

Cinder considered his words for several moments. "Your... services are already at our discretion thanks to Adam's forces. But this promise of information intrigues me. How well do you know Vale?"

"I admit, it's been a while since I've been in ol' Ozpin's playground, but I know it like the back of my hand. Visited the prison system once or twice, too." During his rant, Roman had taken to swinging his cane around as he paced back and forth. When he finished, it was resting across his shoulders.

The male at Cinder's side appeared to come to a realization. "My dad always said, if you need to know a city... Ask the rats." His comment annoyed Roman at first, but it was true. Cinder thought on his words as well.

"Is that so..." The woman in red chimed. "In that case, you could be a wonderful addition for our ambitions. Welcome, Roman. I foresee a most profitable relationship for us." She extended a hand forward, which he grabbed without hesitation. Within the next moment, his palm felt like it was on fire. The heat surged through his hand, threatening to burn away his skin.

He held his gaze and smiled nonetheless. It was a petty attempt at intimidation from Cinder. No doubt, she wanted to make clear what he was dealing with and who to fear. Even her flirtatious words and gestures were to weaken him. It was the strangest notion, but Roman felt that, had he not been familiar with another temptress that was far more forceful, he might have been starstruck by Cinder.