All Characters belong to RoosterTeeth etc.

Sentences in italics are internal conversations in Cinder and Pyrrha's head.

I don't know why I bother anymore. Every time I do something it blows up in my face in the worst way. Compete in a competition; win it 3 times in a row and get hundreds of sponsorships, avoid going to Haven; end up at Beacon when it falls, agree to take a power that I didn't fully understand; die and get trapped in the head of my killer. Now I'm in the one place I wish I never came back to with the one person that I wish wouldn't understand. Yet here I am, and here she is staring into my eye like she recognizes me. My mother somehow believes that I am me in a different body. I didn't know how to respond.

"Tell her the truth."

"How will that help?!"

"It won't. She'll think you're insane and walk away," How was that a perfectly rational thought? Much less coming from a deranged lunatic. I could tell the truth and she would think I was nuts.

"Yes, I am Pyrrha…"

"Really?" The longing in her eyes was full of new hope after she heard. I hated to crush them especially with what I was about to do.

"Yes… At Beacon I managed to get my soul stuck in a magic power that put it in a new body after my death… The only problem is the owner of this body is the one that killed me," Full unadulterated truth. I wasn't lying but it felt horrible to tell her… Just intentionally dashing her hopes. At least she pulled me into a nice warm hug… my head nestled in the crook of her neck. Oh no.

"Look you can't blame this one on me. I would not have bought it…"

"You always said you'd be a different person when you came back from Beacon. I just never thought you meant literally." She believed me… How?

"Wha-How? I look like a completely different person. I'm not even-" She pulled out of the hug, not letting me go just allowing us to come eye to eye. She had no doubts on her face, I don't know if through divine providence or fate she recognized me.

"You never learned to hide your heart. Always wearing it on your sleeve," That wasn't a real answer, "And I don't think a mother out there wouldn't recognize her own daughter." Was that true? Did she recognize me because of love?

"I know you are feeling a mix of emotions right now but remember- I'm wanted. If she knows that she may just be trying to exploit a weakness and get the bounty."

"I hate you…" I needed to figure this out. I needed to-

"I thought you hated the Pumpkin Pete's sponsorship… Why are you wearing this?" Mom was right about that sponsorship. Waitaminute- What happened to my old clothes and armor? Did she throw it out? Was there still time to-no focus. Right now before later.

"I did… but it's... warm." She could see the hesitance on my face as I was reluctant to tell her about the hoodie. Would she like Jaune? I have to find him and introduce them. Jaune! Where did his sister live? How would I contact him? I lost Cinder's scroll the first day and we had yet to replace it.

"It looks an awful lot like the hoodie that blonde teammate of yours was wearing…"

"Uh… it is. He found me a few days ago and I've been with him since..." There was a light in her eyes that I had never seen before. What did that mean?

"So there is a chance I can still get grand-kids?" Oh no. How was she still worried that I wouldn't find anyone?

"I mean… maybe." I blushed as I averted my eye.

"There is no way you are using my body to have kids!" I'm going to ignore that. The love made me happy… I hope she was happy. I didn't want to dash anymore of her hopes tonight.

"Come on we have to get home-"

"Pyrrha!" Jaune shouted as he came running into the courtyard. This moment was just a terrible string of events that kept cascading into the fiery depths.

"Jaune! What are you doing here!" I didn't ask as much as I glared for an answer.

"I turned around and you were nowhere in sight. I was worried Cinder caused you to-" Finally Jaune's eyes caught a glimpse of my mother. Still hugging me… "I'm interrupting aren't I?"

"Ye-"

"He's handsome."

"MOM!"

"Mom? Wait-Ms. Nikos?" Jaune's eyes shot wide as he realized who he was next to. Then I could almost see as the gears in his head began working on a cover to help me out of the situation. Until it halted when Mom hugged him too.

"Thank you for bringing my daughter back to me."

"Hey! I didn't get a hug and did most of the work!"

"You killed me!"

"Most. Of. The. Work."

"Uh… no problem…" Jaune was confused. He hadn't intended on bringing me back but it was a side effect of us needing to get to Atlas. I hope he doesn't tell her that, then as she stood on her tiptoes to be at shoulder level with him I could faintly hear her whisper something to him. Oh please dear gods no. His eyes locked on me and I could feel a worry forming, "Yes ma'am… I already promised to."

