All Characters belong to RoosterTeeth etc.
Sentences in italics are internal conversations in Cinder and Pyrrha's head.
I don't know why the pilot was so eager to take a bribe but then again I knew to never question Cinder's uncanny luck. Did she just attract people of ill character or do these things just coincidentally happen to her? I mean finding her feather in the middle of a kingdom with no leads, running into several of her former co-conspirators on a train, even managing to run into mom not once but twice. I hope I get that luck otherwise this whole merging thing wouldn't really be worth it.
"You getting to live rent free in my head isn't worth it?" I at the very least was beginning to understand how to deal with her.
"Yes." But it was still shocking how little of a bribe it took for the pilot to land the ship… Almost like that was the plan. I just didn't know whose. Cinder still acted magnanimous as she thanked them. I'm rubbing off on her too.
"If we ever need a morally ambiguous escape driver, I'll be sure to call." Cinder said as she got the number for the little pilot. I could almost feel the look of contempt emanating from behind the little pilot's helmet. But she faded from view when we entered the streets of Mantle.
"That wasn't a thank you!"
"It was a compliment!"
"Barely!"
"So what do we do?" Ruby was the first to ask as we began making our way down the street. They felt darker than Vale or Mistral… like there was less hope. I would say it was because of the current crisis that Cinder created but I knew better...
"Quite observant, the current crisis has had little effect on Mantle," Cinder pushed me into the driver seat. She probably found the mild chill unpleasant, so she made me deal with it. I hope this wasn't going to be a recurring trend. I was following the others until I saw a wanted poster for her. Up goes the hood down come the glasses.
"I know a place where we can get some real answers." Old Lady- That's not her name.
"Do you know it?" I paused as I realized I didn't, "Didn't think so."
The others followed while asking their own questions or greeting the locals but the feeling of unease was so thick it could have been fog. I wasn't so sure about coming here anymore, it was just that the people of Mantle looked... tired. I didn't even realize I was talking when I said, "What is it with this kingdom and killing people's morale?"
"It's probably the cold," Nora commented as Yang punched a camera robot.
"Or the horribly oppressive fascist governments that seem to form every few years," Blake had that one loaded like a bullet.
"IT'S NOT FASCISM! I mean it's a little extreme right now but when it calms down it will-" Weiss tried to sound convincing but I was never really sure how Atlas government functioned.
"Poorly."
"There is literally propaganda saying everything is fine,and to not question the government. Along with the mandatory curfew, I'd say they are only a few steps away from a police state.." Jaune added that like it was nothing. Then the unease got worse. Posters on several walls signified a vote for Mantle's seat on the council. Robyn Hill and Jacques Schnee… I don't know who this Robyn is but if anything I've heard about Jacques is true she's a shoe in. Then Weiss threw some guy in a dumpster and we were suddenly running.
"Tell them to calm down. The Grimm in my guts is trying to get out!" That wasn't good. I would need to investigate our body further. But as Old Lady-Cinder stop- lead us to a small back alley pharmacy I couldn't help but feel a lump in my throat… Why was that? It was a nice place, I guess. I saw a bear Faunus exiting the clinic as she waved her mechanical hand. Was the doctor helping people get prosthetics… Oooh I could use one of those, "Too bad we already have a prosthetic."
"Yes, because a terribly painful Grimm tentacle makes for a great prosthetic."
"SHUT!"
"Ahh it's good to see you old friend," Old Lady was very forward as she went in without a second thought. His reply was unexpected.
"Watch it be an old geezer."
"I am not calling him that!"
"Oh, hello- have we met?" This was going to be difficult. An Older Geezer who was barely visible behind his desk asked Old Lady what I had been wondering the entire time.
"Hey, I know this is probably the wrong time but, I'm pretty sure that's Penny's father."
"Really? Trying to play on one of my worst moments to hurt me. Why right now? Is it just-"
"-with the optical implants. I adjust them every ten years or so." He took her hand and led her to a bed. The chair he was in looked like a spider as it walked across the room… Why? Was a wheelchair too much? Spider leg chair… I would have to stop Nora from getting one of those… Waitaminute!
"Did you lie to me so I wouldn't hear her name?"
"Yes entirely. But in my defense the green leg chair thing looks just like Penny."
"How?"
"...Color scheme? Either way I can't wait for you to see her."
"I see her every night in my nightmares! Thanks for that by the way!"
"Wait… Seriously? She's not human so you didn't kill her. I mean she-"
"I will throw us in a trash compactor if you finish that! Even if she wasn't human she was still alive and our friend."
"Geesh, I didn't know you two were that close…" I didn't know what she was thinking but it felt different… Like she wasn't actively hiding anything but I still couldn't read it, "By the way I think we're about to come into the argument."
"Oh dangit!"
"You're team RWBY!" Oh thank the gods. Not us. Wait why does he know RWBY?
"You know us?!" Oh good Ruby already asked… Saves me the trouble of explaining who I am… That was a very Cinder thought.
"Of course I know you. My daughter has told me everything about you. I feel silly for not realizing it before-" And the air sirens went off. Who was his daughter? Why was something always distracting us!
"Heh."
"Shut it!" Rushing outside everyone readied their weapons as civilians ran the other way. Good. Getting out of harm's way was a good thing… also staying out of our way but that wasn't as important. There was a pause before the Grimm approached into view… did they know how to build tension or were they slow? What kind of Grimm were they?
