Hey. My dog is still not eating, and I am still looking after her. Going back into the vets today, hopefully to have some clearer ideas on what might be wrong. Obviously very worried and not paying as much attention to my writing as a result.

It's not that I can't write through this but more that certain genres suffer. Humour and comedy especially. If I were angry then I could write biting humour or sarcasm. But worried? It's just hard to be funny when you're anxious.

Cover Art: Mystery White Flame

Chapter 8

Yang tossed a bottle of soda from the fridge at Cardin and sat on the edge of her bed, the four members of CRDL assorted cross-legged on the floor while Ruby took a spot beside her and Blake had the only other chair in the room. Her bedroom was fairly plain – thankfully – as she'd had more than enough of classmates learning about her childhood self. It was bad enough Russel and Sky were looking around curiously, taking in photos, furniture and even her choice of wall posters. Everything was judged. Everything was interesting.

Everything was her more intimate and private moments writ large.

Stupid mission to Patch. It wasn't even that Taiyang was that bad. He was, but it was manageable. It was that there were family photos, personal trinkets and other stuff everywhere. Even the ubiquitous school photos of her and Ruby from earlier had been seen. That one where she'd been fourteen, filled with hormones, spots and sporting braces.

"Right then." No one could blame her for being desperate to get on with the job. "Dad says Grimm in the area have picked up, which corresponds with what the mission intel says. Patch is a pretty isolated island, so it doesn't get much help from the mainland. Someone needs to do something."

"Doesn't your dad?" Russel asked. "And isn't Signal based here? Wouldn't all the teachers there be huntsmen or huntresses?"

"Yes, and yes. That's why this stinks. Honestly, I thought it was just dad lying to get me and Ruby to come home and visit-"

"Is that a thing he'd do?"

"Yes." Ruby and Yang said in unison. "But," Yang continued with a cough, "It looks like that's not the case. There are Grimm on the island. An unusual amount of them."

"And Signal can't control them for some reason…" Blake hummed. "That just doesn't make sense. I presume the students there do get to fight Grimm?"

Ruby was quick to answer. "At age fourteen and above, yep."

"Right. So, we have your father, other huntsmen who live here, the teachers at Signal and the last two or three years of the students… and yet the Grimm are still populating the island. And in numbers greater than usual."

"How many is usual?" Dove asked them.

"Depends on where you go. There are some forests on the island which are pretty much Grimm infested. It's what Signal uses for training. Think Emerald Forest for Beacon, but a little further out. Not bordering the school when you have kids as young as eleven there. There are some cliffs and ridges around, too." Upon one of which, Summer's gravestone lay. "Those areas have always had Grimm, but they're also uninhabited. The reports say there have been attacks."

"That only happens when there are too many Grimm for the area to fill," Sky said. "How likely is that?"

"Not very. Patch isn't huge, but it's not small either. And some of these attacks are far away from those areas – with other inhabited areas in between that any roaming Grimm could have attacked first. And probably should have."

"Ominous," Cardin muttered. "I suppose our first step is to visit those areas."

"You guys can do that," Ruby said, stepping into a leadership role without really realising it. "I think we can go visit Signal and ask them for more info. They keep track of every Grimm sighting on the island and might have something we've missed."

"Sounds good. The teams are strong enough to split up. Meet back here after?"

Yang and Ruby grimaced. "Yeah. Sure…"

They left as a group, meeting Taiyang downstairs, where the man was playing with Zwei, dangling a small doll figure of a Beowolf with one hand, while Zwei tried to attack it. On seeing them, Taiyang paused, and Zwei took the opportunity for what it was, snatching the toy away and swinging it back and forth like a shark tearing a chunk from a seal. He then did his best alligator impression with a few `death rolls`, ripping the Beowolf plush to shreds.

"Going out already?"

"We're headed to Signal," Ruby said. "Team CRDL are investigating one of the attacks."

"Speaking of, Mr Xiao-Long," Cardin said. "Shouldn't you be at Signal?"

