"Begin!"
Pyrrha Nikos was already into her stance by the call. Her shield set before her, shimmering in the light, showing itself to be newly forged. In her other hand, her sword glinted as well, anticipating first contact with her opponent. She waited, eyeing the Grimm across from her. Breath held as her heart pounded in her chest. Whether it was the excitement of the fight or the simple anticipation of the first strike, she couldn't tell. But she was ready for whatever it threw at her.
The creature moved, eliciting a tense reaction from the girl, slowly crouching down with a vicious grin on its face. The beast's white locks covered its eyes, but the faint glow of red could be seen just behind a few bangs. Its teeth were bared, showing off its sharp fangs, giving her quite the feral look. Then, as if it had been waiting for the perfect moment, the eerie silence turned into a loud boom and bone met metal.
The Grimm had moved at an incredible speed. Pyrrha rose her shield to block the coming roundhouse kick. Once it met, she could feel the sheer power, forcing her knees to buckle but not waiver. She retaliated with an upward slash, lifting the shield as well to throw off its balance.
The creature noticed this and planted its other foot on the shield. It kicked off with great force, dodging the strike and knocking the redhead back a few feet. She stumbled a bit before regaining her balance but those few seconds were enough for the Grimm to slip into her guard. Pyrrha felt the wind leave her immediately as a sharp uppercut was driven into her solar plexus. She was sent flying back a few feet but regained herself as the creature followed close behind.
Another kick came up but she sidestepped it with a spin. Using the momentum, she drove an elbow into its side, sending it tumbling into the dirt. She transitioned her sword into its spear form before throwing it with intention to skewer the beast through the chest.
The Grimm righted itself and dodged the attack, grabbing the spear as it sailed past. Pyrrha smirked before a black glow enveloped her hand. The spear glowed just as her hand and it started to pull back towards her. The beast kept a tight grip but it wasn't long before it lost its footing and was pulled as well.
The Spartan gripped her shield with a tight fist and the moment the Grimm was close enough, she drove an uppercut into its jaw. It released her weapon, stunned from the bash. She then switched her spear into its rifle form before shooting the beast in the foot. It grit its teeth, grunting in pain. Pyrrha didn't let up, switching her weapon back into its sword form before spinning with two slashes. One caught the back of its knee, which forced it down, and the other aimed for its face to finish it once and for all.
What caught her off guard was when the Grimm bit down on the blade. Her weapon was caught in its teeth and it rose to quickly counter. It sent another punch into Pyrrha's gut, forcing her to relinquish her blade. It followed up, grabbing her by the throat and lifting her off her feet. She choked from the power behind its grip, feeling the air leave her, grabbing at its wrist to try and pry the appendage off. But, before she could, the beast threw her across the arena. Her landing wasn't the best as she slammed flat on her back. A gasp left her as the little remains of air were knocked from her lungs. Her vision blurred but her aura held strong.
The hybrid continued its chase, appearing above her with a fist raised. There was a split second to react. She rolled to the side just before the fist found where her face had originally been. It buried its fist in the ground, the beast struggling to try and free it.
The Spartan twisted her hips and scissor kicked the back of the Grimm's legs. It fell to its knees and it turned to meet an elbow to its nose. The strike freed its hand but forced it on its back, a hand hovering over where she struck. Pyrrha didn't stop as she rolled forward and brought an axe kick of her own down onto its midsection, receiving another pained grunt in response.
She smirked and rolled backwards back to her feet. The black glow returned and her sword was back in her hand, ready once more.
The Grimm slowly rose to its feet. It turned to face Pyrrha once more, its bangs swept away to fully reveal the eyes that haunted many who stared into them. The sclera was as black as the abyss and the pupil glowed in a horrid blood red. It wasn't a normal Grimm by any means, the entire fight depicted all that people thought the Grimm incapable of. The Spartan, however, knew of it and everything it could do and readied herself for their next exchange.
The Grimm cracked its neck. At the same time, its skin started to bulge in several places. Its arms had four protrusions out from underneath its skin and its lower legs began to expand from within its jeans. Any simple man would be sick from the sight of such grotesque growth but Pyrrha had an iron gut and stomach it.