"It's Solitus so they are either Sabyr or Beowolves. Ooh maybe we'll get lucky and it's a pack of Teryx hungry for little annoying-"
"How do you kill a Sabyr?"
"Easily." That was helpful. But Cinder's interruption burned through prep time as a pack of Sabyr came into view, easily tearing several Atlesian Knights apart in the process. Right, prepare for a fight. I pulled the new weapon off my back and immediately came to the dawning realization that I had never used it before and wasn't exactly familiar with it. It was basically just a suped up version of Milo… Milo 2… I'll come up with something later. The Saybr weren't exactly focused on us, still eating the rest of the robots.
"Well we didn't come this far to fail now!"
"But it would be so pathetic if you did," That's nice. Yang was the first to charge ahead, nothing new there she was a really close range fighter after all. Then Ren… not exactly something I'd expect from him but still he's capable, and Nora was quick to spring off Jaune's shield into the fray as well. Okay, focus on me. One arm down wielding a weapon that required two… that I hadn't loaded… This was gonna hurt.
The first Sabyr to charge was determined to get right at my neck trying to tackle me to the ground. I planted Milo into the creature's jaw before it got too close trying to keep the teeth away from my head. This did little to dissuade it, almost reaffirming its desire to eat me more. Well then, time to kick it away, just plant my feet and push… and push… I could push a full sized Beowolf away from me in the past. Why was this so difficult?
"Maybe because some of us like to look pretty instead of being muscle bound freaks."
"You're kidding me right! Did you not train for this?"
"I mean… Grimm don't usually attack me."
"Forget IT~!" If I couldn't kick it off I'll just cut it in half. With a quick switch on Milo's handle it converted into the spear form. This kicked the Sabyr on its hind legs with its head arched in the air. Taking no time to slow I flicked Milo and tore it from the Grimm's head while maintaining the momentum. In a single motion Milo found itself being shot into the Sabyr's torso before redirecting and coming out the right side. The Sabyr may not be in half but it certainly was dead, "Cinder we have to have a serious talk about your lack of muscle."
"You good?" Jaune asked making quick work of another Sabyr… I taught him that.
"I'm fine. Cinder just isn't as strong as she pretends to be."
"Really? She felt strong when she stood on my chest… I mean-"
"Did I mention the time your boyfriend tried to chop off my head? Or the time he cried about how he can't stop me but he'll die trying?"
"NOPE! THIS IS FINE JAUNE! WE CAN TALK ABOUT IT LATER!" I screamed lacking the fortitude to keep it inside of me. I lost focus and the large number of Sabyr charging at us was distracting… I needed them to be dead. Activating my semblance I was going to pull the metal structure down on top of them. While it worked to a degree only several pieces broke off. But as they descended they warped from metal beams to molten metal daggers raining down on the Grimm. Why was Cinder helping?
"That's new…" Jaune commented as he witnessed the little outburst.
"Yeah… Cinder's fond of burning things." Not entirely inaccurate I've found.
"Not many left now!" Yang cheered as she kept making little of all the Grimm. While that was true, I felt like the few that we saw were nowhere near all of them. But I pushed that aside as we slaughtered them. I mean even Nora looked like she was having the time of her life as she rode on the back of one. It felt like back at Beacon, working together hunting monsters… Only now we had to deal with Ozpin and Salem. Still a little reprieve was always nice. Even if that reprieve was just doing our jobs.
"Could be worse-Wait, it will be worse."
"Can you let the endless pessimism go for a second and enjoy the moment."
"Sure. Would you like forgetting about your problems or pretending they don't exist?"
"Be honest~You're enjoying this."
"No. I'm not. But I will in a moment." At least she was willing to try. As the number of Grimm had dwindled we were about done. Then a green laser beam killed the rest of them in what seemed like an instant, "See. I told you. I will thoroughly enjoy this."
"Wha-" I looked up and saw glowing green lights emanating from a floating figure. Graceful and delicately the figure landed in the middle of the street, "DID YOU KNOW?!"
"I thought you'd throw us in a wood chipper if I said anything."
"DID YOU KNOW!" What was it with her and always tormenting me. There stood someone I thought long dead... by my hands. Not Cinder. Me. Pyrrha. The rock in my gut shifted from rage at Cinder for not telling me to abject terror as I had to apologize to her and explain myself. How was I supposed to do that? I had to explain everything to her but at the same time I wasn't sure what she would say or how she would react. Would she be angry at me for killing her? Would she hate me for being in Cinder's body? Would she hate Cinder of harboring me? But at least Penny didn't notice me, she instead focused on Ruby first.
"SAL-"
"Penny?" Ruby was hopeful as her eyes lit up in the most bone chilling way. One blink of her eyes and I was toast- Wait. REALLY?
"Not important."
"-U-" What was she building up to? She was certainly capable of talking… Or did that not get repaired with her.
"Wha- Oh no." Ruby had a dawning realization plastered all over her face. However my face was still devoid as I lacked understanding of what she was about to do. Penny was just getting into a crouched pose as she leaned into run at Ruby... How was that bad? If I didn't look like Cinder I would have done the same thing with Jaune...