"Ha. Call me Tai. It's easier." Taiyang had taken to Cardin quickly, mostly because of the news that Cardin had a girlfriend who wasn't one of his daughters. "And I was given today off to meet you guys. Plus, I'm going to go check out the woods myself. See if the numbers have increased as much as all these attacks suggest and cull some Grimm while I'm at it. Thin out the herd."

"It's that bad?" Yang asked, worried.

"Honestly. Yeah. This isn't us messing around or taking things easy. These attacks are coming hard and fast, and from angles we're not expecting them. Considering what happened to you guys and Beacon, we're not taking any chances. Signal has invested in more surveillance and security just in case the White Fang and those that attacked Beacon try it here."

"You think they would?"

"I think we're not taking any chances." Tai clapped a hand on Yang's shoulder. "That's why you lot here. You've seen the Grimm acting under direct control before, so maybe you can recognise if that's the case here. Plus, Team RWBY has had good results against the White Fang."

"Have they been seen on Patch?" Blake demanded.

"Daaad." Ruby groaned. "Ix-nay on the ite-whay ang-fay."

"Ha. Sorry. As to the Fang, we've not seen any. Patch is pretty good on the faunus equality front. Not perfect, but better than Vale or Atlas. I'll let you all know if I hear anything. Mostly, it's just the Grimm that are acting up. I've done a little digging around for mysterious figures; even checked the local inns and motels. Nothing that stands out, though."

Cinder Fall was a known figure now, and one whose face and name had been spread across Vale, Mistral and Atlas. A few others had been included, those they could find identities on. Arthur Watts and Hazel Rainart among them. The last was unknown, but they still had a picture of the crazy-ass scorpion faunus, which would be enough. He was distinctive.

If any of them had come to Patch, they should have been seen.

"Let's hope it's nothing," Cardin said. "We'll check in by scroll every two hours. If either team goes dark, call Beacon for backup."

He said either, but considering that Team RWBY were heading to Signal, the safest place on Patch, they all knew he meant if his team went dark. None of the boys looked frightened at the prospect though. Grim determination was writ across their faces.

Yang nodded back respectfully. "Right. Let's get this mission sorted."

/-/

The video call was one for the ages. Literally. Not since the end of the Great War had Atlas and Vale met as enemies, and while he did not represent Vale – he was Beacon – it was still something of a similar vein of thought. As the screen flickered on, Jaune sat a little taller in his seat. Not Ozpin's. Glynda had warned him that seeing Jaune sat in Ozpin's seat would set Ironwood off. Similarly, seeing Roman or Neo would do the same, hence why it was only him and Glynda, with Glynda stood behind and to the side of him.

The imagery might have served to drive home his superiority, perceived or otherwise. Glynda had to stand while he sat, and by standing behind she made the difference in their power clear. Sort of. In all reality, Glynda was there to make sure he didn't bottle it and make an excuse to cut the call short.

When the image on the terminal flashed into focus, it showed the imposing form of General James Ironwood sat behind his desk. The man had grown his beard out some, giving him a rugged and imposing appearance. He was leaning forward, twisted slightly so that his cybernetic arm rested on the table. Much like with Glynda, Winter stood behind and to the side of Ironwood, hands linked behind her back, head held up proudly. The very picture of military decorum.

But for the pointed scowl sent his way when the call patched through.

This was the efforts of Winter's labour in a way. Her achievement. Getting the two of them in a room was sure to end in violence. At least… as much violence as it took for Ironwood to kick his ass. Conference calls would naturally degenerate into accusations as well, but this was different. It was planned and focused.

"Let me make it clear," Ironwood said. "I do not consider you the Headmaster of Beacon. Nothing has changed in that regard. I do this for the safety of those poor students who are naïve enough to believe your lies. I do it for your colleagues who believe you, and for the innocent people of Vale, who you – even if you are a fraud – are sworn to protect. I do not," he repeated, "Do it for you."

