All Characters belong to RoosterTeeth etc.

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

The shopping centers in Argus were rather small for the size of the city. Or more so the size of the city betrayed the idea that it would have a large and bustling shopping center. I at least believed that it would have a mixture of Atlas and Mistral fashion shops strewn throughout the city. Yet the only tailor Oscar could find was an old school father son business that according to locals had been in operation since the great war… So chances are Ozpin has been here at least once, "I don't think you should be wearing a bright orange jacket."

"Really? It is my color though…" Oscar was going to die young…

"It may be. But it also makes you a bright target. Drawing attention away from actual warriors."

"... I am a warrior though… or I will be one day…"

"No, No Ozpin... wasn't really a warrior. He was a schemer, a tactician, maybe even a wizard sure, but a warrior- not so much." Oscar looked concerned at the thought of realizing how weak he truly was, "Ozpin has experience and knowledge, but I don't have a doubt that half of the people he trained are stronger than he could ever be."

"Is that how you…" He was too nice to say the next part.

"Killed him? Yeah, at that point he was old and frail. But the students he trained are still a thorn in my side," I don't know why I added the last part but it made him grin as he picked up a green coat. I didn't exactly have any plans at the moment that I needed to plot but I did have time I needed to waste and doing it around people that I probably couldn't kill was annoying.

"So I shouldn't strive to be strong… I should strive to inspire others…" I rolled my eye, what is it with these hero types and inspiration?

"Ugh, sure. More importantly how did he convince you any of this was real?" I wanted answers and if I couldn't ask Ozpin directly then I would as the next best thing- his meat suit.

"I guess the longer we spent together the more what he said just made sense…" So he just talked you into it? Leaving your family for the promise of an adventure given to you by a voice in your own head. Kid had balls.

"So he pops into your head one day and the next you hop on a train to certain annihilation? Got some stones on you." Oscar threw the orange coat over the edge of the changing room as he pondered the thought.

"Not exactly. I mean it was several months after he appeared that I started to listen to him… I kind of just thought he was a voice in my head." Reasonable approach but at the same time- Why didn't he see a therapist about a voice in his head? Wait! I don't care! The most worrying part was that he said it took months… yet Pyrrha had manifested in what had to be a single concussion taking complete control of my body in the process. And at the rate we keep going… We will be the same person in a matter of weeks not months. Hell I'm not even sure she hasn't merged with me already… I am being awfully merciful with the new Ozpin…

"So what do you think?" He stepped out in a new green coat that screamed Ozpin's tool.

"Could be worse." I shrugged as I stood up, "3 hours… You think that's long enough for them to calm down?"

"You really think they'll welcome us back?"

"Please. Knowing them they are out looking for us as we speak." I walked back through the store on a beeline for the exit. When I about got out the door Oscar coughed, drawing me back with an expectant look. What did he want? He was standing there looking at the teller with a small pile of lien… Okay does he want me to kill him and burn the place down?

"If she is the one paying then I'm sure we can make some arrangements…" Ah! Paying for things! I hadn't done that for a while. There was a lascivious look in the teller's eyes. I sauntered up to the counter and leant over it giving a small show. I may not have anything exposed but evidence I knew how to move was usually enough. I slowly let my fingers wander around the counter until it ended up in the tellers hand.

"Half of the materials here are fake and the other half are cheap. Do not pressure me to pay exorbitant sums for items that you didn't even pay a fraction for." That must be why Ozpin shops there. Cheap and fake just like him. I placed the Grimm arm on the counter not enough to reveal what it actually is but enough that the suddenly crushing grasp from my right hand was distracting from the new arm.

"What he has will be fine…" The look of terror in his eyes was nice. I liked to be feared. But also I don't like to be taken advantage of. Oscar threw all his lien on the table before he practically dragged me out of the store.

"What was that!"

"I stopped you from getting taken advantage of."

"You could have hurt him!"

"Yeah. I'm proud that I managed not to kill him." I said sarcastically with a sarcastic expression.

"No, I mean hurting people is wrong!"

