I do not own RWBY

She woke in pain, but that was nothing new. Shifting in discomfort, the silk sheets felt like water as they brushed over her skin; the bed she rested in was a cloud despite the ache she felt. A heavy scent of coffee weighed down on her reminding her of Ozpin's office however there was no sound of clockwork gears instead there was the rapid click of someone typing. Her mouth was dry; she had been asleep for a while then. The last thing she remembered was Viper ordering her to stay awake it was nice to know she was still alive although she hadn't expected. Cardin was going to kill her. Letting her eyes flutter open she wanted to sigh at the sterile white ceiling that looked down at her. She was in an Atlas hospital.

Raven must've used her semblance to get her here there was no other explanation. That meant the others knew she was here, they had to be worried. Was Jaune worried too? Her knight hated her didn't he, why would he be worried about her. No, Jaune was too compassionate to simply throw away all the time they spent together, he was bound to be worried about her. She'd caused them all to worry for Blake. Why did that thought make her feel disgusted with herself? When she'd learned that Blake had stood aside and allowed Cardin to be in danger, she'd thought it had been a misunderstanding, yet the faunus had done the same thing to her.

Did that mean that Blake didn't care if they lived or died?

No, her kitten was many things, but she wasn't apathetic. It was more likely that Blake simply lacked the resolve to put herself in danger for someone else. Oh well, this had been the last time she put herself in danger for the faunus anyway. If Blake couldn't return the favor, then there was no reason to continue risking her life for someone who lacked the strength to do the same. She was a little chaotic, but she wasn't suicidal.

In truth, she'd forgotten what the pain of death felt like. It wasn't a feeling that she enjoyed although it was far worse when the pain was something that she woke up from. Simply lacking fear of death did not make the pain vanish nor did it take away the fact when it came down to it, she wanted to live. There was no doubt that she wanted to survive in this world. First, she wanted something to drink.

Slipping her hand from under the sheet holding her down she grabbed the metal railing of her bed before trying to pull herself up. Agony shot through her stomach almost making her give up, instead, she took a breath before completing her action. There was no way a little pain was going to keep her down.

"You really are the most stubborn girl in the world."

Cutting her gaze to the white-robed man, she chuckled when he tipped his coffee mug in her direction. Watching him take a long sip, she wondered if he was going to help her up or just watch her suffer. Either way, she would manage to win this personal battle of hers. Sighing as if she was being annoying, he laid his cup on the small table beside him before moving to help her. His touch was frigid reminding her of ice as he gently helped her lean back against the headboard. Taking a breath once he did, she tried to steady her heartbeat.

Stalking to the small table, he poured her a glass of water before holding it out to her. At least now she knew why the room smelled of coffee, he was almost radiating the scent. Taking the glass, she sipped it slowly, at this point she'd thought that all her people would be trying to crowd the room. Part of her, a large part, hoped that Blake wasn't one of those people. She didn't resent the faunus but she wasn't sure she could deal with seeing her right now.

"Want to see your file now or later," he asked. Blinking slowly, she considered his offer. It was likely that he was the one keeping the room clear, if she asked, he would let Cardin and the others in. Opening her mouth, she winced at the stuttered breath that left her throat. Breathing in she licked her lips before nodding to herself.

"Now."

The order came out scratchy like sandpaper, but he nodded anyway. Handing over the tablet containing her file, he pulled the chair beside her bed a little farther away and sat down. Watching her closely he felt a bit out of place as she read through her file with detached ease. His demons mumbled that she would do well in the Assassins guild; he had no doubt she would do well with a past like his. In truth, he had no idea what James was thinking allowing these children to stay here. He could understand having loyalty to Ozpin, but the man was dead there was no reason to try and protect his students. To make things worse the current unrest in Atlas was growing.

Jacques was still calling for James's head simply because the man was protecting Winter and Weiss; the man wouldn't be an issue if James would let him deal with it. At the moment all Jacques could do was raise a fuss that none of them really care about but eventually, he would overreach leading to something far worse. Shifting he put all thoughts of potential war from his mind in favor of watching the girl closely. Her silver eyes met his own as she laid the tablet down in her lap. Part of him expected her to start ranting and snarling, instead, she was calm; too calm for it to be normal.

He expected her to start sobbing or questioning him, instead, she took a breath that didn't even tremble. Her eyes closed for a single second as her face showed pain that was the only hint that this news affected her at all. Pressing a hand against her stomach she straightened before meeting his gaze with sharp eyes.