"I understand." He felt a nudge from behind. "And I appreciate it, Iron- General Ironwood." Best to be polite. "Whatever our personal feelings towards one another, I hope we can rise above it to deal with a far greater threat."

That sounded like something Ozpin would say. Something that sounded wise but which, on closer inspection, basically translated as "Eh, let's not deal with that problem – how about this one instead?"

Ozpin had never exactly been the most… focused of people.

"It's only because of Winter's word that I considered this. Talk. I'm told you have important information to share."

That was her plan, hm? Get them talking not about the issues between them, but the larger ones that they could find some common ground on. It wasn't a bad one, all things considered. Common enemy and all that. If he didn't have anything good to offer, however, then Ironwood would be furious. Luckily, he did.

"The Grimm presence across Vale has been showing unusual activity in the last month or so. I've got figures across the Kingdom which – with your permission – I'd like to send through to you electronically."

Ironwood offered a grudging nod and Glynda stepped forward, pushing a memory stick into the terminal. On the other side, Ironwood read briefly over some figures but offered no real reaction. It would take him time to go through all the material.

"Summarise it," he said.

"Grimm numbers are skyrocketing. About the only place they're not is here, in the Emerald Forest, but that's probably because they were all wiped out in the attack. From Patch to Misenwood, from Magnis to Eldon, even in my hometown, Ansel. The Grimm are making more and more appearances. Most of them are attacks, and they've mostly been fended off by local huntsmen responding, but it's the numbers and the spread that worry us."

"What of Signal Academy?"

"The same," Jaune said. "I've dispatched two teams there to take a look, and the school has beefed up its protections in light of what happened here."

"Hm. Good." Ironwood's praise was grudging at best. "Do you wish to ask Atlas for aid?"

"No." At the raised eyebrow, Jaune continued. "I mean, I can't. I run a school, not the Kingdom. If the Council of Vale wants to, they will. It's not my decision to make and I won't insult you by asking a favour."

"A wise choice."

"Instead, I wanted to ask if this is a pattern showing in Atlas as well."

"You think it might be a global phenomenon?"

"I don't know what to think, General. If it's happening everywhere, that's bad enough. But if it's only happening in Vale? Well, I think we – that is to say Vale – have attracted some unsavoury attention. And that Cinder Fall might be planning something."

"I see." Ironwood leaned back. It was clear he wanted to tell Jaune to suck on a Beowolf… well, thing. But doing so would mean more people than just Jaune dying. If Glynda's opinion of the man was accurate, that was something he would never allow. "I am not aware of any spikes," he said at last. "I will look into it. As will Winter. One of us will get in touch with you – and the Council – to provide our findings."

Still not enough trust to just leave it with Beacon, but it was a start. "Thank you."

"Is that all?"

Glynda nudged his chair again and Jaune realised his mistake. Rather than keep the conversation going, he'd mucked up and let it dwindle away. "Not quite." His brain was empty, but he latched onto one thing. "Cinder Fall and those she works with. I was hoping we could co-operate in taking them down."

"I find this unlikely. I would not trust you to watch my back."

"Not necessarily in combat. But how about out of it? We could strike an agreement to share information found on them."

"Information is a valuable and dangerous commodity. How do I know it won't find its way back to the enemy?"

"General, they tried to kill me. I cut out Cinder's eyes." More of a desperate and wild attack than any intent, but she'd been flush with new power and unable to control it properly. "What's more, I have half of the Fall Maiden's power in my school, and her the other half. If I was working with them, Miss Nikos wouldn't be safe."

"True." Grudging acceptance again. "Where is the current maiden?"

"Vale, I think. I've kept her close by out of concern."

"Continue to do so. It may be that the increased Grimm presence is a lure to expose her."

The thought had crossed their minds, Glynda's especially. If Cinder or Salem still had to deal with Beacon, it made sense they'd try to stretch their resources thin. Honestly, it would have made more sense to do that the first time and not attack literally when there were more huntsmen and soldiers in the city than at any other time. But they'd been going for the big prize, he supposed. Trying to take out Beacon at a time when everyone could see it, and to sow chaos across Remnant.