Four sharp, bone-like armor plates shot out on both arms, shredding the sleeves of its shirt, covering from its shoulder to the back of its hands. Similar bone-like shin guards appeared on its legs with a similar bulk of bone covering its feet as some form of brace. All in all, it seemed the Grimm had created some form of armor for itself.
It charged again. It wasn't as fast as before and Pyrrha prepared for the strike. But, just before it reached her, it rose its foot and brought it down with tremendous force. The arena shook from the power and the redhead stumbled for the second time.
The Grimm didn't waste the opportunity and broke through her guard once more. It planted its foot and threw a fist, the bone on the back of its hand extending a bit more into a sharp point, almost like a wrist dagger.
Pyrrha rose her shield and blocked it but the power behind it kept her on her heels. The Grimm took another strong step and followed up with another fist. This one slipped past her defense and struck her in the elbow. The strike forced out a cry of pain and her shield was ripped from her and thrown away.
She tried to fight back and slashed with her sword. A hand caught her wrist before a knee was driven into her gut and the weapon was stolen from her and tossed away as well. She was met with a spinning elbow, having her stumble back once more.
The creature planted a kick into her chest and sent her skidding on her back. She grit her teeth from the pain but opened her eyes in time to see it towering over her once more. It stomped down on her arm, receiving another yelp of pain. The red irises glowed with its lips stretched in a victorious grin. It cocked its fist back, ready to end it. Her aura was low and she was out of ideas.
She didn't have her shield. She didn't have her sword. And they were too far out of reach for her to be able to recall them in time.
A smile adorned her lips and she submitted herself to the creature of the night. A hint of red dusted her cheeks at the dominating presence the Grimm gave off. The beast didn't hesitate and brought its fist down.
"That's enough!"
The Grimm froze, its fist a few inches from the girl's face. Pyrrha opened her eyes with a pout.
"Come on, mother!" The Spartan groaned, craning her neck to look off to the side. The Grimm above her turned as well.
Standing at the entrance was a mature and elegant woman. Her skin was a deathly pallor but she seemed as healthy as could be. Her eyes were jet black at the sclerae and her irises glowed as red as the Grimm's above Pyrrha. Her hair, equally as bleached white, was styled into a large bun. It was matched with six offshoots wrapped together in obsidian-colored ornaments. She also had dark purple veins across her cheeks and under her eyes, a few more gracing her exposed forearms and hands. And a black diamond-shaped marking sat at the center of her forehead.
"I do apologize, my darling daughter. I didn't mean to interrupt your satisfaction in defeat but I have come to see you how you are doing," Salem, Queen of the Grimm, spoke as she stepped into the training room.
"Mother, it is surprising to see you come here yourself," the Grimm hybrid spoke for the first time since the duel started. It removed its foot from her arm, allowing the blood to circulate once more.
Salem smiled softly. "Can't a mother see her daughter after she has finally returned from her travels, my son?"
"Ah, I did steal her away upon her arrival," Jaune replied with an awkward chuckle.
"There was no need for her immediate presence, my love. Watts has given me the full report, so that is no longer needed. I'm merely content to see both of my children together and home once more," Salem replied with a loving smile. But as she looked between the two longer, her smile slowly slipped into a playful smirk. "Although, maybe I should have waited a bit longer, hm?"
Jaune and Pyrrha turned to look at each other. They were still in their previous positions upon their mother's arrival. Outside of a spar, a few other things could be surmised from their intimate scenario. Ripped clothing, chipped armor, heaving breathing, flushed faces, and the position of the Spartan did little to help that. Had this been a bedroom, rather than the training room, and Salem would have snuck in to watch with different interests in mind.
Jaune offered Pyrrha his hand, the redhead accepting, before helping her to her feet. They stood close to each other but failed to meet one another's gaze. Their minds wandered at their mother's claim, as young teenagers do when given subtle hints and innuendos. Pink dusted Pyrrha's cheeks while black stained Jaune's.
