Now this bitch is long, like really long, so much so I didn't even spell check it three times (As I'm sure you all know I make a bitch ton of spelling errors, what you didn't know is how much worse they are before I look them over a bunch.) Hope it's not too bad enjoy :)
Chapter 4 Winter is Coming
Jaune sighed in relief when he saw the Atlesian fleet cease their chance before collapsing on the ground, his aura was expended as was what remained of his extra biomass that last act was his final move and luckily it paid off. However, Jaune could hardly be relieved after all he was sure the fleet would be on their back soon enough and more importantly…
"Friend Jaune?"
"Yeah Penny?" The Fembot pointed to the figure of the unconscious Schnee.
"What do we do with her?"
-Beacon Academy-
Ozpin went wide-eyed at James's report.
"Are you sure?" Ironwood nodded to the headmaster.
"Yes I'm afraid that after multiple test we've confirmed it indefinitely. Branwe- 'sigh' Qrow's aura has been severely damaged and isn't even manifesting properly." Ozpin's eyes narrowed on the man his face expressing no forgiveness at the possibility of Ironwood holding information from him.
"Not manifesting properly or not manifesting, James there is a difference, so confirm." James nodded.
"The former, after Qrow woke up I made it a point to check as thoroughly as possible. Ozpin I can ensure you his aura is there, it just… damaged." Ozpin rose a brow though his face clearly showed his displeasure.
"Damaged? I do hope you can go into further details." James nodded once more happy that Ozpin was willing to hear him out.
"According to our scans Qrow's aura is replenishing, however the process is going slowly, this morning he woke up with no what so ever but we have confirmed a level of growth." Ozpin leaned forward his curiosity getting the better of him.
"How much?"
"… in the last 19 hours it has expanding to .01 percent. We predict at this rate he won't be back to normal till the next Vytal Festival." Ozpin in a rare display of angry slammed his hands unto the table glaring at James.
"Four months! You telling me Qrow is out of commission four a third of the year!" James visibly flinched at his words but nodded in affirmation all the same before his eyes hardened.
"Be thankful he here Ozpin… unlike specialist Schnee." The words struck like a bullet bringing the head master back to his senses. With a tired sigh he looked up to James.
"Forgive me… I, didn't handle that as I should've." At his words Ironwood rose a hand in dismissal.
"Don't worry about it, truth be told this conversation is far from the priority of my mind." At that Ozpin rose his brow yet again.
"Oh, then what is?" Even through the transmission he could see his fellow headmaster's eyes adopt a cold sharpness like steel.
"That thing… I intend to catch it even now we're tracking it."
"What's it's trajectory?"
"Last we were able to scan it was on course for Atlas."
"Last time? You haven't had your scanners locked on it." The General gave a regretful shake of his head at that.
"The ship it boarded had cloaking technology far more advance then what we have… As such we only pick up hints at best."
"I see… Ironwood are you sure you want to track this being down?" At his words the general nodded as his eyes sharpened even further.
"It took my subordinate… whether alive or dead I won't have her body left to that… that thing!" Ozpin nodded to his words agreeing completely before a thought came to mind.
"What of his semblance?" To that Ironwood actually chuckled.
"I believe that is why he was so eager to return, it would seem much like his aura his semblance has also been reduced to a pointless level." Ozpin gave a curt smile.
"I see, if it is heading to Mistral it is imperative we inform Lionheart and miss Nikos."
"Agreed, Is that all."
"Yes, have the recorded data on the mission sent to me James." With a nod the general cut off the transmission while Ozpin leaned back into a chair.
"Salem, what have you created?"
Slowly Winter's eye begun to flutter open as she took in the white room around her, looking at the sleek room she tried to stand. However, looking back, she noticed her arms cuffed and her feet shackled.
What happened?
She remembered it, the facility, the beast, it devouring people, it attacking Qrow and finally taking her. Her eyes went wide as she looked to her surroundings once more looking for any sign of Salem or her subordinate. Winter begun to focus her semblance only to realize it wasn't activating, her aura, it wasn't manifesting.
"What? H-how?" Winter begun to panic, she'd prepared herself for a lot of things when Ironwood brought her into the circle but this wasn't one of them. Or maybe it wasn't until that thing. What about Qrow she was sure he had lost a lot more from his draining. She was aware Salem had her eyes of Qrow's niece on Weiss's Partner.
This thing might be sent to take out team RWBY.
Winter grit her teeth at that thought and made up her mind, that thing may have been powerful but it certainly wasn't experienced after all it used normal cuffs just because her aura was gone. Winter bared the pain of dislocating her thumb to get out of the cuff. Once she did she turned her attention to the shackles noting the lock.
Thankfully that thing hadn't searched her, maybe it didn't know how reaching her bun she pulled out a small flip knife.
Now to see if my aura's sealed or that I don't have enough to manifest it.
Winter then begun to focus on the dust chamber within the knife until the edge of the blade finally lit up brome the lighting dust creating a plasma blade and expertly cut apart the shackles.
I see, so it's there just slow to return, hopefully.
As much as she wanted to wait to see if she could gather her aura she didn't know where she was or how long till they reach wherever they intend to go. Time was of the essence currently and she could hardly afford to wait. Opening the door by a crack she put out her hand mirror looking for anyone or thing in its reflection only to grimace as she saw a camera.
While she panicked at first that soon dissipated as she realized something, she still had her scroll. How green was that thing not to even deprive her of that… then again perhaps it couldn't understand the danger in allowing her to communications? In fact, checking herself she found that only her weapons were actually taken from her person. Examining her scroll Winter clicked her tongue when she found that contact with the outside was dead. However, that didn't mean she was without hope after all her scroll wasn't your run of the mill tech, but customized for an Atlesian Specialist.
Opening a signal with it she managed to intercept the camera's program and do a simple freeze-frame display after that it was merely a manner of setting the program to the other cameras as well. Knowing that the enemy could catch on to her escape at any moment she begun to make haste.
Activating the bio scans she found that once more nothing came up, meaning there were no Faunus or human in the facility, then again her enemy wasn't human was it, and neither droid or Grimm could be detected either which meant there was still plenty of threats. Switching to sonar she found to signatures.
Found them… wait them, only two?
Although she was sure one of them was that thing she couldn't tell what was the other.
Could it be another?
The thought sent shivers down her spine but the chance was there and if so it made the situation for the fight against Salem all the more dire. She wanted to run, the thought of getting anywhere close to that thing was terrifying however, she needed to know no the circle needed to know. With her resolve made Winter made were why to the control room resolved to find the answer even if it killed her. What she hadn't expected was that upon reaching their she would hear a painfully familiar voice.
"We are only an hour away from Atlas."
Penny!