"I don't have a vast amount if information on Cinder, but I have some. And probably more than anyone else does. I'd be willing to share it with you for information on any of the others. Maybe Arthur Watts? He's from Atlas, I think."

"I cannot share that."

Jaune sighed. "Seriously?"

"Not by choice on my part, this time. I assure you. There are laws I must follow. I'm sorry." To Ironwood's credit, he did sound apologetic.

Damn. That was… not ideal to be honest. There was so little they knew about what they were dealing with. The only consolation was that Ironwood seemed to recognise and regret that. Watts must have done something classified by the military, which made him even more dangerous than they'd first thought. As dangerous as Cinder, with the maiden's power? It was hard to say. Jaune took a deep breath and let it go.

"I'm going to give you the information on Cinder anyway."

Ironwood looked surprised. "I cannot offer you anything in return."

"Consider it a show of good faith."

"More pragmatism, I'd say. She wants you dead and it's in your best interests she be stopped."

"Admittedly." Not much point hiding it. "But at least you knowing that is a step towards you not thinking I'm some monster trying to take over the world."

"I think you are a fraud and a criminal. An arrogant and at times idiotic youth playing at games above your head and risking the lives of thousands in doing so."

Jaune grimaced.

"But," Ironwood allowed. "I do not consider you a monster." The General's eyes closed, likely out of a desire not to see Jaune's smile. "I will accept this information for the gift it is, and I shall ensure that any intel gained on Cinder Fall is sent back to you. I will also parse through reports on Grimm activity as requested."

"Thank you!" It was more than he'd hoped for. "Seriously, thank you."

"I don't do it for you. And I will bring you to justice in time. Until then, do your best to maintain Beacon Academy. I'll consider your performance as mitigating factors when I see you sentenced for your crimes."

The call ended abruptly, Ironwood reaching for the monitor and turning it off. The moment it went black, Jaune leaned back and let out a huge breath. "I think… I think that went okay. Somehow."

"Yes," Glynda agreed. "Though you shouldn't sound so surprised. James really does want the best for everyone."

"Just not me."

"You're not `everyone`. I'll admit to some surprise Winter was able to arrange this, too."

"With a little cajoling from her father."

"Yes." Glynda's expression darkened. "You should be wary of placing yourself any further in his debt. He already has a hand in Beacon now thanks to his charitable donation. I wouldn't put it past him to try and gain a hold over you as well."

"How is he going to manage that?"

"An arranged marriage. He believes you and Winter get on."

"Ugh." Jaune shuddered. While beautiful, Winter was… well, colder than the harshest winter came to mind. He could feel his toes developing frostbite even now. "No thanks. I prefer my women a little more heated."

Glynda coughed awkwardly.

Jaune flushed. "Uh. I mean…"

"I'm sure I know what you mean," she said, looking away. "E-Either way, I have more personal training tonight with Miss Nikos."

"How is she doing?" he asked, leaping on the change of subject for what it was. "Any luck harnessing her powers?"

"Yes and no. We've been able to make them manifest in burning eyes and some stiff breeze, but there hasn't been any luck controlling or intensifying it. Miss Nikos is understandably frustrated, but I've explained time and time again that she shouldn't be. The fact she can manifest it all is proof that the capability is there. All that must be refined is her control."

"Maybe she's not used to not being good at something. You know her past."

"Of course. I think it may be that, but her personal issues aren't helping."

"What issues? I thought everything with Velvet was fixed."

"It is."

"Then…?"

"I do not know." Glynda shrugged. "Do you imagine there is a world where she chooses to confide her deepest desires and fears in me? I'm not exactly the one the students go to with personal problems." The fact didn't seem to distress her, probably because Glynda had enough work as it was. "We really could use another counsellor to replace you."

"I'm trying. I've not exactly been flush with candidates. People are afraid of another attack. Not to mention the job security. I was going to ask Qrow-"

"Please do not finish that sentence. I beg you."