"I-It was a simple spar, mother. Nothing more," the hybrid explained. An honest claim but the slight misstep was more than enough fuel for the immortal witch.
Salem returned it with a snort of amusement. "Is that right? You two have already crossed the line of "siblings". I don't see why you continue to be so flustered about your relationship and taking the next step. I'm not getting any younger."
"You make it very difficult, mother. There's no naturality if you keep pushing for something we're clearly not ready for," Jaune returned with a glare and a huff. "It's your fault I couldn't even properly confess in the first place. It was so awkward and scarring..."
He received a lone brow raise. "Is that so? Well, I won't press you two about it too much and allow you to do as you wish," the queen replied with a dismissive wave of her hand. But she stopped mid motion before glancing back towards them, a sinister grin forming. "However, I would still like grandgrimm in the near future."
"Mom!" Pyrrha shouted, her blush now matching her hair in color.
"Is there any other reason you've decided to seek us out...?" Jaune groaned from behind his hand, trying to change the subject. He wasn't fairing any better than his partner, his cheeks reaching a darkness to match his eyes.
"Ah, yes," Salem popped from the reminder. "Cinder and Tyrian have just arrived. Watts and Hazel are already in the meeting room awaiting everyone's arrival. Do be sure to clean up and report there once you're done."
"Yes ma'am," Jaune replied, beginning to slowly calm from his embarrassment.
Salem moved to leave. But a nefarious idea struck and she couldn't stop the sly grin pulling at her lips. She turned and walked out but not before poking her head back in to tease her children one last time.
"Oh, and as for your match. It would still seem that Jaune is top."
"Mother!" They shouted in unison, their blushes returning with added interest. All they heard was a small giggle as the queen finally disappeared from their sight.
A pregnant silence followed. The adolescents stood there, trying to calm down. Hoping that she truly was gone so they could attempt to recover from her heavy blows. She was insufferable at times but she was still their mother. Even if that entailed her endless tortures on their young psyches.
"Has she been like this since I left?"
"You have no idea..."
Pyrrha sympathized for her partner. She offered her hand to which he grasped in desperate need of comfort. Their mother was truly a mastermind and knew how to get in someone's head. Pyrrha had left with Watts, only being pestered when she called home. But Jaune, poor, poor Jaune. He had been her lone outlet because he decided to stay and train with Hazel. She pitied him and blamed herself for carelessly leaving him to the Beowulves. Figuratively.
"I'm sorry..." Pyrrha apologized.
The hybrid felt something slid up his spine, scratching just between his shoulder blades and below the nape of his neck. It tingled, but in a good way, and he relaxed his shoulders from the familiar, easing feeling. It had been some time and he lightly moaned from the itch it scratched.
"...Don't worry about it. I'm just glad we're together again," he admitted in content. He squeezed her hand affectionately, smiling softly. She returned it, gazing into his eyes with equal adoration.
Her eyes changed to match his, emerald green replaced with red and the sclera black as a starless night. Her skin had paled to that of paper, matching both his and Salem's. Her hair had retained its fiery red, however, but she didn't complain, Jaune admitted to loving it that way after all, and who was she to deny him of what he loved. He was her other half. His happiness was also hers.
Pyrrha pulled her Deathstalker tail away from her partner's back, the boy now completely relaxed and calm. It always pacified him when she did that, despite how dangerous the appendage was.
"I've missed your Grimm form as well," he stated, taking all of her in.
She blushed from the undivided attention of her partner. "You charmer you. But I do have a reputation to keep among humanity. And soon enough, you will need to too."
"Yeah yeah. Last thing they need to know is that their Invincible Girl is actually a Grimm hybrid," he replied mockingly. He even jazzed-hand with his free hand to prove his annoyance.
"It's not so bad. You still have the Pumpkin Pete hoodie, don't you?"
Now it was Jaune's turn to blush. "I was just being supportive..." He replied meekly. But there was no avoiding the knowing smirk on the Spartan's face.
"Mhmm~."
Another silence passed.
"So, are you ready?" She asked.
His smile returned, albeit not as confident as usual. "As I'll ever be."
