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in. I honestly don't know how to introduce Goodwitch's next speech. Have a listen.
"A hotel. A nightstand. The handle of a drawer. The knob of a drawer of a nightstand in the room of a hotel. What is happening within this drawer knob? How many drawers have knobs in this world? Thousands? Millions?
"What is a drawer knob? Why is this knob featured so prominently? What does it have to do with the life or death of a woman caught in a web of power? Could such a woman end, in any way, connected to a drawer knob? How? How could that be?"
She proceeded to answer herself, but by the time it was given, I found myself wishing it hadn't been.
Chapter XXVIII
Spirits in the Wood
A small owl figurine stood next to the chessboard as Ruby scrutinized it carefully. Emerald's recorded warning continued to play next to her. "It's your move, Ruby. Put your heart into it. You're being too hesitant- too unfocused. I want you to give me your full attention. I hope I don't have to spell out what will happen if you don't. Your next move. Tomorrow's paper. If you don't, I'll make it for you."
Yang had been taking a long drink of coffee throughout the message, before thunking her mug down on her desk. "Alright, I've heard enough- I ain't letting you out of my sight, Rubes."
"She's not coming after me," Ruby shook her head. "If she wanted me dead, I'd be dead."
Yang wanted to deny it, but looking at everything they'd found in Ruby's room, she couldn't find the words. "I'll... I'll call Dad."
She hesitated, glancing at the mask, supposedly a perfect recreation of Makoto Naegi's face. "He... didn't look half bad, I'll say."
"He was beautiful," Ruby agreed with a wistful smile. "Inside and out- the love of my life."
XXXX
"Yeah, I'll be right there," Tai promised upon receiving the summons from his daughter. "Right- gotcha."
He hung up, and smiled as he brought some breakfast to Raven and Ghira. Ghira's lips twitched when he found his eggs, bacon and toast perfectly organized to resemble a smiling dog. "You're a true artist, Tai."
Raven was less amused. "Salt and pepper, Tai."
"Up in a sec!" Tai bowed extravagantly before hurrying into the kitchen.
Raven took the opportunity to glare at Ghira. "You two bring out the worst in each other. We don't need to be distracting ourselves with petty things like this."
"You're married to a prince, Raven, and I hope you realize it one day," Ghira shook his head.
"No, I'm married to a court jester," Raven objected.
Tai came dancing back with the salt and pepper in hand, plopping it down before them and clapping his hands. "Love to stick around and talk, but I've gotta truck out!"
He and Ghira grinned as they bumped each other's elbows. Tai circled the table, kissed his hand, and placed it gently on Raven's cheek before making his way to the door.
Ghira rolled his eyes at Raven's dour expression. "You know, Kali and I always hoped that time and age would sooth the tempest raging within you."
"Watching the testosterone dripping off of you two is not going to sooth anything. What's happening with Hienton?"
Ghira sighed. "I've set up a meeting with a new set of investors. I'm going to Mistral tomorrow."
The door creaked open, and they looked up, half-expecting Tai to be returning for something he'd forgotten. It was Blake.
She entered, and for a moment, noticed nothing unusual as she took a stride towards the kitchen- then froze when she spied the table out of the corner of her eye.
"Hello, my dear," Ghira smiled as good-naturedly as he could.
Thankfully, she'd been holding nothing too fragile, as she slumped over onto the floor in a dead faint.
"She seems rather surprised," Raven noted dryly.
XXXX
Yang killed the time until her father arrived by continuing to pore over the case of the bat faunus murdered in Vytal City. There was an unsettling feeling in her, and she was trying to push it away, but it remained, steadfast and persistent.
Her concentration was broken by a knock on her door. "Come in!"
It was Ren, escorting Hazel Rainart, using crutches to carry himself into the room. "Hello, Yang."
"Shove it, Hazel." Yang dropped the paper she'd been going over and glared at him.
"What, did you get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?"
Yang said nothing, sending a glare up at him only matched by Ren's.
"Surely you don't intend to punish me so severely over something as small as a breach of parole."
"Breach of parole," Yang nodded, "crossing the border into Mistral, consorting with drug dealers, and multiple counts of attempted murder. Just little things."
Hazel narrowed his eyes. "Yang..."
Yang interrupted him. "I'm charging you with the attempted murder of Adam Taurus-"
"I was at the diner that night," Hazel objected. "Unless you have-"
"A witness?" Yang cut him off. "Yeah, got one of those. Puts you at the scene with a smoking gun in your hand."
Hazel glanced between Yang and Ren, licking his lips. "Very well. You seem serious, so... I propose a trade. I can give you information leading to the arrest and conviction of Kali and Ghira Belladonna's murderer."
Yang's blood ran cold, but she didn't let any signs of it show on her face. "No deals," she stated firmly.
Hazel's eyes narrowed again. "Well, this is interesting. You're more interested in the attempted murder of a thug like Adam Taurus than the successful murder of the Belladonnas? How will that sit with the people of this fair town?"