"I'm desperate. Okay? And I mean, he seems okay…"

"Jaune. The man is an alcoholic specifically because he cannot deal with his own problems. You can't expect him to now fix those of teenagers. You need someone mentally sound and stable. Which unfortunately precludes anyone working here."

"Ouch."

"The truth often hurts. Keep looking. These missions are bound to lead to some issues as it and we need someone capable of handling the problems that arise."

"Maybe I'll force Ozpin into it when we get him back."

"While the payback would be amusing, I'd ask you to reconsider. This is Ozpin we're talking about."

"Good point." Jaune winced. "Speaking of, do you think we should have told Ironwood that we're headed to Mistral?"

"I don't see why. He might feel it wise to warn Ozpin."

"Not that. I meant the White Fang meeting."

Glynda paused, winced and then sighed. "Ah. That. I… am not certain. James would have flown off the handle if he knew you were meeting with them. Perhaps it's best for now the meeting remain a secret."

"And if he finds out?"

"Hope we have enough `common enemies` to keep him distracted."

/-/

Neo was bored.

That should have been enough to send most people running – and had in the past, before she'd calmed down. She hadn't – calmed down, that was – but she was on somewhat best behaviour (which still wasn't good per se) because of her and Jaune's current situation. Sharing a room next to annoying students was annoying for obvious reasons and causing noise and alerting them to their presence would just make them even more annoying.

Also, fuck that dog.

Being all good and nice and helpful wasn't what she normally liked, but when Jaune had asked her to look after the maiden, she'd caved. Well, after he pointed out she could buy ice-cream in Vale while doing so. And after he'd coughed up some of his money for her to do so.

Technically, Neo was fairly well-off from her cut of Roman's criminal activities back in the day, but she wasn't going to tap into that. She'd stolen the money fair and square. She wasn't going to spend it. What was the point of breaking the law for profit if you were then just going to spend that money legally? It just didn't make sense.

She was going to hoard it like a dragon, then bask upon a pile of gold coins, gems and famous artwork. And no one was going to convince her that wasn't a good idea.

The brats she was currently tailing were pretty boring, though.

Redtop – not to be confused with Red, who was short, annoying and had a squeaky voice – was obviously the maiden and was currently chatting with loudmouth over a cup of coffee, while pinkeye was napping, and the rabbit was proving herself a walking stereotype by eating a slice of carrot cake.

They'd not gotten up to much through the day, either. Kill some Grimm. Whine. Go to Vale. Whine. Have some coffee. Whine.

Look, Neo got it.

Not being able to fight and kill stuff? Boring. Dead boring.

But seriously, at least she didn't – couldn't – whine on and on about it. She had half a mind to go down there and attack them herself, if only to brighten all their days. But no, Jaune would be upset and angry. That wasn't necessarily a bad thing by itself – he was cute when he was angry at her – but less cute was him kicking her out their bed or acting like he had the right to make her sleep on the couch. For one, they didn't have a couch. Secondly, he was her bed.

The kinky blonde still had the edge on her there.

And not Tits McGee either. The older blonde with the glasses.

That didn't bother her too much. She'd enjoy a more experienced him. Sometimes ice-cream was better for waiting for a hot day when it would cool you all the more. Sometimes the best fights came when you really drove the enemy up the wall. Sometimes Nevermore sat around watching kids.

Wait.

That last one wasn't right.

Neo glanced over to a rooftop nearby, where, true enough, a small Nevermore was sat nestled among some crows. It was hardly the most convincing disguise, given the glowing red eyes, small bony plates and the fact the crows – like most normal animals – were freaking out at having a predator sat in the middle of them. Neo reached for her umbrella, only to pause.

She could kill it. But that almost seemed too easy. And too hasty. What was a dinky little Nevermore going to do to those brats? Hopefully nothing, or Neo was going to drag them to the combat rings and break them for being so weak.

It wasn't attacking, though. Not that it was big enough to, but still. It was watching. Waiting.

Annoying her.