"Let's get something straight- You do not inspire me." The fear was palpable, "I am not one of the warriors Ozpin so prides himself on raising! I came about from my own circumstances and have made my way in spite of my struggles. And thanks to these strugglesI know how to kill! So never mistake the strength I hold as anything other than earned strength, which means I know how to use it!" The terror rising on his face was incredible. I hadn't gotten a reaction like this since… well… Pyrrha at Beacon. So terrified that I'd die without stopping me… Now I have a headache. Yet Oscar's look of fear decidedly morphed into pity.

"Is that all you have, strength?" I visibly recoiled as he spit those words to me. I had plenty!

"I earned the maiden power! Destroyed Beacon! Killed a former you!" Those are some impressive accomplishments…

"And yet all you have is power!"

"Yes, and that's all I've ever wanted!" I grinned as the pitiable look remained. What was he supposed to say? There was nothing-

"Must make you feel empty to only want power…"

"First of all shut up. And second… Leave me alone!" I didn't feel empty! I had plenty… like Mom's breakfast several hours ago… or whatever Ren cooked a few days ago… that isn't what he means… I couldn't meet his eyes I just turned away. I usually feel empty… but for some reason I haven't felt like that in the last few days… Pyrrha must be filling the hole right now.

Walking away was the simplest answer. I would leave him to his own devices in a foregin city with no help… Ozpin knew how to navigate this place didn't he? While I on the other hand was relying on the spotty memories of Pyrrha… It had only been three days and yet I was practically acting like the whimsical teenager. Head in the clouds and mind on boys… I had hardly taken care of myself the last few days. If this continued I would become a detriment to myself and the people around me. Make up for it and buy him a candy while getting the things I need.

"Oscar…" Right told him to leave me alone before fleeing.

"Yeah?" Oh gods was he in my head too now? I did a quick panic search and found him… on my left.

"How would you like a candy?" He recoiled as I genuinely asked the question.

"Uhhhhmm... yes?"

"Good. Now all I need is a drugstore…" We were in the middle of a residential area but I was confident we would find something…

"There is one right around the corner." Oscar said as he led me along. Ozpin's influence no doubt.

The shop he led me to was small and screamed family owned but it would do. I just needed the basic toiletries and probably a bag. I walked through the store picking up the first thing I saw in each category. Toothbrush, cheap and easy, check! Toothpaste, Shi-nee brand may taste like what I imagine Weiss does but good enough! Simple made for what is best… Then I passed the discount aisle. There was one thing that wasn't simple that was an absolute necessity… A Pumpkin Pete branded school bag-correction- A Pyrrha Nikos celebrity endorsement School Bag. It had her logo in place of the cute little rabbit's face… How much would she be humiliated to have to carry this around?

"I don't think-"

"It's perfect." Oscar may be a better person than me but this was going to be hilarious. Getting everything was simple enough but the older looking man at the counter had something else I needed. I just didn't want to say it in front of Oscar, "Can you describe it?"

"Yes." I added nothing else as the hopeless child sat directly behind me confused.

"Well?" I could see the toupee on his head perk up as he asked the question… He was a Faunus! I thought his ears were hair! Wait if Oscar couldn't hear then…

"Oscar didn't I promise you candy? Go get one!" I said as I practically flung him down the aisle… There was nothing practical about it. I threw him down the aisle hoping to knock him out on impact, "Listen here you old coot! I need the small plastic test right behind you!"

"The pre-" I grabbed the collar of his shirt as I pulled him in giving him the death glare.

"Not another word!" I was practically over the counter as he was slightly worried about what I was capable of. He grabbed it off the shelf and tossed it into the bag. I put on the most sickeningly sweet look as I slid off the counter, "Thank you."

"I was fine without-" As Oscar made his way out of the aisle I grabbed the chocolate bar out of his hands before tossing the entire content of Pyrrha's wallet at the cashier. I basically dragged Oscar out of there not even allowing him to question.

"That has to be one of the most humiliating things I've ever done!"

"I wouldn't say that… Top three maybe."