Winter nearly burst through the door upon hearing the fembot's voice but somehow managed to resist the urge, How could this be, Penny was destroyed during The Fall alongside that Arc boy James had despaired over it for months and now here she was safe and sound working for Salem!
No Winter focus! Penny being alive in itself is worthwhile regardless of her side and besides this means that most likely there is only one.
taking a deep breath Winter resolved herself once more readying for anything g that might be beyond that door. Slowly she opened it with all the skill and finesse of a specialist and what she saw shocked her just as much as the fact that Penny was alive. Before her was the beast however only his head and arms were covered in the black exoskeleton which shifted up and down almost as if.
Its… experimenting, it's still learning about itself.
That revelation scared her most, after all that meant that while it was fighting her and Qrow it still didn't have a proper handle on its own capabilities. What kind of monster was it to take on two pros at once and manage kidnap one… wait Winter had never considered one simple fact.
What happened to Qrow?
After all she was confident in that he wouldn't abandon somebody for all her annoyance against the man that was one thing she was sure off. Qrow would rather die than turn his back on a fellow huntsman.
No… Could that thing have.
At the thought Winter gnashed her teeth and felt her knuckle clench till blood begun to ooze from the cut her nails made in her palms. As she looked to the figure her eyes focused on its toned but exposed back.
Now's my chance, if all is what it seems then right now its torso is unarmored.
Winter decided her aim at the center of the spine, if she was lucky then this things biology was like that of a humans and she could paralyze it.
Now!
Without hesitation or fear the Schnee charged forward into the room, seeing her Penny screamed out his name.
"Friend Jau-!" Hearing her voice, the figure's exoskeleton begun to form once more but not nearly fast enough. Before its could fully encase itself winter managed to reach it and plunge the knife forward digging into its back. She felt the all too familiar resistance as the knifed buried deep inside the beast. However just as her blade should've punctured the spine a much harder sensation collided with the blade, Not that of bone but metal. She felt the knife crack within its body as it met with the steel skeleton.
However, that in itself didn't spell despair as she heard the beast cry out not like that of a Grimm but a human. She was hurting it, meaning her attack wasn't without purpose, turning the broken blade within the beast she felt it bypass the spine and struck it as far as she could hoping beyond hope she'd succeed. She could hear the fembot close in but right now her goal was clear to kill this thing and insure Salem wouldn't get her hands on such a monster.
And as that single goal rang throughout her being she met her goal as she felt the shattering blade puncture what felt like a think fleshy balloon, she had pierced it's lungs. Looking up she was met by the sight of the being losing its balance as it lifted a hand to cover it mouth that was coughing up massive amounts of blood.
She wouldn't let this thing get away it killed Qrow and if she didn't act fast enough she was sure one day it'd be sent to kill Weiss, she wouldn't let that happen. Slowly the black exoskeleton begun to dissipate seemingly from it losing focus., seeing it struggle to breathe through its lungs filling with blood she stabbed her heel into the back of its now unarmored knee forcing it to kneel. Pulling out the knife she heard it howl once more as more of its carapace vanished and with it a new opening.
Without thinking Winter plunged what remained of the knife into the collar of the beast now exposed form and pushed what little aura she had into the blade making it explode within sending shards throughout its body. Despite the two fatal attacks the beast still refused to die but was struggling Winter quickly gripped the beast by the back of its head and slammed it into the floor she saw the carapace begin to leave it's head and took the chance as she reached for one of the knife fragments keen on stabbing into the temple the moment it showed.
For Weiss, for her child, however that intent vanished in a moment as the face was finally exposed revealing a sight Winter had not expected. With a mop of bright blonde messy hair was the face of a dead man… of the Hero of Vale and despite the fact she had never seen it personally she recognized a much colder version striking her away.
"Jaune Arc…" As the words left her lips a form slammed into the Schnee far faster then she could perceive.
"NOOOO!" Winter was slammed through the wall of the deck into the hallway with the figure he felt her bones shatter from the impact only to be hoisted up into the air. Looking down winter was met by a somewhat familiar but at the same time different form. Glaring at her with glowing jade eyes and a sneer was Penny, her form far more human then she remembered. Without her aura she felt pain run throughout her body and yet that was not what was at the center of her mind but instead the form on the floor in the deck.
How, he died… Weiss.
She remembered her sister face as she looked upon the frozen knight, the loss and hopelessness… the form laying therewas her salvation her hope she was sure and right now she had just… just.
What have I done?
As the thought came to mind she felt her throat begun to be crushed and looked down to see Penny once more her eyes holding an emotion she had never displayed when in they're care. Hate, her eyes were glowing and while tears ran down her eyes behind her ten familiar green blades floated each with it edge tapping her form drawly the faintest drop of blood.
"I'll, I'll…" Looking to the automaton Winter saw Weiss instead and found that perhaps[s she'd act much the same.
"I'll kill you!" Winter felt the blade begin to shift forward only for Penny to abruptly stop her eyes widening as she looked down and saw him, Jaune.
"Penny no… stop." As the final word left his lips Jaune faded back into unconsciousness. The rage and hate in the ginger's eyes fade in an instant as she drop the Schnee from her stone shattering grip and focused entirely on the heavily wounded Arc. Winter stared blankly at the arc as Penny tried to do whatever she could to save him pleading he'd stay there, stay alive. A since of dread filled winter as he felt a disturbing presence and the Arc's eyes begun to glow with the slightest hint of red.
"Penny… you can save him, just let me devour some… just enough to heal the critical wounds." The voice was lower than Jaune's and distorted each syllable shaking Winter's core. However, Penny showed no fear at the voice merely breaking out in a smile at the demonic voices whispers and eagerly nodded as she took his hand. Winter watched as Penny's aura manifested before it begun to distort and be seemingly dragged towards Jaune's palms.
She could see the Ginger endure a horribly familiar pain as her aura was slowly devoured but at the same time a clank it the ground and upon looking? Winter could see a shard of the knife hit the floor from the Arc's body followed by another and yet another. She watched as his breathing begun to soften and blood begun to no longer leave his mouth but in turn she saw Penny struggling to maintain focus.
It was no longer eating her aura but her vitality, she remembered the corpses within the lab yet despite the danger Penny only gripped the hand firmer then before as she struggled to remain conscious. Finally, the beast let out a pained whimper and let go of her hand before falling forward into her.
"I did… what I could without killing you… tired need… rest." The scarlet eyes shut and the presence seemingly vanished leaving behind a barely alive Jaune and horribly weakened Penny. Penny looked to Jaune and smiled joyfully tears welling up in her eyes.
"I need to get you to the med bay." The fembot struggled to rise with Jaune her body to weak from the draining. Winter stepped forward only to be met by her intense glare.