"Is this fully private," she asked her tone bordering on frigid. Nodding he took the tablet from her gaining a small smile in return. Her mind was spinning fast enough that she almost couldn't keep up, but she tried. It wasn't as if she'd never gotten hurt before, however, this was permanent. Tossing away the sheet she sent an annoyed look at the white hospital gown she was wearing. Clearing his throat, Aiden gained her attention.

"James made sure that everything you had during your stay at Menagerie was taken to your room, there are also some clothes in the bathroom over there. Taking a shower won't aggravate your injuries, just be careful with your stitches."

"That's the most you've ever talked to me," she teased before standing slowly. Narrowing her gaze at her shaky legs, she winced. Fire rushed through her veins for a moment before she pushed it to the back of her mind. She wasn't weak enough to let a little pain stop her; plus, the sooner she was alone the faster she could break down.

Keeping her movements careful she walked into the bathroom making sure to lock the door behind her. It was nice to know that Ironwood had spared no expense if the large walk-in shower was any indication. Turning it on, she made sure the water was ice cold before taking a step back. Shedding the hospital gown, she frowned at how slow her movements were. As if being a bit weak was her biggest issue right now. Holding back a bitter laugh, she forced down all the emotions she was feeling until there was only numbness.

(twenty minutes later)

Eyeing the line of stitches across her stomach, she frowned before pulling down the fabric of her tank top. Someone, not Ironwood, had picked out her clothes she doubted he would've chosen a pink sweater and white jogging pants. It was most likely Weiss who'd chosen her outfit, at least she hoped it was. Making a mental note not to move too quickly, she slipped her feet into her pink slippers before leaving the bathroom. Aiden was waiting for her with both a glass of water and two pain pills that she took gratefully.

"James wanted to talk to you once you woke up, your classmates have already gathered in his office. I'm supposed to take you there."

At least that explained why none of them had barged into the room. Nodding she handed the empty cup back to him; it was time to face her people and figure out where she was going to go from here. Following the man through the hallways to Ironwood's office, she felt more than a little curious about what the man was planning. In truth, she had no idea what this could be about except her reckless actions but if the man wanted to scold her then he wouldn't call a meeting like this. Besides Cardin was the one she was most worried about scolding her like she was a naughty child.

Honestly, she was dreading the fact she had to admit he was right about Blake. There was no way to ignore the fact the faunus could no longer be trusted in life or death situations. If it came down to a choice between the safety of those willing to fight for her and Blake, she would choose the former. Losing Blake wasn't really much of a change in her plans, they'd already agreed to part ways, the only thing it changed was...

Atlas really was beautiful, that was the first thought that crossed her mind when they entered the large windowed hallway to Ironwood's office. The city shinned at night as if stars had been embedded in the towering houses. However, this city was one of the most two-faced places in the world. There was part of her that wanted to simply start playing with the politics and cause chaos. Coming to a stop she stared down at the twinkling city.

"What's the situation in Atlas?"

Coming to a stop, the doctor turned to study her. He was one of Ironwood's people, there was a chance that he wouldn't tell her anything about their current issues, yet she was Ironwood's ally. When he was talking to her earlier, he called Ironwood by his first name; they were close. He had to know things about the current political climate that other people didn't.

"The only issue right now is Jacques," he stated. Keeping his eyes on her he pushed down the whispers in his head. Just because she met his gaze didn't mean she was trying to challenge him.

"Dealing with one man is easy."

"Oh, how?"

"Kill him."

His eyes flashed.

The rich dark brown changed to vibrant poisonous purple as he smirked. The wicked expression should've been terrifying especially considering the bloodlust rushing through his aura, yet it was amusing. So, this had been what she felt. The man standing in front of her was not the doctor that treated her wounds; no doctor had eyes filled with murder. Dark lines spread across his skin as if someone had painted them making him look even more attractive. Stepping forward before he re caged the darkness she'd unleashed; she raised her hand to trace the curved line on his cheek.

His skin was hot almost as if he had a fever but only on the line. Other than that he felt soft almost like a fluffy bunny. Of course, he was a bunny that could murder her within seconds, she could tell that much from the coiled tension running through his body. This man defiantly wasn't a doctor, although she couldn't deny his skill as one. If not for him she would be dead right now. Owing someone her life wasn't exactly a feeling that she liked. The deceptively gentle way his hand grabbed her own was enough to make her feel strange. She owed him just like she owed Viper. Tilting her head as he pressed her palm against his face, she wondered how Ironwood had found someone like him.