Yang leaned forward. "Let me spell this out for you- Hazel, you're through."
Hazel ignored her. "And if that's not enough, how will the town react when they find out that two of its proudest citizens were murdered by they're own daughter- who you are now sleeping with!"
Ren casually kicked one of Hazel's crutches out from under him, sending him toppling into the desk before him. "My apologies," he grunted as he picked Hazel up by the back of his jacket. "I seem to have lost my footing."
"Get him out of here," Yang instructed.
Ren didn't hesitate, forcing Hazel to his feet and returning his crutch, leaving Yang more troubled than ever. There was no way- Blake wasn't a killer, right?
XXXX
"Alright, Rubes, this is the bullet we got from you," Winter announced, showing off a small plastic baggy to Ruby. She produced another. "This is the one we got from Yuma's skull. Same bullets. Same gun. Same killer. I'm sorry, Ruby, but it's her."
"Winter-"
"Ruby, I appreciate that you may be reluctant to arrest your sister's flame, but she put three slugs in your chest and left you for dead."
"Nothing personal, I'm sure," Ruby pointed out. "I want to make absolutely sure. How did the powder test turn out?"
Winter rolled her eyes. "Ruby, maybe you're not mad, but there's an epidemic of multiple gunshot wounds following this woman around. We can't just twiddle our thumbs."
Ruby took a deep breath. "Winter... let me talk to her. Maybe I can convince her to come quietly."
"And maybe the Atlesian times will vote me sexiest woman alive," Winter snarked, grabbing her case and taking off.
XXXX
For the first time in a while, Weiss had a smile on her face as she made her way through the hotel's lobby. She headed to the manager. "Mosby, I've got a list here of our non-repeat guests- we're issuing a special invitation to the Austin."
Mosby eyed her suspiciously. "I appreciate your enthusiasm, Ms. Schnee, but it takes more than enthusiasm to do my job."
Weiss sighed internally- she couldn't really blame him for being nervous. "I'm just learning the trade- I'm not after your job."
He kept his eyes narrowed as he reached beneath his desk. "A letter for you, Ms. Schnee. It came in this morning."
Weiss accepted, circling around and taking her seat at the concierge's desk. Before she could turn her attention to the letter, a woman walked up- she was dressed in a black blouse with a white jacket, with long, crimson hair falling to her waist. "Hello. I just checked into room 303."
"Congratulations," Weiss muttered, examining the envelope closely- there was no return address.
The woman raised an eyebrow. "The front desk said to speak to you."
Weiss finally ripped her attention away from the envelope. "And what is it I can do for you?"
"My apologies, I thought you were working."
The woman turned, and Weiss's breath hitched when she took in her full form. "I... I am! I am working! See?"
The woman seemed somewhat confused as she returned. "I see... Weiss?"
Weiss self-consciously checked her name badge- it was perfectly straight.
"As in... Weiss Schnee?"
"At your service!" Weiss nodded quickly.
"I was wondering if it would be possible for you to send someone to the airport. I brought some heavy equipment with me- there wasn't enough room in the van."
Weiss cleared her throat as she attempted to appear as professional as possible. "What flight were you on?"
"My own," the woman answered. "The jet- shouldn't be hard to find."
Weiss blinked in surprise. "Very well... is there anything else I can do for you, Ms. Kirijo?"
She made an attempt at humor, giving her the name of one of Mistral's richest families- in essence, the Kirijos were to Mistral what the Schnees were to Vytal. However, the woman didn't miss a beat. "No, thank you. Though... if you might indulge me, I have a picture of you from years ago- you're wearing a silk skirt, a white apron, and pigtails. I found it... cute."
"I don't dress like that anymore."
"If that image is to be believed, you did once. It was right here in the Gold Room. I have committed it to memory."
Weiss blushed and looked the other way- by the time she looked back, the woman was halfway across the lobby, helping an elderly couple by picking up a book they had dropped.
Weiss drummed her fingers on the desk for a moment, then returned her attention to the mysterious letter. Not only was there no return address, the only address that was on it was her name.
No sense beating around the bush- she tore it open and slid out the papers inside. There were two- one of them was torn, roughly a third of a whole sheet of paper, with some fragmented words- High Heaven... one another;... be forgiven... brother;... clasps the earth... kiss the sea... work worth... me?
The other paper was a postcard- an image of an owl on one side, the same handwritign on the other. If you wish to save the one you love, attend teh gathering of angels tonight at the Crow Bar, 9:30.
XXXX
Yatsuhashi sighed as he finally finished putting everything back in place from Neon's beatdown of Hazel. "Neon?" he called, glancing around.
Neon appeared at the front door, looking surprisingly solemn.
"Neon, is something wrong? What are you doing home from school?"