"PYRRHA! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? WAIT! DID YOU SEE THAT?"

"Uhh… yes." There was an unbroken silence as I began to ponder how long she was awake.

"...When did you come to?"

"About the time you asked for the test… Sorry." Right I need it to make sure she didn't ruin my body, "I mean… It wouldn't exactly be ruined."

"Don't. Try. To. Convince. Me. Of. Anything."

"Can we at least agree to tell Jaune if-"

"NO! He'll tell me he wants it and then cry when I tell him I deep fried it!"

"Harsh…"

"I don't want to bring another creature into this world so long as… I'm not strong enough… These are your feelings aren't they?"

"NO!" Silence again for a few seconds as I looked over Oscar. I motioned to him that I was having a conversation in my head. I think he got it, "Maybe…"

"Pyrrha's back?" Oscar asked hopefully.

"Yeah, she thinks the new outfit is stupid and you should have gone with the orange jacket." I smiled as I walked a path far too familiar for me. Like a trance I was jogging through the streets once again training for Beacon…

"Did you always used to feel like this?"

"A little… Though I think it was more about seeing the city before I left for good…" Made sense. I will likely never come back here when Pyrrha dissolves in my head… But then I wouldn't get to see mom again- She's not my mother! Wait! Why am I back at the statue? Oh you have got to be kidding me, "Sorry!"

"Pyrrha?"

"Mom?" It slipped out as I turned to face her.

"May I say goodbye?"

"...Fine…" I was heartless and cruel but by the gods did I feel something when they talked.

"I didn't get to see you this morning…" Don't let her finish that thought!

"Sorry- We're not exactly sure… how this works yet."

"It's alright. She seemed nice… even if she-"

"She's getting there…" I can feel your hesitance, just tell her before you lose the chance, "We'll be heading out soon…"

"So this is my last chance to say goodbye?"

"Just for a little while…" Keep going! Don't hold anything back this time!

"Heh, you said that last time."

"Right… Mom…" I felt the words choke in the back of my throat as she wasn't sure what to say. I could let her flounder… OR I could steal the moment for myself, "I-"

"I've always been proud of you. I know I say it all the time but- well I mean it every time dammit- erh I mean-" I had never heard her say anything like that, it was out of character for her… sort of like me, "Sorry… It is just so hard to tell your child you love them. Especially now. But please- this time stay safe… and don't try to be too heroic. I'm still waiting on those grand kids."

"I can't promise anything at the moment, but Jaune is a good man… so you shouldn't have to wait long." I felt the gasp as she thought about what she had heard… "But if I can show them half the love you raised me with. I wouldn't be too worried."

"Thank you…" The hug was warm… She wasn't much shorter than me anymore so I didn't have to squat awkwardly. I didn't want to break it off… I felt alive again. For the first time since Rhodes offered to train me. Or since the kiss at Beacon… But when we finally broke it off I noticed the little pervert kind of just standing awkwardly to the side. I did not feel like introducing them, I motioned him off.

"So this is goodbye?" I paused as I thought about it for a second.

"No… that would require me to say it back. For now though it's just see you later." She smiled knowing that wasn't exactly her daughter saying it… Which raised the question of which was I… Oh no.

"Then I'll see you later." Mom said as she placed a bouquet on my statue. Always liked those… She walked away waving as I stood there unsure of who I was. Don't focus on that! I am Pyrrha. Right? No Cinder! Which am I?

"Having trouble?" Oscar tried to comfort me.

"Yes," I didn't bother with the standing letting myself slink to a crouch, "Who am I?"

"Well I've found it's not who you are that's important. Just what you do."

"What kind of half wisdom is that? I am literally one person right now! Not two sharing one body!" How was that helpful?

"Gods I'm glad I killed him."

"Why did I kill him?"

"Because he was an a-hole."

"That's not a real reason-"

"WAIT DID WE JUST SPLIT! Oh thank the gods I felt far too nice for a minute there."

"I didn't even notice a difference… I guess we know who's going to merge into who…" That was a weight off my chest but it also meant that I had to deal with the thoughts in my head turning nice… either way I needed a break.