"Now that's settled, where are you two staying?" She broke the hug but refused to let go of his arm as she found mine as well. There was an intense feeling… How was I supposed to tell her?

"Uh... My sister lives in town and she said we could stay with her…" There was a hint of disappointment forming on her face.

"Oh. Well I'll just go home… to my big empty house… where I live alone… since my daughter died…" This guilt trip. I hated it when she did this! I never had a defense, I always apologize and go with her.

"That explains so much about you…" Of course Cinder has no sympathy for me but I don't care I can still-Wait Cinder is a heartless beast! "Thank you..?"

"Can you turn her down? I'll… braid your hair..?"

"I will turn her down if you promise to never braid my hair."

"Not even a little..? Nevermind, just do it!"

"Alright-" Our eye flickered as we swapped, then she looked my mother in the eyes with her sure fire cocky grin. Only to be met with a warmhearted smile and loving feeling, I felt her falter, "...Alright. Can we stay with you instead, mother?"

"WHAT WAS THAT!"

"I panicked…"

"Master of evil manipulations panicked in the face of my mother!"

"Look you weren't there, you don't know."

"I was though!"

"Then it's settled- Oh darn, I don't have a spare room made up… Looks like you two will have to share." I could see a twinge of suspicion in Mom's eyes as she almost certainly knew that Cinder was in control for a second. Jaune however was just panicking as he had to call Saphron and tell her he found another place to stay. I don't think he even realized that we were sharing a room.

Our house was similar to all those around it. You wouldn't even know it was the Nikos residence… other than the massive pile of flowers, candles and posters making up a shrine for me outside of it. I stood there for several seconds staring at it in contempt.

"Why'd they build you a shrine? Why not me? I deserve it more! I at least survived Beacon!"

"I agree, you should burn it."

"Really?" I couldn't tell if I was being honest or if she had infected me enough not to care.

"I know it's a bit much… But shortly after Beacon, the news interviewed me and people began to flock here…" Mom… going against the house rule of if anyone asks for an interview just say, 'Pyrrha's not here at the moment.' Vultures… She was mourning!

"Well if it's any consolation, Emerald had to feed me by hand for 3 months after Beacon… She enjoyed that far too much," I hardly see how those equate. Jaune just stared at it for a second.

"I'm pretty sure if one of those candles got knocked over everything would burst into flames." How was that helpful? Was Cinder infecting me so much that I thought a fire would help? Why did it make me feel better when Jaune suggested it? But mom led us inside, the foyer was as immaculate as ever... yet it had a thin layer of dust on everything... and an old pair of what was once mud on heels were sitting next to the door. I had left those because they were too dirty to take to Beacon at the time. Why were they still here?

"Have you had dinner yet?" I barely heard her as I was noticing more and more out of place. Pictures were taken off the walls and dragged over to the couch in the living room, boxes of used tissues at hand, and several photo albums were laid out on the coffee tables... I guess this is how hard they were taking it.

"Uh, no-we didn't really have time to think about it." Jaune answered her snapping me back to reality. I should help. I climbed through the door much to mom's protest.

"It's fine I really don't need help-"

"No, It's fine I haven't been around. The least I can do is help." She was trying to prevent me from seeing the kitchen in an uncharacteristic state of disrepair with pre-made casseroles strewn about and dishes piling up in the sink. Jaune saw it and knew, I however felt horribly confused, "What happened?"

"Everyone wanted to show their support..." Ah... I had been dead for a year. They were in mourning and I so thoughtlessly came crashing in like-

"Well then we should too, we can help clean up." Who said that? Had I? I wasn't the one who thought of it.

"Don't waste this."

"Why? I mean, why be nice about this?"

"My parents never got the chance to mourn me." Jaune looked at me as Mom was a bit skeptical of the idea.

"I don't know... I like the plates we have now. And I don't like spending all day bending all the silverware back into shape." Mom, always pointing out how I had two left feet when it came to the kitchen.

"I can wash the dishes." I said defiantly as I marched over to the sink. Jaune skulked behind me as he had seen my attempts at Beacon. Picking up a plate from the pile I ran it under the sink getting it just wet enough to clean. Then I put the plate in my left hand got the rag and turned back to find the plate missing. Looking around I found Jaune had caught the plate when I released it into the air.