-XOXOXOXOX-
"Doctor Watts, would you kindly fill the room in on the status of your mission."
"Yes ma'am." The scientist stood, looking confident and proud. "Master Jaune and Lady Pyrrha's transcripts have gone through with no troubles. It was almost instantaneous when I received the acceptance letters, stamped and mailed by Ozpin himself. They are expected for orientation within one week."
"Very good. I expected no troubles for Pyrrha. She is Mistral's champion, after all," Salem stated proudly. It was no secret that the scientist and queen had a small rivalry for who adored the Spartan more. "And I'm sure Jaune using his old family's name was sure to draw Ozpin's attention."
Watts grinned. "Like a moth to a flame. The last line of the Arc family was a surefire move to draw the fool to the young master. He'll have an eye on him but for all the wrong reasons."
A grumble was heard to Salem's right. She turned to see her son with his arms folded and a deep frown on his face.
"My love, is there a problem?" The queen asked. It lacked the usual emotion she displayed behind closed doors but it was easy to see she was concerned.
"I'd rather not use my supposed former name. I was born an Arc but I do not claim such ties to those who abandoned me and died," Jaune replied, a sharp glare turned to his mother. She knew it wasn't towards her but it pained her to see her child upset.
"Dear, I know you don't. But it is to keep an illusion," she explained. "We can not take any chances with Ozpin. He is meticulous, malevolent, and too nosey for his own good. As Watts explained, using your former family name will draw attention but only to distract that old fool from digging deeper past you being a lost child of the former warriors clan."
"But Pyrrha-"
"Is also using her former family's name," Watts informed, rubbing the tip of his moustache between two of his fingers. "Her fame comes from the feats I've had her build through winning the Mistral Regional Tournament. She was a top candidate for all the schools and Ozpin is desperate for the strongest. It was far too easy dangling a prime Fall Maiden candidate in the fool's face. And he took the bait eagerly, unaware of the hook lurking beneath."
"You have done exceptionally well, Watts. You continue to surpass my every expectation with flying colors," Salem praised with an added head nod.
Watts bowed with one hand across his chest. "But of course, my Lady. It was mere child's play for one such as eye."
Salem then smirked just slightly. Playful to anyone who paid close attention. "However, you do fall short in combat training. Pyrrha is yet to best Jaune after all."
This made the scientist raise his head with wide eyes. Next to him, Hazel could be seen sitting just a bit straighter. His arms were folded but his chest was puffed out just a bit farther than usual. Jaune could be seen smiling, happy to make this trainer proud. Pyrrha gave an apologetic one to hers, bowing her head.
"Cinder," Salem spoke, regaining control of the room. "You remember your mission, correct?"
"Yes ma'am. I already have an informant in Vale who is making the necessary preparations," the young and elegant woman said.
"Good. And of the boy, Adam Taurus?"
"He was a little stubborn at first but has been very useful since I...convinced him."
Salem nodded. "Good. Continue with your tasks and wait until Pyrrha finds the Maiden before proceeding. Is that understood?"
Cinder nodded her head. "Crystal."
Salem then turned to her last advocate. "And Tyrian..?"
The man giggled in his chair. He played with his ponytail and scorpion tail, making childish chomping sounds as he pushed them together. But he stopped, giving her his undivided attention. "Yes, my Lady?"
"How does your hunt for the Spring Maiden fair?"
This made the man lose his maniacal grin. Disappointment filled its spot as he pouted like a child would when they didn't receive what they desired.
"No good. Whenever I'm close to finding them, they always seem to know and run away." He groaned and folded his arms, kicking his legs out and flopping into his seat. "It's like they're hiding from me. It was fun for a little but now they're just being rude."
"Do not fret. There are only so many places they can hide. Eventually, they will slip up," she assured the faunus.
Tyrian moaned and pouted. But slowly the corner of his lips twitched upward and he found himself giggling again. He wasn't one who stayed down for long. Both in mind and body.
"Now, Hazel, did you retrieve what I asked of you?" Salem turned her attention to the large, quiet man.