"-TATIONS!" Penny ran before she flew like a rocket right into Ruby tackling her like a soft little child. That must have felt like getting hit by a bus.
"Penny- I- bu- I thought you died." I couldn't help but smile as Penny was just as chipper about the return of her friends.
"In a manner of speaking she did. But after Amity was returned to Atlas I was able to collect her remains and put her back together. We're not gonna let getting torn to shreds stop us." The Old Man informed us as he presented her.
"I'm good as new- Better than new even." She was his daughter… That made him Mr. Polendina.
"You're real proud of yourself for that one aren't you."
"Yes now shut up." I said that too loud as several eyes were drawn towards me. Penny locked on and readied herself like I was a Grimm.
"Cinder!"
"Wait! No! I'm Pyrrha not Cinder!" I waved my arm as I tried to persuade her.
"Pyrrha killed me!" The look in her eyes hadn't changed. Penny's eyes darted to Ruby who just gave the confirming nod while not explaining me. I couldn't handle this not now. NOT YET!
"BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA. I knew this was coming from a mile away and you didn't believe me for a second! Gods, you really are dumb."
"Cinder- Now's not the best time to insult people…"
"Why's that numb nuts? Am I going to offend the tin can? Or is she even capable of reading minds… Oh sh-sh-i-i-. UGGGHHH!" Great she swapped me in at the worst time and now I have to deal with not only the consequences of her actions but mine as well. I mean… I wasn't the one that killed her. That was all Pyrrha… Waitaminute. I'm... Cinder… Then where did Pyrrha go? Better question. How strong is robot-girl? My eye locked onto the newly rebuilt scrap and I couldn't help but pity the waste of metal if she tried to attack me, "Don't look at me. The voice in my head is petrified of how you'll respond to how she murdered you."
"Why is she here?" Solid reasonable question now I wait as Jaune or Ruby explain that I'm the love of Jaune's life and they can't kill me. That however never came. There was just this awkward silence… This can't be good. The looks the heroes shared was a mix of understanding and confusion but the end was sure to come.
"Penny, you know it's morally wrong to kill, right?" Ruby asked as she placed a hand on the robot's arm.
"Yes… But beating her up isn't?" This would be easy. I could just melt the girl from the inside out as she- Wait why is Jaune holding my hand? I turned to him as he gave the least reassuring look of pity. I was about to break his hand when Nora placed another on my left arm nub. Followed by Yang sneaking up behind me and putting me in a headlock… suddenly I couldn't move.
"NO! YOU ARE NOT DOING THIS!"
"Let it happen… For me."
"EASY FOR YOU TO SAY YOU AREN'T ABOUT TO GET-" Penny was determined as she charged. Think! I could melt her if Pyrrha let me use her semblance. Or just flick her out of the way. OR SOMETHING!
"Please don't do this."
"How many people have asked you the exact same thing?"
"Surprisingly, Zero!"
"Unsurprisingly I don't believe you. I asked you."
"No you asked me 'Do you believe in destiny?' That is not the same-" Then there was suddenly a crater in my chest the size of the robot's head. I hate them for this, "HGGUUCHH-"
There is no air in my lungs as I crumpled to the ground unable to comprehend the amount of death this would cause... Or I'd pour hair remover in their shampoo. Probably the second one. Definitely the second one. Bald Yang… that… may be excessive revenge… I was partly mostly responsible for the death of this girl so I sort of deserve the caved in lung. But I will however definitely peel her skin off... eventually. But when I came too I was on the ground as Penny looked down at me, this b- "Are you alright Ms. Nikos?"
"Pyrrha is fine." I corrected her as she offered a hand and I gladly accepted. Even if I was pulled to my feet I still had a crater in my chest that put Mantle's to shame also it hurt from where she hit me. I didn't know what to say. I need to apologize, but how are you supposed to apologize for accidentally killing someone, "Hey sorry about accidentally murdering you. Ozpin offered me the maiden power and I was really distracted during the fight allowing Emerald to cause me to hallucinate you having hundreds of swords. And that's why I used my semblance to repel them causing those wires of yours to tear you apart. As if. I need to actually-"
"Ooooohhh so that's what happened. I was always confused how you were able to do that. But I'm glad I get the chance for you to explain." Oh gods had I said that aloud.
"And that's for the tackle."
"I'm sorry!" I tried to bow as I spoke, planting my head firmly into Penny's, "Ow! Sorry."
"It is quite alright. I am built sturdier than that!" She hadn't even reacted when I hit her. I hope she understood how sorry I am. But she just turned away from me as she preferred to focus on her friend, "I can't wait for us to talk."
Then the sirens went off again, my heart wanted to break, "It seems we will have to wait. ITWASGREATSEEINGYOUAGAINYOU'LLHAVETOTELLMEABOUTALLYOURADVENTURESWE'LLTALKLATERICAN'TWAITGOODBYE!"
"I have about a million questions." Nora said.
"Well lucky for you I have about a thousand answers. But for now let's get inside and out of this weather." Mr. Polendina said as he crab walked back to his shop.
"I have no idea who that child is. Is she important somehow?" Old Lady commented like it was something to scoff at. I really don't think she knows exactly who I am either. Just that I'm important to them...
"I honestly thought this would go a lot worse." Qrow said as we followed along. He was right. I'm glad it didn't… Now I just had to properly apologize to Penny.