"ARE YOU INCAPABLE OF DOING THE SIMPLEST TASK?!"

"I'm a warrior not a dishwasher..."

"THIS ISN'T A TRADE! YOU DON'T NEED TRAINING FOR THIS! IT IS LITERALLY A LIFE SKILL!"

"...Shut up I'm trying..."

"Not good enough I'm driving until you can do dishes." Cinder kicked me out of control and into the back seat. I was forced to sit there as suddenly Pyrrha Nikos was able to do dishes. Cinder made this look so easy... When she finished she walked over to a closet and pulled out a trash bag. How did she know that was there? I didn't even know it was there! Was she reading mom's mind as well, "I was a slave maid for years. I know how to find the cleaning supplies in any building I enter."

"That is mildly disconcerting." She didn't stop, she walked over to the counter and began shoveling old casseroles into the bag.

"People are going to want-"

"If people wanted their dishes they wouldn't have given them to you." Cinder was curt and I could tell from the look Jaune and Mom shared he needed to explain. But Cinder didn't listen as she moved to the living room where she began cleaning garbage off of every surface. When the bag was full she tossed it to the curb before coming back inside and moving to the hallway closet. Where she found the vacuum and the duster. Cinder carefully wiped every corner of the house clean of dust before moving onto the vacuum. It's like her body was on autopilot, no emotions or thoughts just work getting done. She picked up the framed pictures and carried them back to the walls where they should hang. When she finished the house was spotless and put back together like it was when I left.

"So you're the person my daughter is inhabiting... at least she finally learned how to clean properly..." Somewhat insulting but not inaccurate. Cinder however took it upon herself to before the meal was finished to have the table set.

"Could be worse, she could have my pension for setting things on fire," She said that with a snap of her fingers lighting a candle in the middle of the table. Only when she sat down did I get control back... It was already early morning so we were having a late dinner or an early breakfast but something was missing.

"Mom? Where's dad?"

"Well he's been taking a lot of extra shifts recently... He'll be back in a few weeks." She placed her hand on mine. I would miss him entirely if we followed pace on the trip to Atlas. I didn't have the heart to tell her that though. The meal was silent or I didn't hear anything as my mind began fading from lack of sleep. I had a nice long nap on the train. How was I still tired? That was until Mom woke me from my daze, "Late night?"

"Yeah... I think... sleep..."

"No seriously what is happening to you?"

"Come on. I got you." Jaune said, picking me up. I felt light as a feather as he carried me to my room. Then I felt the distinct fluff of my covers... and heard the locking of the door, "Hey, wait I'm still in here."

Why was she falling asleep? I felt fine and I have been conscious since dawn... I was feeding off of her sleep wasn't I. Either way when my head shot up from the pillow I knew it was going to be a difficult situation. Jaune and I were locked in a room...

"I thought you were tired Pyrrha." Really can't tell the difference between us can he. My eye caught the mirror on the dresser... it was still green. That wasn't good... had my eye permanently changed color? Would there be other changes? Did Jaune not realize I wasn't Pyrrha? Time for some sweet sweet revenge.

"I am... or I was... but it's been such a long time since I've been home... I don't think I can sleep anytime soon."

"I'm surprised. When I return home I don't think I'd be able to stay awake in my own bed." Yes because we are all so fortunate to have a family. The covers were nice and warm if a little dusty. I took stock of the room and noticed several things: a simple room with enough character to describe Pyrrha. The big window that wasn't facing her bed but was facing her closet, a desk with several pieces of armor and weapon parts perfectly sorted, a closet with outfits that had armor sewn into them, and in one of the corners there was a mannequin wearing a set of armor similar to Pyrrha's... sort of like a first draft. I get why she didn't use it... Mostly black. Oh god's she was gonna want me to wear that. Jaune noticed it too, "It's a bit big but I'm sure we can get it fit."

"Well we're not really that different height wise." I wasn't much smaller than her!

"Yeah- but you were way more muscular than Cinder is." Now he was just trying to piss me off. I'm muscular... it's packed well so you can't really see it. Then the awkward silence... What now? I looked around but when I found nothing to talk about I was at a loss. I could see myself in the mirror... disheveled and exhausted looking... In the most awkwardly large short sleeve hoodie ever... "You really didn't like it did you?"