"Well I'm beat. You're driving." I sulked into the back of my head checking to see what changed in my mind… I hope I didn't gain her general love for humanity. I can't stand putting my body in harm's way for people who won't do the same.

"So Oscar… Where are we off to now?"

"I think we should head home. Everyone is probably worried sick." I could feel her thoughts. About how we should thank him, or how we should try to sympathize with him… Let's see if I can get her to speak one of my thoughts.

"How did Oz know I was me when Jaune brought me to you guys?" Clumsy but sounded just enough like her to not raise any suspicion… And she hasn't noticed it wasn't her thought yet.

"Oh, he knew about the possibility of reincarnation so I guess that's how."

"But he knew it was me before I even said anything."

"Well Jaune would never trust Cinder and Amber didn't know him so she would never come with him willingly. So the only alternative was you… That's how he explained it to me at least…" Perfect reasoning… Wait does that mean Amber's in here somewhere… Gods I hope not. She would be an even bigger pain in the head…

I had been unconscious since yesterday night… There was around twelve hours of time I was missing. And in that time Cinder managed to seduce Jaune, steal one of my outfits, watch as my friends fell apart, abduct Oscar and empty my wallet… I'm proud she didn't kill anyone. However I had yet to figure out half of what was wrong when we arrived at the Cotta-Arc household.

"It's locked." Oscar tried the front door.

"Swap with me I'll make a key…"

"I got it." I waved my hand in front of the lock causing it to open. Oscar looked impressed.

"How long have you been able to do that?"

"It was one of the first things I figured out how to do. I sort of trained my semblance on locks. I can also do digital locks…" Oscar nodded in approval as he led us in.

"Guys? Hello!" No one was home… That didn't bode well. Was this the Cotta-Arc household? Did I help us break into the wrong house? Oh no this could-

"It's the right place."

"Yes because you're the most trustworthy person around. Last I checked you-"

"Middle shelf." I don't know what she was leading me to but I felt it was sinister. A picture frame with 7 little girls all tormenting a boy in the middle.

"This could be anyone…"

"Really? There could be another family of 7 sisters and 1 Jaune who all have the same blonde hair blue eyes look. You are right we should leave and wander around for a few more hours until we inevitably end up back here."

"Okay I get it… We're here. Now what..."

"I was thinking about making a casserole… You know warm food for everyone when they get back." Oscar said as he made his way to the kitchen. I could help him. I tried to move but my body remained in place.

"The last time I let you in a kitchen I had to take over to prevent you from causing anymore damage. And I'm in no mood to cook dinner." That was fair. I didn't really have any ability to cook… However it felt wrong to just sit there and do nothing, "There is one thing you can do. It's in the bag."

I was almost entirely sure what she was talking about but she may have gotten something else. Of course she got the bag themed after me… At least they didn't put my face on it. Inside there were plenty of toiletries and oddly enough a candy bar. She had yet to speak up about what she wanted so I continued to dig until I found the small box of a certain test, "It takes several days to show up… until then we just wait."

"How do you know?" Don't think about it. Don't think about it. DON'T THINK ABOUT IT! DON'T- "I will find out you know that right!"

"Please it's humiliating!"

"Shouda lied to me. I would have lost interest!" I could feel Cinder searching my memories. Suddenly we were back at Beacon and I was helping Yang.

"And you're certain these are new?"

"Yang you'll be fine. I don't know a stronger-"

"NOT PREGNANT! BOOM! WHOO! I was starting to get flash forwards to being a terrible mother." Then the memory was over…

"How is that humiliating for you?"

"I never said it was. Just that it was humiliating."

"Well I'm starting to get flash forwards myself! Go pee on the thing!"

"I thought Yang was a f-"

"I believe the correct term is bisexual." After a rather eventful or uneventful trip to the bathroom I was stuck answering questions that Cinder should probably already know.

"Isn't that just a made up term for indecisive people."