"What was that about me being pessimistic?"
"Okay. So it was paranoia not pessimism."
"Thank you!" She meant it. She actually meant that. Was that a good thing or bad that she would rather be known as paranoid and not pessimistic? Or was it a good thing that she actually meant the thanks? This could wait for later, "By the way~don't~forget~to~dodge."
"Wa-" Before any of us could react several bolas appeared. In mere seconds they were wrapped around us taking all of us down. Well. Not really. I could absolutely melt this thing or demagnetize it. But right now as several fancily dressed pretty boys came up I knew the answer was 'HIDE FACE!' I still had several wanted posters up.
"All targets subdued."
"HEY! We're just doing our jobs!" Ruby protested.
"Hang on a second- What are the Ace ops even doing in Mantle?" Mr. Polendina confirmed as he tried to, but not really, stop them.
"Well we're investigating an unauthorized shuttle making an unauthorized landing followed by unauthorized use of weapons." The tall undefined bland looking one said as he picked up the Relic of Knowledge… I pray he doesn't know how it works.
"I'm a huntsman-" Qrow didn't get to finish as my focus was drawn to tall, shoe-less and nondescript number two as he picked up my weapon. Don't react. Don't react. Don-
"You better put that back!" When he didn't respond I knew what I had to do, "You look like a before picture!"
"Yeah well… you're scarred." He commented trying to shrug me off. Oh this would be exceptionally easy.
"Honey you aren't pretty enough to be this stupid." This one got him as he picked me up and raised me to eye level. He had positively the most feminine buzz cut I'd ever seen.
"You think it's smart to mouth off to someone who holds your life in the palm of her hand?"
"I have neither the time nor the crayons to explain it to you. But you, my friend, are a piece of foam." This was really easy. He'd either try to kill me and I'd get the perfect excuse to defend myself or he'd snap my neck and lose his job… or get a promotion. Probably promotion with this face.
"Knock it off, before-" the short one talked at me. I would devastated him as well.
"Yes, why don't you shrink down like your friend here and pretend like you realize how incompetent you are." Shoe-less was angry now as I could see it building up on his face.
"Why you-"
"Elm drop her!" Oh bald head is talking now. He's the next target.
"You look like a visible fart." This was from the bottom of the insult box. I would need to refill it. Tall and shoe-less refused to comply though.
"Why should I? She needs to be taught a lesson!"
"Honey, you couldn't pour water out of a boot if the instructions were on the heel, I hardly think you are capable of teaching me-" Fist in gut, after my short coughing fit I continued like nothing happened, "At least let me finish insulting you before you start the beating!"
"Elm that's Cinder Fall! She's the Fall maiden!" Panic was plastered across his face as he flung me out of hand. I however landed gracefully... on my head... before I tumbled onto Jaune.
"Could you attempt to be coordinated in the slightest." I was at this point fed up with their antics. Time to finish it. I righted myself leaning my back on my lover.
"Stop!" Jaune called as he grabbed my hand from inside his binding.
"Why? I haven't hurt any of them."
"Provoking them won't help."
"Well it's not going to free me either but I find it fun regardless." The look of confusion on their faces was apparent as the goon squad lined up ready for an attack, "Ooh look they're putting on a show."
"We have to restrain her!" Middle height and darkly nondescript said as he aimed at me.
"You clearly have not been burdened by an overabundance of education, but as you can see~I'm already restrained." I gave the finger while motioning to the bolas wrapped around me.
"You're really trying to underestimate us like that aren't you!"
"It is impossible to underestimate you." I'm not usually this snarky but for some reason I felt no fear towards my new captors. The only problem is that I terrified them… That wasn't a problem that was good. It however was very entertaining.
"Cinder stop!" Ruby called out from the ground.
"Oh Ruby- I'm not Cinder I'm Py- wait no I'm not… Which am I? Oh no." I merged again didn't I-WE! DANG! I needed to figure this out but I was drawn to the confused looks of my friends as they looked me over. But that was interrupted.
"You are really expecting us to believe you are Huntsman when you are traveling with a literal terrorist!" Small and angry shouted.
"In my defense I did recently come back from the dead! Followed by losing my vir- I mean chastity... That wasn't any better." Oh gods, I just admitted that to everyone in the vicinity.
"Oh my gods! I knew it!" Nora shouted as she struggled to crawl her way over to me, "Tell me everything! I need to know!"
"Are you serious? She could kill you, get back!" Middle height and dog looking said.
"The ghost of my teammate and still living leader are in a steamy physical relationship while using a third person's body as the medium. I'm not afraid to risk it. What is not to love?! This is better than all those trashy books Blake reads!" Nora said as she finally made it to my face. Her eyes were intense as she basically demanded my answer with her look alone. Blake however was not a fan.
"Hey! They are not trashy."
"Shush- Now dish!" Nora still focused and only inches away from my face. I had to tell her something...
"I mean~they've only done it once." I couldn't help blush as Nora focused intensely on me. She was about to burst with joy when she heard about Pyrrha and Jaune but that never came when Jaune was the one to comment.
"Once? What about the second time-" Jaune asked from behind me.
"THE SECOND TIME! WHAT SECOND TIME?!" Oh good Pyrrha's back. Wait then I'm Cinder and she's currently in control of my body… And she now knows about the second time… Kill me.