"Stay away from him!" Despite her weakened state the fembot shield Jaune and gripped her sword directing it towards Winter who stepped back. She watched as the android struggled to carry him off to the medical room not daring to draw close but always maintaining visuals. Within her mind she desperately struggled to figure out how this was possible how the boy who gave everything for Vale was here and how he had become 'that' She was sure only time would tell, yet deep inside she held a far more important question.
What will Weiss do upon seeing her knight once more?
-Vale-
Qrow could only look up at the ceiling of the bullhead as he recalled the fight, his fist clenched as he remembered Winter. The old huntsman clenched his fist ignoring the pain of his fractured arm.
Dammit…
How could this had happened; how could he have failed… what in the name of the twins was that thing and how could it damage even aura! Looking to his still bruised arm Qrow clicked his tongue.
"Was that how Nikos felt when we pumped aura into her… wait, the machine!" That was right there already was such a power to take aura wasn't there, they had used it on Amber during The Fall.
"So they managed to make on small enough to fit in a Grimm… that can't be the Jimmy said that tech was experimental." Qrow gripped his forehead.
"Shit, me and Oz are gonna have to talk about this thing…" As the words left his mouth he could feel the Bullhead begin it's decent, he was already in Vale.
Well shit Jimmy wasn't kidding when he said it was his fastest ship to bad theirs no means of attack.
"We've arrived mister Branwen."
"Yeah whatever Bobby just open up this bitch, if I don't get a drink soon I'm gonna actually sober up and trust me, nobody wants that." With a chuckle the piolet opened the door however before Qrow could step out he was tackled by an all too familiar scarlet blur. The force pushed him back into the bullhead and against the back.
"OW!"
What the fuck why did that hurt so mu- oh that's right, no aura.
The figure who launched at him abruptly froze upon hearing his yelp and jumped back, looking up Qrow saw the figure of his niece looking to her feet ashamed. The sight of his concerned niece brought a smile to his face, forcing himself upright he patted her head.
"Hey squirt." Seemingly snapping from her guilt, the petite reaper puffed her cheeks in annoyance at his words before she stated to tear up. Now Qrow could handle a lot of things, death, bandits, murderers, Grimm and yes even the dread AA Meeting but his niece's tears were the Achilles Heel of his mind.
"Whoa, whoa squirt what's with the waterworks, I'm fine."
"But 'sniff' dad said you were injured but that even your aura was… gone. I-I thought you might not come back."
Seriously Tai, you told them…
looking to his niece the grizzled old man hugged her noticing her trembling.
"I don't wanna lose anyone else…"
Fuck! Hitting me right where it hurts!
He knew at this point Ruby had lost far more then a girl her age should so hearing that drove the metaphorical nail in the coffin. Qrow rose his hand patting her head as he managed his best smile.
"Sorry about that but don't worry, I'm here and alive, besides till my aura is restored I'm retired so I'll be around a lot more actually doing my job at Signal." At that Ruby seemed to calm however her worry clearly wasn't gone completely. However just as he was about to continue he caught sight of something in the corner of his peripheral
Hair white like snow…
Winter!
Qrow nearly shoved his niece out of the way only to than be greeted by the sight of Weiss who was beginning to show signs of the child in her. At the sight of her the faint hope in the old crow vanished instead being filled by guilt as he remembered what winter had wanted even if she had never said it. She want to see the girl before him. But now she never would… because he wasn't fast enough, because of that thing! Ruby tilted her head as she noticed her uncle staring longingly at Weiss, completely confused.
"Um, uncle Qrow are you okay?"
"Yeah… 'I'm' fine but… hey what all did Tai tell you?"
"He said you were injured and a specialist was kidnapped."
"I see… I guess he wasn't exactly lying." Qrow then focused once more on Weiss managing to muster up what determination he could to tell the girl.
"Hey Ice Pri-… Weiss." At hearing her nickname the Schnee frown only for her expression to morph to one of disbelief upon him changing to her actual name and then to concern and worry upon seeing his face worn and tried but seemingly determined to tell her something… she recognized that look it was the same face Klein would don when he told her of yet another cousin's death.
Wait, Specialist… no that couldn't be, could it?
Through trembling lips she managed to spit out the few words.
"Y-yes mister Branwen." She could see the man look to the floor his fist clenched and teeth grinding as she struggle to say the next few words.
"Your sister she was one that mission too." Weiss felt her heart tighten at that.
"Winter…" Qrow couldn't even look her in the eyes as he spat out the next words like venom.
"She… we were sent inside and found 'something' it took my aura… and then." Weiss struggle against her mind that pleaded for her to scream as she choked out the next few words.
"What?" she could see the man tremble as he spoke those words she would never forget.
"It took her…" The words hit the girl like a bullhead and no sooner did she fall back if not for Jaune frost he was sure she would've hit her head on the cement. In a panic Ruby rushed top her partner now seemingly unconscious from the shock.
Qrow wanted to throw up after saying those words but was soon surprised by a pat on the back, looking up he was met by Tai's firm gaze. He recognized that look it was the same one he had given him when he'd lost Raven.
Heh so that's what its like to get that reassuring look, I hate it.
Qrow gave the all too familiar blonde the best smile he could muster though he was sure it was just as pa6thetic as the one Tai gave all those years ago. Tai pulled the grizzled old crow close with a single arm giving a hug like that of brothers. Qrow would never admit he needed as much as he did but after, so he felt less inclined to go to a bar and more so to just go to bed. With that the only silver lining of this old ordeal came back to Qrow's thoughts bringing a small chuckle to his mind.
"You okay?"
"Heh, I'll live even if I wasn't supposed to… maybe her being taken was just another bit of my shit semblance." Qrow felt Taiyang's grip on his shoulder tighten and saw a annoyed gleam in his eye.
"None of that you old drunk, you lost your semblance when that thing took your aura right? It wasn't your fault, yah hear me?" Looking up to the blonde Qrow was legitimately touched if not slightly annoyed.
Guess that's why you choose him, huh Summer.
Qrow let out a tired sigh knowing he didn't have a dog in this fight.
"Yeah, yeah, loud and clear you blonde bastard." Standing up Qrow looked to the Weiss.
Sorry princess, at the very least though I'll make sure that things done for.
Qrow looked back to his old teammate only to notice something.
"Hey where's Firecracker?" Tai let out a tired chuckle while rubbing the back of his head avoiding Qrow's gaze.
"Yeah, well… our little dragon wasn't exactly happy when she heard about what happened. Less so when I said no to her going after the damn Grimm." Qrow rose a brow at that.
"The hell, since when did old Oz let parent decide what mission their children can and can't do." Taiyang could only respond with a tired sigh as if making up his mind.