He tried to place a hand on her shoulder, but she gently pushed it away. He didn't even know she did gentle. "Don't..." she whispered.
"Don't what?" Yats asked, nonplused.
"Yats... we have to talk."
Yats was still befuddled, but nodded. "Alright- let's talk."
"I can't fight it anymore, Yats- Sky and I are in love!"
"In... in love?" Yats asked, taken aback.
"I hope you're not hurt!" Neon cried, tears beginning to form in her eye. "I wouldn't want to hurt you for anything in the world! Please, please believe that!"
"I do," Yats nodded.
"But... Sky and I... on the wrestling trip... had the most magical night together!"
"You had... a night?" Yats asked, more concerned for Sky than anything else.
Neon seemed to miss the point. "I mean, you and Coco did it!"
"Fair is fair, I suppose," Yats nodded, trying to placate her. "So... what does this mean for us?"
"I'm sorry, Yats, but we have to call a lamppost a lamppost. We... we're breaking up. I... I'm so sorry."
Yats had no earthly idea what to say or do, simply wrapping his arms around her when she did the same to him.
XXXX
"Blake, I need you to tell me the truth- the whole truth," Ruby pleaded. She and Blake were sitting on a sofa in the Haven Inn, unaware that Raven was nearby, listening. "What exactly happened in Vytal City?"
"I've already told you everything," Blake objected. "What do you think will be different this time? I managed to escape Yuma at the airport, and that's the last time I saw him."
"That's not good enough, Blake! I need you to understand how serious this is- I could arrest you right now! The only reason I haven't is because of Yang- try as I might, I'm her sister first, and a huntress second."
Raven fought back a grin as she listened to Blake getting grilled, but held her tongue, not wanting to miss a thing.
"I don't know where Yang fits into your heart, but you own hers. Doesn't she deserve an explanation, at least?"
"I want you... to leave," Blake forced out, rising to her feet.
"There's no more running from this- this is the end of the line," Ruby shook her head, matching Blake's movements. "I'll leave now, but I expect you at the station by nine. If you're not there, I'll have no choice but to treat you as a fugitive... and I'll find you."
She made her exit, leaving Blake breathing heavily as she returned to the couch.
Raven finally made her entrance. "Oh, Blake, I just saw Ruby leaving. A little chat between friends, I suppose?"
Blake didn't answer- her head was in her hands.
"You look awful," Raven noted. "Are you okay?"
"I... I don't feel very well..."
Now that Raven thought about it, there did seem to be a dark aura of some sort around her new maid, but she thought she knew what was causing that. "Sorry to hear that," she muttered, insincerity dripping from every syllable. "Well, I wish I had better news, but I just got back from speaking to Sienna Khan again. She's sympathetic to your situation, but she still insists on seeing you... alone. Tonight."
Blake's heart rate increased- the dark aura around her seemed to flare. "She's going to kill me."
"Honestly, my biggest concern is what she'll do if she finds out that your father's alive," Raven pointed out. "My, she might suspect you betrayed her!"
The aura continued growing larger.
"Of course, you could always tell her that you didn't- I mean, you thought he was dead- him and your mother."
Blake's heart was racing. "No... no... it wasn't like that... I didn't- I can see her... Raven, I need your help, I think I'm going mad..."
There was no sympathy in Raven's face. "You have to face her sooner or later. The only way out of this is to tell her the truth. But, of course, you're free to tell her whatever you want- just pray she believes you."
Raven moved some books around on a nearby shelf, and smiled. "Ah, here we go..."
She produced a keyring and walked past Blake into the hall. The second she was outside, she snuck a peak back in, watching with amusement as Blake went to the shelf and grabbed the gun she'd so carefully exposed, clutching it to her chest like a baby, struggling to bring her heart rate back under control.
XXXX
It took the better part of a day, but Willow's office was finally back in order- she was putting the finishing touches on her desk as Cardin used her scroll to attempt a call. "No answer," he grunted after the fourth failed contact. "I'm guessing she's on her way."
"Thank you nonetheless, Cardin," Willow muttered, taking a bite from a stick of celery. "You're welcome to join us, you know."
"I am?" Cardin asked, surprised.
"Absolutely. Meetings like these are usually simple gatherings of self-minded individiuals to determine who's the most intent on financial gain."
As she spoke, she placed a hand on his shoulder and guided him to the other side of the room, where Weiss held a tray of veggies and dip, while Jacques straightened his tie, looking rather unamused at Willow's newest protogee.
"But today... today is something markedly different."
The door opened, and Weiss's eyes widened as the woman from earlier entered. "I hope I'm not late. How are you, Willow?"
Willow grinned and pulled the woman into a hug. "You are a sight for sore eyes."
"The pleasure is all mine, Mrs. Schnee," the woman smiled gently. "The hotel is taking good care of me. Thanks for arranging my luggage, Weiss."
Weiss nodded, fighting to hide her blush.