Curious, Neo picked up a rock and threw it onto the roof. Not at the thing, but close by. Close enough to startle some already nervous pigeons. The Nevermore didn't move and didn't seem to notice, too busy watching the four brats.

Huh. That was interesting.

An idea came to her. Not a good idea. A great idea. One of those ideas that Roman would usually balk at, but which had Neo smiling fit to break her face in two. Darting away from the diner and trusting that the brats wouldn't leave until they were done with their drinks, she rushed into a nearby shop, looking around quickly and picked up what she wanted, then made her way back to the door.

"Hey," the man behind the counter said. "You going to pay for that?"

Looking over, Neo wove her Semblance over the man, convincing him that she'd not only paid, but also flashed him. He fell with a startled cry, dragging down some merchandise behind him while Neo snickered silently and ran off with her new purchase (sort of) in tow. The kids were still there, as was the bird.

Looking around to make sure she wasn't being watched, Neo ducked into an alley and hopped up onto a dumpster, using it to catch a low-hanging fire escape with one hand, then flip herself up onto it. Heels weren't made to be quiet on metal grating, but the Nevermore hadn't cared about the rock, so she figured she was fine.

And there it was, still watching. Waiting.

Oblivious.

With a manic smile on her face, Neo crept closer, holding her new toy out in front of her.

/-/

Jaune yawned and swallowed the last bit of his sandwich as he headed back to his room for the night. Even with the students all gone, bar RVNN, work didn't stop. Meetings, repair crews and organisational details had kept them all busy, with the meeting with Ironwood being one of the few nice parts of the day. Another problem with the students all being out was that the cafeteria crews were off to save money. No prepared food for the teachers, leaving them on hastily prepared snacks. You never realised how much you relied on something until it was gone.

Nudging into his room, he greeted Neo briefly and walked past her and the birdcage, where she was busily poking away at a black parrot, trying to tempt it into play with a tassel on a stick. He made his way to the bathroom, entered, washed his face and changed into his pyjamas.

He brushed his teeth, spat, gargled some mouthwash and spat again.

Then stepped calmly out the bathroom and stared at Neo.

"Why?"

Looking up from the oddly placid Nevermore trapped within a gilded birdcage, Neo shrugged.

Yeah. That sounded about right.

/-/

Salem leaned back from her Seer and frowned. The image of the interior of a bedroom faded, the last image that of the target of Cinder's ire, and the reason their long-awaited attack on Beacon had been foiled. And here he was again, preventing her from spying on the Fall Maiden.

Cinder stood behind her, eyes narrowed. "I told you, ma'am. He's dangerously clever."

"How did he know?" Arthur wondered. "To send his underling out to capture our spy. Do his eyes reach so far?"

"Interesting." Salem tapped the fingers of one hand on her upper arm. "He is as you said, Cinder. Possessing of keen intellect and great insight. I want him dealt with. Dealt with, or under our thumb. He could yet be an asset."

"He should die for what he did," Cinder snapped.

"Someone has a crush~"

"He took my eye, Tyrian! He took my eye!"

"I'm just saying," the man faunus cackled. "You always talk about him. And didn't you kiss him when you first joined Beacon? Naughty, naughty."

"Cease." Salem whispered the command, but no one dared argue it. "Your arguments serve his purposes. This is a message. His actions. By caging my eyes in Vale, he seeks to inform us that we have no power there. Perhaps," she allowed, "He is correct."

"Ma'am?"

"He will not always be in Vale. His life will not always be so protected. Contact Leonardo and find the Spring Maiden. Every man has a weakness, and Jaune Arc is but a man at the end of the day. If you cannot find a way to defeat him, we shall see if the Relic of Knowledge can."

"We're to ask it for his weakness?" Cinder's smile grew. "Yes, Salem. I'll see it done. I know where the Spring Maiden is. I'll contact Raven Branwen and see if she can't be swayed to our cause."

"Take Tyrian with you. Your little helpers have been stolen from you, and we cannot risk your powers – limited as they are – being taken from us."