"I have," he responded. It was terse but that was just who he was as a person.
"Excellent. Be sure that Jaune receives it."
"As you wish."
"Pyrrha, Jaune," the queen called without looking back. Their silence was her queue to continue. "As Watts has stated, you two have a week to prepare for your infiltration. Make sure your affairs are in order before your departure. Jaune, report to Tyrian for your attire before going to Hazel. Pyrrha, speak with Watts and Cinder. They will tell you about Vale and what is expected upon your arrival."
"Understood."
"Yes, mother."
"Oh, and Jaune, need I remind you of your powers?"
She could hear him sigh and imagine him shaking his head. Three of her advocates and Pyrrha snickered or giggled. Hazel merely hummed in amusement. Even though the immortal woman meant it as a tease, it was still important that he understood.
"No, mother," Jaune droned. "I will keep them hidden until Cinder arrives."
"Please be sure to. I shall not pester you on it much if you truly understand. Remember, Ozpin is a paranoid man. We do not want to give him any reason to start snooping around," she warned. There was equal concern and authority in her tone. It was obvious worry for her children's safety but she could always send Grimm for them if things turned dire. It would set her plans back but her children's safety came before all else.
"I understand, mother."
"Good. Then the meeting is finished. You have your assignments. Dismissed."
-XOXOXOXOX-
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"Hm?"
Hazel grunted simply. The door opened a second later revealing Jaune on the other side. He was no longer in his Grimm form, following Pyrrha's appearance in what was a human disguise. It was thanks to being a hybrid that they could do so. He preferred his Grimm form much more than his current but it was best to shake off his rust before leaving. Last thing he wanted to do was transform back while surrounded by huntsman and huntresses. Or worse, Ozpin.
"Evening Hazel, I've come to retrieve the item you recovered," Jaune replied, folding his arms and leaning against the door frame.
Hazel turned to meet his apprentices expectant gaze. He had to admit, the boy's human form was flawless. But it shouldn't have been hard seeing as he was once human. Jaune had unkempt blonde hair with a few bangs hanging over his right eye. Two pools of cerulean blue replaced the ominous glowing reds and his former pale skin where several shades darker, fair at best.
His attire was more towards an assassin's rather than a knight's, as the Arc's were known for. Possibly a jab against them, or mere coincidence. It was a small sign of deceit for the boy's aggressive and powerhouse style of fighting. It actually amused the larger male now that he thought about it. The kid had no idea what subtle was, he was a force of nature on the battlefield and straightforward off of it. Much like himself.
He trained him after all so he picked up a lot of his tendencies. Something he was honored but also wary of. The brat was his own person but the fact he connected with Hazel still left him worried. An emotion he had never wanted to feel again. Hence why he distanced himself from making bonds. That was...until the kid came around.
Jaune was dressed in a black hoodie and dark blue jeans. Over his left arm, he wore silver armor from his shoulder to his hand. The pauldron wasn't as bulky as they usually were and was held by a brown leather strap across his chest and over his shoulder. There was a design in the guard, looking to be some sort of shifting mechanism that would move something from his back down to the back of his forearm. A diamond shape couter sat at his elbow, strapped by a black piece, with the Arc symbol sitting in its center. And the armor ended with a gauntlet that covered his forearm, back of his hand, and knuckles. A matching gauntlet was also on his right arm as well but was fully covered with sharp fingertips, for piercing. Underneath them he wore fingerless orange gloves that only reached an inch past the wrist.
Both of his legs were covered with half cuisses, diamond shaped poleyn with the Arc symbol on both, and greeves that sunk into his sabaton instead of over them. Hanging from his waist, two brown leather belts crossed over, looping just above his thighs. All in all, he looked like a true huntsman-in-training.
"Hm, you actually look good, brat," Hazel complimented. A rarity from the stoic man.
"Yeah yeah, mom insisted I wear this," he replied with thinned lips. It was obvious he didn't like wearing the extra armor. Not when he could naturally create and discard his own. He must really hate his human form. "Apparently, Tyrian went through a lot of work to get these specially crafted. But I'd still rather use my own."