"I'M GOING TO!"
"Did we really need to provoke them?" I asked Pyrrha from inside the iron x. I... well... we provoked them enough to notice us getting us firmly locked up once again. It was the same type of device they used on the way to Atlas. How did they get this thing out here so fast? It could be worse they could have put me in another transport. I got to be with everyone on the way- I mean I was stuck with everyone, "Probably not. But I stand by everything we said."
Silence.
"I get you're mad about the whole sleeping with your boyfriend thing, but I would also like to point out- You didn't ask if I wanted to do it the first time either." No reply, but I could feel and almost hear the seething rage coming from inside of me.
"Cinder dish! I need to know! They barely held hands back at Beacon and you managed to get them to go all the way! WHEN! HOW! WHERE!" Nora unknowingly caused the ever persistent blush on my face. This was not the first time she asked that nor would it be the last.
"Why don't you ask Mr. Seduction over there? He managed to bed two- one and a half- beauties in like two days. Gotta have some trick to it." Good deflect onto Jaune and he'll be forced to answer every question. She turned away and asked.
"So~how'd you bang Cinder?" Gods this is humiliating.
"I thought she was Pyrrha…"
"Kid at this point just stop talking. It's only going to get worse from here. Especially when they both tell you they're pregnant and it's yours. Only for them to reveal months later that you're not the father of either child, and the third one that wasn't pregnant is actually pregnant. And then she loses it because you're so unlucky..." Qrow gave an ever slightly depressing look into his life.
"Did that actually happen?" Ruby asked with the most concerned look.
"I don't wanna talk about it." There was an awkward silence as everyone grew a little more pity for the mess that was Qrow's life.
"If it makes you feel any better we're not pregnant." I said nonchalantly trying to detract from Qrow and the nightmare that was his life.
"Oh… good."
"WAIT! How do you know?" Nora inquired as she was determined to find this out.
"I just know-"
"Is that the thing you bought that you tried to hide from me?" Oscar chimed in as he was listening like it was a soap opera.
"I killed one Oz. I'm not afraid to make it two!" He retreated as Nora found her way to just near my ear.
"We're friends, you can tell me… Was it good?" I turned to her with the sharpest look I could ever have.
"I'll kill you if you ever ask that again."
"That's not a no~"
"You're not killing my friends!"
"I will if she ever asks that again!"
"YOU. WILL. NOT." She commanded me in such a way that I don't think I'd ever be able to hurt Nora now… on purpose… without her consent… I probably still could. The malevolent smile on her face was still terrifying. I needed to turn this on her.
"What about you and Ren? I assume you've been- booping since you learned he wasn't a girl." There it was, Nora immediately blushed so immensely Ruby's cape would be jealous.
"Wha! NO! Ren and I are like sisters-SIBLINGS! We've been together- not together together- I- No- We-" She retreated to her seat trying to cover her face. She was acting like a child. Everyone knew about her crush. How was this something to be ashamed of?
"Seriously? I've known you for all of a week and even I have wondered what the Ren-Valkyrie kids will look like," This caused her to spring to life as she immediately began pounding on my chest, not hard, just trying to get me to stop, "Let's be honest how many of you have had that same exact thought?" They all tried to look away as I posed the question.
"A good month or two in," Yang gave a reasonable estimate.
"When they told us about her recurring dream," Weiss gave a gentle idea.
"I had you pegged when she hung off of him all the time," Ruby produced.
"Wait, are they not dating?" Qrow didn't quite understand.
"I knew when I saw her follow him around on the first day," Blake reasoned.
"I'm pretty sure she wants to adopt me as their first child," Oscar said the most insane thing possible.
"I mean, first week… I walked in on you two completely naked drying each other off… You didn't understand what was wrong with that." Jaune muttered to himself. What's wrong with that? I was confused. It was normal to help- Oh gods is this really normal for Mistralian people? I'm glad I was too poor for that back then… I really didn't bathe at the orphanage…
"Those are not reasons. We've been together for so long. We are basically family." Ren didn't understand. Now I get Jaune and Pyrrha.
"ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS!?" The pilot called out, oh gods he was listening the entire time, "Dude she loves you!"
"YOU AREN'T A PART OF THIS!" Nora basically cried as she slammed her fists into the median cracking the glass a little.
"Dude stop-" The other pilot tried to get both of them.
"My cable is out and this has been the most dramatic thing I've seen in weeks!" Great sign.
"At least someone gets it."
"Please tell me you don't plan on drying us off with Nora and Ren!"
"It's good team building." I know she was making that up… But also I wasn't sure if she would follow through. But my thoughts were distracted when we came into view of Atlas Academy… Gods they could have work shopped that a little. Unloading us was easy. They just kicked them out and dragged my cross on a magic floaty platform… Or it was gravity dust. Being led through the cathedral of excess was one of the most aggravating experiences of my life. Mostly because I have nothing in my heart but contempt for all of Atlas…
"Do you need me to swap in?"
"I assumed you were doing this so I would suffer. Being forced to answer those questions is~not~ideal. And the fact I am powerless like this," I rolled my eye as I added the last lie.
"I'm not mad at you… I just… well…"
"Please tell me you are jealous that I'm trying to steal your boyfriend away."
