Chapter 2

Chrome

Walking along the shore with Ruby, the two kept an eye out for anyone else. They came across Ruby's scythe a bit earlier and she had placed it on her back.

"Who else fell?" Chrome asked. "Do you know?"

"Blake. Neo." Ruby replied with a shrug. "That's about it. As far as I know. Maybe more fell, I'm not sure."

As the duo walked, the hot sun beamed down upon the duo. Feeling the heat, Chrome took off his coat and discarded it onto the ground. Left in his sky blue shirt, white jeans and boots.

Once he left his coat, Chrome noticed that Ruby must have had the same idea. She had ditched some of her winter wear, now wearing just her corset, skirt, leggings and boots, as well as her cape.

Continuing their walk, the duo felt as though they had walked around the entire island already.

"Maybe we should just head for that tree." Ruby said. "We're not-"

Chrome heard a branch snap in the bushes, getting him to look towards the source. Neo suddenly rushed Ruby from the bushes. Attempting to slash Ruby with Hush, Chrome quickly pushed Ruby out of the way, taking the hit and getting knocked onto his back. His aura flashed and shattered, leaving Chrome completely defenseless.

Neo grit her teeth in annoyance as she turned to face Ruby. The small girl was ready to strike but Ruby already had her weapon drawn and at the ready. Not wanting a fight, only revenge on Ruby, Neo walked over to Chrome and placed her right foot on his chest. Pointing her blade at his throat, Neo glared at Ruby.

Chrome tried to move but Neo pressed the tip of her blade firmly against his neck, causing him to bleed slightly.

"What do you want?" Ruby growled.

Neo tapped the hat she was wearing, the hat that once belonged to Roman Torchwick.

After a few seconds of silence, Ruby seemed to understand what Neo was saying.

"I didn't kill Torchwick." Ruby said.

Neo narrowed her eyes, not buying her words for a second.

"He was killed by the Grimm." Ruby continued. "I haven't killed anyone."

Neo crossed her arms, removing her blade from Chrome's neck.

"Believe it. Don't believe it. I don't care." Ruby grit her teeth. "But if you insist on killing me, then-" Ruby raised her fists. "I won't go down without a fight!"

Neo twirled her parasol, her eyes closed as she thought. Resting her parasol on her shoulder, Neo opened her eyes, no longer holding a glare towards Ruby.

"What's it gonna be?" Ruby asked.

Liam

One week later

Outside, Liam was training with Maya. The two were sparring in hand-to-hand combat. He was still recovering from his inuries, and with Maya's help, his body was healing at an impressive rate.

Going to throw a punch at Maya, she easily dodged the attack and went to counter with a round house. Raising his arms to block the attack, Liam winced as pain rushed through his body.

Due to this, Maya was able to kick right through Liam's defense, knocking him to the ground. Sliding across the dirt on his stomach, Liam clenched his fists as he slowly got to his feet, his entire body trembling.

"How 'bout we just call it a day, 'uh?" Maya said, placing a hand on her hip.

"I can't rest!" Liam said through gritted teeth. "I gotta get stronger."

"Why not wait until you fully heal before-"

"Because Cinder won't wait!" Liam shouted. "She will be here for the Relics. Resting now won't do me shit." Liam raised his fists.

"That really the reason?" Maya asked, staring into Liam's eyes.

"What?" Liam was taken back slightly but quickly narrowed his eyes and regained his composure. "What other reason would there be? If I don't get stronger, I won't be able to kill that bitch!"

Liam was taking sharp breaths as he glared at Maya.

After a few seconds, which felt like hours, Maya spoke.

"I don't think that's the reason." Maya stated. "I think that's just your excuse."

Liam looked as though he was punched in the gut. For some reason, her words stung.

Quickly regaining his composure, Liam clenched his fists.

"What the fuck do you know?!" Liam growled. "You don't know a thing about-"

"You're doing all of this to take your mind off what happened." Maya replied. "Your team leader, your sister and cousin, Blake and Jaune." Maya said. "Marek told me all about it."

Liam narrowed his eyes.

"You think you know a single fuckin'-"

"You're bottling up what happened, pushing it deep down and shoving your hatred for Cinder over it." Maya said, taking a softer tone. "If you keep this up, the only thing you're going to achieve is getting yourself killed."

"That-"

"I know what it's like to lose someone." Maya turned her gaze to the ground, grasping her chest with her right hand. After a moment, Maya looked back up at Liam. "But I can't imagine losing that many people I care for all at once." Maya said.