Both of them knew the scorpion faunus had no such troubles acquiring the armor. Threatening someone was second nature to him and he would get what he wanted. Especially if it was for Jaune's mother. He viewed her as a goddess after all. His obsession ran deeper than anyone's and he would lay his own life down if it meant furthering her plans and ideals just a smidge. Hazel found that obsession as some form of masochistic kink, secretly begging that she step on him.
Jaune could say he was thankful someone like Tyrian was following his mother. But was also weirded out that someone like him followed his mother. He wouldn't question his mother's choices. She had been through enough to become well adverse in reading a person.
"Anywho," Jaune spoke up, breaking the silence. "What was this secret thing you had to retrieve for me?"
Hazel stepped over to the only table in the room. On top of it, a long and slender object sat, wrapped in tattered white cloth. He picked it up before tossing it over to the blonde.
Clink!
Jaune caught it, immediately noticing its metallic feel and sound. He rose a brow back at his teacher. The man gave him no hints, only gesturing to the object before folding his arms and leaning back against the table.
The hybrid looked down at the cloth. Slowly, he unraveled it, letting the cover fall to the floor. Once he removed it, his eyes narrowed at the item in his hand. He wouldn't have cared much for it if it wasn't for the telltale sign of his old family's sigil on the sheath.
"What am I supposed to do with this?" He asked, looking back at the larger male.
"You're to use it during your time in Beacon," the man answered simply.
"But why this? Couldn't you have given me a normal sword and shield? Or gauntlets since, you know, I prefer punching!?" He stabbed the sword into the ground with a bit of anger slipping into his tone.
"Crocea Mors is a family heirloom to the Arc's," Hazel explained, lifting himself from the table. He walked over to the blade, gripping the hilt and unsheathing the sword. It shined brilliantly in the dimly lit room, not a single blemish or imperfection seen. "It has been through countless wars, slayed hundreds of thousands of Grimm, and has been hailed as a beacon of light by the soldiers on the battlefield. All while never going dull or needing any form of maintenance."
Jaune huffed and folded his arms. "Thanks for the history lesson," he said sarcastically.
The larger man paid it no mind, returning the sword to its sheath. "Knowing your strength, it's one of the few blades that can withstand you without snapping in half. It will also solidify your cover as the lone survivor of the Arc's. And, simply from wielding it, Ozpin won't question your loyalty if you carry that which has been on man's side since it was forged."
"That still doesn't explain why I can't receive gauntlets as well."
A lone brow rose. "Would you use Crocea Mors at all if you were given gauntlets?"
"...No." The blonde hesitated, avoiding eye contact as he replied.
"I thought so. The point of the sword is to not raise suspicion of your allegiance. Anything and everything we can do to lower those fears must be utilized. So you need to grow accustomed to using that blade. For your mother at the very least."
This made Jaune pause. His jaw clenched but he made no other movements outside of that.
"Hm. Think of it as an excuse to train with your girlfriend as well." This truly caught Jaune's attention as his shoulders stiffened. He looked back to his teacher who still held that blank face. But it was clear he noticed his breakthrough to the boy. "She is well adverse in the art while you are not. There isn't a doubt in my mind that she will jump at the chance to beat you at something."
Then he openly smirked. Jaune knew the meaning behind it and smiled in return. But his gaze returned to the family heirloom and his frown returned as he stared at it. A stain of his past that he wanted wiped. He was never an Arc and that sword was a bane from his past. Nothing would make him happier than to destroy the weapon then and there.
But all of this was for his mother though. Her goals. Her desires. Her wants and needs. She needed him to do this. No move of hers was unnecessary. So if she truly had Hazel dig through the endless charred, decrepit, desolate remains of Jaune's darkened beginnings, then it was important to her that he took Crocea Mors. And his love for his mother, and all she did for him, far outweighed the travesties of those who shared the old Arc name.