Silence…
"Oh gods you're really worried I'll steal Jaune. He thought I was you when we banged!" I said that aloud... and loudly... in the office of the newly bearded James Ironwood… the thousand yard stare he had as we locked eyes made him look weary and me feel a piece of that exhaustion.
"I'm going to give you one chance to explain." He asked everyone and no one in particular. Everyone murmured as they tried to come up with an exceptional explanation. Ironwood was having none of it as in his sleep deprived state was only seconds away from genocide. There were several thoughts and a few of them tried to answer but I had a chance.
"I'M EVIL, END IT!" He didn't even hesitate, just drew his gun in an instant.
"CINDER!"
"I'm going to be honest. There is a slight-tiny-minuscule-chance that I completely and utterly miscalculated this situation." Panic. I felt panic. I couldn't do anything. The bullet would get me in an instant and if I tried to activate my aura the machine would shock me so hard it would either shatter or draw enough away for the bullet to easily get through. Welp. At least I'll go out like I lived. Doing something I had no control over. My gods, is that really how I lived my life?
"WAIT!" He paused for a second as Jaune ran in front of the gun… "We can explain!"
"You can explain why you are traveling with Cinder Fall; who very publicly destroyed Beacon, stole the Fall Maiden power, and killed Ozpin and Pyrrha Nikos. Excuse me if I don't believe you." Cold and calculating. Are we sure he isn't the robot here? Wait, make Pyrrha stop him. That'll work.
"I mean he did try to explain the Maidens and the aura transfer machine… and come to think of it that was the only time I ever met him. I really should have read more into that-" Good idea I'll make her take my dying breath… suffering for me… that doesn't feel good. I swapped back before she could protest.
"What is she talking about? I never spoke to her!" He demanded interrupting her.
"Well General Robot- I'm not exactly myself at the moment! I'm stuck with a voice in my head telling me all your dirty little secrets." His eyes wavered as a second of recognition shot through them. His gun however remained firm.
"Ozpin?" Well this was awkward… He thought I was Ozpin, it would be wrong to manipulate him from here. On the other hand my survival took priority, I lowered my voice as I attempted to shove a magical enema of incompetence somewhere uncomfortable.
"Yes, James. I am sadly stuck in her body. Though it is uncommon it is not unprecedented for me to take over such a beautiful young maiden's body." Then the recognition disappeared.
"No of course you aren't him." I should really stop talking.
"And you're figuring this out just now?"
"She's not him. Did she fool you or are you all accomplices in her crimes?" Ruby was just shaking her head as she rubbed her forehead. She would be the next to speak obviously. And if she couldn't convince him... well I assume my gave will be nice... no it won't.
"No she's not Ozpin. But you can't kill her-"
"Why?" Ironwood shifted as the light in his eyes died, he saw an opportunity to solve a problem before it became a problem. That would likely be a first for him. Solving a problem I mean, he usually causes them.
"Because you already talked her into dying for you once, I'm not going to let you just abandon her when it doesn't suit you!" His eyes shifted over to Ruby as she stood tall- well stood up to him while she was still tied up and short. I felt safer knowing they were willing to stand up for me- Pyrrha stop infecting my thoughts.
"That wasn't mine…"
"She killed your friend and you're acting like she deserves protecting! Why is anyone trying to stop me here? If anyone on the planet deserves this it's her!" Hard to argue that statement… Waitaminute.
"General… You do realize that I am carrying the soul of Pyrrha Nikos right?" He had a sustained look of disbelief as he was trying to gauge if I'm lying. Then Weiss stepped into view beside him. Did she get taller in the last five minutes?
"Preposterous. If that is even possible- what incentive would we have to believe you?" I'm really glad they didn't remember what I said earlier but at the same time it would be better for me if they did. I really hope Pyrrha can handle this.
"Not likely. I mean… I can talk to them, maybe my presence will-"
"Weiss, I thought we were friends!"
"Great starting point. Now you know that's not Weiss… Right?"
"What do you mean that's not Weiss? White hair, blue eyes, deathly pale skin, stick up butt, a growing glare as I list off traits… breast implants. Did you really need those in the last 5 minutes Weiss?" Okay so I was trying to provoke her. But in my defense… Weiss got taller and... chestier.
"Or maybe that's her older sister? She is lacking the scar after all!" I squinted as I tried to make out every detail of her. Pyrrha may be right but also- they share a face. And scowl.
"Really? What do Schnee women reproduce through mitosis or something?"
"I believe so!" Qrow ever helpfully called from the back.
"Wait last five minutes-" Weiss 2 began puzzling as she scanned the crowd of my criminal accomplices, she locked onto her clone and made a beeline for her pushing Yang and Blake out of the way, "What are you doing with her?"
"I know it looks bad but-" I could hardly see them being locked in place not their faces at least, "But Pyrrha's really in ther-" Weiss senior began grabbing at Regular Weiss's face as she inspected her.
"It must be some kind of mind control- Weiss I promise I'll free you-"
"Wow denial is strong with her." Why do I keep opening my mouth? Weiss the sequel released the OG as she made her way back over to me. We were face to face… if I wasn't sure she would bite it off I'd try something.