"He hasn't, but the designated leader of a Grimm hunt always get top decide on who and who doesn't go." Qrow blinked at the words before looking to his old pal.
"Wait a sec, Tai why are you all geared up?" Looking back to the blonde he noticed the light armor plating over a modest amount of his body and even his good old multipurpose dust knuckles Pain & Love. Seeing this Qrow's eyes narrowed.
"You can't be serious can you Tai?" Tai slumped.
"Yes Qrow I am, after what happened to you, what you reported, there's no way Ozpin can just go and ignore it. besides outside of you his best bet is Glynda and she can't exactly leave Vale. Hell even Port and Oobleck aren't as spry as they use to be. So that just leaves me." Qrow took a moment to gather his thoughts and felt a headache coming on.
"Tai that's nuts, that thing was able to hold its own against me and Winter. Hell, it knocked me out and took her and even managed to take on the Jimmy's fleet! There's no way you can handle that thing!" Tai nodded to that before he spoke up again his gaze set and his eyes showing determination.
"If that thing is really under 'her' thumb then we'll be seeing it again, at least this way we can hopefully get the jump on it and maybe give Weiss their some closure… or better her sister." At that Qrow gnashed his teeth and trusted out his finger.
"Don't bullshit me! You know as well as I do that there's no way Ice Queen is still alive! And by yourself! Are you kidding me?! There's no way you can take out that thing!" Tai shook his head.
"I never said I was going by myself did I, I'll be a squad leader and will meet up with James. He said that thing was heading towards Anima close to Mistral. I'll be stopping by there to gather a proper team after delivering a message to Lionheart. Besides We've gathered some data on it, this is our best chance and if worse comes to worse Raven still owes me one save. besides like you said it took Winter, it wouldn't do that unless it was taking her with it. It hasn't even been 48 hours, so the chance is still there but only if we act fast."
Qrow's face froze over as he was befuddled by it all. After all Tai was right, for all the shit he wanted to give him for this half-assed plan it was all but that. Hell, even what he said about Winter made sense.
"I'm coming to then." At that Tai shook his head.
"Trust me if that was an option I'd take you up on that but we both know without your aura there's no way you could take on something like that thing, a Beowulf or Ursa sure but that things not your run of the mill Grimm."
"Then just give me a few days to gather my aura." Tai sighed again.
"You know as much as me that your aura ain't gonna be back to a reasonable level for at least a month or two. By that time it'll be long gone and we both know this is our only real chance, if we let that thing get away next time we see it it'll probably be after Weiss, after all it did take Winter for some reason. Or worse it'll be after Ruby." Qrow wanted to argue against it he really did, but he knew that everything Tai was saying was spot on and he hated it.
"Keep an eye on the girls even if you don't have your aura Signal is packed with Huntsmen and without your semblance theirs no risk to you being around." Qrow felt the urge to retort fade but still couldn't agree with it.
Dammit…
Tai flashed him a smile showing no sign of nervousness in his form.
"Don't worry pal We'll be ready for him." Qrow shook his head.
"No you won't, but it's our best shot." Begrudgingly Qrow backed away more annoyed then calm but understanding the reasoning behind it.
"For Oum sake Tai if you come back in a casket I'm gonna kill you." Qrow sneered but Tai knew the intent behind it, flashing him a smile.
"Heh, if I go up and die before Ruby's a bonafide Huntress Summer will beat me so bad even she wouldn't want me."
"Be safe…" Tai turned from his friend, no his family before loading on the Bullhead only to be stopped by ruby who hugged him as tight as possible.
"You can't come."
"… I know, Weiss needs me here but dad… please come back." The blonde turned hugging her with all he could. She was still so young and had lost so much even almost Qrow, now here he was taking the same gamble.
"Don't worry, I'm tougher then I look. Right Qrow?"
"'tsk' yeah right, you were the weakest link in STRQ." Qrow said a small amount of mirth present in the words. Tai smiled back.
"You bastard that just a mean way of saying I was the fourth strongest at Beacon."
"Whatever helps you sleep at night." Qrow approached Weiss only for a glyph to form behind her manifesting Jaune Frost who looked straight at Qrow.
"What you wanna start something popsicle?" The icy knight merely leaned down grabbing up the former heiress before looking to him once more and standing beside him.
"What the hell?" Tai smiled.
"I think it's trying to guard you Qrow, without aura your kinda at risk right."
"Son of a Raven, seriously even this frozen asshole worried about me!" Ruby giggle alongside her father before he patted her head.
"Don't worry, I'll keep in contact." Ruby inhaled before nodded letting her father leave waving the whole time.
-Waverider-
Winter waited in the hallway of the ship, just outside of the medical room, unease within her. What had just happened and why was she waiting in the hall was simple, if she took a step in that room she was sure Penny would tear her a new asshole and only if she was lucky. After she attacked what she thought was some kind of super Grimm hybrid under Salem, in her defense she was half right.
What was happening, she 6thought that thing was nothing more then a Grimm but after she thought she had done it she'd never thought she'd see his face. Even now dozens of thoughts ran through her mind, was that thing really him? Was Penny hacked or did he legitimately earn her loyalty? However, what was most prominent in his mind was a simple question, was Qrow still breathing.
As her thoughts remained scrabbled the door opened, turning she was met by the form of Penny. Were she would once be greeted by peppy smile she was now met by a narrowed gaze with distrust and slight hostility. Was this really the same girl who died during The Fall, then again did she die? Both the general and Professor Polendina always debated that however, when they went to recover her she was long gone.
They were sure they'd never see her again yet here she was, standing before her in a body that was vastly different then her former body. Even by just looking winter could see the difference in her body, she had proper sweat pours and was even breathing. To any normal man of woman,
she'd look no different than any other person but Winter knew better, after all her scanners didn't pick her up.
Even now she wasn't human, but she could at least say she was really damn close, which begged the question what exactly was Jaune. Penny kept her stare level with the specialist her discontent clear however, she didn't attack despite how much of a disadvantage Winter knew she was at.
"Friend Jaune said he wants to talk to you… to explain things." Winter nodded to that but before she could make way in she felt a grip on her shoulder and looked to Penny to see a hard stare directed her way.
"Specialist Schnee." Winter looked to her seeing Penny's keen gaze upon her a threatening light in her gaze.
"Jaune Arc is my friend, my family… for him I would turn against the general and Atlas if you attack him be warned I will do everything I can to make you all regret it." In the fembot's voice Winter could feel her cold determination of each passing syllable. As they currently stood Winter was weakened without the aid of her aura or semblance while penny was in a new form and from what she could tell from her little freak out on Winter was even stronger then before and had a wider more threatening range of emotions.