The Grimm hybrid closed his eyes and shook his head, trying to clear his mind of the dark clouds forming. There was no time to think such conflicting things and he'd rather not bring Grimm into the castle again. At the end of the day, he was doing this for Salem. In his heart, he believed he was her child. And that she was his mother. And that she thought the same as he. Jaune wasn't an Arc. But for her, he would craft the illusion as such.
"Alright, fine. But the moment Beacon falls..." Jaune pulled Crocea Mors in one tug. He unsheathed the blade just enough to see his eyes in it's reflection. They were no longer blue, having reverted back to their black and red. "...I will destroy this blade with my own hands."
Hazel hummed with little to respond with. "Do as you wish." His curt reply was furthered by a dismissive wave of his hand. He had dealt with the boy for more than enough time to be considered appropriate and showed more emotion than he would have liked. The kid was difficult, reminded him of himself, and his sister, and it was that similarity that made him open up a little too much. And he'd rather not get too attached. Not again.
"Alright then, I'll be taking my leave. I hope to see you before I depart, Hazel."
The man grunted in response. It was a maybe that Jaune had become accustomed to hearing from his several tactless grunts and hums. But he already knew that the maybe was a yes. He smiled and left without another word.
-XOXOXOXOX-
Knock! Knock!
"Enter."
Pyrrha opened the door. She noticed Cinder across the room, brushing her hair in front of a mirror. Their eyes met through the reflection as the teen made her way into the room.
"I'm to assume you're here on Salem's orders," the older woman stated. She placed the brush down before spinning to face the Spartan. The young girl had already taken her spot on the bed.
"On hers, and my own," she replied, the second after a quick pause. Cinder noticed it and rose a brow, but decided not to press about it. She would tell her. Not that she really cared in the first place.
"Well, let's discuss Vale," Cinder began, elegantly crossing her left leg over the other. Pyrrha nodded with an attentive look. "You know our objective is to take the Fall Maiden's powers and recover the relic."
"Correct. Both of which Ozpin is hiding somewhere within the academy."
Cinder smirked and nodded her head. "That's the assumption I came to as well. Keeping it in the school would allow him easier access if needed. The same could be said for the other relics amongst the other academies. And I know, for sure, he's hiding the Maiden there as well."
Pyrrha folded her arms. "Yes, I heard of your battle with her some time ago. It's a shame you could only take half of her power before being forced to retreat." The redhead genuinely meant it as a concern but Cinder perceived it as a question to her strength.
The woman frowned. "Things would have gone according to plan if it wasn't for that annoying huntsman, Qrow Branwen. Amber was powerful but we managed in the end, but that drunken fool's sudden interference made it impossible without the chance of a severe loss on our part."
"Mother did tell me of your servant's state when you returned," Pyrrha spoke out loud, resting her chin between her thumb and index finger.
"Yes, well, I've thought long and hard about this plan. No matter who that old wizard decides to bring in, we'll be ready," Cinder replied while folding her arms and switching her legs. She flicked her hair from her face, revealing both of her burning ambers. "I will claim the Maiden's power this time."
"You will have me and Jaune as well. If there's one thing we won't do, it's fail mother," Pyrrha stated with a serious expression.
"Yes, her two precious bundles of joy," Cinder muttered bitterly. But she wasn't jealous. Merely annoyed on how Salem always spoke highly of them. And not her. No, never her. Despite the countless lives she's taken, the people she's manipulated, the sacrifices she's made for that woman. Not a single piece of gratitude or praise to be paraded around like those two when they did something mundane as children.
...
Yup, annoyance and not jealousy.
"There is one other thing I wish to discuss with you, Cinder..."
The woman in question blinked several times to regain focus. She hadn't even noticed she zoned out. Nor the slight wisps of smoke seeping from her clenched fists. She quickly calmed herself and quelled the flames forming in her palms. Flames of annoyance! Yeah...
Luckily, the redheaded girl had failed to notice. Her focus was currently on her own lap, where her hands were clasped together and her thumbs were twiddling together. A blush adorned the warrior's cheeks and she fidgeted ever so slightly. It was an odd sight coming from the champion, one that actually had Cinder curious.
"What is it?" She asked, sounding genuinely interested. Much more than she wanted to admit.