"Huh. Uh," what the hell was he talking about? If I kept this up he would figure out I'm not Pyrrha and then I'd lose this chance. I gotta say something... he sat on the bed next to me... he was expecting something, was he expecting an answer on it, "It wasn't that good at first..."

"Yeah at least it looks comfortable on you." THE HOODIE! He's talking about the hoodie. It was comfortable, if a little loose... If he doesn't ask for it back I may tear it apart and resize it to my body.

"Yeah... I think Cinder is going to overhaul the design to fit her better," Now he'll have to ask for it back. There is no way he'd let me do that! I have him in the trap he's going to ask for it back and I can-

"Good-I mean-It doesn't really fit you at the moment." What was this!

"You don't want it back?"

"Well... it was my favorite hoodie. Then it was my lucky hoodie that I survived everything in and now... I hope it protects you like it did me." What! Was he just so willing to give away a piece of himself like that? He lifted Crocea Mors to the bed and opened the shield. There lies melded into the metal my-her circlet. Always protecting him... Even in death. Was that what he thought of her? My hand drifted to feel it. Last time I held the circlet I had just vaporized Pyrrha... "I kinda took it without asking."

"I didn't realize-"

"It's only fair that you get my favorite hoodie when I took your favorite crown." Kind, thoughtful, handsome. He had grown up a lot since Beacon... I could feel the memories of us training on the roof... Them training on the roof. These weren't my memories. Yet they made me feel so warm... My memories were just emotionless slogs through tortuous training or painful lessons. I still had to get power but right now I wanted to not feel cold. Even if it wasn't me he was trying to warm. I leaned in... how had she done this before? Lack subtlety and take what you want... Did she get that from me? Either way when I felt him closer to my body the heat was undeniable, "Are you sure about this? What does Cinder think?"

"She's not here at the moment-So let's make it count." I had never done this before... Sure Salem taught me how to seduce a man. But that was to get information, I was always supposed to pull away before it got too far. Chasity is required for a maiden to gain her power... That was a lie wasn't it? Raven beat me and I'm like nighty percent sure she's the mother of the sisters Blonde Bimbo and Ruby Rose... Did that mean that I had missed out all this time on something so-warm!? Better question. How does this work? Does it just enter? OR do I have to open up?

"Pyr-mph!" I lent in and stole the kiss. This would piss her off tomorrow and warm me today! He didn't struggle, just sat there allowing me to feel his warmth before leaning in himself. Then the hoodie was on the ground next to the bed.

Morning light cracked through the window in just the perfect position to shine directly on my single eye. Which was right on the pillow? She did this on purpose didn't she. She positioned the bed in such a way that only the place light gets through in the morning is directly on her face. Of course I moved my hand to block it but that was only so futile. It only pulled my attention to my lack of clothes... What was so warm in between my legs again? Oh no.

"Morning Cinder." I rolled over to face him. Jaune Arc... completely naked... large enough to keep me in his arms like I was tiny... with an arm under my head that I was using for a pillow. I could cry about it and shout at him or I could continue to pretend I was Pyrrha and get to snuggle up to stay warm. IT was awfully brisk this morning...

"Nope, still Pyrrha."

"Oh good, I wasn't looking forward to getting choked to death by you. Especially so early in the morning," Great he bought it. Now I got the chance to snuggle up and stay-

*CLICK*

"Oh no." We said in unison as Pyrrha's mother was snooping. I get being glad her daughter was back from the dead but she definitely heard something through the walls last night. Just a rhythmic slapping of meat and moaning. Did she not realize the state of undress we would be in? Either way I panicked and launched my hand to the hoodie on the floor. It should just barely be in range... in range... in range... nothing...I peered over the bed and found it was completely missing along with the rest of my clothes. I searched the room and found them... on the desk... neatly washed and folded. Right next to Jaune's clothes in the same state... Sighing I got up.

"She already knows. Get dressed." It was awkward... was this what it was like the morning after for every couple. WAIT! NO! WE ARE NOT A COUPLE!

"Can you pass me my boxers Cinder?"

"Huh, yeah sure," I did it without thinking only to realize far too late, "I'm not Cinder!"

"Amber eye says otherwise." I quickly turned to face the mirror and saw it had turned back to normal. Great he knew... I hope Pyrrha doesn't find out she'll cry and say he cheated on us-her! On her! Dang it! After I finished putting on my underwear I got a devious plan.