"Oh, you two have met?" Willow raised her eyebrows.
"Briefly," Weiss nodded shortly.
"Lady and gentlemen, may I introduce Mitsuru Kirijo, heiress to the Kirijo Group?" Willow beamed, patting Mitsuru on the shoulder one last time. "The Kirijo Group is very close to the Schnees- they came up the hard way, just like us."
"How nice," Weiss nodded curtly.
"And Mitsuru... I'm sure you remember my husband."
"Jacques," Misturu nodded briefly.
"Mitsuru."
Weiss glanced between the two- they didn't seem to get along. She didn't really blame Mitsuru for that.
"And this is my newest executive assistant, Cardin Winchester!"
"A pleasure," Mitsuru nodded politely, shaking Cardin's hand. Cardin held his tongue- probably for the best. Weiss cringed to think what he might say if he actually opened his mouth.
Willow ushered Mitsuru in and closed the door. "Please, everyone, take a seat. Now, Mitsuru and I have been discussing a mutual business agreement. She and I have always had a mutual understanding, ever since I gave her a small loan that she turned into an empire. Obviously, I can't take any credit for that- I only believed in her- but that's what I ask of her now- to grant me that same belief."
"It wasn't as romantic as all that," Mitsuru shook her head. "I hardly started out with nothing."
"Perhaps not, but let us focus on the task at hand," Willow spoke up, taking another bite of celery. "Now, as I'm sure you all know, Schnee Industries has fallen on hard times. The mill, the land, and the rights to the Hienton Project are all under the sole ownership of Raven Branwen. I can hardly begrudge her that- the mill, in particular, was more or less hers all along. For us, however, we have essentially been returned to square one. However, there is one thing we possess that she has not- the human spirit."
Silence descended on the room- Jacques, in particular, had cocked his head as if uncertain that his wife had actually said that.
"I am entirely sincere," Willow assured them. "Think about it- what is the greatest gift one human can give another?"
Another long silence.
"A future," Willow answered. She moved to a sheet that had been placed over a picture nearby. "I give you... the pine weasel!"
She ripped the sheet away to reveal a pretty decent sketch of the animal in question.
"Found only in the woods of northwestern Vytal, it is nearly extinct," she continued her speech, oblivious to Weiss and Cardin glancing at each other, as if wondering if Willow's sanity had truly returned. "According to an environmental impact report, the few pine weasels that do remain will be virtually wiped out if the Hienton Project goes through."
Cardin was finally the first to speak up. "So... the new plan is to... save the weasel?"
"Think bigger, Cardin!" Willow chastised. "Not just the weasel! We are going to save life as we know it! I want Vale to remain unspoiled in this era of environmental carnage!"
"I see," Jacques smiled as he caught on. "We stall Raven- block her efforts to develop the land until the pendulum swings back into our favor. Brilliant."
Willow gave no acknowledgement of her husband's words. "I plan to fight the Hienton Project on every ground, with every available weapon! The pine weasel is about to become a household term!"
"... Then what?" Weiss couldn't help asking.
"Then, I am considering running for the senate!" Willow declared with a wild smile as she took another bite of celery.
XXXX
"Thank you very much!" Velvet smiled brightly as her latest customer left a decently large tip. She turned and headed towards the kitchen, paying no mind to the strange woman in trucker gear leaving a tip on top of an envelope with Velvet's name written on it.
"No, no, it's no problem," Coco was assuring someone on the other end of her scroll. "I've got plenty of room. Just get on the next bus- I'll be waiting. Don't worry- everything's gonna be alright. Bye!"
Velvet returned, smiling. "I hear your sister's coming!"
"Yup, tomorrow," Coco nodded.
"You think she'll let me read some of her poetry?" Velvet asked hopefully.
"Not gonna happen," Coco scoffed. "You know how she is. When I was a kid, I always wondered where she was actually from- hell, I wondered when she was actually from. Here's hoping we'll be a bit closer after all that time apart."
She was collecting some dishes when she saw the envelope. "Uh-oh," she smirked. "Looks like you've got some more fanmail, Vel!"
Velvet picked up the envelope and opened it up- inside was a paper torn on both sides, roughly a third the size of a normal sheet of paper. Words were written on it, but naturally difficult to read. Mountains kiss... waves clasp... flower... sunlight... the moonbeam... is all this... kiss...
"Doesn't make much sense," Coco noted, glancing over her shoulder.
Velvet looked at the other item– a postcard. On one side was the picture of an owl, on the other, a message. "To save the one you love, attend a gathering of angels tonight at the Crow Bar- 9:30."
"Well, that certainly sounds like a trap," Coco scoffed. "Your secret admirers are gonna have to try harder than that."
The bell rang as Yatsuhashi entered, still looking somewhat bemused. "Oh, Yats!" Coco grinned as he stepped behind the counter.
