Sup!

Sorry for the hiatus, Xmas got in the way. Also, my nice laptop with all of my files broke, so I write this from my inferior, 2011 iMac. Let's hope that gets fixed quickly, huh?

This means a few things. It means the other stories I'm writing will be on hiatus until I can get that thing fixed, so there'll be a lull in activity from me for possibly a few weeks. During that time, I'll try to do a few things, sort out some extraneous stuff and plan a few stories. Use the break from this to my advantage. Keep up with my Tumblr and Twitter (XaosDiscordial) for details if you're interested. I'll be excited to finally have a chance to build up followers on those platforms too.

Also, since it'll be so far from Xmas when I get my computer fixed, I'll be cancelling the Xmas Chapter for this story. I've already started the one for Doctor Ruby, so that'll come out (albeit late) but this story will have to wait a year for that. Think of it as a thought exercise, to see how much I improve in a year from now.

What a way to enter the new decade, huh? On a mildly related note, I was watching Jools Holland's Hootenanny (a new year celebration program for those who don't know) and Rick Astley came on. RICK ASTLEY. And what did he do, except sing Never Gonna Give You Up. Do you understand that? Jools Holland just achieved the greatest rickroll in history (That I know of). He rickrolled millions of people on live TV. How cool is that!

Anyway, enough blathering – without further ado, enjoy: The Epilogue of To Steal From The Cookie Jar.

To Steal from the Cookie Jar

A Rosewick Story

Chapter 19 – Epilogue

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Roman Torchwick's cane clacked on the stones of the dark castle. He whistled as he walked, humming a tune Ruby had sung to him once when a little too tipsy. It reminded him of her. He could imagine with vivid clarity the blush that would form on her face when reminded of her awful yet adorable singing. It had been so long since they had finally taken out Cinder, but she never ceased to entertain.

He stopped in front of a pair of large double doors. It was time.

With a single hand, he pushed them open. Beyond, he could see a large table that filled the room. Even further, an ostentatious throne faced the door. And there, upon that throne, sat his prize.

He smirked. Once upon a time, he would never have dared be anywhere near this woman. Now, he felt as though not even the Gods could stop him.

Salem frowned at his entry. "Who are you?"

"The name's Torchwick. Roman Torchwick." He leaned on his cane as he tipped his hat in her direction mockingly.

"I… see. I seem to remember Cinder mentioning you once – aren't you supposed to be dead?"

Roman nodded. "Well, you'll be surprised how comfortable Grimm guts are." He grimaced, recalling the memory. "Actually, scratch that: they're awful. But, then again, I did make old Cindy pay for that one, eh?"

Salem's eyes narrowed. "So it was you who killed my maiden."

"Well, yes and no." He shrugged. "It wasn't just me, but I was pretty heavily involved."

Salem gritted her teeth. Roman grinned back. She looked away, down at the ink pools. "What is your business here, criminal?"

Roman laughed. "That's what you'll call me? Criminal? I'll have you know I was exonerated, by decree of the Atlas Military."

"Well, I suppose killing a maiden would warrant some reward. Still, what are you here for? By Cinder's descriptions, you didn't strike me as somebody to act so foolishly."

"Well, the fact that I killed her should be pretty clear that she didn't really know me very well, huh?" He chuckled to himself. "Yeah, but you're right. I ain't usually one to take risks. But that ain't the point right now, so we'll get back to that later."

Salem sighed, closing her eyes. "Alright then, lets make this easier." She waved her hand and the table flew to the side of the room. The doors slammed shut behind him. When her eyes opened, they were glowing a little. "What are you here for, boy?"

Roman rolled his eyes. "I guess compared to you, any man is a 'boy'. Whatever." He looked to the side. "I'm here to watch you lose."

Right on that cue, a massive explosion rocked the castle. Salem gasped at the noise, staring out of the window at where Roman assumed the smoke was rising from. Her eyes shot back to him, glowering. "What have you done?"