"Are you really like this? I mean honestly. Do you think people will like you if you act like this?" That may have been too hurtful. But she was insulting my friend so… Meh.

"I mean they like you, so close enough."

"But what if I wasn't here? Would you be able to get along with them-" Oh this would not end well.

"I mean… Maybe… I can at least talk to Jaune. Sometimes. And Oscar…" She didn't even tell me she would be roasting them right now. She was actually wondering what they think of her… This was good.

*hic*

"Don't do that in my body."

"That wasn't me…" I looked around and found Qrow meandering his way in. He was heavily drunk and smelt of several layers of booze.

"Can't stop Slam! MAy as well sop her." He's going to attack. I tensed up as I prepared for a fight. Only for him to somersault over a chair onto the ground.

"MAY AS WELL STOP HERE!" Cinder reasoned in my head as I watched Qrow squirm on the ground, "Well sober him up."

"How?"

"Coffee."

"Oscar is there any coffee left?" I got up from the couch making my way to the kitchen.

"Yeah, there is a little left over but it's cold." Oscar had been working on a casserole for the better part of an hour and it showed. I should help-

"NO! COFFEE!"

"Right. Qrow…" I poured a mug of coffee as Cinder ever so gently began to heat it.

"Wait Qrow's back?" Oscar asked from the casserole. I just took the coffee to the newly unconscious man. He looked peaceful for once. I should let him sleep and not-

*PHSSSSS*

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

"That's for foiling me the first time!" Of course. I don't know what I was expecting. He shot up as he was actually going to fight this time. Only for Cinder to duck out leaving me in control.

"Sorry!" The look in his eyes was about to turn to rage when Ruby rushed in.

"I heard screaming! What's happening!" She was also ready for a fight, just not the one she realized, then she smelt the air. Booze and coffee, "Uncle Qrow were you out drinking again?"

"Maybe! But that doesn't-"

"So it was to sober him up?" Ruby asked me.

"I thought it was, yet Cinder had other ideas."

"Is he or is he not sober right now?"

"I don't think your petty revenge counts as helping." Ruby just shook her head as she parsed what had happened. Then she looked back to me.

"Regardless, we've been out looking for you and Oscar for the last- I don't know-" Pause to check the clock while all the others funneled into the house, "3 hours! Where have you been! Do you know where-"

"Pyrrha, is everyone back?" Oscar called from the kitchen interrupting Ruby.

"OSCAR!" They all chimed in unison as they charged into the kitchen. A loud crash later and I knew Oscar was on the floor. I'm glad they were paranoid when I came back otherwise I would have gotten tackled like that.

"You and me both."

The chime of everyone apologizing rang out in the kitchen, yet it was familiar as it reminded me of the time Jaune asked for my help at Beacon. Always willing to admit when you're wrong aren't you Jaune. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed Qrow skulk up the stairs no doubt going to hide in a room… or nurse a growing hangover, "Where are you going?"

Through a grimace he leered at me when I asked,, "And what's it matter to you?"

"I just thought you would like to join them-"

"Yeah sure, join you and the witch in your head. Great idea."

"Hurtful."

"Not entirely uncalled for though."

"Fair point."

"Are you sure you wouldn't like to stay? I don't doubt they'd enjoy having you here." I was appealing to his interest in being near his family. That would get him to stay. He paused for a few seconds as he thought about it.

"I'm fine, my presence alone will cause-"

"Sure, like Nora eating all the pancakes or Ren and those swamp water smoothies. If you didn't cause a scene I'd say you didn't fit in here." I don't know if it was Cinder or I who said that but when the words came out it didn't matter. I meant them.

There was a look in his eyes that said doubt but as his eyes drifted away from me they focused on someone else. Ruby was standing behind me grinning, "Yeah, I don't doubt we have all seen each other at our worst by this point. So you don't have to worry, we can handle whatever happens."

He wanted to say no. But Ruby and her youthful optimism brought him back down, so with a sigh he descended the stairs, "Just being together doesn't get us to Atlas though…"

"I actually had a thought on that. But it's sort of a no going back plan…" Jaune, always quick to come up with a plan.