He slowly returned her smile as he spun her around and pulled her tight. "Coco Adele, I've loved you every day for twenty years, and I dream about you every night. It's about time for us to be together. Will you marry me? We deserve to be happy."
Coco didn't respond- she instead lifted her head enough to pull him into a kiss. Velvet grinned as she stepped away to give them some space- though she wasn't above leaning out to watch from inside the kitchen.
XXXX
Adam was, at last, allowed outside- to sit on a log and begin carving an arrow from sticks. The shock collar was still firm about his neck, reminding him of what would happen if he dared try to escape.
Emerald stepped out of the cabin, smirking as she watched him work. "Finally, we've found something you're good at."
She plucked the arrow he'd just been working on and examined it closely. "Yes... very good. A few more, then we'll have some lunch. Just like summer camp, hmm?"
Adam said nothing, his eyes blank as he continued his whittling.
Emerald rolled her eyes. "Clearly, you dropped out of school early. You don't have much in the way of survival skills, do you? Well, consider this practical instruction. I hope you're paying attention."
She produced a steel arrowhead and fastened it to the end of the latest arrow.
"Nature... is cruel. Keep that in mind."
XXXX
Hazel lay in his holding cell, his broken leg held up by a makeshift splint, when the door to the cells opened and Coco Adele walked in. "Ah, Coco!" He smiled, turning his head, but unable to do much more.
"How're you feeling, Hazel?" Coco asked.
"Much better for your presence," he grinned.
Coco tilted her head, and sighed. "Hazel, I'm here to ask for a divorce."
Hazel blinked, and breathed deep. "Well... to begin with, I'd like to say, I don't blame you. You gave me a second chance- look what I did with. I wish I wasn't so self destructive. I have a lot of self-improvement to do. In fact, I've decided to try for some therapy- I have no wish to remain like this-"
"Fascinating," Coco cut him off, "but I have to get on with my life in the meantime."
Hazel took another deep breath. "I know. Of course you do- I want nothing more than for you to be happy. So... would you do me one final favor, before we part ways? I need you to help me get out of here. I can't go back to prison- it would be my death. If you tell the Sheriff I was at the Diner the night Adam was shot, I'll have an alibi. I was on my way home- I can't prove it, but you can."
"I'm not gonna do that, Hazel," Coco shook her head. "I'm done with lies."
"Is it truly a lie if it saves my life?" Hazel countered- he was struggling to get up, but his broken leg was not accommodating him.
"I won't do it," Coco put her foot down.
Hazel grimaced. "You're killing me, Coco."
Coco lowered her sunglasses, revealing eyes filled with pure rage. "Don't you dare put this shit on me, Hazel. This is on you, and nobody else."
"So what, you intend to go running to Yatsuhashi?" Hazel asked scathingly. Coco's lack of answer was answer enough. "Very well- how about this? You give me my alibi, I give you your divorce."
"This isn't a negotiation," Coco growled. "It doesn't matter how this turns out- it's over."
"Very well- go ahead. Be his whore, Coco."
Coco returned her sunglasses. "Better Yatsuhashi's whore than your wife, Rainart." She turned and stalked out, Hazel shouting after her all the way.
XXXX
"Now, there are four or five different ways of doing this," Tai explained to his daughters as he went over their chessboard. "Each with their own virtues. There was a very interesting game back in 714-"
"Dad, we only have five minutes," Ruby pressed.
"Right, right," Tai raised his hands in surrender.
Yang brought out her scroll. "Nora, call the paper, tell them to hold off on the personals- we need all the time you can buy us."
"Don't worry- nobody wastes time like I do!" Nora responded cheerfully, before Yang hung up again.
Tai kept his gaze fixed on the board, going through several simulations in his mind, before finally moving a pawn. "Okay, that's it. That oughtta cause some sleepless nights!"
"Remember- our priority is not losing any pieces," Ruby reminded him.
"Nope, not gonna happen," Tai assured her. "Not for another five or six moves, at least."
"Of course, that doesn't guarantee that she won't decide to kill anyways," Yang growled.
"I don't think she will," Ruby shook her head. "She set up this game, she'll want to play it by the rules."
"Quite the interesting serial killer," Yang muttered.
"Rubes!"
They turned to see Winter in the doorway, looking concerned.
"Be right there," Ruby nodded. "Thanks, Dad! I'll bring you some cookies later!"
She hugged him tight, and followed Winter into the hall.
Yang hesitated, then snuck off after them.
Winter spoke quietly as she led Ruby down the hall. "I'll be as blunt as ever- we have a match on the gun that killed you- it's the same residue that we found on Blake's gloves. The Vytal police found an eyewitness who positively ID'd Blake at the scene of Yuma's crime. Now, if you don't bust her after this, I'll have to-"
"I'm handling it," Ruby cut her off.
They heard footsteps, and turned to see Yang standing there, shocked. There was a long, awkward silence, before Yang took off.