Just the thought of what her new body was capable of brought both a shiver to her spine and a fatal curiosity. Finally understanding the present danger of her situation, she nodded to the girl and was greeted by a kind smile that almost looked genuine.
"Very good, I would very much like to not assault Atlas, I fear both Ruby and Jaune would be sad to her of its Fall." The scariest part to her words was how it revealed her complete disconcern with the preforming of the action in and of itself. It unsettled her as she entered the room however that thought vanished as a she rose a brow to the sight before her.
Jaune Arc or 626 depending how you viewed it before her, his form was shirtless revealing a toned form. She'd even dare to call it perfect or at least if it wasn't for the scars surrounding his upper left chest from where the shards of her knife tore through his body. On this form was the face of a boy left in a few books and news reports but that she'd never thought she'd see in person.
"Oh, umm, hello." The boy seemed nervous, funny when she considered the difference in their positions, her an auraless, unarmed huntress without the aid of the semblance she only now realized she relied on so much. Then there was him a hero brought back from the dead capable of things only thought of in her worse nightmares and a body he could render invincible. Yet here she was nervous to look her in the eyes why she couldn't understand.
Winter looked to him only for the boy to break his gaze with her honestly, she found it a bit endearing which only further to unsettle her. After all, how could someone so innocent looking have done 'that' to those people? From seeing who she would call Jaune for now was unable to look to her directly in the eye for more than ten minutes without blushing she decided it'd be best that she'd speak first.
"My name is Winter, Winter Schnee a Specialist of the Atlesian military force. Forgive me for being direct but allow me to ask." Winter's eyes narrowed on the boy making him lean back a bit.
"Are you really Jaune Arc or just a tool of the Queen?" The boy's eyes seemingly hardened at her words, his disposition changing to that of a more experienced more hardened warrior. If not for her hunch that he was only a few months old she'd swear he was a veteran on par with herself.
"Whether I'm really Jaune Arc I can't say… but." As he looked into her eyes she could see it an anger and determination, however it wasn't wild like the rage of a teen but controlled like one who had seen and endured far too much.
"I am not Salem's pawn… Especially not as long as she's making others like me." That sentence was filled with more than she could hope for and worse than she feared.
He knows who Salem is meaning he probably knows about as much as me when if comes to Ozpin info but more importantly he has info on that facility.
Her eyes adopting an even more serious air she stepped closer to Jaune.
"Tell me what you know. No-" Before she finished the sentence she found the Arc backing off and falling from his bench flat on his back. With that Winter felt the tension leave and started to feel stupid, she was starting to see why her sister called him a dolt. Taking a second to consider that there was a former college now turned killing machine in the next room if she did anything bad to the boy before Winter reevaluated her choices and opted for a better route.
"Dol-I mean Jaune, I want to speak to you about Salem… about what she has planned and most importantly about you." Jaune looked to her surprised but happy all the same and lifted himself up.
"Of course! Ask anything." Winter rose a hand silencing the boy.
"But first I have to ask… why am I here, why did you abduct me." To that the Arc tilted his head.
"What do you mean?" Winter wanted to believe he was just being coy, but she had the inkling suspicion that he wasn't, so she asked deciding to get straight to the point.
"I'll be direct, Am I a hostage?" With that the boy's eye went wide as he vigorously shook his head.
"What hostage! No, I'd never!" With that Winter rose a brow.
"Oh, then why was I bound when I woke up?"
"That… was different, I mean you thought I was some kind of monster right. I thought if you woke up without me knowing you'd attack me or something… I mean obvious I was right." The boy spread his arms as if to gesture to the fresh scars along his right collar and upper chest making the Specialist flinch and concede his point.
"Okay then I suppose that logical enough but then why and more importantly how did you seal my aura?" Once more the boy tilted his head.
"Huh? Seal aura?" winter expression dampened at that clearly not pleased with him acting cute.
"My aura won't manifest, I assumed it was your doing was I wrong?"
"Of course I didn't… wait one minute." The boy closed his eyes in thought while his expression changed as if he was in a heated argument she could see him expressing anger, annoyance and finally understanding. I f she wasn't right there she'd guess he was having an argument with an imaginary friend. Finally, the boy's eyes popped open and no sooner did he fall into a groveling position.
"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to I swear!" Now it was her turn to be surprised after all the monster she and Qrow had been so desperately fighting before was pleading to her.
"For what?" The Arc rose up to his knees but still slumped as if disappointed in himself.
"When I… drain aura and vitality it not the same as when you get hit… it doesn't just grow back like usual." Her interest was piqued.
"Go on."
"It's different when your attacked and your aura defends you it knows it's doing that so it changes the aura to fit the need, but I tear it away when it drains. So, the aura wasn't set to leave and it gets kind of damaged… right now your aura is healing and with it your semblance." Winter put a finger to the crease of her brow annoyed but thankful this kid wasn't on Salem's side.
"I see so then about how long will it take to recover?" Jaune looked down again.
"I, I don't know…" Winter went still.
"I'm sorry can you repeat that." Jaune's nervousness only grew more.
"I never used it on somebody without… well you know, killing them so I can't exactly say."
"Your telling me I might remain like this!" Jaune rose up at her scream raising his hands in mock surrender.
"No, no its just I don't know the exact time frame…" Winter leaned against a wall, her frustration clear.
"So I'll be useless for an indeterminate amount of time after finally getting a lead on Salem?" Jaune rubbed the back of his head, his guilt clearly getting to him. In hindsight her and Qrow attacked him without him showing either of them any real hostile intent.
Wait, Qrow.
"What about the Huntsman with me, what did you do to him?"
"Oh well I mean I didn't really do anything, I mean you both were over whelming me so I decided to knock on of you out. If I drained him any further his body would've started to shrivel up so that just left you."
"I see that's why you subdued me, then why kidnap me?"
"I mean the place was gonna blow and Qrow was weakened from my draining, I figured the best chance out was to take you so Qrow wouldn't open fire and also get you out of there before I had a repeat of the CCT." As much as she didn't want to she could understand the logic behind his words and also it meant Qrow made it out alive.
"I see."
"Um excuse me?"
"Yes?"
"Well it's just there might be a way to help your aura… but it's a bit, risky." She leaned forward curious.
"Oh. Go on."
"Well with my semblance…" Winter curious nature vanished switching to slight hostility.
"I'm aware of your semblance Arc, if you put aura in me I die."
"No, no I mean that is my semblance but not really, or at least not all of it!"
"Fine speak."
"My semblance is something like, aura boosting… it's just when I put in too much that it become like a ordinate." All her training said that he was telling the truth after all he was showing no signs of lying but still not ten minutes ago she had thought this man to be a soulless abomination and now here she was potential giving it an opportunity to kill her.