"You don't know me!" Liam shouted. "You don't know what happened in there! Who the hell are you to-"

Liam fell silent as Maya gave him a sad smile. Closing her eyes, she just smiled at Liam. It was a smile that said she knew exactly what he was going through.

Opening her eyes to meet Liam's gaze again, Maya spoke.

"I lost my parents in a dust mine collapse." Maya began. "My mom was able to use her semblance to teleport me some place safe. And that was here." Maya gestured all around herself. "Vacuo." Maya paused. "I don't think she meant to send me here. Just to some place that wasn't there." Maya took a long pause. "Then, I lost my little sister not two weeks ago."

Liam was shocked to hear that.

"Nicole Redwood was killed in Atlas." Maya added. "My little sister."

Liam looked away.

"I spent so long trying to find her." Maya continued. "But everywhere I looked, I came up empty handed. I had to accept she was lost or dead. Then, you guys show up with everyone from Atlas. When I healed your teammate, Marek, I caught a glimpse of his memories. I found out she was on your team at Beacon, and was hoping to get to see her again. Then, I saw a memory of him talking to a Faunus, Chrome, saying she was killed by a girl named Cinder."

Maya began to shed tears.

"You know how it feels to grieve the same person twice?" Maya asked. "It's strange. Like, losing something you didn't know you had."

Liam could only stand and listen as Maya spoke.

"Losing your sister, cousin, and not knowing where your dad is..." Maya stared into Liam's eyes. "What you lost... I couldn't imagine. But you're shoving it down and placing your anger over it."

"Cinder took everyone from me!" Liam shouted. "What do you expect me to do?! Just let the bitch get away with it?! With everything!!?"

"Li-"

"My arm is gone because of her!" Liam continued. "My sister! My dad! My cousin! My friends! Everything I have lost, is because of Cinder!"

"And you'll lose more if you seek revenge!" Maya shouted. "You think I don't want to seek her out myself after what she did to my sister?!"

Liam glared at Maya.

"If I go after her, I could possible lose what little I have! Think about what else you have to lose, Liam."

With that, Maya turned around and walked away, angry.

A few feet away, her back pressed against the side of a nearby building, was Weiss, having heard it all.

Hours later

Sitting in his room, Liam lie on his back, staring at the ceiling, his hands behind his head. The conversation with Maya kept repeating in his head, making him more furious.

A knock suddenly came from his door.

"You got a sec?" Came Weiss' soft voice.

Liam got up and opened the door, allowing Weiss to walk in. Closing the door, Liam joined her on the bed.

Sat beside each other, Weiss took a deep breath before slowly letting it out.

"I heard your talk with Maya."

"Don't you start on me, too." Liam told her.

"I'm not." Weiss said, turning her body to face Liam. "But part of what she said is true."

Liam kept quiet as he dug his fingers in his knees.

"You haven't brought up Yang, Chrome, Jaune, Blake or Ruby once." Weiss continued. "You can't just push that down."

Liam remained silent.

"I get you want revenge, and I don't blame you." Weiss said. "But you need to talk to someone before what happened eats you up."

Liam grit his teeth.

"I know how much this hurts. They were all like family to me, too." Weiss added. "But... you have to face reality. They're all dead."

"Would you just stop already?!" Liam shouted.

Weiss was taken aback, shocked. This was the first time Liam ever yelled at her.

Liam got to his feet, not once taking his gaze away from Weiss'.

"I'm completely useless!" Liam yelled. "I could have saved Blake, but I was too weak! I could have saved Ruby, but I was too slow! And when I got battered, I left Jaune behind to fend Cinder off alone! Say what you want, but I'm still. Fucking. Useless!"

"You're wrong." Weiss said softly, rising to her feet as well.

"What are you trying to accomplish?! What is it you want me to do?!" Liam shouted.

There was a brief pause.

"Let it out."

Liam took a sharp breath as his eyes widened.

"All of it." Weiss added, softly. "The anger. The sadness. The fear."

After a moment, Liam began to tremble as his fists began to shake.

"Please. Just let it all go."

Liam choked on his own breath as he clenched his eyes shut, doing his best to keep himself composed. However, he was failing.

"Let it out."

Liam's breaths became erratic as his eyes watered. He gripped his pant legs, doing everything in his power to keep himself from breaking down.

It didn't last long, however. He began crying, heavily.

Falling to his knees, Liam placed his right hand over his eyes as he punched the ground. His eyes were like a waterfall, the tears just wouldn't stop.

He let everything out.

End of chapter 2