"Stop him!"

"What? No- I'm sure-"

"Whatever he has planned won't work properly! I however already have a plan." That didn't feel good in my head. I had several thoughts full of malicious intent and I knew this plan was going to be pure evil… But there was something hidden deep below.

A slight fear. Not of failure nor of suffering… in the idea that they'll die because of it. Cinder may not even realize she's worried about everyone, "What's the plan?"

"They don't realize that we have one of the most dangerous terrorists on the planet in our custody. So we use that!" I didn't like where this plan was going. But I knew Cinder didn't even consider that a problem nor did she consider the consequences of failure.

"I have a plan…" I interjected as they were discussing their plan to steal a Manta. All eyes turned to me and I knew I should have just ignored her.

"Pyrrha?" Nora looked worried.

"Well… what if you captured Cinder? Wouldn't they need the extra security to get her to Atlas?" Eyes went wide as they considered it. Then several heads were shaken as they sort of disagreed with the idea. Jaune was the one to try and shoot it down.

"We can't ask you to do that. I mean if anything goes wrong we won't be able-"

"If anything goes wrong- I'll wait until you can explain it to Ironwood," The looks of doubt grew on their faces. If we didn't have time to waste then the best answer was not to.

"Just so you know I'm not okay with waiting."

"Good because I have patience enough for both of us."

"This will work."

"Will it!?"

"The first rule to being a convincing liar is to believe the lie and know no one will question it!" Thank you Roman.

Either way Pyrrha was far from a good actor leaving me the one tied up in a mixture of ropes, a towel turned into a gag, and a pair of fuzzy handcuffs that I don't want the story to. Either way. Marching me up the bridge to certain death in any other circumstance was certainly something.

"Are you sure about this? We can still turn around and do the other plan." How was I supposed to respond while gagged? I just locked my eye onto Jaune while remaining firm. I think he got the message. I honestly expected more from an Atlas military installation, for one this base was barely the size of some of the warehouses in Vale. It had half the yield of a real proper military base or even Salem's grimm farm. No wonder they were losing. If they thought this was a proper-

"Like we said last time! We will not provide transport to Atlas, however the deal to transport the heiress-" The intercom was shrieking loudly but it sounded too fake to be a real person. At least someone had the sense to interrupt.

"We captured Cinder Fall!" Ruby said defiantly as I was pushed forward. The intercom remained silent for a second before crackling back to life.

"Give us a second…" A small army of troops began pouring out of every hole in the base, armed and ready. All their weapons were trained on us… or more specifically me.

"I commend your skill when it comes to subduing this-" A troll came out and began to judge me, "Dissident. We'll take her from here." With a snap of her fingers two large burly men appeared and attempted to take me. But Nora was in charge of keeping me held down as both the men tried to break me from her grasp.

"How strong is she?!"

"Very."

"What is the meaning of this!?" The troll proclaimed like it was an order.

"Your men aren't exactly… capable of holding her captive." Ren explained as he held his guns directly on me.

"Preposterous! We are the mighty ATLESIAN ARMY! WE-" I am not listening to that speech. Breaking the handcuffs was easy. They are simple steel, the ropes are more difficult, they were rope and if I wasn't careful- nope they're on fire already. Okay screw it. Bursting into flames I launched myself into the military base.

"Don't hurt anyone!" Like I was so out of control I couldn't keep from killing several weak little soldiers. The first soldier I got to had his rifle held right to my chest. That thing was so pathetic I could feel it melt in my hands. Just like a little piece of plastic.

"MUAWHAHAHA!" I was enjoying this. First time in several days that I was able to do the one thing I was good at, causing chaos. Ah this is always the best. Just watching the soldier scamper away as his weapon disintegrated.

*THUNK*

"Why am I in an airship?" The first thing to come out of my mind. Everyone was sitting on the floor like children while the pilots were focused on our flight. I couldn't see the pilots but I could make out a taller male and a smaller female…

"You may have gone a bit far…"

"No. I definitely went too far. That was the whole point." I was content sitting down and acting like it never happened but when I struggled I found I was incapable of moving. Checking my arms I found I was bound in a large X having my hands and legs strapped into mechanical cuffs. Did they really think this was going to stop me?