"You said I could modify this right?" I held the hoodie up.

"I said you could make it more fit-" I chopped off the right sleeve, "AH! I thought you were going to make it fit better!"

"I am. I don't like these sleeves, and neither does Pyrrha." Then I went straight to work. Cutting the hoodie to pieces before restitching it in a more fitting manner. By the end he was clothed and speechless at how chipper I was about destroying his 'favorite hoodie'. I had converted the large baggy hoodie into a tight top that was more form fitting at my midriff and had a long left sleeve similar to my former dress. With the feather pinned to my right clavicle I asked, "What do you think? Sexy right."

"It looks like it will be good under armor." It would... now I just needed to find a chest piece-Waitaminute! I looked down and found instead of just wearing darker jeans I was wearing a set of Pyrrha's greaves over them. Then on my only real hand I had a long glove and her gauntlet, I had put them on without even realizing it. They were hard to move in being a size too large, "UUUUUUUGGGGHH! You could have mentioned that before I put them on!"

"I thought you knew!" I scowled at him as I reflexively checked the mirror. Green eyeliner check, mild blush check. Stealing another corset from my closet check. I'M NOT PYRRHA! Yet before I knew it I was dressed just like her... With a large bronze corset more armored than her last one, this one came with a tunic over my crotch but remained barely a size too large hanging off of my smaller frame. Jaune was sizing me up as he was certain I didn't realize it was happening, I mean half of my outfit was bronze armor. Then he pointed out, "Don't forget your sunglasses."

"Oh right... Where are they?"

"On the desk..." I looked over and saw them sitting next to another more dull looking crown... Please dear gods don't let me pick up the crown. I blinked and I was outside of the room on the way to breakfast... I wore the crown, didn't I. I didn't like it but if I couldn't control my own body when I was getting dressed then there was little hope for me. I wanted to cry... unable to dress myself to my own accord. Simply following the whims of a ghost in my head... speaking of which.

"PYRRHA! If you're going to dress me against my will at least say it too my face!"

…Nothing...

Where the hell is she? Piloting my body without even admitting she's doing it only to end up giving me the silent treatment. This was because I slept with her boyfriend wasn't it? I'm not apologizing.

"Cinder. Look out," I didn't realize where I was stepping as I walked into the banister... I tripped over the banister. I fell over it and ended up on the first floor. Landing on my face... Great, that's always fun.

"Could you pay more attention when you're driving?"

…Still nothing...

"Ugh, not even a peep-" Wait! I was still in control. Then why the hell did I put on this stupid tiara. I looked down and saw my sunglasses on the ground having fallen off my face. I wasn't wearing her tiara. I had maintained even the smallest semblance of my individuality and Pyrrha had refused to talk to me... Today was gonna go great.

"Having trouble walking after last night?" And now the mother was talking to me. Does she know I'm still in here or does she think I'm still Pyrrha? I wanted to yell at her but when I looked at her I only had a warm and fuzzy feeling. She had a raised eyebrow as if I was the one she wasn't looking to...

"Yeah..." I thumbed my hand over my shoulder to Jaune and said, "He really knows how to tire a girl out."

"Ugh." Jaune descended the stairs as wasn't sure what to say about it. Mom however laughed as she wasn't sure how to phrase it.

"So I can look forward to little red headed grandkids."

"Probably not. I don't have any red in my heritage." I said absentmindedly, completely unsure of what was going on between us. I was calm like I knew her my entire childhood, like she was always there for me... She was there her entire childhood. A comforting mother figure... probably explains why we were such different people.

"Oh... you're not Pyrrha." LIE TO HER.

"What! No of course I am! Who else would I be!" I looked to Jaune expecting some help as she was certainly going to ask something difficult. His grimace said he couldn't really help.

"I'd believe you more if you had blushed when I asked about last night." Ah. This is going to be difficult. I did not expect this to end well.

"So... you want breakfast?"

"Uhhh... Yes, please." What was I supposed to say? No, pretending I am her daughter is more difficult. For her at least. Just remain the person that killed her daughter like it was nothing...

"Pyrrha if you're still in there the least you can do is talk to your own mother!"

...Once again nothing...