Winter sighed heavily. "Well, at the very least, you don't have to worry about telling your sister anymore..."
XXXX
Blake sat in her room, alone, preparing herself for the meeting she now knew she couldn't avoid. She turned and opened the door when she heard a knock to see her father standing there, looking very grim, a tray of sushi in his hand. "I hope you still have a taste for fish- I thought you could use some company."
Blake's hand shook as she accepted a morsel from the tray and took a bite. Her voice was equally shaky as she spoke. "Dad... I... I'm sorry."
Ghira nodded as he took a seat on the bed. "You can't imagine the horror I felt when I learned what you had done. Part of me wanted to hate you- I cannot pretend otherwise. But... I couldn't. No matter what happened, you were still my daughter."
Blake slowly moved closer, and sat upon his lap. He guided her head to his chest and began running his fingers through her hair. "As my anger diminished, I was reminded of Khan's uncanny ability to persuade others to do most anything. I assume it was his idea?"
"Yes... I didn't... I didn't know..."
"So I presumed. I can only imagine the things she told you- that I never loved you? That my efforts to re-enter your life were an effort to take you back under my control?"
"Yes!"
"Rest assured, that is not true. I loved you very much- try as I might, I still do. All I wish is to know if there is still a place in your heart for me. Please, let there be no more lies."
"I... I do..."
Ghira remained silent for a little longer. "Every action has its consequences, Blake. You made your choice, and now are paying the price. Raven told me what happened earlier- the police are closing in. There is nowhere else to run- it is time for you to make another choice, and make it wisely... lest you end up on death row."
"Father... help me, please! What can I do?!"
"You must confront your demons. You must confront Sienna. It is the only way. She doesn't know I'm alive- she can get you safely out of the kingdom."
He rose to his feet- Blake slid off his lap, and he helped lift her up. "Go to her, Blake. It is time."
Blake remained motionless as he left. "We won't speak again," he whispered before closing the door.
She collapsed onto her bed, her heart racing faster than ever, fighting back tears.
XXXX
Sun's head perked up when he heard the roar of a motorcycle at the edge of Haven Park. Sure enough, it was Pyrrha. "Hey," he smiled, greeting her.
"Hello," she forced a smile, clambering off. "The river is beautiful today."
"I guess so," Sun nodded, skipping a rock across it. "Not many days I can pull that off so flawlessly. How'd it go with the police?"
"A million questions I had no answer for, but the ones I did have should be enough. They want me to be a witness at his trial in a couple weeks." She looked away slightly. "You... you must know by now..."
"What you two did together?" Sun guessed. "Yeah, I know."
"I... I wouldn't blame you if you hated me."
"Nah," Sun shook his head. "How could I, knowing what you were going through? I felt the same thing- the only difference is, you met someone willing to take advantage of it."
"That doesn't make it right."
"Try not to blame yourself too much," Sun ordered. "It's okay to feel bad about what happened- I just don't want you feeling bad for me."
Pyrrha nodded. "Maybe we oughtta... just start over again."
"Are you coming home?" Sun asked anxiously.
"I... I don't know. I feel... like there's still nothing for me there, but..."
"I'll be there for you," he assured her. "I know I've been a part of all the shit that's been going on, but... I think we can make some new memories worth preserving. I want to be part of something good. If you need some time... take it."
Pyrrha hesitated. "I... I'll come back. For a while. There are some things I need to take care of, then... then I will go. I don't know when I'll come back after."
"Be sure to bring some great stories back," Sun smiled. "Not about Jaune, or Jacob, or- god forbid- Henry. Cause you can bet your ass I'm not giving up- I'll wait for you as long as it takes."
He leaned forward, and pressed their lips together. Pyrrha felt something she hadn't felt in a long time- at long last, things were right.
XXXX
Night had fallen, and Raven was reading a book by lamplight. Tai sat across from her, fiddling with some thin wire, when there was a knock on the door. They engaged in some staring to determine who ought to answer it- predictably enough, Raven won. Tai grunted as he put his things to the side and pulled himself to his feet.
It was Yang. "Dad, where's Blake? I need to see her."
Tai blinked in surprise. "Oh, I think she's gone out."
Somehow, her words seemed to summon Raven from her apathy. "Yes, it's odd- she took my car without saying a word."
"I think she said something about Austin," Tai put in.
"Austin, hmm?" Raven asked with faux-surprise. "She took quite a bit with her- more than I'd think she'd need for such a stay."
"Raven, shut up," Yang ordered fiercely. "Dad, what else did she say?"
"Something about meeting up with an old friend," Tai shrugged.
"Who?!"
"Look, Yang, it's been hard on all of us, learning the truth about Blake," Raven piped up.
"Raven, shut up!" Yang repeated. "Dad, who is she meeting?"
"Khan," Raven interrupted. "Sienna Khan."
Yang turned white, ripped open the door, and sprinted out.
"I almost pity her," Raven commented before casually returning to her book.