"CINDER WAIT!" I struggled some more and found why. Enough electricity channeled through my body to fry even Nora.

"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" IT WAS EXCRUCIATING! IN THE SAME WAY THAT COLLAR WAS! BUT A THOUSAND TIMES WORSE! I WON'T BE CONTAINED!

"Calm down!" I felt my aura swell up as the electricity died down. When my senses returned I could see Jaune was trying to keep me healthy. Or heal any immediate damage.

"I told them that was set too high! Even I would get a little shock from that."

"They were just being overly cautious. She nearly destroyed their base!"

"Don't be so dramatic, A few weapons isn't nearly a base." The others were sitting there acting like children having petty debates while this device was trying to tear me apart from the inside out.

"So it worked…" I muttered as the electricity began to subside… no I just used to it. It was still there.

"Yes, we're on our way to Atlas as we speak." Old Lady said… Why was she here?

"Then that only leaves one question…"

"Which is?"

"Who are you?" There were several chuckles but it did nothing to alleviate the fact that Old Lady was still there.

I really don't like it when they don't include me on their in jokes.

"For all first time visitors- You're not gonna want to miss this." Qrow said as he leaned over the smaller pilot. Everyone rushed to the front of the airship and I could feel Pyrrha asking questions… I don't think she realized.

"Realized what?"

"I actually worked pretty well with your friends don't you think?"

"I guess…"

"That's not what you're thinking about is it…"

"No… I've never been to Atlas before. I guess I'll have to wait a little longer to see the whole view." I could feel a twinge of sadness grow on missing her first time seeing Atlas… It was spectacular but it was nothing compared to leaving.

"Trust me from the street it looks like a castle in the sky that hates you."

"What was that?" Jaune asked as he looked at me instead of Atlas. Why was he doing that? He was missing the view…

"The last time I was in Atlas I was a slave. So I'm not exactly fond of coming back."

"Well… this time you're with us so it won't be as bad." The confidence he said that with made me actually believe him. I wanted to believe that I was safe so long as they were with me…

"You can."

"No… I really can't."

"The Atlas Air fleet. I've never seen the Atlesian fleet so- so-" Weiss was at a loss for what I assume was the tin man's attempt at showing he still has power. It would be easy to take that power away in a second.

"They're set up for an attack." Qrow ever pragmatic.

"Welcome home Manta Five-One." Great place to start. There were several layers of fear painted across everyone's faces as they didn't exactly know how to explain anything. As the pilot took us on the scenic route through the city of Mantle I could feel my blood boiling as all the propaganda became clear. Ruby was murmuring about how they weren't exactly sure they could trust Ironwood at this point. Good. I knew what to do.

"Are you sure we can trust Ironwood to believe I am what I say I am?" I asked Jaune as he wasn't too sure either. If I prodded more I could get them to break.

"She's right we should at least get our bearings before we blindly trust… well this."

"We can call my sister!" Weiss declared as she called her older clone. Then they passed a propaganda tower with her face plastered all over it… Oh this was getting better and better.

"You can at least pretend like people are trustworthy."

"Maybe… But Ironwood is a zealous fool. And when he sets his metal to something he never changes his mind. So I would rather not have him take us apart before we can explain!"

"Perhaps…" The thought was occurring to many of them that they had no way to land the manta. They didn't know what to do and the first step well, "How are they going to convince her to betray orders…"

"HEY! PILOT!" Lack subtlety solve problems, little girl pilot turned to me, "The Heiress here is willing to pay to land." She raised her hands and did the money rubbing motion. I hope Weiss had enough money on her for a down payment.

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So took all week but I could cop out and blame the appendix but I was really just swamped at work and didn't really have time to write.

Anyway, Cinder is beginning to become nice... yay. Now we get to see how she defies this niceness and manipulates people into doing her bidding. Fun.