"I see… have you tested this?" Jaune nodded but showed no real confidence in it.
"Only in small amounts with aura sample and only once or twice since boarding this thing."
"I see." Winter crossed her arms and gave the blonde one final hard analyzing gaze before making up her mind.
"'Sigh' I suppose that after not killing me for attacking you, I should give you some degree of trust. However, before that I'd like to exchange information foremost where exactly is this ship heading." Jaune nodded to her words a look of relief on his face.
Was he really that nervous despite having all the cards… he is a dolt.
"We're heading just outside of Mistral, I was hoping to set up a chance to talk and convince the headmaster there." Winter nodded at that.
"I see, it would be a good idea to clear your situation with Ozpin through a proxy and surely after that incident the general would be less then inclined to lend an ear." Jaune nodded obviously happy for her understanding.
"I know right, it was the best thing I could come up with, its just… I don't know how to go about it." Winter nodded to that.
"That would be a problem wouldn't it… If I were to contact him over the scrolls it could be thought I'm doing so against my will. It would probably be best to go in person." Jaune was a bit surprised.
"What?"
"You'll help me?" Winter response was a curt nod.
"As things stand I see enough reasons to believe in you, besides we were afraid you were Salem's weapon but if your instead an ally I see no reason to abandon you." Jaune smiled at her.
He is far too trusting isn't he.
She could help but smile at his nativity if she was a more callous person like the general she could've easily puppeteered the poor boy.
"Still I'll need something to present them, can you exchange any information with me right now, something of value." Jaune nodded to her request pulling out a small chip passing it to her.
"So how would we go about setting up a meeting in person." Winter put a finger to her chin as she pondered the question.
"Well I suppose the quickest way would be to go directly however that itself holds some risk, but I think they'd be worth it… but first we should talk about what to say and come up with a proper plan." Jaune nodded not even questioning her, it was so reckless she just had to ask.
"Why are you so trusting of me?"
"Huh?" Winter sighed.
"I just attacked you and now here you are exchanging information with me, entrusting your safety to a near complete stranger, why?"
"I mean it's not like your lying." Winter's eyes narrowed on the boy.
"How would you know that for all you know I could be planning your demise as we speak."
"But you're not." Winter could feel a headache coming on the kid really was far too naïve.
"And what pre-tell could possibly tell you that?" Jaune shrugged.
"Easy your show only genuine, interest and admittedly a bit of annoyance but nothing beyond that." Winter rose a brow.
"Reading somebodies face isn't a sure giveaway."
"I know, that's why I'm sensing your emotions." Winter halted at that.
"Repeat that."
"Oh well, you know how Grimm sense emotions… I can too." Winter blinked in surprise before she realized.
Maybe he's been in control this whole time while playing the fool.
After the thought came the two exchanged thought Winter far more cautious of the boy before her but also a bit more confident in him.
-A few hours later Signal Combat School-
The boy laid on the floor yet again his arm frozen to heavy top lift, around him a shadow to raise above him. The boy looked up to see the form of a knight, it's imposing figure towering over him as it rose its blade. The boy wanted to act but found himself too scared to act. The knight swung down upon him with enough force to tear through steel.
"Stop!" The blade ceased its strike with enough force to cut air the wind making his hair fall back. Frankly, the fact that he hadn't wet himself could be an achievement in and of itself.
"'sigh' well…. That was, an improvement… maybe." Stepping towards the boy was the form of a hero of Vale Ruby Rose a girl no older than a third year of their school. The petite reaper walked beside the figure who just nearly ended the boy a knight composed nearly entirely of ice shaped like the hero of Vale. (And rumored paramour of the girl before him) Jaune Arc.
"Now Oreo can you tell me what you did wrong?" The boy rose his arm to her frozen nearly solid after punching the icy knight.
"I'm guess punching him wasn't a good start." In the background he could here professor Branwen chuckle. While Ruby puffed out her cheeks the sight making Oreo very apprehensive to believe the girl before her was as much as a hotshot as the news claimed.
"No, your first mistake was that you assumed that it was gonna fight the same as a grimm, a human's smarter and usually more skilled." Oreo sighed seeing her point however in his defense the knight was summoned the same way as the other Grimm so how would he not jump to conclusions.
"Yeah, your right… miss Rose." The brunette smiled at that happy to be spoke to like a proper adult even if Oreo despised it. Why did he have to pick combat training when Qrow's assistance offered personal lessons. Looking to the desk he could see the form of Weiss Schnee sitting alongside a few of the nerd of the school lecturing them on dust and its many utilities.
Qrow watched the two a smile on his face, after going to Ozpin the man suggested that perhaps the girls needed to take their minds of of their own problem and suggested acting as his assistants. Honestly, he didn't expect they'd comply so easily especially not Ice Princess but load and behold here she was giving it a hundred and ten percent.
If he had to guess she was trying to focus on anything but her sister right now, he couldn't really blame her. At that thought he wondered how Tai was doing, he'd be lying if he said he wasn't at least a bit concerned.
-Next Day Mistral-
"Is this really gonna work?" Jaune was stepping up to the gates of Mistral still not entirely sure why he had to remain cloaked. He looked over his shoulder to the equally covered Winter curiosity in his gaze.
"So um, remind me again why I'm all in disguise, I mean I get you since you were kidnapped and all, but." Jaune gestured to himself.
"Why do I have to hide." Winter looked to him a bit annoyed.
"Like I said before, you died." Jaune shrugged.
"And?" Winter sighed.
"If they saw you they would recognize you as the decease Jaune Arc." Jaune tilted his head.
"Are you sure about that… I mean I'm pretty sure the people don't remember every dead huntsman and that probably goes double for huntsman-in-training." Winter nodded to herself finally understanding and begun to go through her scroll.
"I see now, mister Arc perhaps you don't understand the gravity of you death." Winter pulled up the files presenting them to Jaune to read. Curiously Jaune took the scroll examining it only to freeze.
"Um… Winter?"
"Yes?"
"This is photoshopped, right?" Winter shook her head.
"No that is the legitimate article, or at least the most popular one." She watched the the boy stared blankly into the file seemingly unable to comprehend it.
"It, it says hero of Vale… and, savior of the Fall…" Winter nodded pleasantly surprised by the boy's sheer shock.
"Yes those tend to be a few of the more popular titles you gained for your sacrifice during The fall though I prefer the True Arc and surely the general like the Protector." She watched as the boy became flustered, honestly it was endearing. To think that him becoming a legend after stopping such a dire event never crossed his mind.
"I-I can't… This can't be real." Winter looked to the boy surprised to see him tearing up.
"There's… there's no way people would actually call me a hero… this can't be…" Before Winter could speak Penny hugged the boy from behind seemingly shocking him.