Breakfast was just as nice as dinner. Filling and tasty... just like Pyrrha. That came out wrong. How was I supposed to tell her anything about what was happening? Let alone why my mind had drifted to wearing her armor.

"It looks a little big... I mean the armor..." Right, I heated up my body and while controlling the metal and I made sure the armor fit me. It shrank just ever so slightly conforming to my frame.

"I can make do."

"Full of tricks aren't you... explains a lot..." She looked down at her plate as the armor formed easily around me. Like the metal shifted around me.

"Yeah I use glass as my primary weapon so that's how I was able to beat... I'll stop talking."

"Good choice." Jaune kept eating as if I had never said anything. Silence was good. With silence I wasn't being interrogated about why I did all the things I did. Power. I did it all for power... I was terrified of being weak again. Jaune checked his scroll trying to keep focus away from me then he spit out his food, "Ruby!"

"Oh great she's still alive." I said as I rolled my eye.

"RUBY! OH THANK YOU! I've been checking my scroll since we made it to the city!" That was a lie he was too busy boning me. But as he talked to her I could feel my mother's eyes drifting back to me...

"You won't be staying long will you?" I could lie to her and tell her that we would be back, or that we would stay for weeks... but that wouldn't be fair.

"I can't imagine we will..." Her eyes darkened as she heard that, "But... I'll make sure Pyrrha can say goodbye this time." The smile on her face was still there, but there was doubt...

"I wanted to hate you for what you did..." That was hurtfully honest, not undeserved mind you just honest, "But I can't help but be glad that you brought her back to me. Even if it was just one last time." She got up and hugged me. In the awkward 'I was sitting and she was standing' way. Warmth... I missed feeling this warmth. What was it? I had to tell her I was sorry. I had to say how Pyrrha didn't deserve it. I had to say something... But right now I didn't feel those words. I just felt empty at the thought of apologizing for something I didn't really mean. When the hug finally ended she walked to a package carefully stowed in the corner... It had been there for months collecting dust... Not the fun kind either, "Pyrrha commissioned this months before Beacon, but when it didn't come in time she told us to wait until she got back to open it..."

"I don't exactly need-"

"But she will. Please." I didn't have the best record with keeping weapons unmelted but that look in her eyes told me to try. I ran my finger across the strip of tape cutting it with a sharp piece of glass. The box was large and I knew it was for her but it was the first time I had gotten a custom huntress weapon... Everything before this was common. Inside the box was a much darker shield, blue steel instead of bronze with her logo on it... I couldn't exactly wield it at the moment with one arm. Then underneath there was a spear, similar to her last one but more lance shaped this time. They came with a bandolier easy to strap them to, "Here let me help you."

She picked it up and wrapped it around my chest. It was loose but she made sure to tighten it before letting me up. I stood up and put the shield to my back before giving the spear a few twirls. I didn't know what to say... I didn't feel like I had any right to say anything really. Slotting the spear in next to the shield I smiled as mom placed a hand on my face, "Don't be afraid to come back."

"Yeah-"

"Cinder we gotta go." Jaune cut in at the wrong time. She nodded as she led us out.

"Well, I hope you get there in one piece."

"At this rate I'll be surprised if we get there at all." Jaune made the worst joke possible. I jabbed him in the back pushing him out the front door, I turned back to mom.

"I'll make sure to bring her back for her goodbyes if she wakes before we leave."

"Thank you." With tears in her eyes she wrapped her arms around me in another hug. The warmth was back and I didn't want it to leave... I wanted it to stay this time. But when she finally released me I found there was a red sash wrapped around my waste... Similar to the one Pyrrha and now Jaune wore... Then I looked to her and saw a few tears in her eyes, "It's for good luck. Try not to waste it."

"I can't make any promises..." I had tears in my eye... Why?

"So this is where you two spent the night! Leaving me and big sis Arc alone. Don't worry I got all the dirt on you Jaune!" Nora screamed from the sidewalk. I hope she realized how important this moment she ruined was.

Team RWBY was as chipper as ever even if they had just been dead to the world for half a day... Well dead to me... No, I knew they were still alive the whole time. Everyone was hugging and they even bothered to hug me several times... I didn't enjoy them even if they were a little warm. Jaune got chastised by his sister about sleeping over at a girls house and Ren and Nora led them to the Atlas base. They were turned away almost immediately. It all ended up with us going to Jaune's sister's house as they explained how Ozpin didn't really have a plan to stop Salem.