XXXX
Sienna Khan was just climbing into the elevator, pressing a button for the lobby. A large man hurried into the elevator before the doors closed, and waited for it to start moving before pressing the emergency stop button.
"Hello, Sienna," the man greeted.
Sienna looked up at the man, and started when he removed the hat and glasses. "...Hmm, perhaps it's time I reevaluated my stance on ghosts."
"I've always found it an appealing notion," Ghira agreed. "The grisly phantom rising from the grave. I'm sure, if we're being honest, there's hardly a single person in Remnant more worthy of haunting than you."
"...How?" Sienna asked simply.
"It's hardly a great riddle," Ghira pointed out.
"...Blake?"
"Her warnings were subconscious- not enough to save her mother, and almost not enough to save me, either."
"She betrayed me."
"You know quite a bit about betrayal, don't you?" Ghira scoffed.
"Blake is mine," Sienna hissed. "She belongs to me."
"If you convince her of that, she may well be. But somehow... I doubt it. If anything, it seems the sheriff has the greatest claim to her heart."
"Not for long."
"I suspected as much," Ghira commented. "Sienna... in the distant halls of time, we were once friends. Out of respect for that friendship, I've come with a warning. Blake is coming back tonight, but you ought to be careful." He casually reached out, grabbed her by the throat, and pressed her against the wall. "If you harm her, there is no force on Heaven or Earth that will protect you from my wrath."
Sienna did not respond, cooly glaring back as the elevator started again. Ghira only released her when it stopped moving at the lobby. "Something to consider," he emphasized, before turning and making his exit.
XXXX
At that moment, Willow, Weiss, and Mitsuru were having dinner in the Gold Room. "I do understand that I have a lot to learn," Willow commented. "And Mitsuru, I would very much appreciate it if you would help teach me. Consider me an open book, ready for you to inscribe there whatever you wish."
Weiss cleared her throat. "Ms. Kirijo... what exactly do you do?"
"Mitsuru, please," Mitsuru smiled. "I buy failing businesses. Then, I streamline them, bring them back up to speed, and resell them."
"Not before making significant environmental concessions," Willow put in. She produced a pipe and filled it. She was on the point of lighting up when she hesitated, then emptied the tobacco back into its bag and settled for simply clenching the pipe in her teeth. "When she's finished, the waste is rerouted, the air... the air is purified. The people happier."
"Don't be fooled," Mitsuru smiled. "Your mother seems to want to portray me as Saint Nicholas, but make no mistake, I'm still a businesswoman."
Willow's scroll buzzed- she rolled her eyes when she glanced at it. "Please, excuse me- the chef tried to stab Jacques." She rose to her feet and hurried off.
Weiss glanced at Mitsuru, fighting to keep her blush under control. "So, how is Schnee Industries doing? Bankrupt, or just failing?"
"I'm just doing a favor for an old friend."
"My mother has fewer friends than there are pine weasels," Weiss scoffed.
"Willow told you the story earlier," Mitsuru pointed out. "She helped me once, I'm here to repay the favor."
"That sounds more like it," Weiss nodded.
Mitsuru tilted her head. "Hmm... if I'm not mistaken, you don't care for me very much, do you?"
Weiss blinked. Where had she gotten that idea? "I... have no strong opinions."
"But if you did?"
"I'd say we've done just fine for years. I know we seem desperate now, but we'll pick ourselves up- we always have."
"Confidence is a virtue," Mitsuru nodded. "In measures, like all things."
"I don't intend to let it get the better of me. Where have you been all this time? When you weren't busy rescuing orphans from the streets and kittens from trees?"
Mitsuru drummed her fingers. "I've been around Remnant. It's a wide, beautiful world out there. But I always feel good when I can stop back at home."
Weiss hesitated. "I... I'm only eighteen."
"And what does that have to do with the price of tea in Mistral?" Mitsuru asked.
"Nothing." There was the blush again. Thankfully, she looked down at her scroll and found her excuse. "Oh, I have an appointment! Can you let my mother know?"
"Of course," Mitsuru nodded as Weiss rose to her feet. "Bye."
"See you later," Weiss smiled as she made her way across the room.
XXXX
The Crow Bar was bustling tonight, especially for a night with no band on stage. Pyrrha looked around nervously as she made her way to the bar, though she smiled when she spotted Velvet. "Oh, Velvet! How are you?"
"Pyrrha!" Velvet's ears twitched in surprise. "You're back! We haven't seen you around for a week or two!"
"I was out of town," Pyrrha explained, doing her best to communicate that she had no wish to discuss this further. "How are you?"
"Still alive," Velvet shrugged. "Are you here to meet with Sun?"
"No," Pyrrha shook her head. "I arrived at my uncle's home today, and found this odd note on the front step. Someone wanted me to meet them here." She produced a torn piece of paper. "Strange, isn't it?"