"Win." He smiled as another, smaller explosion was heard. "That'll be Team JNPR taking out your defences. Blanche and Neo are busy dealing your other lackeys – with backup in the wings." He smirked. "Who do you think'll win? The psycho mute or the psycho scorpion? Place your bets, ladies and gentlemen – I'm leaning towards the girl with teleportation powers and a full team of huntsmen."

He nodded towards the skyline. "Soon, the full might of the Atlas Military, Mistral Armed Forces, everyone Vacuo had to spare and an army of huntsman from around the globe will march on down and deal with your army of Grimm. A shame that Ironwood has had people clearing out the Grimm for miles quietly to build up to this – otherwise, you might have been prepared. You're finished, Salem. Toast."

Salem growled. "Your weapons mean nothing to me. I could destroy armies with a wave of my hand, this is no different."

"Oh yeah? What if we take you out first?"

Salem smiled evilly. "Of course. Take out the evil witch, then mop up the mess with an army. Classic tactics. You think Ozma hasn't tried this before? I defeated him last time and I will defeat him this time."

"Actually this was my plan." Roman gestured with his cane. "You'd be surprised how much the criminal underworld involves this kind of tactics."

She laughed. "Don't be ridiculous. You will be upset to find that I am immortal. I suppose you cannot be faulted for not knowing this, being as you are but a pawn." She leaned closer, stepping towards him with glowing hands. "So then, 'innocent kingpin': how do you plan to defeat somebody who can't be beaten and will never die?"

Roman nodded. "Why don't we come back to that thing you mentioned earlier. Hmm?" Salem straightened, growling a little. "Yeah, this was a stupid risk. See, I already knew you wouldn't die. Hell, I planned on it! Once upon a time, I would have called myself crazy. But there are things that make people take stupid risks."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah." He heard a rustling at the door and smiled. Salem was oblivious, focused on him. "Certain forces can conspire, things far stronger than you or I, that make us do very, very stupid things."

"What, the gods?"

"No, not those old bastards." He waved a hand. "I meant it in a more emotional sense." He shook his head. "Y'know, I would of thought you'd know this. It's the same reason you're the way you are!"

"What, the grimm pools got you to do this?"

Roman sighed. "Sarcasm doesn't become you, doll. No, love! Love is the thing I'm taking about." Salem's eyes became more sympathetic for a second, before hardening again. "I met this girl who tried to convince me that I could do anything. That hope was valuable, that friends were more than just a ticking timebomb. She taught me to trust, Salem. And now, I trusted her to lead me here."

Salem looked him over. "So you are a fool in love, then?"

He smirked again. "You know it, doll."

She lifted her hands and they glowed even more intensely. "Then you will die a fool."

"Who doesn't?" He looked down at his watch. The time was right. "Looks like I stalled you long enough."

Salem blinked, stepping back. "Stalled?"

Roman stepped aside, calling towards the door. "It's go time, honey!"

Upon his call, before Salem could react, the doors flew open with a gust of rose petals. The room was bathed with silver light.

And it's finished. After many months, it's done.

Y'know, this is the first story I've ever made that has really gotten popular. Everthing else flopped. All In all, I'd call this a resounding success.

This really has been a great year for me. I really started writing in 2013, but never had the strength of will to truly stick to something. Here, I have finally managed to write a full story which people actually, truly enjoy! I'm so glad to share it with you, and look forward to sharing more of my ideas with you guys in the future. Again, check out my Twitter and Tumblr (XaosDiscordial) if you are interested.

The crazy thing is, I'm so close to being an adult now. And yet, here I am – finally achieving the dreams of a 11 year old boy. It's a little exhilarating, as well as exciting. Coming into the new decade, I can feel new and amazing things on the horizon.

Thank you all for taking time to stick with me on this maiden voyage. It hasn't all been easy – hell, most of it wasn't – but you stuck with me through week long hiatuses and involuntarily pauses, all to this point.

I'm so lucky to have you guys here. This has been an adventure worth having.

Welcome to the Rawring Twenties, baby. See you dreckly!

Signing off,

XaosDiscordial