"Just what, do you know about murder, Miss Huntress," he asked softly. His voice was almost a purr as he looked down at her with dark eyes. The taunting smile on his face would usually be enough to make her call for war, instead, she returned his smile with one of her own.

"Everything," she said brightly. She both knew how it felt to die and how it felt to kill.

Chuckling the man gently shifted to press a kiss against her open palm. The action was enough to make her face heat up slightly. She had no doubt that he was a murderer yet here he was serving a military general and calling him by name. This man was dangerous, attractive, and most likely very pent up. What weapon did he use? When was the last time he spared with someone or even worked off some of his tension?

"Before Aiden puts me back in my cage, tell me, little Huntress, what are your intentions for my Master?"

"I wish to be his ally."

It wasn't even a lie. She truly wanted Ironwood on her side. In a way she owed him as well, he'd supported her and given her a Huntress License far earlier than he should've. There was no way that he was doing that for free, yet she wanted him to continue supporting her. She wasn't a good person, as this man knew, however, she would always protect what was hers. This man was most likely the same as her, he'd even called Ironwood his. To someone like her that was like drawing a battle line; the action was amusing.

"Then, let him know everything your planning."

That wasn't possible. Lips curving into a sad smile she knew that the instant she admitted to being herself Ironwood would toss her away.

Releasing her he stepped back before sighing as the lines on his skin began to vanish. It was interesting to watch her doctor come back into control. Turning away from her as he pressed a hand to his face, she tilted her head. Stumbling he reached out wildly for the wall as if he was going to fall apart at any moment. It wouldn't be good for him to collapse here. Grabbing his shoulders, she steadied him hoping to stop him from crashing down. Or that was the plan, flinching as he slapped away her hand, she narrowed her gaze.

"We should get to James' office," he said as if nothing had happened. Turning away from her he didn't notice the annoyance flash through her gaze.

Clenching the fabric of her sweater she frowned but followed him anyway. Who was she to decide if he was being cowardly by keeping something so dark hidden away? After all, she put on an act for everyone but Cardin. Oh right, in the next few moments she would be seeing her berserker who would no doubt make sure that knew exactly how foolish she'd been. Suddenly she had no desire to enter the office much less face her classmates. Oh gods, what if he took away her chocolate and strawberries!

Shuffling to a stop outside the office door, she glared at it for a long moment. It wasn't too late to return to her nice bed and forget that she was supposed to be here. She could totally hide from Cardin and pretend that everything was fine; she was good at pretending. It wasn't as if her hiding out make things worse, however, Ironwood had called this meeting for a reason, she couldn't just run away because Cardin might take away her cookies. That would be a hard thing to explain to the general she could just imagine his look of amused annoyance as he tried to figure out how to deal with her.

Sighing she entered the office slowly as if that would make Cardin less likely to lash out at her. Finding her classmates, the Ace ops, Penny, and Winter was slightly strange, but she didn't really mind, in fact, it was a bit of a relief. Cardin couldn't exactly yell at her if they were surrounded by other people. Giving her classmates a small wave, she wasn't' expecting the tornado the ran her over. Thank the gods for painkillers; it was the only thing she could think about as her sister clung to her.

Biting her lip to keep from whining she felt a bit uncomfortable as Yang cuddled her like a teddy bear. There wasn't a single person in the room that sent her a pitying look either, even Ironwood seemed to think this was a good version of vengeance for her stupidity. Screaming mentally, she squirmed trying to get away from her sister who only tightened her grip. This wasn't fair, her sister had the strength of a rampant gorilla. Starting to struggle she didn't notice Cardin moving closer until his hands were pressing against her cheeks. Freezing completely, she paled at the way his eyes seemed to glow with anger.

Flickering her eyes around the room for someone to help her, she got nothing. Even Ironwood was content to let her suffer. Well screw it; if they were going to be annoying then she would be annoying too. Pouting, she glared up at her berserker daring him to start scolding her. To be honest, it wasn't her best decision considering how upset with her he was. Whining like a kicked puppy, she could almost feel both Cardin and Yang conspiring against her when he pinched her cheeks and pulled.

"What the Hell! Do you want me to stuff you in a hamster ball for the rest of your fucking life!"


So that was a thing, what do you guys think of Aiden? Moving on next chapter is the reaction to Ozpin still being alive.

stay safe and have a good day

-Shyla