"Do you really think this is funny? I don't know what you're planning but I will free them and you will meet with a much worse-"
"Oh Pyrrha I did not know you were here already- I thought I would have time to prepare for our conversation." Penny walked in covered in a layer of smog. Ironwood and Weiss's older clone turned to the newest addition. Why was she so trusting of me? I could easily melt her from inside out… but then I wouldn't get to apologize.
"Well the third degree from these two is slowing my progress." Smirk always work- HGUCHHH!
"Cinder I believe I was talking to Pyrrha." Well this was a wonderful dynamic. First a headbutt followed with an iron fist. I hate it. I hope she gets over it when Pyrrha apologizes.
"I can do that now if you want."
"NO. I'm fine they aren't going to do anything more to me." I was confident. If they kill me the maiden power goes to Emerald along with me at this point. I could at least take it until then. If my last breath was to be soon then I would be the one suffering through it, "You wouldn't want the fall maiden to end up back in Salem's hands?"
"No." Ironwood's eyes narrowed as he began a scheme. Putting away his gun he pulled out a scroll, "We can't have that… Prepare the machine and bring me the list of candidates."
"The Aura device…"
"You can't do that!" Little-boy-former-victim shouted as he came out of the crowd full swing, "Pyrrha is still in there!" Ironwood gave a cursory glance at the small child before he turned for a full inspection of him. Then when the scroll was away Ironwood began to circle him.
"I know the others, most were students at Beacon, but I don't know you… Who are you?" Oscar wavered as Ironwood kept his hand on his holster… NO! MUST SAVE SMALL CHILD!
"Better question! Why are we here? I mean w-"
"Quiet! Now my patience is wearing very thin- now TELL. ME." Ironwood was intent and had settled his mettle on not trusting us.
"I can get him to trust us!"
"If you come out and they hurt you it'll be my fault!" That slipped out.
"...Really? Are you worried about me?"
"No… But they are going to kill me. I don't want you to take that pain… Why don't I? I wouldn't have to suffer… as much..."
"Because I wouldn't want someone to suffer for me either." She took over as she said that aloud. Why was she doing this?
"I told you to be quiet. Now tell me-"
"Talking the loudest does not give you the right to command the room. You need to listen to what they have to say otherwise you will make the wrong decision. I know I did..." He turned to us with a strong glare. He was firm and did not want to be toyed with… Can I trust her to do this?
"You think you know my position. I make hundreds of decisions a day for the betterment of my kingdom. What have you done other than tear down Beacon and kill?!" He was furious. I hadn't even been the one to provoke him.
"No, that was her not me. But I do understand the pressure you are under." He shook his head as he wasn't going to listen to her. I needed to act if I was going to save us, "The pressure to always stand above and be a symbol for the people. To be the ideal champion of virtue and glory... I know that all too well. But I pray you don't let it go to your head and forget your duty in the process."
That was a speech right out of Ruby's book of plagiarized speeches… or are they just boring enough to be generic?
"And what is my duty?" His scowl had lightened as he was almost beginning to believe her. But his question rang out in my head in a more unintentional manner... What is my duty? Hell what is my goal? Power? I mean… I haven't felt the craving in a while but I won't turn it down at this point.
"The duty of all Huntsman and Huntresses: protect the people." I would not have guessed that. I honestly thought it was to kill monsters and go on adventures… or die for Ozpin's insane quest. Then the look in his eyes shifted not to one of anger just of mild thought.
"And you expect me to believe you are Pyrrha Nikos in there? Excuse me if I find it a little hard to believe." That was fair. Now I just hope she can convince him like she did the others. Apologize to him maybe.
"I'm sorry don't know how to prove it! He doesn't know anything about me and I know nothing about him!"
"We could administer her several tests could we not?" Penny input as she floated on his right.
"Ooh! Ooh! I have one! Pyrrha, how many pancakes is too many?" Nora's question made no sense compared to the last round.
"I don't know we've never seen you full…" We are doomed.
"Correct!" Wow. I forgot she is actually a chucklefu-
"One question hardly proves anything! We have thousands of more scientific tests that can determine if she's lying." Tall Weiss shot down as hovered to Ironwood's left. This always went well. They're gonna stick a needle in me and then I'll wake up in Emerald.
"Ozpin said the maiden power was made from his magic… and it was just accidental that his curse went along with it." Oscar came to the rescue with little input.
"Then shouldn't Amber be the-"
"Maybe if your machine didn't play god and mess everything up in the process." Qrow always willing to dredge people down to his level of incompetence. Ironwood pondered a question. But I felt no fear with the others by my side… whatever he could ask I could answer. Jaune placed his hand on my shoulder as if to reassure me. I liked it, his presence made me feel better.
"If the curse is like Ozpin then could you access Cinder's memories and tell us Salem's plan." Easy enough all I have to do is remember.
"The next phase of the plan is in Vacuo." Everyone's eyes darted to me, they had all either forgotten or resigned themselves to assume the knowledge I have was locked to them, "They're backing an idiot who claims he has royal blood. Whether he succeeds or fails he will cause enough chaos to get to the vault. Then afterwards we're going to come to Atlas and prod at Ironwood's raging paranoia. The kingdom will fall in a matter of days... mostly from the inside. Then it's a quick trip back to Beacon to find the Relic of Choice." Everyone slowly turned to me before they shifted to Ironwood. There was an uneasy silence as everyone realized how easy the Atlas part of the plan would be...