"Yes, very strange," Velvet agreed, reaching into her purse. "Especially... because I found a note myself."
She produced her torn paper and slid it next to Pyrrha's- it was a perfect fit.
"Well, it seems we have something to talk about," said a new voice as a pail white hand slid a third paper next to theirs, completing the entire sheet.
"Weiss!" Pyrrha blinked.
"Not now," Weiss whispered. "The paper- what does it say?"
Velvet flattened them out and began to read. "See the mountains kiss high Heaven, and the waves clasp one another. No sister-flower would be forgiven if it disdained its brother. And the sunlight clasps the earth, and the moonbeams kiss the sea- what is all this sweet work worth if thou kiss not me?"
"Weird," Weiss whispered- none of them noticed the woman in trucker gear listening in from a couple tables away, a small smirk gracing her lips.
XXXX
With nothing else to do for the day, Ruby was pretending to fish from her bed with a makeshift rod when her scroll rang. "Hello, this is Ruby Rose! Oh- Raven. Oh, really? She's here? With... Sienna Khan. I... I see."
She hung up, and immediately grabbed her gun from its drawer, hurrying into the hallway.
As she approached the room, she heard a voice crying out for help.
"I love you!" responded a faint other voice.
"Please help!"
"I love you!"
"No!"
"Blake, for God's sake-"
She pulled her gun out and broke down the door. Blake and Sienna were both there, lying on the bed- upon seeing her, Sienna leapt to her feet, fury in her eyes as she lunged forward-
Two shots rang out, despite Ruby not having pulled her gun. Sienna's eyes widened as blood poured from her lips, and she fell to the ground, unmoving.
Blake was behind her, on her knees, gun out and aimed at Ruby. "She was going to kill me, Ruby."
Ruby did not lower her gun. "Is that why you shot me, Blake? Because I tried to kill you? What about Yuma?"
"He was going to take me back to her."
"And me? Why did you shoot me?"
"It was nothing personal!" Blake struggled to explain over her shaking hands. Her heartbeat was rising, and Ruby could spy some sort of dark presence, lurking behind her. "Orders from Sienna- she heard there was a huntress here, she knew it could ruin everything-"
"Don't," Ruby interrupted. She didn't sound angry, but disappointed. "Don't do that. If you're going to shoot me, have the decency to do it on your own terms."
Blake bit her lip. "I'm not going to jail. I can't."
There were rapid footsteps in the hall, and Yang appeared, her weapon drawn. "Drop it, Blake."
Blake's heartbeat spiked- the presence behind her seemed stronger now than ever. "Yang!"
"PUT IT DOWN!" Yang shouted fiercely.
"Yang... I'm sorry. I... I ddin't want... to... to hurt you..."
Blake began to gasp- the gun dropped from her hand as breathing seemed to become harder and harder for her, until she collapsed onto the bed.
Yang dropped her gun and sprinted across the few steps separating them, pulling her head onto her lap and cradling her close. "Blake- Blake- BLAKE!"
Ruby fought back tears of her own as Yang gave the inevitable proclamation- "She... she's dead! No, no no no no! Blake!"
Ruby allowed some tears for her sister... until abruptly, her sister disappeared, alongside Blake's body. She blinked in confusion, and jumped when she heard a laugh from behind the bed. A hand appeared and clutched the top of the mattress, slowly pulling up the head, shoulders, and torso of a wickedly grinning Cinder. The exact woman from her dreams, and whom she'd seen in Nichole's cell right before she'd died, hair burned charcoal black and amber eyes filled with wicked glee.
"RUBES, WHAT HAPPENED TO BLAKEY?!" she cackled, and broke into mad laughter as she faded away.
Ruby thought it was over, but when she blinked again, someone else was there- a short woman with multicolored hair. Brown on one side, pink on the other, falling over similarly-colored heterochromic eyes. The other woman from her dream, from the purple room- Neo. She was dancing upon the bed without a care in the world, smirking in her direction as she twirled around, producing a cone of what seemed to be a dark raspberry ice cream. With one hand, she brought it to her mouth, licking it with a near orgasmic expression on her face, while with her other hand, she signed a word to Ruby- just as in her dream, every movement was performed backwards, leaving her even more confused with the signing of a word she'd never heard before- "Aizobnomrag!"
Ruby continued staring as Neo, too, disappeared, and Yang and Blake returned, Yang cradling her body and sobbing.
Ruby looked away, attempting to give her sister her space, only to catch sight of the oddest thing yet in the knob of a nearby drawer- she half wondered if she was seeing things, but for a brief moment, she thought she saw the face of Blake Belladonna within the knob, screaming out for release, until she blinked, and it was gone.
XXXX
Please R&RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR666666
This iS THe watER, And tHIS Is the WELL.
driNk DEEP and dESCEnd.
tHE HorsE IS The WhitE of thE eyeS,
DarKNESs WITHin.