"So what Cinder said was right." Nora commented as she stared at the ground.

"Oh yes just assume I'm a liar and everything will turn out okay!" I said under my breath probably too loudly.

"What are we supposed to do now! If Salem can't be killed then what can we do!" Ren was trying to stay rational.

"There is no plan and all we have is this useless child!" Jaune uncharacteristically loud as he threw Oscar into the wall. I didn't care about anything they had to say. They were all surprised the god they followed was a liar and or incompetent. At least he wasn't cruel. That's the one thing he had on Salem, while she used her immortality to draw people to her Ozpin used his quest for righteousness to draw people to him... Explains why he doesn't have many followers. But as the band of heroes dispersed I couldn't help but follow Oscar. He made his way outside clearly planning to run for it.

"Wait." He tensed up as I commanded him. There was a pause as he turned to me.

"Look I don't know whatever you-" I picked him up with my newly regrown Grimm arm and slammed him into a wall. I was much more powerful than my boy- HE'S NOT MY BOYFRIEND! My thoughts were getting corrupted by her even when she wasn't around.

"Why am I seemingly merging so much quicker than you?" He would either tell me or I would make him reincarnate a second time.

"I don't know! Ozpin knew not me!" He tried to divert the situation.

"Yes you do! You and Ozpin are sharing a soul. You know everything he does!" I pushed him up the wall. He was several feet off of it at this point, "Why are we merging so much faster than you!"

"I don't know! He's been in here for a year at this point and I still don't have a hold on what's happening!"

"A year..." I let him slide down the wall as I pondered out loud, "That can't be right... I killed Pyrrha the same day as Ozpin. So why did he reincarnate so much faster!"

"I don't know! Maybe Pyrrha didn't reincarnate slower! Maybe she's just been stuck in the back of your head for a year and you never noticed!" That didn't sound right... but he was nearing the ground, "Maybe the reason why you two are merging so much faster is because you are catching up on the year she wasn't awake."

"Really then where is she now!"

"Wha-"

"She's been missing since last night! Why hasn't she come back?!" The maiden's power was bursting from my eye at this point. Had she left me free to exact my revenge on Ruby? Did I have a chance or was she going to wake up in the middle of the slaughter and get us both killed.

"When Ozpin overextends himself he tends to go unconscious for a day or two. Maybe the same happened to Pyrrha." He had no confidence in his voice. But the way he said it made me certain he wasn't lying... Almost like he was actually Ozpin. Why don't I just ask him?

"You will either let me speak to him or I will kill you!" And he was back up the wall again. I was going to kill him right. It would be easy just a little flick of the wrist and he will snap to... I hope. It would be a shame to kill someone so young. I held him there for a few seconds waiting for Ozpin to step in and keep his new vessel alive... But he never came... Is he really that unconcerned about his new body? After a minute it was just awkward, "He's not coming out is he."

"...N-no... I don't think he is..."

"I could kill you. You know that right."

"Yeah... I think Ozpin knows..." I dropped him as I saw the pitiable look on his face. Salem would want me to kill him out of spite but I didn't want to on the grounds of it was my choice. Also I don't think she has an exceptional grasp on the whole reincarnation thing...

"Where are you off to then?" I inquired, all snooping like to the child... I didn't care but if I stuck around Ozpin would be able to slip him information.

"I... I don't know..."

"Running just to run never solves anything." I was wise in the ways of fleeing for one's life. I had done it enough in my time after all. He didn't have a clear answer on where he's going so I needed to make certain that he didn't get hurt in the process. Even if Ozpin wasn't in there all the information I sought was. I could use this separation to my advantage.

"Fine... Then let's get you into something less-" I gave a quick look over his clothes, they reminded me of what Emerald and Mercury used to wear, "Shabby."

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Sorry for not updating in the last few days. I was in the hospital... Let's just say my appendix decided to try and kill me. Good news is after a day of cramps I realized it wasn't constipation and went to the hospital. Bad news is that I live in a state where it is illegal to keep any human remains even if they are your own. So no appendix necklace only intense pain from the surgical wounds. It could be worse. The End.

Now though it is back to your irregularly scheduled updates. Likely twice a week. Maybe thrice.