"Friend Jaune, from what I've seen, and what you've done, I could think of no other word to describe you by… you did save me after all." Winter watched nervously as the former fembot comforted the revived hero. She couldn't help but feel like a third wheel in the scene finally she decided enough was enough and coughed into her hand earning the attention of the two.
"Forgive for interrupting your… moment but we need to proceed." Ignoring Penny's hard glare she continued.
"Mister Arc, now that you understand your, notoriety. Can you appreciate the need to disguise yourself?" Jaune nodded to her words, still seeming unable to completely take in the current situation and his status along with it.
"Y-yeah." With that Winter nodded.
"Neither of us can afford to be seen which is why the need for us to remain incognito remains however thankfully his Polendina looks different enough from her former self to pass if one was not familiar with her. Making her a most ideal proxy." Jaune nodded to that.
"Yeah can't really argue with that." As the three stepped before the gate Jaune took a deep nervous breath and thought.
All I Gotta do is clear my name from being mindless killing machine working for the greatest evil this side of Remnant convince the most powerful people that I'm not a threat and stop said evil queen… how hard can it be?
-Unknown Location-
Watts was a many of many talents, engineering, gene splicing, coding and many, many more. Due to his many talents he was fortunate enough to be… 'scouted' by his queen madam Salem and despite the few… 'risk' to their joined venture and 'questionable' motives he found himself quite pleased with the nearly infinite supply of funds he was granted by their partnership, how she obtained them was not his concern and frankly he had no intention to ask.
After all, don't look a gift horse in the mouth, especially id said horse has the power to bend men and Grimm alike to her will. Plus, the ventures she handed to Watts always proved incredibly intriguing, whether it was the design of a new Grimm for her to create. Oh, he still remembered the smile she got when he presents his thoughts on the Nuckelavee when they first met so she wouldn't kill him, of course he preferred the Geist but to each their own.
Then there was the design of the virus to take over the Atlesian droids and ships, oh how fun that was. Of course, there were failures such as his venture to replicate beings of similar nature to his queen, though now they knew better. However, the current goal was by far is most exciting venture, creating an army of heroes turned subordinates to his Queen each gifted with the body of the martyr of Vale. Modified by the most cutting edge in biomechanical technology and spliced DNA from individuals of great interest.
He could hardly wait to see the look on peoples faces once they were invaded by the twisted facades of their hero. Even Salem herself anticipated such a moment, however what was currently at the forefront of her mind was the extermination of those priority targets. Of those was current Fall Maiden who just so happened to be in the wilds of Anima Vulnerable Curtesy of Lionheart. Salem required his counsel to best plan the attack on her which he was more than happy to do.
Finally, after their business was concluded their Queen in a grand display of her magnanimity she allowed the good doctor a few precious days to his own devices. An opportunity he was more than pleased to accept. Now as much as he wanted to return to his oh so favorite 626 there were other things to consider on of which was his more… personal pleasure.
As the ship landed he stepped out and was greeted by the sight of his oh so humble three-story mansion, truly it was an exquisite sight. It truly was a shame it was so isolated from the rest of the world, but one should not complain about the single thorn on a pristine rose. As he entered his home he was greeted by the sight of one of his droid who took his coat while passing him his tablet. Shuffling through it he found message after message from his contacts across Remnant.
From the Jacques Schnee's complaints about the current decline of his house in Atlas, to Roland Winchester's estrangement from his heir and son after the Fall to even the concerns of Leonardo's over the risk of his discovery of working with them. Truly the people he lowered himself to interacting with for the sake of his queen. After sending a few quick messages he turned his attention back to the task at hand.
As he made way to the underground facility he was greeted by the sole droid responsible for security, most would consider this a flaw but then again most weren't Arthur Watts. After all at a moment's notice he could activate the very same absorbers he had implanted into Jaune throughout the facility making sure the subject this entire facility was designed for would expire in a matter of seconds. As he walked through the halls he checked the progress of his new body and found himself quite pleased. After all it was nearly complete and had all the function possible for the Arc clones except for 626's ultimate shield however soon enough even that would be implemented. Nodding in satisfaction he decided to go and see his little toy and relieve some of the stress he had built up.
-Unknown Facility Room-
All that enveloped the surrounding room was the sound of thunder as dust rounds ran across the air, she felt as round after round punctured her form burying themselves deep. A two weeks ago when she was born the feeling of her flesh being torn apart would've brought her immense pain but now, now it only served to remind her she was alive. Knowing what came next she reflexively flexed her muscles as to resist a small amount of the incoming pain.
She felt the dust rounds within her explode each round randomly freezing, burning and electrocuting her insides. Falling to her knees she coughed up her currently disintegrating origin however, she could feel her currently missing inside repairing themselves as her vast aura glowed. Honestly it was beautiful as the orange or her aura collided with the pale white foreign aura each time they met hers growing as the two mixed.
As the aura's collided a few memories she was sure were once hers came to mind. She remembered looking to a downed boy sure of his defeat, how foolish he was to challenge her. However, the memory didn't remain long the memory changed to that of her running through the streets of Vacuo starving using her semblance to trick the minds of the rich to steal what valuables they had. Yet once more her thoughts shifted to that of a boy looking to the corpse of his gene donor his home burning behind him as his legs still bleed from his 'surgery' which gifted him the means to oppose his tormentor.
As the fragments of memories crossed her mind she struggled once more for dominance to remain herself but who was that. Was it the thief, the hitman's son or even the fool turned knight, no, no, No! She was the queen, the Maiden… wasn't she… then why, why was she here, like this. Her thoughts were cut off as large spears were thrusted into her body she felt her flesh heal around them and new exactly what was happening… he was here.
The cables attached to the spears begun to rewind back to their droids and no sooner was she restrained by them. She could hear him stepping through the halls outside while speaking to himself in that same agonizingly pretentious tone of his. She knew the maiden's memories had to be her because they were the only ones that truly hated this man as much as she did. The doors opened and before her stepped the man who created her and tortured her as if it were only natural.
"Well hello there my favorite little pass time." Cinder glared upon him as he closed in even could feel the absorbers on the spears trigger inhibiting her ability to use her aura and semblance alike. Watts stepped before her cupping her face as he leaned in close to look into her eyes. Whatever he saw it made him smile that revolting smile of his.
"Ah it is you in their Cinder, quite right, and here I was afraid you might lose out to your two pieces in the fight for dominance. I'm am quite pleased to see your still so strong willed… It'll only make breaking you all the sweet. Well breaking you again, how many times have I done it, how many times have I wiped the consciousness upon it reaching despair." The man grinned manically.