"That doesn't-" Ironwood had to defend himself from this now, "Sound like it will be soon…"
"Well the plan is more liquid than you think. If Salem finds out the Relic is out in the open and in Atlas… The time table will change." Now I was just making fun of him. But at least he wasn't Salem… and her cold, cold little hands.
"Perhaps you should take a vacation General…" Oscar tried to mediate.
"I am perfectly capable of running this country in a crisis. I will not so easily-"
"I'm plotting to overthrow the government and install Zwei as the new fluffy dictator." Ruby tested his patience… What is a Zwei?
"Over my dead body!" Ironwood overreacted… The silence was palpable as Ironwood forgot who he was dealing with. Winter stepped back as she was reconsidering her life choices and Penny slipped the others the key for their shackles. I had been here all of five minutes and I had already started the plan by accident. Ironwood turned and focused on Oscar, "And you are?"
"Oscar Pine… but you may know me-"
"Yeah, Ozpin I get it. I need some of that wise advice you give." Wow he just dismissed the boy as if he was nothing. He may not be Ozpin but he's still a fair conversationalist, I mean it's not like Oz is even- Oh no.
"Uh he's not here at the moment… he sort of disappeared." Oscar was flustered as Ironwood began to scowl.
"What do you mean just disappeared?"
"Uh-"
"We used the relic and after he ran away in fear of having to face the consequences of his lies. Or more specifically omissions." Ruby got in between them, it wasn't much but all 4 feet of her was still more than nothing.
"Ah. Well whatever he hadn't told you I can deal with it. He's told me most of it already." Ironwood was truly foolish if he thinks he's been told everything. But Ruby had the perfect out to lie to him. She looked at the others trying to grasp a feeling of the room before she turned to me. The look in her eyes said it all, she was uncertain if he could handle the truth. Nod to her and confirm her lie… I shook my head.
"Salem… she…" Ruby didn't know how to break this, "She can't be killed."
"Wha-"
"And when all the relics are brought together they will bring the gods back to pass judgement. If they find us unworthy then they'll destroy Remnant." Ironwood was stunned like a flash bang just went off. He clearly didn't know what to say and it was telling, "Also Ozpin and Salem were lovers and she destroyed the world because he died. He'll reincarnate until he brings peace to the world."
The last part was unnecessary but I was the final nail in the coffin as Ironwood shambled over to his desk. He looked like a ghost of his former self. I should probably tell him that it's hopeless and we can succeed regardless. But he just rested his head in his hands. Waitaminute. Who am I? I'm… darn it. Cinder slept with Jaune. Nothing. Pyrrha wonders what it would be like in the other hole. Still nothing. Cinder's worried about Emerald and Mercury. No voices.
I needed to figure this out. Do I kill for power? Glory? Love? Do I love anything? Does anyone love me? Do I hope Jaune was luckier than either of us knew? Do I really want power? Does that mean I should rethink my life and try and become a Huntress again? Did I just merge forever? Do I like the new me?
I like it when they look at me with anything other than contempt. I don't know what I'm doing but I realize one thing… I desperately don't want to return to Salem.
"I've made my decision," Ironwood didn't even look up as he stared at his computer, "I will temporaryily be stepping down as General and Headmaster of Atlas. And in the meantime Winter will be acting as interim General. And I hereby temporarily pass my title of Headmaster onto... " He scanned the room, "Qrow Branwen."
"JIMMY YOU FUCK!" Qrow leapt over the desk as he tried to strangle Ironwood.
"That's nice."
"No it isn't."
"Oh good I was worried we merged permanently…"
"Are you hoping for what I think you are?"
"No… well now I am… Why would you do this to us?!"
"I mean we both sort of… did it. So there's no telling who's to blame."
"How's it going in there?" Jaune asked as he began letting me down. When I was out there was only one thing I could ask him.
"Jaune would you still love me even if I wasn't… me right?" There was apprehension as he thought about it. The pause was killing me, more so than that arrow or being turned to dust. I felt a void in my chest as he didn't immediately answer.
"I mean if it's still mostly you-"
"No I mean if it's us," I motioned to my body. He didn't know how to respond… he was only like this because I was in here. Otherwise he'd still hate her, yet now his mind is conflicted. There was no telling what his current feelings about Cinder are.
"Cut the guy a break. There is no chance he'll love me…" There was a reservation in her thoughts that sounded a little disheartened. I knew it was my love infecting her… but it was still love. Right?
"I can learn to." Jaune was sweet but that wasn't what I needed to hear… and it wasn't what she wanted to hear. What was it Cinder really wanted? Power?
"Until then I'm trusting you to take care of this." Ironwood drew attention back to him as it was dragged away from Elder Weiss as she kept kicking Qrow... in his family jewels. Ironwood was moving to hand the relic to Oscar but right before it got to him he paused, then he turned to Ruby, "I'm trusting you."
"Good choice." I muttered, it would be easier to take from her. Why would I need to take it? For Salem obviously… Cinder get out of my thoughts!
"I'm not in them. I'm contemplating what we'll look like if you got us pregnant!"
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So I started working on this in the middle of last week and didn't finish it till today. The reason. Quite simple in fact... I was procrastinating. Oops.