Cinder grimaced but knew better than to argue. "Yes, Salem."

"As for our little friend." Salem stroked the Seer's head, bringing up an image of the boy. An oddly familiar face, something that caught her eye even if she could not say how or why. "Let him have his little victory for now. He will not always be so fortunate."

Blood tests are back in and the vets can't find anything physically wrong with my puppy, but she's also lost 0.5kg in TWO days since our last visit. That's quite a lot for a currently 10kg dog to lose in two days. I'm cooking her chicken, brown rice and egg tonight to try and tempt her to eat more. Meanwhile, I'll be having beans on toast.

That feeling when your dog gets a better meal than you do.

Omake:

"No."

"Cinder," Salem said, voice full of patience. "You need help."

"Not from him, I don't. Never from him!"

"Hmph. Typical human." Adam looked her up and down. "Running away from problems you refuse to admit. Hiding your heads in the sand."

"You are not a therapist! You're a psychopath. Stop acting otherwise."

"Now, now, Adam was kind enough to come all this way to help you."

"I was kidnapped by a Nevermore…"

"Very kind," Salem said, ignoring him. "Either way, I figured you would both have something in common."

"W-What!?" Cinder choked. "Me? And him!? There is nothing similar!"

"Sure there is. You're both working on the side of evil. You're both quiet and stoic, and you're both facially disfigured-"

"M-Mistress…"

"Below the belt," Adam grumbled.

"Either way, you and Adam are very much the same and he's going to help you get out of your funk. Just like he has."

"He is an obsessive stalker!"

"Lies."

"You invaded Beacon to punish your ex-girlfriend!"

Adam raised an eyebrow. "Your point?"

"My point is that you're a psycho. Salem, I-" Cinder cursed, realising Salem had already left her with the fool. "This is a farce. You're not safe to be within one hundred feet of your girlfriend, let alone be a therapist. Fine. Let's get this over with."

/-/

"The first part to fixing your problem is to admit that you have a problem."

"I know I have a problem, fool." Cinder glared at the masked faunus, who was sat on a seat while she lay on her bed, face up toward the ceiling. "You wouldn't be here otherwise."

"Good. Good. You're doing very good, Cinder."

"Don't patronise me…"

"You also need to accept that your target, Jaune Arc, is the cause of these problems." Adam said. "And that he is the one that haunts your thoughts and dreams."

"That's an accepted fact. "Cinder snapped.

"And now you have to accept that you hate him."

"Which I do, obviously…"

"And finally, that you wish to win back their love."

"I do- Wait. What was that last one?"

"Accept that your hatred comes from the anger over their betrayal. Their rejection of your love."

"No." Cinder stared at him. "Just no."

"And that you long to win back their love, proving once and for all that you were right all along. Proving that they were wrong to leave you! To break your heart!"

"There is so much wrong with what you're saying!" Cinder howled. "Least of all that I do not have feelings for Jaune Arc. Other than the obvious hate, rage and boiling anger."

"Anger born of desire!"

"No. Anger born of having my eye ripped out."

"Like your heart!"

"No. Like my eye."

"And you just want to hold them again…"

"You know, I'm just going to leave." Cinder nudged her way past the faunus, who was shaking one hand before him, water dripping out from under his mask. "And I might go file a restraining order while I'm at it."

"I love you, Blake!"

"You don't." Cinder called. "You're a creepy and obsessive loon." Cinder tried the door and found it locked. "No. Mistress, let me out! He's gone mad! He needs the therapist!"

A hand fell on her shoulder. Adam's eyes were blazing. "We're not done, Cinder. There is so much more to discuss. Like poetry, our feelings and how we'll graciously forgive Blake when she comes back to me…"

"Jaune. His name is Jaune…"

"BLAKE, WHY!?"

You remember when Adam was a credible and dangerous threat with a powerful motive born of good intention gone wrong? Instead of a psycho ex-boyfriend? Yeah. Me neither…

Next Chapter: 2nd May

P a treon . com (slash) Coeur