Despite the torture… the infinite pain and being torn apart and brought back together by this strange pale aura that wasn't hers somehow talking to him was the most painful thing to her. Watts smiled as he saw her glaring maddingly at him and decided now would be a great time to break this one.
"Tell me Cinder, do you remember your mission your failure?" The words triggered something inside her, he knew it would after all he made her that way.
"I must say our queen was quite disappointed." The girl gnashed her teeth only pleasing him further.
"After all you were so close and yet you let your overconfidence rule you and died to a fool ruining everything." He could see it the collimation of anger, shame and regret as the feeling made themselves known on her person.
"I was surprised when our queen was genuinely disturbed by your loss and she gave me the mission to bring you back." All the negativity in her face vanished as she looked up to him hope showing for the first time in her down trotted eye… or at least the first time of this cycle.
"Which is why if was so fortunate that 327 came out so well why if not for her exceedingly excellent performance at proven superior to you my Queen might have had to settle for you 328." Cinder went wide eyed at his toxic words.
"You should've seen our queens joy with me upon meeting miss Ebony Fall I dare say she wondered why she ever lowered herself to allowing one like you to serve her." He smiled as the tears begun to form in her eyes he could see it, her despair.
"When I asked her to allow me to keep you she was more than happy to comply even when I told her how strongly you inherited that vile vixen's soul so much so that it's like I'm looking at the genuine article." Watts face turned into that of a sneer as he spat on her before letting go and grabbing her hair yanking her face up to see him looking down on her with that same Cheshire smile.
"I believe now would be the perfect time to give you her parting words." His anticipation reaching it zenith he spoke with a smile that revealed the near hysteria he felt.
"I have no need for a Queen who would fall so easily to a foolish pawn." At those words he saw it, a single tear, what he thought must remained of the girl Salem found all those years ago fell and the light of her eyes soon faded. No matter how many times he saw it, it warmed his heart all the same. Letting go of her head he turned his back on the mentally broken child once more like he had so many time eager for the next time he'd break her.
Why was she born… was she brought into this world to suffer?
from the moment she was born in this world she was only showed its most ugly parts… her father beat her as she starved and yearned just once for him to smile towards her. It was as if he hated her for living while her mother the sole existence that ever cherished her died to his hand for being weak. She remembered when she succumb to her fate and the flames of her hate manifested as her semblance.
She remembered burning that house down while she cried over her mother dying form. However instead of looking at her with the kind eyes that had been her sole salvation, she looked to her in fear as and her final words.
Monster…
She was free but alone… and then she was hunted, she remembered running for so long, always filled with fear and trepidation. She remembered when they finally caught her what they had done to her withering and starving form before they put her on that stake to burn like a witch. She remembered pleading to the brothers, crying out for somebody, anybody to save her, to look at her with eyes other than hate.
She remembered Salem saving her, in that moment she stood taller than the twins themselves and gave her, her purpose. She always did everything just as she demanded perfectly, she knew she was but a tool to her but better a tool then a monster. She had cast aside the hope of being treated like a human, like a friend, like family. All that mattered was fulfilling her king's ambition.
Why had she failed… why had she overestimated herself… and underestimated him… maybe she was just as useless as her father treated her like. Yes nothing more than a faulty tool better of destroyed. Yes, even her god, her king and purpose Salem had abandoned her. She should just fade.
…And yet she had a single discontent even now once all else had become pointless.
'I have no need for a Queen who would fall so easily to a foolish pawn'
She felt the white aura lick her form healing every little bit it could, when had she received this aura… no that wasn't right. When she came back it was here with her… healing her. Yet she knew it was originally supposed to do no such thing.
'Pawn takes Queen…'
That's right… he did this… that little fool. A smile came across her face despite not knowing why.
'How about you join us instead. Honestly, you'll never be appreciated when compared to your classmates after all you're the boy that faked his admission after all. So what do you say join me and you can have revenge on that town and anything you desire?'
The pale white aura begun to once more mix with her own before it changed somehow… healing, no amplifying her own. She remembered his face as she was so sure she had won, so surprised she was sure he'd submit, just like her thief and assassin…
You… You honestly think I'll join you after all the death you've caused?
The thieves no… Emerald's jade aura emerged stronger than ever from being kindled by the pale while's. She could feel her semblance Emerald's semblance.
He denied her… he was just like her and yet he denied a deal she would've taken in a heartbeat. How could one so like her deny the same choice that saved her.
Next she felt the Assassin's, Mercury's aura rekindle alongside his own semblance awaken.
'Enough, do you plan on just talking or are we going to fight?'
He was so quick to deny her, if only she knew back then why…
She felt her own aura restore and with it the final most important memories.
That smile filled with a resolve one like her who abandoned her humanity could never fathom came as he spoke those words and filled her with the aura that was now healing her.
His reason…
'Because you're a threat to my friends. My life is worthless without them…'
Even as he succumb to his fate he never once struggled to leave… it was funny really.
Watts finally took notice turning to be met by the sight of the four auras radiating forth from her form.
Two victims of fate who had suffered much the same, died on that night as enemies… one who cast aside the frail child and became a god with control over nature itself. Another who held tightly unto the child and moved towards a almost hopeless path never to be more then a pawn in someone else's plan.
She felt the pale white aura radiate and shift as she felt the nature of the aura change and knew what to do.
These two fated victims would meet upon the tower of a burning city, the answer seemed so obvious and yet…
She primed the foolish knights semblance with the three other auras.
As they fought the foolish child cast aside his façade and donned the rob of a knight while the goddess was once more rendered to the witch she became to covenant power and was struck down but not defeated. As that foolish knight could only give a pyrrhic victory.
That's right she remembered her final thoughts.
if we had meet without being on opposite sides of this war… could we have been friends?
Could she had fought alongside that oh so foolish knight with eyes warmed by his savaged humanity yet cold from his resolve to protect the very things she cast aside the hope for.
Thank you Jaune…
She looked into Watt's eyes a smile on her face.
"He was no Fool… I died to a knight…" His aura flared before everything went black.
"My word that was closer than usual wasn't it." A single nervous bead of sweat fell down his forehead as he looked to the now unconscious Cinder. Honestly as much as he loved that moment where he finally managed to break the false maiden it almost wasn't worth the risk that always came after.
That moment where she unlocked the Arc's semblance and tried to sacrifice herself to take him with her. However just like every other time he stopped her by depriving her of all her remaining aura with a snap of his fingers a droid stepped up implanting a cord within the girl and purging her memories once more so their little game can began anew. Standing their while in wait for her to wake again he pondered.
"Why are those always your final words…"
Everytime she triggers that semblance just a little quicker.
When she opened her eyes anew not recognizing the room before her these concerns were once more dashed from the good doctors mind as he smiled to her.
"Why good morning my little failure."