"I wish...after our mission in Beacon..." She paused. Her fidgeting increased and she looked more nervous by the second. Cinder knitted her brows at the change in demeanor from the proud and confident fighter known as Pyrrha.
What could make the four time Mistral Champion cower so? Or was it more of a plain state of nervousness? Either way, she seemed uncomfortable in her current position. Sweaty palms, blushed cheeks, constant fidgeting, and stuttering over her words. Those were telltale signs of sickness. But she couldn't get sick, her Grimm half made her immune to such things as diseases and other ailments that hindered humanity. So if sickness was out, that didn't leave much for the answer to her current state. The only other option...wait. O-oh gods...no...
But the only person who could get that reaction out of her was...
Pyrrha turned to who she considered her older sister. She steeled her resolve and made direct eye contact with Cinder. Emerald burned with a passion as they met amber. There was no one else she could ask. No one she could confine such a secret to and make such a request of. Not even her mother. Her only hope was that it might be Cinder. No, it had to be Cinder. She couldn't trust anyone else with this.
"After all of this, I wish to seduce Jaune!"
"E-Eh?"
Cinder was left speechless. Even after deducing the request, she was still caught off guard the moment they left the girl's mouth. No words she could currently formulate would even come close to a proper response for her. It was as if the reset button was hit on the mature beauty and she was taking her time to start up once more.
It wasn't that she was uneducated in that department, no, far from it. But coming from a girl like Pyrrha... She didn't expect such a request until after the deed had already been done, something she presumed was far off in the future. As some sort of added spice to the relationship once the whole relic and Maiden thing was over. But the awkwardness of how it came up now, when she was still as green as the day she was born, that was unexpected. Nothing could have prepared Cinder for the sudden exclamation, especially a week out from the duo's departure. It was safe to say, she shouldn't expect common regularity of Pyrrha. The Spartan would be sure to prove her several shades wrong.
Slam!
The door was then blown open, nearly off its hinges by how it loosely swung, startling both women inside. So much so that they leapt into one another's arms and pressed their cheeks together. But they would never admit that it happened. No court could prove otherwise. The two would agree to never utter a word to anyone about the fact they were actually scared from the newest arrival.
"Did I hear that right!?" A feminine voice asked with absolute wonder. "You're finally consummating your love for Jaune!?"
If Pyrrha was nervous before, she was an absolute wreck now. Of all women to have heard her, she was the last one she wanted to hear. Why, oh why, had she been wandering the halls at this time?
There was a jar of cookies underneath her right arm. Shit...
This woman was not the best for advice in any situation pertaining to Pyrrha and Jaune's relationship. Her own involved playing rebound on a broken man. Having a child with said broken man. Then disappearing into the Grimmlands and never coming back. She essentially ditched her baby daddy. And Pyrrha would be damned if she or Jaune dared walk out on the other.
Then she blushed, realizing what she was insinuating. But she was already pushing this far. So why not go a step further. She didn't question his love for her, nor her love for him. Gah! Emotions are so confusing!
The mystery woman strode into the room, stars in her eyes. Her white hooded cloak waved behind her, flapping in an excited manner similar to its wearer. How that was possible, neither Cinder or Pyrrha knew. But the Spartan couldn't think on it long before her hands were clasped in the older woman's.
"Tell me everything! I'll be sure to give you the advice that will have him eating out of the palm of your hand. And eating out in various other places~..." She wiggled her eyebrows for added effect.
Pyrrha was worried and fearful for her love life. She glanced over to Cinder who had found her scroll much more interesting than the current situation. Traitor! Insubordination! Mutiny! And many other betrayal terms the redhead could think of. She had essentially been left to the wolves.
But, then again, this woman had claimed the man of her interest. And, as far as she knew, he hadn't taken up another. He was grieving but he hadn't found another woman to fill that void. Maybe, just maybe, she could at least hear the woman out. If at least, learn how to keep a man satisfied. Besides, Cinder seemed to be of no use. To confide in an enemy for help than an ally who abandons. Desperate times.
"O-Okay, Auntie...well..."